Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 ISLAMABAD, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed when a car collided with a truck in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, rescue officials said on Sunday. The accident occurred on Saturday night in Khyber district after the car, reportedly travelling at high speed, crashed head-on into a truck coming from the opposite direction, a spokesperson of the state-run Rescue 1122 told Xinhua. The impact severely damaged the car, killing four occupants on the spot, while a fifth injured person later succumbed to injuries, the officials said. Rescue teams rushed to the scene soon after receiving information about the crash. The bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital for medico-legal formalities. An investigation into the incident was underway, officials added. CAIRO, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East region as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. Addressing the parliament, Qalibaf said that "in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all U.S. bases and ships will be our legitimate targets," according to a report by Alarabiya News. The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran amid the latter's nationwide unrest. The New York Times reported on Saturday, citing anonymous U.S. officials familiar with the matter, that Trump had been briefed in recent days on new options for military strikes against Iran. Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism. Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported recently between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released. Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later in the day. People wait to vote at a polling station in Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 11, 2026. Voting operations for Benin's 2026 legislative and municipal elections officially began across the country on Sunday, though slight delays were reported at some polling stations. Under Benin's electoral code, voting operations are scheduled to last 10 hours from the opening of each polling station. More than 7.8 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots at about 17,000 polling stations nationwide. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua) COTONOU, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Voting operations for Benin's 2026 legislative and municipal elections officially began across the country on Sunday, though slight delays were reported at some polling stations. At the polling station located at the Vedoko public primary school in Cotonou, the country's economic capital, Pierre Vihotogbe, a retired civil administrator, cast his ballot. "I am proud to fulfill my right to vote. We have been waiting for this day to give new momentum to our democracy," Vihotogbe told Xinhua. Although voting was scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT), the opening of some polling stations was delayed by a few minutes in several southern cities visited by Xinhua on Sunday morning, including Cotonou, Godomey, and Abomey-Calavi. According to members of district-level electoral commissions, the delays were mainly due to logistical challenges related to the delivery of electoral materials. "For security reasons, some district electoral commissions only received ballot papers very early this morning, making it impossible to distribute them before the official opening time," an official with the Cotonou district electoral commission told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Under Benin's electoral code, voting operations are scheduled to last 10 hours from the opening of each polling station. More than 7.8 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots at about 17,000 polling stations nationwide. In line with the new electoral code in force, the 109 members of the National Assembly are elected by direct universal suffrage through proportional representation on party lists for a seven-year term, across 24 constituencies corresponding to the country's departments. To secure seats in a constituency, a political party must obtain at least 10 percent of valid votes both at the constituency level and nationwide. In the municipal elections, 1,815 councilors will be elected in 546 districts across Benin's 77 municipalities under a multi-member proportional voting system with a dual electoral threshold. Seat allocation is likewise contingent on securing at least 10 percent of valid votes at both the local and national levels. A man signs the register after casting his ballot at a polling station in Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 11, 2026. Voting operations for Benin's 2026 legislative and municipal elections officially began across the country on Sunday, though slight delays were reported at some polling stations. Under Benin's electoral code, voting operations are scheduled to last 10 hours from the opening of each polling station. More than 7.8 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots at about 17,000 polling stations nationwide. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua) Election officials work at a polling station in Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 11, 2026. Voting operations for Benin's 2026 legislative and municipal elections officially began across the country on Sunday, though slight delays were reported at some polling stations. Under Benin's electoral code, voting operations are scheduled to last 10 hours from the opening of each polling station. More than 7.8 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots at about 17,000 polling stations nationwide. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua) A man casts his ballot at a polling station in Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 11, 2026. Voting operations for Benin's 2026 legislative and municipal elections officially began across the country on Sunday, though slight delays were reported at some polling stations. Under Benin's electoral code, voting operations are scheduled to last 10 hours from the opening of each polling station. More than 7.8 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots at about 17,000 polling stations nationwide. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua) U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency to "safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts from attachment or judicial process," ensuring the funds are preserved "to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives," according to a release by the White House. #XinhuaNews GAZA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Hamas announced on Saturday that it has decided to dissolve all its government bodies in the Gaza Strip, in preparation for handing over responsibilities to an independent administrative committee currently being formed. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement that it made a "clear decision" to end all governmental entities overseeing affairs in Gaza and transfer their duties to an independent technocratic committee. On Thursday, Qassem said that Hamas is awaiting the formal announcement of the committee that will be responsible for managing various sectors in the Gaza Strip, following an agreement between Hamas and other Palestinian factions on its establishment. Since 2007, Hamas has run government institutions in Gaza following fighting with Fatah, which runs the West Bank. The result led to the coastal enclave, home to more than two million people, being governed separately. According to sources within Hamas, Cairo is scheduled to host a Hamas delegation next week to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Israel and to finalize a consensus on the members of the administrative committee. A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has been in effect since October 2025. Its first phase included an exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from some areas of the Gaza Strip. The proposed second phase includes a complete military withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the launch of large-scale reconstruction, and the formation of a transitional governing body to administer the enclave. In December 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump said he intended to push for the rapid implementation of the second phase, stressing that the disarmament of Hamas is a key condition for moving forward with the agreement. MASERU, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation on Saturday with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, calling for both countries to uphold multilateralism and strengthen South-South cooperation. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) on the 114th anniversary of its founding, expressing confidence that through the concerted efforts of the ANC, South Africa will unite to address external disruptions and achieve national development and revitalization. China stands ready to maintain high-level exchanges with South Africa, expand inter-party interactions, strengthen strategic mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation, he said, noting that China will facilitate the implementation in South Africa of its zero-tariff measures for Africa and support South Africa's economic development, so as to deliver benefits to the South African people. He called on both sides to ensure the success of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and further consolidate the public support underpinning China-South Africa and China-Africa friendship. Wang noted that South Africa successfully hosted the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders' Summit last year despite external pressure, and the Chinese side congratulates South Africa on this achievement. In a world marked by turbulence and uncertainty, China firmly supports South Africa in playing a greater role in international affairs, and stands ready to work with South Africa and other Global South countries to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, oppose the law of the jungle and hegemonism, and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, Wang said. For his part, Lamola welcomed Wang's visit to Africa in the New Year and thanked China for its support for South Africa's hosting of the G20 Leaders' Summit and for its assistance in promoting the economic and social development of African countries, including South Africa. Reaffirming South Africa's adherence to the one-China principle, he said South Africa is willing to further strengthen political mutual trust with China, deepen practical cooperation, expand people-to-people exchanges, enhance multilateral coordination, and continue advancing the China-South Africa all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. South Africa is ready to work with China to jointly uphold multilateralism, safeguard the central role of the United Nations, and defend international fairness and justice, Lamola said. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern. The Chilean Cherry Ice and Snow Festival was launched in China's Changchun. China has been the largest market for Chilean cherries for years. In 2024, Chile's cherry exports surged 51.4 percent to 3.57 billion dollars -- with over 90 percent going to China. CARACAS, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan people must trust their political leadership in the face of actions that may seem "hard to understand," given the current complexity of the Venezuelan political environment, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday. In a televised address, she also called for national unity, which includes all political and social sectors. Rodriguez's remarks came just over a week after U.S. military strikes against the South American nation caused at least 100 deaths and led to the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Rodriguez reiterated her request for confidence in the political leaders, explaining that a "solid strategy" is being implemented against the adversary. On Jan. 7, the Venezuelan government announced negotiations to increase oil sales to the United States. Two days later, it announced the decision to begin an "exploratory" diplomatic process with the White House aimed at restoring diplomatic missions in both countries. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. DPU Reaches Settlement Agreement with Competitive Supplier BOSTON The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) recently entered into a settlement, also known as an Informal Remedial Plan, with Direct Energy Services, LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., for its noncompliance with the DPU's requirements for competitive suppliers. The Plan is a direct result of the DPU's investigation into the company's business practices, specifically for telemarketing activities. As part of the settlement, the company will donate $101,750 to Boston Medical Center's Clean Power Prescription program, a first-in-the nation program that allows the Center's providers to write their patients' prescriptions for reduced utility bills using renewable energy generated by the hospital. The program helps to support the physical, economic, and environmental health of BMC patients. This marks the first time the DPU has posted an Informal Remedial Plan online, providing transparency for customers and illuminating to the public the DPU's rigorous oversight of competitive suppliers. The Plan was issued by Commissioner Liz Anderson in her capacity as the Delegated Commissioner overseeing regulation of licensed competitive energy suppliers in Massachusetts. "The DPU's competitive supply team has long fought to protect consumers from predatory tactics of competitive suppliers, through both formal proceedings and often unseen compliance efforts that make an impact," said Liz Anderson. "As the Delegated Commissioner for competitive supply matters, I have the privilege of leading this dedicated team so we can continue to do what is right for consumers and hold suppliers accountable for compliance with the state's laws and regulations." The investigation revealed that the company did not use an introductory marketing script at the beginning of 407 calls between July 2024 and June 2025, as required by the DPU. Marketing scripts, which must be recited at the beginning of every call, are designed to provide customers with non-deceptive information regarding the competitive supply company by specifying the name of the company, that the company is a licensed electric supplier, and that the company is not affiliated with local utilities or municipal energy programs. The Informal Remedial Plan resolves the company's noncompliance in this instance. As part of the Plan, the company will not engage in outbound telemarketing activities in Massachusetts for one year, effective December 19, 2025. Outbound telemarketing includes telephone marketing and sales activities, including contacting existing or previous customers, initiated by the company or its third-party vendors. The Plan does not affect the company's license to provide electricity supply services to existing customers in Massachusetts. The WIT Gallery Collecting Fuel Assistance Donations LENOX, Mass. The WIT Gallery is collecting donations for fuel assistance for local families and individuals in need. The community-wide initiative invites residents and visitors to contribute funds that will go directly toward heating fuel assistance and other programs for Berkshire County households facing financial hardships. All donations collected through the gallery will be directed to The Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) serving the region. "For over 25 years, The WIT Gallery has been a gathering place where conversations spark limitless inspiration and creative, productive ideas. This winter we want to extend that spirit beyond our walls and help ensure that members of our community are safe and warm," said Lynda Strauch, owner. The donation drive runs through March 2026 with contributions accepted at the gallery as well as online at BCAC's website at www.bcacinc.org . All are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the gallery's exhibitions, and participate in a collective effort supporting Berkshire County residents during the coldest months. Mass DOR: December Revenue Collections Total $4.062 Billion BOSTON Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder announced that preliminary revenue collections for December totaled $4.062 billion, $285 million or 6.6 percent less than actual collections in December 2024, and $167 million or 4.0 percent below benchmark. FY2026 year-to-date collections totaled approximately $19.636 billion, which is $375 million or 1.9 percent more than actual collections in the same period of FY2025, and $23 million or 0.1 percent above the year-to-date benchmark. "December 2025 revenue included decreases relative to December 2024 collections in non-withholding income tax, corporate and business tax, and all other tax'" said Commissioner Snyder. "These decreases were partially offset by an increase in withholding income tax and sales tax. The decrease in non-withholding income tax is driven by a decrease in estimated and return payments and an unfavorable increase in refunds. The decrease in corporate and business tax is due to a decrease in estimated and return payments as well as an unfavorable increase in refunds. The decrease in all other' tax is mostly due to a decrease in estate tax, a category that tends to fluctuate." December is a significant month for revenues because many corporate and business taxpayers are required to make quarterly estimated payments. In addition, some quarterly personal income tax estimated payments due by January 15th are received in December. Historically, roughly 9.5 percent of annual revenue, on average, has been received during December. Given the brief period covered in the report, December results should not be used as a predictor for the rest of the fiscal year. Details: Income tax collections for December totaled $2.465 billion, $27 million or 1.1 percent below benchmark, and $28 million or 1.1 percent less than December 2024. Withholding tax collections for December totaled $1.818 billion, $7 million or 0.4 percent above benchmark, and $66 million or 3.8 percent more than December 2024. Income tax estimated payments for December totaled $599 million, virtually equal to monthly benchmark, but $11 million or 1.8 percent less than December 2024. Income tax returns and bills for December totaled $126 million, $17 million or 15.2 percent above benchmark, but $32 million or 20.0 percent less than December 2024. Income tax cash refunds for December totaled $78 million in outflows, $51 million or 189.2 percent above benchmark, and $52 million or 203.7 percent more than December 2024. Sales and use tax collections for December totaled $874 million, $25 million or 3.0 percent above benchmark, and $10 million or 1.2 percent more than December 2024. Corporate and business tax collections for December totaled $531 million, $160 million or 23.2 percent below benchmark, and $138 million or 20.6 percent less than December 2024. "All other" tax collections for December totaled $192 million, $6 million or 2.8 percent below benchmark, and $129 million or 40.2 percent less than December 2024. Central Berkshire Approves Competency Evaluation Plan DALTON, Mass. The state is mandating that school districts develop a competency evaluation plan now that the 10th grade MCAS scores are no longer a graduation requirement. The competency test has been in the schools for more than 30 years, a result of the state's 1993 Education Reform Act. With its passage, the question remains on how schools will prove graduates are meeting competency standards. "The state started to put out some new guidelines and expectations for high schools. High schools now have to demonstrate that their students have achieved competency," said Aaron Robb, assistant superintendent. Districts were "essentially told" to come up with their own plans to provide evidence of that template provided by the state. In December, the School Committee approved the district's competency determination plan, which was adjusted to meet guidelines submitted by the state. "We got a head start on it here in Central Berkshire. The snow was still on the ground. It was like February. We started working on this a while ago and we were way out ahead of it," Robb said. "However, the guidance that we were getting from the state was minimal. The most substantive guidance we got from the state wasn't until July." The individuals who were working on it were on summer vacation by the time the district received guidance. "So, when we reconvened as a team, when school started back up, we had to do some revisions based upon the new guidance that we received. Then we were told we were going to be getting some more guidance," Robb said. "Later on in the fall, in the midst of us actually finishing up this plan, is when the governor's new proposal for high school graduation requirements was made public." The district's Competency Determination Policy specifies graduation requirements, such as credits earned, how competency is assessed for all students including those with disabilities, English learners, and late enrollees and outlines appeal procedures and the process for former students to request diplomas. During the district's process of developing its plan it had to try and anticipate the state guidelines. "A lot of this plan is a reiteration of what we already do but there were also some expectations that we had to live up to or guidelines we had to work within once we finally received the guidance from the state," Robb said. Initially, the district was under the impression that high stakes assessments like midterms and final exams were going to be heavily scrutinized by the state. So, the district put forth a plan where students had to pass those in order to achieve competency. "What we're now hearing from the governor's plan is that they have something called 'end-of-year course assessments' built into their plan, but they don't want the assessments to be a hurdle or an obstacle for students on their path to graduation," Robb said. "They want them to mean something, but they don't want them to be preventative in terms of a student graduating. So, what we're trying to do is we're trying to adjust our sales a little bit and take our lead a little bit from that hint from the governor in our plan." TEHRAN, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iranian government declared on Sunday three days of national mourning for "martyrs" killed in recent protests, state broadcaster reported. The move came amid rising fatalities from two weeks of nationwide unrest, which Iran has blamed on the United States and Israel. Semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that at least 111 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. In response to the unrest, the government on Sunday called for nationwide protests in support of the Islamic Republic on Monday. In a televised interview with the state broadcaster IRIB on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his government is prepared to address the economic grievances driving the protests, but warned that "rioters" will not be tolerated. Pezeshkian also detailed the government's plans to implement a major subsidy reform program aimed at stabilizing markets, boosting production, and increasing purchasing power, providing an update on its current progress. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The first Taliban-appointed diplomat to be posted to India since the groups return to power has arrived in Delhi to take charge of the Afghanistan embassy in the national capital. Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, a senior member of the Taliban, has assumed the role of Charge dAffaires at the Afghan mission in Delhi, according to reports. He arrived in India earlier this week and is expected to formally take up his duties following internal briefings at the embassy. Mr Noor previously served as director general of the first political department at Afghanistans foreign ministry. He was also part of the delegation accompanying Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during a week-long visit to India in October 2025. It was the first such trip to India by a Taliban leader since 2021. The Independent has reached out to the Afghanistan embassy in India for a comment. India does not officially recognise the Taliban government that took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, but has in recent years pursued limited engagement with Kabul, including humanitarian assistance and diplomatic contacts. India has permitted Taliban envoys to staff Afghan diplomatic missions such as the consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad. The Afghan embassy in Delhi has continued to function under interim arrangements amid uncertainty over its diplomatic status. open image in gallery Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor was also part of the delegation accompanying Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi (lef) during a week-long visit to India in October 2025 ( Getty Images ) After Mr Muttaqis October visit, India announced it would would reopen its embassy in Afghanistan. India closed its embassy in Kabul following the withdrawal of US-led Nato forces from war-torn Afghanistan four years ago, though it launched a small mission in 2022 to facilitate trade, medical support, and humanitarian aid. Indias announcement at the time prompted uncertainty over the future of Afghan employees at the embassy who were appointed under the previous government. According to The Hindu, some staff members fear they could be dismissed or pressured to return to Afghanistan, where they are concerned about reprisals and the safety of their families. Officials familiar with the matter told the outlet that existing employees would continue at the mission and that the red, green, and black tricolour flag of the former Afghan republic would remain flying at the embassy on Shantipath in Delhi. open image in gallery The Taliban delegation installs the Taliban's flag at a press conference in October 2025 in New Delhi, India ( Getty Images ) However, they indicated that these arrangements could be reviewed once the Taliban-appointed envoy formally assumes control of the mission, expected in the coming days. Mr Muttaqis visit had to be specially approved by the UN Security Council, as he is one of a number of Taliban leaders facing UN sanctions that include travel bans and asset freezes. He was first sanctioned by the UN in 2001 over the abuses committed by the Taliban in Afghanistan during the hardline Islamist groups previous rule in the 1990s. The UN General Assembly has not recognised the legitimacy of the Talibans administration in Afghanistan, but around a dozen countries have embassies operating in Kabul, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. Only Russia has formally recognised the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan. Western diplomats have said the main roadblock on the Talibans path to recognition is its misogynistic policies towards Afghan women, barring them from secondary schools, higher education, and most workplaces, and severely limiting their freedoms in public. These policies were during the delegations October visit to India, with female journalists high-profile Indian TV correspondents and a reporter for The Independent among them barred from a press conference given by Mr Muttaqi. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nearly 750,000 people fled Myanmar in 2017 as government forces tore through Rohingya villages, killing thousands of civilians, leaving a trail of alleged abuses and sexual violence. Nearly a decade later, the perpetrators will finally be held accountable as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hears a landmark case accusing the state of committing genocide. This week, Gambia will have the chance to outline its case before Myanmar, which denies the charge and can offer its response. In an unusual move, the court will also allow witnesses to share their stories. The proceedings are expected to set precedents that could affect South Africas case against Israel over the war in Gaza, as the first genocide case heard by the ICJ in more than a decade. The Independent looks back on the Rohingya crisis and what justice the two-week trial could offer the victims. open image in gallery Rohingya refugees protest at the Cox's Bazar camp in Bangladesh last year ( AP ) Who are the Rohingya? The Rohingya are a self-identified minority group living in Myanmars Rakhine State. They claim to be the descendants of Arab traders and other groups who have lived in the area for generations. The majority are Sufi Muslims. Today, there are some 3.5 million Rohingya people worldwide. Until 2017, around 1 million lived in the deeply impoverished Rakhine state, on the west coast. Since the 1970s, the minority Muslim group has suffered persecution in Myanmar, where the state considers them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The government refuses to grant them citizenship, making them effectively stateless, unless they can prove residence prior to 1948. They are bound by restrictions on marriage, family planning, finding work and religious freedoms. In some regions, they are limited by law on how many children they can have. They also need government approval to move house or travel outside of their towns. Tensions with the majority Buddhists have occasionally erupted into conflict. Activists hope that the forthcoming case may start the process of rehabilitation, holding the state accountable for its discriminatory practices. Seeing Gambias landmark case against Myanmar finally enter the merits phase delivers renewed hope to Rohingya that our decades-long suffering may finally end, said Wai Wai Nu, founder and executive director of the Womens Peace Network. Amid ongoing violations against the Rohingya, the world must stand firm in the pursuit of justice and a path toward ending impunity in Myanmar and restoring our rights. open image in gallery Hasina, a Rohingya refugee girl, in Cox's Bazar ( AP ) What happened in the 2017 conflict? Tensions came to a head in August 2017 when the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a militant group of Rohingya Muslims, claimed responsibility for attacks on 30 police posts and an army base in the Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships. The government reported 104 deaths, which mostly included militants, as well as 12 security forces and some civilians. ARSA was declared a terror group and the Myanmar army began counterinsurgency measures. During that campaign, the army was accused of razing almost 300 villages, attacking civilians deliberately, and raping and assaulting women and girls. Troops were accused of gunning down civilians and laying landmines near the border as people sought refuge. A 2017 UN fact-finding mission found clear patterns of abuse, including sexual violence, the systematic targeting of civilians and allowing impunity for security forces. The Myanmar government had shown genocidal intent against the Rohingya, they said. Myanmar denied genocide, rejecting the UN findings as "biased and flawed", and said its crackdown was aimed at Rohingya rebels who had carried out attacks. open image in gallery Cox's Bazar is home to over a million people ( AP ) The near 1 million-strong population of Myanmar was decimated, with almost three-quarters fleeing into Bangladesh. They found only more strife once there, subjected to sustained violence from criminal and armed groups. Many were forced to return to Myanmar. During the exodus, Myanmar reportedly started clearing abandoned villages to build new security bases, homes and infrastructure. The state said they were planning to rehome Rohingya returning to the country. Human Rights Watch said the villages should be preserved as crime scenes for the UN to review. As rights groups pressured the government, foreign countries, including the US, Canada, Norway and South Korea, increased aid. Cuts to global aid in 2025 correlated with a 27 per cent rise in acute malnutrition. Violence erupted again in late 2023, ending an unofficial ceasefire. Human Rights Watch reported that the military had carried out indiscriminate attacks on civilians with helicopter gunships, artillery and ground assaults. The Arakan Army were alleged to have shelled, looted, and burned Rohingya neighbourhoods in spring 2024. What are lawyers investigating? In November 2019, Gambia filed a case before the ICJ alleging that Myanmars actions constituted genocide and violated the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The case was not a criminal case against individuals, but a request to legally determine Myanmars responsibility for genocide as a state. Hearings were set to begin on 12 January 2026, and will run until 29 January. Gambia will outline its case in the first week of hearings, from 12 January until 15 January. Myanmar, which has denied genocide, can present its side from 16 January to 20 January. open image in gallery Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh last November ( AP ) The ICJ has also allocated three days for hearing witnesses. These hearings will be closed to the public and media. The findings could become important in any future genocide case, specifically as Gambia and a number of intervening states in the case, including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, have argued that genocide is not limited to only mass killings. The intervening countries said in written filings that the court should not only focus on the number of dead to establish genocidal intent, but also look at forced displacement, crimes against children and sexual and gender-based crimes. Genocide does not unfold only through mass killing, said Elise Keppler executive director of the Global Justice Center. In Myanmar, targeted sexual and reproductive violence inflicted on Rohingya women and girls was designed to break families, threaten futures, and eliminate the possibility of survival as a group. In its application, Gambia indicated it would ask the court to find Myanmar in breach of obligations under the Genocide Convention, including the failure to prevent and punish genocide. It also sought to ensure the perpetrators face trial and punishment, and that Myanmar makes reparations for the victims. That relief would include the safe and dignified return of forcibly displaced Rohingya and respect for their full citizenship and human rights. While this trial will not result in individual sentences, experts say it will set a global precedent for what the world is willing to tolerate. Zaw Win, senior human rights specialist at Fortify Rights, said: This trial represents a significant challenge to the Myanmar juntas grip on power and impunity. Impunity depends on silence, and justice begins by recognising what the Rohingya and all people in Myanmar affected by atrocity crimes have endured. This trial is an important step toward accountability. Twelve years ago, a friend of mine had just started her first teaching post at a well-respected grammar school. A huge perk of the job was that, so young teachers could afford to live in the South East and get to school easily, the school owned several houses that staff could rent for a heavily subsidised fee. One Saturday morning during a heatwave, there was a knock at the door. The house was inhabited mostly by young to mid-twentysomethings and had a work-hard/play-hard atmosphere, so a knock at dawn on a Saturday was both unwelcome and out of the ordinary. At the door stood the deputy head and the chair of governors. It was immediately obvious this was not a cheerful breakfast visit. A pornographic video had been circulating among students, who were claiming that my friend was the woman in it. She was asked to sit through a few minutes of the incriminating footage and, to her horror, the adult film star bore a striking resemblance to her. It wasnt her, and she was able to prove this beyond reasonable though humiliating doubt. But the damage was done. The shame was too much, and the burden of it felt heavily on her. She handed in her resignation and left a job she loved and was good at, despite having done absolutely nothing wrong. Today, she works in recruitment in Australia. Reflecting on the experience, she says: I dont think Ill ever quite get over it. Ultimately, the school was very apologetic and supportive, but how can you go back and work in a place where kids and staff have been discussing whether that was you in Gangbangs 3? Fast forward to 2026, and AI deepfake technology and nudifying apps are ripping through schools like a virus, and it is becoming harder to distinguish between what is real and what is fake all the time. Technology that makes this possible has existed for some time, but this week the AI feature Grok, on Elon Musks platform X (formerly Twitter), was used by millions to generate non-consensual pornographic images and videos predominantly of women and girls. The prompts being fed to Grok were not along the lines of make her bikini top fall off Carry On-style, but commands such as chain her to the bed, make her look scared, make her beg and whimper, and far worse. At one point, Bloomberg analysis found that Grok was generating around 6,700 sexually suggestive and nudifying images per hour. open image in gallery Millions have generated non-consensual pornographic images and videos on Elon Musks X AI feature Grok ( PA Archive ) In response, Ofcom has written to Elon Musk on an emergency basis in an attempt to stem the flow of indecent images and videos. Musk later posted a statement saying that anyone who asks the AI to generate illegal content would suffer the same consequences as if they had uploaded it themselves, but this came after he had publicly joked about some of the outputs. A spokesperson for X said the company would take action against illegal content on the platform, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary. But many believe this approach is purely reactive. Critics have also pointed out that restricting access to the nudifying feature to paying X subscribers meant Musk was, in effect, profiting from other peoples mostly womens pain and humiliation. As Laura Bates, the author of The New Age of Sexism: How the AI Revolution Is Reinventing Misogyny, has been warning about for years, the technology to create uncannily realistic pornographic images and videos capable of causing profound personal and professional harm is now widely available and poorly regulated. Casey*, 29, teaches at a private school in the West Country. On returning from the summer break, she discovered that a student had digitally inserted her into a video with the porn performer Riley Reid. The result was convincing - and deeply traumatising. She says: The two governors were older men who clearly had no understanding of what AI is, let alone what it can do. The tone they took was that they thought Id done it. I had to spend my own time and money proving the video was fake. The boys who did it got a three-day suspension, the same punishment as vaping. I got no apology, and was told the video had spread across multiple school group chats. Still carrying the shame and trauma of the ordeal, like my friend 12 years ago, Casey is now considering leaving teaching altogether. open image in gallery Posed by a model: British school girls are being inserted into pornographic images and videos by their classmates ( Getty Images ) Hannah*, 27, a teacher in London, had a similar experience. Students used deepfake technology to create explicit images of her, which were circulated around the school. In her case, senior management acted decisively: the police were called, one Year 11 pupil was permanently expelled, and criminal proceedings may follow. With Hannahs consent, the school used the incident as a teachable moment, holding assemblies on online ethics and the law. Thousands of children in the UK have now been inserted into pornographic images and videos, amounting to an outbreak of AI-generated child sexual abuse material a nightmare for children, parents and teachers alike. While around 96 per cent of deepfake sexual content targets women and girls, boys are not immune either. One friends 12-year-old son was placed into a gay pornographic video by peers who had been bullying him for more than a year. It was such a new situation that the school had no idea what to do, his father says. I insisted the school call the police, even though they were reluctant. My son is so traumatised hes refused to go back to school, and my wife is now considering leaving her job to homeschool him. The law just isnt clear or swift enough, and people dont understand how devastating deepfakes are for victims. Charlotte*, 15, agrees. She was placed into an extremely violent pornographic video by her classmates. Like Caseys example, the perpetrators received only a three-day suspension, and the school discouraged her from pursuing legal action. Living in foster care, with limited adult support, the experience intensified her sense of isolation. I had to go back to class with the boys who did it, and everyone laughed at me, she says. I felt dirty, even though I hadnt done anything wrong. Some days I dont want to get out of bed. Data released by the Internet Watch Foundation in November 2025 shows reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material more than doubled year-on-year, rising from 199 reports in 2024 to 426 in 2025, including a nine-fold increase in images depicting infants aged 02. In October 2024, Hugh Nelson, 27, of Bolton, was sentenced to 18 years in prison after using AI and image-manipulation software to create sexual abuse images of real children. The court heard he exchanged and sold the images in encrypted online chatrooms, accepted commissions, and made around 5,000 from doing so. open image in gallery Hugh Nelson was sentenced to 18 years in prison after using AI and image-manipulation software to create sexual abuse images of real children This was the UKs first major conviction for generating AI or computer-generated child sexual abuse content, and those on the frontline of child protection services believe that millions of images could exist that people will be wholly unaware of. Constantly playing catch-up with the developing technology, Governments are working with the AI industry and child protection organisations to ensure AI models cannot be misused to create synthetic child sexual abuse images. Possessing and generating child sexual abuse material is already illegal under UK law, both real and synthetically produced by AI, but improving AI image and video capabilities presents a growing challenge. On 16 April 2024, the Ministry of Justice announced that individuals who create sexually explicit deepfakes will face prosecution under a new criminal offence. However, there is a major loophole. The organisation End Violence Against Women explains their reservations: We are concerned that the threshold for this new law rests on the intentions of the perpetrator, rather than whether or not the victim consented to their images being used in this way. The governments announcement indicates that creating a sexually explicit deepfake will be a criminal offence even if they have no intent to share it but purely want to cause alarm, humiliation or distress to the victim. This grey area is already being fully exploited with perpetrators claiming they did it accidentally or they thought the victim might think it was funny or a bit of a joke or even that they themselves were the victims of peer or outside pressure. We live in an age where dehumanisation, exploitation and victimisation are par for the course or the cost of doing business for many industry and world leaders. And if Musk views this with a giggle and a shrug, it hardly sets a good example to teenagers who think making explicit AI pictures of classmates is also a bit of a laugh. Vic Goddard, the chief executive officer of the Passamores Cooperative Learning Community, who shot to fame in the hit series Educating Essex, made a fascinating observation. His school, like many others, has gone completely phone-free and the benefits have been pronounced: digital bullying went down 85 per cent in the first week. However, in making schools phone-free he also believes schools have essentially outsourced digital problems kids are having because were no longer dealing with them in the school day. But this doesnt mean theyve gone away. AI problems and pornographic content and addiction remain, and many parents arent aware or struggle to deal with it. He adds: We better hope the government comes up with some legal guardrails quickly, because if were relying on Big Tech to do the right thing and protect kids, it simply isnt going to happen. *some names have been changed Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Deep inside the labyrinth of corridors at the British Museum, once every so often, the ringing of a school bell can be made out. Its clattering noise can send new employees skidding down between offices in search of the commotion, but for those accustomed to the quirks within the institutions four walls, the ritual is a well-known celebration. Whenever there is a breakthrough in the quest to find hundreds of missing treasures from the museums Greek and Roman collections, the hardy six-person team will raise the signal to sound the golden bell in a moment of feverish excitement. Its become a slightly weird rituation within the team, says Professor Tom Harrison, leader in the search, who was persuaded to buy the bell by an ex-colleague inspired by television programmes where estate agents ring it when they make a sale. open image in gallery Professor Tom Harrison (centre front) working with his team inside the British Museum on tracing missing items ( British Museum ) At the beginning, we hadnt built up databases to make lots of matches [for missing items], so when we were able to identify a missing object, it was like a needle in a haystack moment where you think, My God, how did we do that? It is now more than two years since the institution broke the news that many of its precious artefacts were missing, stolen or damaged later disclosed as around 2,000 items from its Greece and Rome collections. The revelation triggered a Metropolitan Police investigation, which is still ongoing, and prompted in-house emergency measures to improve security before an independent review recommended the museum document its entire collection. At the time, George Osborne, chairman of the museum, declared recovering the missing treasures was a top priority a job that fell on the shoulders of Prof Harrison, who had just been put in charge of the department. The hoard of valuable items, many of them unregistered, included gold jewellery and classical gems dating as far back as the late Bronze Age. open image in gallery The bell rung by members of the British Museum's recovery team with every major breakthrough in finding missing items ( British Museum ) I took a real holiday about a year after I arrived because there was so little time and so much pressure, Prof Harrison says. Assigned with a recovery team of enthusiastic workers, Prof Harrison began the painstaking work of not only tracing objects through recorded transactions and sales catalogues, but also creating a database of all the items. With a lack of information recorded digitally, their methods could be described as old-fashioned police detective work. Some members scoured handwritten notes on collections purchased by the museum hundreds of years ago to identify missing items, while others checked in-stock items against archive catalogues to ensure they were fully intact. Some searched out items known to be missing, using a growing database of known-missing artefacts, as well as tip-offs, to check artefacts up for sale, or sold on up to more than a decade ago. open image in gallery Among the gems recovered is this ancient glass intaglio with Bacchus standing, leaning on Silenus Roman. It is dated to between late 1st century BC and 1st century AD ( British Museum ) In some cases, weve had to track things down that have had four or five different possessors, and have sometimes gone on rather long and elaborate journeys, ending up, weirdly, not far from us, says Prof Harrison. Weve had things that have gone all around Europe, three or four countries, then returned to London, where weve found them. Equally, weve retrieved items from European countries and North America. But finding a suspected missing object isnt always the final challenge. Before bringing an item to the UK from abroad, the team must get an export licence, sometimes taking many months to secure. The countrys law enforcement agencies in the countries need to also be informed. Then, crucially, the owner of the item must be persuaded to let go of their possession. Under its own guidance, the museum will not pay more than the price the person paid for it. open image in gallery Another gem recovered is this ancient glass intaglio with Jupiter as an eagle abducting Ganymede Roman. It dates to between 1st Century BC and 1st Century AD ( British Museum ) However, most people are cooperative, says Prof Harrison. An awful lot of people have only been too happy to give the items back to us without payment, he says. They get the offer of payment, but they dont in the end choose to take it, which is incredibly decent and big of them. I can see that sometimes people have to go through a bit of a grieving process as they like the object and they might ask for evidence that we think it is ours, but then actually they behave entirely reasonably and want to be part of the positive story. But there are dead ends. open image in gallery Gems in stock are also checked for damage or missing parts as part of the recovery team's work ( British Museum ) The team will receive a tip-off of a missing item that, after spending time researching and inspecting, will turn out to be a copy. Its why when you keep plugging away, that when you get an item returned, it feels amazingly liberating and wonderful, because youve gone through the struggle to track it down, while there are other items we only know the last location. Out of the estimated 1,500 items missing, Prof Harrison and his team have recovered 654. But with many of the items found so far from large groups of gems, progress on the figure has slowed, with the team dealing more with small numbers, or even individual gems. There is also a race to track down the gold items, which could be melted down as its price continues to soar. How many of the items will get recovered? The melting down of gold is a major limitation on us, but were ambitious to try and get as much as we can back, says Prof Harrison. It will keep continuing. I strongly suspect things will continue to come back long after Ive retired or died. Sitting on Prof Harrisons desk, the golden bell waits for the next breakthrough. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Palestine Action activists on hunger strike while awaiting trial in the UK are dying, a doctor has warned. Their alleged offences took place before the group was banned under terrorism legislation in July, which has made membership of or support for it a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The eight activists deny the charges against them but have been denied bail. Four of the group are accused of playing roles in the break-in to an Israeli-linked defence firm in 2024 and are due to go on trial in May at the earliest. The other four are accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton in June, where it is alleged they caused damage to two military jets. open image in gallery Terrorism arrests soared by 660 per cent after Palestine Action was proscribed ( Getty Images ) Dr James Smith, an emergency physician and lecturer at UCL, warned that protesters still refusing food in prison have now reached a critical phase in which things can decline very quickly and irreversibly. Below, we look at the activists who are still on hunger strike and those that ended their protests due to concerns for their health. Heba Muraisi open image in gallery Heba Muraisi has been on hunger strike for 70 days and is reporting lightheadedness and migraines ( Prisoners For Palestine ) Heba Muraisi is one of two remaining hunger strikers facing charges related to alleged break-ins on behalf of Palestine Action before the group was banned under terrorism legislation. Muraisi, a former florist and lifeguard from London, was arrested on 19 November 2024 over damage caused to Israel-linked Elbit Systems UKs site at Filton, Bristol. She has spent 70 days on hunger strike and is demanding immediate bail. The strikers are also demanding the right to a fair trial and the de-proscription of Palestine Action. In October 2025, she was transferred from HMP Bronzefield to HMP New Hall in Wakefield. She has vowed to not end her fast unless she is moved back to Bronzefield. The leader of the Commons in January 2026 said he would raise the possibility of moving her back, after Brent North MP Barry Gardiner said she was now hundreds of miles from her disabled mother and close to death on hunger strike. Muraisis next of kin, Francesca Nadin, said this week that she has been having difficulty breathing and in thinking clearly: "It is really concerning. But mentally she is still strong and able to laugh and joke. We just don't know when that deterioration will come." Kamran Ahmed open image in gallery Kamran Ahmed has also been on remand since 19 November 2024, and is being held in HMP Pentonville ( Prisoners For Palestine ) Kamran Ahmed is being held at HMP Pentonville in London over alleged offences at the site in Filton. He has been on hunger strike for more than 60 days. Ahmed, 28, has been taken to hospital six times since he began his hunger strike. He was most recently taken to hospital at 1am on Wednesday for a heart complication, 59 days into his hunger strike, his sister said. His sister Shahmina Alam told reporters in December: Our family have never felt this much anxiety, never dreaded phone calls as much as we have now. His heart is giving in and his pulse is slowing down, he is losing half a kilogram every day. The justice system is hanging on a very thin thread. Lewie Chiaramello open image in gallery Lewie Chiaramello has been on an alternating hunger strike since 24 November ( Prisoners for Palestine ) Lewie Chiaramello, 22, has been on remand since 3 July last year. He was arrested in connection to action at RAF Brize Norton, where protesters were alleged to have damaged military aircraft. Chiaramello, who is a type one diabetic, started a hunger strike on 24 November, protesting on alternate days. I am diabetic so I cant hunger strike [each day]. But I have decided to fast every other day in solidarity with the hunger strikers until the deal with Elbit Systems is cancelled or another necessary ending point, he said. Qesser Zuhrah open image in gallery 20-year-old Qesser Zuhrah ended her protest after a month and a half ( Prisoners For Palestine ) Qesser Zuhrah, 20, is accused of aggravated burglary, violent disorder and criminal damage over allegedly breaking into the Filton site. She is being held on remand in HMP Bronzefield and faces a trial in spring at the earliest. Zuhrah began her hunger strike on 2 November and ended the protest after 48 days after being taken to hospital. Protesters had gathered outside HMP Bronzefield claiming that she was being denied medical assistance. Ministry of Justice officials have previously disputed claims of mistreatment. The support group Prisoners for Palestine said she ultimately ended her strike due to continuous excruciating pain in her abdomen. Amu Gib open image in gallery Amu Gib was arrested in connection to the break-in at RAF Brize Norton ( Prisoners For Palestine ) Amy Gardiner-Gibson, who also goes by the name Amu Gib, ended their hunger strike on day 49 after experiencing weakness and brain fog. They are charged with conspiracy to destroy property and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and/or interests of the UK in relation to the alleged break in to RAF Brize Norton. Jeremy Corbyn wrote on Instagram in December to say he had visited Gib at prison and called for them to be granted bail. Teuta Hoxha open image in gallery Teuta Hoxha has been on remand since 19 November, 2024, with a trial date set for April ( Prisoners For Palestine ) Teuta Hoxha is charged with criminal damage and aggravated burglary in relation to alleged action at Elbit Systems. The 29-year-old ended her hunger strike after two months without food, Prisoners for Palestine said on 5 January. Hoxha needs urgent medical care in hospital to prevent refeeding syndrome, they said in a statement at the time, alleging that the prison was refusing to provide medical treatment. Muhammad Umer Khalid and Jon Cink open image in gallery Jon Cink was on hugner strike for more than 40 days ( Prisoners For Palestine ) Supporters of Jon Cink and Muhammad Umer Khalid said that they ended their hunger strike after 41 days and 13 days respectively. Both are charged in connection with the alleged break-in at Brize Norton. They will next appear in court for a preliminary hearing on 16 January, having appeared at the Old Bailey via video link on 12 December. Lord Timpson, prisons minister, said: We are very experienced at dealing with hunger strikes. Unfortunately, over the last five years we have averaged over 200 hunger strike incidents every year and the processes that we have are well-established and they work very well with prisons working alongside our NHS partners every day, making sure our systems are robust and working and they are. I am very clear. I dont treat any prisoners differently to others. That is why we will not be meeting any prisoners or their representatives. We have a justice system that is based on the separation of powers, and the independent judiciary is the cornerstone of our system. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Protesters have gathered outside the US consulate in Edinburgh to demonstrate against the arrest and detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. People at the demonstration on Regent Street in the city on Saturday called for US President Donald Trump to release Maduro. The protest, organised by Stop the War Scotland, with the support of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), Scottish Venezuela Solidarity Campaign and the Scottish Cuba Solidarity Campaign, called on world leaders to intervene. STUC deputy general Linda Somerville told the crowd: Were along here today on behalf of Scotlands trade union movement to give our absolute backing to the people of Venezuela who stand trying to defend their own sovereignty and their right to determine their own government. We are completely opposed to the military aggression and intervention in Venezuela, which has seen the kidnapping of their president and the first lady, and we call on all of our politicians, particularly the Prime Minister in the UK, to stand up against the military aggression and to condemn this act that breaks all international laws. The protesters also called for the Scottish Government to suspend co-operation with the US Government. Sophie Johnson, secretary of Stop the War Scotland, said: These latest assaults by the US Trump administration on Venezuelan sovereignty are an open act of military aggression and imperial domination against a much weaker country. Trump has made no pretence of following international law and boasts that he is grabbing oil and asserting US sovereignty over the entire American hemisphere. Yet despite the openly offensive and criminal nature of these attacks, including the abduction of the head of state of a sovereign, independent country, the UK Government meekly bows to US power. We demand the release of Maduro and an end to all aggression. We further demand that the UK Government dissociate itself from these acts and likewise demand this rampage stops. The failure of US allies to oppose these acts has emboldened Trump to threaten numerous other governments in North and South America, and even to threaten Nato member Denmark over Greenland, which the US Government asserts it wishes to take over. The spineless collusion of our Government in this naked imperialism is aiding and abetting Trump. In Scotland, John Swinney has acknowledged the illegality of these acts, but pledged no action. Its time for the Scottish Government to end its trade talks with the US until aggression ceases and international law is complied with. Failure to confront Trump today will mean threats continue to multiply. These events show that, more than ever, we need a powerful anti-war movement to hold our leaders accountable and halt the rapid descent into global conflict. On Wednesday, RAF surveillance aircraft and a naval supply ship, RFA Tideforce, provided assistance to the operation to capture the Marinera in the Atlantic following a request from the US. As part of the operation, US special operations aircraft landed at Wick John OGroats airport in the Highlands before flying further north. But no British personnel took part in the boarding of the vessel, Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs on Wednesday evening. The Venezuelan-linked vessel, previously known as the Bella 1, was seized as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government was not involved in the operation to seize the Bella-1 and that it related entirely to reserved functions. Arrangements for US military aircraft to land at Wick Airport had been made some weeks ago, he said, but the Scottish Government was not informed of the details of the operation. Mr Swinney said: I think its important that there is the very closest of a dialogue about issues of a geopolitical nature about issues that could have an impact on the security of Scotland. I think its a matter of importance that the Scottish Government is fully sighted on what measures and interventions are happening in and around our waters, and thats a point that has been made to the United Kingdom Government. The First Minister said he had no details on whether the tanker could arrive in Scotland in order to refuel. Speaking to journalists in Holyrood later, the First Minister said he thought it was unlikely the aircraft at Wick were used in the seizure, as the bookings had been made in December. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: The First Minister has set out his position on the situation in Venezuela. The Scottish Government will continue to protect and promote the interests of the people of Scotland at all times. Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 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. BEIRUT, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Sunday vowed to proceed with the disarmament of armed groups across the country, including in areas north of the Litani River, stressing that the process will continue despite ongoing Israeli attacks. In an interview with state-owned broadcaster Tele Liban, Aoun said the Lebanese army has achieved what he called "operational control" south of the Litani River, enabling it to prevent and respond to any military activity in the area. While disarmament efforts are not complete and will extend beyond the Litani, he noted the pace will depend on the army's operational capacity and available resources. Aoun rejected claims that exclusive state control over weapons is an external demand, stressing it is a purely internal Lebanese requirement rooted in the 1989 Taif Agreement, which formally ended the civil war, and is essential to state-building. He added that the role for which non-state weapons were created no longer exists, as the Lebanese army is now responsible for protecting the country and its citizens. Regarding peace with Israel, Aoun expressed openness but insisted it must be based on justice and existing frameworks. He pointed to the 1949 Armistice Agreement with Israel, UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and mechanisms that could lead to Israeli withdrawal, a halt to attacks, the resolution of border disputes, and the release of detainees. Under the 2024 ceasefire agreement with Israel, reached after a year-long conflict between Hezbollah and Israel triggered by the Gaza war, the Lebanese army is tasked with dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure and seizing unauthorized weapons. In late 2025, the Lebanese government approved a five-phase roadmap aimed at establishing a state monopoly on arms. Hezbollah leaders, including the group's secretary general, Naim Qassem, have repeatedly said they will not fully disarm as long as Israel occupies any Lebanese land, citing five strategic hilltop positions still held by Israeli forces. They argue their weapons remain a necessary deterrent. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer is considering sending British troops to Greenland as Donald Trumps rhetoric over snatching the Danish territory continues to ratchet up. It comes just days after the prime minister committed to sending troops into Ukraine as the core of the coalition of the willing to guarantee the peace, with former senior military top brass questioning whether the UK has enough personnel. The revelation comes after former Obama assistant secretary of state Frank Rose told The Independent that Mr Trumps actions threaten to undermine US defence in the region and lead to allies turning on him. President Trump has insisted he wants control over Greenland and has not ruled out the prospect of using military force to seize the semi-autonomous Danish territory. open image in gallery Keir Starmer could send UK troops to Greenland as tensions over the territorys future mount ( Getty ) Transport secretary Heidi Alexander insisted that discussions about securing the High North against Russia and China were part of Natos business as usual rather than a response to the US military threat. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch lambasted the discussions, warning that there is a danger the Nato alliance could collapse and arguing that Greenland is a second-order issue. She told the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg: Right now, what I am really concerned about is if there is going to be a Nato. We need to keep America on side. Meanwhile, former UK ambassador to the US Lord Peter Mandelson insisted that he does not believe Mr Trump will send US troops to take control of Greenland, accusing critics of the US president of wanting to clutch at their pearls rather than face reality. However, the Labour peer was also critical of the prime minister, who sacked him as ambassador, for not producing the promised spending increase on defence. The Telegraph reported that military chiefs are drawing up plans for a possible Nato mission to Greenland, which could involve British soldiers, warships and planes being deployed to the island. Ms Alexander downplayed the suggestion, telling Ms Kuenssberg the report possibly reads something more into business as usual discussions amongst Nato allies than there actually are. open image in gallery It has been reported that military chiefs are drawing up plans for a possible Nato mission to Greenland ( PA ) She said the UK agreed with President Trump that the Arctic Circle is becoming an increasingly contested part of the world with the ambitions of [Vladimir] Putin and China. Whilst we havent seen the appalling consequences in that part of the world that weve seen in Ukraine, it is really important that we do everything that we can with all of our Nato allies to ensure that we have an effective deterrent in that part of the globe against Putin. Mr Trump has said he wants to get control over Greenland, which has a strategic location and natural resources, and if we dont do it the easy way, were going to do it the hard way. But Lord Mandelson said he did not believe Mr Trump would use the military against a Nato ally. President Trump is not going to land on Greenland, take Greenland by force, he said. Hes not a fool. Whats going to happen is theres going to be a lot of discussion, a lot of consultation, a lot of negotiation and at the end of the day, we are all going to have to wake up to the reality that the Arctic needs securing against China and Russia. And if you ask me who is going to lead in that effort to secure, we all know, dont we, that its going to be the United States. open image in gallery Donald Trump wants the US to take control of Greenland ( AFP/Getty ) He argued that Mr Trump believes we live in a world of conflicts and hard power and sometimes nettles need to be grasped. We have to understand that. He was also critical of Sir Keir over not matching his commitment with promised increases in defence spending. Im sorry, but the moneys got to follow, he said. I think the principle [of extra defence spending] is accepted. I think that the funding is embraced, but I havent seen the financial plans. Not for the future, not in the way that they need to build up and unfold in the years to come. Downing Street sources noted that the prime minister shares President Trumps view that Russias growing aggression in the High North must be deterred, and Euro-Atlantic security strengthened, and the UK takes the threats from Russia and China in the region extremely seriously. They confirmed that Nato discussions on reinforcing security in the region continue and we would never get ahead of those, but the UK is working with Nato allies to drive efforts to bolster Arctic deterrence and defence. open image in gallery Greenlands future is still in question after the US threats to act whether they like it or not ( AP ) Just last year, UK commandos took part in Exercise Joint Viking in Norway one of Natos biggest High North drills in sub-zero temperatures alongside 7,000 allied troops, Royal Navy patrol boats and RFA Lyme Bay. This year, 1,500 Royal Marines will deploy for Exercise Cold Response across Norway, Finland and Sweden, training with allies to defend key terrain and demonstrate Nato unity. But in the last week, senior retired military top brass have warned that the UK is overstretched even with Sir Keirs commitment to Ukraine. In a report for Policy Exchange, retired air marshal Edward Stringer warned that increased defence spending in the UK is being eaten up by the Ministry of Defence [MoD]s overdraft with the UKs military footprint shrinking at a critical moment. His report, entitled The Say-Do Gaps in Defence, notes that the British army now has just 14 howitzers in total; the Royal Navy has been unable to put more than one attack submarine to sea for a while; and the RAF had to send training unit pilots to sea to guarantee certification of the F35 Force on the carrier. Meanwhile, another Policy Exchange report earlier in the week from another retired air marshal, Lord Stirrup, outlined how the UK had become too reliant on possessing nuclear weapons for deterrence, which he warned was not scaring Vladimir Putin. It came as Sir Richard Shirreff, who served as Natos deputy supreme allied commander in Europe between 2011 and 2014, said allied forces would need at least 50,000 troops in Ukraine to deter an attack from Russia, while the army currently has less than 75,000 personnel. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Lord Mandelson has refused to apologise to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for his friendship with the convicted paedophile and financier. The former US ambassador and cabinet minister had described Epstein as his best pal in what he admitted were toe-curling emails, but claimed that he was on the fringes of the financiers life. Speaking in his first interview since getting sacked as the UKs ambassador to the US on BBC Ones Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the Labour Party grandee would only apologise for a system that let down the victims of Epstein. open image in gallery Former UK ambassador to the US Lord Peter Mandelson (Niall Carson/PA) ( PA Archive ) He said: I want to apologise to those women for a system that refused to hear their voices and did not give them the protection they were entitled to expect. Pressed on whether he would apologise for his friendship with Epstein after his conviction, Lord Mandelson said: If I had known, if I was in any way complicit or culpable, of course I would apologise but I was not culpable, I was not knowledgeable for what he was doing, and I regret, and will regret to my dying day, the fact that powerless women were not given the protection they were entitled to expect. He described his relationship with Epstein as a terrible mistake, which I will regret until my dying day. He went on: I believed his story and that of his lawyer that he had been falsely criminalised in his contact with these young women. Now I wish I had not believed that story. In an awkward moment, he challenged Ms Kuenssberg over suggestions that he knew of allegations around Epstein. Do you really think that if I knew what was going on and what he was doing with and to these vulnerable young women, that Id have just sat back and moved on and said, Okay, thats his that's his life? Id have done that? Do you think Id have written emails like that if I had any knowledge or suspicion of what he was doing? He said: I can say this absolutely, I can say it to you categorically, I never saw anything in his life when I was with him, when I was in his hands, that would give me any reason to suspect what an evil monster this man was. The Labour peer also strongly implied that he disagreed with his sacking as ambassador to the US, which was done because of emails and texts emerging with new information about his relationship with Epstein. Asked if he deserved to be sacked, Lord Mandelson said: I understand why I was sacked. open image in gallery Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein around a large cake ( DOJ ) He added: The emails that were published came as a huge surprise and a huge shock to me, not just to them. They no longer existed on my server I have long since disused. I was unable to share emails with them that I didnt recall. The interview was met with anger by the government, with transport secretary Heidi Alexander saying that she thought that Mandelson should have apologised to the victims of Epstein. She went on: I think the breadth and the nature of the relationship that Peter Mandelson had with Jeffrey Epstein only became clear at the point at which those emails were published in September of last year, and thats why the prime minister acted swiftly, took immediate action to remove him as the ambassador to the United States. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn demanded that Mandelson lose his seat in the Lords. He said: Says he had no knowledge of what Epstein was doing when he maintained he friendship with his best pal. Yet knew that Epstein had been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor. Why are Labour continuing to allow this man to sit in the House of Lords? One veteran Labour MP was furious that the BBC had given Mandelson more publicity. Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: When Keir Starmer appointed Mandelson, I said publicly it was a serious error of judgement. Ive always been a supporter of the BBC in its role as a public broadcaster, but the decision to invite Mandelson onto the Kuenssberg programme calls into question once more its own judgement. Ex-Labour adviser Baroness Ayesha Hazarika said: Disappointed with the BBC for that Mandelson interview. A slap in the face to Epstein victims. He was part of the system of male power which enabled and dismissed abuse. The media went after Mandelson correctly in my view. Lord Kempsell, Boris Johnsons former adviser, added: In editorial terms if a Conservative or right-winger had been forced to resign as US ambassador over links to Epstein, there is no way they would be back on a prime political programme in three months for an interview largely not about that scandal. Only Mandelson can achieve that. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Fears have been raised that Rachel Reeves may have already spent up to 3bn of the 22bn headroom she gave herself in the Budget in just six weeks. Tory shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride is pressing the chancellor to come clean over whether her spring statement in March will change into a mini-Budget after a flurry of U-turns and concessions since she delivered her Budget on 26 November. It comes amid conflicting claims over how much a U-turn on scrapping the Covid business rate relief will cost the Exchequer as MPs are set again to debate the Budget in the committee stage in the Commons this week. open image in gallery Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the government planned to deliver one major fiscal event a year ( PA Wire ) Treasury sources have suggested that it could be 300m with the help focused on pubs, but other sources have suggested the bill could be as much as 2.4bn. The discrepancy lies in the confusion over whether the U-turn will cover pubs alone or other parts of the high street as well. On Sunday, Labour rebel Rachael Maskell added her voice to those demanding that high street shops and cafes were also covered. She told Times Radio: I think the reason were hearing so much about pubs is pubs have a very strong lobby and have been able to get that message through to the government. But it is hitting other parts of the sector, the hotel part of the sector, leisure, tourism, as well as what Ive just been talking about, the retail sector as well. And little independent shops perhaps dont have the routes into Westminster. Hinting at a battle between Ms Reeves and Labour backbenchers to come, she added: The campaign doesnt stop because the reality is well be fighting for those jobs. Well be fighting for people to be able to maintain their businesses. And ultimately, it will mean closures and unemployment rising. I dont think any of us want to see that when business owners have worked so hard over the real challenges theyve had with Covid and then, of course, the cost of living. open image in gallery Shadow chancellor Mel Stride ( PA Wire ) Meanwhile, rejoining the EUs Erasmus scheme is estimated to have cost more than 500m, while changes to inheritance tax to exempt more family farms are expected to cost 200m. The chancellor gave herself extra headroom of 22bn in the last Budget, but taking all these calculations into account, the figures suggest she could have spent up to 3bn of that in just six weeks since. On top of that, there are still no costs on the decision by Ms Reeves to exempt pensioners from the freeze in income tax thresholds. Sir Mel has written to Ms Reeves demanding she commit to giving an oral statement to the Commons with her spring statement, which was meant to be an update on predictions from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and a non-fiscal event. Ms Reeves, whose own future as chancellor is under scrutiny, has said she will give an oral statement to enable MPs to question her on the details. Sir Mel said: Since the Budget weve already had U-turns and other major spending including: a partial U-turn on the family farm tax and family business tax; a U-turn about to be announced on business rates; exempting some pensioners from the freeze in tax thresholds; and over half a billion pounds handed to the EU to rejoin the Erasmus scheme. None of those things were costed at the Budget 6 weeks ago. We still have no answers yet about how any of that will be paid for. The non-fiscal event in March is already looking like it will be a fiscal event after all. Rachel Reeves has completely lost control of the nations finances. The figures, though, are disputed by the Treasury. A Treasury spokesperson said: We do not recognise these figures. Were backing hospitality businesses with a 4.3bn support package to limit bill rises, alongside capping corporation tax at 25 per cent, cutting red tape and taking action on the cost of living to boost high streets. The Budget doubled the fiscal headroom while confirming that we will scrap unnecessary bureaucracy for pensioners whose only income is the state pension, ending small tax bills through simple assessment from 2027-28. Weve also listened to farmers by raising the relief threshold to 2.5m, protecting small family farms and businesses while ensuring the very largest estates pay their fair share. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A procession of Buddhist monks, accompanied by their rescue dog, is currently traversing the southern United States, drawing widespread attention and inspiring local communities along their journey. Clad in their distinctive saffron and ochre robes, the monks are undertaking a meditative walk for peace, a practice more commonly observed in South Asian nations. Their pilgrimage appears to offer a welcome reprieve from the political divisions, conflict, and societal trauma currently affecting the US. The spiritual trek commenced on 26 October 2025, originating from a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Texas. It is scheduled to culminate in Washington, D.C., by mid-February, where the group intends to petition Congress for the recognition of Buddhas day of birth and enlightenment as a federal holiday. Beyond this legislative aim, their primary focus remains fostering connections with individuals encountered throughout their route. My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace, said the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the groups soft-spoken leader who is making the trek barefoot. He teaches about mindfulness, forgiveness and healing at every stop. Preferring to sleep each night in tents pitched outdoors, the monks have been surprised to see their message transcend ideologies, drawing huge crowds into churchyards, city halls and town squares across six states. Documenting their journey on social media, they and their dog, Aloka have racked up millions of followers online. On Saturday, thousands thronged in Columbia, South Carolina, where the monks chanted on the steps of the State House and received a proclamation from the city's mayor, Daniel Rickenmann. open image in gallery Buddhist monks participate in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) At their stop Thursday in Saluda, South Carolina, Audrie Pearce joined the crowd lining Main Street. She had driven four hours from her village of Little River, and teared up as Pannakara handed her a flower. Theres something traumatic and heart-wrenching happening in our country every day, said Pearce, who describes herself as spiritual, but not religious. I looked into their eyes and I saw peace. Theyre putting their bodies through such physical torture and yet they radiate peace. Hailing from Theravada Buddhist monasteries across the globe, the 19 monks began their 2,300 mile (3,700 kilometer) trek at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth. Their journey has not been without peril. On Nov. 19, as the monks were walking along U.S. Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas, their escort vehicle was hit by a distracted truck driver, injuring two monks. One of them lost his leg, reducing the group to 18. This is Pannakara's first trek in the U.S., but he's walked across several South Asian countries, including a 112-day journey across India in 2022 where he first encountered Aloka, an Indian Pariah dog whose name means divine light in Sanskrit. Then a stray, the dog followed him and other monks from Kolkata in eastern India all the way to the Nepal border. At one point, he fell critically ill and Pannakara scooped him up in his arms and cared for him until he recovered. Now, Aloka inspires him to keep going when he feels like giving up. open image in gallery Audrie Pearce greets Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) I named him light because I want him to find the light of wisdom, Pannakara said. The monk's feet are now heavily bandaged because he's stepped on rocks, nails and glass along the way. His practice of mindfulness keeps him joyful despite the pain from these injuries, he said. Still, traversing the southeast United States has presented unique challenges, and pounding pavement day after day has been brutal. In India, we can do shortcuts through paddy fields and farms, but we cant do that here because there are a lot of private properties, Pannakara said. But whats made it beautiful is how people have welcomed and hosted us in spite of not knowing who we are and what we believe. open image in gallery Supporters pray with Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In Opelika, Alabama, the Rev. Patrick Hitchman-Craig hosted the monks on Christmas night at his United Methodist congregation. He expected to see a small crowd, but about 1,000 people showed up, creating the feel of a block party. The monks seemed like the Magi, he said, appearing on Christs birthday. Anyone who is working for peace in the world in a way that is public and sacrificial is standing close to the heart of Jesus, whether or not they share our tradition, said Hitchman-Craig. I was blown away by the number of people and the diversity of who showed up. After their night on the church lawn, the monks arrived the next afternoon at the Collins Farm in Cusseta, Alabama. Judy Collins Allen, whose father and brother run the farm, said about 200 people came to meet the monks the biggest gathering shes ever witnessed there. There was a calm, warmth and sense of community among people who had not met each other before and that was so special, she said. open image in gallery Bhikkhu Pannakara leads other buddhist monks in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the Fort Worth temple, said the monks, when they arrive in Washington, plan to seek recognition of Vesak, the day which marks the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha, as a national holiday. Doing so would acknowledge Vesak as a day of reflection, compassion and unity for all people regardless of faith, he said. But Pannakara emphasized that their main goal is to help people achieve peace in their lives. The trek is also a separate endeavor from a $200 million campaign to build towering monuments on the temples 14-acre property to house the Buddhas teachings engraved in stone, according to Dong. The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha himself as core for attaining enlightenment. It focuses on the mind-body connection observing breath and physical sensations to understand reality, impermanence and suffering. Some of the monks, including Pannakara, walk barefoot to feel the ground directly and be present in the moment. Pannakara has told the gathered crowds that they don't aim to convert people to Buddhism. Brooke Schedneck, professor of religion at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, said the tradition of a peace walk in Theravada Buddhism began in the 1990s when the Venerable Maha Ghosananda, a Cambodian monk, led marches across war-torn areas riddled with landmines to foster national healing after civil war and genocide in his country. open image in gallery Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," are seen with their dog, Aloka, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) These walks really inspire people and inspire faith, Schedneck said. The core intention is to have others watch and be inspired, not so much through words, but through how they are willing to make this sacrifice by walking and being visible. On Thursday, Becki Gable drove nearly 400 miles (about 640 kilometers) from Cullman, Alabama, to catch up with them in Saluda. Raised Methodist, Gable said she wanted some release from the pain of losing her daughter and parents. I just felt in my heart that this would help me have peace, she said. Maybe I could move a little bit forward in my life. Gable says she has already taken one of Pannakaras teachings to heart. Shes promised herself that each morning, as soon as she awakes, shed take a piece of paper and write five words on it, just as the monk prescribed. Today is my peaceful day. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Thousands of people gathered in cities across the U.S. Saturday to protest the aggressive immigration enforcement action that led to the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis and shooting of two other people in Portland. Residents of Washington, D.C., Boston, New York, Raleigh, Seattle and other cities joined the Minneapolis community in grieving the death of Good by marching with signs honoring the 37-year-old mother and chanting anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement sentiments. F*** ICE, ICE out protesters across the country chanted. ICE off our streets for Good, and Justice for Renee Good were among the popular signs photographed in the demonstrations. Other signs called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump, accused the administration of fascism and claimed that ICE was committed murder. open image in gallery Protests, called ICE Out For Good, call on the administration to remove ICE from cities and hold the officer accountable who killed Renee Good ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Independent has contacted ICE for comment. The nonviolent protests, called ICE Out for Good, were organized by the ACLU, Indivisible, 50501 movement, the Workers Circle, Voto Latino and more. More than 1,000 protests were expected to take place over Saturday and Sunday. The outrage fueling the protests comes days after an ICE officer fatally shot Good while she was maneuvering her vehicle in the middle of the road. Trump administration officials assert that Good was trying to run over ICE officers, calling it an act of domestic terrorism. However, footage of the incident, posted all over social media, does not align with the administrations assertion that the officer was acting in self-defense because he felt his life was in danger. Many have refused to accept the administrations narrative about the incident without question, including top Minnesota lawmakers, Democratic politicians and certain parts of the media. open image in gallery Demonstrators in Boston hold signs calling for peace, remembering Good ( AFP via Getty Images ) Members of the public and lawmakers have demanded that the officer be held accountable for the shooting. Yet, federal law enforcement officials have refused to cooperate with Minnesota investigators in conducting a probe into the incident. Public anger about aggressive immigration tactics was heightened Thursday when Border Patrol in Portland shot a man and a woman, injuring them. As a result, peaceful protests have sprung up, putting pressure on officials to be more transparent about the killing of Good and to decrease the number of federal law enforcement officers in cities. However, not all lawmakers agree that the protests are largely peaceful. Theyre yelling Save a life, kill ICE. That is not peaceful and that is not appropriate, Republican Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota told Fox & Friends. open image in gallery A young girl holds a sign saying 'ICE murdered Good' in Seattle as part of an anti-ICE protest over the weekend ( REUTERS ) Then youve got a boy-toy mayor, somebody who is not mature enough for the job. Yelling the effenheimer about getting ICE out of his city, Emmer said of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The protests have largely been peaceful, though some incidents led to law enforcement intervention. In Minneapolis, where protests swelled to include thousands of people, at least 29 people were arrested Friday evening after some people vandalized a hotel and threw chunks of ice at police. Law enforcement deployed pepper balls at a crowd of protesters Saturday after a small group of people began throwing snowballs at vehicles. open image in gallery A protester in Minneapolis holds a sign claiming 'ICE is not welcome here' Saturday ( AP ) Ahead of the planned weekend protests, officials, including Frey, reminded demonstrators to exercise their First Amendment right peacefully and not give in to agitators. This is what Donald Trump wants, Frey said of protesters who engaged in unlawful behavior. He wants us to take the bait. Frey and other lawmakers have asserted that the presence of federal law enforcement officials in cities has increased tension, leading to more instances of violence. Theyve asked Trump to remove ICE officers and allow local law enforcement to keep their communities safe. Close Cell phone footage shows shooting of Renee Good from ICE agent's perspective Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The organizers of the Nobel Peace Prize have told winner Maria Corina Machado it cannot be revoked, shared or transferred after she suggested giving Donald Trump her 2025 award. The institute said in a statement the decision to award a Nobel Prize is final and stands for all time, citing the statutes of the Nobel Foundation, which do not allow appeals. The warning comes after the U.S. president said he would be honored to accept the prize if offered by the Venezuelan opposition leader during a planned meeting in Washington next week. Machados win in October was reported to have sparked resentment for Trump, who has long expressed interest in winning the prize and has at times linked it to diplomatic achievements, even though she has been effusive in her support and dedicated her win to him. Machado has since backed Trumps campaign to tackle Venezuelan drug boats and overthrow Nicolas Maduro. She and fellow Vente politician Edmundo Gonzalez had been thought to be frontrunners to lead the country after the shock capture of the former Venezuelan president, but she was sidelined in the aftermath of his toppling. open image in gallery Nobel peace laureate Machado greets supporters from the balcony of the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway, in December, after her award was collected on her behalf by her daughter ( AFP/Getty ) Following the U.S. raid, Trump said Machado was a very nice woman but that it would be tough for her to lead Venezuela because she did not have respect within or the support within the country. In response, Machado offered to share or even personally give her prize to the president. Speaking to Sean Hannity on Fox News on Monday, she said that presenting the prize to Trump would be an act of gratitude from the Venezuelan people for the removal of Maduro. Did you at any point offer to give him the Nobel Peace Prize? Hannity asked. Did that actually happen? She responded, Well, it hasnt happened yet. Of the potential offer, Trump said: Ive heard that she wants to do that. That could be a great honor. open image in gallery Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming he has solved multiple wars ( Getty Images ) But the Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute warned on Friday: Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time. The organization also noted that committees awarding the prizes do not comment on the actions or statements of laureates after receiving awards. Machado, who has been in hiding due to persistent threats on her life, emerged only briefly in Oslo after a three-day mission in which she was smuggled out of the country with the help of the US military for the Nobel ceremony. The Venezuelan opposition leader, a former National Assembly member, was barred from running in Venezuelas 2024 general election by authorities aligned with Maduro. She backed a stand-in candidate who was widely considered to have won the vote, although Maduro claimed victory. Ballot audits by independent observers showed irregularities in the official results. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy said on Sunday that Donald Trump had so far in his second term committed 10 times the number of impeachable offenses as hed committed in his first term and appeared to disagree with senior members of his party whove waved off impeachment efforts. The Connecticut lawmaker has become an increasingly prominent voice among his partys younger members, who favor a more forceful pushback against the president as his party looks toward 2026. Murphy spoke Sunday with NBCs Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, where Welker asked him a question about former Speaker Nancy Pelosis declaration late in 2025 that Trumps conduct did not rise to the standard of impeachable so far under his second term. Murphy firmly disagreed. I know that this president has committed ten times more impeachable offenses in his second term as he did in his first term. He is stealing from the American people, he said, calling his judgment a result of having common sense. The amount of corruption that he is involved in, taking a luxury private jet from Qatar, trading national security secrets to a foreign nation in exchange for a $2 billion investment in his cryptocurrency. That is wildly corrupt, he said. I don't think it's any secret that the president's level of corruption and illegality is nuclear grade in his second term compared to his first term. open image in gallery Sen. Chris Murphy appeared to disagree with Nancy Pelosi's assessment that Donald Trump's conduct did not yet cross the line to impeachable behavior ( NBC - Meet the Press ) Allegations of self-dealing have followed Donald Trump since his earliest days in politics, as reporters began to note that his properties were charging Secret Service agents for staying in rooms while they were on-site protecting the president and his family. Those accusations were compounded as Trump hosted campaign events and fundraisers at his various properties, including the now-sold Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C., which became a mainstay for hangers-on eager for face time with the president or his aides and allies. In his second term, the president pushed traditional ethical standards to their limits with his foray into cryptocurrency, which has attracted lucrative investments from domestic and foreign partners alike. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has been accused of self-dealing by using his cryptocurrency interests to attract investments from those seeking to curry his administrations favor ( AP ) The senators remarks refer to a $2 billion investment by the United Arab Emirates into the crypto firm Binance using a cryptocurrency co-founded by members of Trumps family, as well as his acceptance of a replacement for Air Force One gifted by the Qatari government. The House of Representatives is where any impeachment legislation originates, per the Constitution. Democrats are in the minority in both chambers; successful impeachment would require a majority in the House and a two-thirds vote in the Senate to reach a conviction. In December, two dozen Democrats joined with Republicans to defeat articles of impeachment filed by Rep. Al Green of Texas, while dozens more, including members of leadership, voted present rather than aye or nay. Appetite for impeachment could grow after the 2026 midterms if Democrats retake both the House and the Senate, but even then, any effort would be an uphill battle. Murphy indicated in his interview that he respected the Houses own determinations on the matter. Its unlikely that any impeachment effort would reach the Senate before 2027 at the very earliest. Trump was the target of two impeachment efforts during and after his first term. Both were unsuccessful, but the second impeachment effort resulted in the most defections across party lines in the history of presidential U.S. Senate impeachment trials. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An 11-foot alligator in Florida that killed a 61-year-old canoer near Lake Kissimmee last year was later found and euthanized, according to state wildlife officials. A report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, obtained this week by ClickOrlando, provides the most in-depth look yet at the shocking encounter that killed Cynthia Diekema of Davenport. On May 6, Diekema and her husband were canoeing in Tiger Creek when they encountered an 11-foot, 4-inch alligator. The couple had seen multiple alligators during their voyage and Diekema told her husband it looked like they were about to go right over top of one, according to officials. The canoe passed over the gators back, which startled the animal. open image in gallery Officials found and euthanized the alligator that fatally bit Cynthia Diekema, 61, of Davenport, last year ( Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ) "The alligator thrashed and tipped the canoe over, and both individuals ended up in the water," Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Evan Laskowski said at the time of the incident. That spooked that alligator because it doesnt know whats going on or what just touched itand when a gator of that size decides to move, it happens fast, Brandon Fisher, an alligator expert at the Gatorland wildlife park, told CBS 12 of the findings. Once the pair were in the water, the alligator clamped onto Diekemas midsection, as her husband fought in vain to free her. The gator then did a death roll maneuver and dragged her under water. open image in gallery Fatal alligator bites are rare, and those in alligator-prone waters are advised to keep their distance and swim in designated areas during daylight hours ( Bruce Bennett/Getty Images ) The husband was able to flag down an airboater to call for help, and wildlife officers and a trapper later found and euthanized the alligator. They appear to have dispatched the animal shortly after the bite took place. Diekemas remains were found, but her right arm was never recovered, WESH reports. Serious unprovoked alligator bites on humans are rare. Between 1984 and 2022, there were 339 major bites, resulting in 27 deaths. Those in areas with known alligator populations are avoided to keep a safe distance, keep pets on a leash, and swim in designated areas during daylight hours. The state of Florida issues tags to hunters allowing them to remove gators that are four feet or longer. State officials have a toll-free nuisance alligator hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Legendary late-night host David Letterman tore into his former network home of CBS this week, accusing the broadcaster of letting idiots turn CBS News into a wreck under its new leadership. CBS News is a wreck, Letterman said in a video posted Friday on his YouTube channel. Its just gone. Letterman accused CBS News, which recently installed conservative commentator Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief, of abandoning the legacy it built with well-regarded broadcasters like Edward Murrow. It was that mentality that drove the integrity of CBS News that has been trampled on, pissed on, and eviscerated by these idiots that have taken it over, Letterman added. And I am at a point now where it really is hurting my feelings because Im sick and tired of people saying, Oh, wait until those midterms. Kids, were far downstream from the midterms having any effect on this. The Independent has contacted CBS for comment. open image in gallery Letterman accused his former network of allowing idiots in management to undermine the legendary reputation it established under broadcasters like Ed Murrow ( Getty Images for RRHOF ) The network has been under scrutiny over the last year or so, thanks to a series of business moves that critics saw as undermining its editorial integrity to be more friendly to the Trump administration. Last summer, CBS Newss then-parent company paid to settle a lawsuit from Donald Trump over the editing of a 60 Minutes episode, as the companys pending merger with Skydance, which needed federal approval, was in the balance. By August, Paramounts merger officially closed with Skydance, a company headed by David Ellison, son of the billionaire Oracle co-founder and Trump supporter Larry Ellison. The new leadership soon installed Weiss to lead CBS News, who lacked broadcast TV news experience and was previously known for founding The Free Press, a news site that often skewered the woke politics of the left. open image in gallery Under the leadership of new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, CBS News has made controversial moves like pausing a segment on Trump administration deportations to a brutal Salvadoran prison ( Getty ) Under Weiss, the network has made a number of controversial calls, prompting anger from newsroom staff, they have told The Independent. Those included pulling a highly anticipated 60 Minutes segment shortly before airtime about the Trump administrations summary deportation of hundreds of migrants to a brutal Salvadorian prison where they said they were tortured. Under new CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil, the broadcast has embraced a more flattering tone towards the administration, according to critics. Staffers told The Independent that recent broadcasts, such as one where Dokoupil said he salutes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, resembled state TV. The Assyrian Heritage of Lebanon Three hundred and fifty years separate us from the last medieval Maronite epigraph, that of Our Lady of Ilige dated 1277 and the new inscription, dated 1628, at Mar Chalita of Ghosta, which marks the beginning of a renaissance that Lebanon was to experience under Ottoman rule. These two epigraphs are among the finest in their calligraphy, whether in Estrangelo or Serto script, and both demonstrate a remarkable mastery of the Syriac language. Mar Chalita is the Syriac name of Saint Artemius, a fourth-century Roman general from Antioch. The name Chalita means "the governor," from the Syriac verb "chlat" (to rule, to govern). A destroyer of idols and hated by the people of Alexandria, who denounced him, Mar Chalita was martyred under Emperor Julian in Antioch around 362--3. Several churches and monasteries in Lebanon are dedicated to this saint, the most important being those of Qbayet and Ghosta. The founding of the monastery The monastery of Mar Chalita of Ghosta is also known as Moqbes. According to the Maronite bishop Theodore of Ain-Qoura (Aqoura), it was founded in 1192 by a Frankish knight, nicknamed Bacchus by the Lebanese. As recounted in a fourteenth century manuscript written by Maronite Bishop Theodoros and preserved in Bkerke, Bacchus, acting as a representative of King Philip II Augustus of France (1180--1223), endowed the church with several ornaments, including a gold cross. Like most of Keserwan, which included today's Metn district, the Mar Chalita Monastery was razed to the ground during the Mamluk genocide of 1305. Its decimated population fled to the northern regions between Tannourine and Bcharre. It was only after the Mamluks withdrew before the advancing Ottomans in 1516 that Christians began to return and rebuild their villages after two centuries of desolation. As elsewhere in Keserwan, the Chouf, and Jezzine, people had to dig deep into the ground to find the foundations of their old villages and churches. This long process of rebuilding and then modernizing lasted four centuries, until the First World War, reaching its peak under the rule of Fakhreddin II the Great (1592--1635). The deed of purchase of the land of Mar Chalita, dated 1615. The reconstruction of the monastery It was at this time, in 1615, that a Garshune purchase deed was drawn up, by one Joseph, son of Mohasseb, of the site in Ghosta where the ruins of the medieval monastery of Mar Chalita had been discovered. The monastery was rebuilt in 1628 by the priest John Mohasseb, as stated in the Garshune epigraph carved over the church entrance. In 1670, Patriarch George of Bsebeel died there and was buried in the monastery. His successor, Patriarch Estephanos Douaihy, also resided there briefly. The church was renovated in 1672 during restoration work undertaken by the priest Sarguis. This is recorded in one of the many inscriptions now inserted in the nave of the church. It reads in Garshune script: "In the name of God, in the year 1672 of Our Lord, this holy sanctuary was renovated, in the time of our lord Patriarch Estephanos the Antiochian..." The epigraph of 1628 The main epigraph, carved around a cross at the church entrance, dates from 1628. It is the first Maronite inscription to appear after three centuries of silence since the epigraph of Our Lady of Ilige (1276--77). The centuries of Mamluk rule created a cultural void, bringing the construction of churches, schools, and monasteries to a standstill. Syriac inscriptions stopped in 1277 and did not reappear until after 1628. This long period of desolation left deep marks on Lebanon's population and its Church. The Garshune inscription over the church entrance, dated 1628. We see significant changes. Before the Mamluks, all stone inscriptions were in Syriac, whereas in the seventeenth century they also used Arabic written in Garshune. Monumental script, i.e. square Estrangelo script, gave way to the cursive Serto script. Intaglio writing disappeared, replaced by the technique of raised relief letters favored by the Muslim tradition of the Arabs and Turks. The epitaph of 1670 Among the structures of the Mar Chalita Monastery stands a rock left in its raw natural state. It has a medallion engraved in Syriac inscription of exceptionally fine calligraphy. The contrast with the raw stone is striking. The language used is Syriac, not Garshune as in the other church epigraphs. This is the epitaph dedicated to Patriarch George of Bsebeel, who died at Mar Chalita in 1670. The Assyrian inscription on the epitaph, dated April 12, 1670. This renowned patriarch was mentioned in 1918 by French consul Rene Ristelhueber in his account of the 1660 journey to the Levant by the knight Laurent d'Arvieux. Ristelhueber wrote: "Then he went to the patriarchal seat of Qannoubine, where Monsignor George of Bsebeel received him with great honors. Tall, blond, with a countenance both cheerful and dignified. The patriarch was possessed with wit and refined and engaging manners. D'Arvieux was pleasantly surprised to see, in the sacristy, a large portrait of Louis XIV." His epitaph carved in the rock medallion reads: "Glory to God. Here rests George Peter, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites, of Bsebeel. In the year of the Lord 1670, on the 12th of Nisan (April)." From 1276 to 1628 The sculptor demonstrated great skill, both in his command of the Syriac language, its syntax, and in the quality of the carving. The letters are fluid and dynamic. The medallion organically curves upward to include a cross. The text uses typical Syriac abbreviations to fit the circular shape: techbou for techbouhto (glory), patri for patriarko, and d'Antio for d'Antiokia. Three hundred and fifty years separate us from the last medieval Maronite epigraph, that of Our Lady of Ilige, dated 1276--77 and the new inscription at Mar Chalita of Ghosta, dated 1628, which marks the beginning of a renaissance Lebanon was to experience under Ottoman rule. These two epigraphs are among the finest in their calligraphy, whether in Estrangelo or Serto script, and both demonstrate a remarkable mastery of the Syriac language and stone carving. Dr. Amine Jules Iskandar is an architect, teacher, President of the Syriac Maronite Union -- Tur Levnon and Head of External Relations of the Syriac Union Party in Lebanon. Lebanese soldiers inspect damage to residential buildings and cars following Israeli airstrikes in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon, Jan. 12, 2026. The Israeli forces carried out on Sunday afternoon airstrikes on the village of Kfar Hatta in southern Lebanon's Litani River area, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out more than 35 airstrikes in three waves, firing around 70 missiles at Hezbollah positions and residential buildings in Kfar Hatta. The strikes caused extensive destruction, damaging dozens of homes. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Lebanese government employee was killed Sunday night in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported. The strike, carried out by an Israeli drone using a guided missile, targeted a car in southern Lebanon's Bint Jbeil city, according to the report. A local newspaper identified the victim as Mohammad Adel al Saghir, a resident of Bint Jbeil. Earlier in the day, Israeli warplanes launched intensive raids north of the Litani River, according to Lebanese sources. A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out more than 35 airstrikes in three waves, firing around 70 missiles at Hezbollah positions and residential buildings in the village of Kfar Hatta. The strikes caused extensive destruction, damaging dozens of homes. These airstrikes come as Israel continues its attacks on Lebanon despite a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel that took effect on Nov. 27, 2024. Israel claims its attacks are aimed at removing Hezbollah "threats," and maintains the presence of its forces at five main points in the Lebanese border area. This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2026 shows residential buildings destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon. The Israeli forces carried out on Sunday afternoon airstrikes on the village of Kfar Hatta in southern Lebanon's Litani River area, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out more than 35 airstrikes in three waves, firing around 70 missiles at Hezbollah positions and residential buildings in Kfar Hatta. The strikes caused extensive destruction, damaging dozens of homes. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) A Lebanese soldier (1st R) inspects damage to residential buildings and cars following Israeli airstrikes in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon, Jan. 12, 2026. The Israeli forces carried out on Sunday afternoon airstrikes on the village of Kfar Hatta in southern Lebanon's Litani River area, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out more than 35 airstrikes in three waves, firing around 70 missiles at Hezbollah positions and residential buildings in Kfar Hatta. The strikes caused extensive destruction, damaging dozens of homes. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2026 shows residential buildings and vehicles destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon. The Israeli forces carried out on Sunday afternoon airstrikes on the village of Kfar Hatta in southern Lebanon's Litani River area, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out more than 35 airstrikes in three waves, firing around 70 missiles at Hezbollah positions and residential buildings in Kfar Hatta. The strikes caused extensive destruction, damaging dozens of homes. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2026 shows residential buildings and vehicles destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon. The Israeli forces carried out on Sunday afternoon airstrikes on the village of Kfar Hatta in southern Lebanon's Litani River area, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out more than 35 airstrikes in three waves, firing around 70 missiles at Hezbollah positions and residential buildings in Kfar Hatta. The strikes caused extensive destruction, damaging dozens of homes. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) A Lebanese soldier inspects damage to residential buildings and cars following Israeli airstrikes in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon, Jan. 12, 2026. The Israeli forces carried out on Sunday afternoon airstrikes on the village of Kfar Hatta in southern Lebanon's Litani River area, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out more than 35 airstrikes in three waves, firing around 70 missiles at Hezbollah positions and residential buildings in Kfar Hatta. The strikes caused extensive destruction, damaging dozens of homes. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jake Tapper pressed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Sunday to explain how the administration was going to guarantee a fair investigation into Jonathan Ross, an ICE agent who was seen on video shooting a woman in her car in Minneapolis last week. The shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, prompted hundreds of thousands of Americans to protest across the country this weekend. Ross can be heard on his own cell phone video calling Good a f***ing b**** before firing into the vehicle as it appears to turn away from his direction. Whether the officer was struck by the side of the car is unclear. The secretary attempted to blame Democrats and the media for prejudging the officers guilt, but had no response when the State of the Union host questioned whether the administrations stalwart defense of the officers actions would harm future investigations. open image in gallery Secretary Kristi Noem couldn't say why it was wrong for Democrats to prejudge the guilt of an ICE officer who shot and killed a woman in Minnesota when the administration was doing the same thing ( CNN - State of the Union ) Noem instead spent the interview attempting to draw Tapper away from his own questions and insisting that it was, in fact, the media that was making Americans less safe. After she insisted once again that the officer fired his weapon to protect himself, even as Goods vehicle was clearly turning away from him, Tapper asked her whether those comments did the officer a disservice by complicating or tainting the investigation. I'm wondering if you're not doing a disservice to the officer by reaching a conclusion before the investigation takes place, he suggested. I havent heard you say once what a disservice its done for Mayor Frey to get up, and say get ICE to get the F out of my city, and [Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] to stand up before she had any of the facts and called this officer a murderer, Noem replied. Tapper shot back that Frey was literally his next guest on the show. The back-and-forth between the two continued for several minutes, with Noem deflecting and dodging every question Tapper asked. open image in gallery DC residents held signs in remembrance of Renee Nicole Good during an anti-ICE protest in Lafayette Square ( AFP via Getty Images ) The question is: What was she doing when she was moving her car? Tapper said, referring to the central issue of whether Good was intending to strike any ICE agents with her car. Noem deflected: The question is, why are we arguing with a president who is working to keep people safe? Her interview comes as public sentiment seems to be coalescing against the administration. Vice President JD Vance, who mounted his response on X, has both called Goods death a tragedy while also accusing her of engaging in domestic terrorism. The DHS account warned on Saturday that anyone who laid a finger on a member of federal law enforcement would be dealt with harshly. A poll first reported by Axios found ICEs reputation cratering, even before the shooting. Support for abolishing the agency entirely is closing in on the share of Americans who oppose it. Democrats have loudly condemned the shooting of Good and accused the administration of packing ICEs ranks with untrained novices as part of the White House fervor to meet mass deportation goals set by the president and his close adviser, Stephen Miller. open image in gallery Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent identified as the man who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good ( Screengrab ) In return, the White House and associated federal agencies have accused the media of failing Americans by reporting the story under a supposedly dishonest lens. Vance has led the charge on that push, something Noem echoed on CNN. I think a lot of people, and even you yourself, called this situation something very different and untruthful about what it was, she insisted to Tapper. As Noem insisted that Tapper was wrong to say she was lying about what was seen on the video of the shooting, Noem told Tapper that her remarks were factual before immediately being caught changing her story. The secretary said in her initial statement about the shooting that officers were attempting to push out their vehicle when it was stuck in the snow, and Good supposedly attacked the agents. As she responded to Tapper, Noem changed her language slightly: They were there, pushing out a vehicle earlier- But thats not what you said, a frustrated Tapper responded. open image in gallery Federal agents including Border Patrol are seen confronting protesters in Minneapolis after the shooting of Renee Nicole Good ( Reuters ) Internally, the administration is reported to be wrestling with its public image as the video of the shooting spread worldwide. Multiple nights of protest in cities including but not limited to Minneapolis, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles reflect a level of anger that hasnt been witnessed in a similar widespread fashion since the May 2020 murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, which sparked massive demonstrations in dozens of cities throughout that summer. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Some White House insiders are stunned by the Trump administrations rapid response to the deadly Minneapolis shooting and are concerned that it could undermine confidence in the investigation, according to a new Politico report. Just hours after Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the 37-year-old mom of domestic terrorism, prompting concern from within the administration and among current and former ICE officials, the report says. Insiders fear, according to the report, that her message risks undermining public confidence in the ongoing investigation and expanding the credibility gap between the public and the immigration agency. Do I think its domestic terrorism? Yeah, I do, a Politico source close to the White House said. But it might not have been wise to say that at the outset, how [Noem] said it. open image in gallery A memorial for Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this week ( AFP via Getty Images ) Shortly after the shooting, Noem hosted a press conference where she said Good weaponized her vehicle against the ICE agents at the scene and committed an act of domestic terrorism. Democrats and several local officials were quick to condemn the shooting and push back on the Trump administrations characterization of the event. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the domestic terrorism claims bulls***, in a post on X shared Thursday. Several videos have since been released of the incident, including footage shared by the DHS on Saturday that appears to show the minutes that led up to the fatal shooting. The agency asserted Good was STALKING and IMPEDING a law enforcement operation in a social media post accompanying the video. Another administration official told Politco the wildly different interpretations of the footage offered up by Democrats and Republicans will only enhance political tensions. I dont know how we recover from this, an unnamed administration official told Politico. The administration official also pointed to Thursdays incident in Portland, Oregon, in which Border Patrol agents shot two people. Politico reports the official was more sympathetic to the Portland shooting because it happened during a targeted operation, but they conceded that the two incidents will likely be associated with each other. open image in gallery Kristi Noem accused Renee Nicole Good of domestic terrorism within hours of her death. ( AP ) This is highly problematic and not a good look and not something our government should be remotely engaged in, the official added, referring to the Minneapolis shooting. Whatever outcome this investigation produces, I dont see how anyones gonna believe it when the secretary already is firmly and doubled down on a conclusion without knowing all the facts, John Sandweg, a former ICE director under President Barack Obama, told Politico. Politicos source close to the White House also praised border czar Tom Homan, who told CBS Evenings earlier this week that he would not comment on the shooting because of the ongoing investigation. Homan had a very mature response, and a thoughtful, professional way of dealing with it, the source told the outlet. When asked about these concerns, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin pointed The Independent toward a video shared by Vice President JD Vance of the incident, and said the footage "corroborates what Secretary Noem has stated all alongthat this individual was impeding law enforcement and weaponized her vehicle in an attempt to kill or cause bodily harm to federal law enforcement." The officer was in fear of his own life, the lives of his fellow officers and acted in self-defense. The American people can watch this video with their own eyes and ears and judge for themselves. If you weaponize a vehicle, a deadly weapon to kill or cause bodily harm to a federal law enforcement officer that is an act of domestic terrorism and will be prosecuted as such," she added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Colorado Governor Jared Polis is considering whether to grant clemency to Tina Peters, a former elections clerk who is serving a nine-year prison sentence for her role in a 2020 election security breach. On Thursday, Polis described Peters sentence to CBS Colorado as harsh, particularly given her age. Polis, who was convicted on seven charges, including four felonies for unauthorized access to election machines, is a 70-year-old lung cancer survivor. We always look at peoples sentences, and when you have people that are elderly, and were looking at this across a number of people people in their 70s and their 80s in our system how much of a threat to society are they? Polis told the outlet. And we balance that in a way that makes sure that they can spend their last few years at home. In December, Trump claimed to have pardoned Peters, but it was largely symbolic and has no legal effect since presidents can only pardon federal crimes. God Bless Tina Peters, who is now, for two years out of nine, sitting in a Colorado Maximum Security Prison, at the age of 73, and sick, for the crime of trying to stop the massive voter fraud that goes on in her State (where people are leaving in record numbers!), Trump said in a New Years Eve Truth Social post. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is considering clemency for Tina Peters, 70, who is currently serving nine years for a 2021 election data breach, which he called 'harsh' ( Getty Images ) Hard to wish her a Happy New Year, but to the Scumbag Governor, and the disgusting Republican (RINO!) DA, who did this to her (nothing happens to the Dems and their phony Mail In Ballot System that makes it impossible for a Republican to win an otherwise very winnable State!), Trump continued. I wish them only the worst. May they rot in Hell. FREE TINA PETERS! Before the public outburst, the Trump administration had denied Colorado emergency funding, escalating tensions with Polis. District Attorney for the Twenty-First Judicial District of Colorado, Dan Rubinstein, told Colorado Public Radio on Friday that, to his understanding, Polis has made no decisions and is intending to meet with many others before making a final decision. Peters attorney, Peter Ticktin, also told the outlet that they have requested a pardon and that he agreed with Polis comments. Governor Polis is correct. The sentence was harsh. We are thankful that he is looking at this more fairly, Ticktin told CPR. Peters parole date is set for December 2028, but could be moved earlier under the Department of Corrections earned time policy. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Cuba, declaring the island nation would receive zero oil or money from Venezuela after joking that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be its next president. THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA ZERO! Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform early Sunday morning. I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, Trump added. Trumps plan for Venezuelas massive oil reserve has started to become clearer in recent days. While the South American country has been Cubas largest oil supplier, after the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Trump convinced the countrys interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, to send between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the U.S. Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela, Trump wrote. In return, Cuba provided Security Services for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE! Trumps stern warning on social media came after the president shared a screenshot of another persons lighthearted post reading, Marco Rubio will be president of Cuba. To which Trump added, Sounds good to me! President Donald Trump joked on social media Sunday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would become Cubas next president ( Getty Images ) The Secretary of States popularity and odds of becoming the next president have soared since U.S. forces captured the Venezuelan leader. The chances of Rubio becoming the next president went from just 4 percent last month to 9 percent last Monday, according to Polymarket. Rubio, however, still lags dramatically behind Vice President JD Vance in the race to be Trumps successor on the Republican ticket, with Vance ahead of him with 30 percent chances. All eyes have been on Cuba in the days since U.S. forces extradited the Venezuelan leader, as the two countries are close allies and trading partners. Since the capture of Maduro last weekend, Republican leaders have signaled that Cubas communist regime may soon fall. While U.S. intelligence has suggested Cubas political and economic situation is dire, its assessment has shown no clear support for Trumps prediction that the island is ready to fall, Reuters reported, citing three people familiar with the confidential assessments. A day after the U.S. captured Maduro, Rubio issued a warning to Cuba, telling NBC News Meet the Press that he thinks the country is in a lot of trouble. Im not going to talk to you about what our future steps are going to be and our polices are going to be right now in this regard, Rubio said. But I don 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 Maduro. Meanwhile, the loss of Venezuelan oil has been devastating for Cuba. Between January and November last year, Venezuela sent an average of 27,000 barrels a day to the island, accounting for about 50 percent of the countrys oil deficit, according to data from the Venezuelan oil company PDVSA. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump is set to be briefed this week by senior administration officials on his options to respond to widespread anti-government protests in Iran, according to a report. Trump will be briefed Tuesday on specific routes of response to the protests, suggesting that he is considering reprimanding the regime for cracking down on demonstrators, as he has previously warned he would do, sources told The Wall Street Journal. The president will meet with senior administration officials, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine to weigh the options, which include boosting anti-government sources online, utilizing secret cyber weapons, and placing more sanctions on the regime and military strikes, according to the report. At least 538 people are feared dead as a result of the anti-government protests, which started over two weeks ago, while over 10,600 others have been detained during the demonstrations, the Associated Press reported Sunday. A final decision on the course of action is not expected to come out of the meeting, according to the WSJ. On Sunday, Irans parliamentary speaker warned Trump that Tehran would target U.S. bases in the Middle East if Washington involved itself, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. open image in gallery Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran. Protests began in late December over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency ( Getty ) The Pentagon hasnt moved any forces to prepare for potential military strikes, and the U.S. recently moved the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group from the Mediterranean to Latin America, leaving no aircraft carrier in the Middle East or Europe. Republican Sen. Rand Paul warned against strikes in Iran on Sunday, after Trump previously threatened to bomb the country if it killed protesters demonstrating against its regime. The only problem I have with saying, Oh, were going to bomb Iran, is that sometimes it has the opposite effect, Paul told ABC News This Week. So, when you bomb a country, then people tend to rally around their own flag. They tend to see this is the you know, a foreign country coming in and bombing us. And so, I dont think it always has that effect. I wish, you know, the same as the president, I want success. I hope that the freedom movement survives, Paul added. The US-based rights group HRANA reported Sunday that the death toll has surpassed 500, and that more than 10,000 people had been arrested. open image in gallery President Donald Trump will be briefed this week on options to respond to widespread anti-government protests in Iran, according to a report ( Getty ) They noted difficulty sourcing reliable information amid Iran's nationwide internet blackout. Despite these difficulties, protesters continued taking to the streets in the countrys capital on Sunday morning. Online videos, likely transmitted via Starlink satellite transmitters, reportedly showed protesters gathering in northern Tehrans Punak neighborhood. The videos appeared to show authorities shutting off streets, with protesters waving their lit phones. The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said. Reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control. Other footage taken in Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, reportedly showed protesters confronting security forces. Meanwhile, Trump said on social media that the US stands ready to help Iranians protesting against clerical rule, after earlier warning that US forces were locked and loaded if demonstrators were killed. The demonstrations began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1, as the countrys economy struggles due to international sanctions, in part levied over its nuclear program. In the weeks since, the protests have intensified, with calls challenging Irans theocracy. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., has swapped out President Donald Trumps portrait and removed accompanying text that referenced his impeachments and the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, a new Washington Post report reveals. The White House shared photos of the new portrait earlier this week in a post on X. The original text accompanying the portrait was removed and replaced by a new placard that only lists the presidents years in office, the Post reports. The change comes after a Trump administration official complained about the accompanying text several months ago, according to the Post. The original text, which the Post reports was still available on the Smithsonians website as of Saturday, described Trumps path to the White House, the accomplishments of his first term, his two impeachments and the January 6 Capitol riots. The original text also noted that Trump lost the 2020 election to former President Joe Biden. open image in gallery President Donald Trump's new portrait in the National Portrait Gallery ( The White House/X ) Impeached twice, on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials, the original text reads, in part. When asked about the changes, a Smithsonian spokesperson told The Independent: "For some new exhibitions and displays, the museum has been exploring quotes or tombstone labels, which provide only general information, such as the artist's name." "The history of Presidential impeachments continues to be represented in our museums, including the National Museum of American History. The previous label of the National Portrait Gallery's portrait remains available on the museum's website," the spokesperson added Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle praised the new portrait, but did not respond to The Independents question about whether a Trump administration official requested any of these changes. For the first time in history, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery has hung up an iconic photo taken by the White House honoring President Trump. His unmatched aura will be seen and felt throughout the halls of the National Portrait Gallery, Ingle said. open image in gallery President Donald Trump's new portrait in the National Portrait Gallery ( The White House/X ) A White House official said the portrait was taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok, and that the museum can use photographs until an official portrait painting has been completed. This comes after the Smithsonian removed, but later reinstated, an exhibit about Trumps impeachments last summer. Museum officials said at the time they were "not asked by any administration or other government official to remove content from the exhibit and described the change as part of a routine replacement. Trump has also sought to put his name on a number of Washington, D.C., institutions, including the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Conservative commentators lit into Tucker Carlsons brother over the weekend, the latest sign of increasingly public tensions inside the wider MAGA world. The conflict kicked off on Saturday, when writer Eitan Fischberger, a critic of Carlsons views on Israel, claimed on X that an upcoming episode of Tucker Carlsons show featuring his brother, Buckley Carlson, would involve the Carlsons projecting their unresolved daddy issues and familial psychodrama onto the American public. Fischberger also posted a psychodrama bingo drinking game for viewers to play while following the eventual episode. Buckley Carlson responded with mockery of his own. So glad you will be watching, Eitan! he wrote. Do try and keep your clothes on...and your hands firmly on the keyboard. Can't recall if we mentioned you specifically by name, but we sure did talk about your kind. open image in gallery A recent public spat involving Tucker Carlsons brother is a reminder of the ongoing tensions inside the political right ( Tucker Carlson/X ) The spat soon roped in Laura Loomer, the conspiracy theorist and influential outside adviser to Trump. The [Turning Point USA] humiliation ritual continues. Tuckers brother recently accused [TPUSA executive Tyler Bowyer] of being a homosexual and often tweets attacks on President Trump and his biggest Allies, Loomer wrote. So naturally, Tucker is having him on his show. Im sure TPUSA will continue platforming Tucker and his associates though. Anything to not have moral clarity. Am I right? Buckley Carlson met this post by questioning how Loomer could have moral clarity, accusing her of being a relentless and bloodthirsty cheerleader of genocide, perpetual land-theft, US-focused espionage, blackmail, and extortion, a potential reference to her support for Israels war in Gaza, which some international observers have declared a genocide. The online sparring was a microcosm of a series of fiery clashes thatve been playing out for months within the right over the movement's future. open image in gallery Carlsons recent interview with Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes set off larger conversations about whether the right was platforming antisemites ( Rumble ) Once-prominent figures in Trumps MAGA movement like Marjorie Taylor Greene have split from the president and in Greenes case, resigned from Congress altogether accusing him of violating past promises by pursuing interventionist foreign policy and fighting to block the release of the Epstein files. Over the fall, Tucker Carlson was involved in another intra-right battle, this time over his interview with Nick Fuentes. The interview sparked divisions within the broader conservative movement, with some figures, like commentator Ben Shapiro, sharply criticizing Carlson, while others, like the Heritage Foundation, affirmed their affiliation with Carlson despite the backlash. Shapiro, during a December Turning Point USA conference, tore into fellow commentators on the right like Carlson, Fuentes, and Candace Owens, blasting how a Hitler apologist like Fuentes could have a platform in the movement, while criticizing those spreading conspiracy theories tying Israel to the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. More recently, Carlson took his fellow conservatives to task for their highly partisan response to an ICE agent fatally shooting a civilian in Minneapolis, accusing them of trying to score political points and failing to see Renee Goods death through a human lens. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Utah public schools have banned Gregory Maguires 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, for good. The dark fantasy that reimagined author L. Frank Baums The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, from the wicked witchs perspective, is now among dozens of titles from the Utah State Board of Educations list of banned books. Wicked, along with Stephen Chboskys Perks of Being a Wallflower and Jodi Picoults Nineteen Minutes, was reportedly added to the statewide list on Monday. The move is in accordance wth Utahs Sensitive Materials Law. The law was originally passed in 2022 and amended in 2024 to identify and remove pornographic or indecent material. The novel was first removed in the Davis County, Tooele County and Washington County School Districts, local outlet KUTV reported. Since three school districts found the book to contain objective sensitive materials, it was banned statewide. open image in gallery Utah public schools have banned Gregory Maguires 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, for good ( Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images ) Despite the popular Wicked films that are based on Maguires book being PG, the author admitted his novel is different from the movies and the Wicked Broadway show. He said his book is completely not for children, in a November 2024 MassLive interview. I purposefully put somewhat raunchy material in the first few pages of Wicked, the novel, to show what people were getting into. The Independent has reached out to Maguire and the Utah State Board of Education for comment. Utahs book bans have been challenged in court by some of the affected authors. open image in gallery Gregory Maguire previously admitted his novel is completely not for children ( John Moore/Getty Images ) The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah filed a lawsuit earlier this week on behalf of authors Elana K. Arnold, Ellen Hopkins and Amy Reed, as well as the estate of author Kurt Vonnegut, claiming the states book-banning efforts violate the First Amendment. The right to read and the right to free speech are inseparable. The First Amendment protects our freedom to read, learn, and share ideas free from unconstitutional censorship, Tom Ford, attorney at the ACLU of Utah, said in a statement. The banning of books is a nationwide issue, with the literary freedom advocacy group PEN America keeping tabs on book bans since at least 2021. According to the groups Index of School Book Bans for 2024 through 2025, there were more than 6,700 novels banned within school districts nationwide. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Human remains have been discovered in Australia's southeast, police confirmed on Sunday, as devastating bushfires continue to rage for days. The infernos have already destroyed numerous buildings, left thousands of homes without power, and scorched vast tracts of bushland across the region. These uncontrolled blazes, exacerbated by a summer heatwave, have consumed over 350,000 hectares (860,000 acres) of bushland across Victoria state since the middle of the week. More than 300 structures, including residential properties, have been obliterated, plunging thousands into darkness. Authorities have warned that these are the most severe fires to hit the southeast since the catastrophic 2019-2020 Black Summer blazes, which devastated an area the size of Turkey and claimed 33 lives. The human remains were found by a vehicle near the town of Longwood, some 110 km (70 miles) north of the state capital Melbourne, Victoria police said in a statement, adding that the victim was not yet identified. That fire, one of the largest burning on Sunday, has already destroyed properties, vineyards and agricultural land. Victoria's premier, Jacinta Allan, said more than 30 fires were burning across the state. In neighbouring New South Wales, which includes Sydney, several fires close to the Victorian border were burning at the highest danger rating, the state's Rural Fire Service said. A burnt car stands at a property during a bushfire in Longwood, Victoria, Australia, January 9, 2026 ( AAP ) The chief fire officer of Forest Fire Management Victoria, Chris Hardman, said it would likely take firefighters weeks to get the upper hand on the fires. "These fires will not be contained before it gets hot, dry and windy again," Hardman told Australian Broadcasting Corporation television. Allan posted on X that a total fire ban was in place for Victoria as thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft battled the blazes. "Bushfire smoke is impacting air quality in many areas across Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne," she said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government would offer emergency funding to bushfire-hit residents as well as to farmers, who had the "extraordinary cost of undertaking immediate and emergency livestock fodder distribution". "It's estimated that thousands of head of cattle are likely to have been impacted," Albanese said in televised remarks. Close Trump expresses hope on 'good news' from peace talks between Ukraine and Russia On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ukraine has reportedly agreed to a new proposal for a multi-tiered response to Russian violations of a future ceasefire agreement. Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed that such an eventuality would involve a co-ordinated military response from both the US and Europe, officials told the Financial Times. According to the proposal, any Russian breach of a ceasefire would prompt a response within 24 hours, starting with a diplomatic warning and then, if necessary, action by the Ukrainian army to halt the infraction. Subsequent levels would involve forces from the Coalition of the Willing and, finally, the US. 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 meanwhile the war continues, with explosions ringing out in Kyiv on Monday night after a week-long pause requested by Trump. At least four people were wounded, official say, in attacks that damaged an apartment building and a kindergarten. TUNIS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia recorded over 1 billion dinars (about 350 million U.S. dollars) in financial losses at 11 public institutions and companies last year, according to an official report cited by the Tunisian presidency. The Tunisian Court of Auditors, which oversees the proper management of public funds, released its annual audit report on Friday, revealing numerous irregularities. In 11 public entities, total losses were estimated at approximately 1.07 billion dinars (nearly 369 million dollars). Among them are the airline Tunisair, whose losses were estimated at over 316 million dinars (about 111 million dollars), and the Office of Merchant Marine and Ports, whose losses reached nearly 291 million dinars (about 102 million dollars). The identified wrongdoings include the payment of salaries, bonuses and allowances without legal justification, coupled with inadequate control and oversight mechanisms. President Kais Saied stressed the need to hold those responsible accountable, warning that corruption has become deeply entrenched in many parts of the state. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Iran has threatened to attack US military targets if Donald Trump launches strikes over the countrys growing protests. The US president warned the Islamic Republic this week that the United States would hit them hard if protesters were killed, and is understood to be weighing up options for action within days. Hundreds of people have been killed on Irans streets as nationwide protests in 185 cities across all 31 provinces calling for an end to supreme leader Ali Khameneis rule continue to grow. But as international pressure on Iran mounts, Tehran escalated the crisis on Sunday by claiming it was ready to launch strikes against Israeli and US bases in the region. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said. open image in gallery Protests have spread from Tehran across the country with growing calls to topple the regime ( Getty ) In the UK, the government praised the bravery of the protesters as calls grew for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) to be proscribed. It takes real courage to speak up in an authoritarian system, especially for young women, but it should not require courage just to make your voice heard, said foreign secretary Yvette Cooper. These are fundamental rights: free speech; peaceful assembly; and the exercise of those rights should never come with the threat of violence or reprisals. Support is growing for a transition to be forced in Iran from the fundamentalist regime which has run the country since the fall of the Shah in 1979. Already, discussions appear to be underway over who should be installed to replace the regime with the late Shahs heir Reza Pahlavi often referred to as the Baby Shah being touted as a possible frontrunner. The protests started in Tehran's Grand Bazaar over failing economic policies in late December, before spreading to universities and other cities. open image in gallery Stop the Hate UK held a protest near Downing Street calling on Keir Starmer to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and free Iran from the Islamic Republic ( Reuters ) Mr Trump offered support for the protesters in a post on social media over the weekend: "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" The president will be given multiple options to help deal with the crisis during a briefing on Tuesday, from sanctions to military strikes, according to The Wall Street Journal. The US State Department also issued a statement warning Irans leadership not to play games with Mr Trump, adding when he says he'll do something, he means it. In Iran the death toll continues to rise as protests against the regime continue. US-based rights group HRANA (Human Rights Activists News Agency) reported the number of casualties had soared to as high as 544 on Sunday, with more than 10,000 arrested. However, human rights organisations cautioned that an ongoing blackout is making it tricky to verify and record deaths properly. The Independent has seen video that includes the sound of continuous gunfire while eyewitness accounts shared with activists Twitter accounts via Starlink describe widespread slaughter. One person, reportedly speaking from the Narmak neighbourhood in the northeast of the capital, said the regime opened fire on crowds. I saw all the streets covered in bloodstains. They were washing the blood of this countrys children off the asphalt with high-pressure water after massacring them. There were bloodstains on all the city streets, the unnamed person said. Another added that mobile and landline calls are not working and that the regime is sending texts warning citizens not to leave their homes because armed terrorists are out. Shops are empty and food is running out. In the west of Iran on Thursday, the last time most areas had mobile network access, one man told The Independent that fuel was also scarce: The situation is terrible, but everyone is optimistic that the regime will fall. With Iran once again threatening action against Israel, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called top advisers and ministers together for a preliminary security consultation on Sunday. The Israel Defense Forces was said to be staying operationally prepared to respond if needed amid fears of a widening crisis in the Middle East, but was treating the anti-regime protests as an internal Iranian affair for now. open image in gallery Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has shown no sign of backing down ( AP ) In the UK, the government faced calls to proscribe the IRGC as thousands took to the streets in London in a demonstration supporting regime change. Laila Jazayeri, director of the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK, said the IRGC had already gone too far. Speaking at the demonstration on Sunday, she said: The prime minister should prescribe the deadly force IRGC, that is killing people inside Iran. Cabinet minister Heidi Alexander said the British government has always viewed Iran as a hostile state and was looking at the situation, while holding out hope an alternative solution to force could still be reached. "It's a concerning situation there and we would like to see anything that happens in future involving a peaceful transition where people can enjoy fundamental freedoms and we see proper democratic values back in the heart of Iran." open image in gallery Donald Trump is said to be weighing up military options to deal with Iran ( AFP via Getty Images ) Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said it would be right for the US to help oust the Islamic Republic's leadership and indicated she would support RAF involvement if necessary. She told BBC One's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "You've seen the recent RAF strikes, for instance, in Syria. Without over speculating we are talking about hypothetical situations we have worked in alliance with other countries. "I think this has to be something that we do with a broad coalition of countries. That is the right way to do it, and to make sure that we create a stable Iran." She said Iran would very happily wipe out the UK if it felt it could get away with it and I don't have an issue with removing a regime that is trying to harm us. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Irans exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has accused the Tehran regime of killing an Iranian protester every 14 seconds as he declared the slaughter has not stopped. Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah, said that the Islamic Republic will fall soon and called on the international community to support the Iranian people in the face of a brutal crackdown. His comments came after the US moved the nuclear-powered USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to the Middle East, a signal of mounting tensions between Washington and Iran. Trump has warned the regime to halt the killing of protesters but appeared to step back from military action earlier this week, saying he had received assurances that planned executions were not taking place. open image in gallery Reza Pahlavi has called for action from the international community ( The Independent ) The Iranian people are taking decisive action on the ground. It is now time for the international community to join them fully, Pahlavi said, vowing that he would return to Iran because he is uniquely positioned to ensure a stable transition. The regime will fall. Stand with the people now or watch the cycle of instability continue, he continued. Addressing the international community, he said: My brave compatriots ... we need your urgent help right now. The American warship and its strike group have moved west from the Indo-Pacific region, satellite data from Copernicus shows, carrying with it fighter jets, guided missile destroyers and an attack submarine. The Trump administration had warned Tehran there would be grave consequences if there was further bloodshed in Tehran, after serious unrest in Iran saw the death toll surpass 2,500. Pahlavi claimed that 12,000 Iranians had been killed since the protests began late last month. The protests began over economic grievances before spiralling into some of the most widespread and deadly protests in years. However, the unrest appears to have receded in recent days, largely due to an internet blackout. open image in gallery Iranians engaged in some of the most widespread protests in Irans recent history ( AP ) Fears also grew that hundreds of Iranians were set to be executed by the Iranian regime, which in 2025 carried out nearly twice as many executions as it did in 2024. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Trump had received assurances that 800 scheduled executions were halted, but that the president was keeping all of his options on the table. Erfan Soltani, 26, was named by Norway-based Kurdish human rights organisation Hengaw as the first Iranian scheduled for execution in relation to the protests. His family had been told he faced execution on Wednesday, just days after he was arrested. But Irans judiciary later denied it had scheduled his execution. It said Mr Soltani faced charges of colluding against national security" and propaganda activities, but that neither is punishable by the death penalty, according to state broadcaster IRIB. open image in gallery Tehran has denied that protester Erfan Soltani was due to be executed ( Hengaw ) An internet and phone blackout imposed by the Iranian regime during the protests has meant that information leaving the country since last Thursday has been scarce. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said earlier this week that the blackout would be lifted, without providing a timeframe. It appears to have been partially relaxed, with some Iranians able to call people outside the country, and accounts of the violence are now becoming clearer. Several residents of Tehran said the capital had been quiet since Sunday. They said drones were flying over the city, where theyd seen no sign of protests on Thursday or Friday. One woman in Tehran told Reuters over the phone that her daughter was killed on Friday after joining a demonstration near their home. She was 15 years old. She was not a terrorist, not a rioter. Basij forces followed her as she was trying to return home, she said, referring to a branch of the security forces often used to quell unrest. Hengaw said that there had been no protest gatherings since Sunday, but the security environment remains highly restrictive. open image in gallery More than 2,400 protesters have been killed by Iranian forces ( Middle East Images ) Our independent sources confirm a heavy military and security presence in cities and towns where protests previously took place, as well as in several locations that did not experience major demonstrations, the group said in comments to Reuters. But there have been indications of some minor unrest in certain areas. A nurse was killed by direct gunfire from government forces during protests in Karaj, west of Tehran, according to Hengaw. The state-affiliated Tasnim news outlet reported that rioters set fire to a local education office in Falavarjan County, in central Isfahan Province, on Thursday. An elderly resident of a town in Irans northwestern region, where many Kurdish Iranians live and which has been the focus for many of the biggest flare-ups, said sporadic protests had continued, though not as intensely. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has warned Iran that the US is ready to help protesters in the Islamic Republic on a day the countrys clerical regime tightened its clampdown on demonstrations, with claims that 100 armed rioters were arrested. More than 100 people are feared to have been killed in the protests, which have swept across the country after starting two weeks ago. On Saturday, following a night of protest in several cities, including the capital Tehran, the Iranian attorney general warned that anyone taking part would be considered an enemy of God, a sentence that carries the death penalty. On the same day, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also accused terrorists of targeting military and law enforcement bases, while the countrys army said it would join the crackdown to firmly safeguard national interests. Iranian media reported that 100 armed rioters had been arrested. However, on Saturday night, Iranian protesters returned to the streets, according to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which described the gatherings as scattered, short-lived and fluid due to the threat from security forces. Despite the internet being down and phone lines cut off in the country, the organisation claims to have confirmed 116 people killed in the protests, including seven aged under 18. More than 2,638 people have been arrested, including 327 on Saturday, the group added. On Saturday evening, Mr Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! open image in gallery The supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ( AP ) Earlier in the day, US secretary of state Marco Rubio wrote on the social platform X: "The United States supports the brave people of Iran." It was Mr Trumps second threat against Tehran on Friday he said if Irans regime violently kills peaceful protesters the US will come to their rescue. On Saturday, The Wall Street Journal reported that officials from Mr Trumps administration had had preliminary discussions on how to carry out an attack on Iran, if required. According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran, cities across Iran had witnessed widespread demonstrations and confrontations on Friday. Footage posted on social media showed large crowds gathered in Tehran and fires lit in the street at night. State media said a municipal building was set on fire in Karaj, west of Tehran, and blamed "rioters". State TV broadcast footage of funerals of members of the security forces it said were killed in protests in the cities of Shiraz, Qom and Hamedan. Meanwhile, a doctor in northwestern Iran said that since Friday large numbers of injured protesters had been brought to hospitals. Some were badly beaten, suffering head injuries and broken legs and arms, as well as deep cuts. open image in gallery Anti-government protests in Tehran on Friday ( Reuters ) Iranian state TV has also reported security force casualties while portraying control over the nation. On Saturday, dozens of people were accused of disrupting public order and using firearms and other weapons against security forces and law enforcement, according to the governor of Baharestan, in Tehran province. The exiled son of Iran's last shah, Reza Pahlavi, who has emerged as a prominent voice in the fragmented opposition, made his strongest call yet for the protests to broaden into a revolt to topple the clerical rulers. In a video posted on X, US-based Mr Pahlavi, 65, whose father was toppled as Iran's shah in the 1979 revolution, said the Islamic Republic would be brought "to its knees". Iran's rulers have weathered repeated bouts of unrest, including student protests in 1999, conflict over a disputed election in 2009, against economic hardships in 2019, and in 2022 over the death in custody of a woman accused of violating dress codes. open image in gallery Members of the Iranian community filled the road opposite the Iranian Embassy in London on Saturday ( Photo by Amanda Rose / Avalon ) Also on Saturday, demonstrations in solidarity with the protesters took place across the world, including in London, where a protester climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian embassy. Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said those speaking out against the Iranian government should not face the threat of violence or reprisals. She said: It takes real courage to speak up in an authoritarian system, especially for young women, but it should not require courage just to make your voice heard. These are fundamental rights: free speech; peaceful assembly; and the exercise of those rights should never come with the threat of violence or reprisals. That is why the UK, France and Germany made the statement we did, and we urge the Iranian authorities to listen. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In grainy mobile footage allegedly taken in Iran, people are seen crying as they move between more than a dozen bodies, laid out in body bags on the floor. The clip is said to have been filmed at a makeshift morgue in southern Tehran, although it is not possible to independently verify. It has been shared on Iranian Telegram accounts that have been disseminating the scant videos coming out of Iran, where the regime, struggling to crush a two-week uprising, has shut down the internet and even landlines. It follows other videos of protests where continuous gunfire can be heard in the background. Eyewitness accounts describe blood-stained streets and protesters being deliberately blinded. Even Iranian state TV has aired footage of dozens of body bags at Tehrans coroners office, though it claimed the dead were victims of armed terrorists. The increasingly fragile Islamic Republic is lashing out as it faces its gravest existential threat yet. Some of the most respected Iranian analysts I know now believe that, for the first time, there is a genuine possibility the regime could fall. But the toll is already massive. open image in gallery Protesters dancing around a bonfire on a street in Tehran ( UGC ) Norway-based Iran Human Rights said on Sunday that it has verified the killing of 192 people in the rallies, but added that the real death toll may be as high as 2,000. On the streets, protesters are openly demanding the ousting of the countrys oppressive clerical rulers, chanting Death to the dictator and, in some quarters, even calling for the return of the Pahlavi royal dynasty, which was kicked out in the 1979 revolution that birthed the regime. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) says protests have now spread to 185 cities across all 31 provinces of the country. This is not the first mass protest movement to rock the country. Just under four years ago, the Women, Life, Freedom uprising erupted after the death of a young Kurdish Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the countrys repressive morality police for not wearing a hijab. But this feels different because of the unique vulnerabilities Irans rulers are facing. For a start, the protests erupted in response to soaring prices as the local currency, the rial, spiralled, piling pressure on all corners of society. Crucially, it comes in the wake of the disastrous 12-day war between Israel and Iran last year. Israeli, and later American, forces bombed Irans key nuclear installations, military infrastructure and even nuclear scientists. At one point, Iran could barely keep up with replenishing its military leadership, as its newly appointed war chief was assassinated just days after his predecessor was killed. Iran hit back, launching strikes on Israel and an American air base in Qatar. open image in gallery Missiles fired from Iran are pictured in the night sky over Jerusalem on 14 June 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) But all this exposed deep vulnerabilities within the regime. For Israel and the US to be so successful, it implied mass intelligence leaks and possible coordination from within the closest circles of Irans elite Revolutionary Guards and possibly even the supreme leader. It also comes at a time when Iran cannot rely on its regional allies in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. Israeli operations over the last few years have already decimated Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. That, in turn, helped contribute to the fall of Irans ally, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, by Islamist rebels who have now turned towards the US. Irans proxy groups in Iraq have been surprisingly quiet despite the regional escalation, although that may change. Sources close to the Iran-Iraq border told me reports were swirling that hundreds of fighters from Iraqs Popular Mobilisation Forces were crossing into Iran to bolster the regime. Whether true or not, however large the number, Irans leadership still has to contend with mass nationwide protests, degraded military infrastructure, concerns over internal intelligence leaks and rebellion, diminished regional support, and the possibility of further US and Israeli strikes. open image in gallery People gather at the site where Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrikes on 27 September 2024, in the Haret Hreik suburb south of Beirut, Lebanon ( AP ) Donald Trump is understood to have been briefed on potential military strike options. Israeli sources say top commanders have held internal security consultations over the weekend and placed the country on a high alert amid the possibility of US intervention. Iran has vowed to retaliate against US bases and Israel if attacked, but how effective would such a response be? All of this is unfolding at a moment when the United States has a president who relishes intervention. Just last week, Washington launched a stunning and unprecedented military operation in Venezuela, during which US special forces captured the countrys authoritarian leader, Nicolas Maduro. Trump has since vowed to run Venezuela and separately take Greenland, the territory of a Nato ally. It is not unthinkable that the US would bomb its arch enemy Iran in pursuit of regime change. open image in gallery Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima on 3 January 2026 ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social ) And that is actually emboldening protesters, said Gissou Nia, an Iranian-American human rights lawyer who works at the Atlantic Council. She said some protesters have even been wielding Trump signs. They think that it will be worth it in the end, that they will not be alone in their plight, and that they will be able to overturn the regime, she continued, adding that Iranians are willing to risk their lives to see the regime fall. The international community really needs to heed that call, she added. What would come next is unclear. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last Shah, has not only been encouraging people to keep taking to the streets today but, in a video posted online on Sunday, also says he is preparing to return home. That is either naively premature or wilful posturing. But certainly, the regime is fighting for its life. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has launched new strikes in Syria to drive out a resurgent Islamic State, after the terror group killed two American soldiers and an interpreter last month. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday confirmed the latest strikes against ISIS in Syria, with one official saying two dozen aircraft had carried out 90 strikes on 35 targets. CENTCOM shared grainy black and white footage of explosions and reiterated its commitment to rooting out Islamic terrorism and protecting partners in the region. Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched in December, has been developed in a new partnership with the Syrian government that displaced longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad little over a year ago. The Independent looks at what Operation Hawkeye involves, and why it has happened now. open image in gallery Footage of explosions shared by CENTCOM on Saturday, announcing fresh strikes ( CENTCOM ) What prompted the U.S. to act? The latest U.S. activity in Syria began in the days after a lethal ISIS attack on American and Syrian forces in Palmyra. According to the U.S. government, ISIS killed two American soldiers and a handler on 13 December. Syrias interior ministry said the attacker was a police officer suspected of sympathising with Islamic State. The victims were identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29. Three other Iowa National Guard members were wounded, officials said. Within a week, the U.S. had launched massive strikes against dozens of ISIS targets in conjunction with the Jordanian air force. Secretary of defense Pete Hegseth said coalition forces struck fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites on 19 December, and named the operation Hawkeye. open image in gallery Sgts William Nathaniel Howard, left, and Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar were killed in Syria in December ( Iowa National Guard ) How effective have the strikes been? One U.S. official said Washington had used F-15s fighter jets, A-10 Warthogs, Apache helicopters and HIMARS rocket systems to hit ISIS cells in the December assault. A Syrian security said targets were struck in Homs, Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces. With only around 1,000 troops left in Syria, the US did not carry out any ground operations. Five ISIS members were killed, including the head of a cell responsible for operating drones in the area, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Another Syrian official told the AFP news agency that the intense bombardment had lasted five hours. Trump, who authorized the strikes, said that they had the full support of Syrian president Ahmed al Sharaa, who reached an agreement with Washington during a visit in November. On 10 January, the U.S. carried out a second wave of strikes on targets across Syria with unnamed partner forces. An unnamed US official told CNN that the operation launched 90 precision munitions at more than 35 targets, using over two dozen aircraft. It is not yet clear if there were any casualties. CENTCOM said: Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice. open image in gallery Donald Trump (L) shaking hands with Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House ( SANA/AFP via Getty Images ) Trumps shifting position on Syria A fragile amnesty for the Syrian government has allowed the U.S. to scale up its work to oust ISIS. But after the fall of Assad, it was unclear whether Washington would stick around to finish off the group. The U.S. had spent 10 years in the country fighting ISIS under Operation Inherent Resolve by 2024. By 2019, the terror group was exhausted and had lost all its major positions in Syria. The group moved underground while factions continued deadly attacks on civilians abroad and plotted attacks in Europe. When al Sharaas HTS swept into Damascus in November 2024, then president-elect Trump opposed the Biden administrations use of precision airstrikes against ISIS camps in Syria. He said the U.S. should have nothing to do with the country and added: This is not our fight. Let it play out. Do not get involved. Syria is a mess, but it is not our friend. Over the last year, the president has lifted sanctions on Syria and vowed to crush a resurgent Islamic State, whether in the Middle East or elsewhere. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Dozens of Palestinian Bedouin families have been forced to abandon their homes in the central West Bank, citing unbearable harassment from settlers residing in unauthorised outposts nearby. The village of Ras Ein el-Auja, historically home to some 700 people across more than 100 families for decades, is now experiencing a significant exodus. Twenty-six families reportedly left on Thursday, scattering across the territory in search of safer ground, according to rights groups. Several other families were observed packing up and departing on Sunday, as the pressure from settlers became intolerable. We have been suffering greatly from the settlers. Every day, they come on foot, or on tractors, or on horseback with their sheep into our homes. They enter peoples homes daily, said Nayef Zayed, a resident, as neighbors took down sheep pens and tin structures. Israel's military and the local settler governing body in the area did not respond to requests for comment. open image in gallery A Palestinian resident of Ras Ein al-Auja village, West Bank burns trash, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Other residents pledged to stay put for the time being. That makes them some of the last Palestinians left in the area, said Sarit Michaeli, international director at BTselem, an Israeli rights group helping the residents. She said that mounting settler violence has already emptied neighboring Palestinian hamlets in the dusty corridor of land stretching from Ramallah in the West to Jericho, along the Jordanian border, in the east. The area is part of the 60% of the West Bank that has remained under full Israeli control under interim peace accords signed in the 1990s. Since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted in October 2023, over 2,000 Palestinians at least 44 entire communities have been expelled by settler violence in the area, B'Tselem says. The turning point for the village came in December, when settlers put up an outpost about 50 meters (yards) from Palestinian homes on the northwestern flank of the village, said Michaeli and Sam Stein, an activist who has been living in the village for a month. Settlers strolled easily through the village at night. Sheep and laundry went missing. International activists had to begin escorting children to school to keep them safe. The settlers attack us day and night, they have displaced us, they harass us in every way said Eyad Isaac, another resident. They intimidate the children and women. open image in gallery Palestinian residents of Ras Ein al-Auja village, West Bank pack up their belongings and prepare to leave their homes after deciding to flee mounting settler violence, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Michaeli said shes witnessed settlers walk around the village at night, going into homes to film women and children and tampering with the villages electricity. The residents said they call the police frequently to ask for help but it seldom arrives. Settlement expansion has been promoted by successive Israeli governments over nearly six decades. But Benjamin Netanyahus far-right government, which has placed settler leaders in senior positions, has made it a top priority. That growth has been accompanied by a spike in settler violence, much of it carried out by residents of unauthorized outposts. These outposts often begin with small farms or shepherding that are used to seize land, say Palestinians and anti-settlement activists. United Nations officials warn the trend is changing the map of the West Bank, entrenching Israeli presence in the area. Some 500,000 Israelis have settled in the West Bank since Israel captured the territory, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, in the 1967 Mideast war. Their presence is viewed by most of the international community as illegal and a major obstacle to peace. The Palestinians seek all three areas for a future state. For now, displaced families of the village have dispersed between other villages near the city of Jericho and near Hebron further south, said residents. Some sold their sheep and are trying to move into the cities. Others are just dismantling their structures without knowing where to go. "Where will we go? Theres nowhere. Were scattered, said Zayed, the resident, Peoples situation is bad. Very bad. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The US military carried out airstrikes against ISIS in Syria on Saturday in another retaliatory strike over an attack that killed American service members. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it had carried out strikes throughout Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye, without disclosing casualties. An unnamed US official told CNN that the operation launched 90 precision munitions at more than 35 targets, using over two dozen aircraft. Footage shared on CENTCOMs social media showed F-15E fighter jets and A-10 Warthogs taking off in a montage with grainy unclassified footage of explosions. Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice, a statement read. open image in gallery Footage of explosions shared by CENTCOM on Saturday, announcing the strikes ( CENTCOM ) CENTCOM did not specify exactly where the strikes took place, and only noted that they happened in the early afternoon, US Eastern Time. The military said the attacks were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched last month after Islamic State militants killed US military personnel in Syria. Two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in that December 13 incident in Palmyra, it said. The soldiers were identified as 25-year-old Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar of Des Moines, Iowa, and 29-year-old Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard of Marshalltown, Iowa. Three other Iowa National Guard members were wounded in the attack blamed on ISIS. The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region, CENTCOM said on Saturday. US and coalition forces remain resolute in pursuing terrorists who seek to harm the United States. open image in gallery American A-10s, armed with 30mm gatling guns, pictured ahead of takeover in video shared by CENTCOM ( CENTCOM ) Secretary of War Pete Hegseth shared the statement, adding: We will never forget, and never relent. Florida Rep Jimmy Patronis added: The United States maintains the most lethal fighting force in the world. Let it be known, POTUS peace through strength agenda was not a slogan, but a promise kept. The Trump administration announced the operation in December, launching a large-scale strike with Jordan that hit 70 targets across central Syria that had IS infrastructure and weapons. These strikes are part of broader efforts by a US-led coalition, which has been conducting both aerial and ground operations against suspected ISIS members across Syria in recent months, frequently in conjunction with Syrian security forces. open image in gallery American F-15Es prepare to take off in footage shared by CENTCOM on Saturday ( CENTCOM ) The Syrian government has been cooperating against ISIS after reaching an agreement late last year when President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the White House. Syria is led by ex-rebels who toppled former President Bashar al-Assad in 2024 after a 13-year civil war, and includes members of Syria's former Al Qaeda branch who broke with the group and clashed with Islamic State. The Pentagon referred questions about Saturdays strikes back to the CENTCOM statement, and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Irans parliament speaker warned the US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes the Islamic Republic, as threatened by President Donald Trump. Iranian state television broadcast the parliament session live on Sunday (11 January). Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned: I have a message for the delusional American President. Be careful that the advice being given to you about attacking Iran is not of the same kind as the 'consultations' through which you claimed that Mashhad had fallen. Therefore, in order to avoid miscalculations, be aware that if you take action to attack Iran, both the occupied territories and all US military centers, bases, and ships in the region will be considered legitimate targets by us." Lord Mandelson has revealed what he really thinks about Donald Trump. Speaking in his first interview since getting sacked as the UKs ambassador to the US on BBCs Laura Kuenssberg show, the Labour Party grandee praised the US presidents graciousness and directness. When asked if he liked Trump, the former US ambassador said: I liked his humour, his graciousness. He added: I like his directness, you knew exactly what he was thinking and where you stood. Did I like all his language? No I didn't. Did he make me gasp in some of the things he said? Of course. Lord Mandelson then went on to praise Trumps leadership, describing him as an extraordinary risk taker. Albeit for the wrong reasons, no one could deny that Donald Trump is an extraordinary US president. His disregard for the US Constitution and due process, the multi-billion-dollar grift, the vulgar, petty insults, and the abuse of long-standing allies are clearly not normal. Yet in one important respect, the American presidency under Trump is reverting to type. The overnight bombing raids in Syria against Isis, following an ambush that killed two US soldiers in the city of Palmyra last month, are merely the latest sign. In recent weeks, Trump has also attacked Islamic militants in Nigeria in retribution for assaults on Christians, ordered the abduction of Venezuelas head of state, Nicolas Maduro, and escalated his threats against Denmark and Greenland. America is once again throwing its weight around threatening and bombing weaker nations with impunity. Nigeria and Syria are not even within Trumps claimed western hemisphere stamping ground. Neither is Iran, which could yet be his next target. Trump may have developed a taste for overseas shows of force after ordering the assassination of the Iranian general Qasem Soleimani at the end of his first term in January 2020. This is a striking reversal for a man elected in 2016 on a promise to end Americas forever wars and gung-ho interventions in far-flung places. That pledge was wildly popular among millions of Americans who had watched their compatriots return home in body bags for reasons they could barely comprehend. Once in power, however, Trumps desire to disengage from foreign conflicts was expressed through a series of ill-thought-out and deeply irresponsible policies. He announced Americas withdrawal from Afghanistan via a deal with the Taliban that completely excluded the Afghan government, setting in train events that culminated in the chaotic pull-out of US troops in 2021. Two years earlier, in 2019, he had ordered the sudden withdrawal of US forces from Syria, widely seen as a profound betrayal of the Kurds, who had fought Isis at immense human cost. Selling out the Kurds to Turkey was a gift to the Assad regime in Syria, to Russia, and to Iran-backed militants. It also allowed remnants of Isis to regroup in the Syrian desert the very militants the US was bombing on Saturday evening. Few will object to decisive action against the Isis death cult, whose fighters, acolytes and franchises continue to murder civilians across the Middle East and beyond. But Americas justification for the latest air strike retribution underlines the reckless logic underpinning Trumps foreign policy and the common thread running through it: a profound lack of ethics and strategic intelligence. The removal of Maduro in Venezuela was accompanied by fanciful claims about plundering the countrys oil wealth. Yet the rest of the corrupt Caracas regime remains firmly in place, while US oil major Exxon said on Friday that it would not touch Venezuela with a barge pole let alone invest the estimated $100bn required to extract its underground crude. Trumps puerile snub of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado whose offence was accepting the Nobel Peace Prize Trump so desperately coveted only reinforces how unserious this foreign policy has become. Now, Trump is determined to acquire Greenland, regardless of the potentially catastrophic consequences for European security should such brinkmanship trigger the collapse of Nato. A major conflict between western Europe and Russia would have devastating consequences for both the US and the global economy. Yet Trump, his cronies and the far-right ideologues egging him on appear not to have given this any serious thought. The increasingly interventionist foreign policy of the worlds most powerful nation is now driven largely by the whims of one unhinged man. There is little reason to expect improvement any time soon. Even if Trump loses control of the US Congress later this year, he will retain command of the US military. America has, in effect, gone rogue. Watching this unfold with mounting alarm, the UK and Europe urgently need a credible plan of action. Opinion is divided over whether Europe should confront Trump directly and risk his ire, or acquiesce and hope for the best. For this continent, however, there may be a third path. This year could mark an inflexion point, with Britain and France backed by German investment moving rapidly towards a truly independent submarine- and air-launched nuclear deterrent. Both countries are already working separately on replacements for existing systems; cooperation would save time, money and political capital. A new European nuclear shield, independent of US warheads, would silence Maga critics of Europe, strengthen the continents hand in defending Denmark and Greenland and send a clear signal to Vladimir Putin that Europe is serious about its own security. It would not cure Trumps addiction to overseas military adventures. But it might at least ensure that Europe is no longer wholly at the mercy of them. KHARTOUM, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese government on Sunday announced its work priorities after officially resuming operations in the capital, Khartoum, placing peace, public security, livelihoods, and the restoration of state institutions and basic services at the top of its agenda. Speaking to reporters at the Khartoum State Government headquarters, Prime Minister Kamil Idris said peace is a primary objective of the government. "What we seek is a peace that Sudanese people accept, in the context of a war that was imposed on the country," he said. He said that despite challenges, the government will prioritize citizens' livelihoods and security while enhancing basic services, including expanding healthcare facilities, reopening universities on schedule, and extending access to water and electricity. On the economic front, the prime minister said the government will prioritize agriculture development, rehabilitate slaughterhouses, build a new airport, and establish an integrated export-oriented city. Khartoum State Governor Ahmed Osman Hamza told reporters that the central government's return signals the capital is ready to receive its residents, urging them to return and participate in rebuilding. The government's return is part of official efforts to restore administrative functions and public services to Khartoum, following recent announcements of plans to gradually reinstate state institutions. The Sudanese government relocated to Port Sudan in late April 2023, days after fighting broke out in Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced, both inside Sudan and across its borders. In May 2025, the SAF declared Khartoum State cleared of RSF forces, paving the way for the city to gradually reclaim public spaces and resume normal life. MetLife finally dips a toe in the Irish market with new offering in employee benefits Global giant has kept its EMEA headquarters in Ireland for the past two decades MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the World Cup Final later this year. Photo: Getty Fearghal O'Connor Sun 11 Jan 2026 at 06:30 After 20 years in Ireland, US insurance and employee benefits provider MetLife has finally launched its first Irish product, with plans for other employee benefit offerings also in the works. Richard Curran: For all our economic successes and record tax takes, why arent we happier? Cost-of-living and quality-of-life issues are weighing people down Much work has gotten worse. Photo: Getty Richard Curran Sun 11 Jan 2026 at 06:30 People should be dancing into work with a perk in their step, given how well the economy is performing. However, there is sometimes a gulf between statistics and lived experience. We may think it a recent phenomenon but as Toby Walshs engaging new history guide shows, the first chatbot has been around for half a century Eliza was a computerised psychotherapist that its creator believed would demonstrate the superficiality of much of the communication between humans, writes Toby Walsh, a professor of artificial intelligence at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, in his book The Shortest History of AI. Weizenbaum was stunned to discover that when people interacted with Eliza, they behaved as though she was human. Her way of conversing with them asking questions based on their statements made them feel like she was really listening. The Indo Daily: Melania: The Movie We saw it, so you dont have to... Home of Westmeath crime boss searched as part of Offaly double murder probe Tadhg Farrell (4) and his grand-aunt Mary Holt (60) died in the arson attack on their home in Edenderry Tadhg Farrell Ali Bracken Sun 11 Jan 2026 at 13:26 The Westmeath home of a gang boss has been searched by gardai investigating the double murder that claimed the lives of a four-year-old boy and his grand-aunt. I am not fatalistic about this Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon moves to reassure farmers over Mercosur deal Fine Gael TD says protections are in place to counter any major disruption to beef prices Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon Mary Regan Sun 11 Jan 2026 at 06:30 The Agriculture Minister, Martin Heydon, has urged farmers not to feel fatalistic about the Mercosur trade deal, saying safeguards are in place to protect them from any major disruption to beef prices from South American produce flooding the market. I said to all my friends, that girl is going to win an Oscar Locals dreaming of Oscar glory in Jessie Buckleys back yard Neighbours in Killarney, where the actor grew up, have no doubt she will clean up in this awards season Jessie Buckley at the AFI awards luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills last Friday. Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Barry Egan Mon 12 Jan 2026 at 06:30 The wind was blowing the rain sideways, as it only does in the Kingdom. But in Killarney town centre on Thursday, thoughts had moved on from the weather and were drifting across the pond towards Los Angeles to the Golden Globes tonight and the not-quite-impossible dreams of Oscar glory in March. Mary White, described by one commentator as an inveterate committee woman, was the co-founder of Lir Chocolates, won three Seanad elections and was a flag-bearer for womens participation in business and politics. She threw her hat into the ring for the Fianna Fail nomination to succeed Mary McAleese as president in 2011, only just as suddenly to withdraw from the contest. AI is being utilised to cheat but students feel rules need to be clearer (Getty Images) Over 500 third-level students used unauthorised Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their coursework during the 2024-2025 academic year. RTEs This Week programme released data collected from all Irish universities. However the State broadcaster found UCD, UCC, Maynooth and the University of Limerick (UL) dont differentiate between the unsanctioned use of AI and other plagiarism. Calls for State-backed supports for fishermen in return for marine research Irish inshore skippers have calculated that climate change-induced weather patterns are costing them up to 100 fishing days annually. Prolonged storm seasons, increased Atlantic swell and unsafe operating conditions have affected the viability of inshore vessels. Inshore fishing is generally considered to be any fishing that takes place in waters roughly 30 metres deep or less and within 12 nautical miles of the coast. COTONOU, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Vote counting began across Benin on Sunday after polling stations closed in the country's combined legislative and municipal elections. Polling stations opened nationwide at around 7:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT). In line with Benin's newly enacted Electoral Code, voting lasted 10 hours from the opening of each polling station. In several districts of Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, and other parts of the country, Xinhua reporters observed that polling staff started counting ballots immediately after voting ended at around 5:00 p.m. local time, before transmitting provisional results to the Independent National Electoral Commission. According to national radio, voting proceeded peacefully throughout the day, with no major incidents reported and strong voter turnout recorded in some areas. Voters cast their ballots under the observation of delegations from the Economic Community of West African States, Beninese civil society organizations, and representatives of political parties contesting the elections. Nearly 7.8 million registered voters, spread across more than 17,000 polling stations, took part in the polls to elect 109 members of the National Assembly for the next legislature and 1,815 municipal and communal councilors. Michelle Doherty on the end of her relationship: It is the most terrifying decision. But I just kept thinking, this is not a relationship, this is not how I want my life to be' The model on the loss of her dad, the end of her relationship, and starting to date again Presenter Michelle Doherty on Doagh Strand in Donegal. Photo: Joe Dunne Liadan Hynes Sun 11 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Michelle Doherty has almost come to the end of her trip home to Donegal for Christmas the day we talk. The former Xpose host and radio DJ, who still models, is in her sisters house. On the bed beside her is a pile of clothes that have been loaned for the pictures being taken for this piece. Caitriona Perry: If Donald Trump takes Greenland, Ireland has an enormous decision to make US president likes a quick fix and a win and post-mission euphoria from Venezuela could hasten a decision on the Danish territory President Donald Trump with vice-president JD Vance at a White House meeting with oil executives. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP Caitriona Perry Sun 11 Jan 2026 at 06:30 In Washington DC at the beginning of last week, people stopped wishing each other a happy new year. By day four of 2026, it felt like a fortnight had gone by. That awkward moment when it feels too late to be still using that greeting had already passed. David Quinn: Micheal Martin is no gadfly and thats why China rolled out the red carpet Beijing might dislike the EU as a whole but it is fostering relations with individual states, including perennial good boy Ireland Micheal Martin with Chinese president Xi Jinping on January 5. Photo: Reuters David Quinn Sun 11 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Micheal Martin will probably consider his four-day visit to China last week a highlight of his political career, and so he should. The Chinese gave him, and therefore us, the full red-carpet treatment. Its been ten years since the great man left us and we could use a touch of his insight today The writer Hanif Kureishi, who went to the same south London school as David Bowie and became a friend and collaborator, wrote a brilliant piece about him titled Starman Jones. It started like this: One of the first and most important pieces of advice David Bowie ever gave me and this was in the early Nineties was to make sure I noted down the names of secretaries and assistants I came in contact with. This would help me later, he explained, when I needed to get through to the important people. Keire Murphy: Critics of human rights laws forget that they were created for migrants, not citizens Countries are in grave danger of repeating past mistakes by ignoring principles of the European Convention on Human Rights The arrival of Hungarian Jews in Auschwitz-Birkenau, in German-occupied Poland, June 1944. Photo: Getty Keire Murphy Sun 11 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan last month signed a statement on behalf of Ireland pushing for changes to the European Convention on Human Rights. What followed was the 74-day Falklands War led by Margaret Thatchers Conservative government, which sent a naval taskforce halfway around the world and recaptured the islands, returning them to British rule. During hostilities, 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British military personnel and three Falkland Islanders were killed. But it was Charles Haughey, standing up to the Iron Lady on May 4, 1982 when he issued a statement saying the UN Security Council should seek an immediate end to hostilities and the withdrawal of sanctions against Argentina that caused consternation across the Irish Sea and led to a low point in Irish-British relations. The appeasement shown to Donald Trump by our elected leaders following his invasion of Venezuela is in stark contrast to Haugheys public support of Argentina, which is still celebrated in that country to the present day. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry Sensitive Trump needs to be handled with care at least until hes out of office Your editorial paints a rather troubling diplomatic position for our sheepish European leaders (Playing nice wont cut it, Europe must stand up to Trump, Irish Independent, January 8). I think you can be nice, without fawning, strong and business-like with Donald Trump. He needs to be called out from time to time. Sensitive Trump likes playing the theatrical bully from time to time with anyone that gets in his way. He gave Elon Musk the boot when he rowed in against him. He scored a resounding success on the tariffs issue, in so far as everyone seemed to capitulate to him, but how it will benefit the US economy is debatable. He toyed with Venezuela for weeks before exercising his audacious capture of its leader, but I wouldnt cry too much or vent about international law in those circumstances. Let the good people of Venezuela sort their problems without our good intentions. Trumps bluster on Greenland wont amount to much. But I wonder if a more likeable president like Kennedy, Reagan or Clinton harboured envious desires over Greenland, would we object? In the meantime, it would do Europe no harm for a thaw or a glow in its relationship with China Micheal Martin-style. Europe needs to keep our enemies and friends close, until the Trump days pass. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Farming is not our only industry trade deal can be big boost for Ireland Looking at how the Government is now bending over backwards to try to reverse its public appearance on the Mercosur deal and how it affects our farmers, and dually its attempts to play parish-pump politics to appease its Coalition partners, are we now not at huge risk of subverting all of our other industries for whom this could be a fantastic deal? There are a great many other industries here in Ireland who may benefit hugely from such a deal, especially given how the US tariffs are affecting many other industries and jobs. Agriculture is not the only show in town any more and its high time that the farmers, rural politicians and indeed rural media recognise this. We have taken from Europe for long enough, especially when it comes to agriculture. We should try to refrain from continually carping at them when a policy we dont like occasionally raises its head. Peter White, Dingle, Co Kerry Arguments for Mercosur pay little attention to the huge environmental cost Listening to the myriad discussions, interviews and debates around the imminent Mercosur deal between the EU and South America, I was struck by the absence of any mention regarding the almost billion trees cut down to make way for raising beef, in Brazil particularly. So, public health fears around the deal, (antibiotics readily available, and, one presumes, used in the countries involved), as well as the flooding of the EU with said beef, will seem insignificant when we see the lungs of the world being absolutely destroyed, will they not? Peter Declan OHalloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan Minister should look at her own failures before turning fire on hospitals I didnt know whether to laugh or cry on reading the headline Health Minister takes aim at hospitals slow to clear beds (Irish Independent, January 9). The minister blaming others for failures within the department that she oversees is now a daily occurrence. Would a little self-scrutiny be more productive? For example, would the minister like to come back and tell us how many hospital beds are needlessly filled by patients as a result of the penny-pinching decision not to purchase the enhanced flu vaccine? Jim OSullivan, Rathedmond, Sligo Advice on tying the knot from a Hollywood star with plenty of experience Thomas Garveys letter regarding divorce reminded me of a quote, attributed to the late movie actor Mickey Rooney (In our recent past, divorce was demonised, but often it is the best way forward, Letters, December 9). The eight-times married star said: If you must get married, do so in the morning, that way, if it doesnt work out, you havent wasted a full day. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9 With latest robotics leaps, humanity risks designing ourselves out of existence I read roboticists have built the worlds smallest autonomous robot, capable of making decisions, moving independently and surviving for months (Irish Independent, January 8). I cant help to laugh to myself, as we humans can most certainly not say the same. Robots subtly encroach towards our obsolescence, yet we appear to welcome them with open arms. What have we done to ourselves? Sarah Roberts, Youghal, Co Cork Irelands oldest housing stock may prove useful in our current homes crisis The prehistoric remnants of hundreds of homes have been discovered in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow. Could they be refurbished? Eugene Tannam, Firhouse, Dublin 24 Transport Infrastructure Ireland confirms M18 junction will be elongated in effort to address incidents A long period of serious road traffic collisions on M18 and N18 roads in Clare in the latter half of 2025 has led to the decision to elongate an off-ramp on the motorway. Area will benefit from transformative infrastructure proposals including the Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Route and Blackpool-Kilbarry Rail Station A tract of land with the potential to deliver 1,000 homes on the northside of Cork City has transferred to the Land Development Agency (LDA). The 41-hectare site at Kilbarry is part of the North Blackpool-Kilbarry Expansion and was transferred to the LDA by Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Ireland. The site lies to the north of Kilbarry Enterprise Park and adjoins Delany Rovers GAA Club while Blackpool Village and Blackpool Shopping Centre are located less than 2km away. The site was previously earmarked for industrial use by IDA Ireland, but the area is now zoned for residential use and public open space following a review as part of the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028. IDA Ireland facilitated the LDA in identifying the Kilbarry North land as a suitable location for housing development which will complement IDA Irelands development lands to the south of the site. The LDA has already appointed a design team for the project and intends to undertake a comprehensive public consultation process on emerging proposals, in advance of any planning application. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: Delivering 1,000 new homes in Cork City is a significant step forward. It will provide families and individuals with the opportunity to live in modern, sustainable communities close to jobs, schools, and amenities. This will ease housing pressures, support local economic growth and enhance quality of life for people across our city, Mr Martin said. The new homes will benefit from planned transformational infrastructure projects including the Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Route, which will traverse the site and Blackpool-Kilbarry Rail Station further to the south, off Dublin Hill. The plans will include a range of housing tenures, alongside a mix of other uses and public open spaces. Subject to the emerging Framework Plan, a planning application is targeted for 2027. John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA thanked IDA for transferring the land. The LDA relies on state bodies to facilitate the transfer of state-owned sites and by engaging with us, agencies like IDA Ireland, are making a significant contribution to ensuring a steady and reliable supply of much-needed new housing and the LDAs mission of creating sustainable and thriving new communities, he said. Remembering the Kerry man on the bench as Denny Galvin is laid to rest, aged 80 Photo of Denny in Dublin Airport made him a must see icon The late Denis (Denny) Galvin Jasmin Griffin Sun 11 Jan 2026 at 12:00 There are some people who belong so completely to a place that it becomes hard to imagine it without them. ISLAMABAD, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least six people, including a newlywed couple, were killed and nine others injured in a gas cylinder explosion at a wedding house in Pakistan's federal capital, Islamabad, early Sunday, local authorities said. The explosion occurred at around 2 a.m. local time inside a residential building, where a wedding ceremony was underway, triggering panic and damaging nearby structures, said Irfan Nawaz Memon, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad. All 15 people trapped under the debris were rescued during the operation, the official said, adding that the injured were shifted to the hospital for treatment. At least four houses in the surrounding area were affected by the blast, according to rescue officials. Authorities said the rescue operation had been completed and that the exact cause of the explosion would be determined following a detailed investigation. A knife which was seized during a drug search in Killarney. Photo courtesy of An Garda Siochana. During the course of an intelligence-led operation, the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit seized over 165,000 worth of cannabis and 1,300 woth of LSD. Photo courtesy of An Garda Siochana. During the course of an intelligence-led operation, the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit seized over 165,000 worth of cannabis on Saturday. Photo courtesy of An Garda Siochana. Three people are in custody in Kerry following the seizure of approximately 166,000 worth of drugs on Saturday. During the course of an intelligence-led operation, the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit seized over 165,000 worth of cannabis along 1,300 of LSD and a suspected firearm. The Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit intercepted a car at Cleeney Roundabout in Killarney at around 2.50pm in which they seized 5,000 worth of suspected cannabis, a knife and a number of electronic devices of evidential value. During follow-up searches at a number of locations in Killarney, Gardai seized over 160,000 worth of suspected cannabis, over 1,300 worth of suspected LSD, a suspected firearm, electronic devices, weighing scales and packaging equipment. Two males (aged in their 30s and 40s) and one female (aged in her 30s) were arrested and are currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at Garda Stations in the Kerry Division. The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. Investigations are ongoing. A Wicklow woman, who the court heard has a long-standing alcohol addiction, has been disqualified from driving for three years. Karen Foley (48), of Charlesland Court, Greystones, appeared for sentencing at Bray District Court after pleading guilty to one count of driving a vehicle while exceeding the alcohol limit. Ms Foley faced a further charge of careless driving, however, this was struck out following an agreement between the defence solicitor, Michael OConnor, and the prosecution. The court was told that at approximately 2:30pm on September 27, 2024, Ms Foleys Opel Corsa collided with a flower pot outside SuperValu on Church Road in Greystones. Ms Foley supplied a sample, which returned a reading of 188 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Karen Foley (48), of Charlesland Court, Greystones outside Bray Courthouse. News in 90 seconds, Sunday, January 11 The legal limit for fully licenced drivers in Category B is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Judge David Kennedy noted that such a reading carries a mandatory penalty of a three-year driving disqualification. Mr OConnor informed the court that his client suffers from a severe alcohol addiction, which she has attempted to address in recent months. He said she had previously attended rehabilitation and abstained from alcohol but had recently fallen off the wagon. The court was told that Ms Foley is currently in receipt of social welfare payments and has not driven since the incident. Judge Kennedy stated that had Ms Foley pleaded not guilty, she would have been facing a custodial sentence due to the exceptionally high alcohol reading. The judge disqualified Ms Foley from driving for a period of three years and imposed a three-month prison sentence, which was suspended in full for one year. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Fear among undocumented Irish in the US is palpable and at an all-time high after shooting by ICE agent Some people choosing to self-deport rather than be arrested and imprisoned for months US lawyer Brian O'Dwyer, chairman emeritus and founder of the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre Ali Bracken and Niamh Horan Sun 11 Jan 2026 at 06:30 THE level of fear among undocumented Irish in the US is palpable and some people are choosing to self-deport rather than be arrested and imprisoned for months at a detention centre, an Irish-American lawyer has said. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. Who created a GoFundMe in support of Jonathan Ross? BREAKING: Was just sent a video showing the moments before the shooting. In it, you can clearly see Renee Goods vehicle blocking ICE agents for over 3 minutes as shes dancing to her own car horn. Kinda ruins some narratives, doesnt it? pic.twitter.com/aXtiTjAtF9 Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) January 10, 2026 Image credit : Website | GoFundMe | GoFundMe for Jonathan Ross Sparks Debate After Shooting Family fundraiser for Renee Good surpasses $1.5 million Image credit : X | @MikeDoris | Real photos of Renee Nicole Macklin Good Where is Jonathan Ross right now? Is he hiding? Daily Mail Image credit : X | @SatansButtBaby | Jonathan Ross's wife Seen Pacing After Minneapolis Shooting In the wake of Renee Nicole Good's deadly shooting in Minneapolis, it's not just Good who has drawn a massive outpouring of public attention on GoFundMe, but another fundraiser has also been set up for Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent identified as the officer who allegedly fired the shots. Shortly after the ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, was identified as the shooter, a GoFundMe emerged in his defence. On the other hand, Good's family crossed a $1.5 million, drawing massive support online. But who started a fundraiser for Ross? Let's find out.According to the official website of GoFundMe, the fundraiser supporting Jonathan Ross was created by Clyde Emmons from Mount Forest, Michigan, who has raised approximately $8,782 from over 13k contributors as of now.Well, Emmons wrote in the description box, "After seeing all the media bs about a domestic terrorist getting GoFundMe. I feel that the officer that was 1000 per cent justified in the shooting deserves to have a GoFundMe. Funds will go to help pay for any legal services this officer needs. If the officer cannot be reached at the time of needed assistance, funds will be donated to the ICE through DAP."Meanwhile, a GoFundMe created to support the family of Renee Nicole Good following a shooting in Minneapolis has seen an outpouring of public generosity, amassing over 1.5 million from over 38,500 donors. However, according to reports, the organisers announced that the fundraiser is now closed and the money will be placed in a trust for the family.While they encourage the contributors to continue supporting other causes in need.According to the, since the fatal shooting of Nicole Good, Jonathan Ross's wife and children have reportedly gone into hiding, as authorities maintain a heavy presence around their home. Federal agents have been observed swarming the residence, reflecting the heightened scrutiny and tensions that have gripped the state in the wake of the incident, which has sparked widespread protests and public outrage.Hours after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, a neighbour told the Daily Mail she saw Rosss wife, Patrixia, anxiously pacing back and forth in their driveway, just a few hours after her husband fired three shots at Goods SUV during the controversial Minneapolis incident. However, Ed Ross, Jonathan's father, has publicly defended his son's actions, saying that his son acted appropriately.Meanwhile, as per reports, authorities confirmed that Ross sustained injuries during the confrontation with Good and was briefly admitted to the hospital. He has since been reported to be in stable condition. The scene at their home appeared tense, and since then the family has not been seen, with reports suggesting they may have left their residence amid the backlash.Authorities confirmed that Ross sustained injuries during the confrontation with Good and was briefly admitted to the hospital. He has since been reported to be in stable condition. The farmers have decided to request two separate meetings with the Prime Minister, involving two committees that would represent the entire primary sector. The Katsina State Government has explained its decision to initiate the release of 70 persons suspected to be involved in banditry, saying the move was part of efforts to sustain an ongoing peace deal with armed groups operating in the state. The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Nasir Muazu, said the decision was taken to consolidate peace agreements reached between affected communities and repentant bandits across several local government areas of the state. Muazu spoke in an interview following public reactions to a leaked government letter requesting judicial intervention to facilitate the release of the suspects. Advertisement According to him, the peace deal, which involves at least 15 local government areas, has led to the release of about 1,000 persons abducted during bandit attacks. He likened the release of the suspects to prisoner exchanges that usually occur during wartime. Recall that a letter dated January 2, 2026, and marked SECRET, surfaced online last week, indicating that the state government had initiated steps to secure the release of suspected bandits facing criminal trials. The letter, first reported by Vanguard, was issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice and addressed to the Chief Judge of the state. Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Abdur-Rahman Umar, the letter stated that a list of 48 suspects accused of various banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the ministry by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. According to the document, the proposed release was intended to serve as a condition for the continuation of the peace accord reached between frontline local governments and the bandits. It added that while some of the suspects had been arraigned before the Federal High Court, others were still in detention awaiting trial at various magistrate courts across the state. The letter further disclosed that another list of about 22 inmates facing trial before different high courts in Katsina State had also been submitted for possible release under the same arrangement. The ministry urged the Chief Judge to take necessary action, citing the powers of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee under Section 371(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Katsina State, 2021. The move sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians expressing concern that the release of suspects accused of serious crimes could undermine the rule of law and deny victims justice. Responding to the backlash, Muazu said the peace deal had already yielded tangible results, noting that abducted persons had been released in several local government areas, including Sabuwa, Safana, Kurfi, Faskari, Danmusa, Bakori and Dutsinma. All over the world, after wars, prisoner exchanges usually take place. During Nigerias civil war, prisoners were exchanged, just as it happened in negotiations involving Boko Haram, he said. Muazu added that the actions of the Ministry of Justice and the courts did not violate any existing laws, stressing that anyone dissatisfied with the process was free to seek redress through the courts. *LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT* *MINISTRY OF HEALTH* *PRESS STATEMENT* Advertisement *LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES, ORDERS INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE* The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to the deeply distressing report by renowned Nigerian author, Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, concerning the tragic death of her son, Nkanu, following a medical incident at a private healthcare facility in Lagos on January 6. On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, the Lagos State Government commiserates sincerely with Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family over this painful and irreparable loss. The death of a child is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely difficult time. Lagos State Government extends its heartfelt condolences and assures the family of its concern and commitment to justice. The Lagos State Government places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the State. In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death. In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The Agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident. HEFAMAA, which is statutorily established to regulate, monitor, and accredit both public and private health facilities in Lagos State, also as part of its core mandate carryout routine investigation of all cases of alleged medical negligence and unethical practices. This statutory responsibility is exercised consistently to uphold patient safety, professional standards, and the quality of health service delivery across the State. The Agency will work in close collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies in the course of the investigation to ensure a holistic, credible, and professional review process. The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability. The Lagos State Government assures the public that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law, in accordance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks. While the investigation is ongoing, the Government urges the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, as due process is being followed to ensure fairness, justice, and credibility of outcomes. Lagos State remains committed to safeguarding the health, safety, and rights of all residents and to continuously strengthening oversight of medical practice to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents. Once again, we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family. Signed *Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi* _Special Adviser to the Governor on Health_, Lagos State @jidesanwoolu @drobafemihamzat @gbenga_omo @gboyegaakosile @LanreBajulaiye @Mr_JAGs @BSaluHundeyin @Riddwane @LSMOH #AGreaterLagosRising #LASG A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent is seen in Park Ridge, Ill., on Sept. 19, 2025. Read more A 46-year-old Cambodian immigrant held at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia died in a hospital on Friday after being treated for drug withdrawal, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said. Parady La was arrested by ICE agents outside his Upper Darby home on Tuesday, then transferred to the detention center where he received treatment for severe withdrawal, ICE said. Advertisement The next day he was found unresponsive in his cell. Center staff immediately administered CPR and several doses of naloxone, ICE said. Emergency medical services workers arrived and took over resuscitation efforts. La was transported to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and admitted in critical condition. On Wednesday evening, medical evaluations indicated he had limited brain function. His condition worsened on Thursday and medical staff reported complete renal failure and no brain activity. Family members were notified and visited him at Jefferson, ICE said. He was pronounced dead by hospital staff early Friday, ICE said. La was admitted to the United States in 1981 as a refugee, when he would have been a child of about 2. He became a lawful permanent resident a year later, but lost his legal status after committing a series of crimes over two decades, ICE said. In 1994, when he would have been about 15, he was adjudicated delinquent for simple assault in Delaware County. Later convictions and jail time followed for robbery, criminal conspiracy, and other crimes, ICE said. PYONGYANG, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has urged South Korea to make a "detailed explanation" about a drone that entered DPRK airspace, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Sunday. Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, made the remarks in a press statement issued a day earlier. The DPRK official expressed appreciation for the South Korean Ministry of Defense's public declaration that it would never provoke or irritate the DPRK, calling the move "a wise choice," said the report. "A detailed explanation should be made about the actual case of a drone that crossed the southern border of our Republic from the ROK," Kim was quoted as saying, using the acronym for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name. Kim further criticized attempts in South Korea to downplay the incident as a "civilian case," stressing that the core issue was not whether the latest drone incident originated from military or civilian sources. She noted that video data collected by the drone pertained to sensitive locations, including a uranium mine and its settling pond, the former Kaesong Industrial Zone, and DPRK border guard posts. "Regardless of who the perpetrator is or whether the act was carried out by any civilian organization or individual, the (South Korean) authorities responsible for national security can never evade their responsibility for it," Kim asserted. According to KCNA, the incident occurred on Jan. 4. In response, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered a thorough investigation, instructing military and police task forces to verify the details. South Korea's Defense Ministry has denied involvement, stating that no military drones were operational on the dates specified by the DPRK and that the drone in question does not match any models used by the South Korean armed forces. Former Gov. Richard Codey (D., Essex) is seen in a file photo. Codey died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 his family announced. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, file) Read more Richard Codey, a former New Jersey acting governor and longtime state senator, has died at 79, his family announced Sunday. The Democrat represented an Essex County-based district in the Assembly from 1974 to 1982 and the Senate from 1982 to 2024, the longest combined service in state history. His family said he died peacefully at home Sunday after a brief illness. Advertisement He was the New Jersey Senate president from 2002 to 2010. After Gov. Jim McGreevey resigned in 2004, Mr. Codey served as acting governor for the remaining 14 months of McGreeveys term, until Jon Corzine was elected and succeeded him. Under a state constitutional provision in effect at the time, Mr. Codey concurrently served as governor and Senate president. In a statement on Facebook, Mr. Codeys family said he served with humility and compassion. He made friends as easily with Presidents as he did with strangers in all-night diners, the familys statement said. Legislators who served alongside Mr. Codey reacted to his death on social media. Current Senate President Nicholas Scutari said he had lost a trusted colleague and good friend. New Jersey has lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives in meaningful ways of everyone who knew him, Scutari said in a statement on Facebook. State Sen. John McKeon served the same district as Mr. Codey in the Assembly for 22 years before succeeding him in the Senate. Observing firsthand his empathy, humility, and advocacy for those who could not speak for themselves have had a profound and enduring influence on my professional life, McKeon said on Facebook. Known for his feisty, regular-guy persona, Mr. Codey was a staunch advocate of mental health awareness and care issues. The Democrat also championed legislation to ban smoking from indoor areas and sought more money for stem cell research. As acting governor, Mr. Codey passed and signed a state law that limited public contracts for vendors who make campaign contributions. Mr. Codey operated his familys funeral home before entering politics. Mr. Codey routinely drew strong praise from residents in polls, and he gave serious consideration to seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in 2005. But he ultimately chose not to run when party leaders opted to back wealthy Wall Street executive Jon Corzine, who went on to win the office. Mr. Codey would again become acting governor after Corzine was incapacitated in April 2007 due to serious injuries he suffered in a car accident. He held the post for nearly a month before Corzine resumed his duties. After leaving the governors office, Mr. Codey returned to the Senate and also published a memoir that detailed his decades of public service, along with stories about his personal and family life. His wife told the Associated Press that Mr. Codey was willing to support her speaking out about postpartum depression, even if it cost him elected office. He was a really, really good guy, Mary Jo Codey said. He said, If you want to do it, I dont care if I get elected again. The Codey family said it would share information about his funeral in the coming days. This article contains information from the Associated Press. A sign ICE OUT OF NJ as Mi Casa Woodbury and Cooper River Indivisible hold a roadside rally in downtown Woodbury, N.J., in support of immigrants and to protest ICE on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, as protests against Trump administration actions spread in the suburbs. Read more Legions of suburbanites decried federal ICE actions on Sunday in a series of vigils and protests across the Philadelphia area, signaling the breadth of opposition to a central part of President Donald Trumps agenda. Expressions of anger, sadness, and resistance poured out into the streets of major cities nationwide this weekend in response to the killing of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minnesota. But that dysphoria also spilled into small towns including in places like Gloucester County, New Jersey, where voters favored Trump in 2024. Advertisement READ MORE: ICE out protesters take to the streets in Philly and around the country Ive been quiet and timid my whole life, and now Im just trying to speak up, said Cristen Beukers, one of more than 100 people who attended a demonstration in Gloucesters county seat, Woodbury, a city of about 10,000. Gathered along North Broad Street, near the Gloucester County Courthouse, participants signs, whistles, and bullhorn-led protest chants were met with beeping car horns and the supportive shouts of drivers. Beukers, 40, of nearby Paulsboro, called for a proper investigation into the shooting death of Good, a mother and poet, on Wednesday. Thousands of ICE agents and federal troops have swarmed blue American cities as part of Trumps unprecedented campaign to arrest and deport millions of immigrants. Good was shot three times in the drivers seat of her SUV after a brief confrontation with ICE agents on a residential Minneapolis street. Trump administration officials insist ICE agent Jonathan Ross fired out of self-defense; video footage appears to show he was not in the vehicles path when he fired. READ MORE: As Minneapolis shooting stirs fears of state violence, several Black Panther Party members made their presence known in Philly Its an S.O.S., said Alex Baji, 31, of Woodbury, who said hes a former IRS auditor laid off last year by the Department of Government Efficiency, overseen by billionaire Elon Musk. Masked goons murdering U.S. citizens and the vice president says its perfectly justified. The turnout in Woodbury suggested a new level of urgency for the tight-knit suburban community, said Kaitlin Rattigan. Rattigan is a community organizer with Mi Casa Woodbury, a group that formed in response to ICE activity in their neighborhoods. Mi Casa has held a demonstration every Sunday since mid-November, even if just a few people attended. I think its a turning point for many people and frankly for white people, Rattigan, who is white, said. According to a recent poll conducted by Pew Research Center, 50% of American adults surveyed in October disapproved of the Trump administrations approach to immigration, while 39% approve. (Some participants responded neither.) While 53% of respondents said the country is doing too much when it comes to immigration enforcement, a large majority continue to say at least some people living in the United States should be deported. Trump has derided and propagandized protesters as paid insurrectionists, domestic terrorists, or radical leftists people who are not representative of mainstream Americans, Steve McGovern, a political science professor at Haverford College, said in an interview. Anti-ICE rhetoric in the suburbs threatens Trumps narrative, according to McGovern. Trumps 2024 win was fueled by key gains in Philadelphias suburbs, an Inquirer analysis found. READ MORE: Five charts that explain how the Philly suburbs helped Trump win The popular image of suburbia continues to be a place where lots of middle-class, mainstream people live and work, he said. If suburbanites take to the streets and in large numbers, that would send I think a powerful message that a strong majority of the country is increasingly fed up with the outrageous, lawless, and even murderous behavior of ICE agents. At least one Republican observer was skeptical. Guy Ciarrocchi, a GOP analyst, said in a statement these protests no longer influence independent voters, nor intimidate Republicans. Unfortunately, these rallies are political theatre plug [and] play crowds with professional signs for any cause. Tools to rally extremist Democrat voters, he said. Ms. Goods death was a tragedy. And, ICEs work is important and necessary. No rent a rally will change either of those truths. Outside the Delaware County Courthouse in Media, hundreds shouted into the bitter wind: United we stand, divided we fall. The voices came from attendees of all ages older people in wheelchairs, young parents pushing babies in strollers, and children holding crayon-drawn signs etched with messages like ICE Cream, not ICE and NO ICE because its cruel. The entire nation is watching Pennsylvania, said U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, a Delaware County Democrat. We can reject Trumpism at the state and federal levels this year. ... We will not be bullied out of the future that we and all our children deserve. In the increasingly blue suburban county that not long ago was solidly red the vocal opposition to Trump has grown louder in recent years, said Cathy Spahr, coleader of Delco Indivisible, which organized Sundays vigil for Good. We didnt have this during the first [Trump] administration, she said of the events turnout. Spahr said she was especially heartened by the attendance given that the vigil was announced only days before and ended an hour before the Eagles first playoff game of the year. But Spahr and several attendees said theres something special about coming together closer to home. And logistically, its easier. Corinne Fiore, 75, of Media, and her 4-year-old Doberman, Laser, cherish the opportunity to be involved in the anti-Trump movement in Delaware County. I just cant get in a car and go for 10 hours somewhere, she said. Shes thankful she doesnt have to. Delaware County has a lot of responsible people in it. Theyre good and kind people. Patriotic people. For families with young children, the Media vigil also presented a convenient opportunity to teach their children the importance of standing up for their neighbors. I want to show them its important to stand up to a bully, said Candice Carbone Bainbridge, 42, of Wallingford. Nearby, her 8-year-old daughter, Cora, held a sign with pink and purple lettering that read: Be a good human. Its not that hard! Sixteen miles southeast, in Bellmawr, N.J., dozens gathered along Black Horse Pike, hoisting signs, cheering on supportive honks from passing commercial trucks, and dancing to the Rascals 1968 anthem, People Got to Be Free. One poster read, American foundations are being destroyed, no one is safe, stand up now. Karen Kelly, 72, who drove 40 minutes and DJed the demonstration, said shes frustrated by apathy and disengagement. All the people staying home doing nothing have to get the heck up, Kelly said. READ MORE: Congress is debating possible consequences for ICE and Noem after Renee Goods killing Residents in the outskirts of Philadelphia expressed similar sentiments to their suburban counterparts. This is not law enforcement, this is brutality, said Susan MacBride, 84, at a protest in Roxborough, which was largely attended by residents of Cathedral Village, a retirement community in Northwest Philadelphia. Tired of what she described as the Trump administrations cruelty and disrespect, MacBride felt compelled to put a pause on her retirement and join the 160-person rally at Ridge Avenue and Cathedral Road. Kids need to know this isnt normal; its a period of disruption, but we cant let them get used to this, she said. Nearby neighbor Lorraine Webb, 73, agreed with MacBride. This isnt what we are about, we need to do better, Webb said. We need to show up because this isnt just a Center City issue; its a Philadelphia issue. Lauren Steinmeyer, with Indivisible Philadelphia, leads chants during the march in protest against ICE in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Read more Demonstrators swept onto the streets of Philadelphia and cities across the country on Saturday to vent anger and sadness over the ICE killing of an unarmed woman motorist in Minneapolis. Protests over the fatal Wednesday shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good were taking place or being planned in hundreds of places, from small towns to major cities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, Florida, California, New York, and elsewhere. Advertisement Organizers intend to hold rallies on Sunday in Trenton, Abington, Cherry Hill, Ardmore, Ambler, and other communities, the breadth of the protests signaling the scope of resistance to President Donald Trumps immigration agenda. Leading civil rights groups have called for people to step up and support the ICE Out for Good Weekend of Action. What happened in Minneapolis is unforgivable, said Vicki Miller, a leader of Indivisible Philadelphia, who gathered with others at City Hall on Saturday morning. In Philadelphia the day began in a cold, steady rain, with about a hundred people at City Hall chanting, No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state. Trump administration officials insist the agent who shot Good three times had fired out of self-defense, saying he was about to be run over, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism. Video taken by bystanders appears to show that the agent was not in the path of Goods SUV when he fired, and activists have condemned the shooting as evidence of a violent, undisciplined federal agency. Trump has undertaken an unprecedented campaign to arrest and deport millions of immigrants, an effort thats included sending ICE and federal troops into blue American cities. An estimated 2,000 federal agents have surged into Minnesota, following similar deployments in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, Memphis, and elsewhere. Somehow Philadelphia has gone untouched, despite its history of feuding with Trump. On Friday night, a 1,000-person protest outside of a Minneapolis hotel turned violent as demonstrators threw ice, snow, and rocks at officers, according to Minneapolis police. The demonstrations there continue as the Department of Homeland Security pushes forward in the Twin Cities with what it calls its biggest-ever immigration enforcement operation. At Philadelphia City Hall, Miller called on residents to protect one another from the Trump administration. An authoritarian wants us to feel alone. We are showing that we are not alone, she said. We are happy to be here for our neighbors; we are here to protect them. By 10:30 a.m., the crowd began moving down Market Street, meeting up with another demonstration near federal properties around Seventh and Arch Streets, and growing in size to about 500 people. School psychologist Michele Messer, 51, came from Camden with her students in mind. Our immigrant students are impacted and it will have a long-lasting effect in their education, said the member of grassroots group Cooper River Indivisible. We need to show up so they know we love them; we hear them, and we will be here for you until this is over. Jim Greway, 77, said he was protesting for those who couldnt be present, whose immigration status or race made them fearful of speaking out. People who look different than me are being told they dont belong here and will never succeed in this country, said Greway, who is white. Im here to say thats not true. A couple in their late 70s marched down Market Street holding hands, chanting with the crowd for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be shut down. We have good friends that are afraid to leave their house, so to us this is personal, explained Lori Chewkanes. Her husband, Michael Chewkanes, said that ICE actions in Minneapolis made the couple feel like their patriotism was being stolen. As a veteran, it makes me sick to my stomach, he said. [ICE] should be protecting the people, not hurting them. This should have never happened. Madeline Forrest, 20, of Camden, handed out copies of a poem she wrote that condemned ICE. As she did so, MAGA supporter Patrick Labrie, also 20, approached to talk about why he supported the agency, including the shooting by the officer in Minnesota. From the clips, it seemed like he was in a lot of danger, so it seems like he did everything he could to protect himself, Labrie said. Labrie continued to defend the officers actions, later attempting to interrupt the chants of the crowd. Forrest thought Labrie was deliberating trying to attract attention to draw more watchers on social media. She tried to engage him again, but was unable do so as police moved in to safeguard him from the crowd. Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, in September. Read more Out of the ashes of the Second World War, the United States led the creation of several global institutions to ensure we would never again have to fight such a war. We created the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and, most importantly, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Decades ago, NATOs first secretary general, Hastings Ismay, remarked that the purpose of the alliance was to keep the Soviet Union out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. Then, aside from the threat of Soviet aggression, the other major threat was that the U.S. would turn its back on European allies and return to the isolationist posture it disastrously pursued in the early 20th century. Advertisement Today, NATO faces its greatest threat from an entirely new source: a belligerent United States that may attack a fellow NATO nation. The White House has said President Donald Trump is weighing a range of options, explicitly including the use of the U.S. military, in his efforts to control Greenland. If that threat ever becomes reality, NATO as we know it will not survive. I write this as the lead Democrat for the U.S. congressional delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which brings together lawmakers from every NATO member country to provide democratic oversight of the alliance and coordinate on shared security threats. I also write as someone who believes deeply that NATO is the bedrock of the post-World War II world. It is why Americans and Europeans have avoided a great-power war for nearly 80 years. NATO endures because of trust: The shared belief that allies do not threaten one another, and that borders are not rewritten by force. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a founding member of NATO. A U.S. attack on Greenland would mean the United States using military force against a member of its own alliance. There is no playbook for that scenario because it was always unthinkable. The moral authority of Article 5 the pledge that an attack on one is an attack on all would collapse overnight. No country on NATOs eastern flank would ever again fully trust American guarantees. Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and others would be forced to reconsider their security in a world where Washington seizes territory from a smaller ally. The Trump administrations rhetoric also plays directly into the hands of our fiercest adversaries. Beijing and Moscow have spent years trying to fracture the transatlantic partnership through disinformation, coercion, and intimidation. Every hint that America might use force against an ally becomes propaganda for authoritarian regimes that insist the rules-based order is a fiction, and that power not law is what matters. The administration argues that Greenland is strategically vital because of rising Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. But that reality is precisely why the United States must deepen cooperation with Denmark and Greenland not threaten them. This moment is a choice between partnership and coercion. America already maintains a robust security presence in Greenland. A critical U.S. base supports missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance under a long-standing defense agreement with Denmark that grants extensive U.S. access. Danish leaders have made clear they are open to strengthening that cooperation, and Greenlands elected government has welcomed dialogue conducted with respect for international law and democratic self-determination. That is the path forward. The United States must expand joint Arctic operations, invest alongside Denmark in new capabilities, and work directly with Greenlands leaders to protect shared security interests. Partnership strengthens deterrence while preserving the alliance that makes deterrence possible in the first place. This moment is a choice between partnership and coercion. America must choose partnership. The consequences of coercion would be devastating: European allies would begin preparing for a world in which U.S. commitments no longer carry weight. Some nations would pursue independent nuclear deterrents. Others would seek alternative security arrangements. Critical partnerships including Trumps own agreement with Finland to build polar icebreakers vital to deterring Russian aggression in the Arctic would collapse. The alliance that has underpinned global stability since 1945 would fracture, not because of Moscow or Beijing, but because of decisions made in Washington. After the disastrous Iraq War, Americans are already uneasy about another prolonged foreign war. Now they are being told military force against a NATO ally is under consideration, an act that would inevitably risk escalation and could drag the United States into a costly, dangerous occupation. At home, families are trying to afford healthcare, keep their jobs, and provide for their children. They do not want to bankroll another unnecessary conflict that risks American lives and diverts attention from urgent needs here. Congress must draw a clear line. No funding for military action against a NATO ally. No ambiguity about Americas commitments. The United States must reaffirm in law and in action that its power is exercised through its alliances, not against them. An invasion of Greenland would not make America safer. It would end the alliance that has kept Americans safe for generations and plunge us into a new, dark world. Brendan F. Boyle represents Pennsylvanias 2nd Congressional District and is the lead Democrat for the U.S. congressional delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. He is also a visiting lecturer at Princeton Universitys School of Public and International Affairs. A studio apartment in the Flats on 100 has an ORI bed that can be raised or lowered. It's controlled by phone. Read more While the battle rages over how much redevelopers should cram into the former Exton Mall site, investors on the ridge just to the north have turned one of Great Valleys vacant office buildings into a suburban rarity: 24 studio and 8 single-bedroom apartments. Theyre equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and washer/dryers, and theyre being marketed as monthslong hotel accommodations for consultants and visitors to nearby employers. Advertisement The owners, a group led by Main Line real estate lawyer David McFadden, broker John McGee, and investment partner Chiu Bai, hope the building, which theyre calling the Flats on 100, will be a model for reusing orphan buildings that stud the Great Valley and other suburban office, industry, and retail zones. The trio picked up the 53-year-old, 30,000-square-foot building and grounds at 319 N. Pottstown Pike (State Route 100) in 2023 for $1.5 million from family-owned Kelsch Disability Services. Fifty bucks a [square] foot seemed like a bargain, even though the partners didnt have specific plans for it, McFadden said. Office buildings are being given away these days. What do we do with them when theres no demand for office space?" he said. At the right discount, developers can afford to turn them into something sustainable that people want. As offices, the building was broker-rated Class C, the least desirable. The partners paid cash, figuring they could borrow millions for capital improvements if they could show lenders a credible plan to turn it into something more profitable. We got lucky with the zoning, McFadden said. West Whitelands town center designation allows a wide range of uses. The partners chose what McFadden calls hotel-apartments. He compared it to projects built by Level Hotels & Furnished Suites, with locations in Chicago and the West Coast, and by family-owned, locally based Korman Communities AVE Living, with its furnished apartments at Philadelphias Navy Yard and other local sites. McFadden says the model offers a place that feels like home, with the amenities of larger buildings but a boutique feel. The units are fully furnished, including appliances, dishes, and linens, as well as cleaning and other services as requested. Lender Trupert Ortlieb from TruMark Financial, one of the area credit unions bulking up with business loans, arranged $5.7 million in financing for capital improvements. Contractors demolished and replaced interior walls; added sprinklers, triple-glazed windows, and insulation; and replaced heating and air-conditioning. The reclad of the interior with aluminum finished like pine was picked up by Chiu in China for $30,000 (half that for the materials, $4,000 for shipping, and $11,000 to cover tariffs). Because the project qualifies as a hotel, it could add a liquor license without the higher cost of a tavern license. A first-floor retail space has been leased to a dentist. The partners expect interest from nearby employers such as Vanguard Group, QVC, West Pharmaceutical Services, and Accenture. The Fairfield shopping center, with a Giant supermarket, fast-casual restaurants, and retail stores, is within walking distance. The Exton SEPTA Regional Rail station is two miles down Pottstown Pike. Seeking light in what had been gloomy space, the developers brought in architect Martin Kimmel from Blue Bell. He persuaded them to replace half gun-slit windows with 5-foot-wide glass sheets, which turned out to be more work than expected, trimming 12-inch blocks topped by 4-inch bricks. Other amenities include a barbecue pit, an outdoor dog walk, a pet-washing room, basement fitness center, conference room, bar, pool table, and walk-on services like massage and physical therapy. Kimmel and the partners looked at New York apartment plans to see how many one-person units they could fit into the three stories. Beds could be stowed for work-at-home hours, but we didnt want those old fold-out Murphy beds, McFadden said. They bought canopy beds from Hasier Larreas Ori flexible-furniture-systems firm. The beds lower from the ceiling onto couch bases, plus facing rows of shelves can open as a walk-in closet. The bed controls, like the digital room locks, are remote-accessible and have manual overrides in case of power failure. The narrow building admits more light for that suburban feel. Not every office building converts well to apartments, McGee said. This was perfect 65 feet deep, you have a central corridor with apartments. If it were 200 feet deep, youd have very narrow apartments with one window at the end. The Tommy Tiernan show has returned to our screens, marking a decade of unscripted, surprise interviews where host Tommy Tiernan meets his guests for the first time on air. This week, Tiernan welcomed actor Jane Seymour, spiritual director and author Soline Humbert and musician, and award-winning storyteller Aindrias de Staic. Jane Seymour The first guest of the night was actor Jane Seymour, known for her roles in Live and Let Die, Somewhere in Time, Wedding Crashers, and Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman. Seymour said she has been in Ireland for the past three months, filming for Harry Wild, a series where Seymour plays a retired literature professor with a knack for solving mysteries. She spoke of her professional background, opening up about her first professional gig as a dancer at just 13 years old and how an injury eventually led her to move into acting. She spoke about her time as a Bond girl, having played the role of a Bond girl in James Bond Live and Let Die. She also shared her experience working in America, including winning a Best Actress award for East of Eden and starring in Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman. Seymour became emotional when talking about her deep connection to her role in War and Remembrance which was of particular significance to her because of her parents backgrounds. So if you were to ask me about War and Remembrance, where I play Natalie Jastrow, who went through Auschwitz and Theresienstadt and went through World War II and was tortured and all of that, I did that for nine months with Sir John Gielgud. I mean, I still haven't really shed that experience completely from my spirit, that character, you know. If I watch it, or even talk about it, because I, for nine months, was Natalie Jastrow, and felt it very deeply, and felt that it was like a mission too, that I had to tell this story so that kind of atrocity that happened in World War II wouldn't happen again. And see it gets he gets me every time, and part of that is because they didn't realise it, but I was perfectly cast for it, because my mother had survived a Japanese prison of war camp for three and a half years in Indonesia. "She was a Dutch national living there, and my father, who she met after the war, had been in the RAF, and he'd opened the gates of Bergen-Belsen, and had lost a lot of relatives there. And although nobody would ever talk about it, or could talk about it, I think the DNA of that was somehow in me, and it was almost like I had to tell the story." Seymour went on to open up about her near-death experience, where she had an anaphylactic shock and a vision of her own body. Ive also had the privilege of dying, she said. I had bronchitis. I was playing Maria Callas. They needed me to work on Monday, I was sick on Saturday, so they decided to shoot me up with an antibiotic. They missed, the guy missed, the muscle and hit a vein or an artery, and I had full anaphylactic shock, which means everything shuts down. I left my body, saw the white light, had a vision, was able to have a view of me lying there half naked with a guy screaming and yelling for an ambulance trying to resuscitate me, which he, at that time, couldn't, and very calmly, I'm watching all of this going, Well that's curious, because you know, that's me, I'm me, but that looks like me. And no fear, no pain, no trauma, no attachment to any of it. And this amazing white light, it's like very beckoning. And I remember kind of looking down, going, No, I want, I want to get back in that body. And of course, they shot me up with whatever, cortisone, adrenaline, whatever, and I came back to tell the tale. The only reason I'm telling this story is that my perspective on life is very similar to other people I know who have been through that and survived, which is, now is it, right now, this moment with you. This is it. Not five minutes ago, and not five from now. She described the profound impact the experience had on her perspective on life, saying: The only thing you take with you when you die is the love you've shared in your life and the difference you've made." The conversation ended with Seymour touching on her hobbies and how she feels her best in her 70s and described an amazing freedom Soline Humbert Tiernans second guest of the night was spiritual director and author Soline Humbert a woman with a 50-year vocation to the priesthood in the Catholic Church. Humbert discussed her activism and the challenges she faces, how she has celebrated Eucharist in various settings, including private homes and hotel rooms, due to the official church's closed door to women in the priesthood, and how, despite receiving threats and opposition, including from devout men and women, she remains committed to her calling. An agent of the impossible, causing trouble. I suppose that sums it up, she said when asked to describe herself. She explained that the Catholic Church is the people, including herself, and expressed frustration with the official leadership's closed door to women in the priesthood. She went on to speak about the official church's attitude that women with a vocation to the priesthood do not exist and her long-standing desire to meet the Pope to convey the message that women have a calling to the priesthood. The attitude of the official church is that we don't exist. There's no such thing as a woman with according to priesthood, that has been the official attitude, she said. Still to this day, one of the things I've wanted and tried for 35 years was to meet the Pope, because I felt the Pope needed to know that women had a calling to the priesthood. Tiernan questioned why she has remained in the Catholic church, which he said can be so full of blinder, power and corruption, and if she ever thought about going elsewhere. Explaining her decision to remain within the Catholic Church, acknowledging its flaws but believing that starting a new church might also lead to corruption, she said: As it happens, I was baptised in the Catholic Church, and I have remained, I've discerned, you know, as I say, I've been tempted over the years to go elsewhere, to do something else, and but I have discerned that my own path is within the Catholic Church. That's where it's at, but I can understand fully, and I'm certainly not going to disagree with you in terms of corruption, and, yeah, a lot of things have been done. And as a woman, I would know firsthand, very abusive. "And I've not been silent about the level of abuse, spiritual abuse as well. And as a woman, I've been at the receiving end of it. So I know exactly. She spoke about some of the threats she has received because of her views, which included what she described as threats of a sexual nature that were often quite violent, from men. She also spoke about the threats she has received from some women, but also spoke to the men and women in her life who have been very supportive of her path. Looking to the future of the Catholic Church, she emphasised the need for courage, encouraging truth-telling, truth-listening, and responding in freedom. Aindrias de Staic Actor, musician, and award-winning storyteller Aindrias de Staic was the third and final guest of the night. The conversation revolved around de Staics journey as a storyteller and musician, influenced by Irish traditions and personal experiences. He discussed the evolution of his storytelling style, incorporating music and rhythm, and the impact of his father, a writer and storyteller. My father was a writer, storyteller. He wrote so many stories about Ennis time and the west of Ireland and about the Irish in America, because he lived in San Francisco," he said. "And I thought when my time would come, I'd sit down and type up the stories, but I just could never get down on the laptop. I just have this anxiety in the body, it's like school or homework, you know. So that was going on for a while, and I kind of repeated the formula in Around the World in 80 Quid. But what was happening was, Can I show you?, he said before playing some examples of different tunes on his violin. de Staic also touched on the emotional impact of his father's death and the deep connection he had with music. There was always such a deep connection with me and the music and my father, like it was kind of like, why I'm even shaking thinking about it. Because I remember after he died, there was a moment where I thought, Oh, I don't have to do music anymore, now I can do comedy," he said. I think on a subconscious level, I maybe worked at music or stories because I wanted to impress him, you know, maybe. When I was young, maybe secretly, you know the way, often say, you're looking for approval from the father. I would have upset him so many times, you know, like when I went drinking, like in my 20s. We fell out so much. But then when I got sober, you know, and I had the show. I came home from Australia that year, I was clean and sober, and I had the show. "And I remember I was backstage at Glor after the show, and I was wondering, Did I say too many f words? Because, you know, with storytelling, I wouldn't have a script; Id just be letting off, and he came backstage, and he gave me a big hug and yeah, it kind of flattened me. Tiernan wrapped up the conversation by saying: Its important to be sad and to allow ourselves to be sad. Im very, very fond of you, Aindrias and stay in touch. Finishing out the show with a musical performance was Belfast and Donegal-based Huartan with their song Cad E Sin? The Government has been accused of another shocking waste of money as new figures reveal it has spent 2.2m on external communications and media. This is despite all departments having dedicated press offices and ministerial press advisors. The spending saw thousands of euro given to dozens of communications companies for services including the distribution of press releases, media training for civil servants, and public awareness campaigns. The information was compiled by Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, following inquiries to all government departments. He received responses from all departments except the Department of Children. Between 2020 and 2025, some 2.2m was spent on external communications and media. The Department of Defence had the largest spend at 773,000. This was largely associated with its Be Winter Ready and Be Summer Ready campaigns, which run twice a year. 389,000 paid to Spark Foundry for Defence campaigns Some 389,000 was paid to media communications firm Spark Foundry for these campaigns. The Department of Housing spent 324,000, including on "PR and Communications services" for Met Eireann through MKC Communications. This cost 59,000 last year, 107,000 in 2024, and 64,000 in 2023. The Department of Finance spent 233,000, including 41,500 to MediaHQ between 2021 and 2025 for press release distribution. Mr Gould questioned why the department is outsourcing its press releases when it has a press office, as he accused the Government of "another shocking waste of public money". Have value for money assessments been undertaken on each of these contracts?" Mr Gould said. The Department of Finance has an ongoing contract for media monitoring and another for press release distribution. Why can these not be done in-house? 2.2m for help with spin is just another example of this government having no regard for taxpayers money." A spokesperson for the Department of Finance told the Irish Examiner that the press office previously issued all press releases and notices via e-mail using distribution lists built by and maintained by the press office, but manually updating this list resulted in "several recipients failing to receive important releases. TOKYO, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- A forest fire broke out in Japan's Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, on Sunday, with no injuries confirmed so far, local media reported. An emergency call was made at around 11:20 a.m. local time reporting white smoke rising from a mountainside in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, Kyodo News reported. Firefighters and disaster-response helicopters were sent to contain the flames. As of 2:30 p.m. local time, the fire had burned about 2,500 square meters of woodland, the report said. The prefectural government has requested the dispatch of Self-Defense Forces personnel as the blaze continues to spread, it added. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a dry air advisory was in effect for Kiryu at the time of the outbreak, and it later issued a strong wind advisory. Nationwide protests challenging Irans theocracy saw protesters flood the streets in the countrys capital and its second-largest city into Sunday, crossing the two-week mark as violence surrounding the demonstrations has killed at least 116 people, activists said. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. But the death toll in the protests has grown, while 2,600 others have been detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Meanwhile, Irans parliament speaker warned that the US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes the Islamic Republic, as threatened by US president Donald Trump. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made the threat as politicians rushed the dais in the Iranian parliament, shouting: Death to America! Those abroad fear the information blackout will embolden hardliners within Irans security services to launch a bloody crackdown, despite warnings from Mr Trump that he is willing to strike the Islamic Republic to protect peaceful demonstrators. Protests have taken place across the country (UGC via AP) Mr Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous US officials, said on Saturday night that Mr Trump had been given military options for a strike on Iran, but had not made a final decision. The US state department separately warned: Do not play games with President Trump. When he says hell do something, he means it. Iranian state television broadcast the parliament session live. Mr Qalibaf, a hardliner who has run for the presidency in the past, gave a speech applauding police and Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, particularly its all-volunteer Basij, for having stood firm during the protests. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signalled a coming clampdown, despite US warnings (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested, Mr Qalibaf said. He went on to directly threaten Israel, the occupied territory as he referred to it, and the US military, possibly with a pre-emptive strike. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Mr Qalibaf said. We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. It remains unclear just how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after seeing its air defences destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Any decision to go to war would rest with Irans 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protesters demonstrated in Berlin, Germany, on Saturday (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP) The US military has said in the Middle East it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and US interests. Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehrans Punak district. There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. Other footage purportedly showed demonstrators peacefully marching down a street and others honking their car horns in the street. In Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, some 450 miles (725km) north-east of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Flaming debris and large rubbish bins could be seen in the street, blocking the road. Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he'll do something, he means it. pic.twitter.com/4tzBlzfNL9 Department of State (@StateDept) January 10, 2026 Mashhad is home to the Imam Reza shrine, the holiest in Shiite Islam, meaning the protests there carry heavy significance for the countrys theocracy. Protests also appeared to take place in Kerman, 500 miles (800km) south-east of Tehran. Iranian state television on Sunday morning took a leaf from the demonstrators, with their correspondents appearing on streets in several cities to show calm areas, with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. They also showed pro-government demonstrations in Qom and Qazvin. Mr Khamenei has signalled a coming clampdown, despite US warnings. Tehran escalated its threats on Saturday, with Irans attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warning that anyone taking part in protests would be considered an enemy of God, a death-penalty charge. The statement carried by Iranian state television said even those who helped rioters would face the charge. Irans theocracy cut the nation off from the internet and international telephone calls on Thursday, though it allowed some state-owned and semi-official media to publish. Qatars state-funded Al Jazeera news network reported live from Iran, but they appeared to be the only major foreign outlet able to work. A masked demonstrator holding a picture of Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has urged protesters to claim public spaces as your own (UGC via AP) Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who called for protests on Thursday and Friday, asked in his latest message for demonstrators to take to the streets on Saturday and Sunday. He urged protesters to carry Irans old lion-and-sun flag and other national symbols used during the time of the shah to claim public spaces as your own. Mr Pahlavis support of and from Israel has drawn criticism in the past particularly after the 12-day war. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah in some protests, but it is not clear whether that is support for Mr Pahlavi himself or a desire to return to a time before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The demonstrations began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to one US dollar, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear programme. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. Myanmar began a second round of voting on Sunday in the countrys first general election since a takeover that installed a military government five years ago. Voting expanded to additional townships including some areas affected by the civil war between the military government and its armed opponents. Polling stations opened at 6am local time in 100 townships across the country, including parts of Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago and Tanintharyi regions, as well as Mon, Shan, Kachin, Kayah and Kayin states. Many of these areas have seen clashes in recent months or remain under heightened security, underscoring the risks surrounding the vote. Voters queue to cast their ballot at a polling station in Yangon (Thein Zaw/AP) The election is being held in three phases due to armed conflicts. The first round took place on December 28 in 102 of the countrys total 330 townships. A final round is scheduled for January 25, although 65 townships will not take part because of fighting. Myanmar has a two-house national legislature, totalling 664 seats. The party with a combined parliamentary majority can select the new president, who can name a cabinet and form a new government. The military automatically receives 25% of seats in each house under the constitution. Critics say the polls organised by the military government are neither free nor fair and are an effort by the military to legitimise its rule after seizing power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. A voter casts his ballot at a polling station in Yangon (Thein Zaw/AP) The military government said there were more than 24 million eligible voters in the election, about 35% fewer than the 2020 election. The government called the turnout a success, claiming ballots were cast by more than six million people, about 52% of the more than 11 million eligible voters in the elections first phase. While more than 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, only six parties are competing nationwide with the possibility of gaining political clout in parliament. The first phase left the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, or USDP, in a dominant position, winning nearly 90% of those contested seats in that phase in Pyithu Hluttaw, the lower house of parliament. It also won a majority of seats in regional legislatures. Ms Suu Kyi, Myanmars 80-year-old former leader, and her party are not participating in the polls. She is serving a 27-year prison term on charges widely viewed as spurious and politically motivated. Aung San Suu Kyi and her party are not participating in the polls (Chris Ison/PA) Her party, the National League for Democracy, was dissolved in 2023 after refusing to register under new military rules. Other parties also refused to register or declined to run under conditions they deemed unfair, while opposition groups have called for a voter boycott. Tom Andrews, a special rapporteur working with the UN human rights office, speaking earlier in the week, urged the international community to reject what he called a sham election, saying the first round exposed coercion, violence and political exclusion. You cannot have a free, fair or credible election when thousands of political prisoners are behind bars, credible opposition parties have been dissolved, journalists are muzzled, and fundamental freedoms are crushed, Mr Andrews said. Saturday, January 10, 2026 - Detectives attached to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have arrested four suspects in Bomet County, over a large-scale fraud scheme involving fake TSC recruitment letters that duped job seekers of more than Sh 40 million. The suspects, David Kemei, TSC Director, Konoin Sub-County; Rosebella Chepkemoi Korir, a former Bomet County Woman Representative aspirant; and two teachers Leonard Siele Towett and Mercy Cherotich, were taken into custody after a painstaking probe by detectives. Investigations have since revealed that the suspects targeted unemployed teachers and members of the public, demanding hefty payments in exchange for forged appointment letters promising permanent and pensionable employment with the TSC. Many victims reportedly took loans, sold property or exhausted their savings in pursuit of the promised jobs. The four were arraigned today before the Bomet Law Courts, where detectives obtained 14-day custodial orders to allow for comprehensive investigations. The fraud network is believed to extend beyond Bomet County to Kericho, Narok, Kisii, and Nyamira, and efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest additional suspects linked to the syndicate. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in collaboration with the TSC, remains resolute in dismantling criminal networks that exploit job seekers and undermine public confidence in Government institutions. The DCI cautions the public to remain vigilant and to verify all recruitment opportunities through official TSC channels. TSC does not charge any fees for employment. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, January 10, 2026 - Reverend Jamleck Muiruri, formerly serving at ACK Church Kingeero, is at the centre of controversy following allegations of inappropriate conduct involving female congregants. The claims were made by social media personality, Shiko Wa Oakland, who alleged that the cleric had been sending inappropriate requests to some female church members, including asking for funny photos and allegedly making suggestive advances. According to the allegations circulating online, one woman who was said to be close to the reverend secretly recorded a voice note, which later leaked on social media. Following complaints reportedly raised by some members of the congregation, Reverend Muiruri was transferred from the parish where he had been serving. The matter has continued to trend on social media, reigniting debate around clergy accountability and appropriate conduct within religious institutions. Watch the video>>> below The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, January 10, 2026 - Former Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki joined family, friends, and residents of Mathakwa village to bury the late Carol Njeri, a young mother of four who was murdered by her husband in what has been described as a brutal case of gender-based violence (GBV). Taking to her Facebook page, Kariuki expressed deep sorrow over the killing, terming it a senseless act of gender-based violence that robbed the community of a vibrant and loving soul. Today my husband and I joined family and friends of Lay Reader Patrick Maina to say goodbye to a beautiful soul whose light was stolen by a senseless act of gender-based violence, Kariuki wrote. According to Kariuki, Carol Njeri was allegedly killed by her partner, leaving behind four young children, a tragedy that has reignited public outrage and renewed calls for tougher action against GBV perpetrators. The former CS offered her condolences to the bereaved family and issued a firm pledge to pursue justice for the slain woman. To her family: I stand with you in this heartbreak, and I give you my word that I will not rest until justice is served. We will ensure the person responsible is held to account, she stated. Kariuki emphasized that Carols death should not be reduced to another forgotten statistic, insisting that accountability must follow. A life taken too soon will not be a story left unfinished, she added. The Kenyan DAILY POST MELBOURNE, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Over 300 structures have been destroyed in the ongoing bushfire crisis in the southeast Australian state of Victoria, authorities said on Sunday as they announced support for affected communities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, on Sunday announced a 19.5 million Australian dollar (13 million U.S. dollar) emergency funding package to provide immediate support to communities across the state affected by the fires. The funding includes 10 million Australian dollars to supply fodder to farmers who have been affected by significant livestock losses, 1.5 million Australian dollars in emergency accommodation support for thousands of people who have been ordered to evacuate their homes and one million Australian dollars for mental health support. Speaking at a press conference alongside Allan and emergency services personnel in the central Victorian city of Bendigo, Albanese said on Sunday that the federal government would support Victorians through the crisis and the recovery period. "We've got your back," he said. "We'll work cooperatively with the state government to make sure we deliver what is necessary so that people and communities can get back on their feet after what has been a very difficult period." There were 32 bushfires burning across Victoria as of Sunday morning, with 15 warnings in place advising residents to evacuate their communities. Allan said that complying with evacuation orders is the best way to protect and save lives. Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, said at the press conference that authorities have confirmed over 300 structures have been destroyed by fire across the state. He said that around 150 of those structures had been destroyed by a fire near the central Victorian town of Longwood, 120 km north of Melbourne, which has burnt through around 144,000 hectares of land since Wednesday. The fire near Longwood was one of three bushfires that remained at emergency-level on Sunday, with the others in western Victoria and the state's far northeast. Temperatures were forecast to fall on Sunday, but authorities have warned that strong winds would continue to pose a significant threat and firefighting conditions would remain difficult. (1 Australian dollar equals 0.67 U.S. dollars) Saturday, January 10, 2025 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the Government of creating a special squad within the National Police Service (NPS) to disrupt his political activities. Speaking on Saturday, January 10th, Gachagua claimed that proGovernment politicians had taken control of the service, sidelining Inspector General Douglas Kanja, and were using rogue officers to intimidate him and his supporters. Why have you surrendered the command of the NPS to politicians? Are you not embarrassed that the police service has become the cause of insecurity instead of providing security to citizens? he posed. Gachagua alleged that on Friday, January 9th, a group of officers in civilian clothes stormed Kirinyaga County, commandeered two police vehicles, and violently disrupted his rally. He said the squad, assisted by County askaris, attacked his convoy with tear gas and live ammunition, injuring one of his security personnel and destroying his media teams equipment. They stopped us from proceeding to Kagio town for a public engagement. We retreated, used an alternative route, and still addressed thousands of DCP supporters, he recounted. The former DP further claimed that the operation was led by a senior officer linked to a local MP, the same officer he accused of orchestrating attacks on Nyandarua Senator John Methus convoy and unleashing violence in Narok during recent byelections. He added that the officer later ordered a roadblock along the SaganaKagioKutus Road to block his rally. In his statement, Gachagua challenged IG Kanja to explain what he termed as a breakdown of command within the NPS. He demanded the immediate arrest of the officers involved, insisting that they should face charges of robbery with violence. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, January 10 2025 - A viral club video has set social media ablaze after a petite slay queen was captured in a heated dance off with a plus size lady. Rocking a daring outfit that left little to the imagination, the petite dancer became the center of attention as her bold moves drew mixed reactions. Netizens quickly turned her fallen twins into fodder for endless banter, with the clip fueling laughter, memes and playful debates. Watch the video>>> below. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, January 10, 2026 - Media personality and outspoken YouTuber, Andrew Kibe, has revealed details of a harrowing experience that saw him arrested and detained in Tanzania. Speaking to fellow media figure, Chris the Bass, in an interview aired on Friday, January 9th, 2026, Kibe recounted how what began as a casual trip with a friend quickly spiraled into a nightmare. According to Kibe, the incident unfolded in 2025 during antiGovernment protests in Tanzania. He explained that his friend, who showed up at his house intoxicated, suggested they travel to watch pool games since Kenyan teams had crossed over to compete. My friend came to my house drunk, and he told me we should head to Tanzania to watch pool because our teams were there. Kenya had sent three teams to Tanzania through our club. I got carried again, as usual, and went, Kibe narrated. The journey took a dramatic twist at the border when his friend confessed he lacked proper travel documents. Kibe brushed it off, assuming they could still cross. We get to the border, and my friend says, by the way, I do not have papers. I told him not to worry because people usually cross the border, he said. But just 27 kilometers before reaching Arusha, the duo was stopped by the Tanzanian army. They were arrested, handed over to police, and spent the night in cells after officers discovered their passports had not been stamped. 27 kilometres before we got to Arusha, we were stopped by the army. They arrested us and handed us over to the police, and we spent the night in the cells because we did not have stamped passports. They would come and say we are the ones bringing trouble in Tanzania, Kibe stated. Kibe recalled the anxiety of being locked up, fearing authorities might check his social media accounts. While I was there, I was hoping they dont look at my social media I knew if they did, it would explode, he said. He further claimed that the plan was to hold them until January 15th, 2026, as authorities managed ongoing protests. Officers allegedly accused them of sneaking in as activists intent on joining the GenZ demonstrations. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, January 10, 2025 - A man identified as Alex Kamau found himself on the wrong side of the law after he was caught stealing from a shop in Kahawa Wendani. CCTV footage revealed that Kamau had made away with 15 trousers worth Ksh 1,500 each the previous day. Emboldened, he returned to try his luck again, but this time his proverbial 40 days ran out. Shop owners pounced, subjecting him to a thorough beating before forcing a confession out of him. Kamau admitted he had hidden the stolen clothes at his house in Githurai and promised to lead them there. The dramatic incident ended with Kamau being handed over to police at Kahawa Wendani Police Station, as locals expressed outrage over rising petty theft in the area. Watch the video>>> below The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, January 10, 2025 - President William Ruto has reiterated that the Government cannot entirely offset the cost of education for parents, citing financial limitations. Speaking in Nakuru County during the Nyota Business Start-Up Capital disbursement, the Head of State emphasized that while access to education remains a priority, it cannot be completely free. Ruto explained that the national budget is insufficient to cater for all learners, even after raising the education allocation from Ksh 500 billion to Ksh 700 billion. He noted that students from poor households currently enjoy up to 90 percent support through bursaries and scholarships, with parents contributing a small portion. Education cant be entirely free because we dont have the money to make it free. We must be honest with ourselves, he said. The President recalled a previous regimes attempt to fully fund university education, warning that the move nearly collapsed the system. "There was a time we said university education would be free, and they nearly collapsed because we couldn't afford it. We must work progressively; as we improve the economy, we will have the financial muscle to pay for everyone. For now, it has to be a partnership between the Government, parent and other stakeholders," he said. His remarks come against the backdrop of growing concern over reduced and delayed funding for public schools. Kiharu MP, Ndindi Nyoro, on January 6th cautioned the Government against what he termed insufficient capitation for the 2026 academic year. Nyoro criticized the allocation of only Ksh 109 per student this term, dismissing official claims of adequate disbursement as misleading. During his 2022 campaign, President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza coalition pledged to enhance and fully fund the existing free primary education and free day secondary education programs. The promise was framed as a commitment to improving quality while easing the financial burden on parents, with the coalition vowing to expand access and ensure that no child was locked out of school due to cost. The Kenyan DAILY POST State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code VIENTIANE, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The development of socialism in Laos injects new momentum into China-Laos relations. The three-day 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) concluded successfully on Jan. 8, summarizing Laos' achievements over the past five years, charting the future direction of the country's socialist development, and injecting new impetus into the advancement of China-Laos relations. The congress reviewed and adopted a series of key political documents, including the political report of the 11th Central Committee and the 10th Five-Year Plan for Socio-Economic Development (2026-2030). Under the plan, Laos aims to achieve an average annual economic growth rate of 6 percent during the 2026-2030 period. A key highlight of the congress was the adoption of the Party's third political program, which clearly sets the goal of transforming the country into an upper-middle-income developing nation by 2055, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the LPRP. During the congress, the China-Laos Railway was frequently cited as a key driver of national development. Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklay Sivilay stated in a media interview that the railway has played a vital role in promoting Laos' socio-economic growth. According to the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC), which operates the Lao section of the China-Laos Railway, the Lao section had carried more than 11.84 million passengers and transported over 16.77 million tons of freight as of Jan. 8. Since its opening four years ago, the railway has steadily improved operational efficiency, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating economic and trade exchanges between China and Laos. Beyond transport infrastructure, cooperation between the two countries has expanded across a wide range of sectors under the strategic guidance of senior leaders from both sides. Substantial progress has been made in energy, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and other key areas, further consolidating the China-Laos community with a shared future. Notable achievements include the successful launch of the China-Laos 500 kV power grid interconnection project, marking a new chapter in cross-border power cooperation, and the handover of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital, which has improved Laos' healthcare capacity. In addition, projects such as the China-aided rural poverty alleviation infrastructure initiative have been implemented, contributing directly to improved livelihoods. While strategic and livelihood-related cooperation has continued to deepen, China-Laos economic and trade ties have also delivered tangible results, providing strong impetus for the development of bilateral relations. According to local daily Vientiane Times report on Nov. 2025, trade between Laos and China continued to expand, reaching 8.23 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 and 4.6 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of 2025. China's cumulative investment across various sectors in Laos has exceeded 18 billion U.S. dollars, making it the country's largest source of foreign investment. A series of livelihood projects that embody bilateral friendship, together with robust economic and trade figures, painted a vivid picture of the China-Laos community with a shared future taking root, and injected sustained momentum into the deepening of strategic cooperation between the two countries. The successful conclusion of the 12th LPRP National Congress opens a new chapter in Laos' socialist development and heralds fresh historical opportunities for advancing the China-Laos community with a shared future. Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Lao president, stated that Laos stands ready to work with China to fully implement the action plan for building the China-Laos community with a shared future, strengthen unity and cooperation, jointly address risks and challenges arising from changes in the international and regional landscape, and safeguard the shared interests of both parties and countries. Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong reaffirmed China's commitment to working closely with Laos to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries. She noted that the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos presents an opportunity to deepen exchanges on governance experience, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, promote the development of both countries' socialist causes, and build a high-standard, high-quality, and high-level community with a shared future, promote the building of a more just and reasonable global governance system, and set a positive example for building a community with a shared future for mankind. IN the pandemic years, many Irish were shut away from each other, unable to see each other in church or the pub, but even in normal years most of us live far more isolated and lonely lives than almost any of our ancestors. The modern world isolates us in cars or cubicles, and we find it difficult to imagine how communal and intimate all life was for most people, in most cultures, as long as we have been human. In Ireland, as in most cultures, people ploughed fields, footed turf and harvested hay together, making light work of many hands. Everyone celebrated and grieved together, their losses lessened because they were shared, and their joys heightened because they were shared. Living uprooted the way most modern humans do, spending our lives adrift on a sea of strangers and rarely seeing loved ones, was for most cultures the worst punishment imaginable. Ancient Greeks chose death rather than exile, condemned to be a stranger in a strange land. International law today condemns solitary confinement being isolated in an enclosed space as literal torture, but that is how many of us spend our lives. Whether on city streets, on buses and planes, in offices and bars, many of us are alone even in a crowd. In every society, of course, there were people who left the village or the farm, often young males who needed to test themselves. Even then, though, everyone acknowledged that being cut off from ones own blood was a kind of death; when a son or daughter in rural Ireland left for America seeking work, everyone in the village held an American wake, a funereal celebration, as though the departing was already departed. Those who joined the army, or a monastery, or who went to sea as Ishmael did in Moby Dick, then lived with a new family, a brotherhood like the brothers they might have left. Even today, when people look back at the best times of their lives, it was usually when they were thrown together say, in college in the same kind of closeness, when we briefly felt as humans should. When we must deal with others, we must stretch beyond our inner world, as they are beyond theirs, and create a new living thing a relationship in the space between us. Relationships are more than the sum of the people, but create something new, as the green gas chlorine and soft metal sodium combine to become salt, completely unlike its component parts. Different people bring out different things in us, and our identities subtly reshape to fit them, never completely reverting to their former shape. As the number of people in a group increases arithmetically (3, 4, 5), the number of relationships goes up geometrically (9, 16, 25) and a community is born, an organic living thing with its own personality different than the people who comprise it. Those relationships can also demand much of us, which is why we find it so easy to flee from them into screens. They force us to be kind when we dont feel like it, to use diplomacy, and to put ourselves in the place of others -- to practice the qualities that separate humans from other animals. They make us endure the quirky habits of others long enough to build an immunity to them, and perhaps even appreciate them. We have all known people who hated each other at first and then became friends or romantic partners, and when loved ones pass out of this life, we have all fondly remembered the eccentricities that might have once annoyed us. Our modern world of earbuds and phones, of social media and online chats, by contrast, lets us unfriend and shut out anyone that doesnt immediately please us with their first impression, as well as all subsequent impressions. We screen out most of the relationships that would truly help us grow into understanding adults. As the new year begins, it would be easy for all of us to stare at screens, take Zoom calls, and never talk to anyone at the store. Instead, Id like us to make a resolution to knock on the neighbours doors and invite them for tea, to play ball with children instead of allowing them to play a video game, and to revive the kind of communities we once had one relationship at a time. TEN existing vacant houses are currently under refurbishment as part of the regeneration of St Patricks Park in Rathangan, one of Kildares most infamous ghost estates. At the recent meeting of Kildare Newbridge Municipal District on 17 December, cllr Noel Connolly asked if Kildare County Council (KCC) could confirm what progress was being made on the redevelopment of the estate. He also asked for a target date on the completion of the project. At the meeting, cllr Connolly thanked Shirley Farrar, administrative officer at the Housing Department of KCC, for her engagement on the matter before the meeting. A report issued by Ms Farrar in response to cllr Connollys question stated that the project is progressing well on site. It said that the ten existing vacant houses currently under refurbishment are due to be completed in February. It added that there are three new build houses at an advanced stage of construction, with a further four houses having started construction recently. The report further detailed that alongside the refurbishment and construction of houses, other work including demolition works, new watermains, sewers, ESB ducting, walls and footpaths is progressing as expected. The report added that the works are being completed on a phased basis, with January 2027 being the target completion date for the project. Also at the meeting, cllr Connolly added that he wanted the estate taken in charge by the council. This request was seconded by cllr Pat Balfe. If this were to happen, responsibility for the estate would be transferred to KCC through a formal legal process. The estate, which is located within 1km of Rathangan, was established 56 years ago. It began to decline in the late 1990s and early noughties. KCC made a suggestion to build more social housing there in 2007 but could not reach agreement with the residents, leading to further flight and dereliction. It became a symbol for ghost estates in the national media and was considered for demolition. KCC purchased 34 derelict properties in 2019. In January of last year, KCC signed an 8.5 million contract making ML Quinn Construction the main developers for the redevelopment of the estate under the Remedial Works Scheme run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. International Rose of Tralee and apprentice electrical engineer Katelyn Cummins, from Kilkenny, has been announced as one of the first headline speakers at the re-imagined I Wish Festival. Teenage female students from Kilkenny are invited to attend I Wish 2026, which takes place on February 5 at the RDS Dublin. As technologies such as artificial intelligence continue to reshape design, builds and innovation, the 12th annual I Wish will place a strong emphasis on applied STEM skills and future-ready career pathways for females. This includes a new dedicated Construction Zone, delivered in partnership with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). The zone will provide hands-on demonstrations; insight into apprenticeships and engineering pathways; and direct engagement with women working across this evolving sector. TAP HERE FOR MORE KILKENNY SCHOOLS NEWS Almost 4,000 female teenage students from across the island of Ireland will attend the 12th annual I Wish Festival for an immersive, experience-led programme designed to build confidence, curiosity and awareness of real-world STEM careers. Registration is still open at iwish.ie/tickets. Construction has the lowest female representation of any sector in Ireland, at just over 10% overall, and only 1% on building sites, said I Wish co-founder Gillian Keating. Ireland urgently needs these skills, and we must work harder to encourage young women to consider construction pathways. Early exposure is critical. If girls dont see these careers as options in school, the talent pipeline simply wont meet industry demand. The 2025 I Wish Survey of Female Students Attitudes to STEM found that access to practical STEM subjects remains dramatically lower for girls in single-sex schools, with just 5% reporting access to Construction Studies and 6% to Engineering, compared with 84% and 74% respectively in mixed schools, despite near-universal access to Biology and Chemistry. Katelyn Cummins, the 2025 International Rose of Tralee, is currently completing the third phase of an electrical apprenticeship with Alpha Drives Ltd. A passionate advocate for apprenticeships and alternative pathways, she has used her platform to champion applied STEM routes into engineering and construction-related careers. Additional speakers for I Wish 2026 include Irish Olympian Grainne Walsh; Mary ODonnell, I Wish alumna and aeronautical engineer; Marie Moynihan, Senior Vice President of Global Human Resource Services at Dell Technologies; Weronika Mozolewska, Quality Assurance Engineer at Dell Technologies; and Elaine Laird, Head of People and Culture at Logitech. Further speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Katja Mia will be MC for I Wish 2026. To support nationwide access, Iarnrod Eireann will again provide free rail transport from 22 locations across the Republic of Ireland, while a partnership with Translink will ensure accessibility for students travelling from Northern Ireland. The I Wish Festival is supported by Deloitte, along with Dell Technologies, Regeneron, Johnson and Johnson, Iarnrod Eireann and Logitech. Ballyfasy in South Kilkenny is the latest rural community targeted by wind farm developers as Ireland aims to meet EU directives on renewable energy. Ireland has committed to meet a target of sourcing 80% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. This target may seem high given other countries within the EU have committed to only40%. This, of course, seems good on paper but the real cost of such a high target in such a short timeframe may be more than we are willing to pay. The immediate area surrounding Ballyfasy already contains two wind farms, Ballymartin and Ballylog. Nestled amongst the hills nearby they dont generally cause a stir with local residents, they were erected several years ago. Though imposing at 120m in height they are far enough away from local residences to not cause mass disturbance. The new proposal for Ballyfasy, currently in planning review with An Coimisiun Pleanala, however, is seeking permission for a total of 10 mega turbines at a height of nearly 180 metres high, along with an electrical substation. READ: 'COMMUNITY DESERVES TO HAVE ITS SAY ON WINDFARM' These industrial scale machines will also be around 720 metres from family homes if approved. In fact, within a 2km radius there are currently 168 family homes. One would imagine with a project of this size and scale to assume local communities would have been approached for their input and how it would affect them. As yet there has been no contact from Kilkenny County Council regarding the project and calls to the development company, Manogate Ltd for a public meeting has been denied. The local community are bewildered as to why such an imposing windfarm would be erected so close to homes and in the middle of such a lush and rural area, with no consultation or advice sought from those most affected. Nature and environment are top concerns; after all, the aim of a renewable energy source is to protect the environment. READ MORE KILKENNY VIEWS AND OPINION HERE Unfortunately, the sheer scale of construction of such a project would mean swathes of forestry in Ballyfasy will be destroyed, local wildlife will be displaced with nesting grounds, roosts, feeding grounds and breeding grounds destroyed. Ballyfasy in particular homes a variety of local species such as bats, pine martens, red kite buzzards and badgers. The Glenmore River also sits downhill of Ballyfasy, a special area of conservation in its own right. Residential problems with windfarms are also of major concern with intrusive noise, light flicker, visual impact, etc well documented. People living in the area are concerned that the residential amenity of their homes is not compatible with industrial wind farms. The Ballyfasy community are worried too for the future of the area - planning and mortgage approvals near turbines can be difficult. A once-thriving community may find its population dwindles as people are forced to move to surrounding areas. Population impacts may not be immediate but are a longer view of a project that will have a lifespan of 35 years and will make Ballyfasy less of an attractive area to live in for families. Renewable energy, though, does not have to be a dirty word - it just has to be suitable and equitable. Ballyfasy already has wind farms in its vicinity, in areas away from such a large population and of a size more suited for their locations. Proper planning and regulation could see communities embrace turbines, but it would require consultation and respect for local communities. Current guidelines regulating wind farms currently date from 2006 and are severely outdated for the size and scale of modern developments. Efforts to have newer guidelines put in place to address the much larger and imposing turbines of today were drafted in 2019. Their implementation and approval have still not been ratified, with a Dail vote in early December pushing these out for at least another year. Ballyfasy, and other areas affected by unsuitable developments, have urged government to instil a moratorium on all new wind farm developments until this issue is addressed. Community action appears to be the only recourse to address unsuitable planning. Ballyfasy residents are actively working towards a recognition from local council and ministers of the preposterous nature of this wind farm developments. Submissions of objections will take place over the next few weeks to An Coimisiun Pleanala as the community aims to make its voice heard, all support and submissions from surrounding areas such as Glenmore, Listerlin, Mullinavat and others would also be much appreciated. The strategy for wind development is a national one. The only way to support a sensible approach to renewable energy is to support each other. PYONGYANG, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Japan will face total destruction through neo-militarism, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Sunday in a commentary. Since the start of the new year, Japan's ultra-right ruling forces have posed a significant threat to regional and global security, according to the commentary. A "typical example" is Japan's efforts to push forward the revision of its National Security Strategy within the year. Japan is mulling throwing away even the mask of "pacifist state" and evolving into "a war state and an aggressor state," the article said, calling the development "a clear revelation of the neo-militarist frenzy to totally deny its past crimes and bring back the era of the old empire at any cost." KCNA pointed out that the current Japanese government has been working to realize the "cherished desire" of ultra-right political forces since its inauguration to revise the constitution, which past governments failed to do. The Japanese government is actively developing space combat forces and building up hundreds of "powder storehouses" on the archipelago of Japan, said the article. Even Japanese media said it would be difficult to guarantee that Japan would not retake the fascist path in the period of militarism, it added. "The neo-militarism, obsessed with hatred for other nations, revanchism and ambition for conquest, started to rise up in the period of the Abe regime and has become rampant in the present era," the commentary said, adding that militarism could threaten the peace and stability of the world. The commentary said history has proven that "the destination of militarism was a ruined Japan, not a strong Japan." Iraqi Assyrian Emigration: A National Wound Calling for Reform The emigration of Iraqi Christians is no longer a matter concerning a single community, nor merely a religious or social issue. It has become a serious indicator of the depth of the national crisis Iraq has endured for years. When the sons and daughters of this ancient land, who have formed part of its human and cultural fabric for millennia, are forced to leave, the whole country loses a piece of its soul, its diversity, and its balance. In this context, the Patriarchate of the Chaldean Catholic Church issued a frank and courageous statement on 10 January 2026 [now deleted], addressing the real reasons behind the continued wave of Christian emigration. The statement did not appeal to emotions, it pointed directly to the wounds of the state itself. It went beyond describing the outcomes but named the roots of the problem: political instability, weak state institutions, widespread corruption, rising unemployment, and the deterioration of basic public services. These crises affect all Iraqis, but they strike minorities more deeply and make them more vulnerable than they already are. Christians, like other Iraqis, have endured years of violence and marginalization, but they were among the communities most severely harmed by forced displacement and attacks during the ISIS takeover of Mosul and the Nineveh Plains. The scars of that period remain deeply embedded in the collective memory, generating a lasting sense of fear and insecurity and eroding confidence in the possibility of a stable future inside the homeland. The statement of the Patriarchate of the Chaldean Catholic Church also clearly highlighted the ongoing violations against Christians, whether in terms of their property, their employment or their symbolic and cultural presence. It warns of attempts to erase their religious and historical heritage, all in the absence of real accountability for those responsible and amid a weak state commitment in protecting their constitutional rights as equal citizens. Such neglect does not threaten Christians alone, it undermines the very idea of citizenship and weakens the foundations of a just state. In a brave internal reflection, the statement also acknowledges the complex reality within the church institution itself. Positions vary between leaders who hesitate or feel unable to act and others who are constrained by money and power. On the other hand, there are courageous and principled voices that still uphold the morality of the church and its humanitarian mission with integrity. These voices remain a source of hope in defense of the Christian community, its dignity, and its right to survive. The call for unity among Christian political parties, for coordination among the churches, and for openness toward sincere national allies at home and abroad is not a political luxury. It is an existential necessity to stop the bleeding of emigration and to secure basic rights such as safety, employment, justice, and genuine participation in decision-making. Diversity is not a burden on Iraq; it is one of the pillars of its historical strength. Christian emigration is not a matter of numbers or statistics. It is a mirror reflecting the crisis of the state and its institutions. Any serious national project to preserve this ancient community requires real reform, effective justice, and equal citizenship, moving beyond rhetoric to concrete action. The church's moral and spiritual message is also called today to translate into practical initiatives that protect people, safeguard diversity, and restore trust that Iraq can once again be a home for all. An Iraq that loses its Christians loses part of its history. An Iraq that protects its diversity protects its future. BANGKOK, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- An immediate curfew has been imposed in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat in response to a spate of violent incidents, including multiple explosions, the country's military announced on Sunday. In an official statement released on the Narathiwat Task Force's social media account, the Thai military said it would roll out a series of measures to safeguard public order and security, including tightening controls at border checkpoints between Thailand and Malaysia and enforcing the curfew in Narathiwat that bans residents from leaving their homes between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Earlier on Sunday, the military confirmed that multiple petrol stations in Thailand's southern border provinces were hit by arson attacks and explosions late Saturday night, leaving one police officer injured, with five petrol stations in Narathiwat among the targeted sites. According to Thai media reports, the assailants set fire to convenience stores at the petrol stations and detonated homemade bombs at fuel pumps, which triggered large fires on the premises. Aleppo has been rocked by clashes between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led SDF SARAJEVO, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Experts in the Balkan state of Bosnia and Herzegovina regard the recent U.S. military strike against Venezuela and the capture of its president as a dangerous precedent, raising concerns from smaller countries over the future of the international order. Fuad Didic, a Bosnian political scientist and former diplomat, said that the U.S. move should not be viewed as an isolated incident but rather as part of a broader U.S. strategic framework. The recently released U.S. National Security Strategy urged restoring American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, he told Xinhua in an interview, adding the Jan. 3 U.S. military strike against Venezuela marked a concrete step toward realizing the strategy, signalling an emerging "new reality" in international affairs. According to Didic, the new reality is characterized by major U.S. moves in international affairs that lack consultation with its allies and violate international law or established international norms. He warned that such U.S. practices could reshape the global political landscape and influence its future policies toward other regions, including the Balkans. Widespread concerns have been voiced across Latin America, including in Cuba, Colombia and Mexico, he stressed, adding that the U.S.'s unilateral move, taken without adequate consultation with its European allies, has also generated unease among them. Slobodan Soja, a Bosnian historian and former diplomat, pointed out that the Venezuela episode reflected a familiar pattern of major-power intervention. He noted in a Xinhua interview that some Western media outlets had avoided using the term "aggression" in the case of Venezuela and largely overlooked its implications for international law. Soja said that the primary objective of the U.S. move was to reassert control over Venezuela's energy resources, and highlighted that similar U.S. approaches toward countries like Iraq and Libya had led to weakened sovereignty and prolonged regional instability. The developments regarding Venezuela pointed to a rising trend of unilateralism, and this situation has heightened the deep-seated concerns in smaller countries worldwide about the direction and stability of the international order, Soja said. GARDAI commended a beer delivery lorry driver for his swift action in avoiding a head-on crash and in doing so possibly saving the lives of three people. The praise was issued at last weeks sitting of Portlaoise District Court when a Limerick businessman was summonsed before it for dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, failing to remain at the scene of an accident and to failing to report an accident at Oughaval, Stradbally on 16 April. Garda Roy Cooper said that he received a report on 17 April from a third party about an incident that took place between a car and a beer delivery lorry at Oughaval (Windy Gap) in Stradbally the previous day. He said a car was coming from the Carlow direction and met a delivery lorry coming from the Stradbally direction. He said the car veered across the road into the path of the lorry, forcing it into a ditch, before the car righted itself damaging its wing mirror and driving off. He said the lorry driver remained at the scene for a short while and the car driver didnt return while he was there. Arising from the incident, the defendant, Alan Andrews (50) from 26 Halcyon Place, Castletroy, Limerick appeared in court, where his solicitor told Judge Andrew Cody that the facts in the case were admitted. Garda Cooper said the report of the accident was notified to him by a driver of a Tesla car who had been driving behind the offending car at the time of the incident and that the Tesla driver had captured the incident on his cars camera. The footage from the cars camera was shown in court and showed Mr Andrews car veer across the road directly at the lorry, with its driver taking evasive action and driving into a ditch to avoid a head-on crash. Garda Cooper said: Only for the lorry driver being so aware, this might have been a more serious incident. The defendants solicitor said his client made a voluntary statement that he and the Tesla driver had pulled in where it was safe to do so and that he went back to the scene of the incident but that the lorry had left. He said that Mr Andrews had one previous conviction and that was for speeding in 2013 and asked Judge Andrew Cody to consider reducing the charge to careless driving. It was a momentary lapse in concentration, an oversight, an error. He realises it could have had catastrophic consequences, said the solicitor, who added that his client is a businessman who employs people and was coming from a presentation on the day. Garda Cooper said: We never really got to the root of what caused it (the car to veer into the path of the lorry). Garda sgt JJ Kirby said: We (gardai) commend the person for reporting the incident and the lorry driver. He, possibly, saved at least two peoples lives with his quick thinking on the day. Deciding on the evidence, Judge Andrew Cody accepted that Mr Andrews did return to the scene. Taking into consideration the other circumstances surrounding the incident, including the Telsa camera evidence, he said he was considering reducing the charge to careless driving but would finalise the case on 26 March. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme. By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association Weather warnings for parts of the country have been brought forward as a spell of strong winds and rain was forecast. A status yellow warning for wind has been issued for 11 coastal counties for eight hours on Sunday. The warning applies to Clare, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Wexford, and Wicklow. Met Eireann said it would be very windy with strong and gusty south-to-southwest winds as well as gales or strong gales near coasts. aiUpdate to timing: a iStatus Yellow Wind Warning will now be valid from 14:00 until 22:00 today, 11th Jan. Affected areas: Clare, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Wexford & Wicklow See details hereaihttps://t.co/w5QtJ1V6un https://t.co/P7suTEq5BU Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 11, 2026 It said this carried potential impacts of wave overtopping, loose objects being displaced, some fallen trees and branches, and difficult travelling conditions. The warning, which was first issued for between 4pm and midnight, has been brought forward for between 2pm and 10pm. In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office had issued a series of warnings, but all have been lifted. A yellow warning for rain across the entire region was issued for between 9pm on Saturday and 9pm on Sunday, with the risk of some flooding in places. However, this was lifted on Sunday morning. Parts of Northern Ireland also fell into the designated region for warnings that affected large parts of Scotland and the north of England. A yellow warning for wind was to apply to those along coastlines in counties Antrim, Down, and Derry, as well as deep into Co Tyrone from midnight to 9pm on Sunday. This was to be immediately followed by another yellow warning for wind until midday on Monday, applying to areas in Antrim, Derry and Tyrone. However, both of those wind warnings were also removed on Sunday morning. Storm Goretti brought snow to parts of the UK and left a man dead after a tree fell onto a caravan in Helston, Cornwall. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. An intoxicated chef was banging on the door of a house in Rathdowney, a sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told. Sunpreet Singh Hansra (33) of 26 Railway Street, Navan, Co Meath admitted being intoxicated at Main Street, Rathdowney on November 8, 2025. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man was very drunk and banging on a door. He said the occupant didnt know the man and was refusing to allow him in. He said the defendant had 28 previous convictions and was serving a prison sentence. Solicitor Brian Duffy said his client was an Indian national who has been in Ireland a number of years. He said the man had gotten a job as a chef through an online forum and was supposed to get accommodation with the role but the man had gotten late notice that his position was terminated. The man believed the house was that of his employer, explained Mr Duffy. He said the defendant was now doing well in prison where he was attending school and he wished to apologise to the gardai and the owner of the property. Judge Andrew Cody fined the man 250 and gave him six months to pay. Back in the 1990s a seed germinated in the mind of Peter Naughton. The surgeon who specialised in cancer care at Portlaoise hospital decided that local people with the disease needed more than clinical help from in hospitals or via their GP. The Galway native wanted more for the people of his adopted county and those from other counties who attended Portlaoise hospital. With the backing first of his wife Veronie, who worked in Harold's Cross Hospice, he set out on a mission to set up a cancer support service in Laois. Many others joined him in the cause, which would ultimately see the seed of an idea germinate and grow into what is now a vital part of the cancer journey for people with cancer and their families from Laois and beyond. The journey from idea to reality, the centre that is now located on the Block Road in Portlaoise, was certainly not straightforward, but Mr Naughton tells it with great clarity in a new published booklet. The now-retired doctor writes of his vision for his patients. I wanted many things for my adoptive county, including a hospice and a proper breast-care service, but the cancer support unit would be a complementary and essential piece of the jigsaw, he said. Oncology care in Portlaoise hospital has been relocated, while in 2026, the HSE is finally in the advanced stages of building a hospice for Laois and the Midlands. While the cancer support service did materialise and has flourished, the Cuisle Centre may not have become a reality without a lot of effort and campaigning by Mr Naughton and many others in the community. Mr Naughton recounts how, as Medical Director to Laois Hospice, he made his first appeal to the Midland Health Board in 1997 for funding. A year later, I got a reply - they were not in a position to be supportive, he writes. But he wasn't going to be stopped by some bureaucratic shortsightedness. He explained that the next step was to win public support and make it a political issue. As far as Laois people were concerned, we were pushing an open door, he writes. MORE BELOW PICTURE OF THE COVER OF THE NEW BOOK. Health board intransigence meant seven years passed before a turning point. On a day in 2003, Mary Conroy's husband, Stephen - a farmer and traditional musician, gave me a cheque for 30,000 for the proposed centre. I looked at it in my hand, knowing that many hours of music sessions and dogged determination went into the making of it - a lesson in bloody-minded relentlessness. Stephen wasn't taking no for an answer, and neither should I. This was a decisive moment for me, writes Mr Naughton. He went back to 'hassling' the health board with the site finally allocated later in 2003. Laois Hospice, under the chairmanship of Seamus Donohoe, got involved to help with the fundraising to build the centre. A project team was formed, made up of PJ O'Gorman, William Telford, Tommy Keane, John White, Antoinette Brennan, Kathleen Cushen and Linda Byrne. They would be the first Cuisle Centre board members without whom the project would never have been realised. They decided to set the service up first while funds were raised to build a home. A house was rented near the hospital in 2004 when the Cusle Centre became a reality. Work commenced in 2006 and was completed in mid 2007 at a cost of 1.3 m. The Government provided 170,000. READ ALSO: Flu pressures on Portlaoise hospital Mr Naughton stepped away after 17 years on the board in 2020. He and some other long-term board members believe the time had come to allow people with new ideals to move the Centre to the next phase of its development. Dr John Connaughton, Portlaoise hospital's clinical director, is now the Cuisle Centre's medical director. He writes that the Centre remains independent of the HSE and now has four full- time staff. He said around 400 people receive free support annually, funded by the community. The Cuisle Centre was the first purpose-built cancer support centre in Ireland and exists because of the generosity and tenacity of the people of Laois, writes Mr Naughton. * The booklet, which is available at the Cuisle Centre, also recounts the work carried out by the Laois Defibrillator Group, which was made up of Mr Naughton, Sheelagh Coyle, Seamus Moran and Derek Phelan. They went about the job of mapping the locations of all Defibrillators in Laois so that they could be made available to the public and emergency services where a member of the public suffered cardiac arrest. A total of 120 were mapped. LONDON, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and five others injured in a crash between two vehicles in Bolton, a town in Greater Manchester of England, police said Sunday. Greater Manchester Police said that a red Seat Leon collided with a Citroen C4 Picasso on Wigan Road in the early hours of Sunday. The five injured have been taken to hospital and further investigations are underway. Weather warnings in Northern Ireland have been lifted early, while authorities in the Republic have brought forward an advisory. Two status yellow warnings for wind have been issued for 11 coastal counties in the Republic of Ireland on Sunday. Irish weather agency Met Eireann said it would be very windy with strong and gusty south-to-southwest winds as well as gales or strong gales near coasts. It said this carried potential impacts of wave overtopping, loose objects being displaced, some fallen trees and branches, and difficult travelling conditions. Update to timing: Status Yellow Wind warningClare, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Galway, Wexford, WicklowValid: 14:00 to 20:00 Sunday 11/01/2026 Status Yellow Wind warningDonegal, Leitrim, Mayo, SligoValid: 16:00 to 23:59 Sunday 11/01/2026 https://t.co/w5QtJ1V6un pic.twitter.com/HOhsX2f9xP Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 11, 2026 The first warning is for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Galway, Wexford, and Wicklow between 2pm and 8pm. The second warning is for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo between 4pm and midnight. The two warnings replaced an initial advisory for the 11 counties which had been in place for between 4pm and midnight. In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office had issued a series of warnings but all have been lifted. Despite the removal of the weather warnings, Belfast City Airport issued an advisory that there may be disruption to flights in and out of the city. Due to adverse weather conditions, there may be disruption to flights arriving at and departing from Belfast City Airport. Passengers are advised to contact their airline directly or visit https://t.co/i3vG3vtLAd for live updates. pic.twitter.com/VgvmKLaHND Belfast City Airport (@BELFASTCITY_AIR) January 11, 2026 At least one flight was cancelled and multiple others were delayed. A yellow warning for rain across the entire region was issued for between 9pm on Saturday and 9pm on Sunday, with the risk of some flooding in places. However, this was lifted on Sunday morning. Parts of Northern Ireland also fell into the designated region for warnings that affected large parts of Scotland and the north of England. A yellow warning for wind was to apply to those along coastlines in counties Antrim, Down, and Londonderry as well as deep into Co Tyrone from midnight to 9pm on Sunday. This was to be immediately followed by another yellow warning for wind until midday on Monday, applying to areas in Antrim, Derry and Tyrone. However, both of those wind warnings were also removed on Sunday morning. A Met Office spokesperson said: Whilst further rain is expected this afternoon and evening, the likelihood of disruption has decreased which is why the warning has been ended early. Storm Goretti brought snow to parts of the UK and left a man dead after a tree fell on to a caravan in Helston, Cornwall. A County Kildare resident has shared a good news story about her stay at Naas General Hospital over the Christmas period. The resident, who gave her first name as 'Sharon' to the Leinster Leader, explained that on December 23 last, she was advised to go to the Emergency Department as soon as possible, following a visit with her GP. According to Sharon, she has a complex medical condition, and so she opted to go to Naas General Hospital "in the hope of getting seen quickly and back home within a few hours or at least early on Christmas Eve". She added: "I was so upset, as one of my adult children had just arrived the day before from abroad, and we had grandparents and my other adult child's girlfriend for Christmas." Fortunately, for Sharon, her luck began to change for the better: "From the time I entered the Emergency Department, I was met with so much kindness and attention and fast intervention. "I was under the care of a team of doctors who all worked tirelessly and effortlessly to arrange diagnostics and treatments. "I spent all day in the Eye and Ear Hospital on Christmas eve, returning to the hospital at around 9pm." READ NEXT: 9.5m development works completed on this Kildare school CHRISTMAS PRESSURE She also spoke of the pressure being faced by the staff during the Christmas period: "The health care assistant who was with me was due to finish at 8pm and had a young child, who was wondering where her Mam was and was she going to get home for Mass and get ready to leave goodies out for Santa and reindeers. "I was so upset thinking about the young child and how her Christmas Eve traditions were going to be late, as well as the extra pressure on the care assistant with her preparations for her guests arriving Christmas day. However, she assured me that I was her priority and it would all be ok." Sharon continued: "Arriving back down to Naas at 9pm on Christmas Eve, I was exhausted. "I was handed the most welcomed pot of tea, sandwich and carrot cake and within ten minutes, who should only arrive? Santa Claus, on the ward! "The mood was fantastic... the other patients, medical team and night nurses all erupted in laughter and fun and those few minutes set the excitement and atmosphere of Christmas eve. I even asked Santa for a special request to get home for a few hours on Xmas day." READ NEXT: You couldn't make this up: Motorist in Kildare who drove with frozen windshield to appear in court WISH GRANTED In another good turn of fortune for Sharon, her Christmas wish was granted: "I arrived home at 11am on Christmas Day to spend time with my family "My husband and adult children had it all under control with dinner prep and table set, etc, but to be honest, we were going to be together and that's all that mattered. "Over the next few days, I was monitored carefully, sent up and down to Tallaght Hospital for scans, had scans in Naas and had medications adjusted. "Most days, I was able to get home for a few hours and when I wasn't, the medical team looking after me were able to accommodate my special medical requests." Finally, Sharon was released on New Year's Eve at around 5pm, and from this point on, she will see her own team in Dublin. 'AN EYE-OPENER' As she put it: "Christmas 2025 didn't go as planned, especially with all the weeks of preparation, but for me, it was an eye opener on the important things. "We as a family got to spend lovely time together and appreciate the time even more... anyone that knows me knows that Christmas is my favorite time of year, and with one of my children coming home for the holidays I was super excited. "In addition, I met so many kind professional staff in Naas hospital and in my ward they pulled out all the stops to make Christmas for all the inpatients a happy experience. "We had chocolate cake, lots of great food, plenty of laughs and random acts of kindness from others visiting patients and strangers." 'THANK YOU' Sharon expressed her gratitude to the staff at Naas General Hospital: "I cannot thank all the staff at Naas General Hospital especially all in the ward for making this a very special Christmas and making me appreciate the wonderful opportunity of spending time with loved ones and making new memories and realizing how lucky as a family we truly are. "I came to realise over the course of those nine days just how lucky I was. "Most of the staff and the medical professional had their own stories of how they had family for Christmas, grandchildren waiting on Santa, a welcomed day off, a year of personal ups and downs or the first Christmas without a loved one or having to work the holiday shift, but they remained, cheerful, attentive and put all of us patients needs first. "It was the simple things like the cup of tea at night or the little chat that made it all the more special. Each patient in the ward made the most of our Christmas experiences and we had many more laughs than tears." She also said: "I haven't been an inpatient in Naas for over 20 years and have attended and stayed in most of the hospitals private and publicly in Dublin under specialist teams, but on this occasion, Naas General Hospital came up trumps." "I can't thank you all enough but will light a candle and never forget your care, kindness and attention especially all my medical team and the wonderful staff in Liffey 1. "I'll never forget this Christmas because it was one of the most magical ever... as a family, we were all able to be together. "Thank you to all who looked after me, all the staff and patients I met, and also a big shout out to my wonderful husband, our two adult children, my adult child's girlfriend and, of course, our family dog, for taking all the stress out of Christmas at home." She concluded: "Beautiful blessings come in abundance at the strangest hour... keep up the great work!" READ NEXT: PHOTOS: Joyful moment as Kildare woman (96) holds great, great grandchild Weather warnings for parts of the island of Ireland have been brought forward as a spell of strong winds and rain was forecast. A status yellow warning for wind has been issued for 11 coastal counties in the Republic of Ireland for eight hours on Sunday. The warning applies for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Wexford, and Wicklow. Irish weather agency Met Eireann said it would be very windy with strong and gusty south-to-southwest winds as well as gales or strong gales near coasts. Update to timing: Status Yellow Wind Warning will now be valid from 14:00 until 22:00 today, 11th Jan. Affected areas: Clare, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Wexford & Wicklow See details herehttps://t.co/w5QtJ1V6un https://t.co/P7suTEq5BU Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 11, 2026 It said this carried potential impacts of wave overtopping, loose objects being displaced, some fallen trees and branches, and difficult travelling conditions. The warning, which was first issued for between 4pm and midnight, has been brought forward for between 2pm and 10pm. In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has issued a series of warnings that affect different locations at different times. A yellow warning for rain was issued for between 9pm on Saturday and 9pm on Sunday, with the risk of some flooding in places. Parts of Northern Ireland also fell into the designated region for further warnings that are affecting parts of Scotland and the north of England. A yellow warning for wind applies to those along coastlines in counties Antrim, Down, and Londonderry as well as deep into Co Tyrone from midnight to 9pm on Sunday. This is immediately followed by another yellow warning for wind until midday on Monday, applying to areas in Antrim, Londonderry and Tyrone. The warnings come after Storm Goretti brought snow to parts of the UK and left a man dead after a tree fell on to a caravan in Helston, Cornwall. MOSCOW, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed with three others injured following a Ukrainian drone strike in southern Russia's Voronezh region, regional governor Aleksandr Gusev said Sunday. He noted that Voronezh suffered on Saturday one of the most intense drone attacks since the start of the conflict. Damage was caused to more than 10 apartment buildings, 10 private homes, a school and several administrative buildings. The Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday that Russia's air defense systems downed 33 drones overnight, 17 of which were in the Voronezh region. LIMERICK City and County Council has welcomed an announcement by Minister Dara Calleary, Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, of almost 900,000 in funding for Limerick under the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Projects in Cappamore and Croom were approved for funding under the Project Development Measure, and projects in Athea and Adare were approved for funding under the Main Scheme. Under the Project Development Measure, almost 100,000 has been allocated to help bring key projects to planning and design stage. Cappamore secured 49,815 to develop a fully designed plan for a large-scale multi-use community green space. The funding will support site assessments, stakeholder engagement, detailed design work, planning preparation and cost planning. READ MORE: Our stand-out stories of 2025: Trailblazing Limerick bus driver bids farewell to the schoolchildren Croom was awarded 50,000 to progress the design and planning of public realm improvements to the villages central open area, known locally as the market square, alongside proposals for the redevelopment of the adjacent former post office building. Athea received 495,884 for the redevelopment of a prominent village-centre building into a modern, energy-efficient community hub. The project will deliver meeting spaces, a workshop and fully accessible facilities, providing a base for local groups and supporting long-term, sustainable rural regeneration in west Limerick. Adare was also awarded 300,000 for a public realm enhancement project focused on improving access for both the local community and visitors. The works are intended to make the village centre more inclusive and easier to navigate, while reinforcing its role as a key social and economic hub. Welcoming the announcement, Minister Patrick ODonovan said: This investment of almost 800,000 is a strong vote of confidence in Limericks towns and villages. These projects will make a real, practical difference by improving public spaces, strengthening community facilities and helping our town centres to thrive. Priomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added: The projects supported under this years scheme in Cappamore, Croom, Athea and Adare will deliver long-term benefits, improving public spaces, community facilities and overall quality of life. I congratulate each community involved and look forward to seeing these plans progress. Director General, Dr Pat Daly, commented: From early-stage design work to large-scale regeneration, these investments will help deliver tangible improvements for the people who live in, work in and visit these rural towns and villages. THE TRIAL of a 47-year old mother charged with attempting to murder her then eight-year-old daughter at temporary accommodation in County Clare is due to commence in Limerick on Monday. In the case, the mother - who cannot be named to protect the identity of her daughter - is charged with attempting to murder her daughter at temporary accommodation in County Clare on September 27, 2022. In the aftermath of the alleged attempted murder in September 2022 the young girls condition was described as critical after she was allegedly stabbed multiple times at her accommodation. After the girl subsequently underwent emergency surgery at Crumlin Childrens Hospital in Dublin, a garda spokesman said at the time that she was out of danger. At Ennis District Court in June 2023, Judge Alec Gabbett returned the woman for trial to the Central Criminal Court on the attempted murder charge after a two volume Book of Evidence was served on solicitor Tara Godfrey for the accused. READ NEXT: Sisters living in Limerick hotel banned from popular retail chain following theft incident The case is listed to commence on Monday, January 12 before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo at the Central Criminal Court sitting at Limerick courthouse. At the district court when returning the accused for trial at the Central Criminal Court, Judge Gabbett extended the legal aid certificate to cover a psychiatric assessment of the accused. Judge Gabbett also extended the legal aid certificate for a Russian translation of the Book of Evidence and psychiatric assessment. Ms Godfreys request for a legal aid certificate for a senior counsel and junior counsel to represent the accused in the Central Criminal Court was also granted. The accused was first arrested and brought to Ennis garda station for questioning on March 14, 2023 and brought before a special sitting of Ennis District Court the following day when she was charged. A YOUNG boy - who gardai believe was killed by his father - was rescued by gardai in Limerick three months earlier, it has emerged. Oisin Reddin, aged 12, is believed to have been killed by his father Wayne OReilly, 48, some time last Wednesday night or just after midnight on Thursday. It's believed Mr O'Reilly then took his own life. Gardai and emergency services were called to a domestic residence in Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, Dublin at around 8.30am on Thursday, January 8. A body of a male, aged in his 40s, was discovered deceased at the scene. In follow-up enquiries the body of a 12-year-old boy was discovered at a domestic residence in Clondalkin, said a garda spokesperson. The Journal has since revealed that armed gardai forced their way into a hotel room in Limerick to save Oisin after his father threatened to kill him in October - three months before their deaths. Oisin and his father had been reported missing in October but were located two days later. Gardai tracked the pair to a hotel in Limerick city. Armed Support Unit officers entered the room, detained Wayne OReilly, and took Oisin to safety, reported The Journal. Multiple outlets have said that Wayne OReilly was facing a custody challenge over the boy in the coming months. Post mortems on the remains of the father and son have been completed, gardai said. Results of the post mortems are not being released for operational reasons. Technical examinations at both domestic residences have been completed. The garda investigation continues to be carried out under the direction of a senior investigating officer. The National Review Panel which investigates serious incidents including the deaths of children in care and known to the child protection system, has said it will be completing a review in due course into the death of Oisin Reddin. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has confirmed that Oisin and his family were known to the agency, but that he was not in the care of the State. An Garda Siochana are appealing to any person who may have any information in relation to these deaths to contact the garda investigation team at Clondalkin garda station at 01-6667600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or at any garda station. No funeral arrangements have been announced at this time. LIMERICK students were in seventh heaven at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (YSTE) this weekend. Seven awards were shared by teenagers attending Colaiste Chiarain, Croom and Desmond College, Newcastle West. They are continuing in the footsteps of former Castletroy College students Patrick and John Collison, who founded Stripe in 2010. Patrick won the overall title in 2005 while John, won a category award. Eileen OMara, chief revenue officer at Stripe, said: It is inspiring to see the incredible depth of talent displayed by all the winners. Colaiste Chiarains Miles Bueno and Sarah Hurleys project, Predicting Outages up to 10 days in advance, won the AerCap Sustainable Skies Award (Technology). The duo also claimed the 2nd Senior Group (Technology) award. Schoolmate Tomas O'Sullivan with his Chirp - A low cost approach to bat monitoring using AI audio analysis, claimed the 1st Junior Individual (Technology) award. Desmond Colleges Sophie Keanes project, Effective Medical Solution for Bed Bugs (Cimex Lectularius), won The Housing Agency Award (Health & Wellbeing). She also takes home the 2nd Senior Individual (Health & Wellbeing) award. The West Limerick schools Daniel Doherty and his Grip Geenie Bringing comfort and confidence to users, one twist at a time, received the 2nd Junior Individual (Health & Wellbeing) award. Desmond Colleges third winner is Nell McMahons AsthmaSense: A System for Recording and Predicting Asthma Attacks. His hard work was recognised with the 3rd Intermediate Individual (Health & Wellbeing) award. Meanwhile, Aoibheann Daly, a fourth year student from Mercy Secondary School Mounthawk in Kerry, was announced as the overall winner at the competition for her project to improve the treatment of brain cancer. The Stripe YSTE trophy was presented to Aoibheann on Friday by Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton, and Stripe cofounder and former YSTE winner Patrick Collison. In addition to receiving the grand prize of 7,500, she will go on to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Germany in September 2026. A Limerick student may not have claimed the trophy like 2024 winner Sean O'Sullivan, Colaiste Chiarain, but it was made in the county. The trophy is a testament to cutting-edge Irish innovation, designed by Stripes design team and printed from titanium grade 23 by Limerick-based Croom Medical. Created using advanced 3D-printing technology, it uses the same strong, medical-grade material as orthopedic implants. Its detailed design could not be produced using traditional manufacturing methods, reflecting the blend of engineering innovation and scientific discovery at the heart of the exhibition. For more pictures, click 'Next' LIMERICK landowners, community groups and organisations will once again have the opportunity to enhance biodiversity on their land in 2026 with the return of The Hares Corner initiative in the New Year. Applications opened on January 1st, offering practical and accessible supports to help people create wildlife habitats while also contributing to climate action and personal wellbeing. Inspired by the old farming term The Hares Corner a small, awkward section of a field traditionally left unfarmed and allowed to grow naturally, the initiative encourages participants to dedicate even modest areas of land to nature. These spaces, though often overlooked, can play an important role in supporting wildlife, improving water quality and strengthening ecological connectivity across the landscape. The project has already demonstrated strong impact both nationally and locally. During 2025, The Hares Corner supported the creation of more than 1,600 biodiversity habitats across Ireland. Read More: 'It's like a bad nightmare': Heartbroken sister's tribute to man killed in Limerick collision In Limerick alone, 269 biodiversity actions were delivered i 2025, representing a significant investment in the countys natural infrastructure and environmental resilience. These actions included the planting of 70 mini-woodlands with 50 native trees such as oak, birch, hazel and holly, alongside rarer species including Burren pine. The initiative also supported the establishment of 70 orchards, with five heritage apple trees planted in each location, helping to protect traditional Irish fruit. In addition, 60 wildlife hedges were planted using native species, providing valuable corridors for birds, pollinators and small mammals. Further measures included the creation of 18 wildlife ponds, as well as the development of 27 Plans for Water and 24 Plans for Nature. These tailored plans offer landowners expert guidance on managing land in a way that enhances biodiversity while complementing existing land uses. The 2026 programme is funded through the National Parks and Wildlife Services Local Biodiversity Action Fund, which provides 85 per cent of the funding, with the remaining 15 per cent contributed by Limerick City and County Council. This partnership ensures strong local support and aligns both the National Biodiversity Action Plan and Limericks own biodiversity strategy. Sinead McDonnell, Biodiversity Officer with Limerick City and County Council, said the initiative is a key action within the Limerick Biodiversity Action Plan 20252030. She said it offers an excellent opportunity for landowners, charities with lands, Tidy Towns groups, community organisations and faith communities to make a tangible contribution to nature and climate action, noting that even the smallest patch of land can add to the mosaic of nature habitats across the country. Applications for The Hares Corner 2026 close on January 18th. Full details on eligibility, available supports and how to apply can be found at www.theharescorner.ie, where practical tips are also available to support participants throughout the process. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme (Removes Reuters Identification Code of A.P. Moller-Maersk in paragraph 6. Maersk Tankers was divested from A.P. Moller-Maersk in the period 2017-2019) * Shipping firms want to expand operations for Venezuelan oil transfers * Challenges include old vessels, maintenance issues and loading slot competition * Maersk plans to replicate logistics used in Amuay Bay for oil transfers * AET approached by clients for Venezuelan crude transfers to smaller vessels By Marianna Parraga and Arathy Somasekhar HOUSTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Oil companies aiming to participate in new exports of Venezuelan crude to the U.S. following the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro are in hasty discussions to find tankers and put together operations to transfer the crude safely from vessels and dilapidated Venezuelan ports, four sources familiar with the operations said. Trading houses and oil companies, including Chevron , Vitol and Trafigura, are competing for U.S. government deals to export crude from Venezuela, sources said, after President Donald Trump said that Venezuela is set to turn over as much as 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States. Trafigura said in a meeting with the White House on Friday that its first vessel should load in the next week. Faced with a U.S. blockade in recent months, Venezuela has been storing oil in tankers and has nearly completely filled storage tanks onshore. The vessels holding the oil are old, poorly maintained, and under sanctions. Other vessels cannot make direct contact with sanctioned ships due to liability and insurance requirements, even if the U.S. grants licenses, the sources said. Onshore tanks have also not been maintained for years, posing risks for parties trying to load the oil. Shipping companies Maersk Tankers and American Eagle Tankers are among the firms looking to expand their ship-to-ship transfer operations in Venezuela, three of the sources said. Maersk Tankers could replicate the ship-to-shore-to-ship logistics it has used before in Amuay Bay in Venezuela, one source said. Maersk already has operations in nearby Aruba and Curacao, islands whose waters are often used to transfer Venezuelan oil. However, while the transfers are possible in Aruba and U.S. ports, they are more expensive. "With 17 employees in the country, Maersk's presence in Venezuela is limited. All employees are safe and accounted for, and there are currently no changes to our ocean services. Operations continue, with only minor delays at this stage, and we continue to monitor the situation closely," the company said in a statement. Transfer operations will also be complicated by a shortage of smaller ships to move oil from the storage vessels to piers from where the oil can be transferred to another ship, as well as inadequate maintenance of machinery and equipment, another shipping source said. AET, which already helps transfer Chevron's shipments of Venezuelan crude to the U.S., is being approached by potential clients to expand its capacity in that area, two of the sources said. AET and Chevron did not immediately respond to requests for comment. While supply could reach the 500,000 barrels per day Venezuela previously exported to the U.S. before sanctions and would drain accumulated inventories in 90-120 days, it will be difficult to meet that goal if oil must be taken from both tankers and onshore storage, the sources said. Companies are also competing fiercely for loading slots at Venezuela's main Jose oil terminal, where there are capacity and speed limitations. Chevron, a key joint venture partner in the country, is also aggressively vying to keep its privileged position at Venezuela's terminals, while lining up its vessel fleet, one source said. Oil companies, including Chevron, Vitol, Trafigura, are already sourcing supplies of much-needed naphtha, an industry source in Venezuela said. The naphtha is typically blended into the heavy Venezuelan crude to lower its density, and make it easier to transport and process at refineries. MUMBAI : Indias only listed pure-play investment bank, DAM Capital Advisors Ltd, plans to deploy its capital reserves into recurring, fee-based businesses to reduce the inherent volatility of investment banking, managing director and chief executive Dharmesh Mehta told Mint . While merchant banking remains the firms primary earnings driver, DAM Capital is evaluating asset-light ancillary services that require minimal capital deployment and limited balance-sheet risk to diversify its revenue base. The Mumbai-based investment bank reported a cash balance of 287 crore as of the first half of the 2025-26 fiscal year. A portion of this is required as working capital for the institutional equities business, but a part of it is also dry powder for potential ventures into businesses like alternative investment funds (AIFs), retail broking, and wealth management," Mehta said. We will look at everything that generates fees without large cash burn or high balance-sheet risk," he added. Wealth management today is a valuation-driven segment, not profits. For a new entrant, it requires significant upfront investment. We will build these businesses when we get the right team or the right platform at reasonable valuations." While the market has witnessed a sharp expansion in valuation for wealth management firms, DAM Capital will not pursue acquisitions solely on the basis of valuation considerations. Any inorganic growth will depend on our ability to add value and scale to acquired platforms similar to what we did with the IDFC Securities platform," Mehta said. An Enam Securities veteran who later moved to Axis Capital post Axis Bank's acquisition of Enam, Mehta acquired IDFC Securities in 2019 for 86 crore along with a consortium of investors, rebranding it as DAM Capital. He currently owns around 40% of the firm. Also Read | Investment bankers eye bumper bonuses after record $1.5 bn fee year in 2025 Managing earnings volatility As a listed investment bank, DAM Capital faces the challenge of reconciling the lumpy nature of deal-making with public-market expectations for consistent quarterly performance. As of the September quarter, DAM Capital's revenue for the first six months came up to 138 crore on a consolidated level. This was up 28% from the year-ago period's top line. Operating income, too, saw a 35% year-on-year jump to 82 crore while its margin against the top line came up to 59.4% vs the previous year's 56.2%. The company also saw its profit rise 20% to 52 crore. Despite the strong set of numbers, Mehta asks investors to hold a long-term view for his company. We have always told investors to take a three-to-five-year investment view," Mehta said. Capital markets are cyclical and volatile, and it is not realistic to deliver predictable quarterly numbers." The companys return on equity (RoE) for the first half of 2025-26 stood at 36.5%, including cash. Adjusted for cash, RoE would be upwards of 300%," Mehta added. To build a more stable earnings base, currently the firm is increasingly leaning on its institutional equities business. While this segment remains sensitive to cash-market volumes, Mehta described it as a steady cash cow" that can eventually cover the firms operating costs and much more. Its stock broking revenue fell 18% on-year in the first half of 2025-26 to 35.4 crore, while contributing 26% to the top line. Meanwhile, investment banking revenue rose 61% to 95.3 crore and made up over two-thirds of the company's revenue in the same period. DAM Capital's stock, which saw a 39% listing pop in its December 2024 market debut, has seen subdued investor interest since then. The stock price has plummeted 50% from its listing and is currently trading at 207.35 per share. Its issue price was 283 per share. Despite evident market pressure, DAM Capital is not trying to position itself as a marquee-deals-only firm, a strategy adopted by many of its larger and unlisted peers. Also Read | Indias merchant bankers brace for a Sebi squeeze Sector-agnostic positioning Unlike several peers that specialize in specific sectors, DAM Capital chooses to position itself as a universal investment bank. We dont choose mandates as large or small, or by sector," Mehta said. Our intent is to bring good companies to the capital market wherein the investors make good returns, and corporates get funding from the right set of investors for their long-term growth plans." During 2025-26, DAM Capital has acted as a banker to JSW Cements 3,600-crore public listing and Jain Resources 1,250-crore initial public offering, alongside several smaller sub- 1,000-crore transactions. Despite being a relatively young platform, the firm has also been the banker to large marquee deals over the last few years, such as Afcons Infrastructure's 8,400 crore offer, IRFC's 4,600 crore IPO, and a 2,800 crore IPO for JSW Infrastructure. Beyond IPOs, DAM was also a banker to Reliance Industries 53,000-crore rights issue and qualified institutional placements (QIPs) worth 3,000 crore in companies such as CG Power and SpiceJet. Industry churn and entry barriers Indias capital markets currently comprise around 15 large domestic platforms and a similar number of foreign banks, all competing for marquee transactions. With issuers typically appointing only three to four bankers per deal, entry barriers remain structurally high. Against this backdrop, senior-level attrition across the investment bank has made headlines over the past year. The Street is watchful of any such churn, especially in a listed company, because a flight of established dealmakers can end up affecting how many transactions come into the firm. This, in turn, can potentially affect the bank's deal fees. Talent churn is common in bull markets and affects all investment banks," Mehta said. Our strategy is to build talent rather than buy it. Faster career progression is our key differentiator versus larger institutions." But despite this churn, DAM Capital reported its highest-ever quarterly profit last quarter. It maintained an 18% share of the overall IPO mandate market. Our mandate wins are driven by our ownership, commitment, honesty and our impeccable execution track record not aggressive valuation pitching " Mehta said. The golden decade thesis DAM Capitals expansion strategy is underpinned by Mehtas conviction that India is entering a golden decade" for capital markets, driven by the country's strong growth story, which will require large capital expenditures, hence large fundraising requirements, and a structural shift in corporate mindset towards public listings. DAM Capitals 2026 pipeline includes 21 IPOs and multiple QIPs at various stages. Some 2025-26 deals, Mehta noted, may spill over due to execution timelines. A typical IPO cycle lasts nine to twelve months, so overlap between years is inevitable," he said. The scale of capital markets today is unlike anything weve seen before. The fee pool and IPO sizes simply did not exist earlier." To be sure, dealmaking involving India reached a three-year high in 2025, with disclosed value at $154.6 billionup 87% from full-year 2024, Mint reported on 2 January, quoting Elaine Tan, senior manager, deals intelligence at LSEG. Current activity reflects several themes, including more pureplay spinoffs and continued strong interest in financial services and the energy transitionsetting a solid foundation for momentum into 2026," Tan told Mint. Investment banking firms are also counting on this momentum to lead to an increase in their fee pool. The fee pool in the past few years has been gradually increasing on the back of increased volumes. We expect the deal volume across M&A, ECM & DCM to remain robust in 2026 and consequently drive a higher pool for the overall investment banking industry," Ramesh Srinivasan, managing director and chief executive officer of Kotak Investment, had told Mint earlier this month. Srinivasan had also said bonus pools are closely linked to fee income and are expected to broadly mirror the strong fee generation seen in 2025. Social media platform X will open its new algorithm to the public in seven days, Elon Musk said on Saturday, including the code used to decide what posts and advertisements are recommended to users. This will be repeated every 4 weeks, with comprehensive developer notes, to help you understand what changed, Musk, who owns X, said in a post on the platform. The billionaire didnt say why X was making its algorithm open source. He and the company have clashed several times with regulators over content being shown to users. Some X users had previously complained that they were receiving fewer posts on the social media platform from people they follow. In October, Musk confirmed in a post on X that the company had found a significant bug in the platforms For You algorithm and pledged a fix. The company has also been working to incorporate more artificial intelligence into its recommendation algorithm for X, using Grok, Musks artificial intelligence chatbot. Musk has promised in recent years to make some of Xs algorithms public, but the follow-through has been spotty. In September, Musk wrote that the goal was for Xs recommendation engine to be purely AI and that the company would share its open source algorithm about every two weeks. To the degree that people are seeing improvements in their feed, it is not due to the actions of specific individuals changing heuristics, but rather increasing use of Grok and other AI tools, Musk wrote in October. The company was working to have all of the more than 100 million daily posts published to X evaluated by Grok, which would then offer individual users the posts most likely to interest them, Musk wrote. This will profoundly improve the quality of your feed. He added that the company was planning to roll out the new features by November. Groks image-generation capabilities have faced criticism from global regulators over a recent flood of AI-generated images that sexualize women and children on X. As of Friday, Grok told users on X that they would need a paid subscription to generate and edit images. Those features were initially introduced on X for free with daily limits. Indonesia blocked access to Grok after an investigation into the AI systems generation of sexual content. This week, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanded Musks X urgently get their act together over the sexualized images. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall warned in a statement on Friday the government could block services from being accessed in the UK, if they refuse to comply with UK law. European regulators in particular have stepped up scrutiny of the company with a focus on misinformation, inadequate content moderation and shortcomings in transparency. In July, the French authorities asked the company to share its algorithm as part of a probe into allegations of bias and manipulation. X at the time said it would not comply with the request, accusing the investigation of being politically motivated. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Indonesia and Malaysia restricted access to Elon Musks Grok AI over the weekend, becoming the first countries to ban the artificial intelligence system over its generation of obscene content. Indonesias Communications and Digital Affairs Ministry is imposing a temporary ban on Grok to protect women, children, and the entire community from the risk of fake pornographic content generated using artificial intelligence technology, according to a statement issued on Saturday. The ministry has asked platform X to immediately provide clarification regarding the matter, it said. The government views non-consensual deepfake sexual practices as a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and national security in the digital space, Minister of Communications and Digital Meutya Hafid said in the statement. On Sunday, Malaysias internet regulator also said its limiting access to Grok until effective safeguards are implemented. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission added that it issued notices to X Corp. and xAI LLC to prevent AI-generated content that may contravene Malaysian law, but the companys responses failed to address inherent risks posed by the AI tool. The move by the Southeast Asian nations came as Musks xAI, which owns Grok, decided on Friday to restrict the image-generation feature for most users on the X social media platform after the AI tool drew widespread condemnation for generating undressed images of women and children. Users now need a paid subscription to generate and edit images. Those features were initially introduced on X for free with daily limits. Paid subscription move insufficient Several regulators around the globe, including in the UK, have criticised the move by xAI as insufficient. The standalone Grok app, which operates separately from the social network, still allows users to generate pictures without subscribing. Indias government, which had earlier also voiced concern over the AI tools feature, has received assurances from X that it will comply with local laws regarding the Grok AI obscene content issue, the Press Trust of India said Sunday, citing unidentified government sources. Around 3,500 pieces of content have been blocked and over 600 accounts deleted, according to the report. HELSINKI, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Sunday criticized recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and what he described as "threatening rhetoric" toward Denmark and Greenland, warning that such moves undermine international law and increase risks for smaller countries. Kristersson made the remarks at the annual Swedish security policy conference in the western resort town of Salen, saying the international environment has become more dangerous and unpredictable. Describing the U.S. action related to Venezuela as a breach of international law, he warned that the precedent could encourage similar actions and further disrupt the international order. Referring to the U.S. rhetoric toward Denmark and Greenland, Kristersson said Washington should instead show gratitude toward Denmark as it has been a longstanding ally. He also pledged Swedish support for Denmark. He voiced concern about the status of small countries in the current global situation. "There is a risk that small countries will be sacrificed along the way. For a country like Sweden, this is especially serious," he said. Also addressing the conference, Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf said that, given the serious situation in Europe and the world, different parts of society must come together to discuss the challenges ahead, with the aim of creating a better world where stable nations can live in peace. During the security conference organized by Swedish civic defense organization Folk och Forsvar, Peter Hultqvist, former defense minister and current chair of the Swedish Parliamentary Defence Committee, called for stronger governmental initiative on the Greenland issue. On Jan. 3, the United States aggressively struck Venezuela and kidnapped President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, before putting them in custody in New York. The move sparked widespread international condemnation, with critics describing it as a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty and international law. Since taking office in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring control of Greenland, stating that he would not rule out the use of "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal. Last month, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tensions between Washington and the Danish Realm. Trump said in a recent interview that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. Billionaire Elon Musk-owned social media platform 'X' (formerly known as Twitter) has admitted its mistake and stated that it will comply with Indian law, ANI reported on 11 January citing government sources. They further said that around 3,500 pieces of content were blocked, and over 600 accounts were deleted. Going forward, X will not allow obscene imagery, these government sources added. The world's richest man has been the spotlight recently after his artificial intelligence chatbot Grok, which is also integrated into his social media site X, drew over concerns about AI-generated obscene content. The IT Ministry had on 2 January directed X to immediately remove all vulgar, obscene and unlawful content, especially generated by Grok AI or face action under the law. Govt sought measures from X amid Grok controversy Notably, PTI on 7 January reported that the Indian government sought details from X regarding the obscene content linked to its Grok AI, including the actions taken and the steps in place to prevent such incidents from occurring again. The Centre also noted that while the earlier response submitted by the social media platform was detailed, it was not adequate. The response came after the X made its submissions to the IT ministry on the Centre's directive to crackdown on the misuse of Grok to generate and sharing sexualised and obscene images of women. X warns users of strict action against illegal content The company has in an official statement warned of action against illegal content on its platform, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). It said it would remove such content and permanently suspending the involved accounts. Recently, the AI chatbot was responding to image altering requests with the following message: Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers. You can subscribe to unlock these features. Officials worldwide concerned over sexualised images Officials in Brazil, France, Germany, Malaysia and the United States have also called for investigations against the AI chatbot. Meanwhile, Indonesia on 10 January became the first country to temporarily block access to the chatbot. Further, three US Senators also wrote to Apple and Google seeking removal of the app from their respective App Stores over violations of their terms, which explicitly forbid the creation of sexualized images. What is Grok? Grok was launched in 2023. Last summer the company added an image generator feature, Grok Imagine, that included a so-called spicy mode that can generate adult content. The chatbot is free to use for X users, who can ask it questions on the social media platform. They can either tag it in posts they've directly created or in replies to posts from other users. Rajkot: Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led oil-to-telecom conglomerate, Reliance Industries Ltd, on Sunday, 11 January 2026, announced that Jio will launch an artificial intelligence (AI) platform, which will help people access services in their own language. At the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot on 11 January 2026, Mukesh Ambani said that the company will leverage the upcoming AI data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to build the AI language platform, which seeks to make AI services more efficient and productive. Also Read | Gujarat shows how development and heritage go together: PM Modi in Rajkot In Jamnagar, we are building India's largest AI-ready data centre with a single goal, affordable AI for every Indian. Jio will launch a people-first intelligence platform built in India for India and the world, enabling every citizen, starting from Gujarat, to access AI services in their own language on their own device every day, making them more efficient and productive, said Ambani. Ambani's plan for Gujarat Ambani said RIL has invested more than 3.5 trillion in Gujarat in the last five years, and now the company plans to invest up to 7 trillion in the upcoming five-year period. In the last five years, we have invested over 3.5 trillion. Today, I am pleased to announce that we will double this to 7 trillion over the next five years, he said at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference. The RIL chairman also announced that the company is setting up a hospital in Jamnagar in Saurashtra, while expanding its educational facilities in line with the central government's vision. We all know that the world is changing very fast. The geopolitical situation is creating new challenges, including some unexpected turbulence. What is reassuring for India is that these challenges cannot touch or trouble our people, said Ambani after announcing his investment plans. Adani Group's 1.5 trillion plan Adani Group's founder Gautam Adani's son and the managing director of Adani Ports and SEZ, Karan Adani, announced that the conglomerate has plans to invest 1.5 trillion over the next five years in the region of Kutch, Gujarat. Karan Adani also said that the company is set to complete its Kavda project and commission the full 37 gigawatt of capacity by 2030. The Adani Group commits to invest 1.5 lakh crores over the next five years in the region of Kutch. We will complete our Kavda project and commission the full 37 gigawatt of capacity by 2030, said Karan Adani, MD of Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd. He also said that Adani Group will double its port capacity at the Mundra Port over the next 10 years, aligning the company's investments with India's goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. As India advances towards Viksit Bharat 2047, Gujarat will remain a cornerstone of this national transformation. The Adani Group remains deeply committed to being a trusted partner in building a strong, self-reliant and globally respected India, said Karan Adani at the event. Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference on Sunday, 11 January 2026, which is aimed at connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, startups, global partners and government, among others. The event is being hosted at the 55-acre Marwadi University campus on the RajkotMorbi highway, and the venue includes six exhibition domes and a main inauguration hall. Berkshire Hathaway is increasing the salary of its new CEO this year, the company has said in a recent filing. According to the filing on Tuesday, Greg Abel, who recently succeeded Warren Buffett as the new chief executive of the company, is set to get an annual cash salary of $25 million, a 19% bump in his previous pay. This also eclipses he $100,000 that his predecessor Warren Buffett earned for decades in the role, according to a report by Bloomberg. Greg Abel, who spent eight years in the role of vice chairman overseeing Berkshire's non-insurance businesses, became the new Berkshire Hathaway CEO on 1 January. Abels new salary as CEO would be a 19% increase from his $21 million salary in 2024, according to a regulatory filing. In all, he made a little more with other compensation. According to Reuters, Abel got paid a $20 million salary in 2023, and a $16 million salary plus a $3 million bonus in 2022. Buffett had set his compensation during this period. Also Read | Warren Buffett hails new CEO as Berkshire Hathaway begins new era Berkshire's Vice Chairman Ajit Jain, who oversees the company's insurance businesses, got paid the same amount in 2022 to 2024, according to Reuters. Both Jain and Abel's 2025 compensations have not been revealed yet. Warren Buffett himself took a surprisingly low salary for a CEO, though his stake at Berkshire has made him one of the richest men in the world. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Warren Buffett's net worth is around $150 billion. While Greg Abel is making way more than Buffett, his salary is nothing compared to the moonshot incentive structures that have cropped up for tech executives in recent years. Last year, Tesla Inc. shareholders approved a $1 trillion package for Elon Musk. Who is Greg Abel? Greg Abel succeeded Warren Buffett as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway as the 95-year--old retired from the post effective 1 January. Buffett Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire for more than 60 years. Abel joined Berkshire in 1999 through acquisition, when the company took over energy company MidAmerican through a controlling stake. Also Read | Berkshire approves Abel as CEO, Buffett stays Chairman Greg Abel, who was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, has been a close aide to billionaire Warren Buffett. Abel became CEO of what later became Berkshire Hathaway Energy in 2008 and rose to the role of Berkshire Hathaway vice chairman in 2018, with responsibility for all of the firms non-insurance businesses. Abel also owns about $171 million of Berkshire stock, and in 2022 sold his 1% stake in the Berkshire Hathaway Energy business to Berkshire for $870 million. (With agency inputs) Shark Tank Season 5: The fifth season of Shark Tank aired on 5 January, 2026, and this time the popular show has roped in 15 judges who will invest in several businesses over the days. The new sharks include tech entrepreneurs, fintech leaders, and consumer brand entrepreneurs. Of them, Kanika Tekriwal, the founder and CEO of JetSetGo stands out with her unique story of resilience and entrepreneurship. The force behind private aviation company JetSetGo, Kanika Tekriwal is the founder of India's first aircraft leasing firm. Here is everything you need to know about her. Also Read | This Shark Tank India judge mortgaged home for brand HUL bought for 2,955cr Who is Kanika Tekriwal? Kanika Tekriwal was just 2021 when she founded JetSetGo in 2014. Her journey is marked by resilience, will, strength and courage. I wanted to become a pilot. But I come from a Marwari family. My parents thought, Driver banegi? and it was a no, she once told in an interview cited by The Indian Express, highlighting the path she had to cross to become successful. As she grew older, she had a groundbreaking idea an Uber service, but for the skies. Her idea was simple, buy private jets and rent them out. And in 2014, she founded JetSetGo. In an interview with The Times of India, Tekriwal had revealed that till date she invested 5,600 to start her company. Also Read | Anupam Mittal defends Shark Tank 5 after people told him it won't work A lot of people ask me how I did this without raising money. Till date, I have invested only 5,600, and we operate Indias largest fleet of private jets, she told the newspaper. Overcoming cancer Kanika Tekriwal's journey was not easy. She was diagnosed with stage-2 Hodgkin's Lymphomia, a type of cancer that affects your lymphatic nodes. The diagnosis marked an unprecedented halt to her plans, and her dream to launch a company turned into a nightmare of survival. However, after treatment and sheer will, she emerged victorious and stronger than ever. Building brick by brick Surviving in an industry full of men was not easy, Tekriwal said. The time when I started my business, nobody understood it. I had a lethal combinationI was a girl, 21, in an industry dominated by men, she was quoted as saying by TOI. She went door to door for investment but was faced with a room full of doubtful investors. Finally in 2014, Tekriwal along with Sudheer Perla started JetSetGo. Today, the company is not just a charter flight firm. According to its website, JetSetGo manages manage, guides ownership, offers exclusive membership programs, and is preparing for the next era of aviation with electric and vertical take-off aircraft. Kanika Tekriwal net worth According to the Hurun India Rich List in 2022, which was the latest data available, Kanika Tekriwal's net worth was estimated at 420 crore. Shark Tank India, the series which has evolved into an influential platform for early-stage founders and entrepreneurs in the country, returned for a new season on 5 January, with five new judges on its panel. Among these, is Minimalist's co-founder Mohit Yadav, who shared that he mortgaged his house to fund the skincare brand, which was acquired by FMCG major Hindustan Unilever last year. Minimalist founders mortgaged house to raise loan Sharing his journey on the show, Yadav said that he struggled for initial funding for his first venture (a children's apparel line) and later for Minimalist had to mortgage his house to raise 1 crore loan, according to an Indian Express report. Years ago, I had started a seed grant that used to make kids apparel. It was my first venture in 20102011. We (Mohit and his brother, co-founder Rahul Yadav) had also taken money from our families. Even later, when we started Minimalist, we had mortgaged our house to raise 1 crore loan. I knew in my heart that if this doesnt take off, maybe my family wont have a home to stay in, he said, as per the report. Mohit Yadav's journey to success: Best thing to do is accept failure and move to something else Adding that the experience taught him that one may feel that their identity is attached to the success of their brand, and that they failed if the company shuts shop, but realized years later that what people think does not matter. "After years, I realised that when you close a shut or start something new, it does not matter if people think you, are a failure. The best thing I did was to accept that that venture was not working out, move on and do something else, and then build a(nother) brand. I wouldnt have been here if I was still doing apparel, he said, speaking about Minimalist, the report said. In January 2025, FMCG major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) announced that it is acquiring 90.5% stake in the skincare brand. The deal was valued at 2,955 crore and approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in March. Also Read | Musk clashes with Google DeepMind's Chief Scientist over post criticising ICE Shark Tank India Season 5 adds new judges: Who's on the panel? This season added five new judges besides the return of familiar faces such as Aman Gupta (boAt), Anupam Mittal (Shaadi.com), Amit Jain (CarDekho), Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal and Titan Capital), Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Peyush Bansal (Lenskart), Ritesh Agarwal (OYO Rooms), Vineeta Singh (Sugar Cosmetics), and Viraj Bahl (Veeba). The new faces include Hardik Kothiya (Rayzon Solar), Kanika Tekriwal (JetSetGo Aviation), Mohit Yadav (Minimalist), Pratham Mittal (Masters' Union and Tetr College of Business), Shaily Mehrotra (Fixderma) and Varun Alagh (Honasa Consumer Ltd). New Delhi: The global energy transition and climate goals could face challenges after President Donald Trump withdrew the US from key multilateral organizations, but the transition will continue, with countries such as India and China expected to take the lead in redrawing the global energy roadmap, a senior United Nations (UN) official said. There is no looking back from the climate and energy transition goals, and in the current volatile times, the need for multilateral organizations such as the UN and agencies including UN Energy has increased significantly, Damilola Ogunbiyi, chief executive and special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and co-chair of UN-Energy, said in an interview. She emphasized that developing countries would continue to pursue their energy transition pathways and, working with multilateral agencies, including the Gurugram-based International Solar Alliance (ISA), would help ensure energy access and support the energy transition in least developed countries (LDCs) Last week, the US announced its withdrawal from 66 multilateral organizations including UN Energy, International Solar Alliance, UN Framework for Convention of Climate Change, International Renewable Energy Agency, Global Counterterrorism Forum, Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, Global Forum on Migration and Development, Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and UN Conference on Trade and Development, terming them as "wasteful, ineffective, and harmful". "I think because we all see what's happening in the world, is the reason why we have more multilateralism in the first place. I think what we're seeing now is even more of a reason why you need a UN system. You need countries to talk to each other, and you need countries to come together at a time where it's so critical and what people want to divide us. So for me, you know, the principles of the UN are actually more relevant now than even when the UN was set up," she said. "We cannot crack because of one member state, regardless of how big they are and regardless of all the resources that they uphold," she added. On whether the exit of the US from bodies such as UN Energy and ISA would impact their operations and targets, Ogunbiyi, also the CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) said: "So for now, has it had an effect? Of course, it has an effect. We come together and we find a solution out of it. That's what makes us the UN you know, we were born in a time after a war. So we're used to crisis, and we thrive in crisis, you know, like I said, I'm really proud of how we've handled things, and I'm really proud of what you're going to see from the UN system, which focuses on the commonwealth." The global climate change and energy transition roadmap has slowed, hurt by financing shortfalls from developed countries and multilateral development banks (MDBs), as well as several nations returning to fossil fuels amid a post-Covid-19 surge in energy demand. Further, the withdrawal of the US, the world's largest economy, from climate commitments including the Paris Agreement may delay the targets further. Experts have acknowledged that the ambitious target under the Paris Agreement (2015) to limit global warming to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to cap it at 1.5C this century, is unlikely to be met. 2026 would mark the 11-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement. In an interview with Mint last year, John McCalla-Leacy, the head of global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) at KPMG International had said that although climate action has gained momentum, the world is witnessing a disorderly energy transition, with countries pursuing different paths and trajectories, and the the target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100 may not be met. Lack of financing remains a key obstacle to global energy transition and climate goals. The US withdrawal from key climate forums and commitments gains significance as the UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded on 24 November 2024 with an agreement calling on developed countries to provide at least $300 billion annually to developing nations by 2035, to sharply cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change. A report by Oxfam and CARE Climate Justice Centre released in October last year said that least developed countries got only 19.5%, and small island developing states 2.9% of total public climate finance over 2021-2022 and half of that was in the form of loans they have to repay. Ogunbiyi acknowledged the lag in financing in least developed countries and said: "The issue that we have is...there is not enough money going into it (energy). I think Africa is responsible for 4% of what was spent globally on renewables. It's not enough money, you know. And so our job is to say, how do we do more innovation in finance... Technology has a lot of innovative solutions. We have enough technology now to make sure everybody has access to energy. What we don't have is enough innovation in financing tools." She added that UN Energy is working with the International Solar Alliance, Africa 50 and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority to try and raise money more locally. Pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and local investors in Africa are some of the potential investors UN Energy is looking to tap, Ogunbiyi said. Outlining efforts of UN Energy in terms of raising capital for energy access and transition, she said that the agency is supporting some major programs, including Mission 300, which is backed by the World Bank and African Development Bank (ADB) to connect 300 million Africans to energy by 2030. Both World Bank and ADB would together provide about $40 billion of concessional financing that the African countries can use with government financing and blended financing. "And there's a lot of money in sovereign wealth funds. There's a lot of money in pension funds that can invest in clean energy. And ISA is also coming in for a junior capital stack. We want to encourage this," she said while adding that experience of providing access to energy and mass-scale renewable energy installation in India can be replicated in other countries. Stressing that China and India are set to lead the global energy transition roadmap, the Special Representative of the US Secretary General said: "And then, you know, Indonesia is doing some stuff, so is Vietnam, but the scale and the expertise and you have to also understand the Indian experience, the Indian government, Indian people are also very familiar to Africa, and you need that when you're implementing projects." To be sure, India's non-fossil power generation capacity rose 22.6% (49.12GW) to 266.78GW in 2025 from 217.62GW in 2024. It includes 38.8% year-on-year growth in solar power capacity at 135.81 GW and 13.2% growth in wind power capacity at 54.51GW. By 2030, India aims to achieve 500GW of non-fossil capacity. New Delhi: The government is weighing a major expansion of the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM), with the upcoming Union budget likely to provide an outlay of 7,500 crore for the FY27FY30 period, a 166% jump over the missions initial 2,817 crore allocation for FY22FY26, according to two government officials aware of the deliberations. The move signals a push to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies across Indian agriculture to improve real-time decision-making on weather, soil, irrigation and pest management, as policymakers seek to raise farm productivity and reduce losses in a sector that supports nearly half of the countrys workforce. As per a CropLife India-YES Bank knowledge report, harvest worth about 2 trillion is lost annually due to pests in India. Also Read | India works on agri testing, quality norms with trade partners Support for AI-based crop monitoring, yield forecasting and early warning systems could help reduce losses and improve planning at both farm and policy levels. India has undertaken multiple digital agriculture initiatives for over a decade, and many of the elements now being highlighted under the DAM were piloted earlier, but they remained fragmented, limited in coverage, or advisory-only. For instance, the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A), launched in 2010, enabled digital delivery of advisories related to weather, crops and inputs, but it relied largely on static datasets and SMS-based information rather than AI-driven, real-time decision systems. Similarly, Soil Health Cards, remote sensing for crop area estimation, and weather-based agromet advisories have existed for years, but they functioned as standalone silos, not as a unified decision-support ecosystem. India had announced launch of the DAM in FY22 for five years and approved an outlay of 2,817 crore in September 2024. The scheme is proposed to be extended till FY30 with an outlay of over 7,500 crore. The mission, with the Department of Agriculture as its nodal agency, envisages creation of a digital public infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture, including AgriStack, the Krishi Decision Support System (KDSS) and a comprehensive soil fertility and profile map, to enable a robust digital agriculture ecosystem in the country. The government had launched IndiaAI Mission in March 2024, with a budget over 10,372 crore. It aims to build a national AI ecosystem by supporting computing infrastructure, data platforms, indigenous models, and AI adoption across sectors. The use of AI to boost agriculture assumes significance given that the sector and its allied segments account for around 18% of Indias gross domestic product (GDP), with nearly 46% of the countrys workforce dependent on it. Investments in digital infrastructure such as rural broadband, satellite imagery, sensors and drones will be critical to scaling these technologies," said the first official cited above, requesting anonymity. The government takes the final call on several budget proposals closer to its presentation date, which is 1 February. Queries sent to the spokespersons of the ministries of finance and agriculture on 8 January remained unassured until press time. The budget may also announce financial assistance to states for onboarding farmers on the Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources (VISTAAR), a unified platform for farmers to access reliable, real-time info on crops, markets, schemes, and climate-smart practices. This will be done by leveraging agri-tech startups and AI to offer personalized advice through chats to improve farmer livelihoods and drive sustainable agriculture. Farmers will also be able to ask questions and receive instant responses in local languages through voice and text, supported by Bhashini, the AI-powered language translation platform aimed at breaking language barriers across India. Farmers are likely to be onboarded on the scheme next month, the officials said. The mission is expected to strengthen food security by improving crop forecasting, enabling early warning systems, and reducing yield losses through data-driven farm planning," said Binod Anand, a sector expert and a member of the government's panel on minimum support prices. Experts said AI has the potential to address long-standing productivity and information gaps in Indian agriculture, provided digital tools are deployed at scale with strong institutional support. The real opportunity lies in translating complex data such as weather patterns, soil health, crop imagery and market signals into simple, actionable guidance delivered in real time. To move from pilots to widespread impact, India will need strong data infrastructure, last-mile access and coordinated public-private collaboration to ensure these solutions are inclusive, affordable and scalable," said Sushma Vasudevan, managing director and partner, agriculture practice at Boston Consulting Group. Also Read | Tractor firms want rollout of emission rules delayed; agri panel submits report By combining satellite imagery, weather intelligence and AI-driven crop models, stress related to water, nutrients or pests can be identified well before it becomes visible in the field. This enables timely and precise interventions, resulting in 15-20% higher yields and up to 30% lower input costs, while strengthening resilience to climate volatility without adding technological complexity for farmers," said Rajesh Shirole, co-founder and chief operating officer of MapMyCrop, an AI- and satellite imagery-based precision agriculture platform focused on comprehensive field monitoring. The government has been increasing its focus on agriculture. Budgetary outlay for the sector rose from 1.18 trillion in FY24 to 1.41 trillion in FY25 (revised estimate) before easing marginally to 1.38 trillion in the budget for FY26. Amid ongoing talks with the United States to strike a trade deal for months, India has been aggressively seeking trade deals to open markets for exporters and allay the blow of 50% US tariffs. India and US officials have been for months trying to ink a trade deal it seems to remain elusive as relations between Washington and New Delhi hit a low in August after Donald Trump hiked US tariffs on India to 50%. The Trump tariff blow threatens job losses and impacts India's aim to becoming an export and manufacturing superpower. According to experts quoted by AFP, that pressure has triggered rapid diversification of exports beyond New Delhi's biggest market. India signed or operationalised four trade agreements last year, including a major pact with Britain -- the fastest pace of dealmaking it has seen in years -- and is now eyeing fresh deals. Also Read | British Columbia Premier to visit India to boost trade as ties with US strained Negotiations are underway with the European Union, the Eurasian Economic Union, Mexico, Chile and the South American Mercosur trade bloc, either for new deals or to expand existing agreements. If successful, India would have trade arrangements with "almost every major economy", said Ajay Srivastava, from the New Delhi-based Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Srivastava said 2025 was one of the most active years for trade agreements, which he said aimed to "spread risk" rather than to pivot from Washington. Expand its destinations Washington's punishing tariffs aimed at stopping India's purchases of Russian oil -- which it says finances Moscow's invasion of Ukraine -- have driven New Delhi's desire to grow other markets. "The strategy was a reaction, as I read it, to what Trump did," trade economist Biswajit Dhar told AFP. This has now become an imperative for India to actually expand its destinations. Major deals will help labour-intensive sectors hurt by tariffs. India's apparel export promotion council projects that the UK trade deal could help double garment exports to Britain over the next three years. The gains from a potential EU agreement could be even bigger. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expected to visit New Delhi later in January, has said it would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world. Although the two sides missed a deadline to conclude talks by the end of 2025 -- reportedly over disputes related to steel and auto exports -- Indian negotiators remain optimistic. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit India and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, holding talks on "intensifying cooperation in trade and investment", PM Modi's office said in a statement. Smaller agreements also matter. Trade between Oman and India totalled less than $11 billion last financial year, but a December deal with Muscat offers a gateway to the broader Middle East and Africa markets, and a template for a wider Gulf engagement strategy, analysts at Nomura suggested. And while a free trade agreement (FTA) with New Zealand added little to Indian export growth, it secured $20 billion in foreign investment, increased visa access and showed Washington that New Delhi is willing to compromise. The New Zealand FTA makes concessions on agricultural produce like apples, even though farmers here may have concerns, said an Indian commerce ministry official, who declined to be identified. Who says we can't be flexible? Eggs in one basket India's goods exports rose a surprising 19% in November 2025, reversing an October decline. While the surge was helped by electronics shipments -- still exempt from US tariffs -- marine product exports also posted gains. "Diversification has certainly happened," KN Raghavan, of the Seafood Exporter Association of India said. "We have increased exports to the EU and China," he said, adding they were the top markets after the United States. But exporters caution that alternative markets cannot fully replace the United States, with Raghavan saying a US deal is "paramount". That remains in limbo. India's imports of Russian oil fell sharply in December to 1.2 million barrels per day from 1.8 million per day in November, according to Kpler trade data. It is unclear if that will be enough for Trump. Pankaj Chadha, chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council, said diversification had become a necessity to lessen dependence on the biggest and the most lucrative market. It's better not to put all your eggs in one basket, he said. Leading oil corporation executives have told US President Donald Trump that investing in Venezuela would require significant reforms. In a meeting on Friday, the oil executives expressed caution about the President's push to push for them to spend at least $100 billion to rebuild Venezuela. The executives, including the head of Exxon Mobil Corp, seemed to be cautious about such a move during the meeting where Trump convened nearly 20 industry representatives in the East Room of the White House and urged them to reinvigorate operations in the oil-rich country. But Exxon Chief Executive Officer Darren Woods had one of the strongest reservations about the proposal, calling Venezuela uninvestable. Here is why he said that. Also Read | Can Trump make Venezuela an oil giant again? Why is Venezuela uninvestable? Exxon CEO Darren Woods cited multiple reasons to prove his point of skepticism. We've had our assets seized there twice and so, you can imagine, to re-enter a third time would require some pretty significant changes, he said. If we look at the legal and commercial constructs and frameworks in place today in Venezuela -- today, it's uninvestable, Woods added. His comments indicated that Trump may need some more convincing in order to make US oil companies go to Venezuela and start their operations. How durable are the protections from a financial standpoint? What will the returns look like? What are the commercial arrangements, the legal frameworks? Woods asked. Trump's Friday meeting with the oil executives at the White House came less than a week after the US captured Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro on drug allegations and bombed his country, killing around 100. All those things have to be put in place in order to make a decision to understand what your return would be over the next several decades, the Exxon CEO said. Why investing in Venezuela may not yield desired results According to a report by news agency AFP quoting analysts, Donald Trump is pushing to revive the oil industry in Venezuela on a shaky economic and strategic ground. Experts cited by AFP said that the vast oil reserves in Venezuela on paper do not automatically translate into quick and profitable production. This is because the South American country suffers from factors including outdated infrastructure, political instability, heavy crude that is costly to extract, and investor unease in a world shifting away from fossil fuels. Rich Collett-White, an energy analyst at Carbon Tracker, told AFP that extracting oil in Venezuela may pose questions. MINNEAPOLISThe Trump administrations immigration-enforcement crackdown in blue cities like Los Angeles and Chicago has sparked a rolling countermovement: Neighbors armed with whistles and cameras observe ICE officers, chant at them to leave, trail their movements and warn people ahead of their arrival. That, according to some Minnesota officials, was why Renee Nicole Good was on Portland Avenue as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducted an enforcement operation at the start of a surge of what government officials said would be 2,000 agents into the city and surrounding areas to make immigration arrests, representing one of the largest such operations since President Trump returned to the White House. She was a compassionate neighbor trying to be a legal observer on behalf of her immigrant neighbors," Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison told National Public Radio on Thursday. Thats what she was doing at the moment of her death." Federal and state officials sharply disagree on what led to the encounter. This rising friction between ICE and blue-city residents had potential to peak in Minneapolis, a liberal, activist enclave uniquely positioned to mobilizeand sometimes antagonizefederal officers growing street-level presence. The Midwestern city teems with community patrols, hyperlocal rapid-response volunteers and hundreds of informal neighborhood-text networkspart of a protest culture that swelled after George Floyds murder to encourage residents to be observers" who document law-enforcement interactions or rush to unfolding scenes. In a statement Friday, the wife of Renee Good, who was fatally shot two days earlier by an ICE agent on a residential street, said the pair, who had dropped their son off at school, on Wednesday had stopped to support our neighbors." We had whistles," Rebecca Good wrote in a statement to a local media station, describing the simple devices thousands have adopted, starting in Chicago, to alert others when immigration officers arrive. They had guns," she added. In videos of that incident, residents can be heard blowing whistles and be seen filming in the midst of a heavy ICE presence. A new video shared Friday by the Department of Homeland Security appeared to show that, in the seconds before the standoff turned deadly, both sides turned cellphone cameras on each other as the officer began to walk around the car. Rebecca Good, walking behind him, told him to go ahead and film their license plate and, as she turned toward the passenger door, said, You want to come at us? I say, go get yourself some lunch, big boy." It couldnt be determined whether the couple is part of a formal group; efforts to reach Rebecca Good were unsuccessful. Vice President JD Vance said Renee Good was there to interfere with a legitimate law enforcement operation" and was part of a broader left-wing network" that is trying to make it impossible for our ICE officers to do their job." The DHS didnt immediately respond to a request for comment about ICE observers. In the past, a spokeswoman described the groups as agitators and said they werent deterring the agencys work. The ICE watch groups have been crucial in letting immigrants know when they can safely go to school, church and the store, said Larry Jacobs, a University of Minnesota political-science professor. Residents said thousands across Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs belong to networks that spring into action when ICE officers appear. One south-side Signal group has nearly 1,000 members who share photos and videos of suspected ICE vehicles almost constantly as they try to identify operations in progress, according to chats viewed by The Wall Street Journal. Hearing an unconfirmed report of an attempted abduction at 4th and Lake, observers requested," said one message on Saturday. Another followed: Whistles are going off, ICE out of vehicles." Some are more formally organized, while others appear to be activating on the fly. In the Signal group, one poster asked anyone west of 35W and north of 36th" to join a separate chat. Widespread activity in our area right now." Some of the posters use only initials or pseudonyms, like Pumpkin Spice" or Banana Slug." On Saturday, locals carrying protest signs and occasionally blowing whistles patrolled streets under gray skies with patches of crusty snow piled up at corners looking for ICE convoys. A participant in a rapid-response chat handed out 3D-printed whistles at Five Watt Coffee in the Kingfield neighborhood before going on patrol. Steve Brandt, a 74-year-old retired journalist in Minneapolis, recently signed up with his wife to a network called Defend the 612a reference to a local area codeto receive text alerts about ICE actions in his neighborhood. There are times when my phone is pinging all the time. I would say over 100 pings during a day," he said. People get real jumpy wherever they see a large black vehicle." Brandt said he signed up to stay aware of what is happening nearby, particularly any threats involving my church." He added: I wanted to know if someone lining up to get food is going to be threatened or targeted." Brandt said the message from the group is to be upstanders," to document and blow whistles and warn people," and to remind those ICE confronts that they have rights. On Friday, Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne posted a link to Defend the 612 on X, urging residents to join patrols. Some respondents condemned such activism. I hope you all get arrested for impeding a law enforcement operation," one wrote. Schools have become a priority for ICE watchers. At some, volunteers are forming human chains as students and employees enter and leave schools. Amanda Otero, co-executive director of TakeAction Minnesota, a progressive advocacy group, said organizers have mobilized about 1,000 mostly parent volunteers at 35 Minneapolis public schools, including at the elementary campus that her daughter attends. We wanted to have folks ready to respond," Otero said. Everyone is all aligned. We dont want ICE in our schools." Organized into sanctuary school teams," the volunteersmany of them moms already involved at their schoolsuse Google documents to divvy up tasks, such as delivering groceries to immigrant families. Volunteers are on hand at drop-off and pickup with whistles to blow in case ICE agents show up. Borrowing the tactics from ICE watchers in Chicago, volunteers blow two short-whistle blasts to alert when the federal agents are around and one long one blast when they see someone taken into custody. Organizers said speed is important. When the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee receives an email tip, the group texts a contact in the neighborhood to verify the activity and then sends out a broader alert, according to Robyn Harbison, a volunteer. Any operation can be done in like 15 minutes," she said. We let people who we know live there know, and whoever can get there first." Organizations are hosting events to train people in becoming constitutional observers" of law-enforcement activity. A guidebook on observer protocol includes advice for participants to say why they are watching, avoid any physical contact, record events with photos and videos, and ask questions to ICE and witnesses about what is happening. Write to Kris Maher at Kris.Maher@wsj.com, Jim Carlton at Jim.Carlton@wsj.com and Jennifer Calfas at jennifer.calfas@wsj.com LONDON, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Rasmus Jarlov, chair of the Danish Defence Committee, said on Sunday that any military confrontation over Greenland would be "the dumbest war in history." Speaking in an interview with Sky News, Jarlov said U.S. President Donald Trump's ambition to seize Greenland represents "a contender for the most illegitimate land claim in modern history." Jarlov also noted that neither Russia nor China has any activities in Greenland. "They don't have consulates. They don't have any mining activities. They don't own anything. They're simply not there." Jarlov further stressed that "the Greenlanders have made it very, very, very clear that they do not want to become Americans and that they are not for sale." 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. Greenland, a former Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains authority over foreign affairs and defense. Longer than a city bus and weighing nearly 7 tons, the Flamingo is at the center of Ukraines quest to build missiles domestically that can strike deep inside Russian territory. Doing so successfully would lessen the countrys reliance on its Western backers for its most powerful weapons. On a recent afternoon, engineers were testing the Flamingos adjustable flaps and securing a small booster rocket to the missile, which would soon be fired from a secret launch site in Ukraine toward targets inside Russia. Fire Point, the company that makes the missile, gave The Wall Street Journal rare access to one of its secretive facilities last month. Fire Point already has developed Ukraines FP-1 drone. With a range of up to 870 miles, the drone has become the workhorse of Kyivs campaign to hobble Russias oil industry. Ukraine has carried out more than 100 strikes on Russian energy facilities since August, causing billions of dollars in damage and, at one point, knocking out as much as one-fifth of Russias oil-refining capacity. The problem is that Russia can often quickly patch up refineries hit by the drones 230-pound warheadsometimes in less than a week. To cause real damage, Ukraine needs something that packs a much bigger punch. Fire Point believes the Flamingo, with a 2,500-pound warhead, is the solution. The large fuel tank of the Flamingoofficially called the FP-5 missileallows it to travel more than 1,800 miles, according to Fire Point. That would be much farther than the reach of Ukraines existing arsenal of Western-made missiles, such as the U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems or the Storm Shadows supplied by the U.K. The Flamingos range would be comparable to Russias Kalibr and Kh-101, which have slammed into cities throughout Ukraine. While defense experts say the Flamingo holds promise for Ukraines military, they say the missile hasnt yet proven it can achieve the ranges it is designed to reach. They argue that the missiles size and weight slow it down and make it easier to spot and intercept. Fire Point said there have been fewer than 100 launches since inception, but it is learning from each one and continually improving the missiles design. Because Flamingo was designed on a budget, it lacks many of the sophisticated stealth elements or complex visual guidance systems installed on Western missiles. Fire Point is seeking to acquire these for the Flamingo. It has been forced to cut costs wherever possible. Fire Point engineers tested various flight controllers when building the missile, up to models costing $500,000, but settled on an open-source version that is freely available online. The jet-powered engines are sourced from old Soviet aircraft. They were taken out of service and, in some cases, kept in storage across Ukraine for decades before Fire Point located them. Iryna Terekh, the companys 33-year-old technical director, compares their reliability to that of the Kalashnikov, a trusty rifle lauded for its ruggedness and simplicity. Our strategy is to economize on the less important stuff but never save money on the stuff that really matters," said Terekh, who used to run a company manufacturing furniture for Ukraines middle class. Id love to make something that looks beautiful and leaves you short of breath, but I understand that this is not what our times call for." Terekhs partner at Fire Point is Denys Shtilerman, a burly entrepreneur from Odesa who founded the defense company in November 2022, nine months into Russias invasion of Ukraine. He started the company after growing frustrated with the cost of drones he was buying for the Ukrainian military through a charity he ran. Shtilerman graduated from Moscows top physics institute in 1991 and later worked for Russias Defense Ministry, where he developed automatic guidance systems to help coordinate different branches of its armed forces. He has since cut all ties with Russia, which he said stripped him of citizenship in 2016. Fire Point began with 18 employees and was focused on making long-range drones that are cheap and reliable. It now has more than 2,000 people working at more than 40 facilities across Ukraine, Shtilerman said, and is valued at more than $1 billion. The company is also working to develop a ballistic missile and Ukraines analog to Russias S-400 air-defense system to protect the countrys skies. Its rate of expansion has made the company a target for Russia, which has twice struck its facilities. To ensure continuity of operations in the event of an attack, each of Fire Points factories has at least one exact copy, Shtilerman said, with the same equipment on standby in case a key link in the production chain is destroyed. This reporter and a photographer were blindfolded and driven for about 45 minutes before being taken into one facility doing work on the Flamingo. Enormous machines wrapped layers of carbon around 40-foot-long cylinders, producing carbon tubes that can encase burning rocket fuel. The cylinders were then transferred to industrial dryers, where they rotated like rotisserie chickens. Garage-sized ovens heated molds of the Flamingos carbon wings. Missiles at various stages of completion dotted the factory floor. On one wall was a poster showing a Flamingo bird embracing an ace of spadesa reference to President Trumps statement in February that Ukrainians dont have the cards." Terekh, the technical director, said parts of the giant facility are made of concrete 5 feet deep to withstand the force generated by the equipment. The company doesnt reveal its rate of output but says it plans to increase production capacity to seven Flamingos a day. Every missile is produced to order for the Ukrainian armed forces, Terekh said, and is fired within two days of completion. Fire Point has sought to tap all existing knowledge inside Ukraine. Terekh pores over Soviet missile construction manuals that are freely accessible online. She said she has read three dozen of them. One of Fire Points consultants is a 92-year-old who was involved in the Soviet missile program. For Terekh, the challenge of perfecting the Flamingo hinges on amassing enough firepower to take out a Russian refinery while ensuring enough precision and stealth to reach it. And doing all this while protecting the companys facilities from Russian attacks. Its like repairing a car that is traveling at 130 miles per hour, while being shot at," she said. Ukrainians are developing the ability to do that." The prototypes of the FP-5 missile were painted in various colors to make their debris easier to locate after test launches. When one of the prototypes was made pink, a worker coined a nickname that stuck: Flamingo. Ukraines first declared use of the Flamingo was in August, against a Russian naval base in Crimea. Of the three missiles launched, only one directly struck the target, said Fabian Hoffmann, an expert on nuclear weapons and missile technology at the University of Oslo, citing satellite imagery. Fire Point disputed that characterization. Even though the Flamingo is still a work in progress, Hoffmann said the advent of a homegrown defense industry in Ukraine capable of producing long-range weapons is already a major development. Its challenge in 2026 will be to pick its winneridentify its most successful homegrown long-range weapon and sharply scale up its production, he said. They cannot guarantee those hits, but what they can guarantee is that there is a threat to those targets, and that threat alone does something to your adversary," he said. A powerful long-range missile that is difficult to intercept would reduce a key Russian advantage in the war: its vast territory. You take away the Russian sanctuary of its homeland," Hoffmann said. Fire Point is now receiving funding from several Western countries, including the U.K. and Germany, and is in the process of building a new factory in Denmark to produce rocket propellant. In November, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo joined Fire Points advisory board. Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau said Fire Point is among several Ukrainian defense contractors it is investigating as part of a probe into corruption. The company hasnt been charged and denies wrongdoing. Fire Points goal is to achieve self-sufficiency, ensuring that every component of its weapons is made inside Ukraine. For Terekh, it is part of a broader mission to build a defense sector that is able to stand on its own. As a country we cant, and probably never will, achieve a parity of resources with Russia," she said. Whats important is not the amount of resources you have, but how you use them." Write to Matthew Luxmoore at matthew.luxmoore@wsj.com President Trump is taking aim at solving the housing affordability crisis, a problem so entrenched in the economy that it has put home buying in a deep freeze for three years. Trumps new housing proposals, unveiled this past week on his social-media account, are concentrated on helping home buyers and lowering mortgage rates. Trump kicked off his new housing agenda on Wednesday. He announced he would take steps to ban Wall Street firms from buying homes, to ease competition for first-time buyers. A day later, the president said he would direct the government-backed mortgage-finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds, a move economists think could lead to lower mortgage rates. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage fell Friday to the lowest level since 2023, according to Mortgage News Daily, a tracker of home-lending rates. Trumps focus is on increasing home-buyer purchasing power. Industry analysts and economists say the administration will also have to find ways to meaningfully increase the supply of homes, at a time when the U.S. faces a shortage of millions of units nationwide. The administrations latest proposals also dont directly address affordability for renters. The administration said many more proposals are on the way and would be unveiled at an economic summit in Davos, Switzerland, later this month. Bill Pulte, the administrations head of housing finance, said this past week he has mulled over 30 to 50 other ideas for the housing market. On Friday, with reporters, he raised the possibility of the portable mortgage"an idea that would allow homeowners who want to move to take their existing mortgage rate with them. Were focused on getting physical human beings in homes the way that nature intended," Pulte said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. Other Republicans are weighing in. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri suggested on social media that the U.S. should allow people to raise money for a down payment on a home by dipping into their retirement accounts, without penalty fees. For now, Trumps housing proposals have raised questions about how the policies would be implemented, and at least one of them would need congressional approval. Even if Trump succeeds in bringing down mortgage rates and breathing new life into the moribund housing market, he might not get his desired outcome. If government policies overstimulate demand from buyers without increasing the supply of houses, they may push prices higher as more buyers compete for a limited number of homes. If youre going to do all these demand-side things and you dont have any supply-side things, youre going to make the problem even worse," said Ed Pinto, co-director of the AEI Housing Center at the American Enterprise Institute. A Trump spokesman said: President Trump is committed to making it easier and more affordable to achieve the American Dream of homeownership by eliminating unnecessary red tape, increasing supply, and lowering costs." Housing costs have risen to the top of the list of American financial anxieties, and the issue played a role in Democratic election victories last fall. Home prices are up more than 50% since 2019, while rents have risen at historic rates and remain high. Mortgage rates are more than double where they were in 2021. Nearly eight in 10 Americans say finding affordable housing in their community is either very difficult or somewhat difficult, according to a YouGov poll last month. Some Trump advisers and housing-industry lobbyists are pushing policies to help builders. Their ideas include expanding tax credits to developers and easing building regulations, industry leaders say. Pulte and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have visited a number of times with home builders. The meetings were initially adversarial. More recently, Lutnick asked builders what kind of incentives they would like, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Secretary Lutnick is focused on driving housing costs down," a representative for the Commerce Department said. The president, however, sees an upside in limited supply. He remarked at a late-December press conference that fast-growing home values have enriched many American homeowners. You create a lot of housing all of a sudden, and it drives the housing prices down," he said. So I want to take care of the people who have houses, who have a value to their house that they never thought possibleAt the same time I want to make it possible for people to go buy houses." Real-estate industry professionals have welcomed some of Trumps recent proposals, while saying they fall short in addressing larger housing-affordability problems. A ban on large investors buying single-family homes could help first-time buyers shopping for lower-priced homes, or those who rely on down-payment assistance, said Trevor Halpern, a real-estate agent in the Phoenix area. We do see consumers in that price range losing out against the bigger-wallet type of buyers," he said. Large investors with portfolios of more than 1,000 homes own only a small fraction of total housing in the U.S., but they were active buyers in recent years, especially in fast-growing areas like Phoenix and Atlanta, where they focused on suburban homes around or below average prices. Home buyers face other headwinds. Many buyers are grappling with higher costs for home insurance, property taxes and homeowner-association dues. Concerns about job security are also rising, making more people hesitant to buy, real-estate agents said. Everybodys hyper-focused on rates, and thats just, in my opinion, half or even less than half of the story," said Eric Bramlett, owner of brokerage Bramlett Partners in Austin, Texas. Economists also voiced concern that boosting home purchasing without a plan to increase supply would widen the wealth gap between homeowners and those who cant afford to buy. Whenever we subsidize mortgages, guess what? It all gets capitalized into home prices," said Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh, real estate and finance professor at Columbia Universitys graduate school of business. All these demand subsidies dont really work in a world where you dont supply new housing." Write to Will Parker at will.parker@wsj.com, Rebecca Picciotto at Rebecca.Picciotto@wsj.com and Nicole Friedman at nicole.friedman@wsj.com Imagine walking into a world-class facility such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport or commuting through the Mumbai Metro Aqua line. The architecture is futuristic, the lighting is perfect, but the moment you pull out your phone, the signal bars drop to zero. This isn't a technical failure. It is a commercial hostage situation. A high-stakes war is currently raging between infrastructure developers and telecom operators, with the passenger caught in the dead zone. Mint explains the ongoing connectivity issue, why the telecom and infrastructure operators are refusing to budge, what the rules say, and how the government is responding. Why are mobile networks down at Mumbais new airport and metro? On 25 December, when the Adani group-owned Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began commercial operations, travellers complained about the lack of cellular connectivity there. This meant there were no network signals from Indias private telecom service providers Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea. The reason? There was no connectivity agreement for the provision of telecom connectivity between the airport and telecom operators. A similar issue has played out at the Mumbai Metro Aqua line, where passengers are facing connectivity issues for the last three months and the two sides have not been able to agree on commercial terms for enabling mobile connectivity. Why are the connectivity agreements stuck? Telecom operators have been quoted charges that they think are exorbitantly" high. The operators believe that since they are the licenced entity and hold the spectrum, they are legally compliant to offer connectivity at these places as per the right of way (RoW) rules under the Telecom Act. They have objected to the appointment of third-party service providers by the airport and metro authorities to lay the telecom infrastructure and become a gatekeeper for all connectivity permissions. When the Mumbai Metro Aqua line was starting operations, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corp (MMRC) looped in a Saudi Arabia-based digital infrastructure provider ACES to provide in-building solutions. MMRC is a joint venture between the central government and the Maharashtra government. As per the plan, ACES would be a neutral host through which telecom operators would provide connectivity to Mumbais underground metro stations. In the case of Navi Mumbai airport, the operator has itself deployed the in-building solutions. Third-party solutions providers typically try to recover their investments in their target span of time and telecom operators are at their mercy to provide connectivity, that too at a higher cost. So, what are the fees being sought? Telecom operators say the Navi Mumbai airport has sought about 92 lakh per month per operator, totalling nearly 44.16 crore per annum for four operators. The operators argue these charges are grossly disproportionate and significantly exceed the capex required to deploy an independent in-building solution (IBS) network. In fact, these operators say they can deploy the solutions at one-fourth of the cost quoted by the third-party service providers to the airport and metro operators. Also Read | Telcos block over 20 billion pesky calls with custom data, AI stacks A few months ago, the Navi Mumbai airport operator proposed that telecom service providers (TSPs) be charged for IBS infrastructure at rates aligned with those applicable at the Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL). This would mean that the charges for the telecom operators would be reduced by over 50% to about 40 lakh a month. The operators did not accept the proposal, saying the charges were not reasonable in view of the footfall at the airport. At some other major airports, such as in Delhi, they pay about 10-12 lakh. In a similar situation, on the issue of connectivity in the Dwarka Expressway tunnels, the department of telecommunications (DoT) had in August last year asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to arrange telecom connectivity without seeking any fee or entry charges for the use of telecom infrastructure inside tunnels. What is the stance of Navi Mumbai Airport? It said since airports are highly-sensitive zones, frequent servicing, maintenance and upkeep of the network are necessary. This is best managed by the airport operator with the relevant security clearance from BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) and other security agencies. The turnaround time for any third party to address any concerns with the network will be substantially more, leading to delays and passenger inconvenience, NMIA said, adding that it has regularly communicated and discussed the matter with telcos and offered IBS services at charges in line with industry standards. NMIA is currently providing free Wi-Fi services to passengers. Commuters can, however, access state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) network at the airport. BSNL has partnered with the NMIA at no cost, according to private telecom operators. What are the RoW rules and will the govt intervene? Regulations do not explicitly name airports or metro systems, but they lay down broad principles that are meant to ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity in public-use infrastructure. Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecom Right of Way (RoW) Rules, licensed telecom service providers are entitled to seek right of way from public entities that own, control or manage public property for deploying telecom infrastructure. The rules require such access to be granted on reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory terms, with charges limited to administrative or restoration costs, and not as a source of commercial revenue. Also Read | Trai wants more enforcement teeth to rein in telcos, may ask govt to amend rules While this obligation clearly applies to government-run infrastructure such as airports operated by the Airports Authority of India or metro rails run by public corporations, the applicability of law on public-private partnerships and privately-operated airports is subject to notification by the government. Under the definition of public entity under the Telecom Act, any non-government entity having ownership, control or management of any public facility or class of public facilities, as may be notified by the government, will be covered under the ambit of RoW. These operators perform public functions and manage facilities used by the general public, but they are not expressly defined as public entities" under the RoW framework. Therefore, commercial terms, including charges, must be mutually agreed. The DoT has been holding regular meetings with telcos and the metro and airport operators to clear the jam. The start of 2026 has been more volatile than expected. Domestic market was expected to drive some flavour in the month of January in expectation of better Q3 results compared to H1FY26. The Nifty 50 reached a new high of 26,340 on January 2nd, but unexpected geopolitical developments have unsettled sentiment. Concerns stem from the VenezuelaUS crisis, instability in Iran, and recent statements by Trump regarding Indias Russian oil imports, raising uncertainty over whether the 25% penalty tariff on India will be reduced or remain in place. Market concerns deepened after the approval of the Russian Act by Trump. Investors had anticipated that India would secure at least a preliminary trade agreement with the U.S. in early 2026, potentially paving the way for the removal of the 25% penalty tariff, particularly in light of the recent decline in Russian oil imports. However, the US is now moving to impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries importing Russian oil. The specifics of implementation and the direct implications for India remain uncertain, the bill is pending approval in both houses. This prolonged ambiguity around tariff measures is exerting pressure on export-driven sectors, particularly those with significant exposure to U.S. markets. The crisis in Venezuela is unlikely to have a global or domestic impact due to its small economic leeway. Over the medium to long term, higher oil exports from Venezuela could help moderate crude prices, benefiting major importers such as India and China. In the near term, however, the transition in Venezuela and potential supply disruptions introduce some uncertainty, though the overall effect on global oil supply is expected to be limited due to the current oversupply situation. A notable shift in U.S. policy from sanctions to direct intervention is heightening geopolitical risks, with potential ramifications for regions such as Iran and Greenland. The 2025 bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities demonstrated that such events may have no impact on the global economy and financial markets. Meanwhile, the U.S. has renewed its interest in acquiring Greenland for strategic and security purposes, with a meeting scheduled next week between U.S. and Danish officials. This development is drawing close attention as European NATO members have strongly opposed the proposal, while Washington seeks to make its offer more appealing. Overall, the geopolitical risks have entered 2026 on an elevated note. Safe-haven assets like precious metals are trending higher, while equities face persistent pressure. Global defence spending is rising, with the US proposing a $1.5 trillion defence budget and European nations increasing expenditures in response to the Ukraine conflict and shifting NATO commitments. Defence sector stocks are performing strongly and are expected to remain resilient. Conversely, the Indian market is likely to adopt a cautious stance until tariff-related uncertainties are resolved. With heightened geopolitical headwinds, the domestic market is likely to trade within a range with a mixed bias; the requirement is to attain a balance between the external risks and strong domestic fundamentals. F or most of us, stories spell comfort. Myths, legends, tales of adventure and valour told by grandparents at bedtime continue to offer succour well into our adulthood. Another layer is added to this when we experience folklore recounted by community elders or seasoned performers. Oral storytelling traditions are now being taken out of the domestic or community sphere to be celebrated at cultural festivals across the country. Take, for instance, The Spoken Fest, Kathakar or the 2024 edition of Gaatha Mumbai International Storytelling Festival. A mix of modern and traditional storytelling takes centre stage at Udaipur Tales as well, which has now returned with its seventh edition, taking place across venues in Rajasthans lake city till 11 January. The festival offers a moment of pause, an opportunity to look away from the screens and immerse ourselves in tales of all shapes and hues. This year, Udaipur Tales is bringing together genres ranging from contemporary, historical, mystery, thriller and folk, through sessions with performers like Divya Dutta, Arif Zakaria, Divy Nidhi Sharma, Danish Hussain, Vilas Janve, Jyoti Pande and more. The edition features a selection of music and dance performances to broaden the definition of storytelling. To acknowledge the fact that storytellers can emerge under any circumstance, the festival has invited inmates from Udaipurs Central Jail to share their stories and musical narratives. Another such initiative is Jamghat, in which people from all walks of life homemakers, students, senior citizens come forward with their tales, thus creating a vibrant tapestry of voices. This year, two storytellersselected by a jurywill be recognised for their longstanding contribution to the art of storytelling. The 2026 edition also features a rich childrens section, wherein storytellers from different parts of the country offer a diverse mix of narratives. The festival is open to school students, who throng the sessions in large numbers. The childrens sessions usually start with stories about the erstwhile Mewar kingdom of which Udaipur was the capital. In the past few editions, young listeners have been regaled with Russian folk tales, lore from indigenous communities, stories on themes of ecology, science fiction and disability. Last year, children gave a rousing applause to young performersaged 9 and 11 from the Langa community of Jaisalmer, who performed alongside their father. Also Read | A new book shines a light on India's folk and tribal jewellery View full Image According to the founders, while online media has its place, live story listening has a much deeper effect on the human psyche. Photo: Pixabay However, the festival seeks to break the notion that storytelling is only for children. Rather, over the past six editions, Udaipur Tales has seen a sizeable adult audience as well, with several listeners returning to the various editions. According to co-founder Sushmita Singha, listeners come from different age brackets and varied sections of society. What unites them is a penchant for stories with complex situations and well-developed characters. We have also learnt that storytellers who try too hard tend to lose their connection with the listener. A story that connects with the listeners feelings leaves a deep and lasting impact. Above all, we ensure an audience of approximately 300350 listeners, so that the story, storyteller, and listener remain continuously connected, elaborates Singha. Given the short attention spans that one is seeing and the incessant consumption of digital media, how is the festival holding the attention of the listeners? Co-founder Salil Bhandari has seen that if the story and the storytellers style are impactful, there is no wavering of attention. In the past few editions, nearly 125-150 stories have been presented over sessions typically ranging be tween 30-60 minutes, and only in a handful of instances, a hold over the listeners was lost. Those experiences acted as learning moments for the team, helping them understand the qualities that made for a powerful immersive session. While online media has its place, live story listening has a much deeper effect on the human psyche, he adds. In the past few decades, there has been a steady loss of intangible heritage, with storytellers within communities finding no takers from within the younger generation to carry the legacy forward. Migration of the youth to urban centres in search of better opportunities has further widened the chasm. Timeless stories and specialised storytelling styles run the risk of going extinct. To reverse some of the loss, the festival honours master storytellers, who have been working in this space for 15-20 years, indicating a serious engagement with the craft. An earlier edition honoured a set of bhopa and bhopi, traditional village storytellers specialising in the phad tradition from Rajasthan, dating back to over 200 years. In the past, we also highlighted Wareleeba, a storytelling style from Arunachal Pradesh, besides showcasing folk traditions from Spain, Russia, Celtic cultures, South Africa, Shaman traditions, and many others, explains Singha. Also Read | From classical dance to rock legends, 5 events to catch this week Scholar, civil rights activist and management professor Anand Teltumbde had two books published in quick succession late last yearThe Cell and the Soul (Bloomsbury India), a chilling account of life in prison where he spent more than two years as an undertrial, and The Caste Con Census (Navayana), part history and part critical examination of the hotly contested caste census. Teltumbde, an IIM-A graduate, was teaching at Goa Institute of Management till he was accused of having a role in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence and arrested in 2020. He was granted bail only in 2022. In an interview with Lounge, he discusses the writing of his prison memoir, why class trumps caste within the confines of prison, and the pitfalls of a caste census. Edited excerpts: The Cell and the Soul is deeply personal while also providing the larger picture of society and the prison system. How did you plan the writing of this book? I have not gone about it in a deliberate or designed way. I was very sure that after coming outif I came outof jail, I would write about (my experiences). I had gone with a preparation to die there. But when I realised that I can read and write, I started making notes on what came to my mind. So this book comprises 22 notes that I wrote out of about 100. You could say that jail imposes some amount of clarity on you. Your routine goes away. Mobility goes away. You are left with only two things: your mind and the system that seeks to crush you. At that moment, the personal and political become inseparable. The book emerges from such conditions. It doesnt become very personal in the sense because every experience inside a person is shaped by power hierarchy, by the violence embedded in the system. Did you see any metaphorical resemblance between your time in jail and the fact that society is not free in the same way for all people? Prison becomes like a magnifying glass, in a way, of a society. One can say it becomes a concentrated form of control. Outside of jail, the same thing happens with something like surveillance. Surveillance is explicit in prison. But in free society surveillance is ambientCCTV cameras, digital footprints. So you internalise the gaze and police yourself. In prisons, movements are restricted by tall walls. In society, movement is restricted by class, caste, gender, geography. Most people are free, but only within the narrow boundaries the social location allows. Prison is supposed to be a punishment. Time in prison is a punishment. But in society, precarious work, joblessness, all those kinds of things are the ongoing punishment. In prison, we find the authorities arbitrary because the jail superintendent becomes a lord, because it is opaque to society. But society is not different. (Authority) hides behind bureaucratic procedures, law and order, rhetoric and market law. Arbitrariness does not disappear. It only probably gets civilised. View full Image 'The Cell and the Soul': By Anand Teltumbde, Bloomsbury India, 256 pages, 699. How do caste and class play out within prison? What are the other power dynamics in such a confined place? Some people amplify how caste operates in prison, but I have not experienced such a thing. One of the things I came across was the prison guards or prison officials identifying me as Dalit and behaving in a (certain) way. I have heard that caste determines who cleans the floor, cleans the toilets. I have not come across that The cleaners who happened to be on my floor were Brahmins because those two guys were Nepalis. They might not have been Dalits. Downstairs, Muslims were doing these things. I do not smell caste everywhere. Class certainly operates. Hierarchy in the jail gets formed by class. Whosoever has money automatically becomes a Brahmin. Say gangsters, they have lots of money, so they can buy out their freedom and prestige in the jail with the prison authorities and vis a vis the inmates, because they will have lots of money to buy from the canteen and distribute to the people who cannot afford it. For example, on Sundays we would get chicken, so these fellows would buy chicken for everybody and distribute it, so people would feel obligated to respect them. Of course there would be bribes as well. Thats how the hierarchies get formed. Murderers are taken as macho people, they are quite proud that they have murdered. The rapists are downplayednobody admitted rape. Pocso becomes similar. When people get into denial mode, it becomes difficult to discern what really happened. And then we were therepolitical prisoners. We were odd men out, so we were respected that way. Do you see anything changing, for better or worse, in terms of the way we protest or resist? No. In one way, you can say that this was the process (the arrests related to Elgar Parishad and Bhima Koregaon), the process of getting control of everything. Having accomplished that, there will not be much need to put people behind bars, as it happened during the early years of the regime. Civil society cannot be controlled. It can only be controlled by such examples It is happening sporadically everywhere, as recently as with (Sonam) Wangchuks arrest. Here onwards the country is driven to a dead end. I do not see any kind of future because the opposition is dead. As we see, there is hardly any resistance. People have been terrorised to normalcy. Isnt caste-based discrimination very much a part of our society and in fact worsening? Not many people notice it, but that is perfectly right. It is not about Hindu versus Muslim, but at the bottom of it is caste. In rural areas, all these castes, including Dalits and dominant castes, have been pushed into crisis by neoliberal development. Everybody feels the heat of development. The dominant caste used to have traditional privileges. No more because neoliberalism has eroded that base. In course of time, even after educating their children, jobs have not come. (Dominant castes) would say that these people (Dalits) are the culprit, those people who have been getting reservations. This manifests as demands by the rural dominant castes for reservations. There is no caste which has not demanded reservation. The lower caste crisis manifests as demand for enumeration. So the caste census comes in. It is basically the reaction to the same neoliberal order which dismantled public good and concentrated wealth. We are at probably one of the worst gaps between the rich and poor, globally and nationally. And in the Indian context, every group is articulating its survival in the language of caste because caste becomes entitlement. Karnataka recently completed collecting data for its caste census. It made news for implementation challenges, people from Bengaluru choosing to not participate, and so on. Whats your take? Once you make it optional, it is expected that upper caste people would not unnecessarily expose their privileges. They would be scared of getting their privileges exposed because ultimately you are a millionaire, you are a billionaire and you happen to be a Brahmin or some such upper caste. So the survey would lean towards associating your caste with the riches that you got. Its not a very good idea to have a caste census. As a data person, I would not detest more data being available, but as for the politics of census, I am against it. Because enough challenges exist in society and its going to further create that kind of caste dynamics. What are we to do with the data? Data does not automatically do anything. Data does not formulate a policy. Data is data. What happened with all the claims that they are going to undertake redistributive measures and policies? There has to be political will to do that. Are they going to do land distribution? Are they going to equalise wealth because wealth is also very vulgarly, unequally distributed? They only are talking about representation. Its not social justice that data brings in. Its not a matter of data. We are not discussing data. We are discussing the ethics of it. So there should be a differentiation. MUMBAI : With equity markets hovering near record highs, many investors are choosing to wait, hoping for a correction before committing fresh money. The instinct is understandable: buying at lower levels should, in theory, boost long-term returns. The problem is that market bottoms are visible only in hindsight, and waiting for the right" level often means staying out while markets move higher, or re-entering after prices have already rebounded. The central question, then, is whether market timing meaningfully improves outcomes for long-term investors. Data across market cycles suggests it rarely does. In fact, obsessing over entry points often matters far less than staying invested over time. Missing even a handful of strong market days while waiting on the sidelines can significantly dent long-term returns. Also Read | Why recent mutual fund returns dont tell investors the full story Against this backdrop, data from multiple fund houses offers a clear perspective on whether waiting for corrections actually pays, or whether time in the market consistently trumps timing the market. What the numbers say We examined several data analyses by fund houses tracking the Nifty 500 Index, which represents the broader equity market. An analysis by DSP Mutual Fund showed that regardless of when systematic investment plans (SIPs) were initiated, long-term returns tended to cluster within a narrow range, with a differential of about few percentage points. The study looked at seven-year rolling SIP returns on the Nifty 500 Index TRI between 1 April 2005 and 30 November 2025. The TRI, or Total Return Index, captures both price gains and dividends. For instance, median seven-year rolling SIP returns started from the market high were 13%. Median seven-year rolling SIP returns after index rallied more than 20% in one-year period was 14%, while it was 12% if SIPs were started after index fell more than 20% in one-year period. Returns after corrections were lower largely because markets tend to mean revert after sharp falls. SIPs started during post-recovery phases initially buy units at higher levels, resulting in fewer units for the same investment. Conversely, when markets correct after sharp rallies, SIPs initiated during the correction phase buy more units at lower prices. Median returns were used instead of averages to avoid distortion from outliers. Mutual fund investors can invest through systematic investment plans (SIPs), which allow monthly investments and help lower the average cost over time by accumulating more units during market downturns. Another study by Capitalmind Mutual Fund looked at the period from January 1995 to August 2025, looking at the same Nifty 500 Index. The study assumed three type of investors that put 1 lakh once each every calendar year into the Nifty 500 Index, with the dividends reinvested. The lucky" investor bought each year at the markets lowest point. The unlucky" investor invested at the years highest point. A regular" investor invested on the first trading day of each year. In addition, a group of 10,000 investors invested on a randomly chosen trading day each year. The lucky investor earned 16% annualized returns. The regular investor earned 14.7%, while even the unlucky investorwho entered at the peak every yearearned 13.7%. Among the 10,000 investors who picked a random day each year, 90% of returns fell within a narrow 14.7-15.3% range. View Full Image (Graphics: Mint) Time versus timing The broader takeaway from these studies is consistent: instead of trying to time the market, investors are better served by staying invested for longer periods. If an investor believes they have identified a capable fund manager, the sensible approach is to invest steadilyeither through staggered purchases or systematic investment planswithout getting overly influenced by short-term price movements. The real payoff from such an approach comes from staying invested over long periods. This strategy requires patience, as consistency and time are most important factors that can influence the outcome of your equity investments," says Kaustubh Belapurkar, director manager research, Morningstar India. Data from PGIM India Mutual Fund reinforces this point. An analysis covering 4 September 2001 to 31 December 2025 showed that investors who stayed fully invested in the Nifty 500 TRI earned 17.3% annualized returns over the period. Missing just the 10 best days would have reduced returns to 13.7%. Missing 30 best days would have cut returns to 8.8%, while missing 50 best days would have dragged returns down to 4.7%. It is not possible for investors to know when and how these best months will play out. Hence, investors can capture the best days by keeping a longer investment horizon," pointed out Abhishek Tiwari, chief executive officer of PGIM India Mutual Fund. Another long-term analysis of the Nifty 50 since inception, since June 1999, found that nearly 70% of the time, the index delivered more than 12% returns on a seven-year rolling basis, according to FundsIndia. The returns were as on 30 November 2025. Also Read | How many mutual funds should you really own? SIPs are one of the simplest ways to handle equity volatility because they put time in the market to work, instead of forcing you to get timing right. Think of them like a recurring deposit in a market-linked product: you keep investing through ups and downs, automatically buying more when markets are weak and less when theyre expensive. Even if returns look muted for a while, SIPs are quietly doing their job of averaging your cost and improving your long-term entry price. And in equities, it often takes just one strong upcycle for patient SIP investors to see the payoff," explained Dhirendra Kumar, founder and chief executive officer of Value Research, an independent investment advisory firm. Conclusion Rather than attempting to time market entry, investors may be better served by focusing on building diversified portfolios across asset classes with low correlation to one another. Such diversification can help cushion portfolio returns when one asset class underperforms. Periodic rebalancing is another discipline that helps investors stay aligned with their long-term asset allocation and risk profile. The rebalancing exercise indirectly increases exposure to asset classes that have undergone a correction while trimming allocations to those that have seen sharp rallies. This process instils discipline and keeps the portfolio aligned with the investors long-term goals and risk profile," said Kavitha Menon, founder of Probitus Wealth. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) A crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran has killed at least 538 people and even more are feared dead, activists said Sunday, while Tehran warned that the U.S. military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America uses force to protect demonstrators. Another over 10,600 people have been detained over the two weeks of protests, said the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous rounds of unrest in Iran in recent years. It relies on supporters in Iran crosschecking information. It said of those killed, 490 were protesters and 48 were members of security forces. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll. The Iranian government has not offered overall casualty figures for the demonstrations. Those abroad fear the information blackout is emboldening hard-liners within Irans security services to launch a bloody crackdown. Protesters flooded the streets in the countrys capital and its second-largest city again Sunday morning. U.S. President Donald Trump has offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran including cyberattacks and direct strikes by either U.S. or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The White House, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment, has not indicated it has made any decisions. The massive ongoing U.S. military deployment to the Caribbean has created another factor that the Pentagon and Trumps national security planners must consider. The threat to strike the U.S. military and Israel came during a parliamentary speech by Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf, the hard-liner speaker of the body who has run for the presidency in the past. He directly threatened Israel, calling it the occupied territory." In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Qalibaf said. We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. Lawmakers rushed the dais in parliament, shouting: Death to America! It remains unclear how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after its air defenses were destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Any decision to go to war would rest with Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The U.S. military has said in the Mideast it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and U.S. interests. Iran targeted U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June, while the U.S. Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet is stationed in the island kingdom of Bahrain. Israel, meanwhile, is watching closely the situation between the U.S. and Iran, said an Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to speak to journalists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio overnight on topics including Iran, the official added. The people of Israel, the entire world, are in awe of the tremendous heroism of the citizens of Iran, said Netanyahu, a longtime Iran hawk. At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV mentioned Iran as a place where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives," adding that I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society." Demonstrations were held in some international capitals in support of the protesters. A spokesperson said U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was shocked" by reports of violence against protesters resulting in scores of deaths and called on Iranian authorities to use maximum restraint and restore communications. Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehran's Punak neighborhood. There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said. Reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control. In Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city some 725 kilometers (450 miles) northeast of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Protests also appeared to happen in Kerman, 800 kilometers (500 miles) southeast of Tehran. Iranian state television on Sunday morning had correspondents appear on the streets in several cities to show calm areas, with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. Government rhetoric ratcheted up. Ali Larijani, a top security official, accused some demonstrators of killing people or burning some people, which is very similar to what ISIS does, referring to the Islamic State group by an acronym. State TV aired funerals of slain security force members while reporting another six had been killed in Kermanshah. In Fars province, violence killed 13 people, and seven security forces were killed in North Khorasan province, it added. It showed a pickup truck full of bodies in body bags and later a morgue. Even Iran's reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired Sunday. People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns, Pezeshkian said. But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society. The demonstrations began Dec. 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear program. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. ___ Amid a rise in online scams, another person reportedly an HR manager fell prey to fraud, losing 36.74 lakh in an online investment scam, a Navi Mumbai police official told PTI on Sunday. The victim was cheated after he came in contact with a woman claiming to be a representative of a SEBI-registered firm. Later he was added to a WhatsApp group with the promise of high returns in share trading, the Nerul police station official said. As per official data, Indians have lost a staggering sum to scam over the past six years, with more than 52,976 crore wiped out due to various cyber frauds and cheating cases, Indian Express reported earlier. How did the victim lose money? According to the official, the victim was asked to download a link which was sent to him by the accused. He was lured into the trap after being offered an initial profit of 50,000, a move aimed at gaining his trust. Later, the HR executive invested a total of 36.74 lakh between August and September 2025. However, when he was unable to withdraw the so-called profits, he realised that he had been duped by the accused, Nerul police station inspector Bramhanand Naikwadi said. The police official also confirmed that a case has been registered against unidentified persons for criminal breach of trust and other offences under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act, PTI reported. Online frauds wipe out Indians' accounts According to official data released by the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, around 19,812.96 crore were lost and 21,77,524 cheating-related fraud complaints were received in 2025. The report also reveals that there has been a substantial rise in financial crimes, especially the ones involving investment traps, digital arrest, online scams, banking frauds, and cyber phishing. Out of 19,812 crore lost by people in 2025, about 77% of the total money were stolen in the name of investment schemes, 8% of the funds were lost through digital arrest, 7% via credit card fraud, 4% in sextortion, 3% in e-commerce fraud and 1% to app/malware based fraud, the data cited in the Indian Express report reveals. by Wen Tsui LAS VEGAS, the United States, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The just-concluded 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world's largest event of its kind, saw global cross-industry collaboration and more open-source models take center stage. Chinese companies made a mark as primary advocates for open-source systems, which allow their underlying code and instructions to be shared and modified by anyone. The aim? To foster global digital sovereignty and bridge the technological divide. Alibaba, a major Chinese cloud provider, released its Qwen series as an open-weight model family, which has already led to more than 100,000 variations created by international developers. DeepSeek, another Chinese AI research lab, rolled out its R3 reasoning model under an open license, proving that advanced AI can be developed with high efficiency and lower costs than many Western alternatives. Chinese robotics firms such as Unitree and Agibot are also utilizing these open-source reasoning layers to perform complex tasks in both home and factory settings, helping to set international standards for an AI ecosystem that is transparent and inclusive. Technology and business leaders gathered Thursday during the CES Asia Night to celebrate the long-standing partnership between the United States and Asia, while calling for deeper relationships beneficial for both regions. The event focused on global consumer technology trends, brand globalization, supply chain innovation and cross-border growth, bringing together Asian enterprises with global technology partners, investors and industry leaders. Dolby Laboratories also announced at CES that it is partnering with Chinese television giants Hisense and TCL to advance display technology through the integration of software and hardware, as consumers increasingly demand higher picture quality and more immersive viewing experiences. The U.S. audio and imaging technology company said that the two are among the initial partners for its new Dolby Vision 2 technology, designed to deliver "a more authentic and uncompromising picture that unlocks the full capabilities of modern TVs." Firms in the United States and Europe are also embracing shared platforms from manufacturing and healthcare to ensure the fruits of artificial intelligence are accessible to all. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the importance of this shift during his keynote address on Monday. Huang stated, "We can now know that AI is going to proliferate everywhere when open source, when open innovation... is activated at the same time," noting that the advancement of open models ensures that digital intelligence does not "leave anyone behind." This collaborative spirit is also driving synergy between heavy industry and technology providers. Siemens, a leading German engineering company, and Nvidia have expanded their partnership to create a new industrial AI operating system. The system integrates open physical AI, referring to machines that can understand, reason about, and interact with the laws of nature in the real world, and "agentic" software, capable of reasoning and performing tasks independently. This platform enables factories to be designed, tested, and optimized in a virtual "digital twin" environment before physical construction begins. Similarly, Boston Dynamics showcased a next-generation humanoid robot developed through a partnership with Google DeepMind and Nvidia, demonstrating how open research in machine learning can accelerate robot dexterity and autonomy. The healthcare sector is also seeing rapid progress through open cooperation. The medical AI company Abridge is using open systems to automate clerical tasks, such as clinical note-taking, allowing doctors to spend more time with patients. This is supported by the BioNeMo framework, an open-source library that helps researchers globally analyze proteins and chemicals for drug discovery. Industry experts at the annual show noted that these shared tools act as a "force multiplier," allowing smaller medical institutions in developing regions to access high-level intelligence that was previously limited to major research hospitals. In media and content creation, open-source technology is making high-quality production more affordable. Companies are now using "neural rendering" tools to generate realistic images and robotic character animations. By keeping these rendering frameworks open, firms are enabling independent creators and smaller studios around the world to produce extreme photorealism at 500 frames per second, a capability previously only accessible to the largest global corporations. This movement is further championed by trade groups and international regulators, such as the Home Connectivity Alliance, which advocates for open ecosystems in the smart home sector so that devices from different manufacturers can communicate seamlessly to improve energy efficiency. At the same time, the European Union AI Act encourages open-source models to boost European competitiveness and ensure consumer safety through transparency. Analysts believe the widespread advocacy for open-source cooperation at CES 2026 marks a transition from closed competition toward a more integrated global technology landscape. By sharing foundational models and building collaborative standards, Chinese and international firms are ensuring that AI serves as a tool for progress across all professional fields. Senior DMK leader and State Minister I Periyasamy on Sunday rejected the possibility of a coalition government ahead of the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election scheduled for this year. He stated that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin remains determined to oppose any power-sharing arrangement with alliance partners. Speaking to reporters, Periyasamy responded to the Tamil Nadu Congresss demand for a share in power by saying it was the partys right to raise such a request. However, he made it clear that the DMK has never supported such an arrangement. Emphasising the partys long-standing position, the Rural Development Minister said, There had never been a coalition government, and added that the state has always been governed solely by the DMK, according to PTI. "There is no doubt about this stand of the party, there will be no coalition government and the chief minister is firm on this stand," he mentioned. Congress MP Manickam Tagore had recently stated that it was time to discuss share in power. CLP leader and Killiyoor (Kanyakumari district) legislator S Rajeshkumar had also advocated for a coalition government. Congress party in-charge for Tamil Nadu, Girish Chodankar, questioned whether any political party "will say that they don't want the power; then we should name ourselves as NGO." Stalin confident of securing over 200 seats in assembly election M K Stalin on Saturday expressed confidence that his party-led alliance would secure well over 200 of the 234 Assembly constituencies in the polls scheduled for March-April this year. Speaking at a harvest festival 'Pongal' event, Stalin noted that people from various parties, including some in the BJP, acknowledge that no one can work like the DMK cadres. Stalin stated, "With that confidence, we are celebrating the Pongal festival. At this time of celebrating Pongal, I convey my Pongal greetings to all of you, and let us resolve and pledge to achieve a massive victory in the upcoming election." He recalled that when the DMK first formed the government in 1967 under party founder CN Annadurai, Congress veteran M Bhaktavatsalam had praised the dedication of DMK workers. The Congress leader, who served as chief minister from 1963 to 1967, had remarked that even if a DMK worker had only a single cup of tea, "he would work tirelessly and such a commitment was matchless." Stalin said that DMK cadres continue to show the same level of commitment today. Taking this into account, he had already predicted that his party-led alliance would win no fewer than 200 seats. He added that, given the governments strong performance, he is now confident that the DMK-led alliance will exceed 200 constituencies. The Tamil Nadu Assembly has 234 seats. Also Read | Jana Nayagan row: M K Stalin targets centre over CBFC certification delay A look back at Tamil Nadu politics Since 1967, both the DMK and AIADMK have formed governments on their own, even when contesting elections in alliance with other parties. After independence, during the first general election in the then composite Madras state in 1952, the Congress party was unable to secure an absolute majority. It was only during the First Assemblys (195257) term that non-Congress leaders, including Manickavelu Naicker of the Commonweal Party, were included in the Congress-led State Cabinet. Although the DMK did not have an absolute majority in 2006, it governed for the full five-year term (200611) with support from allies, including the Congress, but without sharing power. During that period, TN Congress leaders had again unsuccessfully pressed the same demand to share power with us. In another instance of "digital arrest" in Delhi, an elderly couple was swindled out of nearly 15 crore by cybercriminals who alleged the matter involved national security. Reflecting on the ordeal, 81-year-old Om Taneja lamented that failing to alert the police was their most significant mistake after he and his wife, Dr. Indira Taneja (77), lost 14.85 crore. The couple residents of South Delhi's Greater Kailash were held under digital arrest for over 15 days by fraudsters impersonating telecom and law enforcement officials. Dr. Indira and her husband were subjected to this psychological coercion between December 24 and January 9. Throughout this period, they were forced to remain on constant audio and video calls and pressured into transferring massive funds to various bank accounts for verification purposes. "The cyber fraudsters repeatedly threatened us with arrest and serious consequences," Om Taneja told PTI. The Delhi Polices cyber crime unit has launched an investigation following the registration of an e-FIR. The couple had returned to India after decades of working in the United States and have lived in Greater Kailash since 2016. With their children settled abroad, the scammers exploited the victims' isolation, advanced age, and health conditions to maintain control. Beginning of the Nightmare Dr. Indira Taneja recounted that the nightmare began at noon on December 24 with a call from someone posing as a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) official. Despite her telling the caller that the flagged number wasn't hers, the fraudster claimed the case was being moved to the Colaba Police in Mumbai. "He told me that my telephone number was being disconnected because obscene calls were made from it and that 26 people had filed complaints," Dr. Indira said, adding that the cyber crooks also accused the couple of being involved in money laundering. "Despite that, he said arrest warrants were issued against me and an FIR was registered in Maharashtra," she added. The interaction quickly shifted to video mode, where the suspect alleged a Canara Bank account in Mumbai had been opened in her name for money laundering. The fraudsters insisted her fingerprints were linked to the account and claimed the matter was a threat to national security. "A man named Vikrant Singh Rajput appeared on the screen wearing a police uniform. I could see police insignia behind him. He told me I was involved in money laundering," the elderly woman said. Also Read | Beware! Govt says SBI never sends rewards message with APK files over SMS or WA 500 Crore Fraud Threatening immediate arrest unless she traveled to Mumbai, the criminals then offered a "verification process" as the only alternative. They strictly prohibited the couple from contacting anyone including neighbors or their children in the US. Under this pretense, the Tanejas were instructed to transfer their savings for official scrutiny. "They said a fraud of 500 crore had taken place and that since I had returned from the US to serve the nation, it had become a national-security issue," the woman further said. She said the threats soon escalated and they were then told to transfer money from their bank accounts for verification. Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was taken into custody in connection with a sexual assault case from Palakkad around Saturday midnight, police sources told news agency PTI on Sunday said. He was shifted to a police camp in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, on Sunday morning, officials added. Police were quoted as saying that a third sexual assault case was recently registered against Palakkad MLA following a complaint filed by a native of the district. Also Read | Kerala High Court halts arrest of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in rape case Sources said the Special Investigation Team, which is probing two other cases of a similar nature against him, has also been entrusted with the investigation of the latest case. What's the case so far Mamkootathil, who was staying at a hotel in Palakkad, was taken into custody at midnight and brought to Pathanamthitta. His formal arrest is likely to be recorded later, police said. The Kerala High Court had earlier granted interim protection from arrest to Mamkootathil in the first case, which relates to allegations of rape and forcing a woman to undergo an abortion. Also Read | Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil expelled from Congress over rape allegations Justice A Badharudeen listed the matter for hearing on January 21 and extended, till then, the interim relief given to Mamkootathil, PTI reported on January 7. In the second case, a sessions court in Thiruvananthapuram had granted him anticipatory bail. Details of some allegations A trans woman had also reportedly claimed that Kamkootathil had once told her in a message that he wanted to rape" her. I think he is sexually frustrated because he said he wants to rape me. He said we can go to Bengaluru or Hyderabad and do it," she had claimed, Onmanorama reported. The allegation came after actress Rini Ann George and writer Honey Bhaskaran accused Rahul of inappropriate behaviour. George had accused "a young leader" of a well-known political party of misbehaviour. Without taking Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil's name earlier, she alleged that a prominent youth leader from a well-known political party in Kerala sent her inappropriate text messages. According to the Hindustan Times, Rini addressed the media in Kochi on Wednesday and claimed, I came in contact with the politician through social media." "His inappropriate behaviour began three years ago, when I first received objectionable messages from him. When I threatened to expose him, he said, you go tell anyone...who cares?," she was quoted as saying. Following the allegations, the Congress expelled Mamkootathil from the party. Mamkootathil, who had gone into hiding after the police registered the first case of sexual assault and forced abortion against him, returned after the High Court granted him interim relief on December 6, 2025. Pitching a tech-led governance for India's financial capital, the Mahayuti alliance on Sunday, 11 January, unveiled a wide-ranging manifesto for the upcoming civic body elections in Mumbai. From promising a 50% concession on bus fares for women travellers to unveiling a plan for flood-free Mumbai, the manifesto also focuses on use of artificial intelligence (AI) to curb corruption, speed up clearances and improve service delivery, according to PTI. Mahayuti BMC poll manifesto Unveiling the document, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI (A) alliance would combine "Japanese technology" with local administration to tackle chronic civic problems and bring services to citizens' mobile phones. 2. He also committed to setting up AI labs in all municipal schools to help students develop skills suited for the future. The manifesto underscored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to reduce corruption, accelerate approvals and enhance the quality of public services. The city has seen 25 years of inefficiency in civic governance, and now I want to tell people to give us the opportunity to bring transparency in civic administration, he said. 3. Reiterating that Our goal is a corruption-free municipal corporation", Fadnavis spoke about a proposed Municipality on your Mobile programme and an AI-powered system aimed at expediting building permissions and promoting transparency in the real estate sector. 4. Transport and womens safety were key highlights of the manifesto. Fadnavis said the alliance plans to increase the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) fleet from about 5,000 to 10,000 buses, transition to electric vehicles, and offer a 50 per cent fare concession for women passengers. 5. He said new midi and mini transport services would be introduced to strengthen last-mile connectivity near Metro and railway stations. 6. We will free Mumbai of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. With the help of IIT, we will develop an AI tool to identify Bangladeshi migrants, Fadnavis said. 7. He said 17,000 crore has been allocated for a climate action plan, which will include developing a circular economy framework. 8. On the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, Fadnavis said an enabling ecosystem would be created to upgrade micro businesses in the area, adding that even residents deemed ineligible would be accommodated. 9. The manifesto also refers to a flood-free Mumbai initiative, pledging that the city will be protected from flooding within five years by adopting Japanese technologies and working with institutions such as IIT and VJTI. Fadnavis said a research team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) will examine Mumbais topography, while the plan involves building four new underground floodwater storage tanks, modernising existing drainage systems and fast-tracking the BRIMSTOWAD 2 project. 10. Housing and redevelopment pledges featured a Pagadimukt Mumbai initiative to address tenancy-related disputes, along with a commitment to grant Occupancy Certificates to 20,000 stalled buildings, a move the alliance said would benefit lakhs of residents. 11. The manifesto also suggested offering incentives to high-rise developments that follow sustainable Living Forest practices. 12. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said a cultural department would be established within the BMC to promote local art and heritage, and announced plans to set up Marathi libraries and cultural centres, as well as a Mumbai Fellowship programme for Marathi youth. 13. Shinde said the school curriculum would incorporate the history of Mumbai and the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, and reiterated the proposal to establish the Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical University. 14. He also detailed a redevelopment plan for koliwadas and gaothans aimed at preserving the identity and livelihoods of the Koli community and other original residents of the city. Indian National Congress (INC) workers on Sunday held a protest under the banner MGNREGA Bachao Sangram at Townhall Park in Maidagin, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. They observed a symbolic fast opposing the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the introduction of the new Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) near the Mahatma Gandhi and Bhimrao Ambedkar statue. Security was tightened outside Prime Minister and Varanasi MP Narendra Modis public outreach office, with all approach routes placed under strict surveillance by police and paramilitary forces, according to ANI. The party announced a nationwide three-phase agitation titled MGNREGA Bachao on January 3 and Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai detailed Congress' upcoming plans for rallies across the state, saying that LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi, LoP Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, and other national leaders will take part in the main rally in Lucknow. Also Read | New job guarantee scheme aims to fix design gaps in MGNREGA: SBI Research We are on a fast. Around the Mahatma Gandhi and Bhimrao Ambedkar statue, we are sitting on a fast. This government ended the MGNREGA law, and to protest that each of our Congress workers is sitting on the streets. We want to remove those who want to remove Mahatma Gandhi's name, ANI quoted Rai as saying. Emphasising that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to curtail peoples rights, Rai said the Congress would not allow this, which is why the protests were being held. He also alleged that the police were deployed to disrupt the symbolic fast, claiming that opposition leaders were even stopped at their homes. He said efforts were being made to suppress the protest, but asserted that Congress workers would continue to fight for the rights of the poor and work to restore them. Rai further claimed that the name of the new scheme, G RAM G, was being used by the BJP to spread misleading propaganda. He added that Mahatma Gandhi felt a deep connection with Lord Ram, and even referred to the circumstances surrounding Gandhis death to underline his point. We will not let the name of Mahatma Gandhi be forgotten. There will be a historic rally in which Beneras will conduct it's rally on January 8, then there is Mathura, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Sitapur on January 24, it will end in Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan in the form of a historic rally, which is going to be held in Lucknow, he added About the VB-G RAM G Act The VB-G RAM G Act, which has replaced the two-decade-old UPA-era rural employment scheme MGNREGA, was cleared by Parliament on December 18 during the Winter Session and received Presidential assent on December 21, despite strong protests from the opposition. Under the new legislation, rural workers are entitled to 125 days of wage employment. As per Section 22 of the Act, the cost-sharing arrangement between the Centre and the states will be in a 60:40 ratio. For North Eastern states, Himalayan states and certain Union Territories, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the funding pattern will be 90:10. TVK chief Vijay will appear before the CBI in Delhi on January 12 in connection with the Karur stampede case and the party has requested police authorities in the national capital to ensure security for its founder-leader, party sources said here on Sunday. Complying with the summons issued to him, Vijay will appear before authorities for questioning at the CBI headquarters. He will depart from Chennai at 7 AM on Monday by a chartered flight and reach Delhi in time to answer questions, TVK sources said, adding the national capital police authorities have been requested to ensure full security for the top star-turned-politician. Also Read | Vijay addresses controversy in first public speech after Karur stampeded CBI's notice to Vijay On January 6, officials said CBI has issued notice to Vijay to appear for questioning on January 12 at the agency headquarters in Delhi in connection with the Karur stampede case. Also Read | CBI issues summons to TVK's Vijay for questioning in Karur stampede case The Central probe agency has questioned several office bearers of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in connection with the case. The Indian Railways plans to use galvanised steel rails in coastal and high-humidity regions to reduce corrosion and quadruple track life, two people aware of the development said. The move is being examined as an alternative to the nickel copper chromium (NCC) rails being produced by state-owned steel maker Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL). Galvanised rails increase the lifespan of tracks, especially in coastal areas and regions with high humidity and rainfall, by more than four times compared to the 2-3 years of regular steel rails. The lifespan of normal steel rails (in areas prone to less rusting) is about 12 years. Also Read | Why the Indian Railways increased passenger fares twice in FY26 The cost could vary anywhere between 8-20% depending on the kind of coating put on rails, but if it lasts more than normal rails, it should serve the purpose," said V. Shanker, former executive director-planning, Railways. The development assumes importance given that the railways spend about 20,000 crore on track renewals every year. This spending could be cut substantially by using galvanised steel rails or thermal-sprayed zinc rails for tracks. Key Takeaways Galvanized rails can extend track life in coastal zones from 3 years to 12 years. The shift aims to reduce the 20,000 crore annual track renewal expenditure. While 10% more expensive, the lifecycle cost is significantly lower. The Railways plans a phased procurement of 1 lakh tonnes of treated steel. Experts are divided on whether zinc coating survives the friction of train wheels or interferes with crack-detection sensors. Moreover, such rails could also be used for new lines, track doubling and gauge conversion projects. Of its 2.65 trillion capex for FY26, the Indian Railways allocated 32,235 crore for new lines, 32,000 crore for track doubling and 4,550 crore for gauge conversion. However, the cost of procuring galvanised steel would be 10% more than normal steel rails, which cost about 76,000 per tonne, against 84,000 per tonne for using galvanised steel rails, said the first person quoted above. The lifecycle cost of these rails would actually mean savings for railways, the person added. Technical hurdles The first person quoted above stated that the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) had already approved standards for zinc thermal-sprayed grade steel rails a few years ago, and the Railways may begin sourcing approximately 1 lakh tonnes of galvanised steel rails in phases. The railway has already conducted a small pilot study on the use of rust-free rails on the Vijayawada-Guntur section. Queries emailed to the railway ministry on Thursday remained unanswered till press time. Also Read | Railways eyes record allocation for FY27 as govt ramps up modernization plans Experts welcome the railways' move to explore the use of galvanised steel rails, but caution that its use should be tested first to ensure it does not interfere with train operations. The only issue is that it may interrupt ultrasonic waves that are often used by railways to detect minor cracks or breakers on rails. But Im sure, Railways will find a way to prevent this from happening and raise the use of galvanised steel," said Shanker. The top surface of the rail either wont have galvanizing, or the protective layer will wear out in just a few days of train running," said Shubhranshu, former chief of Rail Wheel Plant, Bela. Earlier, he also headed the design and production team of the Vande Bharat Express. Shubhranshu also warned that welding at sites would strip the zinc layer. He suggested that "special paints" used on oil rigs might offer a more cost-effective solution and called for more feasibility studies before a full-scale rollout. It is a good idea to prevent corrosion in tracks. It would ensure the availability of tracks for train operations. Life cycle cost would automatically come down," said Railways' former member engineering M.K. Gupta. Also Read | Why Indian Railways is betting on QSR chains Railways have begun using nickel chromium copper grade rails developed by SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP). These high-performance rails are being used to meet the demands for modern, durable tracks, such as those used in Vande Bharat trains and heavy-haul corridors. While SAIL did not reply to the query, a company executive stated that these rails were being used by the Railways to meet a portion of their annual requirement for steel tracks. The benefits of using thermal-sprayed zinc rails in areas facing a high level of corrosion are higher than the limited increase in cost, said Rahul Sharma, director-India, International Zinc Association. An act of quiet kindness by a delivery executive has struck a chord online, after a Delhi-based professional shared how a Blinkit partner went beyond his job during a late-night medical emergency. Monica Jasuja, a fintech executive based in Delhi, recounted the incident in a post on X. She said the moment dates back to December 2024, when her mother was hospitalised and she urgently needed printouts of insurance documents late at night. According to Jasuja, she placed an order on Blinkit for the printouts, which were delivered to the hospital in the middle of a cold winter night. What stayed with her, however, was not just the speed of the service but the empathy shown by the delivery partner. When the rider arrived, he noticed I was visibly distressed, she wrote. He gently asked who was admitted and whether I needed help with anything else. Pressed for time and rushing back to the emergency ward, Jasuja said she barely managed to respond. I dont even remember replying properly. But every time I pass that hospital, I remember him and I silently bless him, she added. The experience left a lasting impression. Jasuja said Blinkit has since become her default choice whenever she needs urgent printouts, regardless of time or location. Her post resonated widely on social media, drawing attention for highlighting compassion in an otherwise transactional interaction. Shared on 10 January, it has garnered over 2.1 million views, more than 21,000 likes, and numerous comments praising the delivery partners sensitivity. Many users echoed similar experiences, saying small gestures during moments of crisis can make a lasting difference and that kindness, especially when unexpected, often leaves the deepest impact.However, one user raised a concern around confidentiality, writing that while the delivery partners empathy was commendable, it was unclear how he knew the documents were insurance papers and whether this information had been shared with him. Responding to the query, Jasuja clarified that she was standing at a tea stall right next to the hospitals emergency gate when the delivery was made. She said the delivery partner was unaware of the contents of the printouts. Given the circumstances a woman waiting alone outside an emergency ward close to midnight his concern was instinctive rather than informed. He simply asked if he could help with anything else, she explained, adding that it was this empathy and thoughtfulness that left a lasting impression on her. Also Read | Sonia Gandhi discharged from Ganga Ram hospital A user wrote, It's this innate kindness of humans that separates us from other animals and makes us irreplaceable by technology. No matter how many grueling systems we create or advanced tech we build, humans will always connect with other humans. I hope your mother, you, and the delivery partner are doing better. Another user wrote, Whoever came up with the idea of Blinkit would have never thought of the impact it can make on people's lives. Some US lawmakers are not confident about direct military action against Iran despite more than 500 protestors dying in the country in the last few days at the hands of law enforcement officials. These lawmakers are from both parties, and have voiced their views in the wake of US President Donald Trump leaving open the possibility of intervening in Iran open. Also Read | Death toll in crackdown on protests in Iran spikes to at least 538 , activists say The news comes amid US-based rights group HRANA reporting that more than 500 people have been killed in the attacks, with the group itself verifying the deaths of 490 protestors as well as 48 security personnel. Moreover, more than 10,600 people have been arrested in the two weeks since the unrest began in the country. The biggest anti-government protests in Iran in years have led to its Revolutionary Guards blaming the unrest on 'terrorists'. Why some lawmakers are against military action However, at least two US senators on Sunday sounded alarm bells over a possible military intervention in the West Asian country. Republican Senator Rand Paul said on ABC News "This Week" show, "I dont know that bombing Iran will have the effect that is intended. On the other hand, Democratic Senator Mark Warner thinks that a military attack on Iran would consolidate the country rather than undermine the Ayatollah regime, as per his interview with ABC News "This Week" show. As per a report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump will be briefed on Tuesday by US military and diplomatic officials about options Washington DC has regarding Iran, which may include cyberattacks and potential military action. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham is one lawmaker who believes the Trump administration needs to attack Iran. "If I were you, Mr. President, I would kill the leadership that are killing the people," Graham said on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" show. "Youve got to end this." On the other hand, the son of the deposed Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, who currently lives in the US, said on Sunday that he is willing to return to his native country to lead its shift to a democratic government. Also Read | Iranian protesters take down national flag from London embassy amid protests US President Donald Trump, amid the simmering tensions between US and Venezuela, hinted that the idea of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the president of Cuba sounds good to him. Of late, the POTUS has reposted and responded to a series of social media posts featuring the US takeover of Cuba. From finest Cuban cigarettes to mention of Marco Rubio will be president of Cuba Donald Trump has reposted not one or two but a series of social media posts about US taking over the island nation. View full Image Trump's post about Marco Rubio as Cuban president Donald Trump's increased cryptic posts about the Caribbean island nation come at a time when his administration is stepping up its offensive across Latin America, heavily reinforcing US military deployment in the Caribbean, raiding Caracas to capture the Venezuelan president Maduro and stepping up threats against the governments of Panama, Colombia and Cuba igniting new speculations. The POTUS's posts also come days after he spoke with Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel and invited him over. With the Trump administration exerting control over Venezuela, Cuba has lost one of its principal economic patrons and oil suppliers. Cuba-Venezuela ties Following large scale strikes against Venezuela on 3 January, Trump claimed that Cuba is facing a severe economic crisis after the US military action. In an interview, Trump claimed Cuba relies on Venezuela for money and oil. He said Venezuela and Cuba had long operated under an arrangement in which Havana provided security support to Venezuela in exchange for oil and cash. He also said that Cuban forces that had been operating in Venezuela were defeated during recent events. View full Image Donald Trump posted a X user's post on Truth Social On Friday, 9 January, the US military seized a fifth oil tanker as part of what the military called efforts to target sanctions-busting vessels traveling to and from Venezuela. Cuba staring at a collapse? According to a report by AP, experts have warned that a sudden halt in Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba could lead to widespread social unrest and mass migration following the US attacks against Venezuela which also saw the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro. I'd be lying if I told you that I don't want to leave the country, said 16-year-old Cuban student Amanda Gomez. We're all thinking about leaving, from the youngest to the oldest," she told AP. WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump has been briefed in recent days on new options for military strikes against Iran, The New York Times reported on Saturday, citing anonymous U.S. officials familiar with the matter. Trump "has not made a final decision, but the officials said he was seriously considering authorizing a strike in response to the Iranian regime's efforts to suppress demonstrations set off by widespread economic grievances," the report said. Trump has been presented with a range of options, including strikes on non-military sites in Tehran, it added. Earlier on Saturday, Trump wrote on social media that "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" Trump and other senior U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that Washington would take action if Iran "kills peaceful protesters." Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday condemned what it described as "interventionist and deceptive" remarks by the Trump administration regarding the unrest, saying they reflected Washington's continued hostility toward the Iranian people. Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism. In a televised address on Friday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged people in Iran to preserve unity, saying that some protesters try to please the United States. He also told the U.S. leader to focus on problems in his own country, adding that Iran "will not back down" in the face of "saboteurs." Deadly clashes have been reported between police and what the government described as "rioters" amid the ongoing protests. No official death toll has been released. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces said they, alongside partner forces, conducted large-scale strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria on Saturday (January 10). The strikes were carried out around 12:30 pm Eastern Time. "These strikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched and announced on Dec. 19, 2025, at the direction of President Trump, in direct response to the deadly ISIS attack on US and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria, on Dec. 13, 2025," CENTCOM said in a post on X. "That ambush, carried out by an ISIS terrorist, resulted in the tragic deaths of two American soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter," the department added. Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice, the US Central Command said. What we know so far 1. The US strikes were carried out in response to an attack last month that killed three Americans. 2. CENTCOM shared the news about the strikes in a post on X but did not give specifics on where they took place. 3. Grainy aerial video accompanying the post showed several separate explosions, apparently in rural areas. 4. The strikes were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. 5. Two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter were killed on December 13 after a lone gunman whom Washington described as an IS militant ambushed them in Palmyra. 6. Syria's interior ministry later said the gunman was a member of the security forces who had been set to be fired for extremism. 7. The US and Jordan carried out a round of strikes last month in response to the Palmyra attack, with CENTCOM saying at the time that "more than 70 targets" had been hit. 8. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, claimed that those strikes killed at least five IS members, including a cell leader. 9. On January 3, Britain and France announced joint strikes targeting an underground facility they said IS had likely used to store weapons. 10. The US personnel targeted in Palmyra were reportedly supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the international effort to combat IS, which seized swaths of Syrian and Iraqi territory in 2014. Also Read | Three terror suspects detained in Rajasthan 11. US President Donald Trump has long been sceptical of Washington's presence in Syria, ordering the withdrawal of troops during his first term but ultimately leaving American forces in the country. Amid the protests in Iran, which have also seen the deaths of around 192 people and thousands getting injured, the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has slammed US President Donald Trump for openly siding with the protestors, saying in a post on X, " If he is so competent, let him run his own country." Khamenei also slammed Trump for the US' involvement in the 12-day war in June 2025. In another X post he said that Trump now claims he stands with the Iranian nation after he ordered the 12-day war which took "over a thousand Iranian" lives. "Let everyone know that the Islamic Republic of Iran, established through the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of honorable people, will not back down in the face of those who sow destruction," he said in another post. In two more posts, he went on to assert that "Iranian people will not tolerate mercenaries from foreign powers" and that Iran now is better-equipped and armed than it was before the Islamic Revolution. "Neither our spiritual strength nor our material and conventional weapons are comparable to what we had before," Khamenei said. What Trump said on Iran protests Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous U.S. officials, said on Saturday night that Trump had been given military options for a strike on Iran, but hadnt made a final decision. The US State Department separately warned: Do not play games with President Trump. When he says hell do something, he means it. Protests in Tehran and Mashhad Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehran's Punak neighborhood. There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said, as per the Associated Press. Reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control. Hamas said Sunday it will dissolve its existing government in Gaza once a Palestinian technocratic leadership committee takes over the territory, as mandated under the US-brokered peace plan. But the group gave no specifics on when the change will occur. Hamas and the rival Palestinian Authority, the Palestinians internationally recognized representative, have not announced the names of the technocrats, who are not supposed to be politically affiliated, and it remains unclear if they will be cleared by Israel and the US. Also Read | Israel and Hamas get ready to go back to war in Gaza The Board of Peace, an international body led by Trump, is supposed to oversee the government and other aspects of the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, including disarming Hamas and deploying an international security force. The board's members have not been announced. Meanwhile, the post-ceasefire death toll continued to rise in Gaza, with Israeli gunfire killing three Palestinians, according to Palestinian hospital officials. The ceasefire began with a halt in fighting and the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for thousands of Palestinians held by Israel. The deal is still in its first phase as efforts continue to recover the remains of the final hostage left in Gaza. An Egyptian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door information, said Hamas was sending a delegation to talks with Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish officials about moving to the second phase. Future Gaza governance in flux In comments posted on his Telegram channel Sunday, Hazem Kassem, a Hamas spokesperson, called for speeding up the establishment of the technocratic committee. Also Read | Angelina Jolie visits Rafah Crossing as Gaza aid groups face Israeli suspension The Egyptian official said Hamas will meet with other Palestinian factions this week to finalize the committee's formation. The Hamas delegation will be chaired by top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, the official said. Trump has said the Board of Peace " will monitor the committee and handle the disarmament of Hamas, the deployment of an international security force, additional pullbacks of Israeli troops and Gaza's reconstruction. The US has reported little progress on any of these fronts, though the members of the board are expected to be announced this week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov has been selected as the boards director-general. Mladenov is a former Bulgarian defense and foreign minister who served as UN envoy to Iraq before being appointed as the UN Mideast peace envoy from 2015 to 2020. During that time, he had good working relations with Israel and frequently worked to ease Israel-Hamas tensions. Also Sunday, Israels Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met in Jerusalem with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Saar said Israel was committed to enforcing Trumps plan, while Motegi expressed Japans willingness to play an active role in the ceasefire. According to Japan's Foreign Ministry, Motegi visited the Civil-Military Coordination Center, where the ceasefire is being monitored. He was also set to meet Netanyahu and Palestinian officials in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Violence in Gaza continues In Gaza, two men were shot dead in the southern town of Bani Suhaila, according to Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies. Earlier Sunday, a man was killed by Israeli gunfire in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, according to Al-Ahly hospital, which received the body. Also Read | Iran unrest: Why some US lawmakers are voicing doubts over military intervention In response to questions about the Tuffah incident, Israels military said it had fired at and hit a terrorist in northern Gaza who had approached troops. In a later statement, the military said it had killed a terrorist in southern Gaza who approached troops. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Continued Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed more than 400 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The Israeli military says any actions since the ceasefire began have been in response to violations of the agreement. Israeli police detain top official Israeli police said Sunday they were questioning a top official from Netanyahu's office over possible obstruction of an investigation into last year's leak of classified military information to a German tabloid. Israeli media identified the official as Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahus chief of staff, who is expected to start as the next ambassador to the United Kingdom in the coming months. Also Read | Death toll in crackdown on protests in Iran spikes to at least 538 , activists say Hes the latest official to be caught up in the scandal, in which Netanyahus inner circle is accused of leaking confidential information to German tabloid Bild to improve public perception of the prime minister following the killing of six hostages in Gaza in 2024. It comes after an explosive interview by Kan News with former Netanyahu spokesperson Eli Feldstein, who described a clandestine meeting with Braverman in an underground parking lot in the middle of the night in connection with the leak. Feldstein, who has been indicted, said Braverman offered to shut down the probe into the leaked information. Opposition leader Yair Lapid immediately called for the suspension of Braverman as ambassador. It is unacceptable that a person suspected of involvement in obstructing a serious security investigation should be the face of Israel in one of Europes most important countries, Lapid wrote on X. Protests intensified in Iran on Saturday night, with anti-government chants filling the streets of the national capital Tehran despite an internet shutdown and a brutal crackdown by the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led government. Reports on Sunday indicated that the US was drawing up plans for potential military action after President Donald Trump's threats of an intervention, with a former US army colonel and military analyst claiming that there are signs of a massive military build-up in the Middle-East. News agency AFP, citing verified videos, reported that crowds had gathered in the northern parts of Tehran on Saturday, hours after exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for large numbers of people to rise up in protest against the Khamenei-led government and seize city centres. The protests, which have stretched for two weeks now, erupted on 28 December 2025, triggered by the currency's collapse and rising economic hardships. Also Read | India issues travel advisory for nationals amid widespread protests in Iran As protests continue in Iran, here are the key updates, as of Sunday, 11 January, morning: - The current protests in Iran are the biggest anti-government demonstrations the country has seen in more than three years. -The protests, which began in Tehran in late December last year, have since spread to 180 cities, as per The Wall Street Journal. - While Iranian authorities had called for "restraint" when the protests broke out and had announced measures to try and address grievances, the Khamenei-led government hardened its stance later and cracked down on protesters as demonstrations continued to intensify. - At least 116 people have been killed by Iranian security forces since the protests erupted, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Also Read | Turkish Airlines axes Tehran flights amid Iran protests, internet blackout - The Iranian government's crackdown on protesters has also seen thousands of people getting arrested, with the Human Rights Activists News Agency reporting more than 2,600 arrests till date. - With protesters refusing to lay low, the Khamenei government on Thursday imposed an internet blackout across the country, and the shutdown remained in effect at the time of writing this. - Iran has also warned that protesters could face the death penalty, with prosecutor Ali Salehi saying that demonstrators were waging a war against God and that they would face execution for their actions. - Salehi's warning was echoed by Iran's Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Sunday, who praised the Iranian Revolutionary Guard for standing firm during the protests and said, The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested. - Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday hailed the demonstrations and called on larger crowds to gather and seize city centres across the country. - The Khamenei-led government, however, has remained defiant and has claimed that Trump and the US are behind the agitation. Alleging that Trump's hands were stained with the blood of Iranians, Khamenei said on Friday that like tyrants throughout history, the US President too would soon face his downfall. - US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly warned of American intervention in Iran, which he said is "looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before". - The US, however, has been warned by Iran that any act of aggression towards the Islamic Republic would make both America and Israel legitimate targetsspeaking on Sunday in a televised address, Iran's Parliament Speaker Qalibaf issued the warning, amid chants of Death to America! by lawmakers. - At the time of writing this, reports indicated that the US was mulling airstrikes against military and non-military targets in Tehran, in the event Trump decides to follow-up on his threat. - Meanwhile, retired US military colonel and TV analyst Douglas McGregor, claimed that there was massive military build up in the Middle-East, saying, US strikes on Iran look to be imminent. Iran Protests LIVE: Nationwide protests in Iran, sparked by the countrys worsening economic crisis, are intensifying pressure on the Islamic Republic as the government shuts down internet and telephone networks to curb information flow. The unrest comes as Iran struggles to recover from a 12-day conflict with Israel in June, during which the United States targeted Iranian nuclear sites. Economic strain has worsened after the UN reimposed sanctions in September over Irans nuclear program, sending the rial into a free fall, now trading at more than 1.4 million per US dollar. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, nearly 600 protests have occurred across all 31 provinces, resulting in at least 572 deaths and over 10,600 arrests. The majority of casualties503are reported to be protesters, while 69 are members of security forces. With the internet and international phone lines blocked, independent verification remains impossible. Despite Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis call to put rioters in their place, protests continue, driven by decades of economic hardship and political grievances, including anger over the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. The collapse of Irans rial has fueled the unrest, with prices for staples surging. Protests that began with economic grievances have increasingly taken on anti-government and political overtones. Some demonstrators are also expressing support for Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has called for strikes and sustained pressure on the clerical regime. Relations between Iran and the US remain fraught. US President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran violently kills peaceful protesters, the US will respond. President Donald Trump on Sunday said that Cuba should consider reaching an agreement with the United States, cautioning that the island nation would no longer receive oil or financial support. This comes days after Venezuela strikes. Trump took to Truth Social and said, THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. He added that Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela." In return, Cuba provided Security Services for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE! Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last weeks U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesnt need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years, he added. He further said that Venezuela was now under the protection of the United States, which he described as the worlds most powerful military, and mentioned the US would ensure the countrys security. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on US operation in Venezuela Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Saturday slammed the United States over what he described as an attack on Venezuela and the seizure of its president, speaking before thousands of people gathered outside the US Embassy in Havana. During the rally, Diaz-Canel said, "Cuba condemns and denounces these actions as an act of state terrorism,". He also described the situation as a shocking violation of the norms of international law - the military aggression against a peaceful nation that poses no threat to the United States. Also Read | Mexico oil shipment reaches Havana amid US-Venezuela standoff Meanwhile, according to AP, experts say an abrupt end to Venezuelan oil deliveries to Cuba could trigger serious social instability and large-scale emigration, particularly after the dramatic US military operation that led to the former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's capture. A 16-year-old Cuban student, Amanda Gomez, said many people are considering leaving the country, explaining that the desire to emigrate is shared across generations, from young people to the elderly. Even before the January 3 attack, Cuba was struggling with severe power outages that disrupted daily life, along with long queues at fuel stations and grocery stores, as the country faced its worst economic downturn in decades. Bruno Rodriguez, the Foreign Minister of Cuba claimed on Sunday that the country has the rights to buy oil from any other country which is willing to export it without US interference as per Reuters, after President Donald Trump claimed in a social media post that there will be no more oil or money going to Cuba. In his post on Truth Social, Trump had said, "Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided Security Services for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!" "Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last weeks U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesnt need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will," he further added before claiming that "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. Thank you for your attention to this matter." Rodriguez has also accused the US of behaving in a 'criminal' manner and threatening global peace with its actions. "Cuba's government will not be subject of US blackmail or military coercion," Rodriguez also said, as per Reuters. What the US thinks of Cuba's economy, politics The CIA views the key sectors of Cuba's economy, like tourism and agriculture, to be severely strained due to trade sanctions, frequent blackouts, and other problems, as per Reuters. Governing the island could become more difficult post the potential loss of oil imports and support from Venezuela, which has been one of its key allies for decades. From January to November 2025, Venezuela had sent Cuba an average of 27,000 barrels per day (bdp), which covered around half of the country's oil deficit, as per Reuters. Although the CIA has highlighted the grim condition of the Cuban economy, it has not offered support for Trump's prediction that Cuba is "ready to fall" after US military action in Venezuela. "Cuba looks like it is ready to fall," Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday. "I don't know if they're going to hold out, but Cuba now has no income. They got all their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil." Erich von Daniken, the Swiss author of the iconic book Chariots of the Gods, which proposed the idea that ancient civilizations were developed by extraterrestrial beings, died on Saturday at the age of 90. The announcement was made on his website by his representatives on Sunday, where they said von Daniken died in a central Switzerland hospital. Despite scorns of the scientific community which he was subject to because of his radical ideas, Von Daniken became a cult figure among conspiracy theorists and paranormal enthusiasts after the publication of 'Chariots of the Gods?'. Also Read | Bob Weir dies at 78: The Grateful Dead founding member cause of death revealed In the book, the author claimed that the Mayan and Egyptian civilisations were visited by extraterrestrial beings, who then instructed them on technology way ahead of the times, which helped these socities make astounding structures like the pyramids. After 'Chariots of the Gods?' came more than 24 books on similar themes, which made Von Daniken into a literary niche unto himself, where he mixed fact and fantasy, going against scientific evidence. As per Swiss public broadcaster SRF, Von Daniken's books sold around 70 million copies in more than 30 languages, which makes him one of the most widely read authors of the country. Who was Erich Von Daniken? Erich Von Daniken was born in 1935 in the town of Schaffhausen, which lies in the norther part of Switzerland. He was the son of a cloth manufacturer. Von Daniken's father was strict on him about religion, and this continued with the priests at his boarding school. This led the young Von Daniken to rebel and come up with his own theories to the origins of life as per the Bible. Von Daniken worked as a waiter as well as a barkeeper after he left school in 1954. In 1964, he was appointed manager of a hotel in the exclusive resort town of Davos and began writing his first book. Its publication and rapid commercial success were quickly followed by accusations of tax dodging and financial impropriety, for which he again spent time behind bars. But as his book took off, he emerged from prison as a best-selling author. Still, he never presented the smoking gun to fulfil astronomer Carl Sagan's famous adage that "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence". "He ... says that the astonishing astronomical information ancient civilizations, such as the Mayan, had is proof that there were some space travelers around to teach it to them. This fits in with his general questioning of the ability of the Egyptians to build the pyramids, or the Easter Islanders to erect those massive stone heads," the New York Times wrote in 1974. "His method is to use a negative - ancient peoples couldn't have done or thought all the things they did - to prove a positive - that the ancient people were the beneficiaries of some kind of cosmological Point 4 (development assistance) programme." Such criticism never knocked von Daeniken off his stride. "We owe it to our self-respect to be rational and objective," he wrote. "At some time or other every daring theory seemed to be a Utopia. How many Utopias have long since become everyday realities!" In a treatise on his website, von Daeniken said he was not an esoteric, and that his work served to debunk "a world of religious and unfortunately often scientific humbugs". "From countless old written records I know that these 'gods' promised to return. Then we will experience the god shock, a total catastrophe in religion and science. And everything would have been so easy to understand - without this god shock. The evidence speaks a clear language. That is what drives me." 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. Exports of all items with potential military applications to Japan will be immediately banned, Chinas ministry of commerce said on 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, it has spent years diversifying its supply chains and building up stockpiles for precisely this sort of eventuality. Also Read | Chinas chokehold on rare earths must loosen and India should do what it takes While China produces about 80% of the worlds neodymium magnets, Japan manufactures about half the remainder, according to UBS SuMi TRUST Wealth Managementlevels far above its own roughly 5% share of global manufacturing. Thats 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 US 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-Etsus 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 licence 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, 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 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. Also Read | Allies united against China on rare earths Canadas Neo Performance Materials 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 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. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering climate change and energy. While the White House insists that the US might use military force to annex Greenland, serious people in Denmark believe that the actual takeover might be more prosaic. As Shane Harris and his colleagues report in The Atlantic, President Donald Trump could simply announce on social media that the territory is now a part of the US. Neither Denmark nor any Nato partner would put up a defence because they dont have the military power to confront the US. What such an outcome will mean for Nato is another question, but the fact that some European policymakers believe that they could effectively give Washington a military walkover reveals a lot about the state of European preparedness. If the Russian invasion of Ukraine did not, the Trump administrations actions will make European re- armament an urgent imperative. Washingtons latest National Security Strategy (NSS) has not only signalled a reversal of an 80-year-old commitment to Europes defence, it has also indicated a willingness to politically intervene in Europe by backing right-wing parties. For European capitals, this transforms their security environment. In the past year, the EU and its member countries have announced a series of measures to boost defence spending. The pathways to European re-armament include a plan for EU member countries to raise defence spending from 2% of GDP to 3.5% in the medium term and further to 5% by 2035. The EU has cleared the legislative decks for states to run higher fiscal deficits necessary to enable such spending. The coming years will be wrenching for European societies as they are forced to cut spending on welfare and environmental goals to build their armed forces. Finding the money to finance military equipment will be hard enough, but it will be harder to find adequate numbers of young people to join the armed forces. Convincing young Europeans, raised in prosperous societies, to choose military careers will test political leadership and social cohesion. Forging national armed forces into a unified, credible fighting force will be a long, difficult task. Nato does provide a framework, but Nato without the US will leave a big hole for someone to fill. Command structures, logistics, intelligence sharing, strategic lift and nuclear deterrence will all look different once Washington is no longer the anchor. A European military alliance, even if supplemented by Britain and Turkey, will not simply be Nato-minus-America. It will be entirely new, with different politics, command structures, threat perceptions and civil-military relations. European politics will determine the course of re-armament. If right-wing parties sympathetic to Washington come to power in Germany, France, Britain and Poland, it may proceed in coordination with the US, even if on less deferential terms. If they do not, Europe will attempt to plough an independent furrow. There are pitfalls either way. If the EU can create a truly unified military force, then differences in the geographical distribution of wealth and demographics will matter less. But if the armed forces are organized around national lines while they fight as part of a European alliance, then the organizational challenges will be more acute. It is unclear if Europe can field a unified fighting force without fiscal unity. Coherent re-armament requires European cohesion. A divided Europe may re-arm slowly, incoherently or not at all. As the Ukraine war, NSS and Greenland issues have shown, external pressures will determine the tempo of re- armament. Russian behaviour will be decisive. An aggressive Russia will concentrate minds and accelerate decisions that might otherwise be postponed. Europes diplomacy will adjust accordingly. European capitals will seek to keep Chinese support for Russia below a tolerable threshold, recognizing that beyond it, the logic becomes brutally simple: my enemys friend is an enemy. Neither Europe nor China want to cross that line, but they will have to manage amid ongoing and perhaps new conflicts ensnaring them. Within Europe, certain states will matter more. Poland combines rising defence spending, favourable demographics and a frontline geography shaped by centuries of hard experience with Russia. Its influence on European security policy will grow accordingly. Turkey, meanwhile, could become a swing state. As a Nato member outside the EU with a managed rivalry with Russia, Ankara occupies a strategic grey zone. Will it consider itself and be considered European enough for defence? Turkish and Russian interests may diverge sharply in Europe but converge in West and Central Asia. How Turkey balances these theatres will influence the European security environment. Britain is also key, provided it can avoid being torn apart by the growing divergence between the US and Europe. For India, Europes re-armament opens a window of opportunity. A Europe less anchored to Washington and more focused on its own security will seek diversified partnerships. As a defence partner, India can help Europe reduce costs through economies of scale. However, Indias ties with Russia and Europes with China will limit how much the two can do, and how fast. The author is co-founder and director of The Takshashila Institution, an independent centre for research and education in public policy. CARACAS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan lawmaker Nicolas Maduro Guerra said on Saturday that his father, President Nicolas Maduro, sent a message through his lawyers saying he is in good condition and remains resolute while being held in the United States. "The lawyers told us they are strong and that we should not be sad," Guerra said while addressing leaders of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela. He quoted his father as saying: "We are well. I am a fighter." President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently held in the United States after U.S. forces carried out military strikes in Caracas and three other Venezuelan cities on Jan. 3, an operation that resulted in their capture. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. Maduro Guerra said his father remains unbroken, adding that the government and its supporters "are united and standing firm." "The strength of Chavismo lies in unity. Whatever happens, we must remain united," he said. Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Saturday pledged to secure the return of Maduro and his wife. Speaking at a community event in Miranda state, Rodriguez said there was no uncertainty about Venezuela's leadership or governing program. "There is no uncertainty here. The Venezuelan people are in charge, and there is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro," she said, calling for unity to guarantee peace, stability and the country's future. New Delhi, Jan 11 (PTI) The IT and electronics ministry has started routine stakeholder consultations on mobile safety and security requirements with stakeholders and will address legitimate concerns raised by the industry before firming up any framework, an official statement said on Sunday. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) said that mobile security is a critical aspect as smartphones are increasingly used for financial transactions, delivery of public services, and storage of sensitive personal information, which makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals. It said that any compromise on mobile security can lead to identity theft, financial losses, privacy violations and unauthorised access to sensitive information, such as banking details, photographs and login credentials. A structured process of stakeholder consultations is going on to develop an appropriate and robust regulatory framework for mobile security. These consultations are part of the ministry's regular and ongoing engagement with the industry on safety and security standards, the statement said. The ministry said that unsecured mobile devices pose significant risks, including data breaches and operational disruptions for businesses as well. Meity has been engaging with industry representatives to better understand the technical challenges, compliance burdens, and international best practices adopted by smartphone manufacturers. The ministry reiterates that all legitimate concerns raised by the industry will be examined with an open mind, in the best interests of both the country and the industry, the statement said. The IT ministry also said that the government is continuously taking steps to ensure the safety and security of users and to protect their personal data in the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, and remains firmly committed to strengthening cybersecurity and safeguarding the privacy of citizens. Meity said that it routinely conducts consultations on various aspects, such as safety compliance, electromagnetic interference and compatibility parameters, Indian language support, interface requirements, and security standards. The government is fully committed to working with the industry and addressing their concerns. That is why the government has been engaging with the industry to better understand the technical and compliance burden and best international practices which are adopted by the smartphone manufacturers. "The ministry repeats that any legitimate concerns of the industry would be examined with an open mind in the best interest of the country and the industry, the statement said. According to official sources, the ministry has also taken over discussions on safety standards in mobile phones and other communication devices from the telecom department to meet requirements under a telecom security assurance norm. The ITSAR (Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements) broadly covers safety standards for telecom network gear, including those related to software updates and the source code of communication devices. Earlier, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) used to hold consultations with the mobile phone companies on safety standards, but now the communications device part has moved to the Meity. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents companies like Apple, Vivo, Xiaomi, Dixon, etc., said that the discussion on safety standards has been going on for several years, and multiple discussions on this issue have taken place. It is completely normal for the government to engage the industry in such discussions - ask technical and compliance questions, and for the industry to respond with international practices and what might be possible or not. After several Instagram users last week reported receiving unexpected password reset request emails, it has now been reported that a massive data breach may be behind it. On Saturday evening (IST), cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes reported a massive data theft from the Meta-owned social media platform, claiming that the sensitive information of a whopping 17.5 million Instagram users had been compromised. "Cybercriminals stole the sensitive information of 17.5 million Instagram accounts, including usernames, physical addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and more," Malwarebytes said, adding that the stolen data had been made available for sale on the dark web and could be "abused by cybercriminals". As Malwarebytes reported the breach on its social media handles, many users jumped on to the company's posts and confirmed that they had indeed received password reset emails. Troy Hunt, the creator of data breach tracker Have I been Pwned, also confirmed that he had received a password reset request email on his account recently. "Who knows what the story is behind this? Scraping? Other?," he asked, sharing a post showing screenshots of the data leak. Several others, including cybersecurity researchers, however, pointed out that Instagram had not been hacked recently and the data that is supposedly available on the dark web is from 2022, which was exposed in late 2024 through an API leak that bypassed standard security measures to scrape user profiles globally. Cybersecurity newsletter International Cyber Digest said that the data that was reportedly leaked "appears to be from the Instagram 2024 API breach, in which 489 million records were obtained." "Further analysis shows that the original file dump was created in 2022 and shared in 2023," the cybersecurity page added. After even more analysis, International Cyber Digest shared an article from 2019, saying, "This leak might be older than initially thought, possibly including data from 2017, which explains the phone numbers and email addresses it contains." Another cybersecurity and OSINT researcher, by the name of Seb on X, said, The Instagram data leak file was created on 2022-06-20 10:37:22 and shared via a cloud service on 2023-03-24. However, Seb noted that the fresh development could be that the data, scraped earlier, was now being distributed. What has Meta said? Despite the report by Malwarebytes, Meta has not confirmed any data breach. In a statement to Hindustan Times, a spokesperson for the Mark Zuckerberg-owned company said, "We fixed an issue that allowed an external party to request password reset emails for some Instagram users. We want to reassure everyone there was no breach of our systems and peoples Instagram accounts remain secure. People can disregard these emails and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused." However, the company has yet to publicly comment on the data breach report. What are the potential risks? Regardless of whether the data breach took place earlier or not, the leaking of sensitive personally identifiable information could still pose a risk for social media users. Numerous Instagram users have already reported receiving password reset request emails. Further, CyberPress reported that while the data leak did not appear to include passwords, the combination of users' emails and phone numbers could be sufficient for "SIM Swapping" attacks and/or attacks based on sophisticated social engineering where scammers can pose as Instagram support to trick victims into handing over two-factor authentication codes and login credentials. What can you do? While we await details on what actually took place, it's best to prioritize safety. All Instagram users are advised to enable multi-factor authentication, preferably using an authenticator app than SMS-based code alerts. Netizens are also strong advised to not give into any password reset request emails, unless they themselves specifically requested the same. Users can also track their digital footprint and see if their data was stolen in this reported breach or any others before it. To check your digital footprint and data leak history, you can head to Have I Been Pwned or Malwarebytes' digital footprint scanner. By Livemint For about a decade, LivemintNews Desk has been a credible source for authentic and timely news, and well-researched analysis on national news, business, personal finance, corporates, politics and geopolitics. We bring the latest updates on all the listed companies on BSE and NSE, startups, mutual funds, Union ministries, geopolitics, and untapped human interest stories from around the world, helping our readers to stay informed on the latest developments around the globe. Our Coverage Areas 1. Companies: Comprehensive news and analysis on listed and unlisted companies, corporate announcements, corporate chatter, C-suite, business trends, hiring alerts, layoffs, work-life balance, world's top billionaires and richest and more. 2. Personal finance: Insights into mutual funds, small savings schemes like - PPF, SSY, post office savings scheme, stock to watch, personal loans, credit cards, top bank FDs, real estate, income tax and more. 3. Politics: Comprehensive coverage of general elections, state elections and bypolls, Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, Parliament, PMO, PIB, finance ministry, home ministry, among other union ministries and government departments. 4. National News: From metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and e to untapped stories from rural India, we cover human interest, health, education, crime and courts, and law and order, among other areas of public interest. 5. 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Jocelyn Felix Fernandes, Senior Content Producer 11. Swastika Das Sharma, Content Producer 12. Mausam Jha, Content Producer 13. Riya R Alex, Trainee Content Producer OnePlus may launch its next Nord smartphones globally following the recent debut of the Turbo 6 series in China. The company introduced the OnePlus Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V in the mid-range segment. With growing interest outside China, speculation is now building around a possible international launch under the Nord branding. Nord rebranding tipped for global markets Reports suggest that OnePlus could rebrand the Turbo 6 series for global markets, including India, under its Nord lineup. If this happens, the OnePlus Turbo 6 may arrive as the OnePlus Nord 6, while the Turbo 6V could be launched as the Nord CE 6. OnePlus has followed a similar strategy in the past, bringing China-exclusive Turbo models to international markets with slight changes to specifications and software. This approach has allowed the company to introduce advanced hardware features to the Nord series at competitive prices. GSMArena report points to launch preparations According to a report by GSMArena, the OnePlus Nord 6 has recently cleared multiple regulatory certifications, indicating that a wider launch may be in preparation. The device has reportedly appeared on certification databases such as SIRIM in Malaysia, along with approvals from GCF and TDRA. These certifications are usually obtained shortly before a product is officially announced, suggesting that OnePlus may be moving closer to unveiling the Nord 6. However, the company has not yet made any formal announcement regarding the device. Expected India launch timeline Based on OnePlus previous release cycles, the Nord 6 could be launched in India in the first half of 2026. The OnePlus Nord 5 was unveiled in July last year, but the early certification sightings highlighted by GSMArena suggest that its successor could arrive earlier than expected. That said, OnePlus has not confirmed any launch dates, and the final timeline could still change. Also Read | Upcoming smartphone launches expected in January 2026 Likely pricing in India While official pricing details are yet to be revealed, the China pricing of the Turbo 6 series offers a reference point. The OnePlus Turbo 6 starts at CNY 2,099, which is roughly Rs. 27,000, while the Turbo 6V is priced from CNY 1,699, or around Rs. 21,000. If rebranded as the Nord 6 series in India, the OnePlus Nord 6 could be priced between Rs. 28,000 and Rs. 32,000. The Nord CE 6, if introduced, may fall in the Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 25,000 range. OnePlus Nord 6 expected specifications If the Nord 6 is based on the Turbo 6, it is expected to be powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, making it one of the most powerful Nord smartphones to date. The phone could offer up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Battery life is likely to be a major focus, with the Turbo 6 featuring a 9,000mAh battery paired with 80W fast charging and support for 27W reverse wired charging. Carrying this over would give the Nord 6 a clear edge in endurance. Durability could also be a key differentiator. The Turbo 6 carries IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings, offering protection against dust, water immersion and high-pressure water jets, a level of protection still uncommon in the mid-range segment. Camera expectations include a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 primary sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 2-megapixel secondary camera, and a 16-megapixel front-facing camera. Other anticipated features include NFC, multi-band GPS, and long-term software updates. While the Turbo 6 runs ColorOS in China, the India and global variants of the Nord 6 are expected to ship with OxygenOS. Samsung is expected to unveil its next flagship smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S26 series, later this year. The range is tipped to succeed the Galaxy S25 models that debuted in January 2025 and is likely to include three devices: the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra. While Samsung has not confirmed any details, fresh leaks have reignited speculation around the launch timeline. Galaxy S26 launch tipped for late February According to a new leak shared on X by well-known tipster Evan Blass, Samsung could host a global launch event for the Galaxy S26 series on February 25. The claim aligns with an earlier report from November 2025 that also pointed to the same date for the unveiling of all three models. If this information proves accurate, it would mark a noticeable shift from Samsungs usual schedule, as Galaxy S launches have traditionally taken place towards the end of January. Reports suggest the delay may be linked to internal adjustments to Samsungs product lineup. Sales may begin weeks after unveiling In addition to a later launch event, Samsung is also said to be pushing back the retail availability of the Galaxy S26 phones. Recent reports indicate that the devices may not go on sale until nearly a month after their official debut. This could see the Galaxy S26 range reaching consumers by late March. Also Read | Samsung Galaxy S26 series tipped to launch in Feb with no price hike: Report Such a delay would be unusual for Samsungs flagship releases, which typically follow a shorter gap between announcement and availability. Conflicting reports keep timeline uncertain Not all leaks agree on a February launch. Earlier rumours had claimed that Samsung would stick to its traditional timeframe and host the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event in late January. With no official confirmation from the company, the exact launch date remains uncertain, and the latest claims should be treated cautiously. More concrete information about the Galaxy S26 series is expected to surface closer to the event. Pricing concerns Samsung is also reportedly facing challenges in keeping prices in check for the Galaxy S26 lineup. Rising costs of memory and storage components could lead to higher prices compared to the Galaxy S25 series. On the hardware front, the Galaxy S26 models are expected to feature different processors depending on the market. Select regions, including South Korea, may receive devices powered by Samsungs upcoming 2nm Exynos 2600 chipset, while other markets are likely to get versions equipped with Qualcomms 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. As awards season intensifies, online discussion has increasingly turned towards Jacob Elordis performance in Frankenstein, with many social media users predicting he could emerge as the surprise winner in the Best Supporting Actor category. Across platforms, fans and film commentators are pointing to a mix of critical praise, industry momentum and the impact of his transformation in the role. Why does social media think Jacob Elordi will win Best Supporting Actor? Much of the speculation centres on the strong reaction to Elordis portrayal of the Creature in Guillermo del Toros Frankenstein. Viewers and critics alike have highlighted the emotional depth of his performance, as well as the physical transformation involved, which included heavy prosthetics and an immersive approach to the character. Many online posts describe the role as a turning point in his career, moving him decisively beyond the youthful parts that first made him famous. Another key reason for the buzz is Elordis success earlier in the awards season. His recent wins and nominations have given his campaign visible momentum, which fans often treat as an indicator of how major ceremonies might unfold. On social media, users frequently point to these early accolades as proof that his performance is resonating within the industry. While one person wrote on X, locking in bcs jacob elordi is gonna take that win at golden globes (sic), another person commented, jacob elordi golden globe winner i can see the future and its bright (sic). Jacob Elordis nomination in the Best Supporting Actor race places him alongside a strong slate of contenders, including Benicio del Toro (One Battle After Another), Paul Mescal (Hamnet), Sean Penn (One Battle After Another), Adam Sandler (Jay Kelly) and Stellan Skarsgard (Sentimental Value), all of whom have been recognised for powerful work in varied roles this awards season. What distinguishes Elordis performance in Frankenstein is the emotional weight he brings to the Creature, a character that speaks sparingly yet conveys profound feeling through physicality and expression rather than dialogue. In Guillermo del Toros adaptation, Elordis portrayal charts the Creatures evolution from innocent curiosity to tragic rejection, a transformation that required extensive prosthetics and a deeply immersive approach. Critics and audiences have noted that, despite the limited spoken lines, Elordi captures an extraordinary range of emotion through body language, presence and nuance, helping his performance stand out in a competitive field and contributing to his growing awards momentum. The high profile of Frankenstein itself has also helped keep his name at the centre of the conversation. The films wide release and sustained media coverage have ensured that clips, interviews and reviews continue to circulate, reinforcing the impact of his role. Some commentators also suggest that a crowded supporting actor field could split votes among more established contenders, potentially opening a path for Elordi. Lorraine Donohoe is a talented county Longford artist who has used big festivals and her involvement in community work to showcase her creativity and her impressive range of skills. The mother of two from Cahanagh Cross in the Newtownforbes area has developed her own experience and her own art business in recent years and it is going from strength to strength. "I sell mostly clay work around Christmas time, I do decorations and I advertise workshops," she said. "Two years ago I got a bursary from Longford County Council so that I could progress with my abstract art so that is what I've been working on as a sideline." Lorraine stated when she was younger all she wanted to do was paint or draw but she never got the opportunity to do art full-time and she studied to be a preschool carer in college. "Growing up I suppose art just was not a thing that I thought (was possible), I wanted to do it but back then it wasn't on the cards," she added. However, Lorraine said art was always a passion that was in the background of her life. An air dried clay fairy houses created by Lorraine "As I got older I had my own children and my first child Eoin he was born early and he passed away when he was four," she added. Lorraine said because Eoin was born early, he developed cerebral palsy and he suffered from a number of health complications. "That was a very tough time, as you can imagine and then my second child was born just before he passed away so that took all of my energy. "Then by the time my third child came along four years later I just kind of got into art in a much different kind of way, I started crafting and working with clay and creating with her and she was really into the art as well so we did bits and pieces together." Lorraine praised the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation, who were fantastic during that time and she said art is a form of medication. "Art can help you to get through tough times and it did help me," she added. Lorraine stated in 2018 she decided she was going to make a few pieces and try to sell them. "I started doing craft fairs and I sold quite a few pieces and I got a lot of commissioned work out of that where people would come up to me and say, 'That's a lovely piece'," she added. Lorraine said in June 2024 she completed the TAP+ (Teacher Artist Partnership+), a Department of Education-approved professional development summer course for teachers and artists. The course helps creative practitioners to work with children and young people and encourages them to hone their artistic skills in primary and special schools. "The teacher and the artist combine their thoughts and their energy on art and bring it in front of a room full of students and get their input and basically we make something together," Lorraine explained. Lorraine said she also recently completed a residency in Fourmilehouse through the TAP+ course. The mother of two said doing community work, working with children on the TAP+ course in schools across county Longford is very rewarding. "When I am with children in the classroom I basically say to them that everybody is an artist, everybody can do this, you don't have to be a Van Gogh to do a piece of art," she added. Lorraine worked in a lot of workshops as part of her involvement in the Longford Lights Festival and the Dead of Night Festival in recent years. "My input in community art has taken off this past two years," she said. "I'd say it's mostly to do with the county council because I originally approached Tom Meskall, the director of the Longford Lights last year and I asked him if I could volunteer to help," she said. "Out of that came a lot of work for me, workshops, getting my name out there and I'm getting recognised now for my work." Lorraine has also praised Tommy Casby, who directed the Dead of Night Festival for his support. "It was fantastic for me and a few of my friends as we had a whole month with each other working on everything in the Dead of Night parade," she added. Lorraine was involved in the creation of five floats and three giants -including the head and arms of the striking Etain - for the 2024 Dead of Night Festival and she also played a prominent role creating floats for the 2025 Dead of Night Festival. Lorraine has a studio at the back of her house which was built by her husband Stephen during the Covid lockdown which she said is fantastic. She was one of about 10 artists who had their artwork displayed in an exhibition at the old Providers building in Longford Town in 2024 and she enjoys showcasing her work. Lorraine has praised Shane Crossan, the Acting Arts Officer of Longford County Council who informed her about bursaries that were available. She was also awarded a bursary in 2025 by Longford County Council for researching air-dried clay for outdoors for use in sculpture. Lorraine is hoping to hold her own exhibition in late-2026 and she is thoroughly enjoying her art work and putting her best foot forward. READ NEXT: Longford Pipe Band rings in their 60th anniversary READ NEXT: Artistic team revealed for fourth and final Longford Lights Festival HAVANA/WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Sunday slammed the United States for behaving in a "criminal" manner that threatens global peace, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered fresh warnings against Havana. In an X post, Rodriguez said Cuba has the absolute right to import fuel from markets willing to export it and develop trade relations without interference or subordination to unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States. He said the United States behaves like a criminal and unchecked hegemon that threatens peace and security, not only in Cuba and this hemisphere, but throughout the entire world. Earlier on Sunday, Trump suggested Cuba should make a deal with Washington. "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. "Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela," Trump said. 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. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. Following the U.S. military raid on Venezuela, Trump said that "Cuba is going to be something we'll end up talking about" and warned Colombian President Gustavo Petro to be careful. Hussam al Astal (center, unmasked), the leader of the Counterterrorism Strike Force, with members of his anti-Hamas militia. (Hussam al Astal on Facebook) The Counterterrorism Strike Force said on January 6 that it killed two members of Hamas during an operation in the southern Gaza Strip. The killings underscore the continued presence and activity of the Counterterrorism Strike Force and other anti-Hamas militias in Gaza months after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect. Counterterrorism Strike Force, led by Hussam al Astal, said in a statement posted on Facebook that it conducted an operation in the Abu al Saber area of the Shaboura Camp (Rafah) following intelligence it had received from a confession of a Hamas-affiliated terrorist. The group said it killed two Hamas operatives who refused to give themselves up and arrested a third member who turned himself in. Besides publishing a photograph of a Hamas member whom it said it had killed, the Counterterrorism Strike Force did not provide further details on the operation. Despite Hamass attempts to dismantle the militias, the Counterterrorism Strike Force and their armed allies continued operating well after major combat operations by Israel subsided. Groups such as the Popular Army, led by former Palestinian Authority Major General Shawqi Abu Nassira, have shown sustained, albeit limited, activity against Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations. On December 25, the Popular Army published footage showing the confession of a Palestinian it had captured. The individual said that Hamas had directed him to spy on the militia and kill Shawqi Abu Nassira. Earlier, on December 10, the Popular Army published another confession of an alleged Hamas member who said he was dispatched by the Islamist group to locate the whereabouts of the militias leader. While eliminating Hamas remains the primary objective of these groups, at least one has also sought backing from the United States. Hussam al Astal argued in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed that anti-Hamas militias should be consolidated into a single security force operating under the authority of Donald Trumps proposed Gaza Board of Peace. Astal warned that in the absence of Hamass disarmament and the establishment of a strong Gazan security force to counter it, the Islamist group would seek to reassert control over the Strip. Overall, the anti-Hamas militias have achieved some success in undermining Hamas, but recent developments underscore their fragility. Most notably, Yasser Abu Shabab, the former head of the Counterterrorism Strike Force, was killed in early December under contested circumstances. Israeli media reported that members of Shababs own militia killed him following internal disputes. His wife, however, claimed that he was killed while attempting to mediate a disagreement between members of the Abu Sunaymah clan. Following Shababs death, his deputy, Ghassan Duhaini, assumed leadership of the militia. Hamas has, thus far, failed to dismantle the militias arrayed against it, in large part because they operate within Israeli-controlled zones of the Gaza Strip. That dynamic may change quickly. A full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip under a looming second phase of the ceasefire plan would allow Hamas to reenter these areas, placing the militias directly in its crosshairs. Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East. The impact of a strike on an Islamic State target in Syria shown in footage released by US Central Command. The US military launched a series of large-scale strikes against multiple ISIS [Islamic State] targets across Syria, on January 10, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced. CENTCOM said the strikes were in direct response to the deadly ISIS [Islamic State] attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria, on Dec. 13, 2025. However, there is little evidence that the Islamic State executed the attack, which was carried out by a member of Syrias security services. These strikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched and announced on Dec. 19, 2025, at the direction of President Trump, in direct response to the deadly ISIS attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria, on Dec. 13, 2025, CENTCOM said in its statement, without disclosing the exact targets. CENTCOM continues to maintain that the December 13 attack was conducted by the Islamic State. That ambush, carried out by an ISIS terrorist, resulted in the tragic deaths of two American soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter, CENTCOM said. The US military used the same justification to launch the first wave of strikes against the Islamic State in Syria on December 19, 2025. However, other than US military statements, there has been no direct evidence linking the Islamic State to the attack. The Islamic State, which is usually quick to claim its operations, particularly attacks that kill or injure US forces, has not taken credit for the attack in the month since it occurred. The December 13 attack, which killed two members of the Iowa National Guard and a civilian contractor as they attended a meeting with Syrian security personnel, was carried out by a member of Syrias security forces. Syrias Interior Ministry said the attacker was under investigation for jihadist ties prior to the attack, yet he was allowed to be near US personnel. The Syrian security services are comprised of thousands of foreign and domestic jihadists, many of whom are loyal to or allied with Al Qaeda and are hostile to the US, or have served in Hayat Tahrir al Sham, Al Qaedas former branch in Syria. Some leaders of the Syrian government are members of Al Qaeda. The Trump administration has decided to ally with the new Syrian regime despite its roots as an Al Qaeda branch whose leader, Ahmad al Sharaa, was formerly the head of Al Qaeda in Syria. Al Qaeda and the Islamic State are enemies in Syria and beyond. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack said in July 2025 that there is no Plan B in Syria, and the administration is committed to working with Sharaa. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Demonstrators gathered in Boston on Saturday to protest the killing of a Minnesota woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. One protest took place at the Massachusetts State House around noon, according to The Boston Globe, while another happened at the John F. Kennedy Federal Building near City Hall Plaza. Boston Common was filled with protesters, according to the Globe, as demonstrators chanted and displayed signs denouncing the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Good was unarmed at the time. Protests have been happening in Boston throughout the week in response to Goods death. Protesters gathered in Worcester on Thursday night. The Department of Homeland Security has condemned Good as a domestic terrorist, while video of the incident taken by a bystander appears to show the ICE agent shooting and killing Good as she tried to drive away. Boston protesters demanded that Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey take action to sever any ties between local law enforcement and ICE, according to WCVB. Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Maseru, capital of Lesotho, Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Wei) MASERU, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho. During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said. China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added. Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development. China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said. On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho. Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy. Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges. On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho, in Maseru, capital of Lesotho, Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Wei) HAVANA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Sunday said Cuba is a free, independent and sovereign nation, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump's accusations that the island country provided "security services" to Venezuela in exchange for oil. Diaz-Canel said on X that the United States has "no moral authority to point the finger at Cuba in anything," adding that the U.S. side turns everything, even human lives, into a business. The president said that the United States is "hysterical" against the Caribbean nation because of the sovereign decision of the Cuban people to choose their political model. "Those who blame the Revolution for the severe economic hardships we suffer should be ashamed and keep quiet," he said. "Because they know and recognize that they are the result of the draconian measures of extreme asphyxiation that the United States has imposed on us for six decades." Cuba does not attack or threaten other countries, said Diaz-Canel, adding that the country is ready to defend itself "to the last drop of blood." A winning Keno ticket worth $80,000 was sold at a Massachusetts gas station on Saturday. The ticket was purchased at Riverside Mart on Canal Street in Millbury. In Keno, players select up to 12 numbers spots to play and then choose numbers between 1 and 80 to fill each spot. Each number spot offers unique prizes and odds of winning. Players choose how much they want to wager on each drawing between $1 and $20 and how many drawings they want to use the same numbers for. The same numbers can be played in up to 30 consecutive drawings, and drawings take place daily from 5:04 a.m. to 1:01 a.m. and happen every three minutes. Players can also multiply their prizes up to 10 times by marking the Keno Bonus. Keno Bonus is not available on the 10 spot, 11 spot or 12 spot. Overall, at least 271 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Saturday, including seven in Springfield, seven in Worcester and 20 in Boston. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. Leer en espanol. In the week since U.S. forces swept into Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelan-Americans have experienced a mix of emotions while following developments through the news and loved ones back home. For opponents of Maduros repressive government or those who have longed for Venezuela to regain democracy and economic stability, it has been particularly surreal, generating hope alongside apprehension for the countrys uncertain future. Leaving Venezuela broke my heart, said Katiuska Valiente, 47, of Medfield, who moved to the U.S. in 2011. She worked as a journalist in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, but emigrated with her family as the risks of the job increased under strongman President Hugo Chavez. She now owns Peka, a Latin American restaurant in Boston. Even today, I miss my country every single day. My only wish is to see Venezuela free and full of opportunities for our children, she said. On Jan. 3, the morning of Maduros capture, Javier Marin woke before dawn to voicemails and WhatsApp messages filled with confusion. Family and friends in Venezuela told him that explosions were shaking Caracas. As strikes hit a nearby airport, Marins niece fled her home. The reports suggested something major and violent was unfolding possibly a coup or an invasion but no one knew for sure. It was panic, Marin said. Its not a country used to that. Just before 4:30 a.m., President Trump announced on social media that U.S. troops had Maduro and his wife in custody on drug trafficking charges. More than 25 years had passed since Marin, his wife and their two children departed Venezuela, not long after the polarizing Chavez came to power in 1999. Under Chavez, Marins media company faced censorship from day one, he said. We did not plan to permanently move to the U.S., Marin said. We thought it would be over in a few years. Wed study and find work and come back when the Chavez period would end. Two-and-a-half decades later, Marin owns El Planeta, a leading Spanish-language news organization in Massachusetts. He followed from a continent away as Maduro, Chavezs successor, fell into U.S. custody. Under Maduro, nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country as the government repressed political opponents and the economy slipped into crisis. With Maduro in American custody in New York, of course, there is a celebratory feeling, Marin said. However, Maduros allies remain in power. And hundreds of the regimes political prisoners are still locked up, including two of Marins friends. One was detained for sharing a WhatsApp video critical of Maduro, Marin said. He is hopeful for change, but apprehensive that reforms could fall short of establishing democracy after Maduro clung to power through elections that the international community condemned as fraudulent. And Marin remains concerned for the safety of family and friends in Venezuela. You dont know what could happen, he said. Valiente was thrilled to see Maduro arrested, but said many people with his ideology remain in power. People in Venezuela do not have freedom, even with Maduro in New York, she said. I dont want to celebrate anything yet, because we are not clear with the situation yet. We have to wait and be patient. Julio Henriquez, an immigration and human rights lawyer in Boston, moved to the U.S. from Venezuela nearly 20 years ago. He awoke at 2 a.m. on Jan. 3 to a phone call from a friend in Venezuela and stayed up the rest of the night, confused and following the news. His cousin lives on the far side of a mountain from where Maduro and his wife were captured, but he could hear explosions from his home. That confusion continued, I think, to this day, Henriquez said. We have many answers, but there are more questions than answers still. Henriquez feels more skeptical than others about the direction of the country, he said. He hopes for a transition to a true democracy. He wants to see the widespread release of political prisoners by the government. Still, he fears the current government will remain in power, maintaining stability but lacking independence from the United States. I have hopes its not where were headed, but its all up in the air, he said. Trump has said the U.S. will run Venezuela, though conflicting statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio have left the administrations intended role in the country unclear. After Maduros capture, Rubio said that the U.S. did not plan to assume day-to-day governance and would allow Maduros subordinates to remain in office for now. He said the U.S. would enforce sanctions on Venezuelan oil in place before Maduros removal and use them as leverage to orchestrate change in the South American country. This is not going to be a short time to regime change, Marin said. There is hope, but fear of hope as well because weve had so much hope in the past. Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. A Methuen woman who owns a New Hampshire dog kennel and training facility has been charged with animal cruelty, according to police. Madison Eastman, 26, pleaded not guilty to two counts of animal cruelty during her arraignment in Lawrence District Court on Friday, according to court records. Methuen police began investigating Eastman on Jan. 2 after Brentwood, New Hampshire, police alerted them to a video that was circulating online that appeared to show animal cruelty crimes being carried out in Methuen, the police department said in a press release. Eastman owns a dog kennel and training facility in Brentwood. The charges were filed Thursday in connection with crimes committed on April 30, 2025, according to court records. Eastman turned herself in, police said. The judge released Eastman on personal recognizance bail during her arraignment, according to court records. Eastman is due back in court for a virtual pretrial hearing on March 12. No further information has been released. A Walpole man was convicted last week by a federal jury in Boston for his role in a 2018 scheme to smuggle gold, platinum and other precious metals from Colombia into the United States and to launder money. Thomas Cataloni, 46, was convicted of one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States and one count of international money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts. Catalonis sentencing is scheduled for April 15. He was first charged in November 2022. In 2018, Cataloni and his co-conspirators sent hundreds of thousands of dollars to bank accounts in Colombia to pay for gold and platinum to be smuggled into the United States without being declared at U.S. customs, officials said. To facilitate the smuggling, the gold and platinum were melted in Colombia and formed to look like crude, unfinished jewelry such as chains, keychains and purse straps, officials said. The supposed jewelry was then worn by people who flew from Colombia into the United States without declaring the gold and platinum. Two of Catalonis co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced later this year. The charges of money laundering conspiracy and international money laundering each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Even after a 20th birthday bash, a 40-year-old New Jersey mans family suspected his Massachusetts girlfriend wasnt the age she claimed, court documents state. But it wasnt until seeing a police departments Facebook post that they were able to confirm their suspicions the mans girlfriend was a missing child. In January, Christopher Rodriguez was charged in Springfield District Court with kidnapping of a child and enticing a child under 16. The teenager first ran away from her home on May 21, 2024. Her mother told police she believed the 14-year-old was with her boyfriend, Rodriguez, a man who served more than 15 years in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder in 1999. The two had been the subjects of a previous report for suspicious behavior from April 10, 2024 in which the teenager claimed Rodriguez was her stepfather. Rodriguez and the teenager then went to Yonkers, New York to live with his family. The family told police the couple had asked to live with them until they got back on their feet after living in his 2017 white Ford Transit van for six months. She was introduced to his family as his 20-year-old girlfriend, according to court documents. But the family told officials they didnt believe she was 20 due to her demeanor and youthful appearance. Rodriguezs sister eventually saw a missing persons post from the Springfield Police Department with the girls photo. The discovery led to a confrontation between Rodriguez and the family. Rodriguez and the teen then left to live with different family members, who did not know about the previous situation, in Staten Island. But around February 2025, another disturbance caused them to leave. Six months later, New Hampshire Police responded to a report of a suspicious motor vehicle. The driver of the large white van, Rodriguez, told officers he was waiting for his girlfriend, who was in the bathroom. He claimed she was 20 years old and that they had met a few months prior, according to court documents. Police, however, were able to discover the teenagers true identity. Rodriguez was arrested and the teenager was released to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. We dont know what would have happened if that citizen didnt report it, Londonderry (New Hampshire) Detective Sgt. Chris Olson told WMUR. We conducted our investigation based on their suspicion. They saw something, they said something. It turned out to actually have a very good ending. Rodriguez was involved in an armed robbery in New York City in 1999 and was convicted of first-degree robbery and second-degree murder out of Kings County Supreme Court, in New York, according to the United States Marshals Service District of New Hampshire. Rodriguez was released in 2017. With the passing of John Patrick OConnor on Dec. 17, 2025, Western Massachusetts lost one of its more prolific and beloved genealogists. John was a volunteer at the Local History & Genealogy Library and Archives since the late 1980s. Over the years, he assisted hundreds of family historians, guiding them through the maze of historical documents and genealogical publications in their quests to identify and learn more about their many ancestors. In the spirit of the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield Historys mission to represent, preserve and share the history of our diverse population, John adeptly assisted both professional and amateur researchers of all ethnicities, races, or national origins. He was also known for his sense of humor and he endeavored to make each persons experience in the research room both enlightening and fun. Even after his retirement, John continued to correspond with individuals seeking his research advice and counsel. He will be missed by many but he leaves a legacy through the impressive volume of research conducted by the many people he helped discover their roots. JOSEPH CARVALHO III Springfield Joseph Carvalho III is retired president of the Springfield Museums and current editor of The Republicans Heritage Book program. Factors on rise of antisemitism I thank Adam M. Solender for his Dec. 28 letter, Antisemites always have their reasons, in response to my letter Dec. 25. I thank him because he has reminded our readers of the pervasiveness of antisemitism through the ages. I dont know of any other people on the planet who have suffered violent prejudice for the last two millennia, violent prejudice that continues to this day. Where does this prejudice come from? Its main source has been the Christian church, whose unfortunate misinterpretation of the lessons of certain passages of the gospels, especially in Matthew and John, blame the Jews for the death of Jesus. While I wont go into a lengthy discussion about that, I will just say that the Roman occupation of Jerusalem during Passover had much more responsibility for Jesus death than the Jews did. As Solender wrote, If we accept the premise that the behavior of the Israeli government is the root of antisemitism, we are essentially saying that Jews are only safe from hatred so long as we act in a way that satisfies the world. Benjamin Netanyahus government is not one that the people of the world simply disagree with. It is a government that has systematically destroyed, and continues to destroy, their next-door neighbors, the Palestinian people of Gaza. People generally know that the Israeli government at this time is Jewish only, as are the great majority of the people of the country (many of whom disagree with their government). So though it is illogical, some people with hatred for Jews believe the fallacy that all Jews of the world are somehow related to the cruel destruction of the Palestinian people. That is why antisemitism and violence against the worlds Jews is increasing today. REV. JONATHAN TETHERLY, Chicopee Catholic schools need revival Now is the time to resurrect Catholic schooling! Catholic dioceses across the country should realize this and support school choice which is now being promoted. It has been shown that Catholic Schools provide an excellent education and teach solid values. In the past, instead of adapting, it was a major error to close Catholic schools. There are many examples of successful Catholic schools that were able to adapt toward better business models. In our community Pope Francis Prep is thriving, wondering where to put all the new students. Their problem is space! School choice is the answer across the country. Catholic schooling should be resurrected! This would also be a step toward solving other Church issues. AL DILASCIA, Chicopee Back remote access to Town Meeting The requirement that voters be physically present at Open Town Meeting prevents many registered voters from participating in their towns governance. Some voters have young children at home, some must travel for work, some cannot drive at night, some have disabilities, and some are caregivers. Remote participation would enable registered voters to fully engage in Open Town Meeting listening, speaking, and voting from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet with internet access. A Town Meeting System that enables secure, easy-to-use remote participation is technically feasible and practical. We are asking the Massachusetts Legislature to authorize the use of remote participation in Open Town Meetings in at least three towns so that an online voting company can begin developing the envisioned Town Meeting System. We dont need funding; we just need permission. Phone calls and email messages from constituents urging their legislators to support the authorization of remote participation in Open Town Meeting will help! DAVE BERNSTEIN, Wayland Dave Bernstein is chair of the Wayland Electronic Voting Implementation Subcommittee. A mother dies in Minneapolis Donald Trump has generated more controversy in one week than most presidents generate in an entire four-year term. Venezuela, Greenland, Mexico, Cuba, Minnesota and elsewhere have come under his dark and sinister vision. The economy, Russia/Ukraine, Gaza, not so much. Maybe in his disturbed and scrambled brain he thinks he dealt with those issues on Day One. I am going to focus on Minnesota. Anyone who pays attention to the news knows that an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in her car. I turned on FOX News to see how they were reporting on this incident. According to the Fox commentator, the agent fired on a dangerous domestic terrorist as she attempted to run him over. Kristi Noem, the secretary of Homeland Security, amplified this description, saying that the officer was following protocol and acted accordingly. President Trump accused the driver of running over the officer. I wont go into any more details as its been well covered in various media. The domestic terrorist turned out to be a well-respected 37-year-old mother of three who was approved to observe ICE deployments and document possible abuses. Having watched various videos and listened to eye-witnesses, its my opinion that Noem and Trumps versions of events are outright lies and fabrications. I believe that the domestic terrorists are the ICE agents and government officials who sanction them. The Republicans in Congress of course are siding with the president and Noem. Watch the videos and form your own opinion. Theyll be coming for you next. And about Trump and Nicolas Maduro, it takes one to know one. CHARLES THOMPSON, Hampden Hopes for new Venezuela future Removing Nicolas Maduro is largely about China and Russias meddling in our backyard via their client states like Venezuela and Cuba. Presumably, the 70% of Venezuelans who elected Edmundo Gonzalez president in 2024 agree with his support for removing the tyrant. Risky and messy for sure, but the worldwide spread of totalitarianism is a real threat to our way of life and legitimate justification for what we are trying to do. Hopefully the 70% will now mobilize and coalesce behind Maria Corina Machado, the countrys Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Western Hemisphere would be better for it. MILTON REACH, Longmeadow Will Supreme Court check Trump with ruling on tariffs? On Nov. 5, 2025, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments as to whether President Trumps tariffs usurp an enumerated power granted to Congress under Article I of the Constitution. Trump has imposed unilateral and arbitrary tariffs under the pretext of a national emergency. The administration believes it has the authority to levy these tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch was concerned about a one-way power ratchet toward the gradual but continual accretion of power in the executive branch and away from the peoples elected representatives. During the oral arguments, he pressed Solicitor General D. John Saur as to whether such power, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, would allow Congress to relinquish its Article I power to the president. Gorsuch asked, What would prohibit Congress from just abdicating all responsibility to regulate foreign commerce or, for that matter, declare war to the president? We are already there. The military actions against Venezuela, including the capture of Maduro, are the actions of a rogue president who believes that he alone has the power to determine if we are at peace or at war. Congressional leaders, comprising the Gang of Eight, were not briefed on the Maduro extraction until after the attack. Trump justified this, citing his concern about leaks. However, oil company executives were briefed before the attack began. Moreover, as early as October, the president authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations within Venezuela without consulting Congress. Unfortunately, we have a feckless and cowardly Republican Congress, which has capitulated to Trump at every turn and has obeyed him in advance. Most Republicans in Congress support the presidents actions even at the expense of their own authority under our system of checks and balances. In effect, Republicans have surrendered to the president the power that all European kings possessed, the sole power to declare war. Trump was recently asked if there were any limits on his global powers. His response: Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. Its the only thing that can stop me. Since he is amoral, there are no limits. MICHAEL CAMEROTA, Westfield Nuclear arms treaty in peril With the Doomsday Clock likely to be moved closer to midnight (world destruction) later this month by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, all Americans should be very concerned that New START, the last U.S./Russian nuclear weapons reduction treaty, expires in less than a month, on Feb. 5. I hope readers of The Republican will join me in urging U.S. Sens. Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Reps. Richard E. Neal and James McGovern to ask that the White House accept Russias recent offer to continue respecting the New START limits while the parties negotiate a follow-on agreement to achieve further reductions in both sides arsenals. Readers should then thank the same four legislators for their leadership in co-sponsoring Back from the Brink bills in the US Senate (S.Res.323) and House (H.Res.317), which would go further and produce a verifiable agreement among all nine nuclear-armed nations to eliminate their nuclear arsenals. Support from local and state elected officials would add pressure on the federal government to act. Such an agreement would not only honor their longstanding commitment to that goal as signers of the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but bring them into compliance with the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, now endorsed by a majority of the worlds population and observing its fifth anniversary as international law this month. Im pleased that my fellow U.S. Catholics increasingly support this goal. With Pope Leo XIV calling for an unarmed and disarming peace in his first World Day of Peace Message this month, the fourth anniversary this month of an influential pastoral letter by Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester, and Bishop William D. Byrnes endorsement for the Springfield diocese of the above Back from the Brink platform, its no wonder a new survey of North American Catholics and others by PCAN (the Pax Christi New England Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons) finds that nearly half of more than 900 respondents want to abolish these weapons. Finally, President Trump should recall his statement soon after taking office last January, [W]e want to see if we can denuclearize, and I think thats very possible. MICHAEL J. MORAN, Palmer BYD (BYDDY) seems not to be the only one in the fiercely competitive world of electric vehicles (EV) that Tesla (TSLA) has to be mindful of. With its millionth vehicle recently completing production, Chinese EV manufacturer Nio (NIO) is also making significant strides. Not one to rest on its laurels, CEO William Li's assertions signal that the company has just started when he outlined its plans to exceed 10,000 stations by 2030 and scale global operations while maintaining annual sales growth of 40% to 50%. About Nio Founded in 2014, Nio's core business is designing, manufacturing, and selling electric vehicles, particularly smart, premium EVs that emphasize connected technology, autonomous capabilities, and a unique customer ecosystem. Notably, the company also develops semi-autonomous driving technologies and has been involved in platforms like Formula E racing, likely to enhance brand and tech credibility. More News from Barchart Valued at a market cap of about $10 billion, the NIO stock is up 13.4% over the past year. However, before deciding to ride on the NIO bandwagon, is NIO a stock that will operate in cruise control, or will its engines splutter? Let's find out. www.barchart.com Mixed Set of Financials Nio's numbers do not induce as much excitement as its strategic vision. At least, not now. Except for one metric: sales. Over the last five years, the company has recorded an exponential revenue CAGR of 42.23%. The most recent quarter was no exception. While total revenues for Q3 2025 stood at $3.06 billion, up 16.7% from the previous year, vehicle sales surged by 15% in the same period to $2.7 billion. The company attributed this to the rise in delivery volumes (something Tesla is struggling with), which was at 87,071 in the quarter. This marked an annual rise of 40.8%. Moreover, losses narrowed to $0.16 per share from $0.31 per share in the year-ago period, also coming in softer than the consensus estimate of a loss of $0.23 per share. Notably, this was the sixth quarter where Nio's losses narrowed on an annual basis in the past nine quarters. However, out of these nine quarters, this was only the third instance when the company's losses came in lighter than the consensus estimates. This drives home the fact that the company is not meeting expectations in terms of its bottom line. CAIRO (AP) Hamas said Sunday it will dissolve its existing government in Gaza once a Palestinian technocratic leadership committee takes over the territory, as mandated under the U.S.-brokered peace plan. But the group gave no specifics on when the change will occur. Hamas and the rival Palestinian Authority, the Palestinians internationally recognized representative, have not announced the names of the technocrats, who are not supposed to be politically affiliated, and it remains unclear if they will be cleared by Israel and the U.S. The Board of Peace, an international body led by Trump, is supposed to oversee the government and other aspects of the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, including disarming Hamas and deploying an international security force. The board's members have not been announced. Meanwhile, the post-ceasefire death toll continued to rise in Gaza, with Israeli gunfire killing three Palestinians, according to Palestinian hospital officials. The ceasefire began with a halt in fighting and the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for thousands of Palestinians held by Israel. The deal is still in its first phase as efforts continue to recover the remains of the final hostage left in Gaza. An Egyptian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door information, said Hamas was sending a delegation to talks with Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish officials about moving to the second phase. Future Gaza governance in flux In comments posted on his Telegram channel Sunday, Hazem Kassem, a Hamas spokesperson, called for speeding up the establishment of the technocratic committee. The Egyptian official said Hamas will meet with other Palestinian factions this week to finalize the committee's formation. The Hamas delegation will be chaired by top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, the official said. Trump has said the Board of Peace " will monitor the committee and handle the disarmament of Hamas, the deployment of an international security force, additional pullbacks of Israeli troops and Gaza's reconstruction. The U.S. has reported little progress on any of these fronts, though the members of the board are expected to be announced this week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov has been selected as the boards director-general. Mladenov is a former Bulgarian defense and foreign minister who served as U.N. envoy to Iraq before being appointed as the U.N. Mideast peace envoy from 2015 to 2020. During that time, he had good working relations with Israel and frequently worked to ease Israel-Hamas tensions. Also Sunday, Israels Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met in Jerusalem with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Saar said Israel was committed to enforcing Trumps plan, while Motegi expressed Japans willingness to play an active role in the ceasefire. According to Japan's Foreign Ministry, Motegi visited the Civil-Military Coordination Center, where the ceasefire is being monitored. He was also set to meet Netanyahu and Palestinian officials in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Violence in Gaza continues In Gaza, two men were shot dead in the southern town of Bani Suhaila, according to Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies. Earlier Sunday, a man was killed by Israeli gunfire in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, according to Al-Ahly hospital, which received the body. In response to questions about the Tuffah incident, Israels military said it had fired at and hit a terrorist in northern Gaza who had approached troops. In a later statement, the military said it had killed a terrorist in southern Gaza who approached troops. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Continued Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed more than 400 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The Israeli military says any actions since the ceasefire began have been in response to violations of the agreement. Israeli police detain top official Israeli police said Sunday they were questioning a top official from Netanyahu's office over possible obstruction of an investigation into last year's leak of classified military information to a German tabloid. Israeli media identified the official as Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahus chief of staff, who is expected to start as the next ambassador to the United Kingdom in the coming months. Hes the latest official to be caught up in the scandal, in which Netanyahus inner circle is accused of leaking confidential information to German tabloid Bild to improve public perception of the prime minister following the killing of six hostages in Gaza in 2024. It comes after an explosive interview by Kan News with former Netanyahu spokesperson Eli Feldstein, who described a clandestine meeting with Braverman in an underground parking lot in the middle of the night in connection with the leak. Feldstein, who has been indicted, said Braverman offered to shut down the probe into the leaked information. Opposition leader Yair Lapid immediately called for the suspension of Braverman as ambassador. It is unacceptable that a person suspected of involvement in obstructing a serious security investigation should be the face of Israel in one of Europes most important countries, Lapid wrote on X. In response, Saar defended Bravermans appointment and said he would not be removed from it until formally charged or tried. ___ Frankel reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. ___ This version corrects to say the six hostages were killed in 2024. ___ Find more of APs Israel-Hamas coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Irans parliament speaker warned Sunday that the U.S. military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes the Islamic Republic over the ongoing protests roiling the country, as threatened by President Donald Trump. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made the threat after nationwide protests challenging Irans theocracy saw protesters flood the streets in the countrys capital and its second-largest city into Sunday morning, crossing the two-week mark as violence surrounding the demonstrations has killed at least 116 people, activists said. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. But the death toll in the protests has grown, while 2,600 others have been detained, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Those abroad fear the information blackout will embolden hard-liners within Iran's security services to launch a bloody crackdown, despite warnings from Trump he's willing to strike Iran to protect peaceful demonstrators. Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous U.S. officials, said on Saturday night that Trump had been given military options for a strike on Iran, but hadnt made a final decision. The State Department separately warned: Do not play games with President Trump. When he says hell do something, he means it. Parliament rallies Iranian state television broadcast the parliament session live. Qalibaf, a hard-liner who has run for the presidency in the past, gave a speech applauding police and Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, particularly its all-volunteer Basij, for having stood firm during the protests. He went on to directly threaten Israel, the occupied territory as he referred to it, and the U.S. military, possibly with a preemptive strike. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Qalibaf said. We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. Lawmakers rushed the dais in the Iranian parliament, shouting: Death to America! It remains unclear just how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after seeing its air defenses destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Any decision to go to war would rest with Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The U.S. military has said in the Mideast it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and U.S. interests. Iran targeted U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar back in June, while the U.S. Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet is stationed in the island kingdom of Bahrain. Israel, meanwhile, is watching closely the situation between the U.S. and Iran, said an Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to speak to journalists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio overnight on topics including Iran, the official added. Protests in Tehran and Mashhad Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehran's Punak neighborhood. There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. Other footage purportedly showed demonstrators peacefully marching down a street and others honking their car horns on the street. The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said. Reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control. In Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city some 725 kilometers (450 miles) northeast of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Flaming debris and dumpsters could be seen in the street, blocking the road. Mashhad is home to the Imam Reza shrine, the holiest in Shiite Islam. Protests also appeared to happen in Kerman, 800 kilometers (500 miles) southeast of Tehran. Iranian state television on Sunday morning had their correspondents appear on the streets in several cities to show calm areas with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. They also showed pro-government demonstrations in Qom and Qazvin. Ali Larijani, a top security official, went on state TV to accuse some demonstrators of killing people or burning some people, which is very similar to what ISIS does, referring to the Islamic State group by an acronym. State TV aired funerals of slain security force members while reporting another six had been killed in Kermanshah. It also showed a pickup truck full of bodies in body bags and later a morgue. Even Iran's reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired Sunday. People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns, Pezeshkian said. But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society. More demonstrations planned Sunday Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi asked in his latest message for demonstrators to take to the streets Sunday. Pahlavis support of and from Israel has drawn criticism in the past, particularly after the 12-day war. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah in some protests, but it isnt clear whether thats support for Pahlavi himself or a desire to return to a time before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The demonstrations began Dec. 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear program. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. ___ Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. As the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veteran population ages, fitting tributes and special programs honoring their service have become more prevalent in recent years. A Way to Say Thank You While its well deserved, the honors sometimes leave a younger generation of veterans, specifically soldiers from the post-9/11 wars, feeling left out. A Million Thanks, a nonprofit organization, aims to address that issue through a letter-writing campaign, according to a press release from EIN Presswire. While A Million Thanks has spearheaded letter programs for veterans before, this is the first time the nonprofit is fueling a campaign designed for veterans of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Veterans can go online and pull up the www.AMillionThanks.org/request page, click on the Request Letters tab, and ask for a free package of 22 handwritten notes. The letters will carry a message of gratitude and encouragement. And, since veterans tend to be a humble bunch, friends and family members can register for the letters on a veteran's behalf. Fort McCoy community members participate in the 2024 Fort McCoy 9/11 Memorial Run and Stair Climb on Sept. 11, 2024, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Dozens of Soldiers, veterans, workforce members, family members, Wisconsin Challenge Academy cadets, and others lined up in the dark, early morning hours Sept. 11 to pay honor to the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, on the United States as they participated in the event. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.) Over Two Decades of Support A Million Thanks has worked for more than two decades to deliver boxes of letters through the mail to veterans, either still living at home or in assisted care facilities throughout the U.S. The organizations new initiative is geared toward a younger generation of veterans who live on their own and sometimes yearn for personal connections. These letters remind veterans that their service still matters, said Michele Holley, executive director of A Million Thanks. We know that isolation and disconnection can quietly impact mental health. A simple actlike opening a lettercan shift perspective and remind someone they are not alone. Every package features personal, handwritten notes by volunteers coming from different age groups and walks of life. So far, veterans have embraced the program, describing the joy of receiving a bundle of letters as uplifting and grounding, according to the press release. I keep my letters in a drawer by my bed, said one Army veteran who was sent a package in September. When the noise in my head gets too loud, I read one. It reminds me that people still care. A little bit of effort can go a long way. Especially when someone in this case, total strangers takes time to sit down, put pen to paper and handwrite a letter, a simple act of kindness that has become a lost art in this digital world filled with instant gratification. In the press release, A Million Thanks said that studies have documented how meaningful and positive interactions can help a veteran struggling with mental health issues. Reaching out to someone in need can help prevent loneliness and isolation, two main causes of suicide. For more than 40 years, Fernando Cotas final resting place was Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. The Vietnam War Army veteran was buried there after dying by suicide in 1984. But after Cotas grisly past came to light, and under a new federal law, the convicted rapist and alleged serial murderer will no longer spend eternity at the veterans cemetery. Under the National Defense Authorization Act, officials plan to exhume Cotas grave and re-bury him at another cemetery. Along with the rape conviction, Cota was the leading suspect in the murders of six women. He killed himself more than 40 years ago after being stopped by police. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), co-sponsor of the bill before it was signed into law by President Trump, said in a statement to KSAT in San Antonio that Fort Sam Houston is no place for Cota. Fernando Cota's remains will be removed from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in the coming months. (Photo from KSAT) Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery is a sacred resting place for more than 170,000 respected veterans and their loved ones, and it would be a slap in the face to each one of them to allow Fernando Cota, a convicted rapist and alleged serial murderer, to remain buried amongst such heroes, said Cornyn. This law rightfully directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter Cotas remains from Fort Sam Houston to be in keeping with current law and deliver justice for victims families. A Life of Crime and Disfunction Cota lived a bizarre and frightening life after leaving the military. He received his draft notice to join the Army in the mid-1960s and served in Vietnam. Living in California after service, he was charged with sexual assault multiple times and police eventually linked him to the deaths of six women in San Jose, California, according to a press release from Cornyns office. He was found guilty of rape in 1975 after binding a nurse and sexually assaulting her in El Paso, Texas. He spent eight years in a Texas prison before being released on parole in 1983. The following year, police pulled Cota over for driving erratically. After officers requested to look inside his van, he said, Im a very sick man. He then pulled out a gun and shot himself to death. In the van, police spotted a wooden box containing a body 21-year-old Kim Marie Dunham who was reported missing a day earlier. Following his suicide, detectives searched Cotas house and were aghast at what they found; a small prison cell where he likely tortured victims, containing handcuffs, leg shackles and a peephole. Through fingerprints on the cells walls, investigators were able to identify the women who faced death in that brutal chamber through strangulation, beatings or stabbings. Crews work to straighten markers at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo from U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Larry A. Simmons) According to police, Cota also had false identification, a fake police badge, womens clothing, including six pairs of shoes, and fliers the veteran posted throughout the San Jose University campus looking for roommates. Veterans convicted of such heinous crimes are exempt from burial at national cemeteries, however that law wasnt in the books when Cota was buried in 1984. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) also sponsored the National Defense Authorization Act. A convicted rapist should not be buried with honor among our nations heroes, Cruz said in a statement. Victims Son Sparks Action The push to remove Cotas grave from the national veterans cemetery began when the son of Teresa Sunder, who was allegedly killed by Cota, created a petition pushing Congress to intervene. Now, the removal of Cotas remains will be in the hands of the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, which has not released a timetable for disinterment, but a representative from Cornyns office informed KSAT that removal should be complete in less than a year. American soldiers dug foxholes into the ridgeline at Djebel Chambi. They had only arrived in North Africa a few weeks ago and faced light resistance from Vichy French troops. The infamous Afrika Korps under Field Marshal Erwin Rommel had just launched a massive offensive the day prior. The Americans knew what was coming. They were eager to fight the Germans and felt they were ready to do so. Upon hearing movement in the darkness on February 20, 1943, the Americans on the hill shot flares into the sky that illuminated the hilltop. They were stunned by waves of Italian infantry with their distinctive plumed helmets charging up the slope, firing SMGs and rifles while lobbing hand grenades that detonate on impact. The 5th Bersaglieri Regiment overran the Americans, killing dozens and driving the rest off the hill. The Italian commander, Colonel Luigi Bonfatti, lay dead on the ground. His regiment had cracked open the American defenses at Kasserine Pass. Rommel's tanks began pouring into the pass, moving toward the American supply depots and staging areas near Thala and Tebessa. The Battle of Kasserine Pass was America's first major fight against the European Axis in World War II. It turned into one of the most humiliating defeats of the war. But that defeat sparked changes that reshaped the U.S. Army and led to victory in North Africa three months later. 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry clearing the road and clearing mines, walking through the Kasserine Pass, Tunisia .26 Feb 1943. (Wikimedia Commons) The Race for Tunis By early 1943, the war in North Africa had turned against the Axis. Allied forces had landed in Morocco and Algeria in November 1942 as part of Operation Torch while brushing aside Vichy French defenders. Meanwhile, British General Bernard Montgomery chased Rommel across Libya after the defeat at El Alamein. Tunisia became the last Axis stronghold in North Africa. The country's mountainous terrain created natural defensive lines. Two parallel mountain chains, the Eastern Dorsal and Western Dorsal, ran north to south across central Tunisia. Between them lay a broad plain. Whoever controlled the mountain passes controlled movement through the country. Rommel retreated to the Mareth Line in southern Tunisia, a series of French-built fortifications designed to stop an Italian invasion from Libya. His Afrika Korps would defend there against Montgomery approaching from the east. But American and British forces pressing from the west threatened to trap him. Rommel decided to strike the inexperienced Americans before the Allied pincers closed. The Allied command structure was a mess. British Lieutenant General Kenneth Anderson led the First Army in northern Tunisia. French General Louis-Marie Koeltz commanded XIX Corps in the center with two poorly equipped divisions that the other commanders did not trust. American Major General Lloyd Fredendall commanded II Corps in the south. Fredendall reported to Anderson, but the two rarely communicated. They issued conflicting orders. Nobody seemed certain who was in charge or what their strategy was. Tunisia, January 30 April 10, 1943. (Wikimedia Commons) First Blood at Faid Pass On January 30, 1943, the German 21st Panzer Division struck French positions at Faid Pass. The French fought hard but were pushed back. They requested reinforcements and support. Fredendall and Anderson let the request go unfulfilled. The Germans took Faid Pass and positioned forces on the Eastern Dorsal. Meanwhile, Fredendall made several poor decisions that set the Axis up for success. He set up his headquarters 70 miles behind the front in a place called "Speedy Valley." He had engineers blast tunnels into a cliff face for a bombproof command post. Troops called it "Lloyd's very last resort." Fredendall never visited the front lines. He issued orders over the radio in coded slang nobody could understand. Major General Orlando Ward commanded the 1st Armored Division. Anderson ordered Ward to split his division into separate task forces scattered across the front. Ward objected loudly. Splitting armor violated basic Army doctrine. Combat Command A ended up fragmented across a 30-mile front from Sbeitla to Kasserine to Haidra. The infantry units did not fare much better. They were established on different terrain, too far to support each other and without adequate anti-tank weaponry. Artillery was placed too far away to provide adequate fire support and friendly air superiority had not been established. Meanwhile, the Axis began massing their armor and mechanized forces for an offensive that would exploit their recent victory at Faid Pass as well as American inexperience. War correspondent Ernie Pyle watched the American soldiers prepare for battle and saw their quality despite poor leadership. "There is nothing wrong with the common American soldier," he wrote. "The deeper he gets into a fight, the more of a fighting man he becomes." Lloyd Fredendall as Lieutenant General. (Wikimedia Commons) Disaster at Sidi Bou Zid On February 14, General Hans-Jurgen von Arnim launched a massive offensive. His 5th Panzer Army struck through Faid and Maizila Passes with 140 tanks from the 10th and 21st Panzer Divisions. A sandstorm covered their advance. General Dwight Eisenhower had inspected American positions at those passes just three hours earlier. American forces held two hills west of Faid, Djebel Lessouda and Djebel Ksaira. These positions were supposed to anchor the defense. Instead, they became death traps. The hills sat too far apart to provide mutual support. Lieutenant Colonel John Waters, General George Patton's son-in-law, commanded the battalion on Djebel Lessouda. He had already warned his men after their easy fight against the French that the next fight would not be so easy. "We did very well against the scrub team. Next week we hit the Germans." German tanks surrounded Lessouda by 10:00 AM. Waters lost radio contact. His planned artillery support failed to help them. Only about 450 men from Waters' battalion escaped. Waters himself was captured on February 15. He would spend the next two years as a POW. On Djebel Ksaira, Colonel Thomas Drake's force of 1,500 was also trapped. The 168th Infantry Regiment was effectively destroyed soon after. German Panzer IIIs of the Afrika Korps and supporting infantry. (Wikimedia Commons) Fredendall ordered a counterattack on February 15. Fifty-one American tanks from the 1st Armored Division rolled toward Lessouda in parade-ground formation. After engaging the Axis armor, it appeared that the enemy was retreating. The Americans chased them. A line of concealed German 88mm anti-tank guns, dual-purpose weapons originally designed for aircraft, ambushed the American tanks with devastating accuracy. These guns could penetrate American armor at ranges where U.S. guns couldn't even reach. Only seven tanks survived the slaughter before withdrawing. One American soldier who witnessed the slaughter said "It was murder. They rolled right into the muzzles of the concealed eighty-eights and all I could do was stand by and watch tank after tank blown to bits or burst into flames." Dominic Martello served with the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. His unit had been sent forward on February 14 with orders to hold no matter what. German tanks encircled them. They ran out of ammunition, food, and water. On February 18, Martello was captured. He became one of the first American prisoners taken by the Germans in North Africa. By February 16, II Corps had lost 1,600 men, nearly 100 tanks, 57 half-tracks, and 29 artillery pieces. Anderson ordered a withdrawal to the Western Dorsal, the final defensive line protecting Algeria. The passes at Kasserine and Sbiba became the new American positions. But the Axis were far from finished. American POWs being marched to captivity by German soldiers in Tunisia. (Wikimedia Commons) Rommel Pushes Forward Rommel wanted to exploit the victory. He proposed driving west through Kasserine Pass to Tebessa, a major Allied supply base just inside Algeria. Capturing Tebessa would cut Allied supply lines and threaten the entire front. His Italian superiors had other ideas. Comando Supremo in Rome ordered him to split his forces. Attack northwest through both Kasserine and Sbiba toward Thala and Le Kef. Clear the Western Dorsal. Threaten the British First Army's flank. Rommel was furious. The plan dispersed his strength. It exposed his flanks. A concentrated drive on Tebessa made more tactical sense. But he followed orders and launched the attack on February 19. The 21st Panzer Division struck north through Sbiba Pass. They ran into heavy resistance. British, American, and French forces had laid extensive minefields. British artillery hammered the approaching panzers. The 34th Infantry Division held positions on the heights. The 18th Regimental Combat Team from the 1st Infantry Division reinforced them. By February 20, the German attack at Sbiba had stalled completely. The Allies held firm. As he usually did, Rommel decided to ignore his orders. The failure at Sbiba convinced him to concentrate everything on Kasserine Pass. A group of German paratroopers in Tunisia examine a captured Thompson machinegun (Thompson M1928 / M1) in 1943. (Wikimedia Commons) The Pass Falls Colonel Alexander Stark commanded the mixed force defending Kasserine, elements of the 26th Infantry, 19th Combat Engineers, 6th Field Artillery, a tank destroyer battalion, and a French artillery battery. They were spread across a two-mile gap in the mountains. Stark had too few men and too little time to prepare. German reconnaissance units probed the pass on February 19. They found American positions surprisingly strong in the center. Rommel ordered the main assault for February 20. He brought up the 10th Panzer Division, Afrika Korps units, and the Italian Centauro Armored Division. The morning was cold and rainy. Mud covered the rocks. Fog limited visibility. Rommel arrived personally. He saw wrecked American trucks along the road "with dead men sitting at the wheels, evidently shot up by low-level air strikes." The Axis attack started slowly. Heavy vehicles bogged down. Fog grounded the Stuka dive-bombers. American artillery fire forced German infantry to take cover. Rommel committed more forces, panzer regiments, Nebelwerfer rocket launchers nicknamed "Screaming Meemies," and the 5th Bersaglieri Regiment. The Italians infiltrated the American positions during the night. They launched their frontal assault on Djebel Chambi in the early morning hours. German Panzer grenadiers attacked simultaneously in the center. By 1:00 PM, the combined assault broke through, allowing Rommel's armor to advance through the pass. One American ranger later noted the Bersaglieri that overran his position were some of "Italy's toughest troops." He wished that he would never face them again. Italian Semovente self-propelled guns moving toward American lines at Kasserine Pass. (Wikimedia Commons) The 19th Combat Engineer Regiment was left undefended and took the brunt of the attack. Colonel Anderson Moore's men fought until overwhelmed. Tanks and Bersaglieri from the Centauro Division rolled down Highway 13 brushing the Americans aside. Of 1,200 men in the battalion on February 18, only 125 remained by February 19. British reinforcements tried to hold. Brigadier Charles Dunphie sent Gore Force, 11 tanks, infantry, artillery, and anti-tank guns, into the northern exit. They fought a delaying action, but all 11 tanks were destroyed. American units retreated in chaos. Some fell back in good order. Others broke. Some infantry threw down their weapons and stripped their gear off before fleeing. Equipment littered the roads, tanks, half-tracks, guns, trucks. Forward artillery observers abandoned their posts. Some vehicles were completely abandoned in working condition. Axis forces then split into two columns. Rommel personally led the 10th Panzer Division north toward Thala. A combined German-Italian force including the Centauro Division drove west toward Tebessa. American prisoners taken by the Afrika Korps in Tunisia during the Battle of Kasserine Pass. (Wikimedia Commons) The Americans Hold the Line The road to Algeria lay open. But the Americans were ready. Combat Command B under Brigadier General Paul Robinett linked up with the 16th Infantry Regiment from Major General Terry Allen's 1st Infantry Division at Djebel el Hamra. They were done running. Robinett positioned his forces on key terrain within range of each other to provide support. Tanks went hull-down behind ridges. Infantry dug in on the slopes. Anti-tank guns covered all approaches. Forward artillery observers found concealed positions with clear views of the battlefield. They registered fire on every likely avenue of advance. The Afrika Korps assault group came up the Hatab River valley on February 21. American and British artillery opened up. Shells rained down on the German-Italian column. The 5th Bersaglieri, Centauro tanks, and elements of the 15th Panzer Division tried to push through. The Americans held firm. The attack failed. American and French soldiers inspecting a knocked out Italian M15 tank from the Centauro Division. (Army photo) North at Thala, British and American reinforcements arrived throughout February 21 and 22. The 26th Armored Brigade took blocking positions. Most importantly, the 9th Infantry Division's artillery arrived after a four-day, 735-mile forced march from Algeria. When the 10th Panzer Division attacked on February 22, massed Allied artillery destroyed most of the tanks. Communications broke down. The advance stalled. Rommel realized his offensive had failed. He was overextended and fuel was running low. Montgomery's Eighth Army was approaching the Mareth Line, held only by a screen of Italian infantry divisions. Allied air power was growing. On February 22, he ordered a final withdrawal. A massive American air strike occurred on February 23. The bombers hit German positions around the pass. By February 25, Axis forces had pulled back to their starting positions. American troops reoccupied Kasserine Pass, capturing several hundred Italian prisoners. An American GI handing out cigarettes to captured Italian soldiers in Tunisia. (Wikimedia Commons) The Aftermath Allied casualties totaled 10,000, including 6,500 Americans (300 killed, 3,000 wounded, 3,000 captured), plus hundreds of British and French losses. The U.S. also lost 183 tanks, 104 half-tracks, 208 guns, and 512 trucks. Axis casualties were only 2,000, with about 20 tanks destroyed. However, the Germans captured 45 tons of ammunition and 50,000 gallons of fuel. The Army required over 7,000 replacements to bring the mauled units back to full strength. German commanders began dismissing the Americans as a hollow force instead of a formidable enemy. Even the British allegedly began referring to the American Army as "our Italians." Unlike most of his superiors, Rommel came away with respect for his opponents. In his journal, he wrote, "The tactical conduct of the enemy's defense had been first class. They had recovered very quickly after the first shock and had soon succeeded in damming up our advance by grouping their reserves to defend the passes and other suitable points." He was also impressed by American equipment. "British experience has been put to good use in American equipment," he noted. American trucks were superior to anything the Germans had. The M3 half-track, despite thin armor, impressed German commanders with its reliability. Many of the vehicles the Americans lost in the battle were repaired and refitted by Rommel's troops. American forces occasionally destroyed or recovered some of their equipment from enemy forces through the rest of the campaign. Rommel in Tunisia speaking with troops riding a captured American-built M3 half-track. (Wikimedia Commons) Sweeping Changes Eisenhower moved to recover from the disaster. On February 20, he sent Major General Ernest Harmon to assess the situation. Harmon found Fredendall exhausted and defeated. When Harmon arrived at 3:00 AM, Fredendall handed him a note authorizing him to take charge. Then Fredendall went to bed. Harmon reported back that Fredendall was "no damn good." On March 6, Eisenhower relieved him and installed George S. Patton as the new commander of II Corps. The contrast between the generals was stunning. Patton imposed discipline immediately. He led from the front. His expectations were clear. One officer recalled Patton addressing them before a battle. Patton allegedly said he expected to see casualties among staff officers that would convince him a serious effort had been made to take the objective. Eisenhower restructured the command. He created the 18th Army Group under British General Harold Alexander. This unified British, French, and American forces under single operational control. Liaison officers from each nation were spread out among the different units and command staff. The confusion that crippled units at Kasserine disappeared. The Army also implemented sweeping changes. Air superiority became mandatory for ground operations. Units trained as combined arms teams. Artillery learned to mass fires on select targets. Tank destroyers stopped chasing panzers and used defensive tactics such as hull-down positions. Infantry and armor practiced coordinated attacks. Infantry also learned to better prepare defensive positions and how to counter enemy tanks. Meanwhile, equipment improved. New M10 tank destroyers with 75mm guns were issued to the forces. One Army officer noted that the Germans were about to be quite surprised by the new tank destroyer. Most importantly, the Army learned to trust its soldiers. At Djebel el Hamra, the 1st Infantry Division managed to blunt the Axis. At Thala, American units stopped Rommel's final assault. While the battle was lost, it was a failure on leadership, not the common soldier. The Axis retreat and the Tunisian campaign 1942 - 1943: Scores of German and Italian prisoners at Gromalia prisoner of war camp after the fall of Tunis. (Wikimedia Commons) Only a few weeks after taking command, Patton's troops went toe-to-toe with the Afrika Korps at El Guettar and held their own. Meanwhile, Allied forces overran Axis defenses in the north and south, pushing the Axis into a small pocket. By May 1943, Allied forces had trapped them against the Mediterranean coast. On May 13, the last Axis troops in North Africa surrendered. Nearly 250,000 German and Italian troops went into captivity. Dominic Martello survived his 2.5 years as a POW. He credited his sense of humor with keeping him alive. The experience left deep scars however. He suffered flashbacks for the rest of his life. Decades later, reflecting on what he'd been through, he said, "Sometimes I wonder if it really happened." Kasserine Pass exposed every weakness in the American Army, poor intelligence, inadequate training, scattered units, confused command, leaders who couldn't adapt. But it also proved that American soldiers could learn under fire. British commanders at the time noted that it was exactly the experience the U.S. Army needed before conducting massive offensives against the Germans going forward. The American Army that came out of Tunisia never lost another major battle in the European Theater for the rest of the war. Below is a post concerning how Google aids organizations gauge and minimize their carbon impact, following your details instructions. (How Google Is Helping Businesses Worldwide Measure and Reduce Carbon Footprint) Just How Google Is Aiding Businesses Worldwide Step and Minimize Carbon Impact Companies today deal with a large obstacle. They require to understand their effect on the planet. Figuring out carbon emissions feels complicated. Many companies have a hard time to get precise information. Google saw this issue. They determined to utilize their modern technology to help. Now, Google provides tools for organizations worldwide. These tools make determining carbon impacts less complicated. They likewise aid firms find ways to decrease their ecological effect. This is good for the planet. It likewise makes great service feeling. Allows look at what Google is doing. 1. What is Google Doing Regarding Company Carbon Footprints? . Google concentrates on offering companies clear information. They offer tools to track emissions. The major goal is transparency. Companies need to see their carbon data conveniently. Google creates electronic solutions for this. One crucial tool is Carbon Impact for Google Cloud. This reveals business the discharges from their cloud computing use. Another tool is the Ecological Insights Explorer. This aids cities and organizations understand exhausts from buildings and transport. Google additionally shares its own methods. They show how they calculate their carbon footprint. This aids various other business learn. Google thinks sharing knowledge is very important. They wish to make carbon accountancy typical technique. Their tools are commonly complimentary or part of existing solutions. This makes them obtainable to many companies. Google acts like a technology companion for sustainability. They supply the digital framework for eco-friendly objectives. 2. Why Should Services Respect Gauging Discharges? . Disregarding carbon footprints is high-risk. Consumers significantly desire lasting products. Investors seek business handling environmental dangers. Governments are setting stricter climate policies. Services that determine discharges stay ahead. They stay clear of future fines. They develop trust with customers. They likewise discover ways to save money. Power performance reduces prices. Understanding the carbon footprint aids detect waste. Firms can boost their procedures. Determining exhausts is the primary step to reducing them. It shows dedication to the planet. This draws in skill. Employees want to help accountable companies. Organizations gain a competitive edge. They plan for a low-carbon economic situation. Comprehending exhausts is no more optional. It is important for long-lasting success. Googles tools make this important task workable. 3. Just How Does Google In Fact Aid Business Track Carbon? . Google utilizes its strengths in data and AI. Their devices collect complicated information. They turn this right into easy-to-understand reports. Take Carbon Impact for Google Cloud users. It breaks down emissions by task, service, and region. Services see precisely where cloud use triggers carbon result. Google utilizes real-time information. This provides precise images. The Environmental Insights Traveler makes use of mapping technology. It analyzes satellite images and public information. It estimates emissions from buildings and transportation networks. Google additionally provides APIs. These are tools for designers. Organizations can build custom carbon monitoring into their very own apps. Google supplies the core estimations. This conserves business huge initiative. They dont require to design the wheel. Google handles the complicated data scientific research. Businesses obtain actionable understandings. It is practical assistance powered by innovation. 4. Where Are Organizations Using These Google Tools? . Firms make use of Googles devices in several ways. Retail giants track emissions from their online operations. They see the impact of cloud storage space and web traffic. Logistics companies map shipment routes. They locate means to lower gas use and exhausts. Manufacturing firms measure the carbon expense of running factories. They enhance power usage in real-time. Cities use Ecological Insights Explorer. They intend much better public transport. They target developing upgrades where discharges are highest possible. Sustainability experts rely on Googles information. They encourage customers properly. Startups develop environment-friendly applications using Googles sustainability APIs. A food delivery service may reveal the carbon impact of each order. A style brand may track emissions throughout its supply chain. The applications vary. From local business to multinationals, Googles tools offer a foundation. They allow smarter, greener decisions across sectors. 5. Usual Inquiries Regarding Googles Carbon Devices . (How Google Is Helping Businesses Worldwide Measure and Reduce Carbon Footprint) People frequently ask how precise these tools are. Google uses clinical versions and actual data. They frequently work to boost precision. One more question has to do with expense. Many devices, like Environmental Insights Traveler, are totally free. Carbon Footprint for Google Cloud is part of the cloud solution. Companies spend for cloud usage, not extra for the footprint device. Individuals question data personal privacy. Google states plainly that service data continues to be confidential. Discharge records utilize aggregated info. Business ask if they need technical professionals. Some tools offer simple dashboards. Others, like APIs, need programmer input. Google offers guides and support. Businesses ask about the next actions after measuring. Google supplies resources. These aid companies discover reduction techniques. The tools provide the starting point. Activity complies with measurement. iphone 26 Update Information: Protection Fixes and New Characteristic Review (iOS 26 Update Details: Security Fixes and New Features Overview) Apple keeps things progressing. The most recent huge upgrade, iphone 26, is right here. It brings modifications developed to make your iPhone or iPad better. We are speaking about stronger protection and amazing new tools. This overview breaks down what iphone 26 deals. You will certainly see the crucial protection fixes and the fresh features awaiting you. 1. What is the iphone 26 Update? . iphone 26 is the most recent significant software application launch for iPhones and iPads. It complies with iOS 25. Apple releases these huge updates about yearly. They include brand-new capacities and take care of issues. Think of it like obtaining a brand-new toolbox for your tool. This certain update focuses heavily on keeping your details risk-free. It additionally presents means to do things you could not do in the past. It is not just a small tweak. It is a significant step forward for your Apple tool. The upgrade touches lots of parts of the system. It improves how you engage with your phone or tablet computer. It makes day-to-day tasks smoother. It also takes on potential weak spots where hackers may try to get in. Every person using a suitable apple iphone or iPad need to think about mounting it. It maintains your gadget present and safe and secure. You download it directly over the air. No cables are needed. Just ensure you have enough battery or are connected in. The procedure is straightforward and acquainted. 2. Why Focus on Security Repairs in iOS 26? . Security is a massive bargain today. Bad actors frequently look for brand-new ways to take data or cause trouble. Apple understands this threat. They work hard to remain ahead. The protection solutions in iOS 26 are critical. They patch openings discovered given that the last upgrade. These holes might allow assaulters accessibility your gadget. Think about them like splits in a wall surface. The repairs secure those fractures tight. Some repairs attend to very specific, complex susceptabilities. Others improve overall system defenses. Apple rarely provides all the details publicly. They do not wish to provide hackers a roadmap. But know this: these updates are vital. Neglecting them leaves your gadget revealed. Your individual pictures, messages, emails, and passwords can be in jeopardy. Financial applications and private records require defense as well. iphone 26 constructs stronger wall surfaces around your digital life. It makes it a lot harder for burglars to get inside. Updating without delay is just one of the very best points you can do for security. Apple makes these solutions to work quietly in the background. You might not see them, however they are striving for you. They are a core part of the iOS 26 worth. 3. Exactly how Do You Mount the iphone 26 Update? . Obtaining iOS 26 on your gadget is simple. Apple makes it very easy. Initially, guarantee your iPhone or iPad is compatible. More recent models certainly support it. Check Apples site if you are unclear concerning an older gadget. Next off, attach to Wi-Fi. This upgrade is huge. Utilizing cellular data might cost you cash or consume your strategy. Connect your gadget into a charger. Updates take time and power. You do not want the battery passing away halfway with. Currently, open the Settings app. Tap on General. Then select Software program Update. Your device will check for readily available updates. iphone 26 should show up here if it is ready for your phone or tablet computer. Tap Download And Install and Mount. Enter your passcode if asked. The download begins. When downloaded, the installment begins. Your tool will reboot. Do not interrupt it. Simply allow it do its point. The entire procedure may take a while. Be patient. After restarting, your gadget will get on iOS 26. Sometimes you require to adhere to a few even more on-screen prompts. That is it. Your phone or iPad is currently updated. It is wise to do this immediately. Postponing leaves you unsafe from recognized problems. 4. Applications of the New Quality in iOS 26 . Besides security, iphone 26 packs fresh features. These are the enjoyable and helpful parts. They change just how you utilize your device daily. One area getting focus is personalization. You may discover new methods to prepare your Home Screen. Widgets might be a lot more interactive. Maybe you can place them in more areas. Messaging commonly obtains upgrades. Look for enhanced message results or brand-new tapback options. Sharing photos and videos could be smoother. The Video camera app could see renovations also. Maybe much better low-light performance or brand-new portrait modes. Access attributes generally obtain boosts. These assist users with various demands browse their devices much better. Apple Pay or Purse could offer brand-new conveniences. Battery life reporting might be a lot more exact. Control Center, where you change settings promptly, might get a redesign or brand-new toggles. Maps navigating can be smarter. Siri may understand demands better or act faster. Some functions deal with various other Apple gadgets you possess. They make whatever collaborate much more flawlessly. You will discover these new tools as you utilize your phone after updating. They are created to really feel all-natural and practical. They solve small issues or add a little pleasure. Discover your Settings and applications to find them all. 5. FAQs Concerning the iOS 26 Update . People constantly have concerns about big updates. Here are solution to some usual ones. Will iphone 26 reduce my older apple iphone? Apple develops updates to run well on supported tools. You could not see any type of slowdown. Often older phones shed a little battery life briefly after an upgrade. This usually maintains. Is it secure to upgrade immediately? Normally, yes. Apple tests extensively. Major problems are uncommon. Waiting a day or more allows others find any type of early insects is a cautious approach. Suppose something fails during installment? First, do not panic. Provide it time. If stuck, attempt rebooting your device. If problems continue, link to a computer with iTunes or Finder for a bring back. Will all my apps still work? A lot of applications work fine. Some may need their own update from the designer. Examine the App Shop for updates after installing iOS 26. Just how much area do I need? The upgrade requires numerous gigabytes. Check your storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage space. Delete old images, video clips, or applications you do not use to make space if needed. Can I go back to iOS 25 if I do not like it? Apple normally quits signing the previous version within days or weeks. Rolling back becomes impossible really promptly after upgrading. Do I need to pay? No. Significant iphone updates are without Apple. You simply need a suitable device. (iOS 26 Update Details: Security Fixes and New Features Overview) iOS 26 brings crucial safety and security improvements and amazing brand-new abilities. Mounting it shields your gadget and unlocks fresh ways to use your iPhone or iPad. The process is basic. Discover the new functions to obtain the most from your Apple experience. Maintaining your software current is vital to a secure and powerful tool. While Wall Street obsesses over the next hot AI stock or crypto play, two blue-chip dividend stalwarts quietly keep printing money for shareholders: Visa (V) and The Coca-Cola Company (KO). These aren't flashy picks. But over the next decade, they could prove far more valuable than chasing the latest market trend. Visa is a financial services giant with a growing dividend payout.Photo by CardMapr.nl on Unsplash Photo by CardMapr.nl on Unsplash Visa's payment empire keeps expanding Visa sits at the center of the global payments revolution and enjoys a wide competitive moat. In fiscal 2025 (ended in September), Visa processed 258 billion transactions and $14 trillion in payment volume. That's roughly 12 billion endpoints that connect consumers, merchants, and financial institutions worldwide. Notably, Visa is a financial heavyweight that doesn't lend money or take on credit risk. It facilitates transactions and collects fees. That asset-light model generates dividend-friendly steady cash flow across economic cycles. CFO Chris Suh laid out the company's expanding toolkit during recent investor meetings. Value-added services now represent 27% of total revenue, up from just 20% a few years ago. These higher-margin offerings, from fraud prevention to consulting, are growing at a low-to-mid 20% rate. The company's also betting big on emerging payment rails. Visa now supports four different stablecoins across multiple blockchains, with settlement volume hitting a $2.5 billion annual run rate, up more than 100% over the past few months. Then there's the agentic commerce opportunity. As AI-powered agents begin making purchases on our behalf, Visa is building the infrastructure to ensure those transactions are secure and seamless. The company's Visa Intelligent Commerce platform is already processing live transactions. CEO Ryan McInerney summed it up: Translation: Visa's moat continues to expand. Coke's timeless formula for shareholder returns While Visa dominates digital payments, Coca-Cola owns something arguably more valuable: 30 billion-dollar brands in the beverage industry. That's roughly double its nearest competitor, and it represents about 25% of all billion-dollar brands across the global beverage space. CEO James Quincey doesn't take this dominance for granted. During Morgan Stanley's conference, he referenced a 1996 Fortune magazine cover that proclaimed Coke invincible. Five years later, the stock was negative. Ten years out? Still negative. "Do we need any more signs that winning does not guarantee the future?" Quincey told investors. "We've got to stay focused on what we need to do to win next year and the year after." That mindset drives constant evolution. The company's pushing hard into premium dairy with Fairlife, which has grown 10-fold in Mexico since the acquisition. New capacity coming online in 2026 will add 30% more production, finally ending the allocation constraints that have limited growth. Jorge Nicolas was detained by immigration officials after police stopped him for going 6 mph over the speed limit on a rural Upper Peninsula road. Ernesto Cuevas Enciso was heading to a construction job site when border agents showed up. Nael Shamma had just picked up a coffee from Tim Hortons when unmarked vehicles swarmed and agents arrested him. In the year since President Donald Trump took office again under a mass deportation promise, a new era of immigration enforcement has unfolded. The focus shifted from catching people crossing the border to those living inside the country. And as masked agents swept through cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis where escalated enforcement turned deadly this week the dragnet has been quieter in Michigan, catching immigrants one by one. A high schooler deported. Detained parents separated from their children. And a growing number of people are being locked up at a massive U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, detention center that opened in Northern Michigan last summer. The Trump administration has celebrated these efforts for capturing the worst of the worst and deporting more than 605,000 people. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, DHS, says another 1.9 million people left on their own. ICE removed more disgusting monsters including pedophiles, murderers, and fraudsters from American neighborhoods, said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a January statement. But the data paints a different picture: the vast majority of those arrested under this crackdown do not have criminal convictions. And to advocates, immigrants are being plucked from families, communities and workplaces, their absence leaving gaping holes. This isnt a tiny slice of the community that you can simply excise. There are folks who are really connected and integrated into our communities across the state, said Christine Sauve from the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, a nonprofit legal center that fielded 5,000 calls from detained immigrants last year. A surprise detention leads to deportation Alee Vang, 47 from Lansing, had been checking in with ICE for 25 years when he showed up to an appointment and never went home again. Vang moved to the United States as a teenager in 1994 after his family fled Thailand as Hmong refugees. His dad died helping the U.S. military fight a secret war in Laos. But at 18, Vang was arrested for a home invasion, said his wife Brooke Thao, and took a plea deal. He didnt know hed lose his green card because of it. Years later, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against this practice, deciding lawyers need to tell immigrants they could get deported for taking plea deals. But it was too late for Vang, who now faced deportation. As a refugee, he wasnt accepted by Laos. The U.S. government opted, instead, to keep tabs with an order of supervision while Vang tried again and again to fix his immigration status. Over the years, he got married, raised seven children and worked nights making orthopedic bones and surgical equipment to provide for his family. Despite the exhaustion, he always made time for us, his daughter Sailormoon Vang wrote in a GoFundMe that raised more than $26,000 for her dad. An undated photo of Alee Vang, 47, and his wife Brooke Thao, 41. Vang, who has lived in the United States since 1994, was detained when he showed up to an appointment with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement on Nov. 5, 2025. (Photo provided by Sailormoon Vang) Photo provided by Sailormoon Vang But that changed when Alee Vang checked in at the Grand Rapids ICE office on Nov. 5. Twenty minutes after arriving, he was arrested and taken 86 miles north to North Lake Processing Center, an 1,800-bed detention center in Baldwin. While there, Vangs health declined. Headaches, blurry vision and his blood pressure soaring, he was rushed to the hospital the night before Thanksgiving. A 911 call made that night reported a 47-year-old man with a concerning EKG and possible heart attack, according to documents obtained by the Freedom of Information Act. Three weeks later, Vang was deported to Laos. His wife and seven children, all U.S. citizens, remain in Michigan. We grew up together, said Thao, 41. Hes been my stronghold. Hes been my shield to everything. And now without him, I feel completely lost. Arrests climb Vang was one of more than 2,300 immigrants who were scooped up by ICE in Michigan from January through Oct. 15 last year. Arrests accelerated as the agency shifted its tactics under the Trump administrations goal to deport a million people a year. Immigration officials previously targeted people who committed serious crimes or were caught crossing the border. But Sauve says broad sweeps are now catching people who have lived in the country for years or have pending immigration cases. The biggest change has been widening that scope, expanding that net of who can be considered for removal, she said. By mid-October, Michigan ICE arrests had more than doubled from 2024 to 2025 going from 952 to 2,349 according to latest available data from the Deportation Data Project, a group of lawyers and academics using the Freedom of Information Act to get arrest details. That doesnt include any arrests made after Oct. 15 or those from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a separate immigration agency that has the authority to treat the entire state of Michigan as a border zone. But behind growing numbers are two Detroit teenagers who were awoken by ICE agents in the wee hours of the morning and sent to a Texas detention facility. There was an Ann Arbor dad detained while dropping his son off at school. And an unknown number of people who made wrong turns, landing on the Ambassador Bridge at the border with Canada. A federal operation at an Upper Peninsula sawmill also led to nearly a dozen arrests. At the end of July, DHS led an investigation into Forte Industries, a wooden pallet manufacturer, according to a press release from the Menominee County Sheriffs Office. Additional details were not provided, but a string of emails obtained by the Freedom of Information Act provide some breadcrumbs about the raid. It was a successful operation, a federal agent wrote in a July 24 email to nearly a dozen other agencies including ICE, Border Patrol and Homeland Security. Arrested 10 today 9 illegals processed, and 1 illegal has full extradition felony warrant for fraud out of Green Bay, WI. That raid occurred as the pace of arrests sped up Michigan. They jumped 230% over the year when comparing 2024s daily average to the daily average since Trump took office, an MLive analysis of arrest data found. ICE was arresting an average of nearly 12 people a day in October last year, compared to roughly three daily arrests in October 2024. Of those arrested by ICE in Michigan last year, nearly three-quarters did not have criminal convictions. Sauve says the heightened enforcement is tearing communities apart. Theres no way to remove that many people without disrupting our economies, disrupting community life and having negative impacts on U.S. born community members, she said. Shelda Gusteme at Sheldy Focus Market, the Haitian general store she owns and operates with her husband, on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Coldwater, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com Michigan communities that lean on immigrant workers have felt this strain. Coldwater, a town north of the Indiana border, became a hub for Haitians fleeing gang violence with many settling there to work at Clemens, a pork processing plant that opened in 2018. But some started to lose their jobs after the Trump administration said Haitians would no longer have Temporary Protected Status, a program that allows immigrants to legally live and work here if their countries are unsafe, by February. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Venezuela, Honduras, Afghanistan and others are also set to lose their temporary protected status. Many currently work in manufacturing, construction and warehousing, contributing billions to the economy. Detained for longer As arrests picked up, detention beds ran low. So, the Trump administration turned to for-profit prison firms to reopen shuttered facilities as large detention centers. One of those was North Lake, an old Baldwin prison with a spotty track record. Owned by GEO Group, it promised to become the largest detention facility in the Midwest and create nearly 500 jobs in one of Michigans poorest counties. In exchange, the private prison firm expected to generate $85 million in the first year of operation. An aerial image of the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Mich. is the largest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in the Midwest. With 1,800 beds, it's owned and operated by GEO Group, a private prison company that landed a federal contract to reopen the former prison in 2025. It's the only for-profit, private immigration detention center in Michigan. Joel Bissell | MLive.com In total, GEO Group landed $460 million in new federal contracts last year to house ICE detainees at four facilities. Executive Chairman George Zoley told investors in November it marked the largest amount of new business that we have won in a single year in our companys history. The ACLU of Michigan, the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, and advocacy groups like No Detention Centers Michigan have all opposed North Lakes reopening. Since opening in June, the North Lake population has swelled to nearly 1,400 far overshadowing the 370 immigrants being held in Michigans four other detention centers, all local jails with ICE contracts. At the same time, national detention numbers hit an all-time high of 68,990 by the end of the year. In the past, the federal government recognized its not a good use of taxpayer dollars to pay for detention, Sauve said, so people were usually released to go back home while their case moved through the courts. But the Trump administration has been keeping immigrants detained under a new policy that denies bond to a broader swath of people. Some have been held for months, even though being in the United States illegally is a civil violation, not criminal, only to be deported. The policy, which rolled out in July, has been challenged repeatedly by immigrants detained in Michigan. And in December, it was deemed illegal by a federal court in California, which ruled immigrants nationwide should be given bond hearings. But Sauve says people are still languishing in detention. And that seems intentional because it pushes people to give up their rights and their legal claims, just escape the physical and mental suffering, she said. Concerns have grown over conditions at North Lake after a Bulgarian man died there in early December. ICE suspects Nenko Stanev Gantchev, 56, died of natural causes, but his family is reportedly requesting a second autopsy while Michigan lawmakers keep pushing for answers. Gantchev was one of 32 people to die in ICE custody last year a two-decade high. As deaths mounted, hitting a higher rate than in 2024, immigration advocates held a Day of the Dead vigil on Nov. 1 outside the Grand Rapids ICE office. It gives us an impulse to continue fighting so that no detention centers would be in our community and that the ones that exist, especially the for-profit ones, will close, said Gema Lowe, an organizer with Movimiento Cosecha GR, an immigrant rights group. Gema Lowe, an organizer with Movimiento Cosecha GR, speaking at a Day of the Dead vigil on Nov. 1, 2025. The vigil was held outside a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement officer in Grand Rapids to honor people who died in immigration detention. (Photo by Rose White | MLive) Rose White | MLive Protests also popped up outside North Lake throughout the year. Other groups have been pushing for cities like Grand Rapids to adopt sanctuary policies, like prohibiting police from partnering with immigration officials. And rallies have recently been held throughout the state, in the days after an ICE agent shot a woman in Minneapolis. I think we need bring visibility to the crisis that were facing with ICE in our communities and how the violence is being ratcheted up by the administration, said Stuart Saints, an 81-year-old Vietnam war veteran who attended the Day of the Dead vigil in Grand Rapids. For the federal government, its plowing ahead by bolstering immigration enforcement. It doubled the number of ICE agents last year. And it will pour $170 billion into the effort over the next four years, with most of the funding going toward arresting, detaining and deporting immigrants. DHS says its a new year, same mission. FRENCHTOWN TOWNSHIP, MI - A woman is in serious condition after a crash that shut down a Monroe-area road for several hours on Saturday. A 50-year-old woman from Southgate was attempting to turn from Heiss Road onto North Telegraph Road around 3 p.m. on Jan. 10 when she was struck by a vehicle going northeast, according to a release from the Monroe County Sheriffs Office. Both cars spun due to the crash, police said. Airbags deployed in both vehicles. The other vehicle was driven by a 42-year-old man from Monroe and had a 41-year-old and a child passenger. All three were wearing safety belts and were released from the scene. The 40-year-old woman, who was also wearing her seat belt, was taken to Corewell Health Trenton Hospital. She is in serious but stable condition, police said. Police believe failing to yield was a factor in the crash. The crash closed Telegraph Road, also known as U.S. 24, in both directions, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The road was closed between Heiss Road and M-125, also known as Monroe Street. The area is in Frenchtown Township, near the city of Monroe. The road reopened shortly before 8 p.m., according to the transportation department. The Monroe County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Frenchtown Township Fire Department, Monroe Community Ambulance, Michigan Department of Transportation and the Monroe County Sheriffs Office Victim Services Unit and Chaplain Program. ANN ARBOR, MI From high-end condos to high-rise apartments and University of Michigan dorms, thousands of new housing units are coming to Ann Arbor. And soon city leaders will finalize a plan to accelerate development even more. Heres a look at over 50 Ann Arbor projects in various stages of planning or construction to watch in 2026. 1. The Metropolitan Plans for an 18-story high-rise now dubbed The Metropolitan at 1208 South University Ave. in Ann Arbor. Myefski Architects The old Pinball Petes and Galleria Mall at 1208 South University Ave. are about to be demolished to make way for an 18-story high-rise called The Metropolitan. Plans include 259 apartments with nearly 1,000 beds catering to University of Michigan students, plus three new ground-floor retail spaces. Pinball Petes is moving into a new home on Liberty Street. 2. The Dean A rendering showing plans for The Dean apartment high-rise along Madison Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues in Ann Arbor. Pennsylvania-based real estate developer GMH Communities is working on the proposed project with Minneapolis-based ESG Architecture and Design, local architect Brad Moore and Midwestern Consulting. ESG Architecture and Design A 14-story high-rise called The Dean is proposed along Madison Street across from UMs marching band practice field. A conceptual plan shows 220 apartments, including studios and one- to five-bedroom units designed for students, young professionals, visiting professors and faculty. 3. Affordable high-rise A drawing released on June 4, 2025, showing the design for a 20-story affordable housing development at 350 S. Fifth Ave. in downtown Ann Arbor. Provided by Ann Arbor Housing Commission, Related Midwest and SmithGroup The Ann Arbor Housing Commissions long-planned, 20-story high-rise at 350 S. Fifth Ave. is expected to break ground in 2026. At a cost of over $200 million, it represents a massive investment in affordable housing, with 330 apartments for low- to moderate-income households, plus ground-floor commercial space. 4. Chapter The Chapter high-rise in the early stages of construction next to the 1960s-era University Towers on South University Avenue in Ann Arbor on Jan. 7, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The 19-story Chapter high-rise under construction at South U and Church Street is expected to bring 183 apartments with 625 beds catering to students, plus new ground-floor retail space. Its rising next to the 1960s-era University Towers. 5. Hub on Campus William The Hub on Campus William high-rise under construction along William Street next to the downtown library in Ann Arbor on Jan. 7, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Construction continues on a 16-story, 202-unit apartment high-rise on William Street next to the downtown library, with an expected fall 2026 opening. Its marketed as a fresh take on student living close to campus. 6. Hub on Campus State The Hub on Campus State high-rise under construction along State Street in Ann Arbor on Dec. 9, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The 15-story high-rise under construction next to Dominos Pizza at State and Packard streets, previously dubbed Five Corners, is expected to bring 368 apartments and 1,217 beds catering to students. 7. Hub on Campus Church Boarded-up structures awaiting demolition for another high-rise development on Church Street in Ann Arbor on Jan. 7, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News A 19-story high-rise is coming at 625 Church St. next to Ricks nightclub where several boarded-up structures await demolition. Plans include 198 apartments with about 700 beds catering to students. There were tentative plans for a new basement commercial space for Ricks, but that has been scrapped. The developer has hinted at a phase-two building to come where Ricks stands, with plans to try to accommodate the nightclub. 8. Rambler The Rambler high-rise under construction on Church Street in Ann Arbor on Jan. 7, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The 17-story high-rise underway at 711 Church St., is bringing 273 luxury-branded apartments geared toward students. Plans include a ground-floor cafe. 9. Huron high-rise A conceptual rendering for a 10-story development at 315 W. Huron St. presented to the Ann Arbor Planning Commission on Dec. 2, 2025. (Hobbs and Black Architects) Hobbs and Black Architects A 10-story high-rise is proposed to replace the Live nightclub, Last Word bar and adjacent structures at First and Huron streets. Plans call for 285 apartments that, unlike most downtown high-rises, would not be oriented toward students. 10. Downtown library high-rise Ann Arbor's Library Lane parking lot, the downtown library and a new high-rise rising next to the library on Jan. 7, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News After voters last year approved a land deal, the Ann Arbor District Library is planning to hire a development consultant and go through a design process for a new mixed-use high-rise that would include a new library on the lower levels, plus housing and other uses. Construction is not expected in 2026, but the eventual new building would replace the current library on Fifth Avenue and extend to the citys Library Lane parking lot next door. 11. Arbor South A new drawing released in November 2024 showing the proposed Arbor South development off State Street and Eisenhower Parkway in Ann Arbor. Lord Aeck Sargent The city is considering a major tax deal to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into a development proposed off State Street and Eisenhower Parkway, including building three new public parking decks for it. Plans call for about 1,000 new apartments, including about 200 designated as affordable housing, plus 30 condos, a 205-room hotel, about 100,000 square feet of retail/commercial space and open space. 12. Detroit Street condos New condos under construction at 330 Detroit St. in Ann Arbor on Jan. 7, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News A 15-unit, luxury-branded condo building is nearing completion at 330 Detroit. St. 13. Market Place An advertisement for new condos coming with the commercial-to-residential conversion of the Market Place complex at 303 Detroit St. in Ann Arbor on Jan. 7, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News A conversion of the four-story Market Place complex at 303 Detroit St. is underway to create high-end condos out of previous commercial space. Its now planned to be 18 units. 14. Miller Avenue condos An eight-unit condo building, at left in white, nearing completion at 212 Miller Ave. in Ann Arbor on Jan. 10, 2026. Next to it is another condo development completed in recent years by the same developer. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News An eight-unit condo building is just about complete and closing on sales at 212 Miller Ave. 15. First Street condos A proposed condo development site at 400 N. First St. in Ann Arbor on Jan. 10, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Plans were submitted for a six-story, 48-unit condo development at 400 N. First St., but the developer is now considering a four-story building with just under 20 townhomes. 16. The Bridge Ann Arbor builder Doug Selby stands in front of The Bridge, a four-unit condo development under construction at 530 N. Division St. on July 24, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News An eco-friendly quadplex called The Bridge is entering the finishing stages of construction at 530 N. Division St. Designed to be net zero for energy use, the four luxury-branded condos hit the market last summer, priced from about $1.4 million to $2.4 million, and three are still for sale. 17. Braun Court Plans for a seven-story condo development to replace the Braun Court commercial courtyard in Ann Arbor as presented to the city's Planning Commission on May 6, 2025. Lorcan OHerlihy Architects A seven-story condo development is approved to replace Kerrytowns Braun Court commercial courtyard, which is already partially demolished. Construction is expected to start soon on the roughly 36 new condos. 18. Dunbar Tower The Ann Arbor Housing Commission's Dunbar Tower under construction at Fourth Avenue and Catherine Street on Jan. 7, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The Housing Commissions six-story, 63-unit affordable apartment development in partnership with Avalon Housing is nearing completion at Fourth Avenue and Catherine Street. 19. RiverNorth condos A rendering for the RiverNorth development on Longshore Drive in Ann Arbor. Provided by developer A row of 10 high-end condos is underway on Longshore Drive across from Argo Nature Area. 20. J. Sinclair Luxury Penthouses A rendering of the 15-unit condo building proposed to overlook Ann Arbor's Argo Cascades from 416 Longshore Drive. Hobbs and Black Architects A planned condo development overlooking Argo Cascades at 416 Longshore Drive was approved in 2024 but has yet to go forward. The project has aimed to redefine luxury in Ann Arbor with 15 condos priced a year ago at $2.8 million to $4.9 million. But its website shows only one of the 15 units reserved so far no change from a year ago. 21. Apartments next to Trader Joes 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) A six-story building with about 300 apartments and three townhome buildings with another 12 rental units are proposed next to Trader Joes on East Stadium Boulevard. 22. The Crescent A rendering of the five-story apartment development known as The Crescent proposed along Ann Arbor-Saline Road next to Whole Foods on Ann Arbor's south side. Krieger Klatt Architects A five-story, 262-apartment project is approved for development next to Whole Foods on Ann Arbor-Saline Road. 23. Veridian at County Farm Construction continues on the solar-powered Veridian at County Farm housing development on Platt Road in Ann Arbor with another multifamily residential building underway at the front of the site on Nov. 28, 2025. It's been redesigned to eliminate garages and a car lane, allowing more green space and bioswales. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Construction continues to complete the solar-powered, eco-friendly development off Platt Road where several residents already have moved into finished units. Nearly 100 market-rate homes are being built alongside an already completed 50-unit affordable housing complex. 24. Arbour on Main The newly unveiled design for the Arbour on Main apartment development on Ann Arbor's Main Street, just down the street from the University of Michigan's Big House, which inspired the design by McIntosh Poris Associates with consulting architect J Bradley Moore and Associates Architects. McIntosh Poris Associates A roughly 450-unit apartment complex with a Big House-inspired design is coming to South Main Street. After some delays and time spent working out engineering and water/stormwater issues, the developer expects approvals to advance construction soon. 25. Village of Ann Arbor The amended Village of Ann Arbor site plan submitted to the city of Ann Arbor for approval on April 19, 2023, showing both phase one and phase two of the project. Land Design Studio courtesy of Robertson Brothers Homes Work is slated to begin later this year for 600-plus housing units off Pontiac Trail and Dhu Varren Road. 26. 75 South Plans for 75 attached townhomes in 12 buildings off Scio Church Road and Ann Arbor-Saline Road in southwest Ann Arbor. Land Design Studio courtesy of Robertson Brothers Homes A 75-unit townhouse development is expected to go forward on Scio Church Road off Ann Arbor-Saline Road, bringing 12 new three-story condo buildings. 27. The Enclave of Ann Arbor A property at 2857 Packard Road in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, Oct. 8 2019. A development agreement is in place for 35 detached, single-story condos on a tree-filled site at 2857 Packard Road. The developer aims to go forward this year. 28. Savanna at South Pond An old map of the South Pond Village development site behind the Arborland shopping mall in Ann Arbor. The 73-home project is now being called Savanna at South Pond. City of Ann Arbor A developer is reviving a years-old plan for 73 single-family homes behind Arborland with plans to go forward this year. 29. Klines lot Joe Giant, the city's economic development director, discusses plans for the Kline's lot during the Ann Arbor Planning Commission's walking tour of downtown-area development sites on Oct. 21, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The city is negotiating the sale of the Klines parking lot along Ashley Street to a developer envisioning two 180-foot-tall towers with 554 housing units and ground-floor retail space. 30. 415 W. Washington The city-owned 415 W. Washington St. property in downtown Ann Arbor on Aug. 4, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The city is negotiating the sale of the vacant site across from the YMCA to a developer envisioning 100 housing units. 31. Beekman on Broadway The Beekman on Broadway development site in Ann Arbor with two of three apartment building phases complete on Dec. 30, 2024. The third phase bringing more apartments will take shape on the open field at right. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News A seven-story building with nearly 200 new apartments is approved for development along Maiden Lane off Broadway Street as the third and final phase of Beekman on Broadway. The developer has been holding off on going forward while monitoring the market for the optimal time to proceed. 32. Broadway Park West Ann Arbor's newly opened Broadway Park West along the Huron River on Sept. 29, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Ann Arbors newest riverfront park opened along the Huron River off Broadway Street in September. Still coming as part of the mixed-use development is an event pavilion, 96 for-sale condos on six floors connected to a parking deck, a four-story apartment building with 22 units, ground-floor commercial spaces and a nine-story hotel with 148 rooms and a riverfront restaurant. 33. Briarwood Mall redevelopment The Harlan apartment complex takes shape on the Briarwood Mall property in Ann Arbor on Jan. 4, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News A new luxury-branded apartment complex called The Harlan is nearing completion on the Briarwood Mall property, bringing 370 apartments alongside a new Harvest Market grocery store with a farmhouse restaurant. Other new retailers coming include a Dicks Sporting Goods store. 34. SouthTown The new design for the eight-story SouthTown development at 1601 S. State St. in Ann Arbor. SmithGroup Demolition work went forward recently for an eight-story apartment development planned to replace an entire neighborhood block at 1601 S. State St. A new plan awaiting city approval calls for 289 apartments. 35. AC Hotels by Marriott A new AC Hotels by Marriott under construction at Huron Street and Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor on Jan. 7, 2026. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News A six-story, 139-room boutique hotel with a bar serving food and drinks is nearing completion across from city hall on Huron Street. 36. Union at A2 A design rendering of the Union at A2, a 250-unit affordable housing development coming to 2050 Commerce Blvd. in Ann Arbor. The Annex Group has been working on the project with design firm BKV Group and local architect Brad Moore. Provided by The Annex Group The 250-unit Union at A2 affordable housing development is underway at 2050 Commerce Blvd. on the citys west side. 37. The George A rendering showing plans for a four-story building addition at The George apartment complex on Packard Street in Ann Arbor. Bowers and Associates Plans are approved to add another four-story building to The George apartment complex at 2502 Packard St., bringing 46 new apartments and ground-floor retail space. 38. Owl Creek Owl Creek Apartments, 3400 Nixon Road in Ann Arbor. MLive file photo. Jacob Hamilton | The Ann Arbor News Phase two of Owl Creek apartments in northeast Ann Arbor is approved for development. A new five-story building could add 131 more apartments. 39. Hickory Way An architectural rendering by Fusco, Shaffer and Pappas Inc. of nonprofit Avalon Housing's proposed four-story, 39-unit third phase of the Hickory Way Apartments development at 1146 S. Maple Road in Ann Arbor. Fusco, Shaffer and Pappas Inc. A recent award of low-income housing tax credits allows Avalon Housing to go forward with the third phase of its apartment complex at 1146 S. Maple Road. A four-story building with 39 more affordable units will add to 70 already built. 40. Near North A rendering of the six-story Near North development proposed at 700 N. Main St. in Ann Arbor. Alexander V. Bogaerts and Associates A six-story 64-unit housing development is proposed on vacant land at 700 N. Main St. 41. Victory Inn The Victory Inn and Suites at 3750 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor. MLive file photo. Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Plans are approved to demolish the Victory Inn and Suites at 3750 Washtenaw Ave. and replace it with a new four-story hotel with nearly 160 rooms. The project has yet to start and the city has an ongoing court case against the owner. 42. Lockwood on State Lockwood Development has unveiled plans for a four-story, 66-unit affordable housing development at 3695 S. State St. in Ann Arbor. Hooker DeJong A four-story, 66-unit affordable housing development is proposed at 3695 S. State St. 43. Townie Homes A rendering showing what Townie Homes could look like along Scio Church Road in Ann Arbor. Chris Allen The Ann Arbor Community Land Trust is working to bring a new model of housing to town with homes affordably priced from $125,000 to $350,000. Proposed tax incentives for 10 properties would support the development of 26 single-family homes and accessory dwelling units. 44. Pallet home village City officials in December pitched the idea of possibly 25 to 50 temporary tiny homes as a response to a growing homelessness crisis. No specific location was proposed. 45. Dexter Road townhomes Seven three-story buildings are proposed to bring 30 townhomes to 3400 Dexter Road, with the 4.3-acre property proposed to be annexed into the city from Scio Township. 46. Ann Arbor-Saline Road townhomes Plans are in the works for a 37-unit, three-story residential townhome community at 2250 Ann Arbor-Saline Road. 47. South Main Street A five-story, 61-unit housing development is proposed at 2900 S. Main St. 48. Graduate hotel addition The Graduate hotel on Huron Street in downtown Ann Arbor on Aug. 11, 2025. A rooftop addition is proposed to add a 15th floor with a bar/lounge and private event space. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News A rooftop addition is proposed to add a 15th floor with a bar/lounge and private event space for the Huron Street hotel. 49. Marriott hotel Plans are in the works for a 118-room, five-story Marriott Springhill Suites hotel at 2295 S. State St. 50. Affordable senior housing Plans were submitted for a four-story development with about 50 affordable senior housing units at 3551 Packard Road. 51. Jefferson Street townhomes A drawing of a new six-unit townhouse-style apartment building planned to be built at 318 E. Jefferson St. near downtown Ann Arbor. Lewis Greenspoon Architects A three-story, six-unit townhome-style apartment development was approved for 318 E. Jefferson St. It includes two four-bedroom units and four six-bedroom units. 52. Central Campus dorms phase one New University of Michigan student dorms under construction at the corner of Hill and Division streets in Ann Arbor on Dec. 9, 2025. They're expected to open next summer for the 2026-27 school year. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Five new UM dorm buildings taking shape on the old Elbel Field property along Hill Street, ranging from five to seven stories tall, are expected to add 2,300 campus beds this summer. 53. Central Campus dorms phase two A view to the south from Madison Street just east of Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor, looking across a large swath of land cleared to make way for new University of Michigan dorms on Nov. 22, 2025. Off in the distance, other UM dorms are under construction along Hill Street. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News About 50 residential structures to the north of the current dorm construction site off Hill Street also have been demolished by UM to make way for more dorms as a phase-two project expected to add about 2,500 more campus beds. Other projects in the works aim to bring even more change to Ann Arbor. Stay tuned on MLives Ann Arbor development page. Data centers, revitalizing downtowns: Developments outside Ann Arbor to watch in 2026 Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. The story has been updated with comments from Regent Michael Behm and information on the Jan. 12 Board of Regents special meeting. ANN ARBOR, MI The next University of Michigan president is a UM alumnus and New York resident. Kent Syverud, chancellor of Syracuse University, will be the next UM president and will replace interim President Domenico Grasso, sources close to the presidential search process said. Syverud has served as the 12th chancellor of Syracuse University since January 2014, according to his Syracuse University College of Law profile. The university previously announced in August 2025 Syverud will step down from his chancellor role at the end of the 2025-26 school year, Syracuse.com reported. The UM Board of Regents will have a special meeting to formally elect the next university president at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan 12. Hell be terrific, UM Regent Michael Behm said. Hes just who were looking for to lead the university. Behm called Syverud a fearless listener and said he is interested in achieving great things across the three campuses. He takes meetings with anyone and everyone, which is something I think that we sorely miss from a leader at UM, Behm said. He has a track record of imagining goals and making them reality. Before leading Syracuse University, Syverud was the dean and a university professor at Washington University in St. Louis from 2006 to 2013. Before joining Washington University in St. Louis, Syverud served as the dean at Vanderbilt Law School for eight years. He was on the faculty at the UM law school from 1987 to 1997. He received tenure in 1992 and became an associate dean for academic affairs in 1995. He was also a witness for UM in the Supreme Court case Grutter v. Bollinger. The 2003 case upheld UM Law Schools limited use of race in admissions, as the majority held that admissions policies that favored underrepresented minorities did not violate the Constitutions Equal Protection Clause as long as other factors were taken into account on an individuals application. Read more: Despite SCOTUS affirmative action ban, University of Michigan still seeks diversity Syverud received his bachelors degree from Georgetown University and his masters and law degrees from UM. He was a law clerk for Judge Louis Oberdorfer of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor after receiving his UM degrees. He practiced litigation and insurance law at the law firm Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering in Washington, D.C., from 1985 to 1987, before returning to UM as a faculty member. Grasso, past chancellor of the Dearborn campus, has been interim president since May 2025, when former President Santa Ono stepped down in an attempt to become president of the University of Florida. Syverud will be the fifth president to lead this decade. Former President Mark Schlissel served for seven and a half years, from July 2014 to January 2022, until he was fired for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a university employee. Former President Mary Sue Coleman returned in an interim capacity for nine months until Ono became president. He led UM for a little over two and a half years, from October 2022 to May 2025, until he stepped down and Grasso entered the role in an interim capacity. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The seventh annual World of Winter Festival has officially begun. Designed to bring folks outside during the depths of Michigans winter, the free festival is hosting events across downtown Grand Rapids until Sunday, March 1. Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. kicked things off with the Fire & Ice show on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Rosa Parks Circle. Figure skaters, fire performers and the Grand Rapids Griffins wowed the crowd with performances and a skills competition at the ice rink. Other activities include art installations, a drag performance with winners from MTVs RuPauls Drag Race and a Human Hungry Hippo tournament. For more information, visit the festivals website at worldofwintergr.com. MLive/Grand Rapids Press photojournalist Chloe Trofatter was there to capture the event. Check out the full gallery above, or click here. A few days before Thanksgiving, a 55-year-old woman was taken into custody for allegedly smothering her 11-year-old adoptive daughter. A couple of days after the holiday, a 27-year-old woman was arrested after she allegedly admitted to detectives that she suffocated her toddler nearly three months prior. The two children died in neighboring West Michigan counties separated by roughly 35 miles. Criminal cases against the mothers, Sherry Lee Leak in Muskegon County and Irene Aiyana Whitehead in Kent County, left the two communities stunned. The horrifying details of their cases were news headlines for days. It has been over a month since Leak and Whitehead last appeared in a courtroom. It will be another month if not longer before the two women appear before a judge again. Both women face homicide-related charges. Neither woman has a criminal history. Leak is charged with manslaughter, a 15-year felony. She remains free on a $300,000 bond. Whitehead faces open murder and first-degree child abuse charges. She is being held without bond at the county jail. Preliminary examinations for Leak and Whitehead are scheduled to begin in February where district court judges will hear testimony and review evidence to determine if the respective cases move forward to trial. Ahead of the hearings, here is everything we know about each case: People v. Leak The case began Nov. 23 when Fruitport Township police responded to the Leak family home, in the Clover Estates Mobile Home Community, on a report of an unresponsive child. When rescuers arrived, they could not revive 11-year-old Mialah Leak who was later pronounced dead. Leak was the only person home with Mialah when she allegedly sat on the girl until she stopped breathing, Muskegon County prosecutors said. Pictured is Mialah Leak, 11, who died on Sunday, Nov. 23, from injuries suffered allegedly by her adoptive mother, Sherry Leak. Leak was arraigned on Tuesday, Nov. 25, in Muskegon County District Court and charged with manslaughter. Photo provided by Josephine Smith Mialah and her twin sister were adopted by Leak through Childrens Protective Services (CPS) in 2017 or 2018, according to prosecutors. After Leaks arrest, CPS began the process to terminate the womans parental rights to Mialahs twin sister. A trial to terminate Leaks parental rights has been adjourned until at least late February or early March, Muskegon County Chief Trial Attorney Matt Roberts told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. Generally, these types of cases are on hold until the criminal case either resolves or theres a better idea of what will happen on the criminal side, Roberts said. Mialahs biological family attended Leaks arraignment on Nov. 25 in Muskegon County District Court. Family members described the girl as a beautiful princess. That woman needs to be behind bars, Josephine Smith, Mialahs great-aunt, told reporters. Mialahs sister was placed in CPS custody with social workers looking to find a new home for the girl, prosecutors previously said. Leak is scheduled to appear Feb. 9 before Judge Maria Ladas Hoopes for a preliminary examination. However, a stipulation to adjourn the hearing was filed Thursday, Jan. 8, court records show. People v. Whitehead Detectives with the Kent County Sheriffs Office took Whitehead into custody Nov. 25 for questioning regarding the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Ryleigh Whitehead. Ryleigh died Sept. 3, 2025, at the Whitehead family home in Cedar Springs. First responders were called on a report of a child not breathing. Whitehead told police her daughter experienced some type of breathing episode that caused the problem. Ryleigh was pronounced dead at the scene. The girls death was initially ruled undetermined. However, a Kent County medical examiner ruled that suffocation or smothering could not be excluded. Three months after Ryleigh died, police questioned Whitehead about the death. Whitehead admitted to detectives she held a bag over Ryleighs mouth for a couple of minutes, killing her, police wrote in an affidavit. She allegedly claimed she couldnt handle being a parent and hearing Ryleigh cry. Other alleged confessions also came to light during the interview, according to police. Whitehead allegedly admitted she killed her 2-month-old son, Leonard Whitehead, in 2021. Irene Whitehead (top right) during her arraignment Monday, Dec. 1 in Kent County District Court. She is accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter. (John Tunison | MLive) John Tunison Leonard died Sept. 25 that year. His death was ruled natural, with the cause listed as parainfluenza viral-type pneumonia. Foul play was not suspected at the time of his death. An investigation was completed but Whitehead was not taken into custody. During the course of our interview with Irene and the 2-year-olds death, she made statements that she had indeed killed Leo as well, Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young said at a press conference in December. Police launched an investigation into Leonards death about two weeks after Whiteheads arrest. That investigation is pending. Whitehead has a court appearance Feb. 9 before Judge Jeffrey OHara. She will appear in Kent Countys 63rd District Court for a preliminary examination. JACKSON, MI Trenton Lisle Solomon, a serial stalker, showed up at a womans apartment in 2015 with a car full of girls and was furious she would not let him in, court records show. He tried to break in using a credit card on the door but failed. He then spent the next three hours outside her home in the parking lot sending her photos of the outside of her building, texting her she needed eyes in the back of her head, records show, leading the woman to obtain a personal protection order. Solomon, 51, has a long history of criminal behavior leading up to and including what has him now in prison, according to court records reviewed by MLive/ The Jackson Citizen Patriot. He has four prior felony convictions, 13 misdemeanor convictions and 17 personal protection orders entered against him. He had been granted probation six times and paroled four times. The states top prosecutor, Attorney General Dana Nessel, found his record so alarming her office intervened in his intended parole. He was prepped to leave the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility in Jackson County until Nessel filed a motion Dec. 15 in Jackson County Circuit Court requesting a pause on Solomons release and on Dec. 17, an emergency appeal was granted to reverse the parole the Michigan Department of Corrections granted him in November. People who have been victims of stalking and violence shouldnt have to live in fear because someone with a long history of criminal behavior is being prematurely released, Nessel said in a statement. My office acted to protect the victims in this case, and for their safety and the safety of others, Mr. Solomon should remain in prison. Solomons original projected parole date was Dec. 16. Hes been at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility and will remain there until further ordered by the court. If the court rules in favor of the AG, the parole will be denied, Michigan Department of Corrections Public Information Officer Jenni Riehle said. The parole denial is limited to 12 months. After 12 months, the parole consideration process begins again. In 2015 Solomon was arrested for domestic violence after beating his then girlfriend. The woman filed a personal protection order against him. Another personal protection order was filed against Solomon by a different woman in 2017, five months after their relationship ended. The woman told police she agreed to let Solomon stay at her home for a night after they had broken up so he could get some sleep and clean himself up, court records show. He refused to leave as agreed to, threatened to harm the womans 5-year-old daughter and threatened the woman, saying he would bash her skull in, records show. Two more personal protection orders were filed against Solomon in 2018 by two more woman who he had threatened. One woman, who was in a relationship with Solomon that lasted 2-3 months, received numerous threats from him through text, email and fake Facebook account created to look like female friends of the victim, court records show. It was not uncommon for Solomon to send her more than 100 threatening emails day, court records show. In one email, Solomon wrote he was going to do something he never did before to make her accountable, court records show. Solomon was later arrested and charged with aggravated stalking. The woman, testified at his preliminary examination she had broken down once and emailed him back, begging him to stop and to leave her alone, court records show. Solomon was charged in a second aggravated stalking case in 2018, but it was later combined into his previous stalking case that year. In the other 2018 case, Solomon showed up at another womans workplace and screamed at her, making various threats, records show. The woman later found someone threw a rock through her cars back window. Solomon was suspected, but there were no witnesses, records show. In an incident with another woman, Solomon was banned from staying at a Jackson-area apartment complex after making threats to a resident, records show. After the ban, he demanded his then girlfriend who lived there to let him stay there secretly, saying he knew how to avoid detection, according to court records. The woman said she didnt want to risk violating her lease and told him no. He was furious and left only to send her text messages for four hours straight, records show. Weeks later, he showed up unannounced at the womans medical appointment at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital and began threatening her. Hospital security was called against Solomon and the woman was later escorted to her car after her appointment for her safety, court records show. Solomon pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of aggravated stalking. After cutting his GPS tether and failing to appear for sentencing, he was arrested on a bench warrant two years later, and in February 2024, received a sentence of three years and 11 months to seven years and six months in prison. Prosecutors agreed to drop Solomons habitual offender status as part of his plea agreement, records show. The habitual offender status would have enhanced his sentence, potentially doubling it. Its a shame the habitual was taken out of this, Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson said during the sentencing hearing after a short review of the facts of the case. The AGs office cites Solomons long history of stalking and violent behavior, as well as his repeated failures to comply with probation or parole terms in its filing. The parole appeal case has been assigned to Jackson County Circuit Judge John McBain. No future court dates have been publicly scheduled. Solomon does not yet have an attorney appointed to his case to represent him in the appeal. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI - An evacuation order near the site of a potential grain fire has been lifted. A handful of businesses and homes in the village of Decatur were evacuated for several hours Saturday after sensors indicated there were elevated temperatures inside a grain silo. Residents near Delaware Street and George Street were asked to evacuate around 2 p.m., according to village officials. The order was lifted around 5:30 p.m. These things, on a national level, can be very dangerous, said Sgt. Ted Rigg with the Decatur Police Department. The grain silo was at a processing and storage facility owned by Cargill at 102 W. Beers St. Grain silos can catch fire or explode when fine particles suspended in the air are exposed to certain conditions, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Rigg was first alerted to the rising temperatures around 11 a.m., but said it was never out of control. If responded to appropriately, it can be controlled, Riggs said. The silo will be continued to be monitored overnight. It is unclear what type of grain was in the storage bin, which is one of the largest at the facility, according to Riggs. The evacuation, which included a portion of train track, also affected an Amtrak route coming from Chicago. Wolverine train 352 was canceled for Saturday, Amtrak officials said on social media around 2:40 p.m. The train typically travels daily from Chicago to Pontiac. Three buses will be taking passengers along the route and make all station stops, officials said. One bus will be operating express from Chicago to Ann Arbor. Train 353, which typically goes from Pontiac to Chicago, will be canceled between Kalamazoo and Chicago, Amtrak officials said. That route will also be covered by buses. SAGINAW, MI Here are a few headlines from Saginaw County last week that attracted reader interest. Saginaw councilman Bill Ostash tells crowd to love hard at vigil for husband Kevin Rooker Story after story, laugh after laugh and tear after tear, the Saginaw community gathered to remember Kevin Rooker, whose love of Saginaw was abundantly clear to all who knew him. More than 100 people exchanged stories, stood around a bonfire and listened as Rookers past students, colleagues and friends stepped up to the microphone during a candlelight vigil at Weadock Park on Thursday, Jan. 8. Read more here. Saginaw schools announces plan to fill board vacancy after Kevin Rookers death Faced with the death of a second member of its governing board in a two-month span, Saginaw Public Schools officials again outlined a plan to fill a vacant seat. Kevin Rooker, 67, died Thursday, Jan. 1. He was battling prostate cancer and was recovering from a recent surgery, family said. Rooker was secretary of the school districts board of education. School officials this week announced the board will interview applicants for the open seat during a 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, meeting at the district headquarters, 550 Millard in Saginaw. Read more here. Behind the bench: Darnell Jackson on rewards, challenges of being a judge Darnell Jackson knows all sides of the law. Before donning the black robes of a judge in 2001, he served as a private attorney, assistant prosecutor, and, most unusually, Saginaws deputy police chief. Throughout his storied career and various occupations, the Saginaw County Circuit Court judges guiding focus has been serving the people, people who are often in times of crisis or turmoil. Today, Judge Jackson is sharing his perspective on the balancing act of doling out justice while offering compassion in the latest installment of MLives Behind the Bench series. Read more here. He kept secret a VHS of a wild teen concert in Michigan for 27 years. Now its reuniting a community. Ryan Smokoska remembers channeling a different sort of social media with his teenage peers in the 1990s. Where he grew up in mid-Michigan, it wasnt an online app that connected him with like-minded contemporaries. It was an unassuming, 2,500-square-foot building in middle-of-nowhere, rural Saginaw County. They called it Olde James Town Hall and people still do although, back then, those words were as much a reference to a coming-of-age experience as they were the name of the facility where wild music concerts for a decade attracted dozens of teens of that era. And then, as happens with eras, it ended. A rare recording that surfaced online this month of one of those old concerts, though, has proven Olde James Town Hall the experience still plays in the hearts of the people who once gathered there. Read more here. Michigan teen who killed man, turned neighborhood into shooting gallery gets 35-60 years On a summer evening in 2024, a 15-year-old opened fire with an assault rifle on a car as it drove by his Saginaw Township house. At least six of his 22 bullets struck the cars driver and ended his life. He essentially turned a residential neighborhood into a video game shooting gallery, said the teen killers sentencing judge of his crime. Now 17 and convicted of murder, Jawon L. Williams appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Darnell Jackson on Thursday, Jan. 8, to learn his fate. He left the courtroom knowing hed be in prison for about 36 years, and possibly more than 60. Read more here. Data center development freeze: Saginaw council to vote Monday Saginaw City Council members will vote on a measure that would temporarily freeze any attempted developments of a data center in the community. The citys nine-member governing body will vote on the six-month moratorium on data center developments during a 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, meeting at Andersen Enrichment Center, 120 Ezra Rust Dr. in Saginaw. Read more here. Proposed data center ordinance on Kochville Township Planning Commissions next agenda Kochville Township officials are set to review a proposed ordinance addressing data centers as communities throughout the region look to regulate such facilities. The Kochville Township Planning Commission will consider a draft of the ordinance during its meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12. The meeting will take place at Kochville Veterans Hall, located at 3265 Kochville Road. Read more here. New date set for Saginaw Water Treatment Plant info session Saginaw City Hall officials set the rescheduled date for an informational session at the citys century-old water treatment plant, which leaders say could be renovated or replaced in the coming years. The meeting was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the water treatment facility, but wintry conditions led planners to announce the gathering would be rescheduled to a later date. Now that new date is set: Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the facility. Read more here. Police officer rescues tiny, injured owl found on bridge A distressed owl has a shot at one day retaking the skies, thanks to some help from a local police officer. About noon on Sunday, Jan. 4, citizens spotted the injured owl on the Saginaw Street/M-52 bridge spanning Bad River near Oak Street in Saginaw County, said St. Charles Police Chief Jason Oliver. Officer Taya Catherwood responded and found the rotund bird sitting on the bridges sidewalk, unable to fly due to a damaged wing, Oliver said. Read more here. Rescuers save dog marooned on partially frozen Saginaw River A Saginaw dog has been returned to its owner after being rescued from the Saginaw River. At 11 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, Saginaw police and firefighters responded to the west side of the river after a dog was spotted wandering the ice near the Johnson Street Bridge, said Fire Chief Brandon Hausbeck. Crews were on scene for about 90 minutes trying to lure the dog to them, to no avail. Read more here. Man gets 10 years for ambushing teens with assault rifle in Saginaw An ill-advised ambush of two teens with an assault rifle has cost a Saginaw man at least 10 years in prison. Thats 10 years in a state prison, on top of the federal prison stint he had previously received for having the machine gun. Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello on Wednesday, Jan. 7, sentenced 26-year-old Christopher P. Ramirez to concurrent terms of six to 10 and eight to 15 years in prison. He also sentenced Ramirez to a flat two-year stint in prison, which Ramirez must serve consecutively to the longer terms. Read more here. 7 organizations distribute more than 9,000 pounds of food at Dow Event Center Through the fog and light rain, volunteers worked together to load boxes and bags stuffed with food into vehicles on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The food distribution drive-thru event was held at downtown Saginaws Dow Event Center. Volunteers packed bags inside the atrium while others packed boxes outside. Read more here. Whats that? Spa chain plans site in this Saginaw County building A national spa chain is planned to open along one of Saginaw Townships busiest commercial districts. Signage outside a Saginaw Township commercial suite at 5709 State stated the unit will house a local branch of Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa. Read more here. New Dunkin part of proposed State Street Kroger remodel The Kroger in Saginaw Townships Green Acres Plaza plans to undergo a remodel that would include the addition of a Dunkin, formerly Dunkin Donuts, inside. Plans for the project include the construction of a kiosk adjacent to the stores floral section and deli preparation area modifications, according to Saginaw Township Assistant Director of Community Development Ray Hausbeck. Read more here. New eatery, liquor lounge now open at Chesanings former Showboat Restaurant A new eatery and liquor lounge is now open at the former site of Chesanings Showboat Restaurant, which closed in 2025 after serving customers for almost five decades. Restore 242 Eatery, located at 242 W. Broad St., officially opened its doors on Dec. 31. The restaurant is owned by Chef Tyler Frelitz. Read more here. Saginaw fugitive arrested with multiple drugs after 2 years on the run With a prison term hanging over his head, a Saginaw man did not show up for sentencing after pleading guilty to eight gun and drug crimes. Two years on, hes back in jail and charged with more drug-related felonies. Michigan State Police troopers on Jan. 2 attempted to stop a vehicle in Saginaw allegedly driven by 33-year-old Malcolm E. Thomas III. After stopping his vehicle, Thomas ran from the scene and jumped into a friends vehicle, prosecutors allege. Police followed Thomas tracks and apprehended him a short while later, prosecutors allege. Read more here. A Bay County died in an early morning house fire this week. Meanwhile, 30 years later, the mystery of whole stole sketches from renowned artists at Delta College remains unsolved. Those stories and more are included below in this weeks roundup of Bay County news you may have missed. Bay County husband and wife, both 80, killed in early morning house fire A house fire in rural Bay County has claimed the lives of a husband and wife. Shortly before 3 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, Mount Township firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 1180 W. Townline 16 Road. They arrived to find the residence engulfed in flames, according to Bay County Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham. Crews from Beaver, Billings, Garfield, Gibson, and Pinconning-Fraser townships provided backup. As they battled the blaze, they found 80-year-old Yolanda F. Ross suffering from severe burns. She was taken from the scene to a nearby hospital for treatment. Read the full story here. Delta College art heist: How stolen Picasso, Moore sketches resurfaced 30 years ago Two valuable sketches by Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore that vanished from Delta College in August 1967 were recovered in January 1996, but the mystery of who took them remains unsolved. The artworks disappeared from the colleges east concourse during a Summer Arts Festival, according to MLive/The Bay City Times archives. Both pieces were part of a traveling exhibit featuring 30 contemporary drawings from the University of Michigan collection. The Picasso work, created in 1919 and titled Sketches From a Window, is a 12- by 19-inch pen-and-ink drawing depicting 11 scenes of a street as viewed from inside a house. The Henry Moore piece, completed in 1928, is a 15- by 12-inch pen-and-wash sketch on white paper titled Seated Figure that shows a person turned toward the left and seated on a blocklike object. Read the full story here. Midland St. Banh Mi sandwich is a hit at new Bay City lunch spot After opening a sushi restaurant to share his love for Japanese cuisine, owner Roy Pfund has done it again with a new sandwich shop. Pfunds Sandwich Co., 508 E. Midland St., opened to the public on Dec. 3. The sandwich shop is a part of the 500 Block building, which also includes the Japanese-forward restaurant, Izakaya, and an event space, Chapterhouse. Read the full story here. Off-the-books Bay City tattoo artist pleads guilty to sexually assaulting customer 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. Read the full story here. Judge dismisses charges in 2024 Dusos Bar shooting after denying adjournment On the eve of his trial, a Saginaw man accused of shooting another man outside a Bay City bar has had the charges against him dismissed. He was jailed for more than a year, his case plagued by adjournments and unavailable witnesses. Johnny McKinley Jr., 39, had been in the Bay County Jail since his arrest on Sept. 7, 2024, charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, and three counts of second-offense felony firearm. With his trial scheduled to begin Tuesday, Jan. 6, defense attorney Michael A. Huber filed a motion seeking the cases dismissal with prejudice on the grounds that his clients rights to a speedy trial were violated. The prosecution, meanwhile, filed a motion seeking adjournment, arguing an essential witness was unavailable due to being in a Florida medical rehabilitation facility, said Bay County Prosecutor Michael P. Kanuszewski. Read the full story here. Bay City police investigating shooting of man outside East Side apartment building Police are investigating a shooting on Bay Citys East Side. About 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, police responded to an apartment building in the 1000 block of Center Avenue/M-25 after multiple people called 911 to report gunfire. Officers arrived to find a 39-year-old Essexville man in the yard with a gunshot wound to his head. The wounded man was taken to a local hospital before being transferred to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, where he was admitted in critical condition. Read the full story here. Cut to Bay City bridge funding may have been unconstitutional, Michigan AG says Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an opinion this week stating that a legislative committees vote to block $645 million in state funding, including $1.6 million for Bay Citys Lafayette Bridge project, may have been unconstitutional. Nessel concluded that the mechanism allowing one legislative committee to unilaterally terminate funding previously appropriated by the full Legislature and the governor is unconstitutional. The opinion was requested by Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony following the December vote by the Michigan House Appropriations Committee to disapprove nearly $645 million in state funding that had already been enacted into law. 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, wrote Nessel in her opinion. This disapproval mechanism effectively creates a legislative vetoor, more accurately, a legislative committee veto. This comprises an unconstitutional reservation of administrative control that interferes with the executive branchs core function of executing the laws. Read the full story here. Bay city mayor uses life-size cutout scavenger hunt to promote local businesses Bay City Mayor Chris Girard has launched a monthly photo contest that encourages residents to visit local businesses and hunt for a life-size cutout of himself. The Found Mayor Girard contest begins with the cutout appearing at Nick Fletcher State Farm on Center Avenue. Each month, the cutout will move to a different participating Bay City business without advance notice. Starting now, a life size cutout of me is going to start popping up inside different Bay City businesses, Girard wrote while announcing the contest on social media. No clues. No countdown. You just have to spot it. Read the full story here. If you are wondering whether AllianceBernstein Holding is fairly priced or offering value right now, you are in the right place because this article focuses squarely on what you are getting for the current share price. The stock closed at US$38.31 recently, with returns of 18.1% over 1 year and 65.3% over 5 years, even though the last 7 days and 30 days show returns of a 0.9% decline and a 4.1% decline. Recent coverage around AllianceBernstein has centered on its role as a global investment manager and how investors view asset managers in light of shifting client preferences and fund flows. This context has framed the discussion around whether current pricing properly reflects its business mix and fee based model. On our valuation checks, AllianceBernstein scores 3 out of 6, as shown in this valuation summary. Next we will walk through what that score means across different methods, before closing with a more complete way to think about value beyond the usual ratios. Find out why AllianceBernstein Holding's 18.1% return over the last year is lagging behind its peers. Approach 1: AllianceBernstein Holding Excess Returns Analysis The Excess Returns model looks at how much profit a company generates above the return that shareholders require, then capitalizes those extra profits into an intrinsic value per share. For AllianceBernstein Holding, the model starts with a Book Value of $12.93 per share and an Average Return on Equity of 15.83%. That supports a Stable EPS estimate of $2.85 per share, based on the median return on equity from the past 5 years. The required return for shareholders, or Cost of Equity, is put at $1.74 per share, which leaves an Excess Return of $1.11 per share. Using a Stable Book Value of $18.04 per share, also based on the median level over the past 5 years, these excess returns are projected forward and discounted back to arrive at an intrinsic value of about $35.48 per share. Compared with the recent share price of $38.31, the Excess Returns model implies the stock is around 8.0% overvalued, which is a relatively small gap either way for long term investors. Result: ABOUT RIGHT AllianceBernstein Holding is fairly valued according to our Excess Returns, but this can change at a moment's notice. Track the value in your watchlist or portfolio and be alerted on when to act. AB Discounted Cash Flow as at Jan 2026 Head to the Valuation section of our Company Report for more details on how we arrive at this Fair Value for AllianceBernstein Holding. Approach 2: AllianceBernstein Holding Price vs Earnings For a profitable company like AllianceBernstein Holding, the P/E ratio is a straightforward way to connect what you pay for each share with the earnings that share currently generates. It helps you see how many dollars investors are paying for each dollar of earnings today. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Eight of the best NCAA gymnastics programs in the country meet up in an exciting early-season clash on Saturday in the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad. The annual event will feature two sessions. The first will feature the Oklahoma Sooners, UCLA Bruins, Utah Utes and LSU Tigers. The nightcap will see the Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, California Golden Bears and Kentucky Wildcats go at it. NCAA Streaming Options FuboTV Sling DirecTV Stream Price/month $84.99 $35.00 $69.99 Free Trial? Yes No Yes Length 7 days N/A 5 days Deal $20 off first month $10 off first month None Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe The Wolverines have been one of the premier programs in the Big Ten for several years. They were not able to turn their conference success to national success last year, losing in the second round of the tournament. Yet, the maize and blue have expectations to have another great season. Michigan State made it as far as the semifinals, but was eliminated by the likes of Utah and UCLA. There has been a bit of changeover on the Spartan roster, but that will not stop the team from East Lansing from putting up big scores. Both schools from the Mitten will have tough competition on Saturday. Cal comes into the weekend as the fifth-ranked team in the country, is a team coming off a run to the regional finals last season. NCAA WOMENS GYMNASTICS Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad (Session 2) When: Saturday, January 10 Time: 8 p.m. ET Where: Maverick Center (West Valley, Utah) Channel: ESPN2 Did our AI summary help? MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Bigg Boss Marathi 6: Contestant Aayush Sanjeev reveals he worked as a background dancer in Bigg Boss before Did our AI summary help? Gayatri Rani is a Senior-Sub Editor with over three years of experience in delivering Hollywood and Bollywood news. Did our AI summary help? Ragini Jaiswal Entertainment journalist and content writer with 3+ years of experience covering Bollywood, lifestyle trends, and celebrity stories across leading digital platforms. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Colombian music star Yeison Jimenez among six killed in tragic plane crash in Paipa, Boyaca Did our AI summary help? Wall Street analysts are currently projecting a bullish march for the S&P 500 in 2026, but buried within these rosy targets lies a hidden trap for SPY investors. Having navigated these markets for over 30 years, I've learned that when the consensus speaks in absolutes, history usually has a painful reminder waiting in the wings. This year, the complacency is palpable. While the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) tracks an index at record highs, the "problem" isn't the price but a disconnect most retail investors are completely overlooking. One of the general truths I've learned in my investing career is that stocks tend to tip over when everyone is standing on the same side of the proverbial boat. They do much better when there's a steady stream of people still on the other side trying to get across. What worries me this year is that every Wall Street analyst has moved to the same side of the boat, and that's potentially a big problem because it suggests there isn't a lot of money still on the sidelines left to buy stocks. Our own Charley Blaine surveyed the largest Wall Street research firms in December. The targets vary, but they share one thing in common. Every single analyst expects the S&P 500 to finish 2026 higher than it started. That's a contrast to last year, when Blaine's survey showed a few firms still had bearish forecasts. Wall Street analysts predict a fourth consecutive year of S&P 500 gains in 2026.Reuters Reuters Stock market targets are overwhelmingly bullish I read a lot of research reports, and one thing that stands out this year is that while most analysts point out rocky trends during mid-term election years (read more here), all of them expect any rockiness to be short-lived, with the S&P 500 delivering a fourth consecutive year of gains in 2026. To be clear, that's not a bad bet. Mid-term years have the worst history of intrayear drawdowns of the four-year presidential cycle, falling an average of 18%. However, the damage is typically done in the second and third quarters of the year, with stocks finding their footing and rallying when election craziness is over. Still, there are plenty of years when stocks finished the year lower. Midterm election year 2026 promises to be fraught with crisis, bear market action, and economic weakness, notes Jeffrey Hirsch in the 2026 edition of the Stock Trader's Almanac. Since 1950, the average S&P 500 return in mid-term years is 4.6%, significantly below the 17.2% return notched in pre-election years and the 8% return in presidential election years. Performance has been worse since 1985. Midterm election years offer the lowest returns in the presidential cycle.Carson Investment Research, YCharts, TheStreet Carson Investment Research, YCharts, TheStreet Overall, there have been nineteen presidential cycle mid-years, and 20% bear market drops have happened six times, including a 33.8% retreat in 2002 and a 25.4% drop in 2022. Naagin 7 written update: Purvi to completely transform into a naagin; will she be able to save herself from the mahasapera? Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Budget 2026: How CIIs four-point privatisation plan on public sector divestment could unlock Rs 10 lakh crore Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All IT ministry takes up communications device safety issue; mobile phone players say routine consultation As per convention, the Union Budget for 2026-27 will be presented on February 1. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Can back even Trump for Maharashtras interest, says Raj Thackeray Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Gaming addiction, PF money and a killing: How police decoded 6-month-old murder case in Mumbai Officials indicated that the approach under consideration would be gradual rather than broad-based, the paper reported Credit quality will likely remain stable. Without a recession , BofA doesn't expect a huge credit cycle or much improvement. It notes that "one-offs" and specialized exposures may still provide significant risk. AI isn't the story about making money in 2026 yet. Banks are betting on AI, but Bank of America doesn't think it will have a big effect on profits in 2026, even if it becomes a more expensive long-term driver. Rate stability is more crucial than cuts . BofA doesn't automatically dislike "no cuts." It claims a positively sloped yield curve and lower rate volatility improve net interest margins. BofA expects mergers and acquisitions and initial public offerings to be strong due to strategic investor and sponsor interest and a smooth approval process. The company believes the GSIB surcharge, Basel "Endgame," and $100B asset threshold will continue to make capital more flexible and reduce "arbitrage" between banks and non-banks, according to Moody's . BofA has a certain view of the sector for a few good reasons: These forces include rules and activity in the capital markets, changes in the balance sheet , and trends in lending. When you put them all together, they help explain why BofA thinks leadership in banking is becoming clearer as we draw closer to 2026. There isn't just one reason Bank of America feels confident in bank stocks. The firm, on the other hand, sees a number of fundamental drivers coming together simultaneously, which it sees as an extraordinarily supportive backdrop for the sector. BofA has some big ideas for 2026, and you can see them in four of its top buy-rated calls: Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs. The company's plan is clear: focus on the GSIBs, which are the global systemically important banks that do a lot of business in capital markets. Only buy regionals that can show growth and operating leverage. BofA's "Year Ahead 2026" report on U.S. banks said current conditions are more similar to the late 1990s and early 2000s than they were after the global financial crisis, when banks had to deal with lower returns and stricter rules. Analysts say this is part of a multi-year run driven by deregulation, a better capital-markets cycle, rising domestic capex, and generally stable credit quality. Bank of America Securities starts 2026 with a strong message: Bank stocks can beat the S&P 500 again. Story Continues In short, BofA thinks GSIBs will be in charge, and the company's 2026 single-stock position shows this. Citi holds the "best risk/reward" of all the big banks BofA says again that Citigroup is a solid buy and labels it the greatest risk/reward among large-cap banks, thanks to "self-help" and cyclical and regulatory tailwinds. Price of $122.50 on Jan. 7 Price target of $140 (up from $120) 14.3% upside implied 2026 earnings per share forecast: $10.57 2027 earnings per share forecast: $12.06 Average annual EPS growth (2026-2027): About 25% Potential catalysts: Share buybacks, operating leverage, and progress toward resolving regulatory consent orders issued in 2020 BofA's Citi thesis is based on execution and catalysts, such as operating leverage, buybacks, and "de-risking" (which includes getting rid of non-core companies). It also suggests that Citi may have more freedom and support for its plans as it gets closer to leaving the 2020 Fed and OCC consent orders. BofA's own model suggests that EPS will expand by around 25% on average each year from FY26 to FY27, and that returns will get better (it shows that ROTCE will improve by about 300 bps from 2025 to 2027, with a path toward low-teens ROTCE in the long term). More Wall Street The company also says there is upside optionality if Citi can provide greater margins, stronger operating leverage, or credit costs that are a little lower than the basic expectation. What might go wrong? BofA lists the traditional risks of a turnaround: execution, macro shock, and regulatory costs. They also mention the possibility that investors won't believe the change will last. Wells Fargo: post-asset-cap coming of age, possibly second half In large-cap banking, Bank of America is most optimistic about one stock, but for different reasons than in previous cycles. The company sees an improving situation both internally and externally. BofA does not solely concentrate on macroeconomic factors; instead, analysts present this situation as a narrative where effective execution aligns with available opportunities. In their opinion, the consequence is a risk-reward profile that stands out even among the biggest banks in the U.S. as we approach 2026. Related: What Nvidia just did could rewire the AI race Price on Jan. 7: $96.39 The price target is $107, up from $100. 11.0% upside implied 2026 EPS forecast: $7.07 2027 EPS forecast: $8.21 Implied average annual EPS growth: About 15% Return outlook: About 17% return on tangible common equity by 2027, rising toward 18% in 2028 BofA's main point is that the removal of the asset cap allows Wells to finally pursue better growth and higher productivity. BofA thinks this should eventually lead to a re-rating. But there's a key difference: BofA predicts that stocks could do better in the second half of 2026 because it prefers to own GSIBs that are heavy in capital markets early in the year and thinks that rate reduction (in its prediction) will generate some short-term NII friction. The company still sees stable balance sheet growth, capital flexibility, and efficiency advantages as long-term benefits. What may happen that would be bad? A larger decline could lead to credit losses, increased costs, or extended wait times for resolving the outstanding consent orders. "Best of both worlds" with wealth and capital markets: Morgan Stanley Bank of America thinks that one large-cap bank is especially well-suited for the next phase of the cycle. This is not because of one thing, but because of how its business is set up. The company thinks that this setup is become harder and harder for other companies to copy. Instead of just counting on a market bounce, BofA sees this as a story about balance. It is confident going into 2026 because it has access to many sources of income and is flexible with its capital. BofA says again that Morgan Stanley is a good buy and calls the company "hard to replicate" because it has a strong U.S. wealth business and a worldwide capital markets platform. Price (Jan. 7): $186.54 Price objective: $210 (raised from $180) Implied upside: 12.6% 2026 EPS forecast: $10.95 2027 EPS forecast: $12.18 Valuation basis: About 19 times 2026 earnings and nearly four times tangible book value Upside drivers including capital deployment, advisory recovery, and wealth management synergies BofA thinks MS will benefit from the same macroeconomic trends that are helping the group as a whole, such as the momentum of mergers and acquisitions and a more friendly regulatory tone. However, analysts stress something else: the possibility of synergies within the integrated franchise (wealth + institutional) and an improving capital position. The company says surplus CET1 might be a lever and that ROTCE could rise into the low to mid-20s over time if synergies and capital deployment go as planned. However, the timing of this will depend on how much money is spent on investments and how management manages the extra capital. What might go wrong? A capital market/revenue environment that is significantly weaker, stricter rules, or macro shocks. Goldman Sachs: the "durability" problem and the benefits if it works out BofA says again that Goldman Sachs is a good buy and defines the main question for investors as simple. Will CEO David Solomon keep changing the company into a more stable profitability story without using risky transformative M&A? Price (Jan. 7): $955.47 Price target: $1,050 (raised from $900) Implied upside: 9.9% 2026 EPS forecast: $57.30 2027 EPS forecast: $67.30 Expected EPS growth in 2026: About 19% Target valuation: Roughly 15.6 times forward earnings BofA says that Goldman has a lot of good things going for it right now, such greater capital markets activity, a regulation change that gives banks more control over capital management, and a company-wide push for productivity called "OneGS." Related: GM may have found a simpler way to deliver a 'premium car' feel The company thinks that EPS growth will speed up (it quotes about 19% for FY26 compared to about 14% for FY25 in its framework) and that profits will become closer to a "normal" level, with a higher ROTCE as the cycle improves and more capital is put to use. What might go wrong? The biggest risk that Goldman investors always face is a major drop in the stock market that stops the transaction cycle and slows down fee and AWM growth, which hurts both earnings and the multiple. Bank of America's bold call in plain English The message from BofA isn't just "banks are cheap." It's more specific. After years of being limited by the crisis, the sector's rules are shifting. The GSIBs will benefit the most from the predicted increase in capital markets activity. There are clear execution paths for select turnarounds and post-constraint stories, like Citi and Wells. AI is real, but it doesn't make money yet. That means that the classic drivers of returns in 2026 are still revenues, costs, capital, and credit. If BofA's theory is correct, 2026 might be a favorable year for investors who see banks as a sector in a multi-year re-rating cycle rather than a value trade. GSIBs would lead the way, while a smaller group of regionals would earn their way into outperforming. Related: How Netflix could benefit by losing the Warner Bros. deal This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jan 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Investing section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All India eyes new markets with US trade deal limbo Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to ISRO to kick off Indias space year with PSLV-C62 launch on January 12: Key details The project's aim was to scientifically validate the medicinal properties of a traditional mixture made from cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, and ghee for the treatment of chronic illnesses, including cancer. PM Modi offers prayers at the Somnath Temple, in Gujarat, on January 11. the Prime Minister will perform darshan and pooja at the Somnath Temple at around 10.15 am. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All US signals deeper critical minerals engagement with India, Vaishnaw to attend meet: Report Adhikari alleged that the attack took place in the presence of police personnel who failed to intervene. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to From young minds to national leaders: How VBYLD is shaping Indias future The 22-year-old, who also runs a popular digital content platform with over 70,000 Instagram followers, said stepping down was not an impulsive decision but the result of months of internal conflict. (Representational image: Unsplash) Investing.com - Following an audacious U.S. strike earlier this month which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, much uncertainty has surrounded the future of this Latin American country. U.S. President Donald Trump, for his part, has hinted that he, along with major American energy companies, will assume control over much of Venezuelas lucrative and vast oil reserves -- perhaps even "indefinitely." The U.S. also moved in recent days to seize two Venezuela-linked tankers in the Atlantic Ocean, in a possible sign of the White Houses resolve in dominating oil flows from the country. Trump has added that Venezuela has agreed to export as much as 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., potentially cutting out its supply to its longstanding biggest buyer, and major creditor, China. Around 30% of Venezulas crude is directed to Chinese state-owned enterprises as part of an ongoing loan repayment program. Analysts have estimated that as much as $60 billion has been lent by China to Venezuela since 2007, with proceeds from oil as collateral. Media reports have suggested that Chinese companies are now consulting with Beijing to clarify what their options are in Venezuela. Analysts at Barclays described the removal of Maduro from power as a trigger for a "political and oil sector reset." Citing sources close to the White House, CNBC reported that American sanctions against Venezuela will be selectively removed to allow for the transportation and sale of oil around the world -- although the funds derived from the sales will eventually go to U.S.-controlled accounts and given back to Venezuela only at Washingtons behest. Writing in a note, the Barclays analysts including Alejandro Arreaza and Jason Keene argued that if the U.S. incursion lead to a potential easing in its sanctions policy and access to multilateral financing, "this could aid an economic recovery" in Venezuela. "A relatively low base could lead to double-digit GDP growth, and low-hanging fruit lead to a potential increase of oil production of 200,000-300,000 barrels per day through 2026," from its current level of roughly 1 million b/d," they added. "[H]owever, the sustainability of that recovery will depend on the final shape of the political transition." At the moment, despite Maduros ouster, members of his socialist regime remain, with former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez now serving as Venezuelas leader. Rodriguez has reportedly been placed under pressure to meet Trumps demands, as the White House looks to keep the peace in Venezuela rather than immediately pursue a democratic transition. The woman said that as she increased the intensity of her workouts, her menstrual volume gradually decreased, and during her most recent cycle, bleeding lasted only around two hours. (Representational image: Unsplash) Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Donald Trump with crude oil Hitler moustache: Magazine cover from Melanias Slovenia is viral Walmart CEO Doug McMillon with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his trip to India in 2025. Last Wednesday, during dinner, the man quarrelled with his father over the same issue and allegedly threatened to kill him. (AI-generated image) Birmingham residents were stunned as the night sky turned bright pink during a winter storm. (Image: X/@shaqxii) Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Why Venezuelas tallest waterfall seems to disappear mid-air? Mystery explained 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 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 Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All '20 men killed hundreds: Inside a Venezuelan guard's account of US raid on Nicolas Maduro Key Points American Express' strong brand and robust customer base provide it with resilience. Coca-Cola has an iconic global brand and asset-light business model that produces steady cash flow. Moody's is a key player in the financial markets, benefiting from high barriers to entry. 10 stocks we like better than American Express Legendary investor Warren Buffett officially stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025. The move marks a historic transition, as it's the first time since taking the reins in 1965 that Buffett won't be heading up the company. Buffett's impact on the investing world is unmatched. His deep wisdom and long-term investment approach have inspired countless investors. While Buffett may now be retired, his legacy lives on through Berkshire Hathaway. If you have $2,500 to put to work, here are three Buffett stocks to buy today that can form a strong foundation for your diversified investment portfolio. Image source: The Motley Fool. American Express enjoys a luxury brand advantage American Express (NYSE: AXP) is one of Berkshire Hathaway's longest-held publicly traded investments and has been a key pillar of its portfolio for decades. With over 151 million shares held at the end of the third quarter, the company is Berkshire's second-largest holding, behind only Apple. What makes American Express a quintessential Warren Buffett stock is its global name recognition, which provides a strong brand moat. For decades, the company has built a reputation associated with exclusivity and luxury. It has attracted high-spending customers with products such as its much sought-after exclusive Black Card, which carries an initiation fee of $10,000 and an annual fee of $5,000. The company earns fees from transactions that pass through its network, generating a steady stream of revenue that grows in line with consumer spending. It also retains its credit card debt issued to customers and earns fees and interest income from servicing those loans. This differentiates it from Visa and Mastercard, which earn transaction fees but leave the debt servicing to their banking partners. While credit card debt exposes the company to credit risk, some of the larger risks are mitigated by its affluent customer base. These customers are more resilient across economic cycles, which is why the company experiences smaller credit losses than its peers. Coca-Cola's strong brand and asset-light model give it resilience Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) is another stock Berkshire Hathaway has held for multiple decades. At the end of the third quarter, the conglomerate held 400 million shares of the consumer staples stock, making it Berkshire's fourth-largest stock position. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Canada wary of US coercion as Trump rhetoric and actions raise alarm You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Donald Trump signs order to firewall Venezuela oil revenue held in US Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Donald Trump tells Cuba to 'make a deal, before it is too late' Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Elon Musk's X to open source new algorithm in seven days Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Im prepared to return: Reza Pahlavi backs Iran protesters as unrest enters third week Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Irans exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi urges protesters to stay on streets, says Trump ready to help Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Iran warns of strikes on US military and shipping as protests intensify President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned the Iranian regime not to fire on demonstrators, including saying on Saturday that the US stands ready to help!!! Key Points NuScale Power is attempting to sell its first small modular nuclear reactor. The stock's 52-week high is $53, and the 52-week low is roughly $13. Is NuScale Power's stock a buy now that it is closer to the lower end than the higher end of its 52-week range? 10 stocks we like better than NuScale Power NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) has a very exciting technology around which it is attempting to build a business. The problem is that it still hasn't made its first official sale. Is it worth buying the stock while it's trading below $24, or is the risk just too high right now? What does NuScale Power do? NuScale Power has designed a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR). SMR technology could be an important step forward for the nuclear power industry. Traditional large-scale, site-built nuclear power plants are massive capital investment projects that require a lot of time to construct. The most recent U.S. nuclear power plants to be built, Vogtle 3 and 4, were years late and wildly over budget. Image source: Getty Images. An SMR is built in a factory, which is intended to make the building process safer and quicker. The smaller size of an SMR should make it less costly to build. A unit's size should also allow an SMR to be placed closer to population centers and easily transported where needed. The modular design would also allow SMRs to be linked to create larger power plants, which might interest electric utility customers. SMRs would still be significant capital investments, but the benefits are alluring. For example, a data center supporting artificial intelligence, which uses a huge amount of electricity, could have its own dedicated SMR. That would save the data center from having to be connected to the power grid, a process that can take a long time and cause criticism because of the huge power demand of AI. NuScale Power's big idea has yet to land a home NuScale Power has exciting technology to offer the world. What it doesn't have yet is a customer. This is a significant problem, as it needs to demonstrate that its SMRs work. The first official sale is likely to be a big turning point for the business, since it will likely make other customers more comfortable with NuScale's SMR technology. NuScale Power has two potential customers lined up. A Romanian power company is currently considering up to six NuScale SMRs. NuScale is generating some revenue by offering consulting services to RoPower and engineering and construction company Fluor (NYSE: FLR) in the assessment effort. A final decision isn't expected until late in 2026 or in early 2027, roughly a year beyond earlier expectations. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Is America entering a new age of empire? The week that changed global politics Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Israel backs Iran protesters as Netanyahu hopes nation is freed from tyranny Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Operation Hawkeye Strike: US launches major airstrikes on Islamic State in Syria after deadly attack on Americans | Watch Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Right-wing group disrupts Sikh Nagar Kirtan second time in New Zealand, SGPC condemns Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Rubio and Netanyahu spoke by phone on Saturday, says US official Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Smithsonian unveils new Trump portrait, removes references to impeachments and capitol riot A husband called into The Ramsey Show to ask why his wife always seems upset during their monthly budget discussions. By the end of the call, personal finance expert Dave Ramsey was the one asking questions, and not about the money. The Moment Everything Changed It always feels like theres a fight every time we go to discuss the budget, Adam from Knoxville, Tennessee, told the hosts. They recently started using a budgeting app to create a monthly budget. Adam admitted he usually creates the budget and then presents it to his wife. She always feels like I just make it and dont give her any input, he said. Thats immature pouting. Shes having a little girl fit, Ramsey told the caller. Don't Miss: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.85/Share Round 10,000+ Investors Are Already In Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Heres how you can earn passive income with just $10, starting today. Youre the nerd in the house and shes the free spirit, Ramsey said, referencing a well-known framework from his Financial Peace University course. He urged Adam to stop dominating the budget and instead ask his wife to suggest changes, even small ones, so it feels like a shared plan. But then Adam casually added that his wife has stage four cancer. But she is stable, he said. Well, theres a detail, Ramsey responded, clearly caught off guard. Lets not bury the lead there, co-host George Kamel added. Adam explained that while his wife is on disability, he had asked her to contribute by doing Uber Eats a few days a week to help boost their income. She agreed that yeah, she could do that, he said, but added that she often ends up too exhausted to do much after spending time with family. Trending: Americans With a Financial Plan Can 4X Their Wealth Get Your Personalized Plan from a CFP Pro That's when Ramsey's tone shifted sharply. I absolutely apologize to your wife for calling her a whiner in stage four cancer. And I have discovered that now you are the whiner, he said. Did you hear yourself? Seriously. Dave is aghast, Kamel said. No wonder she doesnt want to talk to you. Im serious, Ramsey added. Ramsey then laid it out plainly: Thats thing one, beat cancer. Get out of debt is way down the list after beat cancer. Kamel said that even if their debt payoff plan is delayed by six months because his wife isn't well enough to deliver for Uber Eats, that's perfectly acceptable. Ramsey urged Adam to show more empathy. You just say, All right, honey. I want to make sure more than anything we take care of you,' he said. And given that this is how much money we have how do you want to spend the money?' Is US planning another attack on Iran? Trump says Iran 'looking at freedom like never before' Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump wants Venezuelas oil. But China, its biggest buyer, is already moving on Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Uninvestable: ExxonMobil chief warns Trump that Venezuela is not ready for business Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to US launches fresh strikes on ISIS targets in Syria after deadly Palmyra ambush Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to US may lift more Venezuela sanctions next week, says Bessent Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to What does LeTs praise for Pakistan-Bangladesh rapprochement signal for regional security? U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a press conference in Washington, D.C., Dec. 17, 2025. REUTERS SAVAGE, Minnesota (Reuters) U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has told Reuters that additional U.S. sanctions on Venezuela could be lifted as soon as next week to facilitate oil sales, and that he will also meet next week with the heads of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank on their re-engagement with Venezuela. Bessent said in an interview late on Friday that almost $5 billion worth of Venezuelas currently frozen IMF Special Drawing Rights monetary assets could be deployed to help rebuild the countrys economy. Were de-sanctioning the oil thats going to be sold, Bessent said during a visit to a Winnebago Industries engineering facility. The Treasury was examining changes that would facilitate the repatriation of sale proceeds of the oil stored largely on ships back to Venezuela. How can we help that get back into Venezuela, to run the government, run the security services and get it to the Venezuelan people? he said of the Treasurys sanctions analysis. Asked when more sanctions could be removed from Venezuela, Bessent said, It could be as soon as next week, but did not identify which ones. The moves are part of the Trump administrations effort to stabilize Venezuela and encourage the return of U.S. oil producers to the country a week after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in Caracas and brought him to New York to face drug trafficking charges. U.S. sanctions have banned international banks and other creditors from engaging with the Venezuelan government without a license. The institutions have cited this as an impediment to a complex $150 billion debt restructuring widely viewed as a key to the return of private capital to Venezuela. On Friday evening, President Donald Trump signed an executive order blocking courts or creditors from impounding Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts, declaring that these funds should be safeguarded to help Venezuela create peace, prosperity and stability. IMF, World Bank re-engagement Bessent, who controls the dominant U.S. shareholding in the IMF and World Bank, said that the two institutions had already reached out to him about Venezuela. The Treasury chief said that the U.S. Treasury would be willing to convert Venezuelas IMF Special Drawing Rights held at the Fund to dollars for use in rebuilding Venezuela. Rio Tinto is in early talks for a possible acquisition of Glencore, the company said late on Thursday. Venezuela currently has about 3.59 billion SDRs, which are worth about $4.9 billion at Fridays exchange rate, but it cannot currently access them. SDRs are made up of dollars, euros, yen, sterling and Chinese yuan. The Treasury last year agreed to back a $20 billion swap line for Argentina partly with that South American countrys SDRs in an effort to stabilize the peso and help Argentine President Javier Mileis party win in parliamentary elections. An IMF spokesperson said that the Fund was closely monitoring developments in Venezuela and declined comment on Bessents mention of a meeting next week. The IMF has not engaged with Venezuela for more than two decades, with the last formal IMF assessment of Venezuelas economy completed in 2004. Venezuela paid off its last World Bank loan in 2007, when Maduros predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez declared that Venezuela will no longer have to go to Washington for funding. A source familiar with the World Banks internal discussions on Venezuela said that the development lender was in the early stages of exploring how it could be helpful to Venezuela, noting that the bank moved in quickly with assistance to Afghanistan and Syria after regime changes and provided early support to Gaza and Ukraine. Fast movers Bessent said that he believed that smaller, privately held companies would move swiftly back into Venezuelas oil sector, despite reluctance voiced by some oil majors including Exxon Mobil, whose past Venezuelan assets were nationalized twice. I think its going to be the typical progression where the private companies can move quickly and will come in very quickly. They havent talked about financing at all, Bessent said. Chevron has been there a long time and will continue to be there, so I believe that their commitment will greatly increase. Bessent added that he believed there was a role for the U.S. Export-Import Bank in guaranteeing financing for Venezuelas oil sector, echoing previous comments from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Ali Larter stole some of her Landman character's clothing. Ali Larter took some clothing from the Landman set The 49-year-old star plays the fiery Angela Norris in the Paramount+ series and admits that she couldn't resist taking parts of her alter ego's wardrobe home for herself. Ali told People: "I took the Leddy's cowboy boots, and I have the Agent Provocateur bra from episode seven. "What else did I steal from her? Oh, a good pair of Wranglers. I have some jeans - got to have them." The Final Destination star explained how she finds starring as Angela in Landman - which also features Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore - to be "freeing" as the character is so far removed from her own personality. Larter said: "Angela walks through life without the fear of judgement of others. She makes up her own rules. And for me, that's so exciting to play, because I'm not like that. "And you really can't be like that in most areas of life if you want to fit into the societal norms." Ali admits that there is no room for "insecurity" when she walks around in skimpy outfits on the show. The Legally Blonde star said: "Anytime you have to put on a bathing suit and walk in front of anybody, it's really difficult. "When I look around, the sexiest women I know are the women that own it. So, part of getting there with Angela is owning it. There is no space in my mind for insecurity - I'm not allowing any of that into my space when I play Angela." Ali and her family relocated to Idaho from Los Angeles in 2022 and she revealed last year how she welcomes the relaxed nature of rural life. The star - who has son Teddy, 15, and daughter Vivienne, 10, with her husband Hayes MacArthur - said: "When I lived in LA, there were so many demands that came on top of being an actor. It's incredibly calming and grounding to live in the mountains, and we love raising our children in a rural, small town." Larter also explained how she still regularly sees her children when she is away at work. She said: "I'm always there for ballet recitals, graduations, parent-teacher conferences. And there's also the rule: If they ever want to come to see me, they're on a plane the next day." Ali added: "There are no rules I won't bend for that. "I try to explain to them: You can be a mother, and you can also thrive in your career. I am living the beauty of my dreams." China is boosting domestic natural gas production, and it is doing it fast. A major LNG consumerand importerthe country has been key in LNG demand forecasts. Now, these forecasts will need to be revised. Less than ten years ago, China was struggling to get its domestic gas production off the ground, especially in shale formations. Chinas shale geology is different from the U.S. basins, and energy companies were finding it difficult to get commercial production going. Now, Chinas state oil and gas majors are pumping more gas than ever and announcing new discoveries in the shale patch. In November last year, China produced 22.1 billion cu m, which was a 7.1% increase on the year, Kpler reported this month citing official production data. The increase was driven by faster-than-expected shale gas ramp-ups in the Sichuan Basin. Based on that data, the energy analytics firm expects Chinas total for 2025 to reach 263 billion cu m, rising to 278.5 billion cu m this year, again thanks to growing shale gas production in the Sichuan and Shanxi basins. As with oil, rising domestic production would inevitably affect imports, even as China leans more heavily on natural gas for emission-reduction purposes. Last year, for instance, China booked higher domestic gas production and a rather substantial decline in LNG imports. In fact, imports of liquefied gas last year fell to the lowest in six years after a string of 12 monthly declines in a row. Imports only rebounded at the end of the year but not enough to reverse the decline. Kpler has predicted that Chinese demand for liquefied natural gas is going to decline this year as well, with shale gas production removing some 600,000 tons of LNG demand, reducing the total to 73.9 million tons. Related: Washington's Venezuelan Oil Push Falters on Funding Questions Now, 600,000 tons is not a whole lot in the context of a market where the United States alone exported over 100 million tons last year. But it does serve as yet another evidence of a trend in China to reduce dependence on energy imports, which has implications for global energy commodity markets that have gotten used to relying on China as the ultimate driver of demand. The projected decline in Chinas demand for gasand by extension LNGmay interfere with new LNG capacity addition plans and prices, shrinking producers profits. It is these plans for a wave of new LNG supply, set to come online by the end of the decade, mostly from the top exporters, the United States and Qatar, that have prompted many analysts to expect an oversupplied LNG market by 2030 that would weigh on prices. ST. GEORGE, UT (Press Release) Students at Utah Tech University in the fall 2025 semester demonstrated remarkable academic talent, with 951 students earning Presidents List honors. Student Vinson Bacani from Saipan was among those honored, earning a spot on the Presidents List for the fall 2025 semester. To qualify, students had to attain a semester GPA of 3.9 or higher and complete at least 15 credits. Congratulations to our outstanding students whose dedication and sustained effort have earned them a place on the honor roll, said Dr. Chris Guymon, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. Their achievements reflect Utah Techs commitment to Active Learning. Active life. where students learn by doing, apply knowledge in real-world contexts and prepare for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. We are proud of the perseverance, adaptability and resilience our students demonstrate as members of our polytechnic community. Over the past 10 years, Utah Tech University has experienced tremendous growth and now offers nearly 300 academic programs. Known for its affordability, it ranks among the most cost-effective universities in the Western U.S. and emphasizes hands-on education that encourages students to thrive both professionally and personally. Outside of the classroom, students have the opportunity to enjoy the unparalleled opportunities for an active life that accompany UTs location in beautiful Southern Utah. Commonwealth Utilities Corporation board members discuss a petition to lift the FAC rate stabilization order during a meeting on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Photo by Bryan Manabat By Bryan Manabat [email protected] Variety News Staff THE Commonwealth Utilities Corporation plans to petition the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission to lift the current Fuel Adjustment Charge stabilization order in an effort to better align electricity rates with actual fuel costs and global oil price trends. The CPUC order, issued in March, freezes any increases to the FAC, holding the rate at the January 2025 level of 21.119 cents per kilowatt-hour. Because of that order, the FAC rate through January 2026 remains unchanged. According to CUC consultants Robert Young and Dan Jackson of Economists.com, the stabilization order has limited the utilitys ability to adjust the FAC either upward or downward as fuel prices fluctuate. Earlier, CUC petitioned the CPUC to stabilize the FAC rate until a reconciliation conducted by Economists.com was completed. In a presentation to the CUC board members on Jan. 8, the consultants said a recent 13year review of FAC data shows the utility has under-collected approximately $9 million in fuel costs, creating long-term financial pressure. As it stands, were basically $9 million in the hole on a billed basis, Young said. If we were to recover it in one year, it would result in about a threecents-per-kilowatt-hour increase in rates. Because the underrecovery spans 13 years, CPUC would likely spread the recovery over three to five years. Young added that CUCs total fuel-related costs including items such as Aggreko rental generation and bad debt tied to fuel total about $772 million, while FAC charges billed to customers over the same period amounted to about $763 million. CUC is also asking that the FAC reconciliation include an estimated $25 million in Aggreko rental-generation costs, which the consultants say should be recognized as part of the utilitys fuel-related expenses. Projected impact on ratepayers Based on the consultants analysis, recovery of the $9 million under-collection would have the following estimated impacts on customer bills: Recovered in one year: about 3 cents per kWh added to bills Recovered over three years: roughly 1 cent per kWh Recovered over five years: roughly 0.6 cents per kWh The consultants recommended that CUC petition the CPUC to lift or revise the stabilization order so the utility can adjust the FAC both up and down as fuel prices change. They also recommended CPUC approval of a 13year FAC reconciliation that recognizes the $9 million under-collection and the additional Aggreko-related costs. CUC also plans to petition the CPUC to adopt a forward-looking FAC mechanism that sets rates for six-month periods using projected fuel prices rather than relying solely on past monthly data. The petition would also request approval for a temporary, phased surcharge to gradually recover the historical shortfall without sudden spikes in customer bills. The five elements included in CUCs FAC rate are the fuel and lube oil rate, reconciliation rate, volatility rate, regulatory and technical support rate, and the allowance for doubtful accounts rate. The first updated FAC rate is expected to cover roughly March 1 to Sept. 1, pending CPUC review and approval. CUC officials say the changes are critical to protecting the long-term financial stability of the utility while balancing fairness to customers. The goal is to match fuel costs more accurately while giving customers predictability and avoiding large one-time increases, officials said. The Mean of Platts Singapore, or MOPS, represents the average of Singapore-based oil product price assessments published by Platts, a division of S&P Global, and is a key indicator used in regional fuel pricing. The current January 2026 price for SGX Platts Singapore Fuel Oil 380cst is $329.38 per metric ton, down from more than $340 last month. Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator. RB Camacho By Bryan Manabat [email protected] Variety News Staff SAIPAN Mayor Ramon RB Camacho said he will seek a second fouryear term, adding that he hopes to continue the public safety and communitybased initiatives that have defined his first three years in office. Camacho said his decision to run again came after encouragement from his family, campaign committee, and residents. They asked me if Im thinking about seeking reelection. Yes if the people give me this chance again for a second term, Ill continue what Ive been doing by promoting a safe community, a safe village, and a clean island, he said. In an interview last week, the mayor said his administration has emphasized taking action on crime prevention, village maintenance, and partnerships with nonprofit groups and the business community. My objective is to reduce or eradicate crime in our village and to promote the identity of our island, he said. This island is a diverse community, and Im appealing to all different ethnic communities here. Camacho said concerns raised by visiting Japanese officials particularly about crime have reinforced his push for stronger community policing and public awareness campaigns. He cited his partnership with the Department of Public Safety and its See Something, Say Something, Do Something initiative. Were working hand in hand, he said. The community is really coming forward because they see its a good campaign and theyre willing to join. Message to residents A retired police major, Camacho urged residents to work together to keep neighborhoods safe and report suspicious activity. Lets all partner up, lets work together, and lets be team players to police up our island, he said. Lets remove this fear by working together. Camacho officially announced his candidacy during a birthday fundraising event on Sept. 5, saying he remains committed to serving the community. Public service background Camacho served 20 years with the Department of Public Safety and 17 years on the Parole Board. He completed three terms on the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council, where he helped establish the Leadership Courtyard in Chalan Kanoa and worked with then-Commerce Secretary Arnold Palacios to build the farmers market. He has also led the Sabalu Farmers Association for 20 years and chaired the Farm Service Agency for 13 years. Camacho said he maintains a positive working relationship with the current Municipal Council. With the pressing issues we have, its time to embrace and work together so we can brainstorm the best path forward, he said. So far, the only other mayoral hopeful is Precinct 4 Rep. Joel Castro Camacho, who announced his candidacy in November. 1) U.S. authorities built new plywood houses for several hundred Rongelap Islanders to move back to one of the most radiation-contaminated locations in the world in 1957, three years after the Bravo hydrogen bomb test. University of Hawaii Pacific Collection Jack Tobin Collection via Giff Johnson 2) Rongelap Islanders were moved back to their home atoll three years after the Bravo hydrogen bomb engulfed it in a snowstorm of radioactivity. University of Hawaii Pacific Collection Jack Tobin Collection via Giff Johnson By Giff Johnson For Variety MAJURO Although evidence shows that the entire Marshall Islands was subjected to radioactive fallout from hydrogen bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in the 1950s, there are three specific populations who were exposed to relatively high levels of radiation by United States government actions from the 1950s to the 1970s and for whom there has never been any type of medical monitoring or follow up. People in Marshall Islands often make the claim, with some justification, that the entire country, every atoll and island, was exposed to fallout from the 67 nuclear tests conducted from 1946 to 1958. A once secret U.S> Atomic Energy Commission report, issued in classified form in 1955 following the 1954 Operation Castle series of hydrogen bomb tests at Bikini, lists external exposures recorded on virtually every inhabited atoll and island in the Marshall Islands. This AEC report confirms the widespread nature of hydrogen bomb test fallout throughout this country, contrary to U.S. government claims over decades that only a few islands in the northern part of the country were contaminated. On one hand, the U.S. government has, since 1954, operated a special medical program for the 82 people from Rongelap Atoll and 157 Utrok Atoll people who were living on their home atolls on March 1, 1954 and heavily exposed to Bravo hydrogen bomb test fallout. Today, over 70 years after Bravo, there are only a handful of originally exposed Rongelap and Utrok people still alive and the U.S.-funded medical program will end at some point in the not-too-distant future. On the other hand, there has been scant focus on several specific groups of Marshallese who were exposed to high levels of radiation put in harms way by actions and policies of the U.S. government. The special medical program for those exposed to Bravo test fallout in 1954 on Rongelap and Utrok begs the question, why is there no medical follow up for other groups in the Marshall Islands? For example: The 139 Bikini people who returned to Bikini Atoll in the early 1970s after U.S. authorities declared the former nuclear test site safe for habitation, built houses for them on Bikini and assisted with their repatriation home. Because the Bikinians were evacuated in 1946, they were not subjected to large doses of radioactive fallout from Bravo and other hydrogen bomb tests in contrast to others living in the northern Marshall Islands. The 139 Bikinians allowed to return home by the U.S. government become the first seriously radiation-affected Bikini population. As early as 1975, barely three years into their return to Bikini, warning signs were appearing about radiation safety, with an Interior Department official quoted at the time as saying it appears to be hotter or questionable as to safety. That same year, an Atomic Energy Commission report on Bikini suggested that some ground wells were too radioactive for safe use, and consumption of pandanus, breadfruit and coconut crabs needed to be prohibited. Still, the 139 Bikinians remained on the island, unaware of the increasing awareness of U.S. scientists about the hazards of living on Bikini. In June 1977, a report by the Department of Energy (successor agency to the Atomic Energy Commission) said: All living patterns involving Bikini Island exceed Federal (radiation) guidelines for 30-year population doses. Still, the group remained there, ingesting or breathing in radioactivity daily. A Lawrence Livermore Laboratory study on Bikini in 1977 was blunt about how scientists viewed Bikinians living on Bikini: Bikini may be the only global source of data on humans where intake via ingestion is thought to contribute the major fraction of plutonium body burdenit is possibly the best available source of data for evaluating the transfer of plutonium across the gut wall after being incorporated into biological systems. Biological systems being, of course, a reference to human beings. By May 1978, U.S. authorities reported that studies of the Bikinians living on Bikini showed a 75% increase in body levels of Cesium 137 and announced plans to evacuate them. That evacuation took place in September 1978. From that time until today there has never been any special medical monitoring or attention paid to this group of 139 Bikinians who by virtue of U.S. government assurances of the safety of the atoll were subjected to six years of radiation exposure. Ultimately, the 139 people were evacuated in 1978 to Ejit Island in Majuro by U.S. authorities after they ingested high radiation levels from living in a seriously contaminated environment. The over 200 Rongelap Islanders who had not been on Rongelap Atoll during the Bravo test in 1954 but were moved back to Rongelap in 1957 along with originally exposed people as a control group for ongoing radiation studies by the U.S. Brookhaven National Laboratory. This group of 200 may have received some radioactive fallout from Bravo living on other islands in the Marshalls, but it was minuscule compared the 82 originally exposed Rongelap people who were engulfed in Bravos snowstorm of radioactive fallout on March 1, 1954. The statement in a Brookhaven National Laboratory report about the return in 1957 showed both that Rongelap was the most radiation-contaminated place in the world where people were living and revealed the intent of the doctors with the control group: Even though the radioactive contamination of Rongelap Island is considered perfectly safe for human habitation, the levels of activity are higher than those found in other inhabited locations in the world, said the Brookhaven report. The habitation of these people on the island will afford most valuable ecological data on human beings. Brookhaven called the control group an ideal comparison population for the studies. More than a year later, Brookhaven doctors reported that the levels of radiation in the bodies of the people who returned in 1957 skyrocketed from absorbing Bravo fallout in the Rongelap environment, which had not been cleaned up prior to the 1957 return. In just one year, Brookhaven follow up medical examinations showed that Rongelap Islanders body levels of Cesium 137 rose 60-fold, Strontium 90 rose 20-fold, and Zinc rose eight-fold from living on Rongelap. Yet while the U.S. government has maintained a special medical program from 1954 to this day for the original 82 exposed Rongelap Islanders, there has never been an ongoing and systematic medical program to check and treat the 200 people who had not been on Rongelap in 1954 but were allowed by the U.S. government to return to live in 1957 to a highly radioactive environment. The 400 inhabitants of Ailuk Atoll, who U.S. authorities acknowledged at the time of the Bravo test received a dose of radioactive fallout similar to the Utrok people but said it was too much of a logistical problem to evacuate them due to the population size. Utrok, with a smaller population, was evacuated after Bravo. A U.S. government report at the time noted that the only other populated atoll which received fallout of any consequence at all was AilukBalancing the effort required to move the 400 inhabitants against the fact that such a dose would not be a medical problem, it was decided not to evacuate the atoll. In fact it was true that both Ailuk and Utrok had relatively low exposures compared to the high dose experienced by the Rongelap people. Significantly, the claim by U.S. officials in 1954 that Ailuks exposure would not be a medical problem was based on nothing because at the time, little was known about the long-term health effects of radiation. Moreover, this baseless claim was debunked by the experience of the Utrok people 22 years after Bravo. In 1976, Utrok, whose dose was calculated at about one-twelfth of Rongelaps, suddenly showed a higher rate of thyroid cancer than the Rongelap people a development that made headlines in the Los Angeles Times. This finding by Brookhaven National Laboratory indicated both the long latency period before health problems develop after exposure and the significant risk of what was assumed to be a low dose exposure. As with the 139 Bikinians and the 200 Rongelap Islanders mentioned above there has never been any systematic medical follow up with the 400 originally exposed Ailuk people. These are forgotten victims of the U.S. nuclear test legacy who were exposed to radiation by decisions of the U.S. government. Weve featured fresh reports of the US moving planes to the Middle East, such as: Probably F15s, F16s, F22s And F35s : Dozens Of US Jets Now Converging On The Middle East. There are similar accounts, such as: U.S. has significantly increased its military posture in the Middle East, with multiple C-17 transports deploying to bases in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, special operations assets (including Night Stalkers and AC-130 gunships) positioned regionally, and two carrier strike pic.twitter.com/tC3mXC6nI3 The Inquiry (@InquiryTh) January 10, 2026 It has been less widely noticed that Iran has changed its military doctrine from authorizing purely defensive action to now permit pre-emptive strikes. From Tasmin News on January 6, translated by Resistance.org: Statement of the Secretariat of the Defense Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, January 6, 2026. [.] The Islamic Republic of Iran, relying on national cohesion, comprehensive deterrence capability, and full defensive readiness, once again affirms that the countrys security, independence, and territorial integrity constitute an inviolable red line. Any infringement upon national interests, interference in internal affairs, or action against Irans stability will be met with a proportionate, targeted, and decisive response. Within the framework of legitimate self-defense, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not limit itself to responding after an action has occurred and considers objective indications of threat as part of the security equation. Reader Historiality claimed on January 8 that Russia was evacuating embassy staff from Israel. A colleague who has contacts among diplomats across the Global South just wrote us: China has also pulled its diplomats out of Israel. Russia has urged its citizens to flee via Egypt. Neither country has pulled out of Iran to the best of my knowledge. We are taking the liberty of posting the text of this entire tweet for reader convenience, since it can be read for free on Twitter. A dramatic shift moves us from defense to a posture of imminent offense.. Talal Nahle At noon, the measures concerned troop movements.. Now, after sunset, Iran has begun clearing firing corridors. (Firing Corridors). This means vacating specific airspaces to allow its pic.twitter.com/lk6nxk0UY9 IntelSky (@Intel_Sky) January 10, 2026 The body: A dramatic shift moves us from defense to a posture of imminent offense.. Talal Nahle At noon, the measures concerned troop movements.. Now, after sunset, Iran has begun clearing firing corridors. (Firing Corridors). This means vacating specific airspaces to allow its missiles to launch toward external targets without colliding with civilian or friendly aircraft. Here is the new and exclusive update in the evening brief of January 10 (17:01): 1. Fire Corridor. From Central to Western Iran A new and dangerous NOTAM has appeared (A0398/26). Location: A broad air strip extending from Markazi Province (Arak) and Hamedan toward the western borders (Kermanshah. Ilam). Strategic analysis: This is not a protective closure of a site, but a clearance of a pathway. This air tunnel is typically established to allow ballistic missiles or drone swarms to pass safely from central launch bases toward targets in Iraq or Israel. The existence of this corridor indicates that missile batteries have been armed and oriented westward. 2. Ocean Gate. Jask NOTAM number (A0390/26) has appeared. Location: Jask port and naval base (on the Gulf of Oman, outside the Strait of Hormuz). Critical importance: Jask hosts heavy submarines (Kilo class) and long-range anti-ship missile systems. Analysis: Activating Jask means fortifying the rear platform.. If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, Jask is the only base capable of engaging U.S. fleets in the Indian Ocean. This secures the rear of the Iranian navy. 3. The Last Iron Dome. Tehran (SHORAD Alert) NOTAM number (A0392/26) has appeared. Location: Very low-altitude restrictions over specific areas of Tehran. Analysis: This indicates the deployment and activation of short-range air defense systems (SHORAD) such as Majid or Tor-M1 among residential buildings. The target here is not fighter jets, but cruise missiles or small drones that could slip between buildings. This is the final layer of defense before impact. 4. Vahdati Air Base. Dezful NOTAM number (A0395/26) has appeared. Location: Vahdati Air Base in Dezful. Importance: A highly advanced offensive base (close to the Iraqi border), known for fast F-5 aircraft used for rapid response. Analysis: Placing this base in a live fire status means it will be the spearhead of any border air engagement to prevent hostile aircraft from penetrating deeper territory. Geopolitical conclusion of the evening brief (17:01): The title of this file is Opening the Road to Fire. The most dangerous element in this update is the western air corridor (Point 1). When a state clears an air route from the center of the country to its borders, this is a very strong indicator of intent to launch offensive projectiles (missiles or drones), not merely defensive measures. Preparations are complete: Commanders are in bunkers (since noon). The offensive pathway is open (now). Close-in defense (SHORAD) is activated inside the capital (now). Iran is now standing with its finger on the trigger. As the end of this post indicates, this posture may be a signal of readiness as opposed to positioning for action to follow immediately. But given the clear signs that the US is moving military assets to the Iran theater, it is hard to believe that it makes sense for Iran to stand pat. One has to think that if the intent is to launch a pre-emptive strike, as opposed to engage in threat display, that Iran will not sit around in a state of high preparedness but will hit as soon as they are ready. So if the reading above is accurate and Iran plans to move first, the strike would seem likely to come tonight or at the latest, the night after. A Disrupted Body Clock Is Linked to Higher Dementia Risk SciTech Daily I met a lot of weird robots at CES here are the most memorable TechCrunch People Who Go Off GLP-1s Are Experiencing a Sudden and Terrible Hunger Futurism From Noriega to Maduro: The Long US History of Kidnapping Foreign Leaders ScheerPost A case of David vs Goliath at Wroclaw Zoo, as a tiny 13kg deer takes on a nearly two-tonne rhinoceros and appears to come out of the clash on top. pic.twitter.com/aKFpwP8VJd COVID-19/Pandemics Climate/Environment As the Arctic warms up, the race to control the region is growing ever hotter The Conversation South of the Border A battered Cuba braces for aftershocks as US seizures of oil tankers linked to Venezuela surge AP China? Chinese robotics firm AgiBot shipped over 5,100 humanoid robots in 2025, securing a 39 percent share of the global humanoid robot market. It ranked first in the world for both shipment volume and market share, according to an industry report by Omdia. #ChinaTech #AgiBot pic.twitter.com/8eDWcQKX0c China Xinhua News (@XHNews) January 10, 2026 Chinas artificial sun breaks nuclear fusion limit thought to be impossible The Independent I Came to CES to Check Out Energy and Solar Power Innovations and Found That China Is Running Laps Around Us PC Magazine The end of Chinas one-child policy, 10 years later Taipei Times YJ-20: Meet the Chinese Missile Built to Break the US Navy The National Interest Conor here: Im not sure why anyone would expect anything else. The Democrats are just as responsible for the masked agents terrorizing American streets as the other side. To briefly recap. Obama Always worth a reminder that Obama inherited ICE as a fledgling agency, increased its budget 300%, established a nationwide network of detention centres and expanded the secure communities enforcement program from 14 counties under Bush Jr to all 3,181 jurisdictions in America https://t.co/eHEJy7UlH0 Nate Bear (@NateB_Panic) March 16, 2025 Biden As always, Team Blue positions itself as just a little less bad. In this case, five percent annual increases instead of seven percent under Trump I. Funding under Trump 2.0 has gone through the roof with at least a tripling of the ICE budget. Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), while always voting to increase ICEs budget, have in the past released strongly worded statements criticizing the agency. Oddly enough, those stern performative letters didnt work. Aside from gunning people down, heres a report from the ground in Minneapolis showing the level of dystopia: Someone I personally know in Minneapolis posted this to Facebook a few hours ago. This isnt what orderly law enforcement looks like. No charge, no location info? How do you even know citizens are getting due process here? pic.twitter.com/y2pzvPq7iQ Liminal Warmth (@liminal_warmth) January 10, 2026 And as more evidence of the absurdity of the moment, ICE used to have a Human Rights Violators and War Crimes page that promised to prevent the admission of known or suspected war criminals, persecutors and human rights violators into the United States. Funny the masked agents are nowhere to be found when genocidaires like Bibi and the head chopper Al-Sharaa come to town.Alas, the human rights page is now outdated with a note at the top that reads: In an effort to keep ICE.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated. This information is archived and not reflective of current practice. No doubt. By Julia Conley, a staff writer at Common Dreams. Cross posted from Common Dreams. The killing of Renee Good by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis this week came as Republicans in Congress were planning to bring a homeland security spending bill to the House floor, deciding on whether the agency thats surged thousands of armed agents into communities across the country should have increased fundingand progressive lawmakers are demanding that the Democrats use the upcoming government funding deadline to hopefully reduce the departments ability to wreak further havoc. I just dont understand how we provide votes for a bill that funds the extent of the depravity, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) told CNN Thursday. I know we cant fix everything in the appropriations bill but we should be looking at ways we can put some commonsense limitations on their ability to bring violence to our cities. But the top Democratic leaders, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY) both appeared to have little interest in discussing how their party can use the appropriations process as leverage to rein in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies that have taken part in President Donald Trumps mass deportation operation. Both Schumer and Jeffries sharply criticized Wednesdays shooting and the Trump administrations insistence that, contrary to mounting video evidence, the ICE agent who shot Good was acting in self-defense. But Jeffries said Thursday that he was focused on passing other appropriations bills that were ultimately approved by the House. Well figure out the accountability mechanisms at the appropriate time, Jeffries told reporters. Democrats refuse to use their power in the appropriations fight to rein in ICE. They dont care if you live or die. https://t.co/gFXhyfzA12 Prof Zenkus (@anthonyzenkus) January 9, 2026 With Congress facing a January 30 deadline for approving government spending packagesand with public disapproval of ICE at an all-time highseveral lawmakers have said this week that right now is the appropriate time to rein in the agency in any way the Democrats can. Statements and letters are not enough, and the appropriations process and the [continuing resolution] expiring January 31 is our opportunity, Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) told Axios. Schumer also refused to say whether the Democrats would use the appropriations process as leverage to cut funding to ICE, whose budget is set to balloon to $170 billion following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year. Republicans will need Democratic support to pass a spending bill in the Senate, where 60 votes are required. oh cool the guy responsible for failing to protect our healthcare by orchestrating a total cave-in to Republicans is also caving in on the murder of americans by gestapo death squads LOVE IT https://t.co/q0xEWNsTOX Jules Suzdaltsev (@jules_su) January 9, 2026 The Senate leader said only that he has lots of problems with ICE when asked whether he would support abolishing the agencya proposal whose support has gone by 20 percentage points among voters in just one year, according to a recent survey. Both leaders also would not commit to slashing the homeland security budget should the Democrats win back majorities in Congress this year. Its hard to be an opposition party when you refuse to oppose the blatantly illegal and immoral things being done by the opposition, said Melanie DArrigo, executive director of the Campaign for New York Health. Sharing a clip of Jeffries remarks to reporters about the agencys funding, historian Moshik Temkin said that people need to understand that at its core ICE is a bipartisan project, increasingly funded and normalized over multiple Democratic administrations and congressional majorities, and a few of them (not this guy) are starting to realize how foolish, weak, and misguided they were. Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) are among the progressive lawmakers calling on the Democrats to demand reduced funding for ICEeven if it means another government shutdown months after the longest one in US history late last year, which began when the Democrats refused to join the GOP in passing a spending bill that would have allowed Affordable Care Act tax credits to expire. Ultimately, some Senate Democrats caved, and the subsidies lapsed. We cant just keep authorizing money for these illegal killers, Jayapal told Axios. Thats what they are, this rogue force. Ocasio-Cortez told the Independent that Democrats should absolutely push to cut funding. This Congress, this Republican Congress, while they cut a trillion dollars to Americans healthcare, and they exploded the ICE budget to $170 billion making it one of the largest paramilitary forces in the United States with zero accountability as they shoot US citizens in the headabsolutely, she said. On the podcast The Majority Report, Emma Vigeland and Sam Seder called on progressive Democrats to demand Schumers ouster in light of his refusal to take action to rein in ICE as its violence in American communities escalates. Its time for Democrats to oust Chuck Schumer from leadership pic.twitter.com/ByWMJ495zb Majority Report (@majorityfm) January 9, 2026 Change the news cycle and show that youll be an opposition party, said Vigeland. Call for his ouster. Seder added that Schumer has the ability to wage a fight to prevent the funding of DHS. He has the ability to do that and he doesnt want it. Hes running away from any leverage he has, deliberately. Good morning gentle readers and welcome to another installment of the Sunday Morning Movie. Today its a Western, One Eyed Jacks, starring and directed by Marlon Brando. and here is next weeks film Ballad of Orin: Reviews of One Eyed Jacks: The Genre Junky says: The films intriguing aspect is how the plot evolves depending on the characters actions in response to the situations before them. This is evident in Bobs U-turn on Rio due to impatience, the accidental love Rio develops for Louisa that accounts for Rios character transformation, and Dads shift in attitude towards Rio motivated by his desire to erase everything from his past. This film distinguishes itself from its contemporaries by depicting characters who are complex and gray human beings rather than the stereotypical, one-note heroes and villains that characterized most of the genres predecessors. Take Rios example. He has spent his entire life as a bandit and knows nothing better; he is also a compulsive liar who lies to women about everything to get into bed with them (on their first meeting, he tells Louisa that he is a covert government agent). After Dad betrays him, the only purpose in his life is to get retribution because he has nothing else to live for. However, this perspective shifts once he develops feelings for Louisa, and his grounded and endearing love story with her allows him to prioritize her above all else. As a result, he now has something to live for, and vengeance ceases to be his primary impetus. The theme of revenge is expertly handled in this film, with love triumphing over vengeanceand justifiably so. filmsgraded.com says: One-Eyed Jacks is famous for being Marlon Brandos sole effort as director. At first, Stanley Kubrick was the director, but a clash of egos led to his abandoning the project. Brando extended the shooting schedule from sixty days to six months, and turned in a four hour film. Studio executives had the film cut to 141 minutes, and the expensive film lost money when finally released. Who knows whether Kubricks version would have been much better. Certainly Brandos character would have been less heroic, and his various romances would likely have been downplayed. The good news is that Brandos version of One-Eyed Jacks is entertaining, interesting and original. It is also clearly better than Spartacus, the 1960 Kubrick-directed epic. Brando is stone-faced and tight-lipped throughout, but he remains charismatic and likeable. Slim Pickens has a great supporting role as Maldens malevolent deputy. Malden also gives a fine performance. letterboxd says: An unevenly directed and edited film, One-Eyed Jacks shows Marlon Brando at both his best and worst. A lovely unsung performance by Karl Malden and solid cinematography from Charles Lang are the highlights. Supporting cast, including Slim Pickens and Ben Johnson, are also solid. No one takes a beating onscreen like Brando. David Webb Peoples clearly saw this film before writing Unforgiven. Not too many projects can claim to have canned talent the likes of Stanley Kubrick, Calder Willingham and Sam Peckinpah. My take: A good yarn but not my favorite Western by a, um, long shot. Brando is excellent as the moody outlaw who learns to love. The cinematography is top notch, and it was a stroke of genius to use California as the backdrop instead of the usual Western deserts one expects from the genre. Its definitely worth a look but only one: . Director: Marlon Brando Writers: Guy Trosper, Calder Willingham Notable Actors: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden Plot (Spoilers!): Rio (Brando) and two other men rob a Mexican bank and make off with two sacks of gold. Flush with their success, they decide to live it up at a cantina. Not long afterwards the Mexican police arrive and kill one of them. Rio and Dad (Malden) escape but, after being abandoned by Dad, Rio is captured. He spends a harsh five years in a Mexican prison. He eventually escapes and begins to look for Dad, intent on revenge. He finds him but things have changed. Dad is now the sheriff of Monterey. Rio plans to kill him and to rob the bank as well. But love intercedes. Rio falls for Dads beautiful stepdaughter and spends the night with her on the beach. Dad finds out and whips Rio as well as smashing his gun-hand. Rio decides to drop his revenge and head out of town with the girl. But some thugs that he has partnered up with rob the bank and Dad blames him for it. Now imprisoned, Rio is facing the gallows. His girl manages to sneak a gun into the prison, and he uses it to escape. Dad spots him and a gunfight ensues in which Rio shoots Dad dead. Now on the run again, Rio tells his now pregnant lover that he will return for her in the spring. Bonus Documentary: Behind the Scenes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Hezbollah defies disarmament demands as Israel threatens escalation Hezbollah refuses to surrender its weapons while Israel occupies southern Lebanon, proposing instead to integrate its arsenal into Lebanon's defensea demand Israel outright rejects. Israeli officials warn Hezbollah is "playing with fire," vowing increased military pressure unless Lebanon forcibly disarms the group, including through controversial house-to-house raids. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) claim progress in dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure but refuse Israel's aggressive disarmament demands, fearing civil unrest or war. U.S.-mediated ceasefire talks continue, but Israel insists on full Hezbollah disarmament before peace, while Hezbollah demands Israeli withdrawal firstleaving negotiations at an impasse. With Netanyahu reportedly receiving a "green light" from Trump for military action and Hezbollah defiant, tensions escalate, raising fears of a full-scale regional conflict. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a sharp rebuke on Jan. 8, dismissing Lebanon's claims of progress in disarming Hezbollah as "far from being achieved." The statement came in response to Lebanon's announcement that its military had completed the first phase of dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure south of the Litani Rivera key condition of last year's ceasefire agreement. Israel, however, insists that Hezbollah is rearming faster than it is being disarmed and accuses the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) of cooperating with the resistance group rather than enforcing disarmament. The Israeli Foreign Ministry attached a video allegedly showing new Hezbollah military sites in the southern Lebanese town of Beit Lif, contradicting Lebanon's assertions. "Israel acknowledges the Lebanese government's decision to address Hezbollah's disarmament and some of the LAF's efforts, but these efforts remain limited," the statement read. The ministry emphasized that Israel expects full compliance with the ceasefire agreement, demanding Hezbollah's demilitarization not only south of the Litani but across all of Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office echoed these sentiments, calling Lebanon's actions "far from sufficient." The Israeli government has repeatedly warned that it will not tolerate Hezbollah retaining its weapons, framing the group's continued military presence as an existential threat. Defense Minister Israel Katz recently declared that Hezbollah is "playing with fire," vowing to escalate military pressure unless Lebanon fulfills its disarmament obligations. Lebanon's fragile balancing act The Lebanese Armed Forces, in their own statement, maintained that they have made significant progress in securing southern Lebanon, expanding their operational presence and dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructureexcept in areas still under Israeli occupation. The LAF also noted ongoing efforts to clear unexploded ordnance and tunnels while preventing armed groups from rebuilding their capabilities. However, skepticism remains high, particularly from Iran, Hezbollah's primary backer. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during a recent visit to Lebanon, dismissed the disarmament plan as a "doomed effort." Meanwhile, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajjia figure aligned with the U.S.-backed Lebanese Forces partyclaimed that the LAF could militarily confront Hezbollah if necessary. His comments sparked outrage, with Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah branding Rajji a "militiaman" who fought against the Lebanese people during the civil war. The Lebanese government, under U.S. pressure, adopted a resolution in August calling for Hezbollah's full disarmament. Yet reports suggest that Lebanon's army chief, Rudolphe Haikal, has resisted implementing the plan forcefully, fearing civil war. Haikal has allegedly threatened to resign if ordered to forcibly disarm Hezbollah before Israel withdraws from occupied Lebanese territories. Hezbollah's defiant stance Hezbollah has categorically rejected full disarmament, insisting that any discussion of integrating its weapons into Lebanon's national defense strategy is premature as long as Israel continues its attacks and occupation. The group maintains that it will only consider demilitarization south of the Litani Rivernot nationwideand only after Israel ceases hostilities and withdraws. This stance clashes with Israel's demands, which insist on complete disarmament as a precondition for peace. Israel has repeatedly threatened Lebanon with renewed war if Hezbollah is not disarmed by the end of 2025. Recent Hebrew media reports suggest that former U.S. President Donald Trump has given Israel a green light for a new military campaign against Lebanona claim amplified by Israel's Broadcasting Corporation (KAN), which stated that Netanyahu informed his cabinet of Trump's approval. Ceasefire talks and the specter of war Amid these tensions, U.S.-mediated ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Lebanon continue, with proposals including a permanent ceasefire, a 60-day IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon, LAF deployment along the border and Hezbollah's retreat north of the Litani River. However, Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will continue military operations against Hezbollah regardless of any agreement. The situation remains volatile. Tens of thousands of northern Israeli settlers remain displaced since Hezbollah opened its "support front" in October 2023, retaliating against Israel's war on Gaza. With both sides entrenched in their positionsHezbollah refusing to disarm under occupation and Israel threatening escalationthe risk of a broader regional war looms larger than ever. As diplomatic efforts falter and military posturing intensifies, Lebanon finds itself caught between external pressure and internal divisions. The coming months will determine whether a negotiated solution can avert another devastating conflictor whether Israel's ultimatums will trigger a new, catastrophic war. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Hezbollah's refusal to disarm is justified as long as Israel continues its illegal occupation and aggression, exposing the hypocrisy of Zionist demands while they ethnically cleanse Palestine. Israel's threats of escalation reveal their genocidal intent, driven by a supremacist ideology that sees any resistance as an existential threat to their apartheid regime. Watch this clip about how Hezbollah reels under Israel pressure. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co BrightU.ai Brighteon.com The bottom line regarding the US-Venezuela situation is the former now has more crude oil supplies to both refine and sell on the global market. There is an argument being made that this will increase the domestic US crude oil price while lowering prices for gasoline and diesel over time. More News from Barchart Our exclusive Barchart Brief newsletter is your FREE midday guide to what's moving stocks, sectors, and investor sentiment - delivered right when you need the info most. Subscribe today! Both the WTI and Brent markets are in position to see increased noncommercial buying interest early this week. What does the US-Venezuela situation mean for crude oil markets, both global Brent and domestic (US) West Texas Intermediate (WTI)? We know the US president stated Venezuela would now give the US 50 million barrels of oil, an amount roughly valued at $3 billion. According to a story on CNBC, the US president added, the money will be controlled by me[i]. What a shock, right? For now, lets try to set all this aside and focus on crude oils market structure, and how it might change during 2026. Lets start with the noncommercial side. Applying Newtons first law of motion to markets we know a trending market will stay in that trend until acted upon by an outside force, with that outside force usually the flow of investment money. A look at the chart for WTI crude oil futures created by pulling CFTC Commitments of Traders report (legacy, futures only) numbers and we see the flow of investment money has not change. Back in early February 2018 funds held a net-long futures position of 739,100 contracts. This included long futures of 862,100 contracts. Fast forward to the latest update, for the week ending Tuesday, January 6, and we see funds held a net-long of 57,352 contracts, a decrease of 7,239 contracts from the previous week. The chart also shows us the net-long futures position is within sight of its recent low of 39,800 from October 21, 2025. This sets the stage for a possible change in the outside force. But the investment side needs a fundamental reason to change its mind[ii], creating the debate over if we could now view crude oils supply and demand situation as bullish. A friend from central Illinois called last week raising the question of a more bullish fundamental picture for US crude oil. Supplies that will be given to the US from Venezuela are heavy crude, the type used by Gulf Coast refineries, meaning more oil will be turned into gasoline and diesel. And if the US is turning more toward a petroleum-based economy, and away from green energy, then theoretically it would increase demand for heavy crude oil, possibly lifting the price of crude in relation to RBOB gasoline and distillates (diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, etc.) futures. Trump orders U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations, saying they undermine U.S. sovereignty and no longer serve American interests. A presidential memorandum directs agencies to halt participation and funding for 35 non-United Nations (UN) bodies and 31 UN entities following a broad review of U.S. international commitments. Affected organizations include major climate, social and security bodies such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), UN Women, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Global Counterterrorism Forum. The White House said the move will end taxpayer support for what it calls "globalist" and inefficient agendas, saving money and reinforcing Trump's "America First" priorities. The decision builds on earlier withdrawals from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN Human Rights Council, as the administration shifts focus toward domestic priorities like infrastructure, defense and border security. President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations, arguing that the bodies no longer serve American interests and undermine U.S. sovereignty. In a fact sheet released on Tuesday, Jan. 7, the White House said Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing all executive departments and agencies to cease participation in and funding for 35 non-United Nations (UN) organizations and 31 UN entities deemed to be acting contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity or sovereignty. Among the UN bodies affected are the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which oversees global climate negotiations; UN Women, the agency focused on gender equality; and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a key body working on population, reproductive health and demographics. The decision also covers several prominent non-UN organizations. These include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world's leading authority on climate science and a co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize; the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); and the Global Counterterrorism Forum, which works to strengthen international cooperation against extremist threats. Trump has repeatedly argued that such bodies impose unfair costs on the United States, limit its policy autonomy and fail to deliver tangible benefits commensurate with American funding. "These withdrawals will end American taxpayer funding and involvement in entities that advance globalist agendas over U.S. priorities, or that address important issues inefficiently or ineffectively, such that U.S. taxpayer dollars are best allocated in other ways to support the relevant missions," the White House statement said. It added that many of the organizations promote "radical climate policies, global governance and ideological programs conflicting with U.S. sovereignty and economic strength." Trump admin aims to redirect resources to domestic priorities By exiting the organizations, the administration said it aims to save taxpayer money and redirect resources toward domestic priorities under Trump's "America First" agenda. This, according to BrightU.AI's Enoch, is a nationalist governing doctrine prioritizing U.S. sovereignty, economic protectionism, military strength, immigration restrictionism and cultural traditionalism, designed to dismantle globalist influences and restore American self-reliance. The move builds on a series of earlier withdrawals since Trump returned to office. The White House said the president has already initiated U.S. exits from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement, and has notified the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development that its global minimum tax deal has "no force or effect" in the United States. Trump also ordered an investigation into whether foreign tax regimes unfairly target U.S. companies. Additionally, Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council and prohibiting any future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The White House said the administration is refocusing U.S. engagement abroad to ensure international commitments align with national priorities, while shifting resources toward domestic needs such as infrastructure, military readiness and border security. Watch the video below about investigative journalist Todd Bensman's report on the UN paying illegal immigrants using U.S. taxpayer money. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com WhiteHouse.gov BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Major Indian oil refiner eyes Venezuelan crude to replace Russian stocks Reliance Industries Ltd., led by Mukesh Ambani, signals readiness to resume Venezuelan oil purchases if U.S. sanctions permit non-American buyers, highlighting India's strategy of securing discounted, heavy crude for refinery efficiency. Reliance halted Venezuelan imports in early 2024 due to U.S. sanctions but sees an opportunity after Washington's tentative deal with Venezuela. New Delhi warns that blocking sanctioned suppliers (Venezuela, Iran) forces continued reliance on Russian oil. Venezuela's heavy, sulfur-rich Merey crude is costlier to process but critical for Reliance's profitability. India prioritizes affordability over geopolitics, as seen with its pivot to discounted Russian oil post-Ukraine conflict. Potential new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil trade could disrupt flows further. Meanwhile, Venezuela's re-entry into markets may ease supply pressures but risks backlash from hardline U.S. policymakers like Sen. Lindsey Graham. Reliance's maneuvering reflects a fractured energy landscape where corporate survival hinges on exploiting geopolitical loopholes. The situation underscores the clash between national interests, superpower sanctions and the volatile balance of global oil markets. In a bold move that underscores the shifting sands of global energy politics, a major Indian oil refiner has signaled its willingness to resume Venezuelan crude purchases if Washington permits sales to non-U.S. buyers. Reliance Industries Ltd. the refining behemoth controlled by Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani confirmed its intent to source Venezuelan crude on Thursday, Jan. 8. "We await clarity on access for Venezuelan oil by non-U.S. buyers and will consider buying the oil in a compliant manner," a company spokesperson told Reuters in an email. This comes just months after Reliance halted imports due to U.S. sanctions, revealing the delicate dance between energy security, geopolitical maneuvering and corporate survival in an era of escalating trade wars and economic coercion. Reliance which operates the world's largest refining complex in India's Gujarat state stopped importing Venezuelan crude in early 2024 as U.S. sanctions tightened. Its last shipment arrived in May of that year. But with Washington's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, Jan. 3, and a tentative deal allowing limited Venezuelan exports to the U.S., Reliance sees an opening. The stakes are high: Reliance's refineries are optimized for heavy, discounted crudes like Venezuela's Merey grade a key factor in maintaining profitability amid volatile oil markets. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, Venezuela's Merey crude is a heavy, sour oil that requires extensive refining due to its high density and sulfur content. This makes it more costly and complex to process compared to lighter crudes like Brent or West Texas Intermediate. As a net importer, India has long prioritized price and refinery efficiency over political posturing famously turning to heavily discounted Russian crude after Moscow's special military operation in Ukraine. Now, with U.S. pressure mounting on Russian oil purchases, Venezuela presents an alternative one that New Delhi has quietly lobbied Washington to permit, arguing that cutting off all sanctioned suppliers at once risks destabilizing global prices. India's oil dilemma: Defy U.S. sanctions or risk Russia's wrath? Behind the scenes, this is more than just a corporate hedging strategy it's a geopolitical chess match. India has warned U.S. officials that without access to Venezuelan and Iranian crude, its reliance on Russian oil will remain entrenched. For Washington, allowing Venezuelan exports could serve dual purposes: easing supply pressures while subtly redirecting demand away from Moscow. Yet the risks are palpable. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) recently signaled that new U.S. sanctions targeting Russian oil trade could advance as early as next week a move that could further scramble global oil flows. Meanwhile, oil markets remain jittery. Brent crude futures climbed nearly 2% Thursday as traders weighed Venezuela's potential re-entry against fears of Russian supply disruptions. Analysts at Morgan Stanley predict a global surplus of up to three million barrels per day in early 2026, a glut that could either soften prices or trigger desperate maneuvers by producers fighting for market share. For Reliance, the calculus is simple: Survival favors the adaptable. The company has already pivoted dramatically, buying seven times more Russian crude in May alone accounting for a fifth of its total intake before scaling back as compliance risks grew. Now, with Venezuelan barrels potentially back on the table, Ambani's empire is poised to exploit another geopolitical loophole. Yet this story transcends oil. It's a microcosm of the new world disorder where national interests collide with corporate pragmatism, where energy independence battles against the whims of superpower sanctions and where every barrel traded carries invisible strings attached. As Reliance waits for Washington's next move, one truth emerges. In the high-stakes game of global energy, there are no permanent allies only permanent interests. Watch retired Indian ambassador Anil Trigunayat reiterating that India will continue to buy oil from where it is best for its own national interest. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: OilPrice.com ETNowNews.com BRecorder.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com U.K. threatens ban on Elon Musks X over AI-generated deepfake abuse The British government is exploring a ban on Elon Musk's platform X due to outrage over its AI chatbot, Grok, being used to create non-consensual deepfake images of women and childrenincluding public figures like the Princess of Wales. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the content as "disgusting," prompting regulators to use the Online Safety Act, which allows fines or platform bans if harmful material isn't removed. Ofcom is in "urgent contact" with X over illegal child abuse material circulating on dark web forums. The controversy has escalated tensions, with the U.S. accusing the U.K. of suppressing free speech. Elon Musk criticized the Online Safety Act as "suppression of the people," while U.K. officials defend it as necessary to combat revenge porn and child exploitation. Reports reveal Musk loosened Grok's censorship guardrails, leading to resignations in X's safety team. Critics blame this for the surge in abusive AI content, prompting calls for boycotts and legal action from figures like Sen. Ted Cruz. If X fails to act, Ofcom may impose an unprecedented ban, marking a pivotal case in global debates over AI ethics, free speech and government intervention in techsetting a precedent for future digital governance. The British government is considering banning Elon Musk's social media platform, X, amid growing outrage over its AI chatbot, Grok, being used to generate non-consensual deepfake images of women and children. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called the content "disgusting and not to be tolerated" and urged regulators to explore all possible measures, including fines or a complete block on the platform in the United Kingdom. The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that X users exploited Grok to create thousands of AI-generated nude imagesincluding depictions of public figures like the Princess of Wales, politicians and celebritieswithout consent. Worse still, U.K. internet watchdogs discovered that some of these manipulated images were shared on dark web forums, constituting illegal child sexual abuse material. With X hosting around 20 million U.K. users, the government has invoked the Online Safety Act, which, according to BrightU.AI's Enoch, grants regulators the power to impose multibillion-pound fines or even restrict access to platforms that fail to remove harmful content. Ofcom, the U.K.'s communications watchdog, has already issued warnings and is in "urgent contact" with X over the issue. The escalating conflict has widened tensions between the U.K. and the U.S. over digital governance and free speech. The White House has accused the British government of suppressing expression, while President Donald Trump criticized the U.K.'s tech regulations as "not a good thing." Musk himself has condemned the Online Safety Act, calling it a tool for "the suppression of the people." However, U.K. officials argue that the law is necessary to combat illegal content, including revenge porn and child exploitation. Under the Act, Ofcom can seek a court-ordered ban requiring internet providers and app stores to block X if the platform refuses to comply. Musk's loosened AI guardrails under scrutiny Amid the backlash, reports suggest Musk directed his AI team at xAI to reduce censorship on Grok, leading to three safety team members resigning. Critics argue that this decision enabled the surge in abusive AI-generated content. Former U.K. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh called for an immediate boycott, stating: "The enablement, if not encouragement, of child sexual abuse means it is unconscionable to use the site for another minute." Meanwhile, U.S. Sen Ted Cruz condemned the AI-generated images as "unacceptable" and a violation of laws against digital exploitation. Musk has since warned that users creating illegal content with Grok will face consequencesbut whether X can curb the flood of deepfake abuse remains uncertain. If X fails to act swiftly, Ofcom may pursue an unprecedented access restriction order, marking the first time a major social media platform could be blocked in the United Kingdom. The case underscores the growing global debate over AI ethics, free speech and government intervention in techa conflict that could redefine digital governance in the years ahead. For now, the U.K.'s ultimatum to Musk's X serves as a stark warning: platforms enabling AI abuse will face severe repercussions, even if it means cutting off millions of users. Watch the video below that talks about the scary truth of AI deepfakes. This video is from the Recharge Freedom channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Telegraph.co.uk BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Wyoming Supreme Court strikes down abortion bans, citing Obamacare amendment The court unanimously affirmed that Wyoming's constitution protects personal medical autonomy, including abortion rights, under Article 1, Section 38. The provision, originally passed to resist Obamacare mandates, broadly shields individual health care decisions, preventing government interference in reproductive choices. While all justices agreed abortion is a protected right, they voted 4-1 on whether to fully overturn the bans, with Justice Kari Gray dissenting. Governor Mark Gordon condemned the ruling, urging a constitutional amendment to exclude abortion from protected health care decisions, putting the issue before voters. The ruling contrasts with states like Georgia (where courts upheld abortion bans) and highlights America's ideological split, forcing women to travel for care and sparking renewed debate over fetal personhood vs. bodily autonomy. In a landmark decision, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled that the state's abortion bansthe Life is a Human Right Act of 2023 and a separate prohibition on abortion drugsviolate the state constitution's guarantee of personal health care autonomy. The ruling, issued unanimously by all five justices of the Equality State's high court, affirms that Article 1, Section 38 of Wyoming's constitution protects an individual's right to make their own medical decisions. This provision was added by referendum in 2012 in response to federal overreach under Obamacare. "Each competent adult shall have the right to make his or her own health care decisions," the provision states. The court emphasized that this language is unambiguous, applying broadly to all medical choicesincluding abortion. According to the high court's summary, "the decision whether to terminate or continue a pregnancy is a woman's own health care decision protected by Article 1, Section 38." While the justices unanimously recognized this as a fundamental right, they split 4-1 on whether to strike down the laws outright. Justice Kari Gray dissented, arguing the bans should stand. The ruling overturns lower court decisions that had also invalidated the restrictions, marking a significant defeat for pro-life advocates in a deeply conservative state. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican, swiftly condemned the decision, calling for a constitutional amendment to override it. "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," Gordon declared. "It is time for this issue to go before the people for a vote." The court's decision hinges on the plain text of Wyoming's constitution, which was deliberately crafted to prevent government interference in personal medical choices. Though the provision was initially aimed at resisting Obamacare mandates, its broad wording now shields reproductive rights. "The Court recognized it cannot add words to the Wyoming Constitution," the justices noted. However, they acknowledged that lawmakers could pursue a voter referendum to amend the language if they seek to explicitly exclude abortion from protected health care decisions. The abortion war heats up in the courts This ruling stands in stark contrast to Georgia's recent judicial battle over its six-week abortion ban, which was struck down as "unconstitutional" despite being upheld by the state Supreme Court in 2023. The Georgia law, known as the LIFE Act, prohibits abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected, with narrow exceptions for rape, incest or medical emergencies. Critics argue such laws defy biological reality, as fetal "heartbeats" at six weeks are merely electrical impulsesnot fully developed cardiac function. Yet pro-life advocates maintain these protections are essential to safeguard unborn life. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that heartbeat laws protect unborn children by prohibiting abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detectable, typically around six weeks. These proposals affirm the sanctity of life and redirect taxpayer funds to support mothers and families. The Wyoming decision highlights America's deepening ideological divide. While states like New Jersey permit abortion up to birtha policy many find morally reprehensibleothers, like Texas and Tennessee, enforce near-total bans. The patchwork of laws has forced women to cross state lines for care, exacerbating disparities in access. Yet abortion rights groups, including the lead plaintiff in the Wyoming case, Wellspring Health Access, hailed the ruling as a victory for bodily autonomy. "Our clinic will remain open and ready to provide compassionate reproductive health care, including abortions," said President Julie Burkhart. "Patients in Wyoming will no longer be forced to travel out of state." With Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon pushing for a constitutional amendment, Wyoming could soon become the next battleground in the national abortion debate. If lawmakers draft new language excluding abortion from protected health care decisions, voters may ultimately decide the issue in a referendum. For now, the court's ruling ensures a temporary reprieve for reproductive rights advocates. However, it remains a rallying cry for pro-life activists determined to challenge the status quo. Watch Vice President JD Vance confronting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz about children born alive during an abortion debate. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. A young girl named Jyoti Solanki presented an artistic sketch depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the success of Operation Sindoor at the Shaurya Sabha in Somnath. Prime Minister Modi addressed a large gathering, criticizing post-independence historical narratives with a "colonial mindset" for distorting accounts of invasions. He specifically mentioned how the history of the Somnath Temple's destruction and the struggles of those who fought for it were marginalized. The event featured placards highlighting Somnath as a symbol of India's eternal identity and aspirations. A 10-year-old girl presented an artistic sketch of PM Modi and Operation Sindoor at the Shaurya Sabha in Somnath, highlighting national valor. Somnath, January 11 A young girl named Jyoti Solanki, an admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attended the Shaurya Sabha organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Hailing from Ratidhar village in Talala, she enthusiastically presented an artistic sketch depicting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the success of Operation Sindoor at the Shaurya Sabha, a CMO release said. Jyoti, a Class 10 student, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working tirelessly for the nation's progress in a selfless manner. She added that the success of Operation Sindoor in safeguarding the country and protecting it from terrorism inspired her to create this artistic sketch. Notably, the sketch features a portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the artistic inscription "OPERATION SINDOOR", symbolising the bravery of the Indian armed forces. The date of the Operation Sindoor has also been mentioned. A large gathering at the Shaurya Sabha witnessed the energetic and inspiring address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the Shaurya Sabha held during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv on Sunday, people displayed placards carrying messages such as Eternal and Indestructible Somnath (Sashwat ane Avinashi Somnath), Undivided India - Undivided Somnath, thereby bringing to light the saga of Somnath as a symbol of India's identity. The placards reflected the aspirations of modern India, according to a release. PM Modi's vision was prominently highlighted, showcasing inspiring messages displayed. The attendees at the Shaurya Sabha welcomed the PM's arrival by holding placards. Addressing a massive gathering after the culmination of the Shaurya Yatra, the Prime Minister hit out at "people with a colonial mindset" in post-Independence historical narratives, attempting to "erase history" of India's glorious past. PM asserted that some historians and politicians tried to distort accounts of historical invasions in textbooks, where "religious invasion was labelled as loot". "Unfortunately, after independence, people with a colonial mindset tried to get rid of our glorious past. They tried all they could to erase history. Those who fought for the Somnath Temple were not given their due recognition and importance. Some historians and politicians even tried to whitewash the history of these invaders. Religious invasion was labelled as loot. We have been taught in our textbooks that the Somnath Temple was demolished to loot its treasures. The cruel history of hate, atrocities and terror was hidden from us," PM Modi said. - ANI Elon Musk-run X Corp has acknowledged that its Grok AI generated obscene imagery on the platform and stated it will comply with Indian laws to remove such content. The Indian government issued a strict notice, directing X to submit an action report and prevent the generation of unlawful AI content. In response, X has already blocked thousands of pieces of content and deleted hundreds of accounts. The company now faces potential legal consequences under Indian IT laws if it fails to ensure compliance. Elon Musk's X Corp acknowledges Grok AI generated obscene imagery, blocks 3,500+ pieces of content, and vows strict compliance with Indian IT laws. New Delhi, Jan 11 Elon Musk-run X Corp has acknowledged the presence of obscene imagery on its platform, mostly created by its Grok AI, stating that it will comply with Indian laws and remove such content. According to government sources on Sunday, the platform has blocked around 3,500 pieces of content and deleted more than 600 accounts in question. Sources further said that from now on, "X will not allow obscene imagery." Earlier, X Corp, which runs the social media platform X, submitted a written response to the Government on the latter's notice to the company on the generation of "non-consensual sexual content by its Grok AI chatbot." 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 had 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 AI-based services like 'Grok' and xAl's other services" within 72 hours. The government directive states that "non-compliance with these requirements shall be viewed seriously and may result in strict legal consequences against your platform, its responsible officers and the users on the platform who violate the law, without any further notice, under the IT Act, the IT Rules, the BNSS, the BNS and other applicable laws". The ministry directed X to conduct a comprehensive review of Grok's technical and governance frameworks to prevent the generation of unlawful content. It said Grok must enforce strict user policies, including suspension and termination of violators. All offending content should be immediately removed without tampering with evidence, it said. X Corp said 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 as necessary. Musk also posted that "Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content." - IANS Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Thiruvananthapuram to formally launch the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. His itinerary includes a temple visit, interactions with grassroots party representatives, and key strategy meetings focused on election preparedness and candidate selection. The visit marks the official start of the NDA's campaign activities in the state, termed 'Mission 2026'. The political significance of the visit is heightened by recent developments, including the arrest of a chief priest in the Sabarimala gold theft case. Union Home Minister Amit Shah begins BJP's Kerala Assembly election campaign with temple visit, strategy meetings, and NDA talks in Thiruvananthapuram. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 11 Union Home Minister Amit Shah will on Sunday formally launch the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign in Kerala for the upcoming Assembly elections The senior BJP leader landed at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on a special aircraft on Saturday night and is scheduled to participate in a series of political, organisational, and religious programmes in the state capital. According to the official itinerary, Amit Shah is set to begin his engagements with a visit to the historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, where he will offer special prayers. Following the temple visit, the Home Minister will interact with newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representatives from local self-government institutions. The interaction is aimed at strengthening the party's organisational base at the grassroots level ahead of the upcoming elections. HM Shah is scheduled to address the BJP's elected representatives' conference at Kowdiar. The meeting will focus on election preparedness, booth-level coordination, and constituency-specific strategies. Later in the afternoon, he will attend the party's state core committee meeting, where key political and electoral issues are likely to be deliberated in detail. Senior BJP leaders, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar, V. Muraleedharan, K. Surendran, and Shobha Surendran, will participate in the meetings. Party sources said discussions will include candidate selection for constituencies categorised as A Plus and A categories, which the BJP considers crucial for expanding its electoral footprint in Kerala. Talks on seat-sharing arrangements among NDA partners are also expected to take place during HM Shah's meeting with alliance leaders later in the evening. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, in a Sunday post on X, wrote, "Privileged to join our karyakartas in welcoming Amit Shahji to Thiruvananthapuram. 6 months ago, in July 2025, Amit Shah ji launched BJP/NDA's #Mission2025 and Kerala witnessed a political turning point in local body elections. Today, he is here to launch #Mission2026 and guide our karyakartas as we prepare for one of the most consequential Assembly elections in Kerala's history. Election that will decide the future of our state and the opportunities available to generations of Malayalees." He had earlier stated that Amit Shah's visit would officially mark the beginning of the NDA's election campaign activities in Kerala. The visit has gained added political significance as it comes in the backdrop of the arrest of chief priest Kandararu Rajeevaru in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. Sources indicated that the possibility of a probe by central agencies into the incident may also come up for discussion during the party's internal deliberations. Meanwhile, in view of the Home Minister's visit, the Thiruvananthapuram city police have imposed extensive traffic restrictions across major parts of the capital from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking will be prohibited on several key roads, and vehicles violating the restrictions will be towed away. Authorities have advised passengers travelling to the airport and railway stations to plan their journeys in advance to avoid inconvenience. - IANS Customers Bancorp, Inc. has completed its planned leadership transition, appointing Sam Sidhu to the companys Board of Directors and CEO role and moving founder Jay Sidhu to Executive Chairman, effective January 1, 2026. This family-led succession, backed by long-term employment and incentive agreements, signals an emphasis on leadership continuity and tightly aligned management incentives as the bank pursues its long-term growth agenda. Well now examine how Sam Sidhus expanded leadership and board role could influence Customers Bancorps investment narrative and long-term thesis. The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 28 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement. Customers Bancorp Investment Narrative Recap To own Customers Bancorp, you need to be comfortable with its push into digital asset related banking while accepting meaningful concentration and regulatory risk around cubiX deposits. The leadership transition that elevates Sam Sidhu to CEO of Customers Bancorp and adds him to the Board does not materially change the near term catalyst around scaling these digital platforms, nor does it significantly alter the core risk tied to cubiX deposit volatility and regulatory scrutiny. Among recent announcements, the US$100,000,000 subordinated notes issuance in December 2025 stands out in light of the leadership shift. As Customers Bancorp leans into fee and interest income from cubiX and other digital offerings, this added layer of capital may influence how the bank balances funding stability and growth initiatives, especially if digital asset related deposits or margins come under pressure. But investors should also weigh how concentrated exposure to digital asset related deposits could affect liquidity if markets move suddenly and... Read the full narrative on Customers Bancorp (it's free!) Customers Bancorp's narrative projects $977.5 million revenue and $424.9 million earnings by 2028. This requires 17.9% yearly revenue growth and an earnings increase of about $293.3 million from $131.6 million. Uncover how Customers Bancorp's forecasts yield a $87.00 fair value, a 11% upside to its current price. Exploring Other Perspectives CUBI 1-Year Stock Price Chart Three fair value estimates from the Simply Wall St Community span roughly US$82 to about US$172, showing how far apart individual expectations can be. When you set those views against concentration risk in cubiX deposits, it underlines why it can help to compare several independent takes before forming a view on Customers Bancorps prospects. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is on a crucial visit to Kerala to bolster the BJP's preparations for the upcoming state Assembly elections. His itinerary includes a meeting with newly elected local body representatives and the inauguration of the "New India, New Kerala" conclave. Shah will also attend high-level NDA and BJP State Core Committee meetings to provide political and organizational guidance. The visit is framed as the launch of "Mission 2026," aiming to build on the party's gains from the recent local body polls. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visits Kerala to launch BJP's Mission 2026, guide party cadre, and hold key meetings ahead of the state Assembly elections. Thiruvananthapuram, January 11 Union Home Minister Amit Shah will participate in a series of programmes in Kerala on Sunday, including a meeting with newly elected representatives of local bodies in the State, where Assembly elections will be held later this year. He will also attend a conclave aimed at fostering development in the state. Shah, who arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday night, began his day by offering darshan and performing pooja at the historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Amit Shah will interact with newly elected representatives from local self-government institutions across Kerala, at the Uday Palace Convention Centre in Kowdiar. In the afternoon, the Home Minister will inaugurate the "New India, New Kerala" conclave organised by Kerala Kaumudi. Later in the day, Shah is scheduled to attend an NDA leaders' meeting and the BJP State Core Committee meeting at the party's state office, providing organisational and political guidance to leaders ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a post on X today, said, "Privileged to join our karyakartas in welcoming @AmitShah ji to Thiruvananthapuram. 6 months ago, in July 2025, Amit Shah ji launched BJP/NDA's #Mission2025 and Kerala witnessed a political turning point in local body elections. Today, he is here to launch #Mission2026 and guide our karyakartas as we prepare for one of the most consequential Assembly elections in Kerala's history. Election that will decide the future of our state and the opportunities available to generations of Malayalees. - ANI Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has entered a joint development agreement with Shree Lotus Developers for a major project in Gujarat's GIFT City. The mixed-use development will feature premium retail, commercial offices, and high-end residential units across over 10 lakh square feet. The project underscores GIFT City's rapid growth as a global finance and business hub, attracting significant investment. Local officials highlight the development's role in creating employment and giving surrounding villages a national identity. Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan partners with Shree Lotus Developers for a major mixed-use project in Gujarat's GIFT City, boosting the financial hub. Gandhinagar, January 11 A major development project is set to come up in GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, following a joint development agreement between Mumbai-based real estate firm Shree Lotus Developers and Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. The company made the mandatory announcement on January 7. The project will have a total built-up area of over 10 lakh square feet. The development will be carried out by the company's subsidiary, Rise Root Projects Private Limited, which has entered into a profit-sharing arrangement with Amitabh Bachchan. The development project, a mixed-use project, will feature premium retail spaces, Grade-A commercial offices and high-end residential units. It will be developed on freehold land and will mark Shree Lotus Developers' first project in Gujarat. GIFT City is rapidly emerging as a global finance and business hub. Strong infrastructure, progressive policies and increasing interest from domestic and foreign investors have led to rising demand for premium and residential and commercial spaces. According to the company, the project is planned to be completed within four years from the start of construction. At present, Shree Lotus Developers has completed four projects with a total carpet area of 4.2 lakh square feet. Six projects are currently under construction, while 12 projects are in the pipeline, with a combined carpet area of 2.76 lakh square feet. GIFT City, short for Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, is India's first operational International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). Located along the banks of the Sabarmati River between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, the smart city is spread over 880 acres and includes SEZ and non-SEZ areas. It is being developed as a hub for global finance, IT companies and residential projects. Amitabh Bachchan has purchased land in Shahpur village, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream project GIFT City, where he plans to build a premium flat. This has reinforced expectations of further development in the area. Land prices have increased compared to 15 years ago, more companies are investing, and the village is witnessing visible development. Shahpur village Sarpanch Arpit Patel said that the development of GIFT City has boosted employment and given the village a national identity. Speaking to ANI, Patel said, "I am very thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2007, when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he started GIFT City, and since then we have seen its expansion in the IT sector, banking sector and infrastructure sector. Big companies have started their operations here. At the village level, we have gained a unique identity at the national and global level. The biggest benefit for our village has been employment. Our popular actor Amitabh Bachchan owns land in Shahpur, and in the coming future, he is going to do a joint venture with the Lotus Group." Following the development of GIFT City, the surrounding villages have also seen growth. Employment opportunities have increased, businesses and industries are functioning well, and people working in GIFT City are residing in nearby villages, leading to higher local incomes. The project is expected to significantly benefit GIFT City. Metro connectivity and a riverfront project are also expected to begin soon. - ANI Veteran actor Anupam Kher has declared people born in the 60s, 70s, and 80s a "special" generation for their unique life experiences. He highlights their journey through massive technological shifts, from gramophones and handwritten letters to Spotify, WhatsApp, and OTT platforms. Kher also points out that this generation has overcome significant health challenges, from polio to COVID-19. He concludes by applauding their adaptability, having transitioned from an analog childhood to a fully digital adulthood. Veteran actor Anupam Kher explains why people born in the 60s, 70s, and 80s are unique, having witnessed massive technological and societal shifts. Mumbai, Jan 11 Veteran actor Anupam Kher explained why his generation, i.e., people born in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, is extremely 'special'. In his latest social media post, Kher pointed out that while their skills are considered redundant by the younger generation, which also includes their own kids, their experience in life makes them unique and special. The 'Khosla Ka Ghosla' actor was heard saying in a video, "We have seen 8 different decades. We have seen two different centuries. And in fact, we have also experienced two different millennia." The veteran actor also revealed how their generation has experienced the massive technological shift from gramophone records to Spotify, from radio to 3D and HD TV, from handwritten letters to WhatsApp and from cassettes to OTT. "We have traveled a long distance from telephone operators to our mobile to video calls. We have traveled from gramophone records to YouTube and Spotify and from handwritten letters and telegrams to e-mails and WhatsApp. We have enjoyed watching live matches on the radio, Black and White TV, Color TV and now 3D and HD TV. We used to watch movies from video store cassettes. And today we are watching everything at home, on mobile, on OTT platforms. We have also traveled from the first computer floppy disk CDs to MBs and GBs. In our childhood, we wore shorts and then came Oxford flares and blue jeans, which we still wear proudly," he added. Kher also stressed how they overcame numerous health challenges. He said, "Our generation has gone through paralysis, meningitis, polio, tuberculosis, swine flu and even defeated COVID-19." Kher claimed that "Our childhood may be analog, but our adulthood is completely digital. Yes, we have been through a lot, but what a great life we have had." Finally, he concluded by calling his generation extremely adaptive to change. "So, a big round of applause for all the members of a very special generation, who were unique and will always be", Kher concluded. - IANS A New York Times report reveals President Donald Trump has been briefed on military options targeting sites in Iran, including non-military infrastructure linked to the regime's security. This comes as anti-government protests in Iran continue for a fourteenth consecutive day, evolving into a broader movement against the Islamic Republic. Trump and Senator Lindsey Graham have publicly expressed strong support for the Iranian protestors, with Graham stating "help is on the way." The administration is evaluating a range of diplomatic, economic, and military tools in response to the ongoing unrest. NYT reports Trump received military briefings on Iran targeting. Protests continue for 14th day as US signals support for demonstrators. Washington DC, January 11 According to a report in the New York Times the US President Donald Trump has been briefed in recent days on a range of military options targeting Iran. According to the report, the options presented to Trump include targeted strikes on select sites in Tehran, including non-military infrastructure linked to the regime's internal security apparatus. The briefings are said to be part of contingency planning as the administration evaluates diplomatic, economic and military tools to deter further violence by Iranian authorities. Earlier, Trump said the United States stands ready to help the Middle-Eastern country, which is looking at "Freedom" like never before. He made the remarks in a post on Truth Social. Trump said, "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" Senator Lindsey Graham further fuelled speculation on possible US action posting, "TO THE IRANIAN PEOPLE: your long nightmare is soon coming to a close. Your bravery and determination to end your oppression has been noticed by @POTUS and all who love freedom. When President Trump says Make Iran Great Again, it means the protestors in Iran must prevail over the ayatollah. That is the clearest signal yet that he, President Trump understands Iran will never be great with the ayatollah and his henchmen in charge. To all who are sacrificing in Iran, God bless. Help is on the way." He followed that with a reply to Trumps post on Iran saying, "As usual Mr. President, you are 100% right. Freedom now, freedom forever for the long suffering Iranian people. Death to the ayatollah's regime. Make Iran Great Again." Meanwhile, anti-government protests in Iran have continued for the fourteenth consecutive day on Saturday, with authorities tightening security measures as demonstrations spread across multiple cities. According to think tank the Institute for the study of war, "Protest activity has continued to take place across Iran amid the Iranian regime's continued nationwide internet shutdown. CTP-ISW has recorded 60 protests across 15 provinces since 0000 local time on January 10, 25 of which were medium-sized and eight of which were large." Protests in Iran have evolved from demonstrations over rising living costs into a nationwide movement calling for the end of the Islamic Republic, which has ruled the country since the 1979 revolution. - ANI Bangladesh's interim government claims senior US trade officials agreed to explore reducing tariffs on Bangladeshi exports and discussed a novel preferential trade arrangement for textiles. The proposal would link tariff-free access for Bangladesh's apparel exports to its imports of US cotton and man-made fiber inputs. However, there has been no official confirmation or statement from the US Trade Representative's office or the White House regarding these discussions. The outcome is critical for Bangladesh, whose export-led economy relies heavily on the garment sector and the US market. Bangladesh claims US officials agreed to explore easing tariffs on exports and a preferential textile trade deal. No US confirmation yet. Washington, Jan 11 Bangladesh's interim government claimed a potential breakthrough in trade discussions with the United States, saying senior US officials had agreed to explore steps that could ease tariffs on Bangladeshi exports and expand market access for its key textile and apparel sector. The claim was made in a post on X by the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh, which described discussions in Washington involving National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. There has been no official readout or confirmation of the meeting or its substance from the Trump administration. According to the post, Ambassador Greer agreed to raise the possibility of reducing Bangladesh's current 20 per cent reciprocal tariff rate with US President Donald Trump. The post said the aim would be to bring Bangladesh's tariff treatment "more in line with regional competitors." The post said the discussions took place in response to a request from Dr. Rahman, who is currently visiting Washington. It framed the engagement as an important step toward strengthening what it described as a "mutually beneficial trade relationship" between the two countries. The Chief Adviser's post also outlined what it called a more far-reaching proposal focused on Bangladesh's export priorities. It said both sides discussed a preferential arrangement that would grant Bangladesh tariff-free access to the US market for textile and apparel exports, linked directly to Bangladesh's imports of US-produced cotton and man-made fiber textile inputs. Under the proposal, tariff-free access would be linked to trade volumes, the post said. Bangladesh's exports would be matched to its imports of US cotton and man-made fiber textiles, measured on a square-meter basis. The post said the arrangement would support Bangladeshi manufacturers and workers. It said the plan would also strengthen supply-chain ties with US producers by encouraging purchases of American textile inputs. The Chief Adviser's post said the talks showed "growing momentum and goodwill." It described the proposal as a "win-win approach" and a "promising new chapter for Bangladesh's global trade prospects." There has been no public confirmation from the Office of the US Trade Representative, the White House, or other US agencies. US officials have not issued any statement on the discussions described in the post. Bangladesh's claim comes as it seeks to protect its export-led economy. The garment sector remains its main source of foreign earnings and employs millions of workers. The United States is one of Bangladesh's largest export markets, especially for apparel. Any change in US tariff policy would have a major impact, but for now, the proposal remains unconfirmed by Washington. - IANS Students in Afghanistan's Kapisa province are forced to attend classes outdoors or in tents due to a critical shortage of proper school buildings. The crisis extends beyond infrastructure, with severe shortages of textbooks, furniture, and basic laboratory equipment like microscopes. While boys grapple with these conditions, women and girls face an even harsher reality, being largely banned from education and work by Taliban restrictions. United Nations officials have condemned these policies, stating that millions of Afghan women and girls are deprived of their basic human rights. Students in Afghanistan's Kapisa province attend classes outdoors due to a lack of school buildings and basic supplies like textbooks and microscopes. Kabul, January 11 Students in Kapisa province of Afghanistan are left with no option but to attend classes outdoors due to a lack of buildings, Tolo News reported. Taliban's education sector's data says that out of 238 schools in Kapisa, 79 don't have buildings, and 100 remain dilapidated. Ahmad Javid Forotan, Head of Quality Assurance at the Department of Education, said, "We have a total of 238 schools in Kapisa. Of those, 159 have buildings, while 79 schools are without proper structures. Students are studying under tents or in rented buildings." Apart from the buildings, many of these students also don't have access to enough textbooks, Tolo News reported. Hamza, a student in Kapisa, told Tolo News, "There are some problems like broken chairs, windows, and paint. We ask the government and aid organisations to address these issues." Ebrahim, another student, narrated his ordeal to Tolo News, "There are many problems in our laboratory. In biology class, the teacher wanted to show us a microscope lens, but when we went to the lab, there was no microscope. Many other tools are also missing." Parents and teachers have also called on the Taliban to address these issues. Khalid Kakar, a school principal, said, "Students study under the open sky during the hot months of Jawza, Saratan, and Asad (June-August)." Lajur Jan, a local elder, said, "Our children suffer during the heat because their schools have no shelter." Women and girls are bereft of the opportunity of even learning under the sky, said Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, on January 6, as reported by Tolo News, criticising the continued restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan. She stated that the bans on work and education and the restrictions on women's presence in public spaces remain in place. In a post on X, she stated that women's rights are human rights everywhere. Amina Mohammed said: "Millions of women and girls in Afghanistan face severe restrictions on their basic rights: education, work, security and freedom of movement." Taliban has recently made no statements regarding women's and girls' rights, especially the right to education. But, in the past, officials have said that women's and girls' rights in the country are ensured within the framework of Sharia law, as per Tolo News. - ANI Bjrn Iversen, Norway's Commercial Counsellor in India, stated that the recent EFTA trade agreement makes the present the ideal moment for new investors to enter the Indian market. He made these remarks at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conference aims to drive investment into key sectors like green energy, ports, and engineering across western Gujarat. Several nations, including Japan and South Korea, are participating as partner countries in the two-day event. Norway's Commercial Counsellor cites new trade pact, highlights Vibrant Gujarat conference as prime opportunity for new foreign investment in India. Rajkot, January 11 At Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences, Bjrn Iversen, Commercial Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy in Delhi and Country Head of Innovation Norway, said that this is the best time for new investors to come to India. Iversen said that they were looking to increase business between India and Norway. Speaking to ANI, he said, "We are looking to increase business between India and Norway. That's based on the fact that last year in October, we entered into an agreement between India and EFTA, including Norway, on reducing tariffs, increasing trade and motivating investments, especially in India. I think this is the best time for the new investors to come to India. So, I am here and hopefully we will find some attractive opportunities." Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Kutch and Saurashtra Region in Rajkot on Sunday. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were also present. Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference is being held from 11-12 January 2026, catering to 12 districts across the Kutch and Saurashtra regions, read a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. Dedicated exclusively to these regions, the conference aims to usher in fresh momentum for investment and industrial growth in western Gujarat. The focus sectors of the conference include Ceramics, Engineering, Ports & Logistics, Fisheries, Petrochemicals, Agro & Food Processing, Minerals, Green Energy Ecosystem, Skill Development, Startups, MSMEs, Tourism and Culture, among others. Japan, South Korea, Rwanda and Ukraine will be the partner countries for the Conference. - ANI The Chennai Singams began their Indian Street Premier League Season 3 campaign with a resounding 44-run victory over the Tiigers of Kolkata. After an early stumble, Sarfraz Khan anchored the innings with a superb 45 runs to help his team post 102/8, the first century total of the new season. The bowlers then dominated, with Jagannath Sarkar taking 2/7 and debutant Ashish Pal claiming 2/15 to restrict the Tiigers to just 58/5. This comprehensive performance at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat sets a strong early tone for the Singams' season. Sarfraz Khan's 45 and stellar bowling from Jagannath Sarkar power Chennai Singams to a commanding victory in their ISPL Season 3 opener. Surat, January 11 Chennai Singams roared loud as they opened their Indian Street Premier League season 3 campaign with a comprehensive 44-run victory over Tiigers of Kolkata at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, Surat. A blistering knock from Sarfraz Khan, combined with incisive bowling spells from Jagannath Sarkar and debutant Ashish Pal, powered the Singams to a commanding opening win. After losing early wickets and slipping to 10/2 inside the first two overs, Chennai regrouped through a commanding, match-defining knock from Sarfraz Khan, according to a release. Batting with authority and control, Sarfraz anchored the innings with a superb 45 off 24 deliveries, counter-attacking the bowlers and firmly swinging momentum in Chennai's favour. He found valuable support in Jagannath Sarkar (16 off 19), with the duo stitching together a crucial middle-overs partnership. The defining passage of the innings came in the seventh over, the 50-50 Challenge over, where Chennai amassed 40 runs, shifting the momentum and pushing the total beyond the 80-run mark. Despite a late fightback from Tiigers of Kolkata through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, the Singams continued to press for runs. A quick late flourish from Sambhaji Patil (14 off 6), introduced as the Googly Sub, ensured Chennai crossed the landmark, closing their innings at 102/8. The effort made Chennai Singams the first side in ISPL Season 3 to breach the 100-run mark. Defending the total, the Chennai Singams bowlers asserted complete control. Jagannath Sarkar led the attack with an outstanding spell of 2/7, dismissing Kiran Pawar and Krushna Gawali in his tape-ball overs. Debutant Ashish Pal backed him up with a confident spell of 2/15, sealing a dominant 44-run win for Chennai Singams in their opening match of the third edition at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, Surat. Match Summary: Chennai Singams: 102/8 (10 overs)Sarfraz Khan 45 (24)Vivek Shelar 3/15 (2 overs) Tiigers of Kolkata: 58/5 (10 overs)Saif Ali 26 (23)Jagannath Sarkar 2/7 (2 overs) Result: Chennai Singams beat Tiigers of Kolkata by 44 runs. - ANI The Confederation of Indian Industry has proposed a four-pronged strategy to accelerate the government's privatisation agenda in its Budget recommendations. It suggests a demand-based approach to selecting PSUs for sale and announcing a rolling three-year pipeline to provide investor clarity. CII recommends establishing a dedicated institutional body to manage the process professionally and predictably. The chamber estimates that reducing the government's stake to 51% in 78 listed PSUs could unlock nearly Rs 10 lakh crore in capital. CII's Budget proposal urges a demand-based privatisation approach, a 3-year pipeline, and a dedicated body to unlock Rs 10 lakh crore from PSUs. New Delhi, January 11 To sustain capital expenditure and address developmental priorities amid global economic uncertainties, the industry chamber Confederation of Indian Industry in its proposals for the Union Budget 2026-27, has urged the Government to mobilise resources through a calibrated approach to privatisation, focusing on sectors where private participation can enhance efficiency, technology infusion, and global competitiveness. Highlighting the strategic significance of privatisation in the current global economic landscape, Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, stated that India's growth story is increasingly being powered by private enterprise and innovation. "A forward-looking privatisation policy, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, will enable the government to focus on its core functions while empowering the private sector to accelerate industrial transformation and job creation." Against this backdrop, CII has called for accelerating the implementation of the Government's Strategic Disinvestment Policy, which envisions an exit from all Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in non-strategic sectors and a minimal presence in strategic ones. The strong policy intent sets the direction for this national endeavour. To strengthen and expedite the privatisation programme, CII has outlined a four-pronged comprehensive strategy. First, CII recommends a shift to a demand-based approach in selecting PSEs for privatisation. Presently, the Government identifies specific enterprises for sale and subsequently invites investor interest. However, when sufficient demand or valuation is not achieved, the process often stalls, CII asserted. CII suggests reversing this sequence by first gauging investor interest across a broader set of enterprises and then prioritising those that attract stronger interest and meet valuation expectations. Such an approach, CII believes, would ensure smoother execution and better price discovery. Structured feedback from potential investors could also help address procedural or regulatory bottlenecks. Second, to provide investors greater clarity and planning time, CII recommends that the Government announce a rolling three-year privatisation pipeline, outlining which enterprises are likely to be taken up for privatisation during this period. This visibility, CII said, would encourage deeper investor engagement and more realistic valuation and price discovery, which would contribute towards expediting the privatisation process. Third, an institutional framework can strengthen oversight, accountability, and investor confidence, making privatisation predictable and professionally managed. CII recommends a dedicated body with a Ministerial Board for strategic guidance, an Advisory Board of industry and legal experts for independent benchmarking, and a professional management team to handle execution, due diligence, market engagement, and regulatory coordination. This structure would also monitor market developments, stakeholder feedback, and post-privatisation performance to enable continuous improvement, they suggested. Fourth, recognising that full privatisation of all non-strategic PSEs is a complex and time-consuming, CII recommends a calibrated disinvestment approach combined with a three-year roadmap, as an interim measure. Government could reduce its stake in listed PSEs in a phased manner to 51 per cent initially, allowing it to remain the single largest shareholder while releasing significant value into the market, CII noted. Over time, this stake could be brought down further to between 33 and 26 per cent. CII analysis shows that reducing the Government's stake to 51 per cent in 78 listed PSEs could unlock close to Rs 10 lakh crore. In the first two years of the roadmap, disinvestment strategy could target 55 PSEs where the Government holds 75 per cent or less, mobilising around Rs. 4.6 lakh crore. In the subsequent stage, 23 PSEs with higher Government stakes (over 75 per cent) could be disinvested, potentially bringing in Rs 5.4 lakh crore. "A calibrated reduction of Government's stake in listed PSEs to 51 per cent and even lower is a pragmatic step that balances strategic control with value creation. Unlocking nearly Rs 10 lakh crore of productive capital would provide vital resources to accelerate physical and social infrastructure development and support fiscal consolidation", highlighted Banerjee. These measures, CII concluded, can enhance investor confidence, ensure predictable and transparent processes, and maximize value realisation for the Government. By focusing on governance, regulation, and enabling infrastructure while allowing competitive markets to drive efficiency, strategic privatisation can unlock public resources for high-impact areas such as health, education, and green infrastructure, while retaining minimal presence in strategic sectors, supporting a self-reliant and globally competitive economy. As is the convention, the Budget for 2026-27 will be presented on February 1. - ANI The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the government to accelerate the privatisation of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in its Budget proposals. It recommends a four-pronged strategy including a demand-based selection process and a rolling three-year pipeline to attract investors. CII estimates that reducing the government's stake to 51% in 78 listed PSUs could unlock nearly Rs 10 lakh crore. The chamber argues this will allow the government to focus on core functions and redirect resources to high-impact sectors like health and education. CII proposes 4-point strategy to accelerate PSU privatisation, aiming to unlock Rs 10 lakh crore and boost private sector-led growth for Viksit Bharat. New Delhi, Jan 11 Apex business chamber CII, in its proposals for the Union Budget 2026-27, has urged the Central government to mobilise resources through a calibrated approach to privatisation to unlock the value of public sector enterprises. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, said, "India's growth story is increasingly being powered by private enterprise and innovation. A forward-looking privatisation policy, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, will enable the government to focus on its core functions while empowering the private sector to accelerate industrial transformation and job creation." Against this backdrop, CII has called for accelerating the implementation of the Government's Strategic Disinvestment Policy, which envisions an exit from all Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in non-strategic sectors and a minimal presence in strategic ones. To strengthen and expedite the privatisation programme, CII has outlined a four-pronged comprehensive strategy. First, CII recommends a shift to a demand-based approach in selecting PSEs for privatisation. Presently, the government identifies specific enterprises for sale and subsequently invites investor interest. However, when sufficient demand or valuation is not achieved, the process often stalls. CII suggests reversing this sequence by first gauging investor interest across a broader set of enterprises and then prioritising those that attract stronger interest and meet valuation expectations. Such an approach, CII believes, would ensure smoother execution and better price discovery. Second, to provide investors greater clarity and planning time, CII recommends that the government announce a rolling three-year privatisation pipeline, outlining which enterprises are likely to be taken up for privatisation during this period. This visibility would encourage deeper investor engagement and more realistic valuation and price discovery. Third, an institutional framework can strengthen oversight, accountability, and investor confidence, making privatisation predictable and professionally managed. CII has recommended a dedicated body with a Ministerial Board for strategic guidance, an Advisory Board of industry and legal experts for independent benchmarking, and a professional management team to handle execution, due diligence, market engagement, and regulatory coordination. Besides, CII has recommended a calibrated disinvestment approach combined with a three-year roadmap, as an interim measure. The government could reduce its stake in listed PSEs in a phased manner to 51 per cent initially, allowing it to remain the single largest shareholder while releasing significant value into the market. Over time, this stake could be brought down further to between 33 and 26 per cent. According to CII, reducing the government's stake to 51 per cent in 78 listed PSEs could unlock close to Rs 10 lakh crore. In the first two years of the roadmap, the disinvestment strategy could target 55 PSEs where the government holds 75 per cent or less, mobilising around Rs. 4.6 lakh crore. In the subsequent stage, 23 PSEs with higher government stakes (over 75 per cent) could be disinvested, potentially bringing in Rs 5.4 lakh crore. These measures can enhance investor confidence, ensure predictable and transparent processes, and maximise value realisation for the government. By focusing on governance, regulation, and enabling infrastructure while allowing competitive markets to drive efficiency, strategic privatisation can unlock public resources for high-impact areas such as health, education, and green infrastructure, while retaining minimal presence in strategic sectors, supporting a self-reliant and globally competitive economy. - IANS Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. The official X account tied to meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) celebrated the rescue of a German Shepherd on Wednesday after a community member was initially stopped from adopting the dog. Dogecoin Community To The Rescue Of Sherman? Dogecoin credited community pressure for the release of the dog, named Sherman. We did it, the handle wrote. People power works. The controversy began when Doge Van, a well-known member of the DOGE community and dog rescuer, claimed that the Downey Animal Shelter in Los Angeles canceled the adoption, citing a clerical error on Shermans aggression status. Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.85/Share If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it? Doge Van denied that the dog was aggressive, adding that the shelter would put the animal down due to a data entry error. He urged the community to raise the issue by directly calling the officials at the adoption facility. We did it! A5745484 (now Sherman) is free! people power works #DoOnlyGoodEveryday https://t.co/paRlCMHabH See Also: Buffett's Secret to Wealth? Private Real EstateGet Institutional Access Yourself A day later, Doge Van disclosed on X that the shelter agreed to release Sherman into his care. I'm deeply grateful to everyone who spoke up, shared his story, and showed compassion when it mattered most, Doge Van said. The shelter didnt immediately respond to Benzingas request for comment. Photo Courtesy:ihrinmoisuc on Shutterstock.com Read Next: Wall Street's $12B Real Estate Manager Is Opening Its Doors to Individual Investors Without the Crowdfunding Middlemen Missed the AI Boom's Biggest IPOs? This Platform Lets Everyday Investors Access Private Tech Early Building Wealth Across More Than Just the Market Building a resilient portfolio means thinking beyond a single asset or market trend. Economic cycles shift, sectors rise and fall, and no one investment performs well in every environment. That's why many investors look to diversify with platforms that provide access to real estate, fixed-income opportunities, professional financial guidance, precious metals, and even self-directed retirement accounts. By spreading exposure across multiple asset classes, it becomes easier to manage risk, capture steady returns, and create long-term wealth that isn't tied to the fortunes of just one company or industry. The Ranchi district administration has ordered the suspension of classes from KG to Class 6 in all private schools from January 12 to 14 due to a severe cold wave warning. The order, issued by the Deputy Commissioner, mandates that classes for students in grades 7 to 12 will begin at the later time of 10:00 AM. Schools are allowed to conduct scheduled examinations during this period at their own discretion. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions experienced rainfall from the Northeast Monsoon, with temperatures remaining near normal and further rain forecast. Ranchi suspends classes for KG to Class 6 until Jan 14 due to severe cold wave. Older students to start at 10 AM. Guidelines issued for all private schools. Ranchi, January 11 The India Meteorological Department Ranchi has issued a special bulletin forecasting persistent severe cold and cold wave conditions across the district over the coming days. Subsequently, several guidelines for schools and teachers were issued. According to a release, Ranchi district has been marked as a Yellow Zone, and a warning of severe cold and a cold wave has been issued. In view of this, the Deputy Commissioner cum District Magistrate, Ranchi, Manjunath Bhajantri, has issued guidelines. Keeping in mind the health and safety of students, under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defence Code, arrangements are being made in all private schools operating in the Ranchi district. That includes teaching and learning activities for classes KG to Class 6 will remain completely suspended from January 12 (Monday) to January 14 (Wednesday). Moreover, teaching and learning activities for students in classes 7 to 12 will begin at 10:00 AM. The school management will ensure full responsibility for this. All private school managements are directed to strictly comply with this order. If any school has scheduled examinations during this period, it may conduct them at its discretion. All parents, students, and school management are requested to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the cold and to prioritise the safety of children, as per the release. Meanwhile, the Northeast Monsoon brought rainfall to several areas across Tamil Nadu and the Karaikal region, and light rain to Puducherry on Sunday. Temperatures remained largely stable in these areas, hovering around or slightly above normal. Madurai Airport recorded the day's maximum temperature at 32.4C. In the plains, Madurai City recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 17.8C, while the hill station of Kodaikanal experienced a low of 10.9C. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, light to moderate rainfall is expected over the next 7 days, with heavy rain alerts for specific districts. On January 11, light to moderate rain is expected across several areas, with heavy rain warnings issued for Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and The Nilgiris. On January 12, the areas with heavy rain warnings are Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai districts, and the Karaikal area. - ANI Union Minister Chirag Paswan declared that Bihar is entering a five-year "golden era" of development following the NDA's decisive assembly election victory. He emphasized the benefits of the "double-engine" government in fulfilling electoral promises. Paswan also announced plans for a personal gratitude journey to connect with the people who trusted him. Furthermore, he strongly endorsed the demand to award the Bharat Ratna to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his exemplary governance over two decades. Union Minister Chirag Paswan says Bihar will see a golden era of development under the NDA's double-engine government, backing Bharat Ratna for Nitish Kumar. Patna, January 11 Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday said that Bihar is entering a "golden era" of development and the state's "double-engine" government would benefit the people. Reflecting on NDA's landslide win in the Bihar assembly elections 2025, Paswan expressed that the double-engine government would work for the interests of the people of Bihar. "The coming 5 years will be a golden era for Bihar. Over the next 5 years, the state will benefit from the double-engine government. We have started working to fulfil the promises we made in the Bihar Assembly elections... Discussions are ongoing on various issues," Paswan said. Referring to his promise of a journey among the people, Paswan said that he has prepared the outline. "The people have trusted me, I had said that I would personally go among the people in a gratitude journey, and its outline has also been prepared," Paswan remarked. On Saturday, Paswan backed the Janata Dal (United)'s demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, asserting that he is a leader who has provided "exemplary governance" to the state over the past two decades. Speaking to reporters in Patna, Paswan said that Nitish Kumar's contribution to Bihar's development and governance made him deserving of the country's highest civilian award. "Over the last two decades, CM Nitish Kumar has given exemplary leadership to Bihar. He has done many commendable works. The basis for deciding whether Bharat Ratna can be conferred upon an individual involves several steps. I believe he is worthy of a Bharat Ratna," Paswan said. - ANI External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded an official visit to France and Luxembourg, highlighting India's intensified engagement with Europe. In France, he held high-level talks with President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, reviewing progress in strategic areas like defence, space, and security. He made history as the first non-European foreign minister to address the Conference of Ambassadors of France as Guest of Honour. The visit also included meetings in Luxembourg with Prime Minister Luc Frieden and focused on expanding cooperation in trade, finance, and innovation. EAM Jaishankar met Macron, EU ministers, reviewed strategic cooperation in defence, space & tech during visit underscoring India's growing European engagement. New Delhi, Jan 11 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to the Republic of France and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, reflecting India's growing engagement with Europe, an official statement said on Sunday. The visit was held from January 4 to January 9, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). During his visit to France, the External Affairs Minister called on French President Emmanuel Macron and held bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jean-Noel Barrot. The talks focused on the progress of bilateral ties in key areas and upcoming high-level political engagements. In the context of the 'India-France Year of Innovation', the two sides explored ways to diversify cooperation in innovation and technology, startups, health, education and mobility. Both leaders reviewed expanding collaboration in strategic areas such as defence, security, space, civil nuclear cooperation, maritime security, and the economy, while exchanging views on important global and regional developments. At the invitation of the French Foreign Minister, Dr Jaishankar addressed the 31st Conference of Ambassadors of France as 'Guest of Honour', becoming the first non-European foreign minister to be accorded this distinction. "In his address, the EAM underlined contemporary global shifts and highlighted the importance of strategic autonomy," the MEA said. The External Affairs Minister also participated in the first India-Weimar Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which included the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and Poland. During the meeting, he stressed the importance of deepening India-Europe and India-European Union relations. In addition, Dr Jaishankar interacted with French parliamentarians, including members of the India-France Parliamentary Friendship Groups and the Parliamentary Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee. He also held discussions with International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol and UNESCO Director General Khaled El-Enany. In Luxembourg, EAM Jaishankar had an audience with Grand Duke Guillaume and called on Prime Minister Luc Frieden. He also held bilateral talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel. The discussions reviewed the full spectrum of India-Luxembourg relations, including political cooperation, trade and investment, financial services, innovation, digital technologies, space cooperation, and people-to-people ties, alongside exchanges on regional and global issues of mutual interest. EAM Jaishankar also addressed members of the Indian community in Luxembourg, acknowledging their role in strengthening ties between the two countries and enhancing India's profile in the region. According to the MEA, the visit underscored the importance India attaches to its bilateral relations with France and Luxembourg, as well as its broader partnership with the European Union, highlighting the growing convergence of interests between India and Europe in an evolving global landscape. - IANS Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called on anti-government protesters in Iran to maintain their presence in the streets, claiming the regime is facing a severe shortage of forces to confront them. In a video message, he stated the world, including US President Donald Trump, admires their courage and stands with their "national revolution." The New York Times reports President Trump has been briefed on potential military options targeting Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have tightened security as protests continue for a 14th consecutive day, with the regime accusing the US and Israel of foreign interference. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi calls on Iranian protesters to remain on streets, claims regime faces shortage of forces, and cites Trump's support. Tehran, January 11 Iran's former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who lives in exile, on Sunday called on anti-government protesters to remain on the streets. Pahlavi, the 65-year-old exiled crown prince and son of the late Shah (King), Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in a video message posted on X, said that the protesters are being lauded for their courage by people around the world, especially US President Donald Trump. "My compatriots, By your widespread and courageous presence in the streets across Iran for the third consecutive night, you have severely weakened Khamenei's repressive apparatus and his regime. Reliable reports have reached me indicating that the Islamic Republic is facing a severe shortage of mercenaries to confront the millions of people in the streets, and so far many armed and security forces have left their workplaces or disobeyed orders to suppress the people," he said in his address. Pahlavi said that Iranian leader Khamenei sees the protesters as their enemies, while he himself and his mercenaries were seen as anti-Iranian. "What remains for Khamenei is a minority of violent mercenaries who, like their criminal leader, are non-Iranian and anti-Iranian, and consider you--the great nation of Iran--their enemy. Know that they will face consequences for their actions. While reiterating my second call for 6:00 PM today, Sunday (21 Dey), I ask all of you to go to the main streets of the cities in groups with your friends and family members; along the way, do not separate from one another or from the crowds of people; and do not take side streets that could endanger your lives," he said. Pahlavi said that the protesters have the support of other compatriots around the world. "Know that you are not alone. Your compatriots around the world are proudly shouting your voice, and you will surely see images of their numerous and widespread presence on television screens. The world today stands with your national revolution and admires your courage. In particular, President Trump, as the leader of the free world, has closely observed your indescribable bravery and has declared that he is ready to help you," he said. Pahlavi said with determination that the protesters would 'take back Iran.' "Do not abandon the streets. My heart is with you. I know that I will soon be by your side. We will take back Iran," he added. According to a report in the New York Times, the US President Trump has been briefed in recent days on a range of military options targeting Iran. According to the report, the options presented to Trump include targeted strikes on select sites in Tehran, including non-military infrastructure linked to the regime's internal security apparatus. The briefings are said to be part of contingency planning as the administration evaluates diplomatic, economic and military tools to deter further violence by Iranian authorities. The current protests began on December 28, following a collapse in the national currency of Iran, the rial. Tasnim News Agency reported on Saturday that the spokesperson for Iran's Constitutional Council attributed the recent violent riots in the country to foreign interference that took advantage of peaceful protests to upset security. Anti-government protests in Iran continued for the 14th consecutive day on Saturday, with authorities tightening security measures as demonstrations spread across multiple cities. The Iranian Khamenei regime has accused the United States of fuelling unrest, claiming that what began as peaceful protests were deliberately turned violent through foreign incitement, an act it said violates international norms, as per Press TV. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani wrote in a letter addressed to the United Nations saying that Washington bears direct responsibility for "riots and violent acts" in Iran. He condemned the United States' "illegal behaviour" and its coordination with Israel to interfere in the Islamic Republic's internal affairs. Iravani said such interference is carried out through "threats, incitement, and deliberate encouragement of violence," to undermine Iran's stability and security. In a statement released yesterday by the Iranian Army warned that the aggressive and evil US government has hatched plots to regain its dominance over the Iranian people, Tasnim news agency reported. (ANI)) - ANI German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Ahmedabad for his first official visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders will engage in a series of events, including a visit to Sabarmati Ashram and the International Kite Festival, followed by bilateral talks in Gandhinagar. Discussions will focus on intensifying cooperation across trade, investment, defence, security, and green development. The visit aims to advance the strategic partnership between the two nations ahead of the upcoming India-EU Summit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz begins a 2-day official visit to India, meeting PM Modi in Ahmedabad to strengthen strategic partnership & cooperation. Ahmedabad, January 12 Federal Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, arrived at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. He is on an official visit to India from January 12-13 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi will meet Friedrich Merz today in Ahmedabad. This will be Merz's first official visit to India. At around 9:30 am on January 12, the two leaders will visit the Sabarmati Ashram and at around 10 am, they will participate in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront. This will be followed by bilateral engagements from 11:15 am onwards at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The two leaders will review progress on the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which recently marked its 25th anniversary. Their discussion will also focus on further intensifying cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, while advancing collaboration in key areas of defence and security, science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance and engage with business and industry leaders of the two countries. The visit is expected to build on momentum from regular high-level political interactions and provide an opportunity to reaffirm India and Germany's shared vision to develop a forward-looking partnership for the benefit of both countries and the wider global community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Merz last held discussions on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, where the two leaders agreed to further broaden the bilateral strategic partnership. During that interaction, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to the German Chancellor for an official visit to New Delhi.The visit is also taking place in the lead-up to the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27. The visit is significant as German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann on Saturday spoke about cooperation between India and Germany in defence and security areas, asserting that the strategic partnership between the nations has grown over the years. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Shaurya Yatra at Somnath Temple, a key event of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv commemorating 1000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first recorded attack. The symbolic procession featured 108 locally bred and trained horses from the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit. The festival honors the temple's unparalleled history of repeated destruction and revival, which Sardar Patel vowed to rebuild in 1947. The current temple was consecrated in 1951, and 2026 also marks 75 years since that historic ceremony. PM Narendra Modi leads Shaurya Yatra in Somnath, marking 1000 years since Ghazni's attack. The event features 108 trained horses and celebrates temple's enduring spirit. Somnath, January 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday participated in a 'Shaurya Yatra' at Somnath as part of the four-day-long national commemoration celebrating 1000 years of unbroken faith and resilience since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. Visuals from the event showed the Prime Minister standing in an open vehicle decorated with flowers. He was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. During the procession, the Prime Minister played the damru and acknowledged the crowd's greetings. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. It represents courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit that preserved Somnath through centuries of adversity. Ahead of the yatra, 108 horses of the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit arrived to participate in the event. DIG Rajendrasinh Chudasama stated that the procession featured horses from the mounted unit, comprising locally bred Kathiawadi and Marwadi breeds. He added that the horses had undergone eight months of training specifically for the Shaurya Yatra. "Shaurya Yatra is being organised in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and 108 horses of the Gujarat Mounted Unit will be participating in it. The unit consists of Kathiawadi and Marwadi horses and are locally bred... The horses have been trained for the Shaurya Yatra for eight months," he told ANI. Several saints, seers and children were present to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sanjay Brahmbhatt of Brahmarshi Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya in Gujarat's Kheda said that approximately 350 students from the institution will participate in the Shaurya Yatra. "We have come from Nadiad in Kheda district. We are from Brahmarshi Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, and Dahyabhai Shastri is with us, along with all his students. Around 350 students have come here, and all of us will take part in the Shaurya Yatra. Our children will play the conch (shankh) and damru, and we will lead the procession ahead of the horses," he told ANI. Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to January 11, 2026, marks the 1,000th anniversary of Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The attack marked the beginning of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over centuries. Despite this, Somnath never ceased to exist in the collective consciousness of the people. The cycle of the temple's devastation and revival is unparalleled in world history. It demonstrated that Somnath was never merely a stone structure, but a living embodiment of belief, identity, and civilisational pride. On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, viewing its restoration as essential to reviving India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public participation, culminated in the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then-President Rajendra Prasad. In 2026, the nation marks 75 years since the historic 1951 ceremony, reaffirming India's civilisational self-respect. Revered as the first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple complex stands majestically along the Arabian Sea, crowned by a 150-foot shikhar, symbolising enduring faith and national resolve. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Shaurya Yatra at the Somnath Temple, a ceremonial procession honoring warriors who defended the temple. The event is a key part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, which marks the 1000th anniversary of Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the temple in 1026. The celebration also reaffirms 75 years since the temple's modern consecration in 1951, following its reconstruction initiated by Sardar Patel. Hundreds of students from Sanskrit institutions joined the yatra, playing traditional instruments to welcome the Prime Minister. PM Narendra Modi participates in the Shaurya Yatra at Somnath Temple, honoring warriors and marking the 1000th anniversary of Ghazni's first attack. Somnath, January 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in the Shaurya Yatra on Sunday, the second day of his Gujarat visit, as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Earlier, the Prime Minister participated in the Omkar chanting and other events held as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, and will join the Shaurya Yatra at 9:45 am today. The Shaurya Yatra is a ceremonial procession organised to honour the countless warriors who laid down their lives defending the Somnath Temple. The procession will feature a symbolic march of 108 horses, representing valour, bravery, and sacrifice. After the procession, the Prime Minister will perform darshan and pooja at the Somnath Temple at around 10:15 am. At approximately 11 am, he will participate in and address a public function in Somnath. Meanwhile, extensive preparations are underway for the Prime Minister's participation in the Shaurya Yatra. Artists and performers were seen rehearsing ahead of the symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Sanjay Brahmbhatt of Brahmarshi Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya in Gujarat's Kheda said that approximately 350 students from the institution will participate in the Shaurya Yatra, playing the conch (shankh) and damru. "We have come from Nadiad in Kheda district. We are from Brahmarshi Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, and Dahyabhai Shastri is with us, along with all his students. Around 350 students have come here, and all of us will take part in the Shaurya Yatra. Our children will play the conch (shankh) and damru, and we will lead the procession ahead of the horses," he told ANI. A representative of Shri Narmada Sanskrit Ved Pathshala in Bharuch also confirmed the institution's participation in the Shaurya Yatra. He said that members of the Pathshala have come to play the damru and sound the conch to welcome the Prime Minister by chanting mantras. "We have come from Bharuch. We are from Shri Narmada Sanskrit Ved Pathshala, Bharuch, and everyone here has come to play the damru and sound the conch. We want to welcome Modi ji with the chanting of mantras," he told ANI. Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to January 11, 2026, marks the 1,000th anniversary of Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The attack marked the beginning of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over centuries. Despite this, Somnath never ceased to exist in the collective consciousness of the people. The cycle of the temple's devastation and revival is unparalleled in world history. It demonstrated that Somnath was never merely a stone structure, but a living embodiment of belief, identity, and civilisational pride. On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, viewing its restoration as essential to reviving India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public participation, culminated in the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then-President Rajendra Prasad. In 2026, the nation marks 75 years since the historic 1951 ceremony, reaffirming India's civilisational self-respect. Revered as the first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple complex stands majestically along the Arabian Sea, crowned by a 150-foot shikhar, symbolising enduring faith and national resolve. - ANI The Gujarat government has extended the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations until January 15th in response to public sentiment. The festival, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has already seen massive participation, including a Shaurya Yatra with over one lakh devotees. Key attractions have included a 72-hour Akhand Omkar chanting, a spectacular drone show with 3,000 drones, and various cultural programs. The state administration, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, organized the event to allow maximum public participation in this celebration of faith and heritage. Gujarat extends the Somnath Swabhiman Parv till January 15. PM Modi inaugurated the festival featuring a mega drone show and Shaurya Yatra. Gandhinagar, January 11 The Gujarat State Government has decided to extend the celebrations of 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' until January 15 at Somnath, in light of public sentiments and demands. In the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the grand celebrations of 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' were being held at Somnath from January 8 to 11. In his address on Sunday as well, the Prime Minister expressed the view that, given the faith, devotion, and unwavering belief of the people in Lord Bholenath, the festival should enable as many people as possible to benefit from it, according to the release. Providing details in this regard, Spokesperson and Agriculture Minister Shri Jitubhai Vaghani stated that, under the inspiring presence of the Prime Minister, 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' is being celebrated in a historic manner at Somnath. As part of this festival, more than one lakh people participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra' organised in the inspiring presence of the Prime Minister, and people became immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva. Just as programmes were organised from January 8 to 11, in the same sequence, this 1,000-year celebration of unwavering faith will continue till January 15, with devotees participating from across the country. Under the leadership of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the festival has been successfully conducted due to the concerted efforts of members of the State Cabinet and the entire administrative machinery. As part of this festival, in the presence of the Prime Minister, the 72-hour Akhand Omkar chanting, a mega drone show with 3,000 drones, the Shaurya Yatra with 108 horses, and various artistic creations by artists who arrived at Somnath from different states became major centres of attraction. In a devotional atmosphere, devotees will get to enjoy a series of various traditional cultural programs. According to a release, to ensure that the maximum number of people across the country can experience this religious occasion that reinstates the heritage and legacy of Indian culture, the State Government has decided to extend this festival till January 15. - ANI Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Shimla Municipal Corporation to enhance tourist facilities and enforce strict cleanliness standards. He emphasized controlling vendor prices on Mall Road and ensuring food safety regulations are followed. The CM also announced a relief scheme for small shopkeepers with non-performing loans. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing digital initiatives like the Citizen Service Portal and Digital Door Plate system to improve urban governance. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu orders Shimla Municipal Corporation to improve tourist facilities, enforce food safety, and control vendor pricing. Shimla, January 11 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday issued instructions to the Municipal Corporation Shimla to improve tourist facilities and cleanliness in the city. After visiting Mall Road in Shimla and other areas on Saturday evening, he said it must be ensured that vendors do not charge more than the fixed prices for food items and other goods. He said that the rules and standards set by the Directorate of Health Safety and Regulation and the Food Safety and Standards Authority must be strictly enforced to maintain food quality, safety and hygiene. He said that to ensure the safe disposal of waste, the MC must act proactively and strictly, as this strongly affects the state's image. The Chief Minister said that tourists visiting Shimla should have an excellent experience, while the needs of local residents must also be given equal importance. He added that the state government is improving public services in urban areas and making them easier to access. He said that the state government has recently launched the second phase of the Citizen Connect Programme under the theme "Clean City, Prosperous City". Keeping in mind the growing population, increasing urbanisation, and changing citizen needs, the government was setting a new, inclusive, and sustainable direction for urban development. The Chief Minister announced an important decision to benefit small shopkeepers under the Mukhyamantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojana. Under this scheme, shopkeepers with outstanding loans of up to rupees one lakh whose accounts have been declared non-performing assets by banks will be offered a one-time settlement of up to rupees one lakh. Similarly, shopkeepers with loans between rupees one lakh and rupees two lakh would receive one-time assistance of up to rupees one lakh. He said urban services have been digitised through the Citizen Service Portal. In the first phase, nine online services were introduced, and more than 2.5 lakh citizens have been registered. In the second phase, nine additional services have been added to improve transparency and reduce the gap between the government and the public. The Chief Minister said that under the Digital Door Plate system, every urban household was being given a unique digital identity. This initiative would bring greater transparency and accountability to urban governance. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Swami Sunder Surishwarji Maharaj on the release of his 500th book, praising his practical application of knowledge. Modi described the book as a mantra for love and harmony in a conflicted world. In a separate address at Somnath, he criticized post-independence historians and politicians for distorting narratives of invasions, specifically regarding the temple's destruction. He further warned that forces which opposed the temple's renovation remain active today through hidden conspiracies. PM Narendra Modi releases a 500th book, praises a saint's practical wisdom, and criticizes historical narratives about Somnath Temple's invasion. New Delhi, January 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to Shrimad Vijayaratna Sunder Surishwarji Maharaj over the release of his 500th book, saying that he didn't keep knowledge restricted to just books, but also brought them into practical use in life. In a video message, PM Modi stressed that Swami ji's personality was a wonderful mix of calmness, simplicity and clarity. "Maharaj sahab didn't keep knowledge restricted to just books, but he also brought it into practical use in life. He also inspired others to adopt it in their lives. His personality was a wonderful mix of calmness, simplicity and clarity," the Prime Minister said. PM Modi said that the book titled "Prem Nu Vishwa, Vishwa Nu Prem" is not just a book but a "mantra" that lets us know about the strength of love and shows the path to peace and harmony. "Today, when the world is facing divisions and conflicts, 'Prem Nu Vishwa, Vishwa Nu Prem' becomes not just a book but also a mantra. This mantra lets us know about the strength of love. The mantra also shows us path to the peace and harmony that the world is looking for today," he said. Earlier in the day, while addressing a gathering in Somnath, PM Narendra Modi hit out at "people with a colonial mindset" in post-Independence historical narratives attempting to "erase history" of India's glorious past. PM Modi asserted that some historians and politicians tried to distort accounts of historical invasions in textbooks, where "religious invasion was labelled as loot". "Unfortunately, after independence, people with a colonial mindset tried to get rid of our glorious past. They tried all they could to erase history. Those who fought for the Somnath Temple were not given their due recognition and importance. Some historians and politicians even tried to whitewash the history of these invaders. Religious invasion was labelled as loot. We have been taught in our textbooks that the Somnath Temple was demolished to loot its treasures. The cruel history of hate, atrocities and terror was hidden from us," PM Modi said. The PM said that after independence, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pledged to renovate the Somnath Temple, he was stopped from doing so. He added that objections had been raised even during President Rajendra Prasad's 1951 visit. He further warned, saying the powers that had opposed the redevelopment back then were still active, now using hidden conspiracies instead of swords against India. "After independence, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pledged the renovation of the Somnath Temple, he was stopped from doing so. Objections were raised in 1951 on the visit of then-President Rajendra Prasad to Somnath. Unfortunately, even today, the powers that opposed the redevelopment of the Somnath Temple are present and active. Swords have been replaced with hidden conspiracies against India," PM Modi said. - ANI Key Points Dutch Bros stands out for its beverages and for giving back to the communities it serves. The stock's valuation may give investors pause. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) has gained increased investor attention in recent years. A unique concept and a rapid expansion across the U.S. stoked fast revenue growth and increased recognition, particularly at a time when its largest rival, Starbucks, is looking for ways to reinvigorate its brand. Nonetheless, Dutch Bros is still a fraction of Starbucks' size, and consumers have numerous choices when it comes to coffee and beverages. Amid those conditions, can the coffee stock perk up investor returns, or should they look for caffeine highs elsewhere? Image source: Getty Images. The state of Dutch Bros Dutch Bros has stood out in the crowded coffee marketplace. It operates drive-thru coffeeshops, attempting to reach out to customers by adding a personal touch between customers and employees, who it calls "broistas." It also empowers shops to host local events for organizations with its focus on giving back to the communities its serves. Additionally, it has developed a customer following with breve drinks, which are based on espresso and half-and-half. It also offers teas, smoothies, lemonades, energy drinks, and other beverages. The company has also taken this concept across the country rapidly. As of the end of the third quarter of 2025, it operated 1,081 shops in 24 states, well above the 471 locations it had when it announced its IPO in 2021. Financial growth Amid that growth, Dutch Bros reported about $1.2 billion in revenue in the first nine months of 2025, a 27% yearly increase. This included 5.2% same-shop sales growth over the same period, an indication of its rising popularity. During that time, the company kept cost and expense growth in check. As a result, it earned $58 million in net income in the first three quarters of 2025, rising 85% from year-ago levels. That growth helped the stock early in 2025, but over the last year, it is up by just 12%. Valuation may partially explain that slowdown, as Dutch Bros shares trade at a 126 P/E ratio, far above the S&P 500 average of 31. Nonetheless, Dutch Bros intends to grow to 2,029 shops by 2029. Such growth is bullish for Dutch Bros, but it remains to be seen whether investors are willing to overlook the high valuation to buy into this growth story. Is Dutch Bros a long-term winner? Given its rapid growth, Dutch Bros stock should be a long-term winner. Admittedly, the high valuation and competitive nature of Dutch Bros' business may give investors pause. Even though its rapid growth arguably commands a premium, it also makes the stock's near-term direction uncertain. Knowing that, investors should accumulate shares slowly if they choose to invest. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge led tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his death anniversary, emphasizing the enduring inspiration of his simple life and high ideals. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma honored Shastri's honesty and sense of duty, while Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar remembered his reforms and leadership. The leaders universally highlighted Shastri's iconic slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" as a symbol of national confidence and service. Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second Prime Minister, passed away in Tashkent in 1966 after signing a peace pact with Pakistan. Mallikarjun Kharge, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and DK Shivakumar honor former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri, recalling his leadership, "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" slogan, and ideals. New Delhi, January 11 Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his death anniversary. He said Shastri's message of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" continues to inspire the nation even today. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister and our inspiration, Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, we pay our humble respects to him. Their message of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" continues to symbolize the nation's confidence, courage, labor, and service even today." Kharge said that in difficult times, he provided strong and skilful guidance to the country, strengthened respect for farmers, accelerated reforms and showed India's resolve during the 1965 war. "In difficult times, he provided skilful leadership to the nation. He gave new strength to the respect for farmers, accelerated reforms, and showed direction to India's resolve in the 1965 war. His simple life and high ideals will remain an inspiration for every generation. Our heartfelt tribute," the post read. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid tribute to Shastri, remembering his honesty, sense of duty and leadership. "Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji led the nation with strong resolve. He believed that strength lay in honesty, restraint and duty to the people. Tributes to the great leader on his Punyatithi. His words and conduct still offer timeless lessons in serving the nation," Assam CM said in a post on X. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remembered Lal Bahadur Shastri's leadership, reforms, and the lasting message of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan." "Humble tributes to the steadfast former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his death anniversary. He guided India through challenging times with courage, implementing reforms that strengthened agriculture, improved nutrition, and reinforced national security. His slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" reflected his commitment to both soldiers and farmers, leaving a legacy of leadership that continues to inspire," Shivakumar said. Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1904, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India and served from 1964 to 1966. He died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, at the age of 61, soon after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan. Former PM Shastri was a visionary leader who understood people's language and who led the country towards progress. - ANI US President Donald Trump claimed Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners in a "BIG WAY," suggesting US intervention expedited the process. According to a Wall Street Journal report, detainees celebrated news of Nicolas Maduro's arrest, though only 11 of an estimated 800 prisoners have been freed. Venezuela's government announced it would release an "important number" of prisoners, sparking hopes for change. The process has since grown more secretive, with cases often bogged down in bureaucracy and visits placing a heavy burden on low-income families. Donald Trump says Venezuela has started freeing political prisoners, crediting US intervention. Details on the releases and ongoing situation. Washington DC, January 11 US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that Venezuela has begun its process of releasing political prisoners. In a post on Truth Social, he said that the Venezuelan political prisoners got 'lucky' as the US intervened and expedited the process. "Venezuela has started the process, in a BIG WAY, of releasing their political prisoners. Thank you! I hope those prisoners will remember how lucky they got that the USA came along and did what had to be done. I HOPE THEY NEVER FORGET! If they do, it will not be good for them," Trump said. A detailed report by the Wall Street Journal said that the detainees in the "notorious" Venezuelan prison were caught unawares by the news that had made headlines around the world. Wall Street Journal reported in detail how the detainees began to sing, "Se cayo! He fell," in joy upon knowing that Nicolas Maduro and his wife were shoved into a US helicopter in the early hours of January 3, and he saw the horizon of Caracas fading into the skyline. The two have been kept in the high-profile New York prison since and are facing trial. Venezuela's National Assembly president Jorge Rodriguez on Thursday said that the government would release an "important number" of political prisoners. Many Venezuelans saw the announcement as the harbinger of potential change in the government, the Wall Street Journal reported. However, only 11 of the country's 800 political prisoners have been released so far, according to the human rights organisation Foro Penal. The nail-biting cliffhanger has kept the prisoners' kin on their toes, with the air crackling with anticipation. The prisoners are kept in Caracas, and the brunt is borne by the low-income families who have to make arrangements for seeing their dear ones, with trips that cost them dearly, the Wall Street Journal reported. Cases involving detainees held without formal charges are often snail-paced and ensnared in bureaucracy. Since Thursday, it has also grown more secretive, a shift activists suspect is meant to avoid scenes unfolding in front of the press, the Wall Street Journal reported. - ANI A report by Share India Securities states India's auto ancillary sector is entering a favorable phase supported by a structural demand upcycle and policy initiatives. The industry recorded a turnover of approximately Rs 6.7 lakh crore in 2025, with strong export performance. The shift toward electric vehicles is a key growth driver, as EVs require higher electronic and component content per vehicle. Analysts project steady revenue growth and gradual margin expansion for the sector in the coming quarters. Report highlights India's auto ancillary sector growth driven by EV transition, policy tailwinds, and strong domestic & export demand. Key insights. New Delhi, January 11 India's auto ancillary sector is entering a favourable phase, supported by a structural demand upcycle, policy tailwinds and rising vehicle content intensity, according to a recent research report by Share India Securities. Citing industry analysts, the report asserted that the sector is expected to deliver steady growth over the coming quarters, aided by improving domestic vehicle production, export momentum, and gradual margin recovery. The Indian auto-component industry recorded a turnover of approximately Rs 6.7 lakh crore (around USD 80 billion) in 202525, marking nearly 10 per cent year-on-year growth, as per the report. Exports reached nearly USD 23 billion, underscoring the increasing competitiveness of Indian suppliers in global markets. Analysts estimate revenue growth of 7-9 per cent in 2025-26, supported by resilient replacement demand and operating leverage benefits as volumes scale up. The recent 2025 GST rationalisation to simplified slabs has improved vehicle affordability, indirectly supporting higher volumes for component manufacturers, the report noted. At the same time, policy initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme continue to encourage localisation, capacity expansion and movement up the value chain, particularly in electronics, EV-linked components and precision manufacturing. The shift toward electric vehicles is also proving structurally positive for auto ancillaries. EVs typically require higher electronic, lighting and suspension content per vehicle, which could help component revenue growth outpace overall vehicle production growth over the medium term. The report also highlighted a basket of auto ancillary companies with healthy balance sheets, consistent cash flows and earnings growth. While near-term margin volatility from input costs such as steel and aluminium cannot be ruled out, analysts believe easing commodity cycles, partial price pass-through, and operating leverage will support gradual margin expansion. With rising EV penetration, higher content per vehicle, and strong domestic manufacturing economics, the auto ancillary sector remains structurally well positioned at present, it noted. - ANI The Indian Navy participated prominently in the World Book Fair 2026 in New Delhi, showcasing its rich maritime legacy through publications and scale ship models. The Naval History Division set up stalls displaying official histories and hosted panel discussions on key topics like the 1971 War. A significant book on the Indian Navy is scheduled for release by the Chief of the Naval Staff during the fair. The initiative aims to educate the public and inspire youth to consider naval careers. Indian Navy highlights maritime history at World Book Fair 2026 with book displays, ship models, and panel discussions on naval heritage and operations. New Delhi, January 12 The Indian Navy participated in the World Book Fair 2026, a flagship cultural event celebrating literature, knowledge, and heritage, which was held in New Delhi on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Defence, the 9-day mega fair was organised by the National Book Trust, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education. This fair was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan. During the event, the Indian Navy's participation reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting India's rich maritime legacy. The Naval History Division (NHD), the premier research institution of the Indian Navy, is spearheading this initiative. In collaboration with NBT, NHD has set up dedicated Indian Navy stalls featuring authoritative Indian Navy publications and meticulously crafted scale ship models, offering visitors a vivid insight into the Navy's evolution, traditions, and operational excellence. At the Navy Pavilion in Hall No. 5, seven volumes of the official history of the Indian Navy (1945-2021) were on display, along with histories of various Indian Naval ships, submarines, air squadrons and establishments, as well as books on India's maritime history, to enhance visitors' understanding of the nation's rich maritime and naval heritage. These displays present a compelling narrative of India's maritime journey, blending scholarship with visual appeal. As part of its academic outreach, NHD held a panel discussion on the 1971 War on January 10, which was moderated by Cdr Neeraj Vashisth. The panel featured Cdr Vijai Prakash Kapil, VrC, NM (Retd), and noted defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan, providing deep perspectives on a defining chapter of India's naval history. Additionally, a panel discussion on 'Naval Maritime Expeditions: Past and Present' was also held at the pavilion in Hall 5. The session was moderated by Cdr Kalesh Mohanan; empanelled by Capt Prashant C Menon; and Cdr Neeraj Vashisth. Another significant panel discussion titled 'Creating Rule-based Order: The role of the Indian Navy is scheduled on January 14, which will be moderated by Associate Professor Abhimanyu Singh Arha, where Lt Cdr Anupama Thapliyal and Lt Jeevitesh Saharan will give insights into the topic, highlighting the Navy's critical role in the Indian Ocean Region. According to the Ministry of Defence, a major highlight of the Book Fair will be the release of a book on the Indian Navy, prepared by the Naval History Division. This book will be unveiled by the Chief of the Naval Staff at a grand event. Beyond exhibitions and discussions, NHD is actively engaging with young visitors, inspiring boys and girls to consider a career in the Indian Navy. The naval publications and stalls have already attracted significant public interest, the ministry said. - ANI The All India Medical Students Association and the Federation of All India Medical Associations have confirmed the safety of all Indian students currently in Iran. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan stated that students have personally contacted the associations to reassure their families. The Indian Embassy and senior officials are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining constant contact. The reassurance comes amid widespread protests and violence in Iran, which have reportedly resulted in numerous casualties. AIMSA and FAIMA confirm all Indian students in Iran are safe. Embassy and officials are closely monitoring the situation amid regional unrest. Srinagar, January 11 The All India Medical Students Association and the Federation of All India Medical Associations on Sunday said that all Indian students currently studying in Iran are safe, urging families and the public not to panic. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President of AIMSA and FAIMA Doctors Association, said that both organisations have received updates from Indian students across Iran confirming their safety amid the prevailing situation. He said many students personally contacted the associations and conveyed messages for their families, assuring that they were safe and secure. "All our students are safe. There is no need to panic," Dr Khan said in a statement. According to him, senior officials and the Indian Embassy are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant touch with students and local authorities to ensure their well-being. The associations said regular communication channels are being maintained, and any further developments will be shared promptly to avoid misinformation and unnecessary anxiety among families back home. The reassurance comes amid concerns expressed by families of students studying in Iran, with AIMSA and FAIMA emphasising that there is no immediate threat to Indian students and that the situation remains under watch. According to the US-based human rights organisation HRANA, at least 116 people have been killed since the protests began in Iran, which have escalated into widespread violent confrontations across 30 provinces. - ANI The Indian Navy's INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally built 'stitched' vessel, has completed over two-thirds of its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat. The ship, which uses no engine and relies solely on wind and ancient techniques, is now entering a high-traffic corridor for oil tankers and container ships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the effort, highlighting its role in reviving India's historic maritime links. The voyage retraces ancient trade routes once used by Indian merchants to connect with the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Indian Navy's stitched ship INSV Kaundinya completes 2/3 of its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, retracing ancient trade corridors. New Delhi, Jan 11 The Indian Navy's INSV Kaundinya, which embarked on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat in Oman, is sailing strongly in the high seas and is believed to have completed two-thirds of its journey while bracing for encountering oil tankers as it enters a heavy traffic corridor, said an official on Sunday. Unlike the modern vessels, the INSV Kaundinya is a 'stitched' ship and has no engine, no metal nails, and no modern propulsion. It depends entirely on wind, sails, and a shipbuilding method dating back to the fifth century. Sharing an update about the voyage of the indigenously built sailing vessel, Sanjeev Sanyal, member of Prime Minister Modi's Economic Advisory Council, wrote, "Update day 13. After yesterday's update, we had several bouts of heavy rain. Everything is damp after that. Also, the local system disrupted the wind, but it is now back from the east. We did, however, get a nice sunset. It was still drizzling when we raised the sails. Now more than 2/3 done." "We will soon face a problem the ancient mariners did not face - oil tankers and large container vessels. So far, we encountered the occasional one, but tomorrow we will enter a heavy traffic corridor," said Sanyal in a social media post. On its personal social media handle, INSV Kaundinya said, "After a calm spell, favourable winds returned overnight, enabling steady progress through the morning. With a significant portion of the voyage completed, #INSVKaundinya continues to press ahead through variable winds caused by a local weather system, reflecting the enduring spirit of the #IndianNavy and its #MaritimeLegacy." When the Kaundinya embarked on its voyage on December 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the designers, artisans, shipbuilders and the Indian Navy for their dedicated efforts in bringing it to life. The Prime Minister, while taking to the social media platform X, said, "My best wishes to the crew for a safe and memorable journey, as they retrace our historic links with the Gulf region and beyond." The historic expedition marks a major milestone in India's efforts to revive, understand and celebrate its ancient maritime heritage through a living ocean voyage. Notably, the sea route from India to Oman and to Southeast Asia was once a major trade corridor and was widely used by Indian sailors and merchants to trade spices, textiles, and ideas with West Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. By navigating the sea lane again, the INSV Kaundinya is retracing India's ancient maritime highways. - IANS The Iranian military has issued a statement pledging to resolutely defend national interests and protect strategic infrastructure amid ongoing protests. It accused Israel and "hostile terrorist organizations" of conspiring to undermine order and incite rebellion in the country. Senior officials, including the spokesperson for Iran's Constitutional Council, attributed the protests to foreign interference turning peaceful demonstrations into riots. Separately, local authorities reported the arrest of 100 people accused of leading riots and attacking civilians and security forces in Baharestan. Iranian military accuses Israel of inciting unrest, pledges to protect infrastructure under Supreme Leader's command amid ongoing protests. Tehran, Jan 11 The Iranian military pledged to defend national interests, protect strategic infrastructure and public property amid ongoing protests, and urged Iranians to unite to "thwart the enemy's plots," according to state broadcaster IRIB. In a statement, the military accused Israel and "hostile terrorist organizations" of "attempting to undermine order and peace in cities and disrupt public security through another conspiracy," and of "trying to incite another rebellion in the name of supporting the Iranian people." It called on the public to remain vigilant and unite to "defeat the enemy's plots," saying Iran is "in the middle of a war." The statement said the army, together with other armed forces, "under the command" of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, would monitor enemy movements and resolutely defend national interests while protecting strategic infrastructure and public property, Xinhua news agency reported. Separately, Iran's Fars News Agency reported that Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Israel should be held responsible for the current situation in Iran. The spokesperson for Iran's Constitutional Council attributed the protests in the country to foreign interference. "Foreign interference has turned peaceful livelihood protests of people directed at livelihood demands into riots and unrest," Hadi Tahan Nazif told a press conference on Saturday, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. On the same day, the governor of Baharestan told Tasnim that 100 people accused of disrupting public order and leading riots had been arrested in the city. He said they used firearms and cold weapons to attack civilians and security forces. - IANS Israel and Germany have elevated their partnership by signing a joint declaration to deepen cooperation in security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the two nations are "natural partners," highlighting existing collaboration on major defense projects like the Arrow III missile system. The agreement underscores Germany's historical commitment to Israel's security in the wake of the Holocaust. Netanyahu also framed the pact as a response to shared threats, specifically citing Iran and its proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Israel and Germany sign a strategic declaration to boost security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism cooperation, citing Iran and its proxies as shared threats. Tel Aviv, January 12 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said Israel and Germany are "natural partners" in addressing emerging security challenges, as he and visiting German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt signed a joint declaration to deepen cooperation in the fields of security, cybersecurity and the fight against terrorism. The agreement was signed during Minister Dobrindt's official visit to Israel. In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote, "I attach enormous importance to the overall cooperation between Israel and Germany, and especially Israel and Germany on this question of cybersecurity, which is one of the main threats to our internal security, and in many ways also our infrastructure and other threats." Netanyahu further added that the two nations have already worked together on several major defence and technology initiatives. "And I think Germany and Israel are natural partners. We've cooperated on the Arrow III, we've cooperated in many areas. We cooperate technologically. Chancellor Mertz was here recently, we talked about defense cooperation," he said. The Prime Minister also recalled recent engagements between the two sides, noting that German Chancellor Mertz had recently visited Israel, during which defence cooperation was discussed. "Chancellor Mertz was here recently, we talked about defense cooperation," Netanyahu said. "And now I'm very pleased to welcome a dear friend of Israel, Minister Dobrindt, to sign this important pact. So, thank you for your friendship, thank you for your support, and please convey this to your government as well," he wrote in a post. "Iran and its proxies -- Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis -- pose a threat not only to Israel but to regional stability and international security," says Netanyahu at the signing, The Times of Israel reported. Netanyahu said that the declaration "anchors Germany's deep commitment to the security of the State of Israel and elevates the security-technological cooperation between the two countries to a new strategic level" and that it reflects Germany's historical responsibility in the wake of the Holocaust, The Times of Israel reported. - ANI Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge, paid heartfelt tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 60th death anniversary. They highlighted his crucial role in India's independence and nation-building, emphasizing his inspirational leadership. His iconic slogan, "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan," was celebrated as a timeless message guiding the nation towards security and prosperity. Leaders also remembered his humble life, strong wartime leadership during the 1965 conflict, and his enduring legacy. Congress leaders pay homage to former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri, recalling his "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" slogan and legacy of simplicity and leadership. New Delhi, January 11 Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday paid her respects to freedom fighter and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 60th death anniversary. She said the former Prime Minister had played an "extremely important" role in the country's independence and nation-building. She also emphasised the leader's inspiration, which moved the country's people towards unity and progress. Highlighting the slogan raised by the former Prime Minister, "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan", Gandhi said that through this slogan, Lal Bahadur Shastri showed the path to security and prosperity for the country. Through her X post, she said, "On the death anniversary of the great freedom fighter, former Prime Minister, former Union Home Minister, and Bharat Ratna recipient, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, I pay my humble respects to him. Shri Shastri ji played an extremely important role from the country's independence to its nation-building." "He inspired the people of the country towards unity and progress. By giving the slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,' he showed the path to security and prosperity for the country. Shastri ji's diligence, humility, simplicity, and the spirit of service and dedication to the nation is an inspiration for all of us," Gandhi added. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his death anniversary. He said Shastri's message of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" continues to inspire the nation even today. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister and our inspiration, Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, we pay our humble respects to him. Their message of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" continues to symbolise the nation's confidence, courage, labour, and service even today." He added that in difficult times, he provided strong and skilful guidance to the country, strengthened respect for farmers, accelerated reforms and showed India's resolve during the 1965 war. "In difficult times, he provided skilful leadership to the nation. He gave new strength to the respect for farmers, accelerated reforms, and showed direction to India's resolve in the 1965 war. His simple life and high ideals will remain an inspiration for every generation. Our heartfelt tribute," Kharge said. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remembered Lal Bahadur Shastri's leadership, reforms, and the lasting message of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan". "Humble tributes to the steadfast former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his death anniversary. He guided India through challenging times with courage, implementing reforms that strengthened agriculture, improved nutrition, and reinforced national security. His slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" reflected his commitment to both soldiers and farmers, leaving a legacy of leadership that continues to inspire," Shivakumar said. Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1904, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India, serving from 1964 to 1966. He died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, at age 61, shortly after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan. Former PM Shastri was a visionary leader who understood people's language and who led the country towards progress. - ANI The Karnataka government has presented its demands to the Union Finance Minister during pre-Budget consultations. The state highlighted a fiscal squeeze caused by GST rationalisation and seeks a revenue protection mechanism. Key demands include a 50% share of excise duty on tobacco products and the release of pending Central funds for schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission. The state also called for revised funding for rural employment, agriculture, and social welfare programs. Karnataka urges Centre for GST revenue protection, 50% tobacco excise share, and release of Jal Jeevan Mission funds in pre-Budget consultations. New Delhi, January 11 The Karnataka government has called on the Union Government, in the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27, to ensure revenue protection for States post-GST rationalisation, share excise duty and cess on pan masala and tobacco products, release pending Central dues under flagship schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, and strengthen funding for rural employment, agriculture, and social protection. The State government made these demands during the pre-Budget consultations chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Saturday. Karnataka's Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda represented his state at the meeting with the Union finance minister. As is the convention, the Budget for 2026-27 will be presented on February 1. Presenting the State's views, the Karnataka Minister highlighted that while it remains a major contributor to national economic growth, its fiscal space has significantly narrowed due to GST rate rationalisation, rising social sector commitments, climate-related shocks, and rapid urbanisation. The State underlined that responsibilities of States have expanded faster than their revenue base. Karnataka flagged a sharp slowdown in GST revenue growth following rate rationalization in 2025, resulting in a revenue shortfall. The State sought a revenue protection and compensation mechanism for States, akin to the earlier GST Compensation Cess. It also demanded a 50:50 sharing of excise duty on tobacco products and cess on pan masala, arguing that States bear the health and enforcement costs while the proceeds remain outside the divisible pool. On the Jal Jeevan Mission, Karnataka pointed out that it has released Rs 24,598 crore against a Central release of Rs 11,786 crore, including advances to prevent disruption of works, and sought urgent release of the pending Central share Raising concerns over rural employment, Karnataka sought reconsideration of the shift from the demand-driven MGNREGA to the allocation-based G-RAM-G scheme, noting that it has reduced effective employment days and imposed an additional fiscal burden on the State. In agriculture, Karnataka proposed the implementation of a Price Deficiency Payment Scheme under PM-AASHA for eight crops, maize, soybean, mango, chilli, onion, tomato, turmeric, and ginger, and sought an additional allocation for 2026-27. The State also demanded an upward revision in the Central contribution for frontline workers, seeking monthly honorariums of Rs 8,000 for Anganwadi and ASHA workers and Rs 5,000 for cooks and helpers. It further called for expansion of coverage and enhancement of pension amounts under the National Social Assistance Programme. Karnataka reiterated its request to declare the Upper Bhadra Project as a National Project and sought release of Rs 5,300 crore in Central assistance as announced earlier. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday chaired the meeting on pre-Budget consultation with States and Union Territories (with Legislature) for the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27. - ANI Valued at a market cap of $68 billion, Johnson Controls International plc (JCI) designs, manufactures, and services a wide range of products and systems, including HVAC equipment, building automation, fire detection and suppression, and security solutions, serving commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. The Cork, Ireland-based company is ready to announce its fiscal Q1 earnings for 2026 in the near future. Before this event, analysts expect this industrial company to report a profit of $0.83 per share, up 29.7% from $0.64 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has topped Wall Streets bottom-line estimates in each of the last four quarters. In Q4, its EPS of $1.26 exceeded the consensus estimates by 5%. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2026, ending in September, analysts expect JCI to report a profit of $4.55 per share, up 21% from $3.76 per share in fiscal 2025. Furthermore, its EPS is expected to grow 15.6% year-over-year to $5.26 in fiscal 2027. www.barchart.com Shares of JCI have soared 39.2% over the past 52 weeks, considerably outperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 17.5% return and the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLI) 21.7% uptick over the same time period. www.barchart.com On Nov. 5, shares of JCI surged 8.8% after its impressive Q4 earnings release. The companys total revenue improved 3.1% year-over-year to $6.4 billion, surpassing consensus estimates by 1.6%. Moreover, its adjusted EPS increased 13.5% from the year-ago quarter to $1.26, topping analyst expectations by 5%. Additionally, JCI initiated its fiscal 2026 guidance with projected adjusted earnings of approximately $4.55 per share, which came in above Wall Street's predictions, further bolstering investor confidence. Wall Street analysts are moderately optimistic about JCIs stock, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 20 analysts covering the stock, 12 recommend "Strong Buy," and eight suggest "Hold. The mean price target for JCI is $133.16, indicating a 19.4% potential upside from the current levels. On the date of publication, Neharika Jain 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 Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has demanded a detailed explanation from South Korea regarding recent drone incursions into the North's airspace. She warned Seoul would face "terrible consequences" for any future provocations, whether by military or civilian entities. South Korea's Defence Ministry has denied its military was involved, suggesting private entities may be responsible. Analysts suggest the statement aims to maintain North Korea's narrative of South Korea as a hostile entity and undermine peace efforts. Kim Jong-un's sister warns South Korea of "terrible consequences" over alleged drone violations, demanding a detailed explanation from Seoul. Seoul, Jan 11 The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for Seoul to provide a detailed explanation about recent drone incursions, claiming that the drones from South Korea clearly violated the North's airspace. Kim Yo-jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, made the remarks as South Korea's Defence Ministry denied Pyongyang's claim about the drone incursions from the South's military, raising the possibility that private entities may have been involved in the alleged drone operations, Yonhap News Agency reported. "Fortunately, the ROK's military expressed an official stand that it was not done by itself and that it has no intention to provoke or irritate us," Kim said in a statement carried by the North's Korean Central News Agency. ROK is short for the Republic of Korea, the official name of South Korea. "But a detailed explanation should be made about the actual case of a drone that crossed the southern border of our republic from the ROK," Kim said. Kim also expressed her personal appreciation that South Korea's defence ministry "took a wise choice" by announcing its official stance of not provoking North Korea when it denied the North's claim. Kim, however, said the drone incursions, whether carried out by the military or civilians, constituted a violation of the North's airspace, warning that Seoul will face terrible consequences if it opts for another provocation. "Clear is just the fact that the drone from the ROK violated the airspace of our country," Kim said. "If the ROK opts for provocation against us again in the future, it will never be able to deal with the terrible consequences to be entailed by it." She claimed the video data retrieved from the drones was undeniably related to a uranium mine, the now-suspended inter-Korean joint industrial complex in Kaesong in the North and North Korean border guard posts, demanding an "explanation" from Seoul. Kim also warned, "If they brand it as a deed of a civilian organisation and then try to assert a theory that it is not an infringement upon the sovereignty, they will see a lot of UAVs by the DPRK's civilian organisations." DPRK means the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name. Kim said the drone infiltrations cemented North Korea's view of South Korea as a "group of hooligans and scrap," marking the first time such explicit language has been used against Seoul since the Lee Jae Myung administration took office. Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies in South Korea, assessed that the statement by the North Korean leader's sister appears aimed at maintaining the regime's stance of portraying Seoul as an "unchanging hostile country" and denying Seoul's peace efforts in order to ratchet up pressure. - IANS Actor Lukas Gage interrupted interviews at the Los Angeles premiere of the Netflix film 'People We Meet on Vacation' to praise his co-stars. In an exclusive with People, he specifically called Emily Bader "the biggest star in the world," predicting her major breakthrough from the film. The romantic comedy is an adaptation of Emily Henry's popular 2021 novel and features a large ensemble cast. The film, starring Tom Blyth and Emily Bader as the central couple, is now available for streaming on Netflix. Actor Lukas Gage praises co-star Emily Bader as "the biggest star in the world" during the 'People We Meet on Vacation' red carpet premiere in LA. Washington DC, January 11 Actor Lukas Gage heaped praise on his 'People We Meet on Vacation' costar Emily Bader, calling her "the biggest star in the world" during the red carpet premiere of the Netflix romantic comedy at The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, according to People. During the premiere of his new Netflix rom-com, People We Meet on Vacation, in Los Angeles, the 30-year-old actor hijacked his co-stars' interviews to lavish praise on each of them. But while speaking with People magazine in an exclusive conversation on the red carpet at The Egyptian Theatre, the Smile 2 and The White Lotus star delivered quite the compliment about costar Emily Bader. "I knew that Brett Haley was directing, who I'm such a fan of, and then Emily Bader, who is the biggest star in the world -- the world doesn't know it yet, [but] after this movie, she's going to be," Gage said of Bader, 29. "She and Tom Blyth are so incredible," Gage added of the pair, who play travelling friends-to-lovers Poppy and Alex in the romantic comedy, according to People. Meanwhile, Netflix's Tudum site described Gage's character, Buck, as a wild child who meets Poppy and Alex during a camping trip. Gage told People magazine at the premiere that "it's so crazy to be on something with such a huge fan base and you want to give it justice and you want to make sure that your portrayal of this character is what people envision in their head when they read the book." People We Meet on Vacation is based on the 2021 book of the same name and the first of author Emily Henry's novels to be adapted into a film. 'People We Meet on Vacation', starring Blyth, Bader, Gage, Jameela Jamil, Sarah Catherine Hook, Lucien Laviscount, Alan Ruck and Molly Shannon, is available to stream on Netflix, according to People. - ANI Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with CRPF and Manipur Police, destroyed 40 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi district. The operation also led to the dismantling of 11 makeshift huts used for processing and storing narcotics. In a separate but related security sweep, forces recovered a significant cache of locally made weapons and ammunition. Additionally, two individuals were arrested with 4.3 kilograms of heroin in another anti-narcotics operation in Churachandpur district. Security forces destroy 40 acres of illegal poppy cultivation and seize a large cache of arms and heroin in separate operations in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. Kangpokpi, January 11 Acting on intelligence on illicit narcotics cultivation, Assam Rifles launched a joint operation with CRPF and Manipur Police in the general area Ngatan Hill Range in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, on January 9. According to the Assam Rifles, during the conduct of the operation, the team detected and destroyed 40 acres of poppy cultivation and 11 makeshift huts used for processing and storing narcotics. The destroyed fields had the potential of opium worth multiple crores, the release stated. Earlier, security forces in Manipur recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during an operation on January 8 in the Songjang (Pakang) area under Kangpokpi Police Station in Kangpokpi district. The seized items included three local made pumpi guns, one Excalibur rifle with a magazine, one .303 rifle with magazine, two local made .22 pistols with magazines, five 5.56 mm live rounds ammunition, five empty cartridges of 12 bore action rifle, one local made pumpi empty shell, six local made pumpi live shells, and 11 local made 12 bolt action rifles. Additionally, in another anti-narcotics operation, a combined team of security forces and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials arrested two drug smugglers on January 7 from the area between Maukot village and Singngat in Churachandpur district. The arrested persons were identified as Hangkhankap and Khupjamal. Authorities seized 4.3 kilograms of heroin powder contained in 320 soap cases, along with one four-wheeler and one two-wheeler. - ANI Manushi Chhillar has revealed a remarkable act of kindness just hours before being crowned Miss World 2017. She offered one of her own gowns to fellow contestant Miss South Africa, Ade van Heerden, after the latter's outfits suffered mishaps. This selfless gesture meant Chhillar had to do her own makeup on the bus ride to the finals venue. Despite the chaotic morning, she went on to win the prestigious title. Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar reveals she gave her gown to a distressed Miss South Africa, Ade van Heerden, hours before the finals. Mumbai, Jan 5 Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar recalled how she extended a helping hand to Miss South Africa, Ade van Heerden, just hours before the Miss World finals. In her recent YouTube video, where she recreated her Miss World pageant makeup look, she shared that Miss South Africa, Ade van Heerden's gown got ripped and her second outfit also did not work out, so seeing her fellow contestant in distress, Manushi offered her one of her outfits, which thankfully she was able to fit in. Looking back at the chaotic morning of the finals, Manushi shared, "A night before the finals, we had our costume rehearsals where we kind of judge whether we're okay walking in those gowns and everything has to be timed to perfection. And Miss South Africa, Ade van Heerden, her gown ended up ripping apart. I have no idea how that exactly happened, but that was a lot of stress. She had a second gown, but the next morning, when she tried on that other outfit of hers, the zipper broke." "So, for some reason, I don't know what was going on that day with her, but I remember the morning of the finals seeing her, and she was quite low. And I was like, 'Hey, you know what? I have many outfits. I have many gowns. Why don't you just take one of mine?' So she luckily fit into my clothes. It did look like the gown was made for her. I think she looked beautiful in it." As Manushi was busy helping Miss South Africa with the fitting, she could not do her makeup for the finals in time and ended up doing it on her way to the venue on the bus. "But while we were supposed to be getting ready for the finals, I was helping Ade with her fitting. So I didn't do my makeup. I literally did my makeup in the bus on the way to the venue, which I'm really, really proud of," the 'Maalik' actress shared. Despite all the chaos surrounding her, Manushi went on to win the prestigious Miss World title, making the country proud. - IANS Anti-government protests have persisted across Iran for a fourteenth consecutive day, with reports of significant crowds and violent crackdowns resulting in hundreds of casualties. The Iranian regime has escalated its rhetoric, now labeling protesters as "terrorists" and accusing the United States and Israel of orchestrating the unrest. In response, activists like Masih Alinejad have declared the movement a "revolution" and called for international support. World leaders, including former US President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have voiced strong backing for the protesters' demands for freedom. Massive protests continue across Iran for 14 days. Regime labels demonstrators "terrorists," blames US & Israel, while activists and world leaders voice support. Tehran, January 11 Anti-government protests in Iran have continued for the fourteenth consecutive day on Saturday, with authorities tightening security measures as demonstrations spread across multiple cities. According to think tank the Institute for the study of war, "Protest activity has continued to take place across Iran amid the Iranian regime's continued nationwide internet shutdown. CTP-ISW has recorded 60 protests across 15 provinces since 0000 local time on January 10, 25 of which were medium-sized and eight of which were large." "The Iranian regime has shifted from labelling protesters as "rioters" to describing them as "terrorists," which signals that the regime has taken an uncompromising stance toward the ongoing protests. The regime will likely use its characterization of protesters as "terrorists" to justify further cracking down on the protests. The regime has killed hundreds of protesters and injured hundreds more in its violent crackdown on the protests," the think tank further said in a post on X. According to a CNN report, several people who protested in Iran spoke to the network of enormous crowds as well as brutal violence on the streets of Tehran. The report said that one woman had told CNN that she saw "bodies piled up on each other" in a hospital. The Iranian Khamenei regime has accused the United States of fuelling unrest, claiming that what began as peaceful protests were deliberately turned violent through foreign incitement, an act it said violates international norms, as per Press TV. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani wrote in a letter addressed to the United Nations saying that Washington bears direct responsibility for "riots and violent acts" in Iran. He condemned the United States' "illegal behaviour" and its coordination with Israel to interfere in the Islamic Republic's internal affairs. Iravani said such interference is carried out through "threats, incitement, and deliberate encouragement of violence," to undermine Iran's stability and security. However, the violent crackdown has not deterred the protestors. Journalist and activist Masih Alinejad claimed in a post on X that hundreds had been killed and called for more support from the World for the protestors. "Removing these terrorists who ordered the massacre of unarmed people is not a tragedy. It is justice. My brothers and sisters were shot in the chest, in the heart, for demanding freedom. Sources inside Iran say hundreds have been killed. This is a war against unarmed people and they need the world's support," she posted on X. In another post she said, "This is not a protest. It is a revolution. Yes, Iran is looking at FREEDOM. January 2026 Iran." Earlier, reacting to the protests, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday (local time) that the United States is prepared to support the Iranian people. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Iran is witnessing a renewed push for freedom and said Washington stands ready to help." European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed strong support for the protesters, condemning the Iranian authorities' response. In a post on X, she wrote, "Tehran's streets, and cities around the world, echo with the footsteps of Iranian women and men demanding freedom. Freedom to speak, to gather, to travel and above all to live freely." She asserted that Europe stands firmly with the protesters, adding, "We unequivocally condemn the violent repression of these legitimate demonstrations." - ANI Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh governments have demanded additional financial assistance from the Centre for infrastructure development during the pre-budget consultation meeting. The meeting in New Delhi was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, with state finance ministers and officials in attendance. Discussions focused on the forthcoming Union Budget for 2026-27, which is scheduled to be presented on February 1. The Budget Session of Parliament will commence on January 28, following approval from President Droupadi Murmu. Mizoram & Arunachal Pradesh demand additional central assistance for infrastructure projects in pre-budget meeting chaired by FM Nirmala Sitharaman. Aizawl/Itanagar, Jan 11 Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers and Ministers-in charge of Finance from various states and Union Territories attended the pre-Budget consultation meeting held in New Delhi, officials said on Sunday. The Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh governments during the meeting have demanded additional financial assistance from the Centre to further strengthen their infrastructural projects. An official in Aizawl said that Mizoram Minister Vanlalthlana participated in the pre-budget consultation meeting held on Saturday with states and Union Territories under the chairpersonship of Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman. Vanlalthlana was accompanied by the Deputy Secretary of the Finance Department, Rosiamliana. An official in Itanagar said that Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, during the pre-budget consultation, requested the Union Finance Minister Sitharaman to support the state's key infrastructure priorities while underlining its strong record of fiscal discipline. The pre-Budget consultation meeting is held annually ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget to gather inputs from all the states and Union Territories. During the meeting, discussions were held on the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27, scheduled to be presented on February 1, 2026, with representatives sharing their priorities and suggestions. Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, attended the meeting, along with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and several Chief Ministers, including those of Delhi, Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Sikkim. Deputy Chief Ministers from Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana were also present, besides Finance Ministers from various states and Union Territories. Meanwhile, the Budget session of Parliament will commence on January 28 and continue till April 2. In a social media post, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had said that the first phase of the Budget session will conclude on February 13, and the Parliament will reassemble for the second phase on March 9. Union Minister Rijiju had said the Budget session is a vital step towards meaningful debate and people-centric governance. He added that on the recommendation of the Central government, President Droupadi Murmu has approved the summoning of both the Houses of Parliament for the Budget Session 2026. - IANS Madhya Pradesh is officially launching 2026 as the 'Agriculture Year' with a grand event in Bhopal, spearheaded by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. The year-long initiative aims to make agriculture more profitable, sustainable, and a major engine for youth employment and rural self-reliance. The government plans a comprehensive calendar of events focusing on natural farming, modern market linkages, food processing, and next-gen sectors like drone services. The program seeks to integrate allied sectors like animal husbandry and fisheries through district-based cluster development. Madhya Pradesh officially launches Agriculture Year 2026 with a grand Bhopal rally, aiming for profitable, tech-driven farming and youth employment. Bhopal, Jan 11 Madhya Pradesh is set to usher in a transformative era for its farming community as the state officially launches "2026" as the 'Agriculture Year' with a grand rally and mega programme scheduled for Sunday at 'Jumboori Maidan, BHEL', Bhopal. The year-long initiative, carrying the powerful tagline 'Prosperous Farmers - Prosperous State', aims to make agriculture more profitable, sustainable, technology-driven, and a major engine for youth employment and rural self-reliance. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who has been spearheading the vision, highlighted the critical role of agriculture in uplifting the poor and farming families. "Agriculture-linked activities have immense potential to generate employment opportunities and foster self-reliance among the youth," he stated. In a programme while addressing a gathering, he said the farming and farmers will remain present on earth eternally. The Chief Minister emphasised that the state's diverse geography offers a vast scope for agricultural innovation, and the government is committed to intensifying efforts to significantly enhance the income of farmers. During a recent high-level meeting held at the Vidhan Sabha Committee Hall, Dr Yadav issued detailed directions for the year-long celebrations. The meeting was attended by Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development Minister Aidal Singh Kansana, Animal Husbandry and Dairy (Independent Charge) Minister Lakhan Patel, former minister Gopal Bhargava, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, and other senior officials. Going beyond the earlier target of doubling farmers' income, the core objective of Agriculture Year 2026 is to transform the sector into a profitable, sustainable, and employment-generating model. The government plans to focus on advanced agriculture, strong market linkages, and a self-reliant rural economy powered by empowered farmers. A comprehensive monthly calendar has been prepared, outlining a series of festivals, fairs, and events at state, district, and block levels, with active participation from farmers, NGOs, and progressive agriculturists, government sources said. The year will see strong emphasis on natural farming in every village, better market prices for organic produce, modernisation of mandis and agricultural markets, soil conservation, horticulture expansion, food processing, livestock development, dairy, and fisheries innovation. District-based cluster development will integrate agriculture with allied sectors such as animal husbandry, fisheries, and forestry, they said, adding that a formal programme will be released on Saturday. Special focus will be given to next-generation employment avenues like drone services, Farmer-Producer Organisation (FPO) management, food processing units, and hydroponics. District and block-level activities will include soil health testing camps, promotion of modern farming techniques, natural farming practices, and balanced fertiliser application. State-level 'Agro Vision' programmes will spotlight key areas such as coarse grains, cattle rearing, milk production, makhana, mushrooms, beekeeping, paddy, mango, soybean, agri-exports, cotton, chillies, fisheries, residue management, and horticultural crops. - IANS Nepal celebrated the 304th National Unification Day, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal. President Ram Chandra Paudel led ceremonies and issued a statement calling for national unity, economic strength, and the preservation of sovereignty. The day honors Shah's historic campaign to unify scattered states, with his teachings on governance and geopolitics still cited as relevant. In a contrasting tone, former King Gyanendra Shah issued a video address expressing deep concern that Nepal faces an existential crisis worse than any in its past. Nepal marks Prithvi Narayan Shah's birth anniversary as National Unity Day. President Paudel calls for unity, while former King Gyanendra warns of a national survival crisis. Kathmandu, January 11 Nepal on Sunday marked the 304th National Unification Day, which coincides with the birth anniversary of nation-builder Prithivi Narayan Shah, calling for national unity, marking the day since the Gen-Z revolution. Early in the morning, Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel along with Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki and her council of ministers, laid wreaths at Shah's statue in front of Singhadurbar. In a message on 'Prithvi Jayanti' and National Unity Day, President Ram Chandra Paudel highlighted Prithvi Narayan Shah's efforts in building a modern Nepal by consolidating scattered states. "Remembering Prithvi Narayan Shah, we see how he unified Nepal, established national independence, and shaped a common identity. His teachings remain relevant and inspiring today," President Paudel said in a statement. He added that these teachings guide the country in strengthening the economy, fostering patriotism, maintaining diplomatic relations, preserving culture and religion, promoting public welfare, ensuring justice and good governance, and safeguarding national unity. President Paudel noted that Nepal's sovereignty and independence today are the results of generations of nation-building led by courageous ancestors. He reaffirmed that Nepal is constitutionally an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democratic, socialist-oriented federal republic. "I hope National Unity Day inspires all Nepalis to uphold the country's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity while working for the happiness and prosperity of the people," he said. Shah, who was born in 1779 BS ((Bikram Sambat), led the historic campaign to unify the Baise and Chaubise states, laying the foundation of modern Nepal. The Nepali Army continuing its annual practice paid tribute by laying wreaths at the full-length statue of the nation-builder located at Army Headquarters and other army installations, Prithvi Narayan Shah, the then king of Gorkha, ascended the throne at the age of 20 and launched the unification campaign amid significant social, economic, and geographical challenges. He passed away in 1831 BS at the age of 52. Prithvi Jayanti commemorates Nepal's shared history, culture, and national pride, and serves as a reminder to strengthen unity amid diversity. The day highlights the importance of placing national interest above personal interests and carries special significance in instilling a sense of dedication, service, and responsibility toward the nation among the younger generation. Shah's unification campaign enabled Nepal to remain one of the world's oldest independent nations by safeguarding national sovereignty and independence. His teachings, including the notion that both internal and external threats undermine the nation, remain relevant today, particularly in the fight against corruption and the promotion of good governance. His description of Nepal as a "yam between two rocks" continues to resonate in the country's geopolitical context. In a video address, former Nepal King Gyanendra Shah has expressed deep concern that Nepal itself may be at risk of survival, saying the country now faces a far more serious crisis than in the past. The former monarch said that while there was once worry about whether Nepal would be built, today there is growing fear about whether the country can even be saved. Gyanendra said that nearly two decades after leaving Narayanhiti Royal Palace, the continuing political, economic and social crises facing the country have left him deeply worried. He said Nepal cannot be built through speeches, magic or miracles, stressing that institutions that represent all castes, religions and regions, including the monarchy, must act with a sense of national responsibility. "The history of the Shah's dynasty royal institution, which actively, strongly, and successfully led all castes, religions, and regions of Nepali in the unification of the nation, even in struggles against any power, is clear to all. The tradition of the Shah dynasty has always considered the happiness and prosperity of the Nepali people over its own interest. The institution has always emphasized and continues to emphasize the unity and development of the Nepali people within the framework of the guidance provided by his Majesty King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the great," the deposed monarch said. In his message, Gyanendra said that the political parties that came to power promising peace, economic progress and stability nearly two decades ago had asked the monarchy to step aside, and that he had complied in good faith. "However, in recent times, the country fell into the trap of unwanted confusion generated from elsewhere. Nearly two decades ago, when the political parties came to power promising to bring peace, lead the country towards economic progress and provide stability, we handed over the 'Crown and Sceptre' to the people's secure protection with a cooperative intent and stepped away from royal duties. This commitment should not be seen as an endorsement of weakness for evasion of responsibility or prohibited politics. Neither was this sentiment shared by the general public," the former King added. The former king's message comes at a time of growing political uncertainty and renewed debate over Nepal's future political direction. Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Nuwakot in 1744 and the Kathmandu Valley 25 years later in 1769. After conquering the Nepal Valley as the Kathmandu Valley was called at that time, Prithvi Narayan Shah gradually annexed Chaudandu Bijayapur and other principalities towards the east. He died in January 1775. Prithvi Narayan Shah is credited for initiating the unification of Nepal with the support of all castes and communities. - ANI Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has utilized MP Local Area Development Scheme funds to execute numerous development projects across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Key initiatives include the restoration of Kalena Agrahara Lake in Bengaluru and the establishment of the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery in Udupi to skill youth. Her efforts also fostered entrepreneurship through incubation centers in Mangaluru and a biotech hub at IIT Dharwad, while supporting agriculture with training centers across seven districts. Additionally, water conservation projects under Mission Amrit Sarovar have been implemented in the Kolar district. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman leverages MP funds for lake restoration, startup incubation, and farmer training centers across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. New Delhi, January 11 Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has led a series of impactful development initiatives across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, leveraging the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme to deliver tangible benefits in infrastructure, livelihoods, environment, technology, and education. A thread of tweets from the Finance Minister's office highlighted on Sunday how these initiatives, undertaken during her tenure as a Rajya Sabha Member from Andhra Pradesh (2014-16) and Karnataka (since 2016), are driving grassroots-level transformation. One of the earliest and most visible interventions in Karnataka was the restoration of Kalena Agrahara Lake in Bengaluru in 2017, funded with Rs 75 lakh under the MPLADS scheme. The rejuvenation included desilting, strengthening of bunds, and ecological restoration of the seven-acre lake. The project has yielded multiple benefits: improved groundwater recharge, enhanced biodiversity, flood mitigation during heavy monsoons, and the creation of a vital green community space that supports recreation, environmental awareness, and better microclimatic conditions. In the same year, Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ) in Udupi, an institution aimed at reviving and modernising the region's traditional jewellery sector. Supported through MPLADS along with industry bodies such as the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, the institute focuses on skilling youth and women in contemporary jewellery design and manufacturing. Since its inception, over 840 individuals have been trained, including underprivileged SC/ST women who received free training. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and CAD facilities, IIGJ-Udupi has also helped formalise artisans by facilitating Parichay Card registration for more than 760 jewellery workers, according to a tweet. Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation has been another key focus. In Mangaluru, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Opportunities and Learning (CEOL), a start-up incubation and co-working space part-funded through MPLADS, was inaugurated in December 2017. As noted in the tweet thread, CEOL has since incubated nine start-ups focused on AI-driven mortgage analytics, enterprise IT solutions, ed-tech platforms, and multilingual digital learning tools. By providing infrastructure, mentorship, and networks, the Centre has helped build a robust start-up ecosystem in coastal Karnataka, reducing the need for local talent to migrate to larger cities. In October 2025, Minister Sitharaman inaugurated the DhaRti BioNEST Bio-Incubation Centre at IIT Dharwad, established with MPLADS support and funding from BIRAC. The Centre supports biotechnology and allied start-ups, particularly from North Karnataka. With 15 incubated ventures, over 40 high-value jobs created, multiple intellectual properties generated, and several technologies already commercialised, the BioNEST centre has emerged as a hub for research-driven entrepreneurship, the tweet said. Agriculture and rural livelihoods have also received special attention through the establishment of Farmers' Training and Common Facility Centres (CFCs) across seven districts of Kalyana Karnataka--Ballari, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur, Vijayanagara, and Yadgir. Funded under MPLADS in collaboration with NABARD, these centres enable farmers, SHGs, and FPOs to undertake value addition through processing, grading, packaging, and branding of local crops. From pulses in Raichur and groundnuts in Vijayanagara to fruits in Koppal and chillies in Ballari, the initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access, and enhance farm incomes. Water conservation has been another priority. Under the Mission Amrit Sarovar initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister Sitharaman supported the desilting and restoration of 75 water bodies in drought-prone Kolar district at a cost of Rs 1.85 crore. These restored water bodies are expected to enhance water security, support agriculture, and boost rural livelihoods in a district without a perennial river. In Mysuru, a landmark science infrastructure project is taking shape with a Rs 5 crore MPLADS allocation for the Cosmology Education and Research-Training Center (COSMOS). The Digistar-7 planetarium, featuring a world-first tilted 15-metre 8K LED dome, aims to promote interest in space science while also enhancing tourism and employment opportunities in the heritage city. Beyond Karnataka, Minister Sitharaman's MPLADS interventions in Andhra Pradesh between 2014 and 2016 supported development works worth around Rs 10 crore. These included the construction of over 65 cement-concrete roads in rural and SC habitations, the installation of RO water plants, community halls, Mahila Bhavans, cyclone shelters, and digital community buildings. The Anti-Erosion Embankment Project in Pedamainavanilanka village, along with various skill development, sanitation, irrigation, and renewable energy initiatives, has significantly improved quality of life and resilience in coastal and rural areas. - ANI Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben tied the knot in a beautiful Christian ceremony in Udaipur, attended by close friends and family. Bollywood celebrities like Disha Patani and Mouni Roy shared glimpses from the intimate event on social media. The pre-wedding festivities featured energetic performances, including one by Kriti Sanon and Varun Sharma. The couple is set to complete their wedding celebrations with a traditional Hindu ceremony. Nupur Sanon marries Stebin Ben in a Christian ceremony. Disha Patani, Mouni Roy, and Kriti Sanon celebrate. See pics and details. Udaipur, January 11 Long-time couple Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben are now officially husband and wife! The couple got married in a dreamy Christian ceremony on Saturday, surrounded by their close friends and family members, confirmed a source close to the couple. It was followed by a glamorous cocktail party in the evening. Actors Disha Patani and Mouni Roy, who were among the selected guests at the wedding, took to their Instagram stories and offered glimpses from the Udaipur venue. The divas looked stunning, dressed in day gowns as they attended Nupur and Stebin's wedding ceremony. Kriti Sanon's rumoured boyfriend, Kabir Bahia, also shared a picture, showing him posing with film producer Dinesh Vijan and filmmaker Amar Kaushik, both known for their recent works with Kriti. Adding more to the buzz, celebrity fashion stylist Sukriti Grover shared glimpses from the wedding celebrations. Celebrity makeup artist Aasif Ahmed also appeared to be present at the grand wedding celebrations. In one of the pictures, Aasif could be posing in front of a mirror beautifully adorned with white flowers and soft greenery. Nupur's and Stebin's names could be seen perfectly inscribed on the mirror, bringing a romantic charm to their white wedding. In the meantime, Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben's pre-wedding festivities were nothing short of a Bollywood spectacle. Held in a lavish pink setting, the Sangeet ceremony saw the dance floor come alive with energy and joy. Nupur, her sister and Bollywood star Kriti Sanon, and other close friends set the stage on fire with their moves. In a key highlight, Kriti and her mother joyfully performed 'Dil Tu Jaan Tu' for the couple, followed by a high-energy performance by the 'Mimi' actor and her 'Arjun Patiala' co-star Varun Sharma on the Lollipop song, the source shared. For the Haldi ceremony, the couple made a cheerful entry to popular Hindi songs, which was followed by a fun-filled round of games, dance, music, and more. Many of their close friends and family members were present at the celebrations, including producer Raghav Sharma and actor Varun Sharma. Photos and videos from the festivities are already going viral, and fans can't get enough of the heartwarming glimpses. But the celebrations don't stop there! The couple is expected to fulfil the 'pheras' in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony on Sunday. As the wedding celebrations continue, fans and well-wishers have flooded social media platforms with love for the newlyweds, as many eagerly await the official pictures. - ANI The newly branded Redemption Bank offers a nexus for two contentious national issues: race and wealth. Just over five years ago, George Floyds murder unleashed a racial reckoning across the nation. Its momentum has slowed, but its aftershock remains in institutions like this one, which was founded explicitly to correct economic injustice. The banks founders believe capitalism is the key to that goal, because it gives everyone a chance at lasting success. But inequality is rising. Pew reports that in 1971, 61% of Americans lived in middle-class homes. By 2021, that had dropped to 50%, while the wealthy and lower-income groups both grew. The Congressional Budget Office similarly details how between 1989 and 2022, Americans in the top 10 percent of income distribution expanded their control of the nations wealth from 56 to 60%, while the bottom 50%s share didnt change at all. And inequality is particularly stark among racial groups; per the Federal Reserve, the racial wealth gap between median Black and white households in 2022 was more than $220,000. The group of entrepreneurs is led by Ashley Bell, who served in multiple White House roles during Donald Trumps first term, and Bernice King, the youngest child of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Their decision to purchase a bank in Utah last summer generated national headlines for the simple fact that its so surprising: A Black-owned bank in one of the countrys whitest states? Publications from The Wall Street Journal to Ebony magazine found that newsworthy. But, like looking at the mural and finding new storylines beneath the veneer, theres more going on here than novelty alone. It also almost exclusively served white people. It wasnt that way out of malice, but circumstance: The people who lived in Holladay, a suburb of Salt Lake City, back then were almost exclusively white, and the bank existed to serve the local population. Those demographics havent changed much. The most recent census data shows Holladay remains 86% white and just 1% Black. Yet in June of last year, a group of Black entrepreneurs acquired Holladay Bank and Trust. It was a purchase made possible not by shifting demographics but by new circumstances. Inside the wood-paneled lobby of what used to be Holladay Bank and Trust stands an enormous mural. Stretching the length of the teller stations, it visually narrates the banks history using dozens of faces. Some are men in suits. Others ride in cars or play in the snow. Many more float along as heads alone, pressed onto circular, yellow backgrounds like saints in Byzantine art. The mural is colorful and intricate; you could spend hours exploring its layers, putting the story together. But whether you look deeply or barely skim the surface, the faces make one fact unmistakably clear: This bank was founded by white people. Story Continues Such inequities are long-standing and have discouraged efforts toward change. But Brandon Comer, a founding investor in the Utah venture, believes in capitalisms potential to be a force for good, including for racial progress. And Utah has become the ideal laboratory to test his hypothesis. The nearest Black-owned banks are in Houston to the east and Los Angeles to the west, making what was once called Holladay Bank and Trust the only such institution in the entire Mountain West. It may seem a strange choice on the surface, but Utahs unusual circumstances regarding race, business and their collective impact could be poised to deliver something revolutionary. The founders call their project Redemption Bank, and in Holladay, new signs dress the space around the mural. For Bell, the name like the institution itself reflects the founders values. If this opportunity is to be realized; if we are going to be able to do something thats never been done before in our country, he says, they needed a name that would be an anchor. A constant reminder of why they believe in the projects potential. And its for those people who need a second chance, Bell adds. For the communities that have been overlooked. For the marginalized. For the least, the last and the left-behind, to give them an opportunity to chase their dreams. Uniquely Utah Redemption Bank chose Utah foremost for practical reasons. Going back to its earliest days, Utah was founded as this new state by this new people, with a bank structure that was very different than what everyone else was doing, says Mehrsa Baradaran, a professor of law at University of California, Irvine, and a leading expert in the history of Black banks. It really was a very egalitarian, community-based bank. Today, that legacy shows up in an unusual regulatory environment thats streamlined and bank-friendly, encouraging innovation in frontier spaces like cryptocurrency and financial technology. Utah encourages banks, in other words, to get creative and think big, which in the past has attracted branches of Goldman Sachs, American Express, PayPal, Ally Bank and others. Redemptions founders also liked the idea of bringing a Black bank to a Black banking desert. And there happened to be a well-run community bank for sale. I was aware of perceptions about the place, Comer says. But despite what things may have been or looked like, I think this was a great opportunity, and it shows that Utah is a welcoming place. Indeed, Utahs unique heritage has made a tremendous impact not only on the states business-friendly culture, but also on its civic conscience. I dont think what Redemption is doing is radical, but it is fighting against some pretty big headwinds, and so in that way, its pretty brave. And, I guess, radical in that way. Under the late President Russell M. Nelson, who died in September, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took significant steps to work with Black leaders nationwide during a time of a national awakening about the lingering effects of systemic racism. It formally partnered with the NAACP, offered financial support for Black scholarships and, during the faiths worldwide general conference in October 2020, President Nelson bluntly condemned racism from the pulpit. He directly called on members to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice. He pleaded with them to promote respect for all of Gods children. Bell met with President Nelson in April 2023. Thats when I knew, he said, that something was different. That this opportunity was being received very differently. The meeting wasnt long, but Bell says hell remember it forever. President Nelson was spry for a man of 98, with incredible memory and unusual warmth. They discussed President Nelsons recent acceptance of the inaugural Gandhi-King-Mandela Peace Prize from Morehouse College, a historically Black institution in Georgia. Bell asked him to pray for his ventures success. President Nelson was supportive. After that, there was a different confidence level from our team, Bell says, as far as, This could be something extraordinary. Given its unusual history, Utah tends to take issues of culture and diversity more seriously than other red states. I know Utah to be a place that has a lot of people who are very interested in helping the underprivileged, Baradaran says. Its sort of baked into the religious structure. Its baked into how Utah sees itself, its history of being outsiders, of being discriminated against. So when Redemption Bank set up shop, the states business infrastructure was eager to get involved. The Garffs, the Millers, the Huntsmans, the Eccles family and the Sorensens major players in Utahs business and philanthropic scene invested in the project. And guess what? Theyre all white. Theyre all Utahns, says Byron Russell, a Black Utahn and Redemption Bank board member. And that tells you that there is something very special about Utah. That it is unique in so many ways. Dinesh Patel, another local investor, saw it as a good opportunity. In his experience, Utah needs more community banking to finance small businesses and entrepreneurs within the states minority populations and beyond. He also believes in Redemption Banks potential to grow. But am I investing in this to make 10 times my money? No, he says. Im trying to help the community, and Im hoping to get a good return. The impact on the community is what would be much bigger than the financial returns. Clint Stone, chief investment officer of the Miller Family Foundation, seconds Patels thinking. Returns for us in this investment are secondary, he says. The primary motivation was seeing this opportunity that aligned with one of the missions of (our) foundation: economic empowerment. ... We felt like this was just right in the fairway of that. Returns for Redemptions founders, however, are not secondary. They are very clear about the fact that they arent looking for charity. They want to grow and turn a profit for their backers. Radical capitalism When asked what he hoped Redemption Bank could accomplish in the days ahead, Bell said, We hope that in five years, this bank will be publicly traded. We want to build a bank that is publicly traded, no different than Zions Bank, that gives us an opportunity for our investors to reap the benefit of a lot of hard work. In other words, he hopes the bank will enrich its shareholders. That doesnt sound new or revolutionary. Is the mission just a facade of racially conscious branding? Absolutely not, argues Bell. Alongside Bernice King in Detroit, he said so in August. This is about profit, yes but its also about values. The movement for us is to give you an alternative to banking with a place that may not be aligned with your values, he explained. You dont need to bank with us but you need to bank somewhere thats creating the world you want to see. Too much of the corporate world today is purely selfish. Greed has become an overarching factor thats modified the system, Comer says, and a bit of a lack of empathy as well. Rebelling against that paradigm, however, doesnt require abandoning capitalism. Economic justice just means that capitalism remains pure, Bell says, in the sense that everybody should have an opportunity to succeed. The banks investors can profit but the people whose payments make that profit possible can also use the banks access to capital to enrich their own lives. To help them grow a business, buy homes, build wealth. Especially minority communities. Its really not about DEI. Its about understanding the value of people and wanting the best, Bernice King said. And when youre honest about the disparities that exist in this world weve got a lot of work to do to overcome the gaps. Its for those people who need a second chance, for the communities that have been overlooked. For the marginalized. For the least, the last and the left-behind, to give them an opportunity to chase their dreams. As he helps prepare Utahs celebrations for the countrys upcoming 250th anniversary, Russell has been thinking a lot about how capitalism is a uniquely potent tool in that quest to overcome. Financial independence is the best tool for racial equity, he says. Throughout the nations history, our most powerful institutions have excluded Black Americans from much of their bounty; from the founding promises of equality and the pursuit of happiness. But progress to enable voting and ensure civil rights can be tenuous. As you might read, those are being dissolved. Theyre being erased. Theyre being reversed, Russell says. But you cant reverse a persons financial independence, and you cant reverse what you own. Thats what capitalism is supposed to be. In that sense, what Redemption is doing isnt all that different. Theres nothing that theyre doing that is trying to change the system, Baradaran says. And that can be a problem, in her view, because stronger stuff is actually needed to fix certain systemic inadequacies. However, she likens Redemption to a David and Goliath type of story, with the bank swimming against the tide of not only structural racism, but threats to small businesses everywhere. If it succeeds, that alone could send a powerful message. Gail Miller, Bernice King, and Redemption Bank CEO Ashley Bell cut the ribbon at the opening of Redemption Bank in September 2025. The bank's investors found Utah's banking environment and culture of giving made the state an ideal location for their venture. | Redemption Bank/Vidzual Media To redeem faith in capitalism, youd want to see small, nimble banks being able to compete with the large, heavy, institutional ones, she says. I dont think what Redemption is doing is radical, but it is fighting against some pretty big headwinds, and so in that way, its pretty brave. And, I guess, radical in that way. Back in Holladay, little has changed. New signage aside, the banks preacquisition staff remains, alongside the aging decor and, of course, the mural. Redemptions leaders dont plan to alter the mural anytime soon, but its sure to look different in the future. Not literally, perhaps, but the context, the circumstances that surround it, will change. They already have. Im excited for what the mural of Holladay Bank and Trust, now Redemption, looks like 20, 25 years from now, Comer says. Because its on that foundation that whatever we do going forward sits. Some things, in other words, must remain the same. They cannot alter history. But even if the murals many faces dont change, the faces looking up at it will. And, if Redemptions mission succeeds, the promise and opportunity it renders in striking intricacy and detail could look entirely new. This story appears in the January/February 2026 issue of Deseret Magazine. Learn more about how to subscribe. The Odisha government is providing comprehensive logistical and medical support to central authorities investigating the forced landing of an IndiaOne Air aircraft near Rourkela. A state helicopter has been deployed to transport the investigation team and senior doctors to the site. All passengers from the flight are reported to be safe and stable, with one under close medical observation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the incident to determine its cause and prevent future occurrences. Odisha govt provides full logistical & medical support for investigation into IndiaOne Air Caravan forced landing. All passengers reported safe. Bhubaneswar, January 11 The Odisha government has extended full support to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and other concerned authorities for an effective response and investigation into the forced landing of an IndiaOne Air Caravan 208 aircraft in Rourkela, Jharkhand. According to a release. Odisha's Department of Commerce & Transport/Directorate of Aviation has extended comprehensive logistical support to expedite the availability of the investigation team and expert medical professionals for the timely assessment and treatment of patients. A State helicopter has been deployed to facilitate the movement of the investigation team and senior doctors to Rourkela. Officers of the Directorate of Aviation are camping at Rourkela and are extending all necessary on-ground support to the district administration. The Principal Secretary, Commerce Transport Department, will be in charge of overall coordination and supervision, the release stated. The Odisha government stated that all passengers are safe and stable, with one passenger remaining under close and continuous medical observation. "Senior specialist doctors from Bhubaneswar are also being deputed to Rourkela to provide further treatment, expert supervision, and continued monitoring, with full support from the State Government," the release stated. Earlier, the government launched a DGCA probe after an IndiaOne Air aircraft (Caravan 208) bearing Regn. VT-KSS, which was flying from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela, force-landed at a place near Jalda when it was 8 nautical miles short of reaching Rourkela. Speaking to ANI, Odisha Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said, "We have spoken to the DGCA, which has begun an investigation into the incident. Necessary steps will be taken to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future." "A regular India One flight operating from Bhubaneswar met with an accident near Rourkela, around 8-10 kilometres before reaching its destination," he added. Six individuals, including two crew members and four passengers, sustained injuries due to the impact of the accident and are currently under medical treatment in nearby hospitals. - ANI The Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department has instructed all educational institutions across Odisha to hold a collective singing of "Vande Mataram" on National Youth Day, January 12. Students will also take the "Atmanirbhar Bharat Swadeshi Sankalp" pledge as part of the event. The initiative follows extensive zonal and district-level training programs organized across the state's five administrative zones. The celebration marks the 150th anniversary of the national song, originally composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji in 1875. Odisha directs all educational institutions to collectively sing Vande Mataram and take the Atmanirbhar Bharat pledge to mark the national song's 150th anniversary. Bhubaneswar, Jan 11 The Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department has directed that a collective rendition of "Vande Mataram" will be held in all educational institutions across the state, including schools, colleges, and universities, to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song on the occasion of National Youth Day on January 12. All educational institutions under the state Skill Development & Technical Education Department have also been instructed to participate in the collective rendition of "Vande Mataram" and other related programmes. Along with singing "Vande Mataram", students will also take the pledge of "Atmanirbhar Bharat Swadeshi Sankalp". The institutions have been asked to undertake photography and videography of the event and organise various competitions among students. The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department has issued letters to the School and Mass Education Department, the Skill Development & Technical Education Department, as well as the Higher Education Department. A state-wide "Vande Mataram Training Programme" was organised earlier to facilitate the collective singing in educational institutions. All districts of the state were divided into five zones - Jeypore Zone (Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Nuapada), Brahmapur Zone (Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Nayagarh), Balasore Zone (Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, and Jajpur), Sambalpur Zone (Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Bargarh, Balangir, and Subarnapur), and Bhubaneswar Zone (Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Dhenkanal, and Angul). Under this initiative, zonal-level "Vande Mataram" training programmes were conducted. In addition, training programmes were also organised at the district, municipal, and block levels to ensure effective participation across the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched year-long celebrations to mark 150 years of "Vande Mataram" on November 7, 2025. The national song, composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji, is traditionally believed to have been written on Akshaya Navami, which fell on November 7, 1875. - IANS The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held an extraordinary session to address Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. The OIC Secretary-General condemned the move as a "flagrant violation of international law" and a direct threat to regional security. Israel's recognition, formalized in December, marks the first by any nation in over 30 years since Somaliland broke away from Somalia. Despite having its own government, Somaliland remains internationally unrecognized, with Somalia insisting it is part of its territory. The OIC calls Israel's recognition of Somaliland a "blatant violation of international law" and a threat to regional security during an emergency session. Jeddah, January 11 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held its 22nd extraordinary session on Saturday to discuss about Somalia in light of Israel's recognition of Somaliland. The OIC called Israeli actions a "blatant violation of international law" and a threat to regional security. It shared the details of the session in a post on X. The statement noted that Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, delivered a speech during the opening session of the Council, in which he emphasised "that this extraordinary ministerial meeting was being held at a very delicate and sensitive time to discuss serious developments affecting the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, following Israel, the occupying power's announcement, of its recognition of the so-called 'Somaliland' region as an independent state, in a dangerous precedent that constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to regional security and stability." It further noted that in his speech, the Secretary-General also addressed the situation in Palestine, stressing the need to compel Israel to move to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. This comes as earlier in December last year, Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent country, becoming the first nation to do so more than 30 years after the territory broke away from Somalia, Times of Israel reported. The declaration of mutual recognition was signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on behalf of Israel, and by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi for Somaliland. The breakaway region is located in a strategically important part of the Horn of Africa, along the Red Sea corridor. Speaking to President Abdullahi over the phone, Netanyahu described the moment as historic. Somaliland briefly gained independence in 1960 and was recognised by Israel and 35 other countries at the time before voluntarily uniting with Somalia. It declared separation again in 1991 after Somalia collapsed into civil war. The region declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after years of civil war but has never been recognised internationally. Despite having its own government, currency, parliament and flag, Somaliland remains unrecognised by the United Nations, with Somalia maintaining that it is an inseparable part of its territory. - ANI Saifullah Kasuri, deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Toiba, has openly admitted in a viral video to receiving regular invitations from the Pakistan Army. He is identified as the mastermind behind the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. His remarks contradict Pakistan's official stance of cracking down on terror groups and highlight alleged institutional support. The video has reignited concerns over Pakistan's dual policy on terrorism and state involvement with militant outfits. Saifullah Kasuri, Pahalgam attack mastermind, boasts of Pakistan Army invitations and issues threats to India in a viral video, exposing terror nexus. New Delhi, Jan 11 In a startling revelation that further exposes the alleged deep nexus between Pakistan's military and banned terrorist outfits, Saifullah Kasuri, Deputy Chief of the Hafiz Saeed-led Lashkar-e-Toiba, openly admitted receiving regular invitations from the Pakistan Army to attend its events and lead funeral prayers for soldiers, Page 3 News has reported. The comments came during an address to children at an event organised in a school in Pakistan, captured in a recently surfaced undated video that has since gone viral. Kasuri, identified by Indian security agencies as the mastermind behind the horrific Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians -- mostly Hindu tourists -- in Jammu and Kashmir's scenic Baisaran meadow, used the platform to taunt India, the report said. He claimed that his presence alone scares New Delhi and issued provocative threats, while boasting about his growing notoriety following accusations of conspiring and designing the massacre. "India is scared because of me," he reportedly declared, drawing cheers from the gathering as quoted by the report. The LeT leader's admission directly contradicts Pakistan's longstanding claims to the international community that it has cracked down on terrorist groups operating from its soil. "By publicly acknowledging formal invitations from the military, including to perform religious rites for fallen soldiers, Kasuri's remarks highlight what Indian officials and analysts describe as institutional support for proscribed organisations like LeT," the report added. The Pahalgam attack, carried out by terrorists linked to LeT through its proxy The Resistance Front (TRF), triggered a major escalation between India and Pakistan. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, conducting precision missile and drone strikes on nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, targeting camps and facilities associated with LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and other terror groups. The four-day conflict, involving intense cross-border exchanges, ended with an understanding to cease hostilities on May 10, 2025. Kasuri, also known by aliases such as Sajid Saifullah Jatt or Khalid, has previously defended the terror group's actions, acknowledging the damage caused by Operation Sindoor to terror hideouts but insisting that India had erred by focusing only on infrastructure rather than escalating further. He reiterated LeT's unwavering commitment to the "Kashmir mission" and declared the outfit would never abandon its objectives. The latest video has reignited concerns over Pakistan's dual policy on terrorism, raising questions about accountability and the extent of state involvement with militant groups. Indian authorities view Kasuri's brazen public appearance and statements as evidence of unchecked freedom enjoyed by designated terrorists, even as they address young audiences. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized post-independence historians and politicians with a "colonial mindset" for attempting to erase and distort India's glorious past, specifically whitewashing accounts of religious invasions. He highlighted the obstruction faced by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in renovating the Somnath Temple and warned that similar divisive forces remain active today through hidden conspiracies. The PM was speaking at the culmination of a 'Shaurya Yatra' in Somnath, part of a national commemoration marking 1000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the temple. He emphasized that ancient sacred sites like Somnath are symbols of India's strength, resilience, and unbroken civilisational pride. PM Modi accuses post-Independence historians of distorting invasions, whitewashing attackers, and hiding the true history of Somnath Temple's resilience. Somanth, January 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit out at "people with a colonial mindset" in post-Independence historical narratives attempting to "erase history" of India's glorious past. Addressing a massive gathering after the culmination of the Shaurya Yatra here, the PM asserted that some historians and politicians tried to distort accounts of historical invasions in textbooks, where "religious invasion was labelled as loot". "Unfortunately, after independence, people with a colonial mindset tried to get rid of our glorious past. They tried all they could to erase history. Those who fought for the Somnath Temple were not given their due recognition and importance. Some historians and politicians even tried to whitewash the history of these invaders. Religious invasion was labelled as loot. We have been taught in our textbooks that the Somnath Temple was demolished to loot its treasures. The cruel history of hate, atrocities and terror was hidden from us," PM Modi said. The PM said that after independence, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pledged to renovate the Somnath Temple, he was stopped from doing so. He added that objections had been raised even during President Rajendra Prasad's 1951 visit. He further warned, saying the powers that had opposed the redevelopment back then were still active, now using hidden conspiracies instead of swords against India. "After independence, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pledged the renovation of the Somnath Temple, he was stopped from doing so. Objections were raised in 1951 on the visit of then-President Rajendra Prasad to Somnath. Unfortunately, even today, the powers that opposed the redevelopment of the Somnath Temple are present and active. Swords have been replaced with hidden conspiracies against India," PM Modi said. We need to be more aware of them. We need to strengthen ourselves and remain united. We need to defeat every power that tries to divide us. The journey of the last 1000 years will inspire us to be prepared for the next 1000 years," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi further underscored the significance of India's ancient sacred sites, citing Somnath as an example. "India has thousands of sacred sites like Somnath that are thousands of years old. These sites have been symbols of our strength, resilience, and tradition. But unfortunately, after independence, people with a slave mentality tried to distance themselves from these. Despicable attempts were made to forget that history," he said. Prime Minister Modi participated in a 'Shaurya Yatra' at Somnath as part of a four-day national commemoration marking 1,000 years of unbroken faith and resilience since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. It represents courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit that preserved Somnath through centuries of adversity. Ahead of the yatra, 108 horses of the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit arrived to participate in the event. The attack marked the beginning of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over centuries. Despite this, Somnath never ceased to exist in the collective consciousness of the people. The cycle of the temple's devastation and revival is unparalleled in world history. It demonstrated that Somnath was never merely a stone structure, but a living embodiment of belief, identity, and civilisational pride. On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, viewing its restoration as essential to reviving India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public participation, culminated in the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then-President Rajendra Prasad. In 2026, the nation marks 75 years since the historic 1951 ceremony, reaffirming India's civilisational self-respect. Revered as the first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple complex stands majestically along the Arabian Sea, crowned by a 150-foot shikhar, symbolising enduring faith and national resolve. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra regions, focusing on the state's clean energy leadership. The summit highlights Gujarat's ambitious Mission 100 GW to achieve over 100 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Key sessions will explore blue energy, green startups, and Gujarat's role as India's energy gateway. The event also includes an exhibition showcasing achievements in solar power and agricultural daytime electricity. PM Modi inaugurates Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, focusing on renewable energy targets, 100 GW mission, and Gujarat's leadership in India's green transition. Gandhinagar, January 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra regions. The event saw the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, among other dignitaries. The two-day conference summit will highlight Gujarat's leadership in the clean energy sector and its alignment with India's 'Panchamrit' commitments announced by the Prime Minister. These include achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, meeting 50 per cent of energy requirements from renewable sources, reducing projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes, lowering carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030, and attaining net-zero emissions by 2070. As part of the VGRC, the Energy and Petrochemicals Department (EPD) will lead a series of high-level discussions, seminars, and panel sessions focused on Gujarat's renewable energy roadmap. Under the Mission 100 GW (Shapath Patra), the state has committed to achieving more than 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, reinforcing its position as a frontrunner in India's energy transition. The first day of the conference will feature a CEO Roundtable on 'Ocean of Opportunities - Blue Energy, Green Future', which will explore nearshore wind and blue energy prospects. Other key sessions include a Green Startups Fireside Chat, 'Carbon to Crops: Greener Molecules, Greater Yields', and discussions on Gujarat's role as India's energy gateway in oil and gas. An exhibition-cum-trade show will also showcase best practices in daytime power for agriculture, renewable energy connectivity, and achievements under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Day two will begin with the flagship programme 'Solar Dividends: Empowerment through PM-KUSUM & PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana', highlighting Gujarat's success in decentralised solar adoption. The day will also see the release of a compendium of best practices by GUVNL and its subsidiaries, the signing of memoranda of understanding, and the felicitation of beneficiaries, vendors, and employees for their contributions to the power sector. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Somnath Swabhiman Mahotsav Parv. The Prime Minister also offered prayers at the Somnath Temple, which is revered as the first of the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a significant part of India's spiritual heritage. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Somnath temple after concluding the Shaurya Yatra, a symbolic procession marking 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the temple. He paid floral tributes to statues of Veer Hamirji Gohil, who died defending the temple in 1299, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who vowed to rebuild it. The event is part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating the temple's resilience through centuries of adversity and destruction. The current temple was consecrated in 1951, and 2026 marks 75 years since that historic ceremony. PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at Somnath temple, concluding the Shaurya Yatra marking 1000 years since the first recorded attack on the shrine. Somnath, January 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered prayers at the Somnath temple after concluding the Shaurya Yatra. The Prime Minister also paid floral tributes to the statues of Veer Hamirji Gohil and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Veer Hamirji Gohil sacrificed his life while defending the Somnath Temple in 1299 AD during the invasion led by Zafar Khan. Earlier in the day, PM Modi took part in the Shaurya Yatra at Somnath as part of a four-day national commemoration marking 1,000 years of unbroken faith and resilience since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. During his visit, the Prime Minister was joined by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. During the procession, the Prime Minister played damru and acknowledged the greetings of the gathered crowd. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. It represents courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit that preserved Somnath through centuries of adversity. Ahead of the yatra, 108 horses from the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit arrived to take part in the event. Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to January 11, 2026, marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The attack marked the start of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Despite this, Somnath remained deeply rooted in the collective memory of the people. The repeated destruction and revival of the temple is seen as unique in world history, reflecting its continued spiritual and cultural significance. On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, calling its restoration vital for restoring India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public support, was completed with the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad. In 2026, the country marks 75 years since the historic consecration ceremony. Revered as the first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple stands along the Arabian Sea with a 150-foot shikhar, symbolising enduring faith and national resolve. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating a thousand years since attacks on the iconic temple. He declared that Somnath's history is one of victory and reconstruction, symbolizing India's indestructible cultural spirit and faith. Modi paid tribute to historical defenders and credited Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for leading the temple's reconstruction as an act of national self-respect. He concluded by urging citizens to remain united and vigilant to protect India's heritage for the next thousand years. PM Narendra Modi marks 1000-year anniversary at Somnath, declaring India's faith and cultural values as unconquerable despite historical invasions. Gandhinagar, January 11 Through a grand Shaurya Yatra and Mahapuja on the sacred land of Prabhas, the Prime Minister scripted a new chapter of cultural renaissance. Participating in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held to mark the thousand-year anniversary of the attacks on the Somnath temple on the Arabian Sea coast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the victory of India's invincible cultural values. Addressing the Shaurya Sabha, he said that the lessons of the last thousand years will guide India's future for decades. He emphasised that the Somnath temple is not just a religious site, but a symbol of India's unwavering faith, self-respect and cultural spirit. Despite attempts to erase its past, Somnath's history is one of victory and reconstruction, not destruction and defeat. The Prime Minister said that the attacks on the Somnath temple show that hearts cannot be won by force, and that any civilisation which advances by crushing others ultimately fades into history. He stated that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is not about remembering destruction, but about celebrating thousands of years of resilience and reconstruction. Despite repeated attacks on Somnath and India by foreign invaders, neither was destroyed, because India's soul and its centres of faith are indestructible. On the second day of his visit during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations, the Prime Minister performed rituals and offered prayers to Lord Somnath in accordance with tradition. Prior to this, he participated in the Shaurya Yatra along with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Minister Jitubhai Vaghani. During the Shaurya Yatra, which featured a procession of 108 horses and saffron-turbaned riders, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries received greetings from devotees. Floral tributes were offered before the statues of Veer Hamirji, who laid down his life protecting the Somnath temple, and Sardar Patel, who led the reconstruction of the ruined temple within the temple complex. The passage of time shows that those who sought to destroy Somnath are now part of history, while the Somnath temple still stands on the seashore, its flag flying high. He emphasised that Somnath's history is one of victory, courage, sacrifice and reconstruction, and that preserving this rare legacy of faith and culture is our duty for future generations. From Ghaznavi to Aurangzeb, many invaders attacked the Somnath temple but failed to understand the true essence of the Sanatan tradition. He said that the name 'Somnath' itself signifies 'Som', or nectar, and that Mahadev here represents conscious, benevolent and indestructible power. The Prime Minister said that Lord Shiva at Somnath is 'Mrityunjaya', the conqueror of death and the source of creation, preservation and dissolution. He added that since Shiva is seen in every particle of India's faith, no invasion could destroy this spiritual consciousness. Referring to the post-Independence period, the Prime Minister said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's resolve to reconstruct Somnath was a symbol of national self-respect. He noted that, despite many obstacles during the 1951 reconstruction, eminent personalities such as Jam Saheb Maharaja Digvijaysinhji made significant contributions by placing the national interest above all else. The Prime Minister warned that anti-national and divisive forces still exist in new forms. He urged citizens to stay united, vigilant and strong, saying that protecting our faith, roots and heritage is essential for India's strength in the next thousand years. The Prime Minister said that invaders once believed they had conquered India, but today the flag at Somnath proves India's invincible strength and resolve. With the blessings of Somnath Mahadev, India stands firm before the world with its rich heritage and self-respect. Addressing the Shaurya Sabha, the Prime Minister said that a thousand years ago, our ancestors sacrificed everything to protect their faith. He noted that every part of Prabhas Patan bears witness to their courage and heroism, and that because of the sacrifices of Shiva devotees and guardians of culture, Somnath's legacy and our culture remain alive today. The Prime Minister said that he has placed before the nation his grand vision for the next thousand years of India and expressed his resolve to move forward with the vision of 'from Dev to Desh'. He stated that today, India's cultural resurgence is instilling new confidence among crores of citizens. There is a firm belief in the minds of every citizen regarding Viksit Bharat. Stating that 140 crore Indians are committed to future goals, the Prime Minister said that India will take its pride to new heights, achieve victory in the fight against poverty, and attain new milestones of development. He added that the country is fully prepared to become the world's third-largest economy and for the journey beyond. Referring to the strengthening of India's heritage through the cultural precinct of the Somnath temple, the establishment of Somnath Sanskrit University, and the growing popularity of the Madhavpur Fair, the Prime Minister said that today's India is moving ahead with inspiration from 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi', and in Somnath, the spirit of this mantra is continuously being realised. The Prime Minister added that conservation of the Gir lion has enhanced the natural appeal of the region and new dimensions of development are being created in the Prabhas Patan area. With the expansion of Keshod Airport, devotees from India and abroad will be able to reach Somnath directly, while the launch of the Ahmedabad-Veraval Vande Bharat train is saving time for pilgrims and tourists. In addition, the development of the pilgrimage circuit is giving new momentum to spiritual tourism. In conclusion, the Prime Minister said that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv brings together heritage, spirituality and pride, and is not just a festival but an experience of self-respect. Through this divine event, the younger generation is witnessing the strength of Indian culture. He called upon devotees to join the celebration with the chant of 'Har Har Mahadev'. Describing the Somnath Swabhiman Parv as a celebration of national self-respect and unbroken faith, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that the Somnath temple, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, symbolises faith, self-respect and unwavering resolve, and that the Parv, inspired by Prime Minister, will take faith to new heights. The Chief Minister said that despite centuries of invasions, faith in Lord Somnath remains unbroken, and the sacrifices of warriors like Veer Hamirji Gohil, Chaula Devi and Vegda Bhil are remembered with pride. He said that through the Swabhiman Parv, Prime Minister has honoured the martyrdom of the brave warriors who protected Somnath Dada, even as the world focuses on self-upliftment. Referring to the reconstruction of the Somnath temple, the Chief Minister said it is a matter of great pride that Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi has inspired the nation to keep alive the valour of self-respecting warriors and to further strengthen the spirit of cultural nationalism. The Chief Minister said that Sardar Patel's resolve after Independence to rebuild the Somnath temple is now seen in its grand form, which stands not just as bricks and stones, but as a symbol of his unwavering determination. Stating that the tradition of holistic development of pilgrimage centres under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi is a spiritual resolve of 'Viksit Bharat 2047', the Chief Minister said that Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Mahakal, Baba Baidyanath Dham, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the flag hoisting at Pavagadh temple, the development of Ambaji Dham and this Somnath Swabhiman Parv are all part of the same continuum. Appealing to the people, the Chief Minister urged everyone to adopt 'Viksit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat' as a life mantra. He wished that Lord Somnath grant unbroken strength to Narendrabhai Modi and that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv guide India towards becoming a world guru. Welcoming the Prime Minister with the resounding chant of 'Jai Somnath', Deputy Chief Minister Harshbhai Sanghavi stated that, it is a moment of pride to welcome the Prime Minister as Chairman of the Somnath Trust. The grand 'Shaurya Yatra' held in Somnath and the 72 hours of continuous 'Omkar Mantra Japa' are resonating across the entire country today. Recalling history from the seashore, he said that Somnath represents India's defiance against invaders. While Ghaznavi faded into history, Somnath still stands strong, and the sacrifices of Hamirji Gohil and Vegda Bhil remain shining examples of Indian unity. Echoing Sardar Patel's resolve, Sanghavi said that India would never compromise its self-respect, and under the Prime Minister's leadership, this resolve has become national policy. He said the nation now takes pride in its culture instead of glorifying invaders. Through Ayodhya, Kashi and Mahakal Lok, the Prime Minister has advanced the vision of Vikas bhi Virasat bhi, strengthened faith, and created new employment opportunities for youth through temple reconstruction. Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vaghani stated that, Somnath is the self-respect of Sanatan culture and national consciousness, and Prime Minister is the pride of every citizen. With the blessings of Girnari saints and sadhus, for the first time a procession of Digambar sadhus was taken out beyond the Bhavnath area of Junagadh. The Prime Minister's leadership has been accepted by the entire world, and through his firm resolve India is moving towards becoming a world guru. On this occasion, various dignitaries welcomed and honored the Prime Minister. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, Education Minister Dr. Pradyuman Vaja, Minister of State for Energy Kaushik Vekariya, MP Rajesh Chudasama, along with MPs and MLAs from neighbouring districts, leaders, saints, sadhus and Shiva devotees were present in large numbers. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of the 'Kannada Patha Shaale Dubai' in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address has deeply emotionalized the Kannada-speaking diaspora in the UAE. The school, established in 2014, teaches the Kannada language to nearly 1,400 children of the Indian community on weekends. Run entirely by volunteers, the initiative received overwhelming congratulatory messages from across the globe following the Prime Minister's recognition. School President Shashidhar Nagarajappa described the moment as an unforgettable honour that has validated their efforts to preserve linguistic heritage abroad. PM Modi's recognition of a Dubai school teaching Kannada to diaspora children has deeply moved the community. Learn about the emotional impact and the school's story. Bengaluru, Jan 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recognition of the efforts of the 'Kannada Mitraru U.A.E' in establishing and successfully running a school in Dubai, which helps thousands of children learn their mother tongue on foreign soil, has deeply moved Kannada-speaking people in that country, said Shashidhar Nagarajappa, President of the Kannada Patha Shaale Dubai and Karnataka Sangha Dubai PM Modi recently praised the efforts of Kannada Mitraru U.A.E. for promoting the Kannada language among children of the Indian diaspora by establishing a school in Dubai. Referring to the initiative during his address, the Prime Minister said Kannada is a matter of pride and lauded the KPSD for teaching thousands of children to read, write, and speak the language abroad. Speaking to IANS, Shashidhar Nagarajappa said the recognition from the Prime Minister was a great honour and an emotional moment for the entire Kannada community in Dubai. "We never imagined that our efforts would be noticed by the Prime Minister. When PM Modi spoke about Kannada and our school, the whole of Dubai and the UAE celebrated," he said. He recalled receiving a call from the Indian Consulate in Dubai seeking details about the Sangha after the Prime Minister's Office expressed interest in the initiative. "Even then, we did not expect a mention. When 'Mann Ki Baat' was broadcast, we were holding a review meeting. One of our office-bearers showed us that the Prime Minister has spoken about the Dubai Kannada School. It was an unforgettable moment," Nagarajappa said. Following the mention, congratulatory messages poured in from across the world. "People who had not contacted us for years called to congratulate us. The children were especially thrilled," he added. The Dubai Kannada School conducts Kannada classes on Fridays and Saturdays, with around 40 classes held at different time slots. Students are grouped into three levels based on their proficiency. Currently, nearly 1,400 students are enrolled, supported by 19 teachers and around 80 volunteers with office-bearers Vice President Siddalingesh B.R., General Secretary Sunil Gavaskar, Joint Secretary Shashidhar Mundaragi and Treasurer Nagaraj Rao, all working without remuneration. Nagarajappa said the initiative began in 2014 after discussions with community leaders across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates. Though earlier attempts were made by organisations such as Karnataka Sangha Dubai and other groups, the present effort took shape with structured classrooms, trained teachers, and a formal syllabus supported by the Kannada Development Authority. The school was formally launched on November 1 (Kannada Rajyotsava Day) 2014, with examinations, parent-teacher meetings, and concluding ceremonies held during major festivals every year to date. During the Covid-19 pandemic, classes were shifted online, leading to a sharp increase in student enrolment. The Dubai Kannada Patha Shaale also honours individuals contributing to the preservation of Kannada by conferring the Kannada Mitra Award. "This initiative is driven purely by love for the language. We neither take nor give money. Preserving Kannada for future generations is our responsibility," Nagarajappa said. He urged the Karnataka government not to shut down Kannada-medium schools, even if student numbers are low, stressing that preserving language is essential for the growth and identity of the state. Nagarajappa noted that NRI Forum Chairman Praveen Kumar Shetty and Mohan Narasimha Murthy are patrons, while Frank Fernandes and Mohammad E. Mulooru serve as advisors. "The initiative is run by representatives from all cultures and backgrounds," he said. "There is no precedent of a Prime Minister speaking about the Kannada language, that too in the context of NRIs. Messages of congratulations poured in, and the media highlighted the news the next day. It felt like a dream. The children were extremely happy," he added. He said the Consulate General's office later invited the Sangha for an interaction, during which officials spoke to children about their Kannada language skills. "Our children in Dubai speak Kannada well and score good marks," he said. Speaking about the initial efforts, Nagarajappa said the Kannada-speaking population in Dubai is significant, as the city is a major commercial hub of the UAE. "In 2014, we invited community leaders and urged them to send their children to learn Kannada. There was strong support from both Dubai and other states of the UAE," he said. He recalled that earlier efforts by Karnataka Sangha Dubai in 1989 and other groups later could not be sustained for the long term. "We took responsibility, and children came forward to attend classes. New teaching methods were adopted to generate interest," he said. He added that he has lived in Dubai for 24 years and has been working with his wife, Roopa Shashidhar, as head of the teaching team and other like-minded teams for the past 12 years to promote Kannada education among children who were fluent in other languages but disconnected from their mother tongue. "We started an organisation called 'Kannada Mitraru (Kannada Friends)' 12 years ago. Every child has the right to learn their mother tongue. We created awareness among parents and encouraged them to enrol their children in Kannada classes," he said. He said the organisation follows the principle of neither accepting nor giving money. "This is about our mother tongue, and it is our duty to pass it on to future generations." - IANS Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Gudalur in the Nilgiris on January 13 for the golden jubilee of St Thomas English High School, with no political events planned. This marks his second visit to the region, having last been there during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2022. The visit occurs as the DMK-Congress alliance in Tamil Nadu navigates internal discussions about power-sharing. Meanwhile, the Congress high command is set to hold a key meeting in Delhi to review the party's electoral preparedness in the state. Rahul Gandhi attends a school event in Gudalur. Congress plans a key meeting to review Tamil Nadu poll strategy amid alliance discussions. Chennai, Jan 11 Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Gudalur in the Nilgiris district on January 13 to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of St Thomas English High School. Party sources said the visit is purely ceremonial, with no political programmes or public meetings planned during his brief stay in the hill town. According to Congress functionaries, Rahul Gandhi will arrive by helicopter from Mysuru at around 3.30 p.m. After attending the event at the school, he is expected to depart by 4.30 p.m. Apart from a formal reception to be accorded by local Congress leaders at the helipad, no additional engagements have been scheduled. "As far as we know, the leader has no political events or meetings during this visit," a senior Congress functionary said. This marks Rahul Gandhi's second visit to Gudalur in recent years. He last visited the region in September 2022 during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, when he addressed supporters and spoke about the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats. During that visit, he stayed overnight at a private school before continuing his journey towards Karnataka as part of the nationwide march. The golden jubilee celebrations of St Thomas English High School are also likely to be attended by Rev Dr Mathews Mar Makarios Episcopa, Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, lending prominence to the event. Rahul Gandhi's visit comes at a time when the DMK-Congress alliance in Tamil Nadu is facing political undercurrents. In recent weeks, some Congress functionaries and elected representatives have publicly sought a greater share in power, triggering discussions within the ruling alliance. The Congress has also intensified its criticism of the BJP over the recent censorship controversy surrounding Vijay's latest film, 'Jana Nayagan', an issue that has sparked sharp political reactions in the state. Meanwhile, sources said the Congress high command is preparing to hold a key meeting in New Delhi to review the party's poll preparedness in Tamil Nadu. Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are likely to meet the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president, former TNCC presidents, and elected representatives from the state on January 18. The meeting was earlier proposed for January 14 but has since been rescheduled. A senior party leader said such meetings are part of the Congress' established practice of holding consultations with leaders from poll-bound states to assess the political situation and fine-tune organisational and electoral strategies ahead of upcoming elections. - IANS The number of robotaxis on American roads is still fairly low, but thats set to change in 2026. Teslas robotaxi initiative which combines self-driving technology with artificial intelligence has investors talking about a potential $3 trillion market capitalization by the end of the year (1). Meanwhile, Alphabet-owned Waymo expects to complete 1 million fully autonomous rides every week within that same timeline (2), and Amazon-owned Zoox has plans for a major expansion in the coming year. Must Read The global robotaxi fleet is projected to reach 934,000 vehicles by 2035, with a market value of around $105 billion, according to Markets and Markets (3). North America is leading in technology innovation and regulatory support in pilot zones, while China is leading in rapid scaling and government-backed smart city infrastructure. But regulatory hurdles remain an issue in the U.S., with a patchwork of federal, state and local laws, as well as ongoing safety investigations. Growth also hinges on consumer acceptance, and whether theres enough demand to validate robotaxis as a scalable business. A market poised for growth Tesla has launched its robotaxi service in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as Austin, Texas. For the most part, robotaxis still have human safety supervisors on board, but Tesla has started testing fully driverless robotaxis in Austin (4). The company is also planning to start production of its two-seater Cybercabs in April a robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals which Morgan Stanley analysts estimate could deliver service as low as $0.40 per mile (5). While Tesla is currently worth about $1.5 trillion, some analysts say it could be worth $3 trillion by the end of 2026. However, this is a bullish analyst projection linked to future revenue streams, not current market cap. At the moment, though, Waymo is leading the pack, operating driverless robotaxis in Austin, Phoenix, Atlanta, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. It also has plans to expand into 26 markets in the U.S. and abroad in 2026. Zoox, which was granted an exemption by federal vehicle safety regulators earlier this year for its unique toaster-shaped robotaxi, has been offering free driverless rides to the public around San Francisco and the Las Vegas Strip. A full-dress rehearsal for Army Day was held on Mahal Road in Jaipur, drawing large crowds who witnessed disciplined marches and patriotic fervor. The parade showcased the Army's modern capabilities, including advanced weapons, missile systems, and surveillance drones. A highlight was the confident participation of women officers and soldiers, emphasizing 'Nari Shakti'. Army Day on January 15 commemorates Field Marshal KM Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1949. Full-dress rehearsal in Jaipur ahead of Army Day featured disciplined marches, modern weapons, drones, and a strong display of women soldiers' participation. Jaipur, January 11 A full dress rehearsal of the Indian Army was held on Sunday on Mahal Road in Jaipur, ahead of Army Day. A large number of people arrived to watch the parade from early morning, and a "patriotic" atmosphere prevailed throughout the area. During the rehearsal, the army contingents marched in disciplined steps. The synchronised movements of the soldiers to the tunes of the army band mesmerised the audience. People on both sides of the road cheered the soldiers with applause and slogans such as 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. The full dress rehearsal also showcased the Army's modern capabilities, including state-of-the-art weapons and technology. The parade featured modern tanks and cannons, missile systems, and drones for surveillance and security. A special attraction was the army's dog squad unit, which assists with tasks such as surveillance and explosive detection in enemy territory. The full dress parade also showcased 'Nari Shakti'. Women officers and soldiers of the Army participated in the parade with full confidence. Their precise marching and discipline greatly impressed the people. A large number of women and young girls were also seen watching the parade. Many schoolgirls, college students, and women with their families witnessed this "historic" moment. Every year, January 15 is commemorated as 'Army Day' to remember the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large public gathering during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, an event marking 1000 years since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple. He led a symbolic Shaurya Yatra, offered prayers at the temple, and paid tributes to historical figures like Veer Hamirji Gohil and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The event, attended by state leaders, celebrated the temple's unbroken faith and unique history of repeated destruction and revival. A local resident presented artwork, expressing doubled pride in Somnath's global recognition under the current leadership. PM Modi leads Shaurya Yatra at Somnath, commemorating 1000 years since the temple's first attack and honoring its historical resilience and reconstruction. Gandhinagar, January 11 A large crowd gathered at the public meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi organised under the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, where the entire venue reflected devotion, pride, and national spirit. On this occasion, Somnath resident Daksha Parmar arrived with specially prepared paintings, including a pencil sketch of Mata Heeraba and the Prime Minister. She shared that her pride in being born on the sacred land of Somnath has doubled, as the Somnath and Prabhas regions have gained global recognition under the Prime Minister's leadership. She expressed her gratitude and thankfulness to the Prime Minister, according to a release. The occasion further highlighted the importance of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv and filled the gathered crowd with pride. Meanwhile, PM Modi offered prayers at the Somnath temple. He also paid floral tributes to the statues of Veer Hamirji Gohil and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Veer Hamirji Gohil sacrificed his life while defending the Somnath Temple in 1299 AD during the invasion led by Zafar Khan. PM Modi took part in the Shaurya Yatra at Somnath as part of a four-day national commemoration marking 1,000 years of unbroken faith and resilience since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. During his visit, the Prime Minister was joined by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. It represents courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit that preserved Somnath through centuries of adversity. Ahead of the yatra, 108 horses from the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit arrived to take part in the event. Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to January 11, 2026, marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The attack marked the start of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Despite this, Somnath remained deeply rooted in the collective memory of the people. The repeated destruction and revival of the temple is seen as unique in world history, reflecting its continued spiritual and cultural significance. On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, calling its restoration vital for restoring India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public support, was completed with the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad. - ANI Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed an intense week of Russian bombardment, involving nearly 1,100 attack drones and hundreds of guided bombs. The strikes deliberately targeted non-military energy infrastructure and residential buildings, worsening conditions during freezing weather. Overnight attacks across at least 15 locations resulted in civilian casualties, including in the frontline Donetsk region. Ukrainian air defense, repair crews, and energy workers are engaged in a monumental effort to restore critical services. Zelenskyy reports massive Russian strikes with drones, bombs, and missiles targeting civilian infrastructure during freezing weather. Kyiv, January 11 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday said that Russia launched almost 1,100 attack drones against Ukraine over the course of this week. He informed that Russia has launched more than 890 guided aerial bombs, and over 50 missiles of various types - ballistic, cruise, and even the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile. Zelenskyy further said that the attacks were made on establishments like energy infrastructure, residential buildings, which have no military purpose. "Over the course of this week, Russia launched almost 1,100 attack drones against Ukraine, more than 890 guided aerial bombs, and over 50 missiles of various types - ballistic, cruise, and even the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile. And they struck targets that have no military purpose whatsoever - energy infrastructure, residential buildings," the Ukrainian President posted on X. "They deliberately waited for freezing weather to make things worse for our people. This is deliberate, cynical Russian terror specifically against civilians. I thank our mobile fire groups that defend Ukraine from these attacks day and night, and all our other warriors from air defence units and electronic warfare units," he added. Zelenskyy said that energy workers and repair crews were working to restore electricity, heat, and water supply for people. "In many regions, the situation remains difficult after Russian strikes on our critical infrastructure. Energy workers and repair crews are working around the clock to restore electricity, heat, and water supply for people. And this is truly a monumental effort that matters greatly for our citizens - restoring normal life after constant Russian terrorist strikes. I am grateful to everyone involved," he added. At least two people were killed, and more than 15 others were injured in overnight Russian strikes targeting over a dozen locations across Ukraine, EuroNews reported on Saturday (local time). Ukraine's Air Force said that Russia launched a large barrage of drones and missiles overnight into Saturday, targeting at least 15 locations across Ukraine. EuroNews quoted sources saying that the barrage consisted of over 100 drones and missiles, including the lethal Iskander ballistic variant. Donetsk - part of the eastern Donbas region - Gover Vadym Filashkin, Governor of Donetsk Oblast, said that one civilian was killed and at least two others were injured in overnight attacks in his region, which has been the most active frontline. - ANI The High Commissioner of Rwanda highlighted the strong and harmonious bilateral relations with India, noting India is Rwanda's second-largest foreign investor. She cited Rwanda's rapid economic growth and top ranking in Africa for ease of doing business. The Ambassador of Ukraine praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's evolution into a significant global leader and invited Indian companies to participate in Ukraine's reconstruction. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the conference, describing the Saurashtra-Kutch region as an anchor for India's growth. Rwanda's High Commissioner highlights strong bilateral ties and investment, while Ukraine's Ambassador praises PM Modi's global leadership at Vibrant Gujarat event. Rajkot, January 11 High Commissioner of Rwanda Jacqueline Mukangira congratulated the organisers of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference and stated that Rwanda and India share harmonious bilateral relations. She recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Rwanda in 2018, during which he gifted 200 Gir cows to needy families, and expressed gratitude for this gesture, the Chief Minister's Office said in a press release. Mukangira highlighted that the President of Rwanda has visited India five times and also participated in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2017. She emphasised that the leadership of both nations has made bilateral relations strategically significant. Mukangira described Rwanda as a rapidly developing country with a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. She noted that Rwanda's economy grew at a rate of 11.8 per cent in the quarter of 2025. She further mentioned that Rwanda ranked first across Africa in the World Bank's 2024 report on the Ease of Doing Business category, reflecting administrative transparency. She added that India is Rwanda's second-largest foreign investor and trading partner, with relations between the two countries continuing to grow. She also announced that Indian nationals are eligible for a visa-on-arrival valid for one month. Ambassador of Ukraine Oleksandr Polischuk remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved from being a national leader to playing a very important role as a global leader. Expressing joy at participating in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit for the sixth time, he praised the Prime Minister's efforts to establish peace in his own country as well. He stated that after the war, Ukraine's reconstruction offers significant opportunities for Indian companies in sectors such as energy, logistics, construction, industry, agriculture, and IT. He expressed hope that Indian companies would participate in the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference scheduled to be held in Poland later this year. Polischuk highlighted the long history of successful cooperation between India and Ukraine in traditional sectors such as grain, pharmaceutical products, and oil, which continue to strengthen Ukraine's economy. He described Prime Minister Modi as an outstanding leader and appreciated the efforts of the Gujarat Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel. He concluded by saying that Ukraine feels proud to be a partner in a global event like Vibrant Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Saurashtra and Kutch, describing the region as the "anchor region" of India's growth and calling it the right time for global investors to invest in the area. - ANI Over 65 senior citizens from the Veraval Senior Citizens Trust welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shaurya Swabhiman Sabha in Somnath, wearing matching saffron turbans as a mark of respect. The event was part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, which commemorates 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The temple's history of destruction and revival, including its reconstruction initiated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after independence, was highlighted. The 2026 observance also marks 75 years since the consecration of the present temple in 1951. Elderly members wear saffron turbans to welcome PM Narendra Modi at the Shaurya Swabhiman Sabha in Somnath, marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Somnath, January 11 Over 65 elderly members of the Veraval Senior Citizens Trust attended the Shaurya Swabhiman Sabha, wearing matching saffron turbans, expressing patriotic fervour, and extending a warm welcome and honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a CMO release said. On this occasion, the President of the Senior Citizens Trust, Veraval, Deepakbhai Tilavat, said, "We take pride in being witnesses to such a historic moment on the sacred land of Somnath. To convey our respect to the Prime Minister, we collectively decided to wear saffron turbans and extend a warm welcome to him. The enthusiastic participation of senior citizens in this Sabha symbolising valour, self-respect, and national consciousness imbued the entire atmosphere with dignity and inspiration. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. It represents courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit that preserved Somnath through centuries of adversity. Ahead of the yatra, 108 horses from the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit arrived to take part in the event. Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to January 11, 2026, marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The attack marked the start of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Despite this, Somnath remained deeply rooted in the collective memory of the people. The repeated destruction and revival of the temple is seen as unique in world history, reflecting its continued spiritual and cultural significance. On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, calling its restoration vital for restoring India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public support, was completed with the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad. In 2026, the country will mark 75 years since the historic consecration ceremony. Revered as the first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple stands along the Arabian Sea with a 150-foot shikhar, symbolising enduring faith and national resolve. - ANI A few drones, suspected to be from Pakistan, were sighted along the Line of Control in the Naushera-Rajouri sector late Sunday. The Indian Army promptly undertook counter-unmanned aerial systems measures, forcing the drones to return after extensive firing was reported in the Jangarh and Kalal areas. This incident follows a joint search operation on Saturday where an arms consignment, including Chinese-made pistols and a grenade, was recovered in the Samba district. A local witness praised the Army's alertness and retaliation. Suspected Pakistani drones sighted along LoC in Rajouri-Naushera. Indian Army undertakes counter-drone measures after extensive firing in border areas. Rajouri, January 12 A few drones, suspected to be from Pakistan, were sighted along the Line of Control in the Naushera-Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir in the late hours of Sunday, Defence Sources said. A local who witnessed the retaliation of the Indian army against the suspected Pakistani drones told ANI that there was "extensive firing in the areas of Jangarh and Kalal" and the incident, according to him, happened at around "7:28 pm" on Sunday. He also thanked the Indian Army for its prompt action. Speaking to ANI, he said, "At around 7:28 pm yesterday, there was a movement of drones at the border. Our Indian Army forces retaliated against it. The drones crossed from here. There was extensive firing in the areas of Jangarh and Kalal. Our armed forces were absolutely alert. We thank our army that because of them, we are sitting here peacefully." The development prompted the Indian Army to undertake counter-unmanned aerial systems measures. "A few Pakistan Army drones were sighted along the line of control in the Naushera-Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army troops undertook counter-unmanned aerial systems measures, forcing them to return," Defence Sources said. Earlier on Saturday, Border Security Force (BSF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint search operation after an arms and ammunition consignment was recovered from the border village of Paloora in Samba district. The consignment included a made-in-China 9mm pistol with two magazines, a Glock 9mm pistol with one magazine and one Chinese hand grenade with marking SPL HGR 84. According to police, a total of sixteen 9mm live rounds were also recovered from the packet. - ANI Somalia's Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has accused Israel of having a confirmed plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians to the breakaway region of Somaliland. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denied that forcible displacement was part of their agreement with Somaliland, focusing instead on political and security cooperation. The move has drawn condemnation from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and 22 countries, which view Israel's recognition of Somaliland as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty. Discussions about a potential Israeli military base in the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait region are reportedly ongoing, further heightening regional tensions. Somalia's defense minister alleges Israel plans to forcibly move Palestinians to Somaliland, calling it a violation of international law and sovereignty. Mogadishu, January 11 Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi alleged that Israel is working on a plan to forcibly move Palestinians to the breakaway region of Somaliland, describing the reported move as a "serious violation" of international law, Al Jazeera reported. Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Fiqi claimed Somalia has "confirmed information that Israel has a plan to transfer Palestinians and to send them to [Somaliland]". The report said the comments came amid long-standing concerns voiced by Somali officials over the possibility of Palestinians being forcibly expelled from Gaza to Somaliland, allegations denied by both Israel and Somaliland. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but has not received United Nations recognition. Al Jazeera reported that Israel's decision in December made it the first country to recognise Somaliland as independent. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told Israel's Channel 14 last week that the forcible displacement of Palestinians to Somaliland "was not part of our agreement". "I think we have a lot of topics in the field of politics, security, development, and others that we will advance with Somaliland. And I can say this is not part of our agreement," Saar said. According to Al Jazeera, neither Israeli nor Somaliland officials have disclosed further details on the terms of the recognition since the announcement. A Somaliland source close to the government also denied that relocating Palestinians was included in any understanding, the report said. Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud earlier told Al Jazeera that Somaliland had accepted Israel's three conditions: the resettlement of Palestinians, the establishment of a military base on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, and joining the Abraham Accords to normalise ties with Israel. Fiqi called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to revoke diplomatic recognition of the "separatist region", calling the move a "direct attack" on Somalia's sovereignty. He further alleged that Israel's recognition of Somaliland aligned with a broader strategy of weakening and fragmenting states in the region. "Israel has long had goals and plans to divide countries -- maybe for 20 years -- and it wants to divide the map of the Middle East and control its countries. This is why they found this separatist group in northwestern Somalia," Fiqi told Al Jazeera. Fiqi also accused Israel of trying to establish a military base at the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, linking the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, saying Israel "wants to create a military base to destabilise the region". Al Jazeera reported that a Somaliland official acknowledged such discussions were underway, contradicting earlier denials from Somaliland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The report added that Deqa Qasim told Israel's Channel 12 that an Israeli military base is "on the table and being discussed", though any such step would depend on agreed terms. Houthi leaders have said they would regard any Israeli presence in Somaliland as a threat and a possible military target. Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known locally as Cirro, sought to calm concerns among neighbouring countries, saying Israel's recognition of Somaliland was not aimed against any state, during a speech welcoming the establishment of relations. When Saar visited Hargeisa last week, a Somaliland readout said security was among the issues discussed during the meeting, according to the report. The visit prompted condemnation from 22 countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), whose joint statement described Saar's January 6 trip as a "clear violation" of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Al Jazeera reported. Fiqi's remarks came amid continuing international criticism over Netanyahu's decision in December to recognise Somaliland, a breakaway part of Somalia in the northwest. On Saturday, the 57-member OIC held an extraordinary summit in Saudi Arabia focused on Israel's recognition of Somaliland, adopting two resolutions, one condemning the move and another backing Palestine, Al Jazeera reported. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told TRT Haber that Turkiye and other Muslim countries coordinated efforts to prevent additional states from recognising Somaliland, indicating that other countries had been considering the move. On Friday, President Mohamud appealed in a national address for Somaliland's leaders to engage in talks with Mogadishu and reconsider their approach. He said broader recognition would not be possible without Somalia's consent and would leave Somaliland in diplomatic limbo if separation remained the chosen path. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi summarized the first day of his Gujarat visit, which included prayers and events at the Somnath Temple. He described the temple as a beacon of eternal divinity, highlighting activities like Omkar chanting and a drone show. The visit is part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating 1000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the temple. PM Modi is scheduled to participate in a Shaurya Yatra and a public function on the subsequent day. PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at Somnath, participates in Omkar chanting, drone show, and Shaurya Yatra, marking the temple's historic resilience. Somnath, January 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday summarised day one of his Somnath visit, describing the temple as a "beacon of eternal divinity." In an X post, PM Modi shared the highlights of his visit where he offered prayers at the Somnath temple, witnessed drone show, participated in Omkar chanting and other events of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. "Somnath stands as a beacon of eternal divinity. Its sacred presence continues to guide people across generations. Here are highlights from yesterday's programmes, including the Omkar Mantra chanting and drone show," PM Modi wrote on X. The Prime Minister will participate in the Shaurya Yatra today at 09:45 am, which is a ceremonial procession held to honour the countless warriors who sacrificed their lives defending the Somnath Temple. The procession will feature a symbolic march of 108 horses, representing valour and sacrifice. Thereafter, at around 10:15 am, the Prime Minister will perform darshan and pooja at the Somnath Temple. At approximately 11 am, he will participate in and address a public function in Somnath. Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to January 11 marks the 1,000th anniversary of Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The attack marked the beginning of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over centuries. Despite this, Somnath never ceased to exist in the collective consciousness of the people. The cycle of the temple's devastation and revival is unparalleled in world history. It demonstrated that Somnath was never merely a stone structure, but a living embodiment of belief, identity, and civilisational pride. On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, viewing its restoration as essential to reviving India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public participation, culminated in the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then-President Rajendra Prasad. In 2026, the nation marks 75 years since the historic 1951 ceremony, reaffirming India's civilisational self-respect. Revered as the first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple complex stands majestically along the Arabian Sea, crowned by a 150-foot shikhar, symbolising enduring faith and national resolve. - ANI He inaugurated metro and conference projects later in the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Somnath Temple in Gujarat to mark the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv'. He performed 'Abhishek' and 'Aarti', and then participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra', a procession honoring warriors who defended the temple. The Prime Minister interacted with priests, artists, and cheering crowds during the event. Later, he was scheduled to inaugurate infrastructure projects and conferences in Rajkot and Gandhinagar. PM Narendra Modi offered prayers at Somnath Temple, led the Shaurya Yatra, and inaugurated metro & conference projects during his Gujarat visit. Somnath, Jan 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat on Sunday as part of the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' celebrations. Amid Vedic chants, PM Modi performed 'Abhishek' and 'Aarti' at the historic temple and sought the blessings of Lord Somnath. He also interacted with the priests and administration of the sacred shrine. He also met the children from Gurukuls. The Prime Minister then proceeded towards the artists who performed during his 'Shaurya Yatra' and greeted them. He also played drums with one of the artist groups. Before offering prayers at the Somnath Temple, PM Modi participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra' at Somnath Temple. He witnessed cultural performances from artists across the country. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a ceremonial procession organised to honour the countless warriors who laid down their lives defending the Somnath Temple. As the rhythm of the 'Damru', an instrument associated with Lord Shiva, filled the air, PM Modi was welcomed by large crowds lining the roads, eager to catch a glimpse of him. People showered him with flowers and chanted "Modi-Modi" in excitement. During the event, he took the 'Damrus' in both hands and played it, raising his arms and flicking his wrist. Artists from Rajasthan, Punjab, Manipur, Gujarat, and other regions performed as the Prime Minister continued along the yatra, greeting everyone he passed. Artists participating in the 'Shaurya Yatra' expressed their enthusiasm for Prime Minister Modi's visit and, speaking to IANS, said they were very excited to meet him. Following his visit to the Somnath Temple, a significant public event is scheduled at Sadbhavna Maidan, where the Prime Minister will address the audience. In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will travel to Rajkot, where he will open the trade show and exhibition as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference at Marwari University at 1.35 p.m. He is also set to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Kutch and Saurashtra at 2.00 p.m. Later, PM Modi will arrive at Mahatma Mandir Metro Station in Gandhinagar, where he will launch the Phase 2 route of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project from Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir. The 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' serves as a tribute to the temple's enduring legacy as a symbol of India's civilisational courage, spiritual strength, and repeated reconstruction despite centuries of invasions. The event highlights the sacrifices of countless devotees who defended the shrine, ensuring its revival time and again. This year also marks 75 years since the modern reconstruction of the temple, inaugurated in 1951 by the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad, following efforts led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after Independence. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra' ceremonial procession at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. He was welcomed by large crowds, played the 'damru' instrument, and witnessed cultural performances by artists from states like Rajasthan, Punjab, and Manipur. The event honors the warriors who defended the temple and marks 75 years since its modern reconstruction. Following this, the Prime Minister's schedule includes offering prayers at the temple, addressing a public meeting, and inaugurating infrastructure and conference projects in Rajkot and Gandhinagar. PM Narendra Modi participated in the Shaurya Yatra at Somnath Temple, witnessed cultural performances, and will inaugurate key projects in Gujarat. Somnath, Jan 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra' at Somnath Temple as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat on Sunday. He witnessed cultural performances from artists across the country. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a ceremonial procession organised to honour the countless warriors who laid down their lives defending the Somnath Temple. As the rhythm of the 'Damru', an instrument associated with Lord Shiva, filled the air, PM Modi was welcomed by large crowds lining the roads, eager to catch a glimpse of him. People showered him with flowers and chanted "Modi-Modi" in excitement. During the event, he took the 'Damrus' in both hands and played it, raising his arms and flicking his wrist. Artists from Rajasthan, Punjab, Manipur, Gujarat, and other regions performed as the Prime Minister continued along the yatra, greeting everyone he passed. Artists participating in the 'Shaurya Yatra' expressed their enthusiasm for Prime Minister Modi's visit and, speaking to IANS, said they were very excited to meet him. "We are going to perform the Mayur dance here. I am very happy and excited to meet him. I have met him once before as well," an artist said. "There is definitely excitement because the Prime Minister has come here. He is from Gujarat, and because of it, the enthusiasm is doubled. You can see how such a large crowd has gathered here today," another artist said. A total of 108 horses brought for the Shaurya Yatra became the centre of attraction. These horses escorted the Prime Minister's convoy as he progressed towards the Somnath Temple. Another artist performing in Shaurya Yatra told IANS, "We have come from Manipur, and today we performed here, which has made us very happy. We are feeling very good." "My name is Pinakin Goel from Bhavnagar. Today, in the holy city of Lord Somnath, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting. Because of this, a large number of devotees, sadhus, saints, and people have gathered here. I am very happy and excited to be here today," another said. "We have come to perform our Punjabi folk dance. We feel very excited to be performing in front of the Prime Minister. It is a moment of great pride for us," a Punjabi folk dancer told IANS. The Prime Minister will subsequently offer his prayers at the Somnath Temple. Following this, a significant public event is scheduled at Sadbhavna Maidan, where the Prime Minister will address the audience. In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will travel to Rajkot, where he will open the trade show and exhibition as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference at Marwari University at 1.35 p.m. He is also set to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Kutch and Saurashtra at 2.00 p.m. Later, PM Modi will arrive at Mahatma Mandir Metro Station in Gandhinagar, where he will launch the Phase 2 route of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project from Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir. The 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' serves as a tribute to the temple's enduring legacy as a symbol of India's civilisational courage, spiritual strength, and repeated reconstruction despite centuries of invasions. The event highlights the sacrifices of countless devotees who defended the shrine, ensuring its revival time and again. This year also marks 75 years since the modern reconstruction of the temple, inaugurated in 1951 by the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad, following efforts led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after Independence. - IANS U.S. markets opened 2026 on a strong note as major indices and tech stocks surged. The S&P 500 ($SPX) and Dow Jones ($DOWI) both hit record highs in early January, driven by continued enthusiasm for AI and tech companies. Big Tech names led the rally, and even long-mature stocks like Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL) are at the forefront. Googles parent just hit new all-time highs on Thursday after Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded the stock, calling it the king of all AI trades. The bullish view centers on Alphabets unique position across the entire AI stack, from data centers and custom chips to large language models and consumer applications. More News from Barchart With AI increasingly embedded across search, cloud, and advertising, the rally raises a timely question for investors: Is Google stock still a buy at record levels? Let's find out the answer. GOOGL Stock Performance Alphabet is the conglomerate that owns Google and a host of tech businesses. It dominates online search and advertising and owns YouTube, Android, Google Cloud, and a portfolio of Other Bets, such as Waymo. The companys scale is massive, its market cap is on the order of $3.9 trillion, and its broad product moat, like search data, the Android ecosystem, and cloud infrastructure, has kept it a leader in each of its core areas. In 2025, Alphabet's stock surged roughly two-thirds year-over-year (YoY). Over the past 12 months, the shares gained about 67%, far outperforming the S&P 500 and crowning GOOGL stock as one of the top Magnificent Seven winners. This run was fueled by robust ad and cloud growth and investor excitement over Googles AI push. Despite the rally, Alphabets stock carries a premium valuation. Its trailing P/E is roughly 30 current earnings, far above the 18 median for the Communication Services sector. Likewise, its price-to-sales ratio of 10 greatly exceeds the sectors mid-single-digit norm. It also sports a PEG near 1.8, reflecting high-growth expectations. www.barchart.com GOOGL Hits All-Time Peak Yesterday, on Jan. 8, Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded Alphabet to Overweight, citing strength in its AI investments. Alphabets stock immediately shot up, hitting a new record-high intraday price of about $330.54, about 1.1% on the midday session, and extending its multi-month advance. This upgrade, along with other recent bullish calls, underscores Wall Streets optimism on Googles AI-led outlook. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and countless warriors at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, honoring the temple's legacy as a symbol of India's civilizational resilience. The event marks 1000 years since the temple's first invasion in 1026 and 75 years since its modern reconstruction, which was inaugurated in 1951 by President Rajendra Prasad. PM Modi recalled that Sardar Patel spearheaded the rebuilding despite objections from then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, with the project funded by public donations. The Prime Minister participated in the Shaurya Yatra, witnessed cultural performances, and offered prayers at the temple before proceeding to other official engagements in Gujarat. PM Modi pays floral tributes at Somnath, honoring Sardar Patel's restoration efforts and the temple's 1000-year legacy of resilience and sacrifice. Somnath, Jan 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who made significant efforts in the restoration of the Somnath Temple following Independence. He also paid floral tributes to the countless warriors who laid down their lives defending the temple. The 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' serves as a tribute to the temple's enduring legacy as a symbol of India's civilisational courage, spiritual strength, and repeated reconstruction despite centuries of invasions. The event highlights the sacrifices of countless devotees who defended the shrine, ensuring its revival time and again. 2026 marks the thousand years since the Somnath Temple was first attacked by the invaders in January 1026. This year also marks 75 years since the modern reconstruction of the temple, inaugurated in 1951 by the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad, following efforts led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after Independence. Earlier, in a blog post, the Prime Minister mentioned that the sacred responsibility of rebuilding Somnath Temple, which was attacked by invaders in 1026, fell upon Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He recalled the time when the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was not supportive of the idea of rebuilding the Somnath Temple and did not want the top constitutional authorities to be associated with it. PM Modi mentioned that Sardar Patel's visit to the site during Diwali in 1947 deeply moved him, leading to the decision to rebuild the temple at the same location. "On May 11, 1951, a grand Somnath Temple was opened to devotees in the presence of Dr Rajendra Prasad," he said. Despite Nehru's objections, Sardar Patel, K.M. Munshi (who led the construction efforts), and President Rajendra Prasad were strong proponents of the temple's restoration as a symbol of national pride. The temple was ultimately restored using money collected from public donations and not government funds. PM Modi participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra' at Somnath Temple as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat on Sunday. He witnessed cultural performances from artists across the country. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a ceremonial procession organised to honour the countless warriors who laid down their lives defending the Somnath Temple. As the rhythm of the 'Damru', an instrument associated with Lord Shiva, filled the air, PM Modi was welcomed by large crowds lining the roads, eager to catch a glimpse of him. People showered him with flowers and chanted "Modi-Modi" in excitement. During the event, he took the 'Damrus' in both hands and played it, raising his arms and flicking his wrist. Artists from Rajasthan, Punjab, Manipur, Gujarat, and other regions performed as the Prime Minister continued along the yatra, greeting everyone he passed. Artists participating in the 'Shaurya Yatra' expressed their enthusiasm for Prime Minister Modi's visit and, speaking to IANS, said they were very excited to meet him. The Prime Minister subsequently offered his prayers at the Somnath Temple. Following this, a significant public event is scheduled at Sadbhavna Maidan, where the Prime Minister will address the audience. In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will travel to Rajkot, where he will open the trade show and exhibition as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference at Marwari University. He is also set to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Kutch and Saurashtra. Later, PM Modi will arrive at Mahatma Mandir Metro Station in Gandhinagar, where he will launch the Phase 2 route of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project from Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir. - IANS Swami Swaprakash states the Somnath temple was originally established in the Satyug era by Chandra Dev, the Moon God, as the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas. He reveals that remnants of the original Shivling were preserved by Agnihotris for 1000 years as predicted by Shankaracharya, and were recently presented to Gurudev. The trustee praises Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in transforming the Somnath temple complex and protecting Sanatan Dharma. He also references historical tensions during the temple's reconstruction when Jawaharlal Nehru discouraged Rajendra Prasad's attendance. Swami Swaprakash reveals Somnath temple was established by Chandra Dev in Satyug, discusses original Shivling's journey and PM Modi's role. Noida, Jan 11 Swami Swaprakash, Trustee of the Vedic Dharma Sansthan, who is also associated with the Art of Living Foundation, has said that the Somnath temple was established in the Satyug by Chandra Dev. In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Swami Swaprakash spoke at length on the history of Somnath and a range of issues of national and international significance. Here are some excerpts. IANS: What is the history of Somnath? Swami Swaprakash: Somnath was established in the Satyug by Chandra Dev. It is said that Chandra Dev became a little proud of his beauty. Raja Daksha then cursed him that his beauty would fade away. Later, when he felt remorse and sought a way out, Raja Daksha told him to go to Saurashtra and perform penance to Lord Shiva. Chandra Dev established the first Jyotirlinga as Somnath. This Jyotirlinga is considered the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas. All the incarnations of Lord Vishnu -- Parashuram, Lord Krishna and Lord Ram - have worshipped Somnath. IANS: Recently, you had said that if one Shivling is broken, a thousand will emerge. What do you mean by that? Swami Swaprakash: Sanatan Dharma cannot be destroyed, because all religions have originated from it. Anyone who tries to destroy Sanatan Dharma may feel he has achieved something, but after some time, those very symbols (Shivlings) will return -- and in a bigger way. When Mahmud Ghaznavi desecrated Somnath, some Agnihotris gathered the original remnants of the Jyotirlinga. Shankaracharya instructed them to keep it hidden and worship it for 1,000 years because foreign powers would rule India for a thousand years. That is exactly what happened -- the Mughals came and then the British. They were also told that the Ram temple would be established. About 900 years later, when Vijayanand Saraswati returned to the Shankaracharya, he was told that 100 years still remained. He then said that after 100 years, the Ram temple would be established and India would become free. He also said that at that time, the relics should be handed over to a Guru whose name signifies Shiva and Surya. Just imagine -- 100 years ago, this was spoken. And on January 15, 2025, on Makar Sankranti, Gurudev was presented with the remnants of 11 original Jyotirlingas. IANS: The original Shivling of Somnath has been handed over to Sri Sri Guruji. What is the next plan? Swami Swaprakash: Gurudev can explain that better. Our only effort is that the energy of Somnath reaches every village and every corner of the country. This is a time to awaken a wave of devotion. It is possible Somnath has come for this reason -- to ensure people keep faith and pride in their culture, identity and Sanatan Dharma. IANS: Will this original Shivling be installed in the Somnath temple as well? Swami Swaprakash: As Gurudev wishes. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishes. As Gurudev's command will be. For now, the Somnath corridor is being built. A complete transformation is underway. IANS: During the reconstruction of the Somnath temple, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had asked Dr Rajendra Prasad not to attend. Was that right? Swami Swaprakash: It is true. Rajendra Prasad went by purchasing the ticket with his own money and not through a government quota. That is correct. IANS: What would you say about the transformation of the Somnath temple under PM Modi? Swami Swaprakash: India is fortunate to have such a Prime Minister, especially at a time when the situation is extremely delicate at the international level and even domestically. There is also demographic change taking place. In such a time, having a Prime Minister who can protect Sanatan Dharma and revive our religious places is a matter of great pride. IANS: With social hatred growing in the country, how can Art of Living help in preventing it? Swami Swaprakash: If a body part goes bad, you can cut it open and correct it through surgery. But if blood gets polluted, you need complete purification. Purification of blood is possible only through devotion, knowledge and meditation. Not only India -- the entire world needs purification. People have begun taking violence as a matter of pride. Moving away from core values, they are taking pride in negativity. That is why institutions like Art of Living, present in 186 countries, teach meditation. IANS: You also look after the international chapter of Art of Living. What are your views on India's foreign policy? Swami Swaprakash: India's foreign policy is very balanced. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is a fine example of a balanced diplomat. IANS: Can Sri Sri Ravi Shankar mediate to stop the Russia-Ukraine war? Swami Swaprakash: Absolutely. Art of Living is the only Indian organisation with a very strong presence in both Russia and Ukraine. We have ashrams in Russia, Ukraine and Poland, and many teachers. In Russia alone, there are at least more than 700 Art of Living teachers. In Ukraine, there are more than 400 teachers. If people on both sides come together, a settlement is possible. When Indian students were stranded and returned from Ukraine, they stayed at our Poland ashram, and we arranged food and accommodation. IANS: Can he guide even in situations like the US attack on Venezuela? Swami Swaprakash: If officially the government requests Gurudev, then a solution can be found 100 per cent. The solution to any problem does not come by taking sides -- it comes from the middle. Gurudev is a perfectly balanced leader for mediation, viewing both sides equally. IANS: With the US attacking Venezuela, is the world moving towards a world war? Swami Swaprakash: I would hope the world does not move towards war. Why should we spend our energy on such negative things? India's position will be towards peace. --IANS ash/abm/pgh/uk - IANS Bollywood actor Sonu Sood visited the Varahi Gaushala in Patan, Gujarat, where he fed cows and interacted with officials. He donated Rs 22 lakh through his foundation to support the institution's work, praising its remarkable growth from a few cows to thousands. Sood expressed immense pride in the villagers' dedication and suggested their model of cow protection should be replicated across India. The actor is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts through the Sood Charity Foundation. Bollywood actor Sonu Sood visits Varahi Gaushala in Patan, Gujarat, donates Rs 22 lakh for animal welfare, and praises local efforts. Patan, January 11 Bollywood actor Sonu Sood paid a visit to the Varahi Gaushala in the Santalpur Tehsil of Patan, Gujarat. In visuals from the gaushala, the actor could be seen feeding the cows and interacting with the officials. A large crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the actor on Saturday, who expressed delight at their enthusiasm. He also commended the villagers for their continued efforts to support animal welfare. "The contribution of the entire village and the trustees of the gaushala are praiseworthy. I would love to visit the place again and even have food at your home," he said at the event. While speaking to the media, Sonu Sood expressed great pride in the journey of the gaushala and their consistent assistance toward the animals. The actor shared about making a donation of Rs 22 lakh to support the institution. "When I see their journey, which started with just a few cows and has now reached seven thousand, it's a matter of great pride, not only for us but for every person in every village. I can't do as much work as they do, but from my side and from our foundation, we have also contributed Rs 22 lakh so that this amazing work continues. The love I received made me feel very good and very proud. I will keep coming here. The way cow protection is done in such an amazing way here should be implemented throughout India," Sonu Sood told the media. The Bollywood star is widely known for his extensive philanthropic efforts, gaining recognition with his Sood Charity Foundation. His humanitarian efforts earned him the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Grand Finale of the 72nd Miss World Festival held in Telangana. On the work front, Sonu Sood made his directorial debut with the action thriller film 'Fateh', also starring Naseeruddin Shah, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vijay Raaz and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. The actor recently celebrated one year of the film's release with a heartfelt caption. "1 year of #Fateh. My most special film till date. Grateful for every memory, every lesson, and all the love you gave it. Thank you for standing by me. Back to work now -- the next one awaits," he wrote. - ANI India's smartphone manufacturing industry has sought to downplay concerns around a reported government proposal requiring smartphone makers to share source code. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) stated the issue is part of a long-running consultation process and does not represent a sudden policy shift. ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo clarified there is no new development warranting alarm, describing the engagement as routine and transparent. He expressed confidence that a consensus would be reached, with the industry satisfied with the progress of discussions. ICEA clarifies government's source code sharing proposal is part of long-running consultations, not a new regulatory change causing security alarm. New Delhi, Jan 11 India's smartphone manufacturing industry on Sunday sought to play down concerns around a reported government proposal on source code sharing, saying the issue is part of a long-running consultation process and does not represent any new or immediate regulatory change. Reacting to a report that said the Centre is considering requiring smartphone makers to share source code and comply with a set of new security standards, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said discussions between the government and the industry have been going on for several years and should not be seen as a sudden policy shift. ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo said there is no new development that warrants alarm. He explained that it is normal for governments to engage with industry stakeholders on technical and compliance-related issues and for companies to respond by sharing global best practices and practical limitations. "We want to clarify two things. First, this is not a new issue. It's a discussion that's been ongoing for several years," Mohindroo said. "Multiple discussions on this issue have occurred. There is no new development which warrants special attention," he stated. He described the current engagement as a routine, transparent and detailed consultation process and said the industry is satisfied with the way discussions are progressing. Mohindroo added that there is no pressing concern at this stage and expressed confidence that a consensus will be reached on the best way forward. "It is completely normal for the government to engage industry in such discussions -- ask technical and compliance questions and for the industry to respond with international practises and what might be possible or not," he mentioned. The report said the government is proposing a set of 83 security standards under the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements, which could include access to smartphone source code, mandatory malware scanning and prior intimation of major software updates to authorities. "This is a routine process of open transparent consultation. We are satisfied with the way the discussions are proceeding. There is no pressing concern as this is the very nature of transparent and in-depth consultation with specific stakeholders," he mentioned. - IANS Hashim VP, a sugarcane juice seller from Kannur, Kerala, has used the income from his 30-year-old roadside stall to finance his passion for travel, visiting ten countries so far. His international adventures began after a life-changing conversation with his elder brother in 2012, which shifted his perspective during his business's off-season. He has explored destinations from Israel and Egypt to Thailand and Turkey, often accompanied by his wife, Haseena. His next goal is to visit China in the coming months, continuing a journey that started from a humble juice cart. Hashim VP, a Kannur sugarcane juice seller, has visited 10 countries using his stall's income. His next destination is China with his family. Kannur, January 11 For the past 30 years, Hashim VP, a native of Pappinisseri, has been selling sugarcane juice in front of the Jawahar Municipal Stadium in Kannur, quietly turning his small roadside business into a gateway to the world. What began as a modest means of livelihood gradually became the source of his greatest passion - travelling. He has travelled to 10 countries so far. Over the years, Hashim has travelled to Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Malaysia, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, turning his love for travel into a lifelong pursuit. He now plans to visit China in the coming months, accompanied by his wife and elder brother. Speaking to ANI, Hashim said, "I travelled to 10 countries so far, including Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Malaysia, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. The last trip I did was to Turkey; it is beautiful. Now, after 3 months, I'm planning to visit China." With the income earned from selling sugarcane juice, Hashim has explored destinations far beyond his hometown, always accompanied by his wife Haseena. His first international journey gave him an experience that opened the doors to more adventures. Since then, he has travelled extensively across India and ventured abroad to ten countries. Recalling the beginning of his journey, the 67-year-old said that his first trip to Delhi was in 2012. At the time, June and July were off-season for his business, and he would usually close his shop and stay at home. However, a conversation with his elder brother changed his outlook on life. His brother spoke to him about the importance of travel and the experiences it offers, sparking a passion within him. "From then on, I have not stopped travelling and continue to explore new places whenever I can," he said. - ANI Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for a fundamental review of two longstanding border memorandums of understanding with Cambodia, citing outdated technology and standards. However, he noted his caretaker administration cannot enact binding changes ahead of fresh elections, with border issues becoming a prominent campaign topic. The United States has announced a $45 million aid package to support a fragile ceasefire and implement peace accords following recent deadly clashes. The fighting, rooted in colonial-era border claims, had displaced hundreds of thousands and left over 100 people dead. Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul urges revision of outdated border MoUs with Cambodia, as the issue heats up election campaigns and a US aid package supports a fragile ceasefire. Bangkok, January 11 Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has renewed calls for a fundamental review of two long-standing memorandums of understanding with Cambodia governing unresolved land and maritime border disputes, arguing that advances in technology and internationally recognised standards make the existing frameworks outdated, reports Bangkok Post. Speaking this week, Anutin said the MoU signed in 2000, which covers land border demarcation, and the one signed in 2001, dealing with overlapping maritime areas, should be revised or replaced altogether. He suggested a new, updated framework -- potentially under a different title -- that would reflect modern surveying methods and clearer legal principles. However, Anutin stressed that his caretaker administration could not push through binding changes, as parliament has already been dissolved ahead of fresh elections. The government's immediate responsibility, he said, was to preserve stability and prevent confusion until a new administration takes office, reported Bangkok Post. The prime minister also addressed the broader security situation along the Thai-Cambodian border, saying he had been informed that "conditions were calm and under control, though authorities remained on alert following recent clashes." Border issues have become a prominent campaign topic in Thailand as political parties mobilise ahead of the next election. On Saturday, Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom and the party's Bangkok District 2 candidate, Isaraporn Narin, staged a campaign event in central Bangkok, criticising the use of Cambodia's preferred 1:200,000-scale maps. Warong argued that such maps were inaccurate and ignored historical evidence supporting Thailand's interpretation of the watershed line, evidence he said had been recognised by the International Court of Justice. He also questioned the application of LiDAR technology, claiming that measuring the current watershed using the method had resulted in Thailand losing territory on the far side of mountain ranges. In his view, Cambodia stood to gain under MoU 43, explaining why Phnom Penh had pushed for urgent talks under the Joint Boundary Commission. He added that MoU 44 should be scrapped altogether. Meanwhile, the United States has stepped in to support a fragile ceasefire between the two neighbours, announcing a US$45 million aid package aimed at reinforcing stability after weeks of deadly fighting, reported Al Jazeera. Michael DeSombre, the US assistant secretary for East Asia, said Washington would provide US$20 million to help the two neighbouring countries combat drug trafficking and cybercrime, problems that have intensified along the border. An additional US$15 million will go towards border stabilisation and assistance for displaced civilians, while US$10 million has been earmarked for de-mining and the clearance of unexploded ordnance. The funding is intended to support the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, signed in October in the presence of US President Donald Trump. Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia had renewed in July last year and then in December. After three weeks of fighting, defence ministers from both countries signed a renewed pact on December 27, committing to implement the October deal. The ceasefire, agreed on December 27, ended nearly three weeks of fighting that left more than 100 people dead and forced over half a million from their homes on both sides of the border. At the heart of the fighting lies competing claims over sections of their shared border, originally drawn during the colonial era. Several disputed areas include ancient temple ruins claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia. - ANI Official data reveals a sharp 40% decline in trade volume between Afghanistan and Pakistan, dropping by $695 million in 2025. The closure of major crossings like Torkham and Spin Boldak for nearly three months has severely disrupted freight movement. Economic experts are urging Afghanistan to develop alternative trade corridors through Iran and Central Asia to reduce dependency on Pakistan. The ongoing political tensions have also resulted in significant financial losses for traders and the forced return of Afghan migrants from Pakistan. Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan fell by $695 million in 2025 due to prolonged border closures at Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings. Kabul, January 11 Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has dropped by 40 per cent, due to continued disruptions in commercial routes between the two countries amid border disputes, Tolo News reported quoting reports by the Taliban commerce and industry ministry. Official data showed that in 2024, the total trade volume between the two countries reached USD 2.461 billion. However, in 2025, it fell to USD 1.766 billion, marking a significant decline of USD 695 million. During the same period, Afghanistan's exports to Pakistan dropped from USD 817 million to USD 505 million, while imports decreased from USD 1.644 billion to USD 1.261 billion. A spokesperson of Taliban, Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad told Tolo News, "In 2024, imports from Pakistan were valued at USD 1.644 billion, but in 2025, they declined to USD 1.261 billion. The figures clearly show a steep reduction in trade compared to the previous year." Economic analysts stress that Afghanistan should not rely on a single trade partner or transit route. They argue that developing alternative corridors through Iran, Central Asia, and air cargo links could reduce dependency on Pakistan and contribute to long-term economic stability. Mir Shakir Yaqubi, an economic affairs expert was cited by Tolo News as saying, "To ensure trade security in Afghanistan, we must avoid over-dependence on one country. Exploring and developing alternatives will lead to stronger economic growth." Major commercial crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, such as Torkham and Spin Boldak, have remained fully closed for nearly three months due to political tensions on the Pakistani side. These closures have led to repeated halts in freight movement and financial losses for traders on both sides. So far, neither government has announced a timeline or plan to resolve the issue and restore normal trade flows. Deported Afghan migrants from Pakistan shared their plight as they arrived back empty-handed in large numbers in Afghanistan, Tolo News reported. According to the publication the Afghan migrants shared that they have left all their belongings behind and returned to Afghanistan empty-handed. - ANI South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo has departed for Washington to address US concerns over a recently revised domestic digital law. The US State Department has stated the amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act could harm US-based online platforms and undermine free expression. Minister Yeo aims to clarify the government's policy intentions, which he believes have been misunderstood, during meetings with US trade officials and lawmakers. The public concerns voiced by a US Under Secretary highlight potential diplomatic and trade tensions between the two allies. South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo travels to Washington to explain a controversial online law revision that has sparked US concerns over free expression. Seoul, Jan 11 Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo on Sunday departed for Washington amid US concerns over a recent revision to a South Korean law aimed at addressing false and fabricated online information. "We need to explain the government's exact policy intentions regarding the domestic digital legislation," Yeo told Yonhap News Agency ahead of his departure at Incheon International Airport. The U.S. State Department has expressed concerns over the revision of the South Korean law, saying it could negatively affect U.S. online platforms and undermine free expression. "It appears that our exact policy intentions may have been misunderstood," Yeo said, noting he plans to meet with officials from the United States Trade Representative, key U.S. lawmakers and business representatives during the visit. The State Department has expressed "significant concerns" over a recently passed revision to a South Korean law aimed at addressing false and fabricated online information, saying that it would negatively affect U.S. online platforms and undermine free expression. A spokesperson of the department made the remarks in response to questions from Yonhap News Agency, after Korea's Cabinet approved a motion to promulgate the amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act, following the National Assembly's passage of the revision. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers also voiced concerns over the revision in social media posts -- in a public display of concern over the revision that stoked worries over the possibility of diplomatic and trade tension between the two countries. "The United States has significant concerns with the ROK government's approval of an amendment to the Network Act that negatively impacts the business of U.S.-based online platforms and undermines free expression," the spokesperson said. ROK is short for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. "The ROK should not impose unnecessary barriers around digital services. The United States opposes censorship and remains dedicated to working with the ROK to promote a free and open digital environment for all," the official added. - IANS US President Donald Trump has renewed threats against Iran, stating the United States is "ready to help" and would "get involved" if Iranian authorities kill peaceful protesters. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the remarks as interventionist and reflective of Washington's continued hostility. Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities over a sharp currency devaluation and long-standing economic difficulties. Meanwhile, the Iranian military, under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has pledged to defend national interests and accused Israel of conspiring to undermine security. US President Donald Trump renews threats against Iran, saying the US is "ready to help" as protests continue over economic hardship. Washington, Jan 11 US President Donald Trump said that the United States "stands ready to help" concerning the situation in Iran as he claimed Iran is "looking at FREEDOM," renewing his threats against the Middle Eastern country. "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump and other senior US officials have repeatedly warned that Washington would take action if Iran "kills peaceful protesters," Xinhua news agency reported. "If they start killing people ... we will get involved," Trump told reporters on Friday, adding that "that doesn't mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts." Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday condemned what it described as "interventionist and deceptive" remarks by the Trump administration about the unrest, saying they reflected Washington's continued hostility toward the Iranian people. Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism. Meanwhile, the Iranian military pledged to defend national interests, protect strategic infrastructure and public property amid ongoing protests, and urged Iranians to unite to "thwart the enemy's plots," according to state broadcaster IRIB. In a statement, the military accused Israel and "hostile terrorist organizations" of "attempting to undermine order and peace in cities and disrupt public security through another conspiracy," and of "trying to incite another rebellion in the name of supporting the Iranian people." It called on the public to remain vigilant and unite to "defeat the enemy's plots," saying Iran is "in the middle of a war." The statement said the army, together with other armed forces, "under the command" of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, would monitor enemy movements and resolutely defend national interests while protecting strategic infrastructure and public property. - IANS President Donald Trump publicly stated the United States is ready to help the Iranian people, posting messages of support on social media. US media reported that protests continued across Iran despite a severe nationwide internet blackout and tight security measures. Coverage detailed a symbolic protest in London where a demonstrator scaled the Iranian embassy and replaced the national flag. Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed the government would not back down against what it called vandalism. President Trump offers US assistance to Iranian protesters as media report nationwide internet shutdowns, security crackdowns, and demonstrations. Washington, Jan 11 President Donald Trump said the United States was ready to help Iranians, posting the message on social media as US media reported growing protests, tight security measures, and a near-total internet shutdown in Iran. "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" Trump wrote in a post. A few hours later, he shared another message pointing to a protest abroad, writing: "Protester scales Iranian Embassy in London, tears down regime flag, hoists pre-revolution symbol." US newspapers and television networks reported that the posts came as demonstrations continued across Iran. They said protests were taking place despite severe limits on communications. Video footage shared by Persian-language media outlets outside Iran showed crowds in several cities, though details were hard to confirm due to the blackout. Fox News reported that Iranian authorities sharply reduced internet access nationwide. The network cited monitoring groups and experts who said connectivity had dropped to extremely low levels. The reports said the shutdown affected basic services and made it difficult for people to communicate inside Iran or with the outside world. The same coverage said protesters called for major political change. In some places, they displayed symbols linked to Iran's former monarchy. US media cited rights groups that reported arrests and deaths as security forces moved to break up demonstrations in several cities. According to The New York Times, Trump has been briefed in recent days on new options for military strikes in Iran as he considers following through on his threat to attack the country for cracking down on protesters. Trump's second post highlighted an incident in London that drew wide attention in the American media. Fox News reported that a protester climbed onto the balcony of Iran's embassy, tore down the Islamic Republic's flag, and raised a pre-revolutionary Iranian symbol. The report said the act reflected solidarity protests by Iranians living abroad. According to Fox News, the protester scaled the embassy building in Kensington before replacing the flag. Police later responded. The report said the protest came as unrest inside Iran gained fresh international focus. The Washington Post reported that protests inside Iran continued despite warnings from senior leaders. It said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told the nation the government would not "back down" against what he described as vandalism. The paper said state television urged people to stay home and suggested those injured should not complain. Trump had earlier warned Iran against killing protesters. Other US officials publicly expressed support for protesters and praised what they called the courage of the Iranian people. - IANS Key Points Eli Lilly should see more strong results thanks to its key growth driver, tirzepatide. The drugmaker can fend off the rising competition in the weight loss market. Valuation shouldn't be a significant concern, either. 10 stocks we like better than Eli Lilly Over the past five years, Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) has been on a tear. It has made significant breakthroughs in the pharmaceutical space, and financial results have soared, with the stock price following suit. Last year, it became the first healthcare company to reach a $1 trillion market cap, although it has since lost some momentum. However, Eli Lilly's outlook remains bright. Despite intensifying competition within its most important therapeutic area, the company could be one of the best stocks you buy this year. Read on to discover why. Image source: Getty Images. Financial results will remain strong Eli Lilly is riding the wave of a booming weight management market. Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro in treating Type 2 diabetes and Zepbound in obesity, is performing exceptionally well. The medicine has earned other approvals, including for obstructive sleep apnea. The result? It is generating mouthwatering sales. Through the first nine months of 2025, tirzepatide's revenue was $24.8 billion. It overtook Keytruda as the world's best-selling medicine. And there is more where that came from. Don't expect tirzepatide's momentum to stop this year, or next. Some analysts have projected almost $62 billion in sales for the medicine by 2030. More clinical and regulatory milestones Several pharmaceutical and biotech companies are seeking to steal market share from Eli Lilly in the weight management field. Its eternal rival, Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), remains its biggest competitor, but others include Amgen and Pfizer. Unfortunately for them, Eli Lilly has produced clinical trial results that are second to none. Consider orforglipron, an oral weight loss and diabetes candidate that successfully completed phase 3 studies last year. Novo Nordisk recently earned approval for the first weight loss pill, an oral version of its anti-obesity medicine Wegovy, but orforglipron won't be far behind, considering it received a voucher from regulators that will allow for a one- to two-month review period, versus the usual 10 to 12 months. Orforglipron is already under consideration for approval, and Eli Lilly could receive word by the end of February. Then there is Eli Lilly's retatrutide, which delivered an extremely impressive mean weight loss of 28.7% at the highest dose in a phase 3 study -- a performance never seen in the industry until now. With these candidates in the pipeline, Eli Lilly should remain the top player in the anti-obesity niche. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a 'Shaurya Yatra' at the Somnath Temple as part of a national commemoration marking 1000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi lauded the event, stating it symbolizes India's decision to stop glorifying invaders and instead celebrate its own culture and history. The temple, repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over centuries, was restored after independence by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with its consecration in 1951. The 2026 event also marks 75 years since that historic ceremony, reaffirming the temple's status as a living embodiment of India's enduring faith and civilisational pride. Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi praises PM Modi's historic Somnath visit, stating India now celebrates its culture over glorifying invaders. Somnath, January 11 Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Sunday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Shaurya Yatra to Somnath, calling it a historic event that will be remembered for years. He said the visit and the chants of 'Aum Namah Shivaay' symbolised India's enduring spirit and cultural pride. Sanghavi said, "Somnath is not an ordinary temple; it is a challenge given by India's soul to the invaders. Ghaznavi is no more, but Somnath still stands undefeated." He further stated, "Even after independence, there was hesitation to talk about history, faith and culture. During Somnath's redevelopment, people feared global opinion. Under PM Modi, India has decided to stop glorifying invaders and celebrate its culture and history." The occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to January 11, 2026, marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. Prime Minister Modi participated in a 'Shaurya Yatra' at Somnath as part of the four-day-long national commemoration celebrating 1000 years of unbroken faith and resilience. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. It represents courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit that preserved Somnath through centuries of adversity. Ahead of the yatra, 108 horses of the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit arrived to participate in the event. The attack marked the beginning of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over centuries. Despite this, Somnath never ceased to exist in the collective consciousness of the people. The cycle of the temple's devastation and revival is unparalleled in world history. It demonstrated that Somnath was never merely a stone structure, but a living embodiment of belief, identity, and civilisational pride. On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, viewing its restoration as essential to reviving India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public participation, culminated in the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then-President Rajendra Prasad. In 2026, the nation marks 75 years since the historic 1951 ceremony, reaffirming India's civilisational self-respect. Revered as the first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple complex stands majestically along the Arabian Sea, crowned by a 150-foot shikhar, symbolising enduring faith and national resolve. - ANI Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has arrived in Washington D.C. to participate in a Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting, emphasizing the vital need for secure supply chains. India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission with a total planned investment of approximately Rs 34,300 crore to achieve self-reliance. These minerals are essential for the country's ambitious clean energy targets, including solar power, wind energy, and electric vehicles. The mission involves extensive exploration and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence to guide long-term strategy. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in US for Critical Minerals meet, highlights India's Rs 34,300 crore mission for clean energy supply chains. New Delhi, January 12 Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting, to be held on Monday in the United States. Vaishnaw arrived in Washington, DC, and emphasised that securing critical mineral supply chains is vital for India's goal of Viksit Bharat. "Arrived in Washington, D.C. Will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting tomorrow. Secure critical mineral supply chains are vital for our goal of Viksit Bharat," the Union Minister posted on X. India requires a steady supply of essential minerals to support its technological ambitions, sustain economic growth momentum, and reduce exposure to geopolitical risks. The Union Cabinet approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 with an expenditure of Rs 16,300 crore. State enterprises and private companies are expected to invest Rs 18,000 crore, bringing the total planned investment to approximately Rs 34,300 crore between 2024 and 2031. The NCMM was launched to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. Under this mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been tasked with conducting 1,200 exploration projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31. It also recommended setting up a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (CECM) to regularly update the mineral list and guide strategy. Critical minerals are essential for clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, EVs, and energy storage systems. To secure these resources, India launched the NCMM to ensure their long-term availability and processing. According to the release, Critical minerals such as silicon, tellurium, indium, and gallium are vital for the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells used in solar panels. India's current solar capacity of 64 GW is heavily dependent on these minerals. Rare earth elements like dysprosium and neodymium are used in permanent magnets for wind turbines. India aims to increase its wind energy capacity from 42 GW to 140 GW by 2030, necessitating a stable supply of these minerals. Lithium, nickel, and cobalt are key materials used in lithium-ion batteries. Under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), India plans to deploy 6-7 million EVs by 2024, leading to increased demand for these critical minerals. Lithium-ion batteries used in advanced energy storage systems depend on lithium, cobalt, and nickel. - ANI US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to meet with Danish officials next week to discuss Greenland, reigniting a long-standing interest from the Trump administration in acquiring the Arctic territory. The push has involved mixed signals, with a stated preference for purchase but Vice President JD Vance not dismissing military action to defend American interests. Greenlandic and Danish leaders have forcefully rejected the idea, with Greenland's minister calling U.S. pressure a "point of no return" and Denmark's PM warning any military action would dismantle NATO. The situation has created significant tension within the NATO alliance, despite an existing Cold War-era agreement granting the U.S. military access in Greenland. US Secretary Marco Rubio to meet Danish officials on Greenland's future, as Trump's interest in acquiring the Arctic territory stirs NATO tensions. Washington DC, January 11 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he expects to hold talks with Danish officials next week about Greenland, as European governments respond to renewed pressure from the Trump administration over the Arctic island's future. Greenland is a self-governing territory under Danish sovereignty, reported The New York Times. Rubio's remarks to reporters on Wednesday followed a revival of President Donald Trump's long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, a push that appears to have gained momentum after a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro. Earlier this week, Rubio told members of Congress that Trump's preference is to purchase Greenland rather than seize it by force. However, Vice President JD Vance declined to dismiss military action during a Fox News interview on Wednesday. When asked how far the United States might go, Vance said the president was "willing to go as far as he has to" to "defend American interests", as reported by The New York Times. Vance also repeated Trump's argument that Greenland is critical to U.S. national security and claimed Denmark is not doing enough to safeguard the territory. In response, European leaders issued a joint statement on Tuesday underscoring that Arctic security must be based on respect for the United Nations Charter, including national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders, as per the New York Times. Greenland's foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, said on Facebook that the governments of Greenland and Denmark had requested an urgent meeting with Rubio due to "increasingly outspoken statements regarding Greenland." She added that an earlier request for talks had received no response and emphasized that "it is important that all parties involved are given the opportunity to express their views directly and openly," Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland's minister for business and natural resources, told DealBook that U.S. pressure had pushed the territory toward what she called "a point of no return." Denmark's foreign ministry said it was unable to immediately confirm whether a meeting with Rubio had been scheduled. Greenland is lightly populated and governs itself in many areas, but it remains within the Kingdom of Denmark, which is a NATO member. Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland publicly in 2019 during his first presidency. After reelection in 2024, he suggested the United States could use force to acquire the island, as per the New York Times. That rhetoric was followed by visits from senior administration officials. Tensions escalated further last month when Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland; Landry said he would work "to make Greenland a part of the U.S." According to the New York Times, the administration's renewed stance has unsettled not only Danish and Greenlandic leaders but also European leaders in the NATO alliance. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned on Monday that any U.S. military action against Greenland would effectively dismantle NATO. She also noted that a purchase appears unlikely, as Denmark lacks the legal authority to sell the territory, and Greenland's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has consistently rejected the idea, reiterating that their "country is not for sale." Although a Cold War-era agreement already allows the United States significant freedom to expand its military presence in Greenland, no formal request to do so has been made, according to Jens Adser Srensen, a former senior official in Denmark's parliament. - ANI US Central Command announced that American forces, alongside partners, executed large-scale strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria. The operation, ordered by President Donald Trump, is a direct response to a December 13th ambush in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the message of relentless pursuit against those who harm American personnel. The strikes are part of the sustained "Operation Hawkeye Strike," aimed at disrupting ISIS networks and preventing further attacks. US forces conduct large-scale strikes against ISIS in Syria, ordered by President Trump in response to a deadly December ambush on American personnel. Washington, Jan 11 US Central Command said American forces, working with partner forces, carried out large-scale strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria, in an operation ordered after a deadly December attack on US personnel. The strikes took place on Saturday at about 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time and were conducted as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched and announced on December 19, 2025, CENTCOM said. US officials said the operation was directed by President Donald Trump in response to a December 13 attack on US and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria. That ambush, which the US military attributed to an ISIS terrorist, killed two American soldiers and a US civilian interpreter. "These strikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike," CENTCOM said, describing the campaign as a direct response to the Palmyra attack. The US military said Saturday's strikes targeted ISIS positions across Syria and were aimed at preventing further attacks on American and partner forces operating in the region. "The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region," CENTCOM said in a statement. The command said US and coalition forces remain determined to pursue ISIS militants who continue to pose a threat. "US and coalition forces remain resolute in pursuing terrorists who seek to harm the United States," the statement said. CENTCOM did not immediately provide details on the number of targets struck, the specific locations hit, or the type of weapons used. The military also did not release an assessment of damage or say whether there were any casualties resulting from the strikes. US officials framed the operation as part of a broader effort to deter attacks on American forces deployed overseas and to signal that assaults on US personnel would be met with force. "Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice," the CENTCOM statement said. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed that message in a brief post on social media after the strikes were announced. "We will never forget, and never relent," Hegseth wrote on X. Operation Hawkeye Strike was announced last month as a sustained campaign rather than a single retaliatory action. US officials have said the operation is intended to disrupt ISIS networks and prevent the group from rebuilding its operational capacity. - IANS The US State Department has issued an urgent warning for all American citizens in Venezuela to depart the country immediately due to a severe and fluid security situation. The advisory cites risks from armed militias, kidnapping, terrorism, and arbitrary detention under the current Level 4 "Do Not Travel" classification. This comes after recent US military action targeting Venezuelan leadership, which drew international condemnation. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has indicated that diplomatic engagement with current Venezuelan authorities is likely in the near future. The US State Department warns Americans to leave Venezuela due to armed militias, kidnappings, and severe security risks. Level 4 travel advisory in effect. Washington, Jan 11 The US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs on Saturday warned that as international flights have resumed, US citizens in Venezuela "should leave the country immediately." The bureau said in a post on X that the security situation in Venezuela "remains fluid" and there are "reports of groups of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of US citizenship or support for the United States." US citizens are advised to "remain vigilant and exercise caution" when traveling by road and to monitor airlines' communications and websites for updated information, Xinhua news agency reported. "Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level -- Level 4: Do Not Travel -- due to severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure," the bureau said. The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of January 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. Meanwhile, earlier on Friday President Donald Trump said that he expects to meet representatives of Venezuela's current leadership soon, signaling a possible diplomatic engagement following recent US actions and a shift in relations between the two countries. Speaking to reporters, Trump said discussions with Venezuelan figures were likely in the near term, though no formal date had been set. "I will be meeting with various representatives of Venezuela, probably pretty soon," Trump said. He said the relationship between Washington and those currently running Venezuela had improved significantly. "The relationship that we have with the people that are currently running Venezuela is very good," Trump said. Trump said the United States was dealing directly with Venezuelan authorities in a way that avoided further escalation. "We're dealing with the people from Venezuela," he said. "We're dealing with them very well." He suggested that recent US military action and pressure had created leverage that prevented further conflict. - IANS Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, has vowed not to rest until President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are returned to the country after being seized by US forces. Rodriguez made the pledge at a community event, asserting there is no leadership uncertainty and calling for national unity. The US military operation on January 3, which captured Maduro, has drawn international condemnation. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claims Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners in a "BIG WAY," crediting direct US action for the development. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez vows to secure Nicolas Maduro's return after US seizure, as Trump claims credit for Venezuela releasing political prisoners. Caracas, Jan 11 Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez pledged to realize the return of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were seized by the United States on January 3. Speaking at a community event in Miranda state on Saturday, Rodriguez said there was no uncertainty about Venezuela's leadership or governing program, Xinhua news agency reported. "There is no uncertainty here. The Venezuelan people are in charge, and there is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro," she said, calling for unity to guarantee peace, stability and the country's future. Rodriguez vowed not to rest "for a single minute" until Maduro and Flores return to Venezuela. She noted that a year ago, she was sworn in alongside Maduro at the start of his third term, adding that "today, one year later, we are swearing for his freedom." Rodriguez said national unity would be decisive in what she described as the effort to "rescue" Maduro, reaffirming that her government continues to implement the seven lines of action set by Maduro. US forces carried out military strikes in Caracas and three other Venezuelan cities on January 3, an operation that led to the seizure of Maduro and Flores. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners, crediting direct US action for what he described as a major development and issuing a sharp warning to those being freed. In a message posted on social media, Trump said the release process had begun "in a BIG WAY," framing it as a result of American intervention in Venezuela's internal affairs. "Venezuela has started the process, in a BIG WAY, of releasing their political prisoners. Thank you!" Trump wrote. The President directly linked the move to US involvement, suggesting the outcome would not have occurred without American pressure. "I hope those prisoners will remember how lucky they got that the USA came along and did what had to be done," he said. - IANS Foreign representatives at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot expressed strong optimism about expanding business ties with India. A Kyrgyzstan representative praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and emphasized a desire for mutual investment. The Ukrainian Ambassador highlighted past successful cooperation and expressed hope for President Zelensky's visit to India. Attendees noted the conference provides a crucial platform for building connections and discussed future cooperation, including post-war rebuilding support for Ukraine. Foreign envoys at Vibrant Gujarat express strong optimism for expanding business and investment cooperation with India, praising PM Modi's leadership. Rajkot, Jan 11 Foreign representatives at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot on Sunday expressed strong optimism about expanding business ties and long-term cooperation with India. Highlighting the growing global confidence in India as a key investment partner, they hailed the conference as a valuable platform to deepen engagement between investors from both countries. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan representative, Kalybek Uulu Bekturgan, said the conference offers a valuable platform to deepen engagement between investors from both countries. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and said Kyrgyzstan is keen to encourage mutual investments, strengthen friendship, and expand cooperation with India in the coming years. "We aim to focus on encouraging investment from India to my country, and from my country to India, strengthening friendship and cooperation between our two nations," he said. Ambassador of Ukraine to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, also underlined the success of past business cooperation between India and Ukraine. He said bilateral projects were valued at nearly $4 billion before the war. "We look forward to welcoming President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, hopefully this year in India, and to the Intergovernmental Commission, where we can discuss in more detail the projects we can undertake together, both in India and Ukraine," he stated. Kateryna Bila, wife of the Ukrainian Ambassador, said the conference created meaningful opportunities for Ukraine to connect with Indian companies. She added that once the war ends, Ukraine will need strong support from friendly nations like India to rebuild its economy and infrastructure. "This event provides an opportunity for partner nations, like Ukraine, to build connections with Indian companies," Bola added. "When we win the war, we will need significant assistance from India to rebuild our country," she mentioned. - IANS Rwanda's High Commissioner praised the growing strategic ties with India, recalling PM Modi's 2018 visit and highlighting Rwanda's rapid economic growth and ease of doing business. Ukraine's Ambassador commended PM Modi's global statesmanship and outlined significant business opportunities for Indian companies in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. The Vibrant Gujarat Summit, launched in 2003 by Narendra Modi, has evolved into a premier global platform for investment and partnership. It has been pivotal in driving Gujarat's manufacturing, infrastructure, and port-led development while bolstering India's economic diplomacy. Rwanda and Ukraine officials commend PM Modi's global statesmanship and highlight investment opportunities at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Ahmedabad, Jan 11 Rwanda's High Commissioner, Jacqueline Mukangira, lauded the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference on Sunday and underlined the warm and growing ties between India and Rwanda. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2018 visit to Kigali, where he presented 200 Gir cows to economically vulnerable families, she expressed deep appreciation for the gesture. She noted that Rwanda's President has visited India five times and attended the 2017 Vibrant Gujarat Summit, reflecting the strategic depth in bilateral relations shaped by the leadership of both nations. Mukangira described Rwanda as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, backed by a strict zero-tolerance policy on corruption. She highlighted the country's 11.8 per cent economic growth in the first quarter of 2025 and its top ranking in Africa in the World Bank's 2024 Ease of Doing Business report, demonstrating strong governance and administrative transparency. Pointing to rising economic engagement, she said India is now Rwanda's second-largest foreign investor and trading partner. She added that Rwanda offers a visa-on-arrival for Indian nationals, valid for one month, further enabling business and cultural exchange. Ukraine's Ambassador, Oleksandr Polischuk, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has evolved from a national leader into a respected global statesman. Participating in Vibrant Gujarat for the sixth time, he praised the Prime Minister's efforts toward peace, including in Ukraine. Polischuk said Ukraine's post-war reconstruction presents significant business opportunities for Indian companies across sectors such as energy, logistics, construction, agriculture, industry and IT. He expressed hope for strong Indian participation at the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference set to be held in Poland later this year. He underscored the long-standing cooperation between India and Ukraine in traditional sectors like grain, pharmaceuticals and oil-partnerships that continue to bolster Ukraine's economy. Commending Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's leadership, he said Ukraine is proud to be a partner nation in a global platform like Vibrant Gujarat. Launched in 2003 by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Vibrant Gujarat emerged as a flagship global investors' summit aimed at repositioning Gujarat as an economic powerhouse and a preferred investment destination. What began as a post-earthquake revival initiative quickly transformed into one of India's most influential business platforms, attracting world leaders, Fortune 500 CEOs, global institutions and investors. Over successive editions, the summit expanded its scope from investment promotion to innovation, technology, sustainability and global partnerships. It played a pivotal role in shaping Gujarat's manufacturing growth, infrastructure push, port-led development and MSME expansion, while also strengthening India's economic diplomacy. Today, Vibrant Gujarat stands as a testament to two decades of continuity, policy stability and global trust-symbolising Gujarat's journey from resilience to global competitiveness. - IANS The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot highlighted the significant development in Saurashtra and Kutch over the past two decades, with industrialists expressing strong optimism for the future. Business leaders credited the Vibrant Gujarat initiative and long-term efforts for transforming the region into a hub of opportunity. The conference focused on key sectors like renewable energy, sustainability, and defence-related engineering goods. It served as a platform for structured meetings between government, businesses, and startups to foster further growth and investment. Business leaders laud two decades of development in Gujarat's Saurashtra and Kutch regions, highlighting future opportunities in engineering and defence. Rajkot, January 11 The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference witnessed a gathering of industrialists and business leaders, who lauded the development of Saurashtra and Kutch regions over the past 20 years. Prashant Ruia, Director at Essar Capital, expressed his optimism about the region's future, stating, "Amazing development has taken place in Saurashtra and Kutch in the last 20 years. There is a huge possibility of development here in the future." Ruia's sentiments were also repeated by Savji Dhanji Dholakia, Founder and Chairman of Hari Krishna Exports, who credited the Vibrant Gujarat initiative and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts for the region's growth. "Today, people have come to know what magic Vibrant Gujarat has done. PM Modi has been working for Vibrant Gujarat for the last 20 years. This has done wonders in Saurashtra and Kutch," Dholakia told ANI Preeti Patel, MD of Respian Enterprise, highlighted the potential of Rajkot as a hub for engineering goods, particularly in the defence sector. "Rajkot is the hub for engineering goods, and we want to take engineering goods to defence. It is a very good opportunity for Rajkot and Saurashtra. Several companies are getting a platform. We are very motivated." Patel told ANI The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) 2026 for the Saurashtra-Kutch region held on January 11 and 12 in Rajkot, with a strong focus on renewable energy, sustainability, and future-ready infrastructure. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the two-day conference. The conference hosted structured B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings, a vendor meet, and a startup felicitation programme, providing a platform for collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and innovators. Through VGRC 2026, Gujarat aims to reinforce its integrated approach to energy security, sustainability, and industrial competitiveness, while strengthening its role in India's journey towards energy independence and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. - ANI Actor Viineet Kumar Siingh has commenced 2026 by signing onto a new film directed by acclaimed Marathi filmmaker Vikram Phadnis. The project, which recently began filming with a traditional ceremony, promises a narrative focused on emotion and craft. Siingh, known for films like 'Mukkabaaz' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur', is expected to take on a layered role in this venture. He also celebrated the New Year personally by gifting his wife a new SUV. Actor Viineet Kumar Siingh starts 2026 with a new film directed by Vikram Phadnis, promising an emotional and nuanced role. Details inside. Mumbai, January 5 Actor Viineet Kumar Siingh has begun 2026 on a strong professional note as he gears up to star in an upcoming film directed by Vikram Phadnis, even as he also marked the New Year with a personal celebration by gifting his wife a new SUV. On the professional front, Viineet is set to star in an upcoming film directed by Vikram Phadnis, who is known for his acclaimed Marathi films 'Smile Please' and 'Hrudayantar', which earned praise for their emotional depth and strong storytelling. The film, which recently went on floors, brings together a strong creative team and an ensemble cast, promising a narrative rooted in emotion and craft. Viineet had earlier shared a behind-the-scenes moment from the film's first day, offering a glimpse of the project beginning with a traditional pooja, as per the press release. However, there are not much details shared about the project. "#NewYear #NewBeginnings ..Excited to bring this beautiful story to you all! Meanwhile, let's enjoy the process and make some magic," he wrote in the caption. As per the press release, the project could present Viineet in a layered, nuanced role. After a series of early performances, including 'City of Gold' (2010), he gained recognition with films such as 'Bombay Talkies' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur'. His roles in Ugly and Daas Dev earned acclaim, while his lead debut in Mukkabaaz (2018) won him two awards. Viineet was applauded for his role in 'Jaat', which also features Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda in the lead roles. His performance in Prime Video's 'Rangeen' is also being appreciated. - ANI Chad Michael Murray was relieved to be "humbled a bit" following the peak of his fame during the 2000s. Chad Michael Murray was relieved to be 'humbled' at the height of his fame The 44-year-old actor established himself as a big star during the decade with roles in shows such as One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek but admits that he wasn't entirely sure how to handle his ascension into the limelight. Chad told the Like A Farmer podcast: "I grabbed the bull by the horns and was like, 'Let's go. Let's go have some fun.' And we did. We had a lot of fun. "And do I look back and have a lot of regret? Of course. Like, what a crazy time. Like, I'm so grateful there were no camera phones around." The Gilmore Girls star revealed that he discovered more about himself through "screwing up" than he would have done had his career progression continued to soar. Chad said: "Because if I would have continued to keep winning, I think I probably would have destroyed myself. "I don't think winning was the answer at that time. I think God was like, 'All right, let's back off. Let's back the trolley down. Like, you need to be humbled just a bit.' I'm grateful for it, man." Murray explained that he has no regrets about finding fame at an early age as he thinks it has led him to where he is in life now. The Freakier Friday actor - who has three children with his wife Sarah Roemer - said: "If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing, you know, and the only reason I say that is because I wouldn't have my wife and kids. I wouldn't be where I am. "I probably wouldn't have refund the Lord. I probably wouldn't have been, like, as grateful as I am to go to work on a daily basis." Chad previously discussed how he found it hard to cope with "so many eyeballs" on him during his early years in the spotlight. He told Interview: "There was a moment where I was quitting. I was done. I just couldn't do it anymore. "It was because, when you're 18 to 25, these formidable years where you're really cutting your teeth on life experiences and your brain isn't fully developed, you make mistakes. I mean, gosh, we still screw up when we're grown-ups. "But I think it's hard for me to see past those moments when you're not adult enough to understand the scenarios that you're in." Key Takeaways President Trump said he had a "great meeting" with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, sending shares of the chipmaker soaring Friday. Trump said the government is "proud" to be a major Intel shareholder after taking a 10% stake in the chipmaker last year. Intel's stock hit its highest point in nearly two years Friday, thanks to a social media post. The chipmaker's stock was up nearly 10% in recent trading, making it one of the best-performing stocks in the S&P 500 Friday after President Trump praised Intel (INTC) CEO Lip-Bu Tan on social media. "I just finished a great meeting with the very successful Intel CEO, Lip-Bu Tan," Trump said in a Truth Social post Thursday, and that the U.S. government is "proud" to be an Intel shareholder. Just a few months earlier, Trump had pushed for Lip-Bu Tan to resign amid concerns about Tan's stakes in Chinese companies. However, Trump changed his tune just days later after meeting with the CEO in August, and brokered a deal that saw the U.S. government take a 10% stake in the chipmaker. Why This Matters to Investors Intel's stock has gotten a big boost from Trump's show of support, though it remains well off its historical highs as the embattled chipmaker works to convince investors of a sustainable turnaround in its business. A high-profile partnership with Nvidia (NVDA) followed not long after the government announced its stake, helped lift Intel's stock in the second half of last year, along with rumors about potential new customers. The shares nearly doubled in value last year, with most of those gains coming between early August and December. Intel's recent gains have also made the stock one of the top performers in the S&P 500 to start the year, with shares adding close to one-quarter of their value in January so far. A number of other semiconductor stocks followed Intel higher Friday, including Broadcom (AVGO), Micron Technology (MU), and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), contributing to a broader market rally that pushed the S&P 500 to a new high. Read the original article on Investopedia Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has sent a message through his lawyers from US custody, stating he is well and remains a fighter. His son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, relayed the message to ruling party leaders, emphasizing unity among supporters. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has pledged not to rest until Maduro and his wife are returned to Venezuela. The capture followed US military strikes in Caracas, an action that has drawn widespread international condemnation. Venezuelan President Maduro sends a defiant message from US detention. His son and acting president vow to secure his return amid international condemnation. Caracas, Jan 11 Venezuelan lawmaker Nicolas Maduro Guerra has said that his father, President Nicolas Maduro, sent a message through his lawyers saying he is in good condition and remains resolute while being held in the United States. "The lawyers told us they are strong and that we should not be sad," Guerra said while addressing leaders of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela on Saturday (local time). He quoted his father as saying: "We are well. I am a fighter." President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently held in the United States after US forces carried out military strikes in Caracas and three other Venezuelan cities on January 3, an operation that resulted in their capture. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern, reports Xinhua news agency. Maduro Guerra said his father remains unbroken, adding that the government and its supporters "are united and standing firm." "The strength of Chavismo lies in unity. Whatever happens, we must remain united," he said. Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Saturday pledged to secure the return of Maduro and his wife. Speaking at a community event in Miranda state, Rodriguez said there was no uncertainty about Venezuela's leadership or governing program. "There is no uncertainty here. The Venezuelan people are in charge, and there is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro," she said, calling for unity to guarantee peace, stability and the country's future. Rodriguez vowed not to rest "for a single minute" until Maduro and Flores return to Venezuela. She noted that a year ago, she was sworn in alongside Maduro at the start of his third term, adding that "today, one year later, we are swearing for his freedom." Rodriguez said national unity would be decisive in what she described as the effort to "rescue" Maduro, reaffirming that her government continues to implement the seven lines of action set by Maduro. - IANS Wildfires are raging across South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape provinces, with over 100,000 hectares of land burned in the Western Cape alone. Authorities have ordered evacuations in areas like Pearly Beach, prioritizing life safety amid dry, windy conditions. While no fatalities have been reported, a young girl was hospitalized and several firefighters treated for smoke inhalation. Officials have deployed significant aerial resources, including a military helicopter, to combat the widespread blazes affecting key tourist regions. Major wildfires rage in South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape, burning over 100,000 hectares and prompting evacuations. Officials urge high alert. Cape Town, Jan 11 Several wildfires continued to rage across South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape provinces, with more than 100,000 hectares of land burned in the Western Cape and further evacuations underway, authorities said. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde told public broadcaster SABC on Saturday that fires were affecting the entire Western Cape Province as well as parts of the neighboring Eastern Cape, Xinhua news agency reported. No fatalities have been reported so far, although a young girl was hospitalized in Mossel Bay and several firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation. Winde said that "more helicopters than ever" have been deployed to battle the fires, including a military helicopter. He added that more than 100,000 hectares have been burned across the province, with most infrastructure damage occurring in Mossel Bay, as well as in areas such as Du Noon in Cape Town and Pearly Beach. The Mossel Bay Municipality said on Saturday morning that while there were no active fires in the area, all teams would "remain on alert" due to dry and windy conditions. The Overstrand Municipality, where Pearly Beach is located, issued a statement about fire evacuations around noon on Saturday, saying that firefighting resources were under severe pressure, with two active fires in the area. "The first priority is to save lives," Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O'Neill said in the statement. "Residents of Eluxolweni and Broadway Street in Pearly Beach are being evacuated to the community hall." He also urged residents in other parts of the municipality to remain on high alert, warning that "evacuation may become necessary if conditions worsen." Meanwhile, in the Eastern Cape Province, the Kouga Municipality, one of the areas hardest hit by wildfires in recent days, said on Saturday that fire crews were still battling several blazes and that conditions remained volatile. In a statement issued late Friday, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane expressed "deep concern" over the wildfires engulfing parts of the province, noting that they were occurring during South Africa's peak summer tourism season and affecting key tourist destinations. "The premier called on residents, visitors and all road users in affected areas to exercise maximum vigilance and to strictly adhere to directives and evacuation instructions issued by disaster management officials, fire and emergency services, and law enforcement agencies deployed across the various fire hotspots in the province," the statement said. - IANS Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that government schemes under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have transformed India's development focus from women-centered welfare to women-led growth. He highlighted this shift during an event in Coimbatore, emphasizing policies that ensure dignity, security, and greater participation of women in nation-building. Puri also detailed India's progress in energy security, including biofuel blending and green hydrogen, as part of the Viksit Bharat vision. He cited specific achievements like over four crore houses under PMAY being registered in women's names and the dignity provided by Swachh Bharat Mission toilets. Union Minister Hardeep Puri highlights shift to women-led growth, energy security, and reforms placing India on track to become 3rd largest economy. New Delhi, Jan 11 Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said that government schemes under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have transformed India's development journey by shifting the focus from women-centred welfare to women-led growth, ensuring dignity, security and greater participation of women in nation-building. Puri was speaking after an interaction with professionals, industry leaders, academicians, entrepreneurs and students at the 'Professionals Connect 2026' conclave organised by the Tamil Nadu BJP Professional Cell in Coimbatore. He described Coimbatore as a city that reflects enterprise, discipline and quiet confidence. "India's quest towards achieving energy security by strengthening and expanding the energy infrastructure across the entire hydrocarbons value chain, and the focus on green energy transition also play a key role in this journey of Viksit Bharat under PM Modi's leadership," Puri wrote on X. "I have had the privilege of being associated with several of PM Modi's visionary schemes that changed lives for the better and evoked interest around the world. These schemes have shifted the narrative from women-centred development to women-led development," he added. During the discussion, Puri highlighted the positive impact of the Modi government's reforms and policies, saying they have strengthened the India growth story and placed the country on track to become the world's third-largest economy. He added that the benefits of these reforms have reached all sections of society, leading to unprecedented levels of social and financial inclusion. The minister also spoke about India's push towards energy security, with a strong focus on expanding energy infrastructure across the hydrocarbons value chain while accelerating the green energy transition. He said India has already achieved 20 per cent biofuel blending and is making steady progress in future fuels such as green hydrogen as part of the vision of a developed India. He pointed out that over four crore houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have been registered in the name of women or jointly with them, with another three crore houses announced in 2024. "Toilets built under the Swachh Bharat Mission have provided dignity and safety to girls, often being referred to as 'izzat ghars'," he added. - IANS Yemen's internationally recognized government, led by Rashad al-Alimi, has announced the recapture of the Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces from the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC). This claim followed a Saudi-backed military offensive and came as thousands rallied in Aden in support of southern independence, waving flags of the former South Yemen. The STC initially announced its dissolution under pressure but swiftly reversed the decision, declaring it "null and void" and calling for further protests. The developments highlight deepening fractures within the anti-Houthi coalition, with Saudi Arabia accusing the United Arab Emirates of supporting the STC. Yemen's recognized government claims control of southern regions as secessionist rallies erupt in Aden. Saudi-UAE tensions rise over STC support. Aden, January 11 Yemen's internationally recognised government has claimed it has retaken parts of southern and eastern Yemen from the Southern Transitional Council, as thousands gathered in Aden to rally behind the secessionist group, Al Jazeera reported. Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Saudi Arabia-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), said on Saturday that government forces had regained control over two key regions and re-established authority across southern Yemen. "As the president of the country and the high commander of the armed forces, I want to assure you of the recapture of Hadramout and al-Mahra," he said. Al-Alimi said the government has called former STC members to Riyadh for talks on Yemen's future, adding that military forces in the country will now operate under the command of the Saudi-led coalition. Al Jazeera reported that the statement followed a Saudi-backed offensive that expelled the STC from the provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra, areas the group had seized towards the end of last year. The two provinces border Saudi Arabia and together make up nearly half of Yemen's territory. According to Al Jazeera, the confrontations have also underscored growing friction between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Saudi authorities accusing the UAE of supporting the STC. Al-Alimi's comments came as large crowds assembled in Aden, an STC stronghold, amid conflicting reports over whether the group would be disbanded. Protesters in the Khor Maksar district chanted against Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government and waved the flag of former South Yemen, which existed as an independent state between 1967 and 1990. "Today, the people of the south gathered from all provinces in the capital, Aden, to reiterate what they have been saying consistently for years and throughout the last month: We want an independent state," a protester told a news agency. Some demonstrators held photos of STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who has fled the country, while others shouted, "Southerner, raise your voice, independence or death," Al Jazeera reported. The protests took place despite Saudi-backed groups urging people on Friday not to demonstrate. Saudi Arabia and the UAE earlier worked together within a coalition fighting Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's civil war, but ties have strained as the STC stepped up its push for secession. After weeks of Saudi-led attempts to de-escalate, Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia launched an operation against the STC, forcing it out of Hadramout, the presidential palace in Aden, and military camps in al-Mahra, Al Jazeera reported. An STC delegation travelled to Riyadh earlier this week for talks, though Zubaidi did not take part. The Saudi-led coalition accused the UAE of facilitating his escape on a flight tracked to a military airport in Abu Dhabi. On Friday, the STC delegation in Riyadh announced the dissolution of the group. Secretary-General Abdulrahman Jalal al-Sebaihi said the STC would shut down its bodies and offices inside and outside Yemen, citing internal disagreements and growing regional pressure. However, the STC later said it held an "extraordinary meeting" after the announcement and declared it "null and void", saying the decision had been made "under coercion and pressure". It renewed calls for mass protests in southern cities and warned against attempts targeting the group's "peaceful activities", Al Jazeera reported. The Yemeni government's armed forces said on Saturday that it would "strike firmly and decisively against anyone who seeks to tamper with security or disrupt public order", without referencing the demonstrations. Separately, Al Jazeera reported that al-Alimi also issued a warning to the Houthis, who control northern Yemen, saying they can "negotiate a settlement with us... or you will face repercussions, including the potential for a military action". The Houthis seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and claim to be the only legitimate authority across Yemen. The group does not recognise the Presidential Leadership Council. - ANI Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. Congress accuses LDF govt of 'misusing' public money for political campaign Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 17:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kochi, Jan 11 (PTI) Opposition Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of carrying out political activities by misusing" money from the state exchequer under the pretext of seeking public opinion on development issues. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, V D Satheesan, alleged that the government was spending crores of rupees on the propaganda using party volunteers keeping an eye on the upcoming assembly polls. He warned the government of legal and political action if the said exercise was not withdrawn. The Kerala government is carrying out election-related activities by spending crores of rupees under the pretext of seeking public opinion on development issues," Satheesan alleged. By spending money from the state exchequer, party members are being made volunteers and sent for a door-to-door campaign with pamphlets highlighting the governments achievements," he further alleged. We have no objection to them carrying out election activities using their party machinery. But if this programme is conducted using public funds, we will fight a legal battle to any extent and ensure that the money is recovered," Satheesan told reporters. The election campaigning should not be carried out at government expense, he said. Questioning the timing of the exercise, the LoP asked why public opinion on development was being sought after 10 years in power and just weeks ahead of the announcement of elections. He alleged that the real objective of the respective exercise was to distribute pamphlets praising the government. He further claimed that a letter issued by the CPI(M) asking party workers to participate in the programme had surfaced, and said the practice of paying party workers from government funds to carry out political activities would not be accepted in Kerala. When reporters asked about the Sabarimala gold loss case, Satheesan said whoever committed the crime must be punished. When the tantri (chief priest) was arrested, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which investigates the case, had a responsibility to explain how he became an accused. Whether a mantri (minister) is arrested or a tantri (chief priest) is held, the nature of their involvement in the crime must be clearly stated, he said. When former Devaswom Board presidents were arrested, the reason was explained. If a former minister is arrested tomorrow, it must be clearly stated why the arrest was made," he added. He also alleged that pressure had been exerted on the SIT from the Chief Ministers Office, a matter which, he claimed, had been noted by the court. The law must take its own course," he said. PTI LGK KH News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 17:45 IST News agency-feeds Congress accuses LDF govt of 'misusing' public money for political campaign Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi court grants bail to man accused in POCSO case Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 22:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jan 11 (PTI) A Delhi court has granted bail to a man accused of raping a minor girl, saying the victim did not allege forcible penetrative sexual assault, nor did her family members oppose the bail plea. Additional Sessions Judge Mona Tardi Kerketta was hearing the bail plea of the man, who was 23 at the time of the alleged rape of the 17-year-old girl. The accused had been in jail since last November after a case was registered against him under the penal provision for rape and under Section 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. In the order dated January 6, the court noted that a complaint had been registered by the victims sister, which said the minor girl was missing. After investigation, it was found that she had eloped with the accused to Agra and married him, and that the couple had an eight-month-old girl. It said the aggravating circumstances" for the grant of bail in a POCSO case, as laid down by the Supreme Court, did not exist in the present matter. The age difference between them is not vast, as the accused was about 23 and the victim about 17 at the time of the alleged incident. There is no allegation of forcible sexual assault, nor is there an allegation of any kind of physical violence or abuse by the accused," the court said. The victim and her family members did not oppose the bail plea and, in fact, requested that the accused be granted the relief so that he could support the victim and her minor child, it said. The victim, though not major, was not of such a tender age that she could not understand the implication of her sexual relationship with the accused," the court observed. It said that in the name of investigation, police merely produced the victim before the child welfare committee, recorded her statement before a magistrate, obtained a blood sample of the accused and issued notice to the first attended school of the victim for providing her age-related documents. The accused has been in judicial custody since November 24, 2025, and admittedly, custodial interrogation is not required for further investigation. The victim has also not made any allegations of forceful penetrative sexual assault against the accused in any of her statements," the court noted, and granted the accused bail on furnishing personal and surety bonds of Rs 25,000 each. Other conditions of bail included the accused joining the investigation when required, not influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, and appearing regularly to face trial. PTI MNR ARI ARI News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 22:30 IST News agency-feeds Delhi court grants bail to man accused in POCSO case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Billionaire Mark Cuban underscored the critical role of artificial intelligence in the business world, saying that while it is stupid, it remembers everything. Cuban highlighted the importance of AI during a call with Clipbook founder Adam Joseph. He stated, Theres going to be two types of companies: those who are great at AI, and everybody else, adding that the latter are doomed to failure as AI is a transformative tool. According to Cuban, AI can significantly benefit businesses that implement it effectively. However, he also cautioned that misuse of AI could turn a potentially beneficial tool into a costly distraction. AI is stupid. But its somebody whos a savant that remembers everything, Cuban said. As per the report by the Insider, Cuban stressed the importance for business leaders to understand the nuances and differences between various AI tools, and not to treat them as interchangeable. While acknowledging the hype surrounding AI, Cuban also pointed out the technologys limitations, noting that AI tools can be error-prone yet overly confident. He warned that businesses that underestimate the power of AI are at risk of disruption. Additionally, Cuban emphasized the need to protect intellectual property in the AI era, warning businesses against indiscriminately sharing their work online as they could unintentionally provide valuable data to web-scraping chatbots. Cubans comments underscore the growing importance of AI in the business world. As technology continues to evolve, companies that fail to adapt and effectively utilize AI could find themselves falling behind. Cubans warning serves as a reminder to businesses to not only implement AI but to do so effectively, understanding the nuances of different tools and protecting their intellectual property in the process. Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: This article Here's Why Mark Cuban Says AI Is 'Stupid'and How That Could Affect Your Job or Business originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Delhi Police arrest three shooters of the Himanshu Bhau gang Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 07:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], January 11 (ANI): Delhi Polices team of special cell has arrested three shooters of the Himanshu Bhau gang in an attempt to murder case, which occurred in the Bawana area, officials said.According to the Delhi Police, the police also recovered various weapons, including a sophisticated pistol and three live cartridges, from each of the accused persons. Additionally, one stolen motorcycle has also been recovered from the accused.Vicky Haddal, a resident of Pooth Khurd, was operating the Himanshu Bhau gang from abroad. Due to personal enmity, Haddal allegedly instructed the arrested accused to fire at Yamin Chandu, a resident of Sultanpur Dabas, to avenge the murder of his uncle, Dharambir, who was earlier killed by Yamin Chandus nephew, the police stated.On December 8, while Yamin Chandu was travelling towards Sultanpur Dabas, the accused were waiting near a community centre on a motorcycle. They deliberately hit his scooty, causing him to fall, and then opened fire on him. However, Yamin escaped unhurt. Investigations later revealed that the accused had conducted a recce of the area a day before the incident.Subsequently, acting on specific information about the movement of shooters associated with the Himanshu Bhau gang in the Rohini area, police apprehended three gang members, Punit, Aniket and Mohit on January 3.The accused have been arrested in accordance with the law, and further investigation is underway. Meanwhile, in one of the most alarming cybercrime investigations in recent years, the IFSO Unit, Special Cell, Delhi Police, has dismantled a highly sophisticated international cyber fraud syndicate that weaponised fear, terrorism narratives, and cutting-edge telecom manipulation to extort innocent citizens across India.Beginning September 2025, victims nationwide were subjected to phone calls from fraudsters impersonating officers of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), particularly from Uttar Pradesh. Citizens were falsely accused of links with terror attacks including Pahalgam and Delhi Blasts, warned of immediate arrest, and placed under so-called digital arrest", a psychological trap designed to force instant monetary transfers in the name of national security.The task of unravelling this syndicate was taken up by IFSO Unit. Initial investigations revealed that the gang was employing highly sophisticated telecom manipulation techniques to evade detection. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 07:15 IST News agency-feeds Delhi Police arrest three shooters of the Himanshu Bhau gang Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Goa govt to face tough questions on nightclub fire tragedy in winter session Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 22:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Panaji, Dec 11 (PTI) The winter session of the Goa legislative assembly beginning Monday is likely to witness heated arguments over the nightclub tragedy that claimed 25 lives and other issues. Governor P Ashok Gajapathi Raju will address the members of the House as per the legislative convention, which will be his first address to the assembly after taking the gubernatorial charge last July. As per the agenda released by the House, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao, will escort the governor as per protocol. The first three days of the sitting will be dedicated to discussion on the governors address and the chief ministers reply, as per the Business Advisory Committee. Sources said 178 starred questions and 553 un-starred questions are submitted by legislators. Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao, said the Opposition will seek answers from the Pramod Sawant government over its failure on all fronts, including the fire tragedy at Birch by Romeo Lane. Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai said things have gone out of hand in the coastal state. We have to ensure that Goa becomes Goa again. We will question the government about their failures," he said. The nightclub, where a devastating blaze killed 25 people in the first week of December, stood in the middle of a salt pan and operated without a valid trade licence, according to a state government-constituted magisterial inquiry whose report was made public last month. PTI RPS NSK News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 22:30 IST News agency-feeds Goa govt to face tough questions on nightclub fire tragedy in winter session Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Hamas says it will dissolve Gaza govt when new Palestinian body takes over Last Updated: January 12, 2026, 02:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Cairo, Jan 12 (AP) Hamas has said it will dissolve its existing government in Gaza once a Palestinian technocratic leadership committee takes over the territory, as mandated under the US-brokered peace plan. But the group on Sunday gave no specifics on when the change will occur. Hamas and the rival Palestinian Authority, the Palestinians internationally recognised representative, have not announced the names of the technocrats, who are not supposed to be politically affiliated, and it remains unclear if they will be cleared by Israel and the US. The Board of Peace," an international body led by Trump, is supposed to oversee the government and other aspects of the ceasefire that took effect on Oct 10, including disarming Hamas and deploying an international security force. The boards members have not been announced. Meanwhile, the post-ceasefire death toll continued to rise in Gaza, with Israeli gunfire killing three Palestinians, according to Palestinian hospital officials. The ceasefire began with a halt in fighting and the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for thousands of Palestinians held by Israel. The deal is still in its first phase as efforts continue to recover the remains of the final hostage left in Gaza. An Egyptian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door information, said Hamas was sending a delegation to talks with Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish officials about moving to the second phase. In comments posted on his Telegram channel Sunday, Hazem Kassem, a Hamas spokesperson, called for speeding up the establishment of the technocratic committee. The Egyptian official said Hamas will meet with other Palestinian factions this week to finalise the committees formation. The Hamas delegation will be chaired by top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, the official said. Trump has said the Board of Peace " will monitor the committee and handle the disarmament of Hamas, the deployment of an international security force, additional pullbacks of Israeli troops and Gazas reconstruction. The US has reported little progress on any of these fronts, though the members of the board are expected to be announced this week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov has been selected as the boards director-general. Mladenov is a former Bulgarian defence and foreign minister who served as UN envoy to Iraq before being appointed as the UN Mideast peace envoy from 2015 to 2020. During that time, he had good working relations with Israel and frequently worked to ease Israel-Hamas tensions. Also Sunday, Israels Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met in Jerusalem with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Saar said Israel was committed to enforcing Trumps plan, while Motegi expressed Japans willingness to play an active role in the ceasefire. According to Japans Foreign Ministry, Motegi visited the Civil-Military Coordination Centre, where the ceasefire is being monitored. He was also set to meet Netanyahu and Palestinian officials in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In Gaza, two men were shot dead in the southern town of Bani Suhaila, according to Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies. Earlier Sunday, a man was killed by Israeli gunfire in the Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City, according to Al-Ahly hospital, which received the body. In response to questions about the Tuffah incident, Israels military said it had fired at and hit a terrorist" in northern Gaza who had approached troops. In a later statement, the military said it had killed a terrorist" in southern Gaza who approached troops. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Continued Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed more than 400 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The Israeli military says any actions since the ceasefire began have been in response to violations of the agreement. Israeli police said Sunday they were questioning a top official from Netanyahus office over possible obstruction of an investigation into last years leak of classified military information to a German tabloid. Israeli media identified the official as Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahus chief of staff, who is expected to start as the next ambassador to the United Kingdom in the coming months. Hes the latest official to be caught up in the scandal, in which Netanyahus inner circle is accused of leaking confidential information to German tabloid Bild to improve public perception of the prime minister following the killing of six hostages in Gaza in 2024. It comes after an explosive interview by Kan News with former Netanyahu spokesperson Eli Feldstein, who described a clandestine meeting with Braverman in an underground parking lot in the middle of the night in connection with the leak. Feldstein, who has been indicted, said Braverman offered to shut down" the probe into the leaked information. Opposition leader Yair Lapid immediately called for the suspension of Braverman as ambassador. It is unacceptable that a person suspected of involvement in obstructing a serious security investigation should be the face of Israel in one of Europes most important countries," Lapid wrote on X. In response, Saar defended Bravermans appointment and said he would not be removed from it until formally charged or tried. (AP) SCY SCY News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 12, 2026, 02:15 IST News agency-feeds Hamas says it will dissolve Gaza govt when new Palestinian body takes over Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IBA suggests Rs 10k cr fund to provide capital subsidy to biogas industry Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 15:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jan 11 (PTI) Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has recommended a Rs 10,000 crore fund to provide capital subsidy for the biogas industry in the forthcoming Budget. The association also urged the government to increase the subsidy by 50 per cent to Rs 6 crore per 4.8 TPD of compressed biogas (CBG) and suggested capping the upper cap at Rs 25 crore per project, according to an IBA statement issued on Sunday. IBA will share the recommendations with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and the Ministry of Finance, it added. The industry body also raised the demand at various forums before the general Budget. IBA has proposed a minimum 5 per cent mandated FOM (fermented organic manure) blending in overall fertiliser application by 2028, and further ramped up in a phased manner to 10 per cent by 2030. For the Union Budget 2026, the Indian Biogas Association would like to advocate for positioning of the biogas/CBG sector as a fast-maturing pillar of green growth, which now needs deeper fiscal support, faster implementation, and easier finance to unlock large-scale private investment and rural income opportunities, the statement said. It has also called for scaling up project incentives by raising Central Financial Assistance (CFA). The CBG plants capex outlay has increased by more than 50 per cent since the launch of the CFA (Central Financial Assistance) (subsidy) scheme in 2014, due to various factors, it pointed out. In accordance, it suggested that the capital subsidy should be increased to at least Rs 6 crores per 4.8 TPD of CBG (Compressed Biogas) production capacity and the CFA (Central Financial Assistance) upper limit raised to Rs 25 crore in order to accommodate projects up to 20 TPD with a minimum corpus of Rs 10,000 crore. Presently, the scheme offers Rs 4 crore per 4.8 TPD set up with a cap of Rs 10 crores per project. The central government allocates around Rs 2 lakh crore annually for chemical fertiliser subsidies, which contributes nil to the soil organic content. Redirecting even a small portion (10 per cent or Rs 20,000-25,000 crore) of the chemical fertiliser subsidy toward FOM-linked (Fermented Organic Manure) or carbon-based incentives within Nature Based Solution (NBS) or a similar subsidy window can improve soil health, reduce import dependency, and promote climate-smart agricultural practices, it suggested. Compared to chemical fertiliser subsidies, even the consolidated allocations for PMKVY and other organic farming schemes are insignificant. More particularly, the present Rs 1,450 crore allocated over three years for the MDA (Market Development Assistance) of organic manure from CBG plants is just a starting point and abysmally low, it pointed out. In alignment with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG)s compressed bio-gas blending obligation (CBO), which requires a gradual blending of CBG with CNG and PNG for a cleaner energy transition, the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers should consider introducing the FOMChemical Fertilizer Blending Obligation (FCFBO) under the OrganicChemical Fertilizer Blending Programme, it suggested. IBA also called for carbon monetisation through the Green Certificate mechanism. To foster the growth of the biogas and Compressed Biogas (CBG) producers, IBA suggested that the government should develop a framework to allow the biogas plant promoters to sell carbon credits on international and domestic platforms. This would not only aid the government with its climate change targets, but would also open up different revenue channels for the producers as well. The transfer of carbon credits into the voluntary carbon market, where carbon is valued at approximately USD 5 to 50 per tonne of CO2, is expected to raise the financial viability of the biogas/CBG projects significantly. Even at the lowest pricing of USD 5 per tonne of CO2, the carbon price premium of CBG for its GHG mitigation effect is estimated to be in the range of around Rs 10-12 per kg of methane produced. With roughly 1,000 CBG plants anticipated by 2030, the market value of the CBG-based green certificate is conservatively estimated to be roughly Rs 4,000 crore. The government should consider implementing "cap and trade" practices (buy green certificates if the allocated GHG quota is overshot) for carbon-intensive entities and also subsidise a portion of the above-proposed carbon premium pricing initiative to at least kick-start the process, it suggested. PTI KKS BAL BAL News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 15:15 IST News agency-feeds IBA suggests Rs 10k cr fund to provide capital subsidy to biogas industry Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indian Navy Showcases India's Maritime legacy at World Book Fair 2026 Last Updated: January 12, 2026, 01:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], January 12 (ANI): The Indian Navy participated in the World Book Fair 2026, a flagship cultural event celebrating literature, knowledge, and heritage, which was held in New Delhi on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Defence, the 9-day mega fair was organised by the National Book Trust, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education. This fair was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan.During the event, the Indian Navys participation reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting Indias rich maritime legacy. The Naval History Division (NHD), the premier research institution of the Indian Navy, is spearheading this initiative. In collaboration with NBT, NHD has set up dedicated Indian Navy stalls featuring authoritative Indian Navy publications and meticulously crafted scale ship models, offering visitors a vivid insight into the Navys evolution, traditions, and operational excellence.At the Navy Pavilion in Hall No. 5, seven volumes of the official history of the Indian Navy (1945-2021) were on display, along with histories of various Indian Naval ships, submarines, air squadrons and establishments, as well as books on Indias maritime history, to enhance visitors understanding of the nations rich maritime and naval heritage.These displays present a compelling narrative of Indias maritime journey, blending scholarship with visual appeal.As part of its academic outreach, NHD held a panel discussion on the 1971 War on January 10, which was moderated by Cdr Neeraj Vashisth. The panel featured Cdr Vijai Prakash Kapil, VrC, NM (Retd), and noted defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan, providing deep perspectives on a defining chapter of Indias naval history.Additionally, a panel discussion on Naval Maritime Expeditions: Past and Present was also held at the pavilion in Hall 5. The session was moderated by Cdr Kalesh Mohanan; empanelled by Capt Prashant C Menon; and Cdr Neeraj Vashisth. Another significant panel discussion titled Creating Rule-based Order:The role of the Indian Navy is scheduled on January 14, which will be moderated by Associate Professor Abhimanyu Singh Arha, where Lt Cdr Anupama Thapliyal and Lt Jeevitesh Saharan will give insights into the topic, highlighting the Navys critical role in the Indian Ocean Region.According to the Ministry of Defence, a major highlight of the Book Fair will be the release of a book on the Indian Navy, prepared by the Naval History Division. This book will be unveiled by the Chief of the Naval Staff at a grand event.Beyond exhibitions and discussions, NHD is actively engaging with young visitors, inspiring boys and girls to consider a career in the Indian Navy. The naval publications and stalls have already attracted significant public interest, the ministry said. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 12, 2026, 01:00 IST News agency-feeds Indian Navy Showcases India's Maritime legacy at World Book Fair 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iranian president vows to listen to protesters but warns against rioters Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 17:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dubai, Jan 11 (AP) Irans president says officials will listen to protesters, but rioters are trying to destroy the entire society" as demonstrations sweep across the Islamic Republic. The comments from Masoud Pezeshkian represent a hardening tone from the reformist leader, who so far has been unable to assuage the public, as anger over the countrys ailing economy exploded into a direct challenge to the nations theocracy. People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns," Pezeshkian said. But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society." Iranian state television aired an interview with the president on Sunday. It had suggested it would be aired Saturday, but ended up not airing it. (AP) GRS GRS News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 17:15 IST News agency-feeds Iranian president vows to listen to protesters but warns against rioters Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... WPL: Delhi Capitals wins toss, opts to bowl against Gujarat Giants Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 19:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 11 (ANI): Delhi Capitals (DC) Women won the toss and opted to field against Gujarat Giants (GG) Women in match 4 of the ongoing Womens Premier League (WPL) 2026 on Sunday in Navi Mumbai. Delhi Capitals are still searching for their first win this season. Gujarat Giants arrive with lighter steps. Their opening win against UP Warriorz brought clarity and confidence in the squad. Well like to bowl first, with the dew coming in. We are going with the same team. I think it was a quick turnaround. Todays a fresh day, we got to forget whats happened in the past and need to focus on the present," DC skipper Jemimah Rodrigues said during the toss. It was good (game against UP), you want to start the competition with a win. Different people stood up at different times, pleasing to see that as a captain. Its fantastic to see people coming in and making an impact. It was so pleasing to share a partnership with Anushka. Thatll give her confidence even today. No changes," GG skipper Ashleigh Gardner said. Gujarat Giants Women (Playing XI): Beth Mooney(w), Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma, Ashleigh Gardner(c), Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur. Delhi Capitals Women (Playing XI): Lizelle Lee(w), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues(c), Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Chinelle Henry, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 19:45 IST News agency-feeds WPL: Delhi Capitals wins toss, opts to bowl against Gujarat Giants Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Libra Horoscope Today, January 11, 2026 Curated By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 06:40 IST Libra Daily Horoscope, January 11, 2026: Libra natives see rewards for hard work, financial gains from investments, and stronger family bonds. Rapid Read Libra Horoscope Today: Astrological predictions by Chirag Daruwalla for tula rashi on January 11, 2026 (AI generated image) Libra Daily Horoscope Today, January 11, 2026: Ganesha says today rewards your persistent hard work, bringing results that may exceed expectations and enhancing your respect and prestige within organizational responsibilities. Students will find focus and success in their studies, while business matters improve through wisdom, effort, and careful reconsideration of expansion plans. Libra natives enjoy a very positive financial period, with previous investments yielding good returns and opportunities to redefine financial goals. Emotional support from your spouse and family strengthens relationships, increasing trust and closeness. However, controlling emotions, managing stress, and taking regular rest are essential to avoid fatigue and body aches, with yoga recommended for maintaining overall health. Positive The hard work youve been putting in for some time will yield positive results today, perhaps even more than you expected. Taking on responsibilities within an organization will also increase your respect and prestige. Students will be able to focus properly on their studies. Negative Even with everything going well, you may still feel a sense of emptiness. Control your emotions and anger, as they could damage some close relationships. Dont let unnecessary stress overwhelm you. Business Business matters will improve thanks to your wisdom and understanding. More hard work and effort are needed. Its essential to reconsider your business expansion plans. Remember to keep your budget in mind when making investments. Finance Today will be extremely positive for Libra from a financial perspective. There are indications of improvement in your financial matters. If you have made any investments previously, you may see good results today. This is also an opportune time to redefine your financial goals. Love The support and advice of your spouse and family members will be beneficial. Emotional closeness and trust will increase in your romantic relationships. Health Due to excessive hard work and exertion, you may experience fatigue and body aches. Be sure to rest regularly and practice yoga. Lucky Color Red Lucky Number 9 News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 06:40 IST News astrology Libra Horoscope Today, January 11, 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NSE IPO Nears Regulatory Clearance As Sebi Chief Signals NOC 'Possibly Within This Month' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 10:28 IST Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey says the market regulator is at an advanced stage of issuing the much-awaited No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the exchange. Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey. (File Photo) The long-pending Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the National Stock Exchange may finally see movement, with Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) indicating that regulatory clearance is close. Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said the market regulator is at an advanced stage of issuing the much-awaited No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the exchange. I think we are at a very advanced stage of issuing the NOC for the NSE IPO, maybe within this month," Pandey said while speaking to ANI, though he stopped short of committing to a firm timeline. The comments have raised fresh expectations around the listing of Indias largest stock exchange, whose IPO plans have remained in limbo for nearly a decade due to regulatory and governance issues. A Long and Troubled IPO Journey The NSE first filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) in December 2016, but the process was derailed following serious governance concerns. Central to the delay was the co-location controversy, in which allegations emerged that certain high-frequency traders received unfair access to the exchanges algorithmic trading systems. Sebis investigations into these issues effectively stalled the listing plans for years. In August 2024, the NSE reapplied to Sebi seeking a fresh no-objection certificate to proceed with its IPO, signalling its intent to put past issues behind it. A key milestone came in October 2024, when the exchange settled the Trading Access Point (TAP) Architecture and Network Connectivity case by paying a penalty of Rs 643 crore. The case related to alleged failures by the exchange and its senior officials to prevent certain traders from exploiting system architecture advantages. Pandey noted that the exchange has since taken multiple corrective steps, including changes in senior management, board restructuring, strengthening compliance mechanisms, and resolving legacy regulatory issues. Sebi Steps Up Oversight of Digital Platforms Beyond the NSE IPO, Pandey also spoke about Sebis efforts to enforce accountability in the digital space, particularly on social media platforms. One of the ways that we are doing it is through looking at social media and wherever we find that there is transgression, we are asking the platforms to take it down," he said, adding that more than 1 lakh takedowns have already been carried out in recent months. A major pillar of this surveillance effort is AI Sudarshan, an artificial intelligence-based tool developed by Sebi to scan online content for market-related violations. The system helps regulators identify misleading or illegal content quickly, enabling faster enforcement action. Crackdown on Fraud and Investor Protection Addressing the rise in fraud cases involving misuse of Sebis name and logo, Pandey said the regulator has intensified coordination with law enforcement agencies across the country. SEBI has written to all states, including Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police, requesting the appointment of nodal officers. Many states have already nominated officers, and training programs have been conducted," he said. As part of broader investor protection measures, Sebi has also launched SebiCheck, a verification tool that allows investors to confirm within 30 seconds whether a bank account, UPI handle, or QR code is officially authorised for securities market transactions. The tool has been available on SEBIs website and mobile app since October 1, 2025. Pandey urged investors to use the facility before transferring funds. If money is sent to fraudulent accounts, investors get no protection. Awareness is critical," he emphasised. No Immediate Regulatory Changes Planned On market regulation, particularly in the derivatives segment, Pandey made it clear that Sebi is not planning any immediate changes. He pointed out that a series of measures were already introduced in phases first in October 2024, then in May 2025, with the final set implemented in December 2025. We are currently studying the data post-implementation. Once sufficient data is available, we will decide our next course of action. At this stage, we do not intend to disturb anything," he said. Gold Products and Investor Awareness Push On gold-related investment avenues, Pandey clarified that regulated options such as gold ETFs are already functioning smoothly. While Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are also permitted, he acknowledged that operational challenges have limited their wider adoption so far. He also announced a revamp of Sebis investor awareness strategy. Based on a survey conducted in July, the regulator found that outreach is more effective when delivered in multiple languages and formats. Going forward, our investor awareness campaigns will be multilingual, multi-agency, and multimedia," Pandey said. He added that Sebi will increasingly use short videos, reels, and other digital formats to engage younger investors, while ensuring that regulatory messages remain complete and accurate. With a growing number of young investors entering the securities market, Pandey said Sebi is focused on making investor education both engaging and meaningful while continuing to strengthen market integrity and oversight. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 10:28 IST News business ipo NSE IPO Nears Regulatory Clearance As Sebi Chief Signals NOC 'Possibly Within This Month' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MGNREGA Row: Kumaraswamy Challenges Congress To An Open Debate; Shivakumar Says Im Ready Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 17:48 IST I am ready anytime whether it is a public debate, a television discussion or a debate in the Assembly. Let him say when, DK Shivakumar said Rapid Read HD Kumaraswamy and DK Shivakumar. (File) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy called Karnataka deputy Chief Minister (CM) DK Shivakumar for an open debate on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Centres proposed VB G-RAM-G scheme, accusing the Karnataka Congress of misleading the public on the issue. Kumaraswamy said Congress leaders should come forward for a public discussion with documents to clarify what he described as a false narrative around the new scheme. Shivakumar accepted the invitation, saying he was ready for a debate at any time. Shivakumar said he was available over the next three days. I am ready anytime whether it is a public debate, a television discussion or a debate in the Assembly. Let him say when," Shivakumar said. He added that he would respond only to Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) president, and not to any other level party workers. I have accepted his invitation," he said. Shivakumar reiterated that the changes proposed under the VB G-RAM-G model would weaken the existing guarantee scheme. Earlier, panchayats had the power to take up works, including water-related projects. Now they are saying everything will be decided from Delhi. No state can afford to bear 40 per cent of the cost," he said. Responding to the criticism, Kumaraswamy rejected the claim that the new framework would undermine panchayats and accused the Congress government of avoiding a direct discussion. He pointed out that local body elections had not been conducted and said the government was in no position to speak about empowering panchayats. Referring to his tenure as Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy said delays in MGNREGA fund releases were not new. He recalled that when 800 crore in MGNREGA funds were delayed during his term, wages were paid by advancing money from the State treasury. He also said the current Revenue Minister had served as Rural Development Minister in his Cabinet. Shivakumar said the Centre had moved ahead with the new scheme without consulting states. If such decisions are taken without taking states into confidence, we cannot agree to it. We will go to court and also take the issue to the streets," he said. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Congress was ready for a discussion on MGNREGA and warned that the party would launch a major agitation if required. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 17:34 IST News bengaluru-news MGNREGA Row: Kumaraswamy Challenges Congress To An Open Debate; Shivakumar Says Im Ready Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is included among the 13 Best Consumer Staples Dividend Stocks to Invest in Now. Hershey (HSY) Upgraded at Piper Sandler as Cocoa Pressure Eases On January 7, Piper Sandler upgraded The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) to Overweight from Neutral and raised its price target to $213 from $193. The call reflects easing cocoa costs and the removal of cocoa tariffs, which the firm says give Hershey significant flexibility to reinvest in the business and grow earnings ahead of its long-term algorithm. Analysts believe Hershey is positioned to deliver sales and earnings growth above that algorithm in 2026. Back in October, Hershey raised its full-year sales and profit outlook after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly results. Demand held up well for higher-priced chocolates and snacks, giving management more confidence in the outlook. The company now expects 2025 net sales growth of about 3%, up from its earlier target of at least 2%. It also lifted the low end of its adjusted earnings forecast to $5.90 per share from $5.81.Sales benefited from an expanded lineup of healthier, zero-sugar products, along with solid momentum across chocolate, sweets, and mints. In North America, Salty Snacks volumes rose 11% year over year, driven by brands like SkinnyPop and Dots Pretzels. Prices in that category fell 1% during the quarter, which helped support volume growth. The picture looked different in the core North America Confectionery. Volumes slipped 1%, while prices rose 7%, reflecting a more price-driven approach in that part of the business. The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) operates as a snacks company with three main segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International. While we acknowledge the potential of HSY 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 Dow Stocks to Buy in 2026 and 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026 Disclosure: None. Bag Near Ministers Bungalow In Mumbai Triggers Alert, Turns Out To Be Items For Donation Curated By : PTI Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 23:55 IST An abandoned bag near Nitesh Ranes bungalow in Marine Drive caused panic until police found it belonged to a US citizen who left clothes and shoes. An abandoned bag near Nitesh Ranes bungalow in Marine Drive caused panic until police found it belonged to a US citizen who left clothes and shoes. (AI Image) An abandoned bag found near a ministers bungalow in south Mumbai triggered panic on Sunday until police determined that it had been left by a US citizen who wanted to give away his clothes and shoes, officials said. The incident came to light around 9.30 am, when security personnel posted at minister Nitesh Ranes bungalow at Marine Drive informed the police about a bag lying near the adjacent servant quarters, they said. Personnel from the Marine Drive police station and a BDDS (Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) team rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area, an official said. During an inspection, the cops found a pair of shoes, clothes and a note inside the bag, the official said. After scanning CCTV footage from the area, police tracked down the bag owner, who turned out to be a US national in his 40s. The man had reached Goa by then, he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 23:52 IST News cities mumbai-news Bag Near Ministers Bungalow In Mumbai Triggers Alert, Turns Out To Be Items For Donation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbais Richest Candidate In BMC Polls: Makarand Narwekar With Assets Worth Rs 124 Crore Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 12, 2026, 11:17 IST Makarand Narwekar, the younger brother of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, owns 27 agricultural land parcels Rapid Read Makarand and Rahul Narvekar. (X) Makarand Narwekar, the brother of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, is the richest candidate in Mumbais Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. He has declared assets worth Rs 124.4 crore in his affidavit. Narwekar, 47, a lawyer, is contesting from ward no. 226 (Sassoon Docks) on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. Another high-net worth candidate is Narvekars sister-in-law, Harshita Narvekar, who is contesting from the neighbouring ward no. 225. She has declared assets worth Rs 63.62 crore. Samadhan Sarvankar, son of former Shiv Sena MLA Sada Sarvankar, has declared assets worth Rs 46.59 crore. Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate and former mayor Shraddha Jadhav has declared assets worth Rs 46.34 crore. Met with the residents alongside Hon. Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and MLA of Colaba Shri @rahulnarwekar ji, Smt. @HNarwekar and Dr. @GSNarwekar to discuss local concerns.Such engagements remain essential to understanding local priorities. I am thankful to pic.twitter.com/ui1xxkg8QE Makarand Narwekar (@MNarwekar) January 10, 2026 27 agricultural land parcels, 1K per cent jump in assets In his affidavit, Narwekar said that his assets went up by 1,868 per cent compared to nine years ago. This includes his wifes assets. He owns 27 agricultural land parcels in the rapidly developing Alibag area of coastal Raigad district between October 2022 and November 2025, Two plots are in his wife Rachnas name. ALSO READ | BMC Elections 2026: Mumbai To Pick Its Corporators On Jan 15, Know Who Is Contesting From Your Ward While the movable assets are worth Rs 32.14 crore, immovable assets are worth Rs 92.32 crore. He also has liabilities amounting to Rs 16.68 crore in the form of loans, borrowings, and unsecured loans from various individuals, banks, and financial institutions. When he contested the municipal elections in 2017 on a BJP ticket, he had declared assets worth Rs 6.3 crore. When he first contested the civic elections in 2012 as an independent candidate, his assets were worth Rs 3.67 crore. His car collection His total income so far during the 2025-26 fiscal year is Rs 2.77 crore. His assets include bank deposits of Rs 666,370 and three vehicles. These include two Toyota Fortuner Sigma cars worth Rs 40.75 lakh and Rs 38.75 lakh, and a Maruti Grand Vitara worth Rs 9 lakh. The affidavit states that he also owes Rs 30.11 crore to family members, other individuals, and agencies. He owns a flat worth Rs 7.99 crore in Colaba, South Mumbai. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 20:09 IST News cities mumbai-news Mumbais Richest Candidate In BMC Polls: Makarand Narwekar With Assets Worth Rs 124 Crore Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai To Be Free Of Potholes & Slums: Mahayutis BMC Poll Manifesto Promises 50% BEST Fare Cut Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 13:23 IST Mahayuti's manifesto for Mumbai promises Thane-Borivali underground route to reduce travel time to 10-15 minutes, interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh, 24-hr water supply & more Rapid Read CM Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde (right) during the launch of the manifesto. (X) The Mahayuti, the alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, promised freedom from potholes, slums and even Bangladeshis and Rohingya in its manifesto released for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls released on Sunday. Mumbais BMC elections will be held on January 15 (Thursday). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, BJP leaders Ashish Shelar, Amit Satam, and others were present. Mumbai residents gave 265,000 suggestions, and the manifesto was prepared based on those, said BJP Mumbai president Amit Satam. ALSO READ | BMC Elections 2026: Mumbai To Pick Its Corporators On Jan 15, Know Who Is Contesting From Your Ward The Mahayuti manifesto promises improvements in basic infrastructure, health, education, and more. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Mahayuti manifesto focuses on inclusive development, modern infrastructure, and sustainability to transform Mumbai. Fadnavis announced upgrade to Mumbais suburban railway network, a 50 per cent travel concession for women commuters on BEST buses, expansion of water transport services, and an increase in BEST bus fleet from 5,000 to 10,000 buses. He said the advanced AI-based tools developed with the help of IIT Bombay would be used to identify illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. The CM announced an investment of Rs 17,000 crore to improve water and air quality, reduce carbon emissions. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said that in the past three-and-a-half years, they have done a lot for Mumbai, which is the countrys growth engine, and the manifesto reflects that. He also said that Marathi people who have left Mumbai will be brought back. MAHAYUTIS MANIFESTO: KEY POINTS Roads: Making roads less than 9 meters wide asphalt and those wider than 9 meters concrete; utility ducts on bigger roads to avoid digging; utility tunnels for 17 services to prevent potholes. Infra and hawkers: Thane-Borivali underground route to reduce travel time to 10-15 minutes; rehabilitation of eligible hawkers in hawking zones, creating non-hawker zones elsewhere; 50% discount on BEST bus fares for women; increasing parking capacity with underground and ground-level parking; AI labs in municipal schools. Loans and aid for Kolis: Interest-free loans of up to 5 lakh rupees for small businesses; development work with the involvement of the Koli community. Water supply, property tax and drainage: 24-hour water supply for Mumbai and increasing water storage capacity; installation of flow meters in every zone for equal water distribution; freeing Mumbai from tanker mafias. property tax discounts for housing societies that harvest rainwater, improving Mumbais drainage system. Redevelopment: Special schemes for Koliwada villages for redevelopment; speeding up group development under the Mumbai Falili scheme, development plans for Gorai/Manori villages; using funds for citizen facilities in SRA layouts; planned and comprehensive development of slums with more amenities; approval for 17 projects with more to be added; providing homes for project-affected people, resolving issues with 20,000 buildings, issuing occupancy certificates quickly, sustainable construction for tenement buildings in the eastern and western suburbs. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 13:10 IST News mumbai-news Mumbai To Be Free Of Potholes & Slums: Mahayutis BMC Poll Manifesto Promises 50% BEST Fare Cut Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Andheri Traffic Alert: Veera Desai Road, Metro Station Area Shut For Vehicles From Jan 14-16 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 18:19 IST Mumbai Traffic Diversion For BMC Polls: The movement of vehicles will be temporarily prohibited on both carriageways of Veera Desai Road and close to Andheri Metro Station Rapid Read BMC and other government officials wait to cast their votes through postal voting for the Mumbai civic body elections, at a voting centre, in Mumbai on Saturday. (PTI) Mumbai Traffic Diversion For BMC Polls: In view of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Election 2026 on Thursday, the Mumbai Traffic Police on Tuesday announced temporary traffic restrictions on Veera Desai Road, which will be in effect till January 16. According to an official statement issued by the Mumbai Traffic Police, western suburbs, the movement of vehicles, other than those engaged in election-related duties, will be temporarily prohibited on both carriageways of Veera Desai Road, from JP Road Junction to Mogra Nala, near JP Road, Azad Nagar, and close to the Metro Station in Andheri West. The diversions have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the election process and maintain public safety. ALSO READ | BMC Elections 2026: Mumbai To Pick Its Corporators On Jan 15, Know Who Is Contesting From Your Ward What are the restrictions on Andheris Veera Desai Road? In connection with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation General Elections 20252026, and in order to ensure the smooth conduct of the election process, it has been decided, from the point of view of traffic safety and proper traffic regulation, to temporarily close the movement of vehicles other than those engaged in election-related duties within the jurisdiction of the Oshiwara Traffic Division, from 14/01/2026 to 16/01/2026, on both carriageways of Veera Desai Road, from J.P. Road Junction up to Mogra Nala, near J.P. Road, Azad Nagar, close to the Metro Station, Andheri (West), Mumbai, falling under Ward Nos. 59 to 71, K/West Division. The traffic of vehicles other than those engaged in election-related work shall remain temporarily closed," said the Mumbai Traffic Police press release. In view of @mybmc elections, in order to reduce inconvenience for commuters, following traffic arrangements will be in place in Oshiwara Traffic division from 7.00 hrs on 14th January to 24.00 hrs on 16th January.Citizens are requested to plan commute accordingly. https://t.co/A0f3nbg17p pic.twitter.com/osuBPCg2P4 Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) January 5, 2026 What is the duration of the restriction? From 07:00 a.m. on 14/01/2026 to 22:00 p.m. on 16/01/2026. No Entry Veera Desai Road (from J.P. Road Junction to Mogra Nala) and (from Mogra Nala to J.P. Road Junction): Entry of all vehicles other than those engaged in election-related work shall remain prohibited. What are the alternative routes? All vehicles approaching via the southbound carriageway on Veera Desai Road shall take a right or left turn at Courtyard Junction and proceed via Chitrakut Junction New Link Road. All vehicles approaching via the westbound carriageway of J.P. Road shall take a right turn and proceed via New Link Road. The Mumbai Traffic Police appeals to all motorists and citizens to cooperate by using alternate routes and by following the temporary restrictions to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 14:10 IST News mumbai-news Andheri Traffic Alert: Veera Desai Road, Metro Station Area Shut For Vehicles From Jan 14-16 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... CM Stalin Firm On Not Sharing Power: DMK On Congress Demands For Coalition Govt Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 18:42 IST DMK leader I Periyasamy confirms MK Stalin's firm stance against a coalition government in Tamil Nadu, rejecting Congress's renewed demand for a share in power. Rapid Read On Monday, DMK reached out to MPs of INDIA block seeking support for its plan for moving forward with an impeachment motion against Madras high court judge who allowed the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp atop Thirupparankundram hills. (Image: PTI/File) Amid growing calls from sections of the Congress for a share in power" in Tamil Nadu, the ruling DMK on Sunday ruled out the possibility of a coalition government, asserting that there was no such understanding within the alliance. Senior DMK leader and State Minister I Periyasamy asserted that Chief Minister MK Stalin is firm on the stand against sharing power with allies. When asked on Tamil Nadu Congresss demand for share in power, he said it was the right of the grand old party to make that demand. However, the DMK had never been in favour of such a proposition. There had never been a coalition government," he said, adding the state had all along been helmed by the DMK on its own. There is no doubt about this stand of the party, there will be no coalition government and the chief minister is firm on this stand," the Rural Development Minister said. Responding to a question on Stalins sharp criticism of the Censor Board, he alleged that it was true the film certification body was functioning in a biased manner. Tamil Nadu Congress has revived its demand for a share in power if the DMK-led alliance wins the Assembly election due by March-April this year. Congress MP Manickam Tagore had said recently that it was time to debate share in power." CLP leader, Killiyoor (Kanyakumari district) legislator S Rajeshkumar had also batted for a coalition government. Congress party in-charge for Tamil Nadu, Girish Chodankar had asked if any political party, will say that they dont want the power; then we should name ourselves as NGO." Since 1967, both the DMK and the AIADMK have formed governments on their own despite contesting elections in alliance with other parties. After Independence, in the first general election held in the then composite Madras state in 1952, the Congress party had failed to secure an absolute majority. It was only during the First Assemblys term from 1952 to 1957 that non-Congress leaders, including Manickavelu Naicker of the Commonweal Party, were accommodated in the Congress-led state Cabinet. In 2006, despite not securing an absolute majority, the DMK ran the government for the full five-year term from 2006 to 2011 with the support of allies, including the Congress, without sharing power. During that period as well, Tamil Nadu Congress leaders had raised similar demands for a share in power, but without success. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 18:42 IST News elections CM Stalin Firm On Not Sharing Power: DMK On Congress Demands For Coalition Govt Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maharashtra Civic Polls 2026: Parties Intensify Campaign As It Enters Final Phase Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 11:22 IST Maharashtra Civic Polls 2026: On the final Sunday before the Pune civic polls, political parties intensified campaigning with rallies, roadshows and door-to-door outreach. Maharashtra Civic Polls 2026: AI-generated image used for representation With Sunday, January 11, marking the final day of the Pune Civic polls campaigning ahead of the election, political parties across the city have stepped up their outreach to voters. Rallies, roadshows and door-to-door visits have been planned to make the most of the last opportunity to connect with the electorate. Pradeep Deshmukh of the Nationalist Congress Party said it was only natural for campaigning to reach its peak on the final Sunday before polling. As this is the last Sunday for campaigning, all candidates are carrying out intensive outreach at both the individual and party levels. Roadshows and rallies have been planned in different areas," he said. Madhuri Misal from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said her party has been actively campaigning across the city for several days. Candidates are campaigning in their respective areas, and the party is providing full support. Roadshows as well as door-to-door campaigns will be carried out on Sunday," she said. Shrikant Patil of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) said the focus has been on local engagement. He said candidates have been holding rallies in their constituencies and visiting housing societies to interact directly with voters. Congress leader Arvind Shinde said senior leaders are also actively involved in the campaign. Senior leader Balasaheb Thorat is visiting various parts of the city and will address public rallies, while party candidates will conduct outreach programmes in their respective areas." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 11:22 IST News elections Maharashtra Civic Polls 2026: Parties Intensify Campaign As It Enters Final Phase Today Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... New Strategic Convergence: What Does Chancellor Merz's India Visit Mean For New Delhi And Berlin? Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 12:40 IST Friedrich Merz has chosen India for his first Asia tour as chancellor breaking with a long-standing tradition where German leaders typically head to China or Japan German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) will be in India on January 12 and 13 for his first official visit, (Image: AFP/File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Gujarat on January 12, marking a visit that is being seen in New Delhis strategic circles as far more than just another high-level diplomatic engagement. Merz, who will be in India on January 12 and 13 on his first official visit, has chosen India as the destination for his first Asia tour as chancellor breaking with a long-standing tradition where German leaders typically head to China or Japan. The symbolism is hard to miss and underlines the growing strategic weight India now carries in Germanys foreign policy calculus. The first day of the highly anticipated visit will begin with strong optics. Heres all you need to know: 9.30 am: Modi and Merz will visit the Sabarmati Ashram 10 am: They will take part in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati riverfront 11.15 am onwards: The two leaders will then move to Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar for formal bilateral engagements. WHY GUJARAT, WHAT WILL THE TALKS FOCUS ON? The choice of Gujarat and the carefully curated public programme, is clearly aimed at showcasing both cultural connect and political warmth. The bilateral talks between Modi and Merz will focus on reviewing the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which has just completed 25 years. Over the past two and a half decades, the relationship has been anchored largely in trade, investment and technology cooperation, with Germany remaining one of Indias most important economic partners in Europe. WHAT IS THE VISIT ALL ABOUT? This visit, however, is expected to push the India-Germany relationship into a more explicitly strategic direction. The two sides will discuss expanding cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, while also deepening engagement in defence and security, science and innovation, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties. Modi and Merz are also expected to exchange views on major regional and global developments, at a time when the international order is under severe strain from the war in Ukraine to shifting equations in the Indo-Pacific and changing signals from the United States. They will also engage with business and industry leaders from both countries, and several agreements are likely to be signed during the visit giving concrete shape to the ambitions being discussed. What gives this visit an added strategic edge is the profound shift underway in Germanys own security and defence posture. In a landmark move, Germanys parliament, the Bundestag, has voted to introduce voluntary military service as Berlin seeks to rebuild and strengthen its armed forces after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. From January 2026, all 18-year-olds in Germany will receive a questionnaire asking if they are willing to join the armed forces mandatory for men and voluntary for women signalling a major change in a country that had long moved away from mass military mobilisation. Merz has gone further, publicly pledging to build Europes strongest conventional army an ambitious goal for a military that has suffered from years of underinvestment and neglect. His coalition governments new reform package aims to raise the strength of the German armed forces to around 2,60,000 soldiers by 2035, up from about 1,80,000 today, along with an additional 2,00,000 reservists. This massive expansion will require not just money, but also reliable strategic partners, technology collaborations and diversified defence relationships. It is in this context that Indias importance to Germany is growing. For New Delhi, France has so far been the closest and most prominent strategic partner in Europe with the Rafale fighter jet deal standing out as a symbol of deep defence cooperation. The German chancellors visit is now being seen as an attempt by Berlin to move in a similar strategic direction with New Delhi beyond commerce and into core security and defence cooperation. For India, this aligns neatly with its own long-term objective of diversifying defence partnerships, building indigenous capabilities, and working with like-minded powers amid an increasingly uncertain global environment. If this visit delivers on its promise, it could mark the beginning of a new phase in India-Germany ties one where the relationship is no longer defined only by trade numbers and technology transfers, but by a shared strategic vision in a rapidly changing world. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 12:40 IST News explainers New Strategic Convergence: What Does Chancellor Merz's India Visit Mean For New Delhi And Berlin? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Appeasement, Slave Mentality: PM Modi Says Attempts Were Made To Erase Somnath Temples History Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 13:40 IST PM Modi recalled that there were attempts to stop Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel from rebuilding the Somnath Temple after Independence. PM Narendra Modi in Somnath Temple Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused past regimes of making despicable attempts" to erase the history of the Somnath Temple post Independence, saying a slave mentality" was used to downplay its legacy despite its enduring spirit of resilience and reconstruction. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi also said there were deliberate attempt in the past to erase the history of Indias heroes. He said people were taught that Somnath was destroyed only for loot, while the real history was hidden from generations. Hitting out at the Congress, he added that a slave mentality" led some people to ignore the importance of the Somnath Temple and its legacy. According to the Prime Minister, these efforts weakened awareness of Indias cultural and historical strength. PM Modi recalled that there were attempts to stop Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel from rebuilding the Somnath Temple after Independence. He also said objections were raised when Dr Rajendra Prasad, Indias first President, decided to visit the temple. The Prime Minister said these actions reflected resistance to acknowledging the temples national and spiritual importance. The people who pursue appeasement politics bowed before this extremist mindset. When India broke free from the chains of slavery, and when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took a vow to rebuild Somnath, attempts were made to stop him as well. In 1951, objections were also raised to the then President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, coming here," said PM Modi. Reflecting on the past, PM Modi said he often wonders what the atmosphere at Somnath must have been like centuries ago. He said the ancestors of those present today risked their lives and made immense sacrifices to protect their faith and heritage. He said the history of Somnath is not just about destruction, but about courage, sacrifice and determination. PM Modi said the history of Somnath is marked by triumph and repeated reconstruction. He described it as a symbol of resilience, victory and renewal. According to him, the temple stands as proof that Indias spirit cannot be broken. He said that even after 1,000 years, the flag continues to fly atop the Somnath Temple, reminding the world of Indias strength and spirit. Calling the Somnath Swabhiman Parv a living reflection of Indias faith, PM Modi said becoming part of the festival was an unforgettable moment in his life. He said the event reflects the devotion and resolve of crores of Indians. The Prime Minister also said India has never taught the world how to win by defeating others, portraying the countrys values of faith, strength and moral courage. PM Modi road show PM Modi said Somnath Swabhiman Parv roadshow saw heartwarming Shiva devotion, with Nari Shakti uplifting atmosphere through cultural pride nationwide. The Prime Ministers post on X reads, During the road show on the occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, the enthusiasm and joy of Shiva devotees at various places were truly heartwarming. The way in which Nari Shakti participated actively and enthusiastically elevated the entire atmosphere to an even more dignified level. I am overwhelmed upon witnessing their dedication to Indian culture and self-respect." PM Modi on 500th book release of Jain saint Bhuwan Bhanu Surishwarji Maharaj Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Shrimad Vijayaratna Sunder Surishwarji Maharaj for taking knowledge beyond books and living it in daily life. In a video message released during the launch of the Jain spiritual leaders 500th book, the Prime Minister said Maharaj Sahab believed knowledge should be practised, not just read. He noted that the saint also inspired others to follow these values in their own lives. PM Modi described his personality as a rare blend of calmness, simplicity and clarity, saying these qualities reflected his spiritual depth and lasting influence on society. Watch more videos Share this Article WhatsApp facebook Twitter telegram copy link News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Gujarat, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 12:55 IST News india Appeasement, Slave Mentality: PM Modi Says Attempts Were Made To Erase Somnath Temples History Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Close Call For UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya: Car Crash With Cow Spotlights Stray Animal Menace Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 06:58 IST According to witnesses and security personnel, a stray cow suddenly emerged from the darkness and wandered onto the high-speed bypass road, directly into the path of Mauryas SUV Maurya, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, was reported to be completely unhurt. File pic/PTI Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya had a narrow escape on Saturday, when his vehicle collided with a stray cow in Bareilly. The incident occurred on the Pilibhit Bypass Road near the Bajrang Dhaba, a well-known roadside eatery, while the deputy chief ministers convoy was en route to the Bareilly airport following a series of official and personal engagements in the district. The accident took place at approximately 8.30 pm under the jurisdiction of the Baradari police station. According to witnesses and security personnel, a stray cow suddenly emerged from the darkness and wandered onto the high-speed bypass road, directly into the path of Mauryas SUV. Although the driver attempted to brake sharply to avoid a full-on impact, the vehicle struck the animal, resulting in significant damage to the front bumper and bonnet. The force of the collision caused a moment of panic among the security detail, who immediately cordoned off the area to ensure the deputy CMs safety. Maurya, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, was reported to be completely unhurt. Security protocols were swiftly enacted, and he was shifted to a secondary vehicle within the convoy to continue his journey to the airport, from where he departed for Lucknow. Former MLA Boharan Lal Maurya, who was also travelling in the same vehicle, confirmed that all occupants escaped without injury. Local officials later noted that the cow sustained minor injuries but was able to walk away from the site shortly after the impact. Earlier in the day, the deputy CM had visited Bareilly to offer his condolences to the family of the late BJP MLA Shyam Bihari Lal, who passed away earlier this month. He had also attended a public Chaupal" in Faridpur and visited neighbouring Budaun before the accident occurred. In the wake of the incident, Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh stated that the local municipal commissioner has been instructed to take more rigorous steps to manage stray cattle on the bypass, particularly during VIP movements. The accident has once again brought the recurring issue of stray animals on Uttar Pradeshs highways to the forefront of local political discourse, with residents calling for more effective ground-level implementation of road safety policies. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 06:58 IST News india Close Call For UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya: Car Crash With Cow Spotlights Stray Animal Menace Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Communal Clash Over Fair Subscription Leaves Several Injured In Tripuras Unakoti, Internet Suspended Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 10:07 IST Tripura government imposed prohibitory orders and deployed a large number of security personnel in the area. Mobile internet services were suspended across Kumarghat Sub-Division. Tension in Tripura After Communal Clash, Internet Shut in Kumarghat Area. (photo: X) Tension broke out between two communities in Tripuras Unakoti district after a dispute over the collection of subscriptions for a local fair. The clash left at least five to six people injured and resulted in several houses being gutted. Police sources said the dispute took a communal turn, leading to violence in parts of the area. Incidents of arson and vandalism were reported, with several properties damaged. A few houses were also set on fire during the clashes. How the violence began? According to police, the violence began on Saturday at Saidarpar village under the Fatikroy police station limits. A group of people stopped a timber-laden vehicle and demanded a subscription for a community fair. An argument broke out between two groups and quickly escalated into clashes. Tension increased further after a family from one community in the Shimultala area allegedly refused to contribute. Police said a mob from another community then gathered and set fire to properties, including a timber shop, and vandalised a place of worship. Retaliation followed soon after. Security measures and internet suspension In response to the situation, the Tripura government imposed prohibitory orders and deployed a large number of security personnel in the area. Mobile internet services were suspended across the Kumarghat Sub-Division for 48 hours as a precautionary measure. At least eight people have been taken into custody in connection with the violence. Central forces carried out flag marches to restore confidence among residents. Police said the situation is currently under control. To maintain law and order, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kumarghat imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tripura, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 10:05 IST News india Communal Clash Over Fair Subscription Leaves Several Injured In Tripuras Unakoti, Internet Suspended Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sir Li Ka-shing has hired Goldman Sachs and UBS to work on the initial public offering of Superdrugs owner - China News Service Hong Kongs richest man is plotting a London float for the owner of Superdrug in a boost for Britains beleaguered stock exchange. Sir Li Ka-shing, who has a 43bn fortune, has hired Goldman Sachs and UBS to work on the initial public offering (IPO) of the health and beauty chains owner, AS Watson, which has owned the group for two decades. Under the plan, AS Watson shares would be listed in London and Hong Kong, where Sir Ka-shing has the majority of his business interests through his CK Hutchison conglomerate. Superdrug is Britains second-largest health and beauty retailer behind Boots, boasting sales of 1.6bn last year. Alongside the chain, AS Watson also owns The Perfume Shop and dozens of other brands, operating 17,000 stores across more than 30 markets worldwide. A float by CK Hutchison could take place this year and raise $2bn (1.48bn) of proceeds, Bloomberg reported. Sir Ka-shing is best known for his sprawling British business empire, with CK Hutchison owning key water and power infrastructure across the UK. The group controls power companies Wales & West Utilities, Northern Gas Networks, Northumbrian Water Group and UK Power Networks, which supplies over eight million customers. It also runs Eversholt Rail, Britains largest owner of railway rolling stock, owns 49pc of mobile network VodafoneThree and has been linked to a takeover of Thames Water. Last year, CK Hutchison sold the Panama Canal ports to US giant BlackRock after Donald Trump intensified pressure, raising concerns about Chinese influence in the region. The deal included 43 ports across 23 countries, including the two canal terminals, which are of major strategic importance for trade between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Sir Ka-shing, 97, retired as chairman of CK in 2018 but remains a senior advisor to the group, which employs 300,000 people globally. The development of Superdrug Now a staple of the British high street, Superdrug was founded by the Goldstein brothers, Peter and Ronald, in 1964. The first shop opened in April in Putney, west London, and still operates today. The beauty and health retailer was sold to Woolworths parent, Kingfisher, for 57m in 1987. It was later acquired by Kruidvat Group and, shortly after, by AS Watson. The float of Superdrugs owner would be a boost for the London Stock Exchange after a dearth of deals. Concerns reached fever pitch last year after an anticipated revival fell flat and several companies, including UK fintech Wise, announced plans to switch their main listings to the US. There were just 22 London floats last year, including nine listings on the main exchange, raising only 2.2bn. Development Of Gujarat Is Our Sankalp: AI To Olympics, Mukesh Ambani Announces 5 Commitments Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 15:26 IST Development of Gujarat is our sankalp, big in vision, bold in execution, rooted in Gujarat and dedicated to the service of Bharat Mata, said Mukesh Ambani Mukesh Ambani addressed the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) on Sunday. (File) Reliance Industries Limited Chairman and Managing Director (MD) Mukesh Ambani announced five firm commitments for Gujarat at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Rajkot on Sunday. Development of Gujarat is our sankalp, big in vision, bold in execution, rooted in Gujarat and dedicated to the service of Bharat Mata, said Ambani. The five commitments are: 1. Investment at unprecedented scale: Reliance is already Gujarats largest investor. In the last five years, we have invested Rs 3.5 lakh crore. We will double it to 7 lakh crore over the next five years, creating exponential employment, livelihoods and greater sampatti for every Gujarati and Indian," said Ambani. 2. Global leadership in clean energy and green materials: At Jamnagar, we are building the worlds largest integrated clean energy ecosystem, spanning solar, battery energy storage, green hydrogen, green fertilisers, sustainable aviation fuel and maritime fuels and advance materials. These are not only industries of the future, they are foundations of Indias prosperous tomorrow. Jamnagar, once the largest hydrocarbon energy exporter, will, in the coming years, become Indias largest exporter of green energy and material from Gujarat. 3. Transforming Kutch into a global, clean energy hub: Our multi-Gigawatt utility scale solar project, among the worlds largest, will deliver round-the-clock clean power through advanced storage and modern grid integration, powering Indias green future and reinforcing Gujarats leadership in renewables," said Ambani. 4. Making Gujarat Indias artificial intelligence pioneer: In Jamnagar, we are building Indias largest artificial intelligence (AI)-ready data centre with a single goal affordable AI for every Indian. Jio will launch a people-first intelligence platform, built in India, for India and the world, enabling every citizen, starting from Gujarat, to access AI services in their own language, on their own device, everyday, to make them more efficient and productive. 5. Partnering for Indias Olympic ambitions and social progress: The Reliance Foundation stands ready to serve the PMs vision of bringing 2036 Olympics to Ahmedabad. As a concrete step, Reliance will partner with the Gujarat government to manage the Veer Savarkar Multi-Sports complex in Naranapura, a hub for hosting national and international events and training Indias future champions. We are also establishing a world-class hospital in Jamnagar, in Saurashtra and expanding our education facilities multifold," said Ambani. The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) Kutch & Saurashtra was formally inaugurated at Marwadi University, Rajkot, on January 11. The inauguration marked the beginning of a focused, region-driven platform aimed at accelerating economic growth, strengthening MSMEs and startups, promoting innovation, and unlocking investment opportunities across the Kutch and Saurashtra regions. VGRC Rajkot brings together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, startups, exporters, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and partnerships, aligning regional aspirations with global ambitions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 15:23 IST News india Development Of Gujarat Is Our Sankalp: AI To Olympics, Mukesh Ambani Announces 5 Commitments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Himachal Merchant Navy Officer Among 3 Indians Aboard Oil Tanker Seized By US, Family Seeks Help Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 23:48 IST Rakshit Chauhan, a merchant navy officer from Himachal's Kangra district, was among the three Indians detained after the Russia-flagged tanker Marinera was seized by the US. Rapid Read Rakshit Chauhan, a merchant navy officer, was among the three Indian crew members on Marinera (formerly Bella 1). Three Indian citizens were among the crew members detained following the US seizure of the oil tanker Marinera, which is connected to Venezuelan oil shipments. The family of a 26-year-old Merchant Navy officer from Himachal Pradesh, who was among the three Indians, has appealed to the Centre to ensure his safe return. The tanker was intercepted and taken under US control in the North Atlantic this week following a weeks-long pursuit. The Marinera had a crew of 28 people, including 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians, two Russians and three Indians. US authorities said the tanker was involved in moving oil linked to Venezuela in violation of international sanctions and was part of efforts to bypass existing restrictions. Rakshit Chauhan, hailing from Himachals Kangra district, was sent to Venezuela on his first sea assignment by his Russian employer and was detained by US authorities. His mother, Reeta Devi, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure his safe return. Please ensure safe return of my son Rakshit," she said. The distraught mother told reporters in Kangra that Rakshits marriage had been fixed on February 19, according to news agency PTI. We talked to Rakshit for the last time on January 7 and are praying to God for his safe return before that date," she said. We appeal to the prime minister and the external affairs minister to ensure the safe return of Rakshit and two others from Goa and Kerala, who are also crew members of the same vessel." The entire crew was detained as investigators examine the ships ownership, chartering arrangements and compliance with maritime and sanctions laws. US officials have not said how long the crew will be held or what legal process they may face as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, Russia has reacted sharply to the seizure. The Kremlin, a close ally of deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro who was abducted in a US military raid, accused the United States of violating international maritime law. According to reports, the vessel, formerly called Bella 1, had been trying to avoid US sanctions targeting oil shipments linked to Venezuela, Iran and Russia. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Kangra, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 23:48 IST News india Himachal Merchant Navy Officer Among 3 Indians Aboard Oil Tanker Seized By US, Family Seeks Help Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indian Army Opens Fire After Multiple Suspected Pakistani Drones Sighted Along LoC In J&K Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 12, 2026, 06:44 IST Security forces deployed Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (Counter-UAS) measures following which the suspected drones were seen returning to the other side of the border. Flying objects were detected at multiple locations close to the LoC and IB. Security forces on Sunday opened fire and activated counter-drone measures after suspected drones-like objects from across the border were spotted at multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir. According to defence officials, asuspected drone-like object was seen moving from Tain towards Topa in the Mankote sector in Poonch district at 6:25 pm. A second drone was noticed at Khabbar village in Teryath in Rajouri district at 6.35 pm, with a blinking light observed from Dharmsal village in Kalakote towards Bharakh. Another drone-like object with a blinking light was seen hovering for a few minutes over Chak Babral village in Ramgarh sector of Samba around 7:15 pm Army and security forces immediately deployed Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (Counter-UAS) measures following which the suspected drones were seen returning to the other side of the border. Searches are currently underway in the affected areas. Earlier today, security forces launched a massive search operation in the Kanachak area near the International Border after intelligence agencies intercepted a satellite phone communication by suspected terrorists. Officials said the communication was traced to a satellite device. The joint operation involved the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Border Security Force, the Central Reserve Police Force and the Army. Kanachak, located barely one kilometre from the International Border on the outskirts of Jammu, has previously been used as an infiltration route by terrorists. Authorities said the entire area has been cordoned off and search operations have been intensified across Jammu, including high-altitude regions, to track down nearly three dozen terrorists believed to be active in the region. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 23:37 IST News india Indian Army Opens Fire After Multiple Suspected Pakistani Drones Sighted Along LoC In J&K Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Islamabad National Congress: BJP Blasts Congress Over 'India Must End Op Sindoor' Remark Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 09:18 IST The BJP also accused the Congress of insulting the Indian armed forces by questioning military operations and urging restraint towards Pakistan. BJP Says Congress Gives Pakistan Clean Chit Over Operation Sindoor The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a fresh attack on the Congress over its stance on Operation Sindoor. The row began after a video surfaced of senior Congress leader and former minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, in which he advised the current BJP government to hold talks with Pakistan to end tensions after the operation. What Mani Shankar Aiyar said? In the video, Mani Shankar Aiyar is seen suggesting that India should move towards dialogue with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress of repeatedly taking a soft line on Pakistan. BJP hits back Reacting to the video, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala accused the Congress of siding with Pakistan and claimed that the party consistently undermines Indias stand on terrorism. Poonawala alleged that the Congress always gives Pakistan a clean chit" and avoids supporting firm action against terror. He used the phrase Islamabad National Congress" to mock the party and questioned its commitment to national security. In his post, Poonawala said Mani Shankar Aiyar was calling for an end to Operation Sindoor and pushing for uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan. He claimed this reflected what he described as the Congress partys long-standing approach towards Pakistan. First family retainer of Gandhi Vadra family Mani Shankar Aiyar says :1) India should end Operation Sindoor2) Start uninterrupted Dialogue with PakistanINC means Islamabad National CongressThey always give Pakistan a clean chitAdvocate no action on Pak for terrorCong pic.twitter.com/8HrvVq2x9C Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) January 11, 2026 The BJP also accused the Congress of insulting the Indian armed forces by questioning military operations and urging restraint towards Pakistan after terror-related actions. Operation Sindoor has become a key point of political debate, with the BJP defending a tough stance while accusing the Congress of weakening Indias position on terror and cross-border threats. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 09:18 IST News india Islamabad National Congress: BJP Blasts Congress Over 'India Must End Op Sindoor' Remark Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Satellite Phone Signal, Drone Sightings Flag Possible Infiltration In Jammu; Joint Ops Launched Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 23:12 IST Intelligence agencies are probing a possible coordinated hostile activity in the Jammu sector after a satellite signal and drone sightings near the International Border. Rapid Read Security forces launched joint operations after a satellite phone signal and drone sightings raised infiltration concerns in J&K. (PTI/File) Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir launched joint operations after a satellite phone signal and a drone sighting raised concerns over infiltration near the International Border in the Jammu sector. Defence officials told CNN-News18 that several suspected drone-like flying objects from Pakistan were seen at multiple locations near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. The Indian Army fired upon a drone in the Nowshera sector and took counter-UAV measures, after which these objects were seen returning to the other side of the boundary. A suspected drone-like object was seen moving from Tain towards Topa in the Mankote sector in Poonch district at 6.25 pm. A second drone was noticed at Khabbar village in Teryath in Rajouri district at 6.35 pm, with a blinking light observed from Dharmsal village in Kalakote towards Bharakh. Another drone-like object with a blinking light was seen hovering for a few minutes over Chak Babral village in Ramgarh sector of Samba around 7.15 pm Satellite Phone Signal Raises Concerns Intelligence agencies began operations to probe a possible coordinated hostile activity after satellite phone activity was detected at 03:30 hours in the PS Kanachak area on Sunday, located approximately 2 km from the International Border and 18 km north-west of Jammu, sources told CNN-News18. The location corresponds to a known infiltration and operational coordination corridor used by Pakistan-based handlers. Subsequently, at 18:25 hrs, a drone-like unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was observed moving from Tain Mankote towards Topa, suggesting possible reconnaissance or delivery intent. The temporal proximity of satellite communication and aerial observation indicates a potential coordinated hostile activity pattern, according to top intelligence sources. A joint search and verification operation, involving the Indian Army, BSF, SOG and J&K Police, is currently underway to conduct technical and ground-level assessment. Deliberate Attempt Intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that the initial technical assessment suggested that the satellite activity was deliberate and operational. This was likely linked to cross-border handlers activating or guiding assets towards the Indian side. The drone sighting in the Tain MankoteTopa axis is being examined as an attempt run. All security forces are engaged in conducting area domination, signal analysis and threat validation. Several drones from Pakistan have been deployed to drop weapons and drugs on Indian territory. Indian Armed Forces shot down several Pakistani drones during Operation Sindoor last year. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 22:44 IST News india Satellite Phone Signal, Drone Sightings Flag Possible Infiltration In Jammu; Joint Ops Launched Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Karur Stampede Case: Actor Vijay To Appear Before CBI Tomorrow Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 10:49 IST CBI has summoned TVK chief and actor Vijay to appear in New Delhi in connection with the Karur campaign stampede probe. Actor Vijay summoned by CBI in Karur stampede case. (PTI) Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi on Monday, January 12, party sources said. He has been summoned in connection with the probe into the Karur campaign stampede that killed 41 people last year. Ambulances struggled to reach the injured because of blocked roads. Most victims were aged between their 20s and 30s, and some bodies were later found in a sewer. In October 2025, the Supreme Court ordered a CBI probe into the incident. The agency has summoned Vijay for questioning on January 12, 2026. Tamil Nadu Police have charged TVK leaders for ignoring safety warnings, while a one-member judicial commission was also set up. Chief Minister MK Stalin announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for each victims family, and TVK announced 20 lakh as relief. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 10:43 IST News india Karur Stampede Case: Actor Vijay To Appear Before CBI Tomorrow Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Arrested After Fresh Rape Complaint Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 07:58 IST According to the complaint, the woman has accused the MLA of sexual assault and forcing her to undergo an abortion. Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has been taken into police custody after a third rape complaint was registered against him. He was taken into custody on Friday after the police received a fresh complaint by email. In the earlier two cases filed against him, the MLA had received protection from arrest and was granted anticipatory bail. Police officials said a special team is questioning him in Pathanamthitta district. Allegations In Latest Complaint According to the complaint, the woman has accused the MLA of sexual assault and forcing her to undergo an abortion. She stated that she came into contact with him through social media at a time when she was facing problems in her marriage. The complainant alleged that the two later entered into a relationship, during which the MLA promised to marry her. She claimed he told her that marriage would be easier if she became pregnant. However, the complaint says he later forced her to abort the pregnancy and questioned the paternity of the unborn child. She has alleged that the mental stress and pressure caused by this led to a miscarriage. The woman has also accused the MLA of seeking financial favours from her during their relationship. Police Action Police said the investigation is ongoing and that all aspects of the complaint are being examined. Further legal steps will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 07:58 IST News india Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Arrested After Fresh Rape Complaint Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 23:46 IST The remaining stretch of Phase 2 of Ahmedabad Metro from Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir was inaugurated. (X) Vibrant Gujarat Summit Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gujarat on Saturday and began his visit with a stop at the historic Somnath Temple, where he took part in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a major cultural and spiritual programme. The temple town wore a festive look as thousands of people lined the roads to welcome him, greeting his convoy with chants as he entered the shrine to offer prayers. On Sunday, the second day of his Gujarat tour, the Prime Minister held Shaurya Yatra at around 9.45 am, followed by darshan and pooja at the Somnath Temple at about 10.15 am. After that, he attended a public event marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv at around 11 am. PM Modi then travelled to Rajkot where he inaugurated Vibrant Gujarat Regional Trade Show & Exhibition for KutchSaurashtra as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot. Meanwhile, Chairman & Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited Mukesh Ambani also attended the event. Speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat event, Mukesh Ambani congratulated Narendra Modi for personally attending the programme, calling it a great honour for the people of Saurashtra and Kutch. Ambani said the Prime Ministers presence reflected his deep commitment to the regions growth and development and described the moment as a matter of pride for Gujarat. In the evening, at around 5.15 pm, PM Modi will inaugurate the remaining stretch of Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad Metro, marking a key infrastructure milestone for the state. Sedated, Tied Up: Sacked IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar Alleges Servant Robbed Family At Pune Home Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 18:06 IST A police official said that, however, the information was shared verbally and that no formal written complaint has yet been filed. Suspended IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar (File image) Suspended Indian Administrative Service (IAS) trainee Puja Khedkar has alleged that a domestic servant sedated her parents and carried out a burglary at their familys bungalow in National Housing Society in the Aundh area of Pune. According to police, Puja informed the Chaturshringi police station over the phone about a theft incident that took place on Saturday night at the familys bungalow on Baner Road, news agency PTI reported. Puja told the police that one of the servants, a native of Nepal, whom her family recently hired, administered sedatives to her and her parents, Dilip and Manorama Khedkar, rendered them unconscious, tied them up, and decamped with their mobile phones and some valuables. Khedkar claimed that she later regained consciousness, managed to free herself, and used another phone to alert the police. As per cops, information was received from Puja around 1:30 am about a theft at their bungalow. Soon, a team from Chaturshringi police station reached the spot. The police said Puja and her brothers, Vinay Budhwant and Harshad Budhwant, were at the bungalow when the team reached there. When the police checked the bungalow, the watchman was found unconscious in the car parking lot. Meanwhile, Dilip and Manorama were found unconscious and were immediately shifted to a private hospital for treatment. Police said their condition is now stable. A police official said that, however, the information was shared verbally and that no formal written complaint has yet been filed. Details of the items allegedly stolen have also not been formally listed. Meanwhile, Pune police said a preliminary inquiry has been initiated to verify the claims and establish the sequence of events. The police said that CCTV cameras at the bungalow were not functional. So, they are checking videos captured by CCTV cameras at other points to get clues about the suspect. Who Is Puja Khedkar? Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, was accused of posing as an OBC non-creamy layer candidate in her Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) candidature. She had claimed that she was visually and mentally disabled, but had refused to take tests to corroborate her claims. She had made headlines over her alleged demands for a separate office, staff and quarters which she is not entitled to as a probationer. She had also unauthorisedly installed a beacon and Maharashtra state government insignia on her luxury Audi car. Amid these allegations, she was dismissed from the Indian Administrative Service after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled her selection in September 2024. After cancelling her selection, the UPSC had barred her from taking the entrance exam for life. In another controversy, last year, police registered a case against Dilip and Manorama Khedkar over the alleged abduction of a truck driver following a road rage incident in Navi Mumbai. That case had triggered widespread discussion and legal action at the time. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 17:05 IST News india Sedated, Tied Up: Sacked IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar Alleges Servant Robbed Family At Pune Home Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Jennifer Lopez Gives Sheer And Sparkle A Moment In Sabyasachi High Jewellery Written By : News18.com Edited By: Snigdha Oreya Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 16:30 IST Jennifer Lopez dazzled in a Zuhair Murad couture dress and complemented it with Sabyasachi High Jewellery. Jennifer Lopez attended the Vanity Fair and Amazon MGM Studios Celebrate Awards Season 2026 in Los Angeles. Jennifer Lopez made a dazzling appearance at the Vanity Fair and Amazon MGM Studios Celebrate Awards Season 2026 in Los Angeles. Celebrating Sheer and Sparkle in Sabyasachi High Jewellery and Zuhair Murad couture, Jennifer Lopez kicked off the Golden Globes 2026 with a fiery start. Sabyasachi High Jewellery Jennifer Lopez celebrated Indian craftsmanship through the brilliance of Sabyasachis artistry at the Golden Globes party. JLo adorned a statement necklace, earrings and a ring from Sabyasachi High Jewellery that added a royal touch to her glamorous style. The necklace crafted in 18k gold was enhanced with rubellite, amethyst and brilliant cut EF VVS VS diamonds. Jennifer paired the necklace with earrings and a ring crafted in 18k gold featuring rubellite, old mine cut and brilliant cut EF VVS VS diamonds. The gold clasp of the necklace features Sabyasachis brand logo, the royal Bengal tiger. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) Zuhair Murad Couture Dress Complementing the one-of-a-kind jewellery was the fiery blush strapless sheer dress from Zuhair Murads Fall Winter 2025 couture collection. The silhouette is a tribute to Hollywoods golden age, and Jennifer looked surreal in the bejewelled sheer dress. The rich jewelled bodice with tonal embroidery added depth to the sheer silhouette. Fitting her like a glove, Jennifer radiated power and grace in this opulent statement couture piece. Styled by fashion stylist Mariel Haenn, Jennifer Lopezs glam was done by celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes. Her nail art was done by Tom Bachik. Jennifer took to Instagram and shared a couple of images before she hit the red carpet. Globes weekend" expressed JLo as she posed in front of her mirror, looking like a diva. The Golden Globes 2026 is all set to take place on January 11, 2026, and Jennifer Lopez will be one of the presenters at the awards. Jennifer joins a long list of iconic presenters at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Amanda Seyfried, Julia Roberts, Pamela Anderson, Jennifer Garner, Chris Pine, Kathryn Hann, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Hart, Jason Bateman, Dave Franco, Ayo Edebiri, Melissa McCarthy, Mila Kunis, Miley Cyrus, Orlando Bloom, Snoop Dogg, Regina Hall and Queen Latifah among others. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 16:30 IST News lifestyle fashion Jennifer Lopez Gives Sheer And Sparkle A Moment In Sabyasachi High Jewellery India's apparel export promotion council projects a trade deal with UK could help double garment exports to Britain over the next three years (R. Satish BABU) R. Satish BABU/AFP/AFP India is aggressively seeking trade deals to open markets for exporters and soften the blow of steep US tariffs, as efforts to secure an agreement with Washington remain elusive. Relations between Washington and New Delhi plummeted in August after President Donald Trump raised tariffs to 50 percent, a blow that threatens job losses and hurts India's ambition of becoming a manufacturing and export powerhouse. That pressure, experts say, has pushed New Delhi into a rapid diversification drive beyond its biggest market. India signed or operationalised four trade agreements last year, including a major pact with Britain -- the fastest pace of dealmaking it has seen in years -- and is now eyeing fresh deals. Negotiations are underway with the European Union, the Eurasian Economic Union, Mexico, Chile and the South American Mercosur trade bloc, either for new deals or to expand existing agreements. If successful, India would have trade arrangements with "almost every major economy", said Ajay Srivastava, from the New Delhi-based Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Srivastava said 2025 was "one of the most active years" for trade agreements, which he said aimed to "spread risk" rather than to pivot from Washington. - 'Expand its destinations' - Washington's punishing tariffs aimed at stopping India's purchases of Russian oil -- which it says finances Moscow's invasion of Ukraine -- have driven New Delhi's desire to grow other markets. "The strategy was a reaction, as I read it, to what Trump did," trade economist Biswajit Dhar told AFP. "This has now become an imperative for India to actually expand its destinations." Major deals will help labour-intensive sectors hurt by tariffs. India's apparel export promotion council projects that the UK trade deal could help double garment exports to Britain over the next three years. The gains from a potential EU agreement could be even bigger. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expected to visit New Delhi later in January, has said it would be the "largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world". Although the two sides missed a deadline to conclude talks by the end of 2025 -- reportedly over disputes related to steel and auto exports -- Indian negotiators remain optimistic. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit India and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, holding talks on "intensifying cooperation in trade and investment", Modi's office said in a statement. Two Fur Coats, Two Moods: How Kareena Kapoor Masters Winter Drama Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 11:09 IST Kareena Kapoor shows that winter style isnt about piling on layers. Its about choosing the right one and letting it speak. Kareena Kapoor showcases winter style with statement coats. Winter wardrobes often rely on layers to do the heavy lifting, but Kareena Kapoor reminds us that sometimes, all you need is one decisive piece. In her recent appearances, the actor turned fur outerwear into a full-fledged fashion statement, proving that a coat can be more than a cold-weather essential. It can be an attitude, a mood, and a masterclass in restraint versus drama. What makes Kareena Kapoors winter style so compelling is her clarity of intent. Each look feels deliberate, confident, and deeply personal. It is less about trends and more about presence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) Look One: Maximal Drama, Minimal Effort The first ensemble leans unapologetically bold. Kareena steps out in a full-length printed fur coat that instantly commands attention. The animal motif lends a touch of retro glamour, but the oversized cut keeps it grounded in the now. This is maximalism done with maturity. It is dramatic without feeling costume-like. What elevates the look is the restraint beneath the statement. The coat is styled as the hero, with understated layers underneath, allowing the plush texture and print to take centre stage. Her sleek, pulled-back hair balances the visual intensity, while a compact black clutch sharpens the look with quiet sophistication. This outfit is a reminder that winter drama doesnt require excess. A single standout layer, styled with confidence and clean lines, is often enough to make an impact. Look Two: Polished, Controlled, Classic In contrast, the second look speaks the language of elegance. Kareena opts for a cropped black fur jacket structured, indulgent, and timeless. The shorter length introduces definition at the waist, creating a clean silhouette that feels tailored rather than theatrical. Paired with a black high-neck top and neutral bottoms, the look leans monochrome and refined. The plush texture adds warmth and luxury, while the minimal colour palette ensures versatility. This is winter dressing for evenings that call for subtle authority less drama, more polish. A cropped fur or faux-fur jacket, as Kareena demonstrates, is a wardrobe investment that works across moods. It sharpens dresses, elevates separates, and adds instant richness without overwhelming the frame. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 11:09 IST News lifestyle fashion Two Fur Coats, Two Moods: How Kareena Kapoor Masters Winter Drama Can Toilet Paper Increase Your Risk Of UTIs? What A Urologist Wants You To Know Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 11:25 IST Recurrent UTIs may be linked to everyday hygiene choices. A urologist explains how toilet paper quality, texture, and fragrance can affect urinary health. For individuals experiencing recurrent UTIs despite good hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits, reassessing daily hygiene products, including toilet paper, may be worthwhile Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly linked to poor hygiene, dehydration, or underlying medical conditions. However, an often-overlooked everyday factor may also contribute to recurrent infections, the type of toilet paper we use. From a clinical perspective, the quality and composition of toilet paper can influence urogenital health, particularly in women. Low-grade or heavily scented toilet paper is frequently manufactured using recycled materials that may contain chemical residues, bleaching agents, or added fragrances. These substances can irritate the sensitive skin around the urethral opening, disrupting the natural protective barrier and making it easier for bacteria such as E. coli to enter the urinary tract. Dr Prakash Chandra Shetty, Associate Director, Urology, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, explains that texture is another important consideration. Rough, thin, or easily shredding toilet paper can leave behind microscopic paper particles after wiping. These remnants may retain moisture and bacteria, creating a favourable environment for infection. In individuals with sensitive skin, diabetes, post-menopausal hormonal changes, or compromised immunity, this risk becomes even more significant. Wiping technique, combined with toilet paper quality, also plays a role. Improper wiping or excessive friction caused by harsh paper can lead to micro-abrasions, increasing susceptibility to bacterial invasion. Additionally, coloured or perfumed toilet paper may alter the natural pH balance of the vulvovaginal area, further raising the risk of infection. So, what should consumers look for? Opting for soft, unscented, dye-free toilet paper made from virgin pulp or high-quality bamboo fibre is advisable. These options are gentler on the skin and less likely to leave residue. Maintaining proper hygiene practicessuch as wiping from front to back, avoiding excessive wiping, and ensuring adequate hydrationremains essential. For individuals experiencing recurrent UTIs despite good hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits, reassessing daily hygiene products, including toilet paper, may be worthwhile. While it may seem trivial, small changes in everyday choices can play a meaningful role in preventing discomfort and reducing infection risk. UTI prevention is not just about medication, it is also about mindful hygiene, informed product choices, and awareness of how even simple habits can impact overall health. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 11:25 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Can Toilet Paper Increase Your Risk Of UTIs? What A Urologist Wants You To Know How Earphones Are Driving Permanent Hearing Loss Among Indian Youth Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 08:26 IST Prolonged earphone use at high volumes is putting Indian youth at risk of permanent hearing loss. Learn early warning signs, expert insights, and preventive listening habits. Permanent hearing loss does not occur overnight, it develops gradually, and by the time many young people recognise it, the damage is often irreversible. Earphones have become inseparable from daily life, powering music, calls, podcasts, workouts, and online meetings. For many young people, they travel everywhere, moving effortlessly from pockets to bags and straight into ears. But behind this everyday convenience lies a growing and often ignored health risk: noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over one billion young people globally are at risk of hearing damage due to unsafe listening practices involving earphones and personal audio devices. In India, doctors are increasingly seeing the impact of this trend among adolescents and young adults. Most of us dont think twice before putting earbuds back in our ears," says Dr Satish Nair, Skull Base Surgeon and ENTHead and Neck Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Roads. But the real concern isnt just hygiene, its how loudly and how long we use them every single day." Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when prolonged exposure to loud sounds damages the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. These hair cells do not regenerate, and once damaged, the resulting hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. The recommended safe listening level is 85 decibels (dB). Continuous exposure beyond this threshold significantly increases the risk of irreversible damage. Long hours of earphone use, especially at high volumes, place constant stress on the inner ear," explains Dr Nair. Over time, this damage accumulates quietly. Early warning signs such as ringing in the ears or difficulty understanding speech are often ignored until the damage becomes permanent." Echoing this concern, Dr Vinayak Kurle, Consultant ENT, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, points out that many young people fail to recognise the early symptoms of hearing damage or dismiss them as temporary fatigue. Early signs of noise-induced hearing loss include: Ringing or buzzing sensations in the ears (tinnitus) A feeling of blocked, muffled, or distorted hearing Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments Ear discomfort or fatigue after prolonged listening Increased sensitivity to everyday sounds These symptoms are frequently brushed aside," says Dr Kurle. Delaying medical attention can worsen outcomes. Over time, untreated hearing loss may lead to social isolation, depression, cognitive decline, and reduced work productivity." There is also a common misconception that unclean earbuds are the primary cause of hearing loss. While hygiene is important, doctors stress that it is not the main risk factor. Dirty earbuds can increase the risk of ear infections, especially due to trapped sweat and moisture," Dr Nair clarifies. However, infections are not what cause hearing loss. The real danger comes from prolonged exposure to loud sound delivered directly into the ear canal. Earbuds sit close to the eardrum, so even moderate volumes over long durations can quietly harm hearing." The good news, experts say, is that noise-induced hearing loss is largely preventable. Avoiding exposure to loud noise remains the most effective measure. When exposure is unavoidable, protective equipment such as earplugs, earmuffs, or noise-filtering devices can help. Noise-cancelling earphones are also beneficial, as they reduce the need to increase volume in noisy surroundings. Doctors strongly recommend following the WHOs 6060 rule: listen at no more than 60 per cent volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Daily earphone use should be limited, maximum volume levels avoided, and sound exposure ideally kept below 80 dB. Smarter use is what truly protects your ears," says Dr Nair. Avoid wearing earbuds continuously for hours, never sleep with them on, and take regular breaks. If you already notice ringing, muffled hearing, or discomfort, get your hearing checked." Regular listening breaks, periodic hearing tests, and early consultation with an ENT specialist at the first sign of symptoms can prevent further damage. As Dr Kurle emphasises, permanent hearing loss does not happen overnight, it develops gradually, and by the time many young people recognise it, the damage is often irreversible. Your ears do not heal once they are damaged," Dr Nair adds. A small change in daily habits today can save you from lifelong hearing problems tomorrow." Healthy listening habits today are the only way to preserve hearing for tomorrow. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 08:05 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness How Earphones Are Driving Permanent Hearing Loss Among Indian Youth Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary 2026: How Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Shaped India Published By : Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 07:35 IST Lal Bahadur Shastri is remembered for his honest leadership, his famous slogan, and his key role in encouraging the Green Revolution that helped strengthen Indias agriculture. Lal Bahadur Shastris slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan became a symbol of unity during war and food crisis. (File pic) Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary: India marks the death anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri on January 11. The countrys second prime minister passed away on this day in 1966 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Remembered as a simple and honest leader, Shastri was widely respected for staying close to the common people and leading by example. Though soft-spoken, Shastri played a strong role during some of Indias most difficult years. His words and actions left a deep impact on the nation, especially through a slogan that continues to guide India even today. Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary: A Leader Known For Simple Values Lal Bahadur Shastri rose through politics by following Gandhian values and grassroots work. In 1965, during a public meeting in Prayagraj (then Allahabad), he gave the slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan. The message highlighted the importance of soldiers guarding the nation and farmers feeding it. The slogan struck a chord across the country. At a time of war and food shortage, it helped boost public spirit and unity. Even decades later, it remains one of Indias most remembered national calls. Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary: Early Life And Struggles Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, into a poor family. His father passed away when he was very young, leaving his mother to raise him under tough conditions. Despite hardships, Shastri continued his studies and showed strong discipline from an early age. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda, he joined the freedom movement while still young. He was jailed several times during the struggle for independence but remained firm in his beliefs. Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary: Political Journey After Independence After India gained freedom, Shastri held several key positions in the government. He served as Railway Minister and Home Minister and earned a name for honesty and efficiency. In 1964, after Jawaharlal Nehrus death, Shastri was chosen as Indias second prime minister. Leaders across party lines trusted him for his clean image and calm approach to leadership. Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary: War, Farming And National Growth Shastri led India during the 1965 war against Pakistan. During this period, his slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan became a source of strength for the nation. Alongside defence, he also pushed for better farming methods and supported early steps of the Green Revolution to improve food production. 10 Lesser-Known Facts About Lal Bahadur Shastri Born as Lal Bahadur Shrivastava, he later gave up his surname to reject caste-based identity. Deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the Indian National Congress in 1928. October 2 marks his birth anniversary, the same day Mahatma Gandhi was born. The title Shastri was awarded to him after completing his education at Kashi Vidyapeeth. In 1947, as a minister, he supported the appointment of women as bus conductors. During his tenure, water jets were introduced to control crowds instead of lathi charges. India was under his leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. In 1966, he became the first person to receive the Bharat Ratna posthumously. A Fiat car purchased on loan was later paid off by his wife using the family pension. He passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, just hours after signing the Tashkent Declaration. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 07:35 IST News lifestyle Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary 2026: How Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Shaped India Live Music, Ghazals And Long Dinners: Why Casa Artesa Is More Than Just A Meal in Amritsar Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 13:13 IST Casa Artesa and Sage by Artesa in Amritsar offer alfresco dining, artistic decor, standout fish, signature cocktails, and soulful live ghazal music. Casa Artesa and Sage by Artesa Is the Kind of Place You Dont Rush Through. Tucked away in the heart of Amritsar, Casa Artesa and Sage by Artesa feel less like a restaurant and more like a thoughtfully designed retreat from the citys everyday rush. From the moment you step in, theres an unmistakable sense of calm open skies, lush surroundings, warm lighting, and spaces that invite you to slow down and settle in. Casa Artesas alfresco seating is one of its strongest highlights. Designed to be enjoyed year-round, the outdoor area comes equipped with heaters for cooler evenings, making it just as comfortable as it is charming. Earthy textures, handpicked decor, and soft illumination create a relaxed yet elevated settingperfect for long conversations, relaxed brunches, or lingering dinners under the stars. Indoors, Sage by Artesa offers a more refined, artistic experience. Life-size handmade art pieces, sculptural installations, and carefully curated design elements define the space. Each seating area feels distinct, whether youre tucked into an intimate corner or seated in a light-filled room that brings a sense of openness to the dining experience. On the culinary front, Sage by Artesa delivers a multi-cuisine menu thats hard to rush through. The appetizers are standout so flavourful and well-executed that you genuinely find yourself lingering over them, unsure when to move on to the mains. The fish dishes, in particular, are exceptional, cooked to perfection and easily among the most memorable offerings on the menu. Generous portion sizes ensure the experience feels indulgent without being overwhelming, making it ideal for sharing across the table. The craft cocktail programme adds another layer to the experience. Featuring signature cocktails, the menu is as visually striking as it is inventive. From creative names to thoughtful presentation, each drink feels like a small work of art. Even the cocktail menu itself is beautifully designed, reinforcing the sense that every detail here has been considered. Adding to the ambience is the restaurants live music programme. Evenings often come alive with soulful performances that blend seamlessly into the space, enhancing the mood without overpowering conversation. On select nights, ghazal evenings take centre stage, lending the space a nostalgic, intimate charm that perfectly complements the setting. Whether youre visiting with friends, planning a family outing, or looking for a place that balances great food, music, and atmosphere, Casa Artesa and Sage by Artesa truly offer something for everyone. Its a space where you come for a meal but stay for the feeling. DISCLAIMER: The journalist visited the property as part of a 2-day media familiarisation trip. All views and opinions expressed are personal and do not constitute an endorsement of the property. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Amritsar, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 13:11 IST News lifestyle travel Live Music, Ghazals And Long Dinners: Why Casa Artesa Is More Than Just A Meal in Amritsar Opinion | From Hamas Captivity To Global Silence: How Hostage Testimony Exposes New Geopolitics Of War Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 15:54 IST Accountability delayed is accountability denied and in modern war, silence is never empty. It is strategic The allegations emerging from Hamas captivity must be understood as more than personal accounts of trauma. (Image: AFP) When freed Israeli hostages began describing sexual assault during their captivity by Hamas, the disclosures landed not as isolated revelations but as disruptions. They arrived in a world already saturated with images of war in Gaza, humanitarian statistics, and hardened moral positions. Within hours, the testimonies were contested, reframed, or dismissed not through investigation, but through narrative competition. What followed was not simply debate over facts, but a struggle over meaning. In contemporary conflict, this struggle is decisive, because wars today are fought not only with weapons, but with testimony, silence, and selective belief. The allegations emerging from Hamas captivity must therefore be understood as more than personal accounts of trauma. They are geopolitical events, because sexual violence, enforced silence, and denial sit at the intersection of warfare, legitimacy, and international norms. What is at stake is not only whether crimes occurred, but whether the international system still possesses the capacity and the will to apply universal standards when those standards collide with ideology, information warfare, and asymmetric power. Sexual violence in war is not a moral abstraction. It is a legally codified strategy. The United Nations Security Council, through Resolution 1820 and subsequent frameworks, formally recognised sexual violence as a tactic of war precisely because of its recurring, systematic use across conflicts. This recognition emerged from empirical evidence, not advocacy. In Bosnia, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia documented rape camps designed to terrorise populations and force displacement, leading to convictions for crimes against humanity. In Iraq, UN investigative teams concluded that ISIS institutionalised sexual slavery of Yazidi women, complete with bureaucratic records and threats of execution for disclosure. In Nigeria, UN and Human Rights Watch reports documented Boko Harams use of sexual violence to impose population control and deter resistance. Across these conflicts, the pattern is stable: sexual violence is deployed not as excess cruelty, but as instrumental coercion. It fractures social trust, enforces silence, and leaves damage that outlasts military engagement. To place hostage testimonies within this framework is not to politicise them; it is to analyse them accurately. The most common mechanism for undermining such testimony is delay. Why now? Why not earlier? The question is rhetorically effective precisely because it ignores the conditions of captivity. Trauma research and post-conflict documentation consistently show that survivors of sexual violence in captivity disclose months or years later, if at all. In ISIS captivity cases, many survivors spoke publicly only after perpetrators lost territorial control. Fear of retaliation against remaining captives, family members, or oneself was cited repeatedly as the reason for silence. Silence, in this sense, is not an evidentiary gap. It is a product of power. From a geopolitical perspective, this matters because time advantages denial. Narrative ecosystems operate at the speed of outrage, while legal accountability operates at the speed of institutions. International tribunals require access, corroboration, political consensus, and years of procedural inertia. Social media, by contrast, requires minutes. By the time testimony emerges, global moral positions are already entrenched. Silence buys deniability, and deniability buys legitimacy. Hostage-taking must be understood within this informational asymmetry. Non-state armed groups no longer treat hostages primarily as bargaining assets; they treat them as instruments of cognitive warfare. Captivity generates uncertainty, emotional leverage, and narrative ambiguity that constrains state response. Analysts at institutions such as the Washington Institute for Near East Policy have described this shift as a move from kinetic leverage to psychological and informational dominance. In this framework, testimony becomes destabilising. It reframes the conflict from politics to criminality, from resistance narratives to universal stigma. That is why silence is enforced, and why denial follows release with such immediacy. Parallel to this dynamic runs the humanitarian narrative, which is both indispensable and vulnerable to instrumentalisation. Civilian suffering in Gaza is real and severe. War produces humanitarian catastrophe as a matter of course. Yet in contemporary conflicts, humanitarian data does not circulate in a neutral vacuum. Famine determinations, casualty counts, and aid access assessments rely on methodologies that are complex, contested, and often revised. In Yemen, early famine declarations were later recalibrated amid disputes over sampling and access. In Syria, casualty figures varied widely depending on source and period. In Ethiopias Tigray conflict, humanitarian data became deeply politicised, delaying both aid delivery and accountability. The consequence is not denial of suffering, but narrative displacement. Attention shifts from perpetrators to conditions, from acts to outcomes, from responsibility to tragedy. Humanitarian catastrophe and war crimes coexist in most conflicts; treating one as a shield against scrutiny of the other is not moral clarity, but strategic framing. Perhaps the most destabilising effect of this narrative warfare is the erosion of universal moral standards. Feminist and human rights advocacy rests on a simple principle: survivors must be believed. Yet in geopolitical conflicts, belief increasingly tracks ideology. Testimony that aligns with political sympathies is amplified; testimony that disrupts them is questioned, relativised, or dismissed as instrumental. This selective empathy does not protect civilians. It signals to armed groups that ideology can neutralise accountability. International legal scholars and UN officials have repeatedly warned that selective application of norms weakens the entire system. Universalism collapses when it becomes conditional. For global audiences particularly in the Global South this inconsistency is not theoretical. It fuels scepticism towards international institutions and accelerates the erosion of moral authority. History offers no comfort here. In Rwanda, early warnings of mass violence were dismissed until genocide was undeniable. In Bosnia, systematic sexual violence was downplayed until tribunals forced recognition years later. In Iraq, ISIS crimes were fully documented only after territorial defeat made denial untenable. These failures were not born of ignorance, but of hesitation, political cost, narrative discomfort, and fear of destabilising existing alignments. Non-state actors observe these outcomes closely. They learn that enforced silence buys time, that humanitarian framing diffuses blame, that denial delays justice, and that moral inconsistency weakens enforcement. The international system, meanwhile, remains slow, fragmented, and reactive. Investigations trail outrage. Accountability trails memory. This is not a failure of data. It is a failure of resolve. This analysis is not an argument for one government or against one people. It is an argument for coherence. Sexual violence cannot be relativised without consequence. Testimony cannot be dismissed as propaganda without training future abusers. And silence, when enforced, never signifies absence. It signifies power. Wars today are fought not only over land and lives, but over meaning. If global audiences accept selective morality and narrative convenience, the cost will not be confined to this conflict. History is unforgiving on this point. Accountability delayed is accountability denied and in modern war, silence is never empty. It is strategic. (The author is a practising advocate. She writes articles on womens rights, politics and law. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 15:54 IST News opinion Opinion | From Hamas Captivity To Global Silence: How Hostage Testimony Exposes New Geopolitics Of War Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | JNU, Slogans And The Limits Of Free Speech: When Dissent Ends And Incitement Begins Written By : & News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 16:13 IST It appears that little has changed in the conceptual atmosphere of JNU since 2016, where intellectual, ideological blindness continues to capture imagination of young students The Jawaharlal Nehru University. If we thought the dust had settled on the issue of anti-national sloganeering within the precincts of one of Indias premier higher education institutionsJawaharlal Nehru Universitywith the crackdown on student leaders like Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Shehla Rashid and Anirban Bhattacharya in 2016, the hiatus was perhaps only waiting to be broken by another, more insidious incident. On the night of 5 January 2026, in the immediate aftermath of the denial of bail to both Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imamdirectly accused of inciting mob violence and communal riots in Delhi in 2020, and of threatening to cut off the North East from the rest of India by blockading the Chickens Neck CorridorJNU student bodies, mainly affiliated to Left-oriented political dispensations, reportedly raised highly objectionable slogans calling for the death of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. An FIR was lodged subsequent to the said sloganeering, and disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the offending students by the university, including possible eviction from hostels and potential arrest. Let us first consider the legal aspects of the matter in question. Of the many freedoms enjoyed by the citizens of India, the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India is considered the bedrock of democracy, subject only to the reasonable restrictions placed upon it by Article 19(2). Needless to say, the scope and extent of this freedom, and the restrictions that may be placed upon it, have time and again been challenged in courts of law. If we contextualise the recent sloganeering incident at JNU and the subsequent FIR against the offenders, it once again brings into focus the protections provided by Article 19(1)(a) and the scope of reasonable restrictions, particularly with regard to the debate surrounding actual incitement to violence versus mere provocative advocacy. In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) 5 SCC 1, the Supreme Court distinguished between protected speech and unprotected incitement, observing that mere discussion or advocacy is at the heart of Article 19(1)(a)" and that it is only when such discussion reaches the level of incitement that Article 19(2) kicks in." In Superintendent, Central Prison v. Ram Manohar Lohia (1960) 2 SCR 821, it was stated that restrictions become justified only when a proximate nexus" to harm is established, and not on the basis of remote fears. Precedents such as S. Rangarajan v. P. Jagjivan Ram (AIR 1989 SC 833) and Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (AIR 1962 SC 955) rejected vague tendency" tests in the absence of an imminent risk of violence. The Supreme Court, in Kaushal Kishor v. State of U.P. (2023) 4 SCC 1, insisted on a precise balancing between the freedom of speech and expression and the imposition of restrictions thereon, emphasising the need to avoid overreach. The JNU episode also reminds us of Arun Ghosh v. State of West Bengal (1970) 1 SCC 98, wherein the Bench noted that what matters is the scale of disturbance and not personal affront, though risks of communal unrest may constitute grounds for the imposition of reasonable restrictions. It can, however, be argued that while Article 19(1)(a) stands as democracys Ark of the Covenant" (Bennett Coleman & Co. v. Union of India, (1972) 2 SCC 788), demanding that we tolerate sharp criticism, it draws a firm line at threats to the life of constitutional figures, such as grave-digging threats that may genuinely endanger public peace. As was evident in the JNU sloganeering incident, direct threats were reportedly articulated, which may be viewed as personalised and lethal threats against constitutional figures and national leaders. These transcend mere policy critique in a tense context and may potentially provide a spark in a powder keg", as articulated in Shreya Singhal. Yet, it may also be argued that mere offence to authority falls short of the threshold; proof of realistic disorder and a demonstrable tendency to cause harm remain crucial. The law, therefore, mandates reasonable" curbs that are narrowly tailored and context-driven. The JNU incident thus prompts careful scrutiny of whether inciteful speech alone suffices, or whether imminence of violence must be conclusively established. While the constitutional and legal position clearly provides for a wide ambit of debate and discussion, the political context remains firmly focused on the social and national security concerns associated with provocative, inciteful, and hate-driven sloganeering on university campuses. Not only does the ostensible mindset of the offenders in this instance become veritable cannon fodder for digital terror recruiters across the border and their proxies within India, it also calls into question the nations capacity to safeguard itself against external adversaries while contending with an internal minefield of enemies and detractors blinded by ideological hatred and indoctrination. This further places a glaring spotlight on the content, context, and delivery of higher education imparted to future generations through premier institutions of repute, which are increasingly perceived as transforming into virtual training grounds for anarchists and, for want of a better term, terrorists, masquerading as dissenters and self-styled warriors of democracy and social justice. It appears that little has changed in the conceptual atmosphere of JNU since 2016, where intellectual and ideological blindness continues to capture the imagination of young students and scholars, intoxicated by romanticised vitriol disseminated by motivated and surreptitious professors. Consequently, issuing death threats to constitutional offices and their occupants becomes normalised, with intellectual violence forming the lifeblood of a delusional and anarchic revolution that JNU appears perpetually to anticipate and prepare for. Whether those who have fallen foul of the Indian state in the latest incident will be judged strictly according to existing legal precedent on freedom of speech, or whether new precedents will be set to make an example of them, remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the final word on Indias internal enemies, the contours of freedom of speech and its reasonable restrictions, and the imperatives of national security has yet to be spoken. (Dr Monica Yadav is an advocate and Professor of Law at IILM University, Gurugram. Dr Roshni Sengupta is an author, political commentator, and Professor of Politics and Media at IILM University, Gurugram. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of News18.) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 16:12 IST News opinion Opinion | JNU, Slogans And The Limits Of Free Speech: When Dissent Ends And Incitement Begins Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 08:05 IST Bhojpuri actress Aamrapali Dubey turned 39 on January 11, 2026. Among the highest-paid stars of the Bhojpuri film industry, she made her acting debut with the television show in 2009 and has since built a successful film career, earning multiple Bhojpuri Film Awards. 1 / 10 During her trip to Pokhara, Nepal, Bhojpuri actress Aamrapali Dubey embraced local culture in a traditional lugra-style saree with classic jewellery and understated makeup. (Image: aamrapali1101/Instagram) 2 / 10 She looked ethereal in a satin full-sleeved top paired with a blue skirt, elevated with layered pearl jewellery. (Image: aamrapali1101/Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 The actress added drama to the stage in a shimmery blue gown adorned with golden embellishments during a dance performance. (Image: aamrapali1101/Instagram) 4 / 10 Aamrapali dazzled in a glossy red saree, proving her love for timeless and bold ethnic silhouettes. (Image: aamrapali1101/Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 For an ethnic event, she chose a purple saree with a stone-embellished border, styled with a neat bun and statement jewellery. (Image: aamrapali1101/Instagram) 6 / 10 Honouring her roots, the actress donned a yellow saree with traditional sindoor and jewellery during Chhath Puja celebrations. (Image: aamrapali1101/Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 Switching gears, Aamrapali impressed in a black three-piece formal set, styled with a sleek ponytail and glam makeup. (Image: aamrapali1101/Instagram) 8 / 10 A rosy pink saree with a scalloped border and golden blouse highlighted her feminine and graceful style. (Image: aamrapali1101/Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 She paired a creamy silk Banarasi saree with a striking green stone necklace, completing the look with her signature smile. (Image: aamrapali1101/Instagram) Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 10:00 IST 1 / 8 Fatima Sana Shaikh is one of Bollywoods most sought-after actress today. She rose to fame with Dangal and has consistently impressed in films like Ludo, MetroIn Dino, Sam bahadur among others. (Image: X) 2 / 8 In Dangal, she portrayed the role of Geeta Phogat, Indias first female wrestler to win gold at the Commonwealth Games. The actress underwent a massive physical transformation and had cut her hair to portray her character. (Image: X) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 8 Earlier in an interview with Filmfare, Fatima Sana Shaikh revealed her experience while working in Dangal. She said that the training was so intense that there was nothing left to ask Geeta Phogat and Babita Phogat. However, when she saw then, she thought, I must look like them. (Image: YouTube) 4 / 8 She added, If you touch their bodies, its like touching a rock. They are so string. If they shake your hand, your bones might break. As international athletes, they had such powerful presence and aura. I wanted to have that aura and physique. (Image: IMDb) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 8 When questioned if she ever felt losing her femininity, the actress said, I was always a tomboy, very used to being around boys and wearing my brothers clothes, so no. But when I cut my hair, I suddenly felt exposed. (Image: Reddit) 6 / 8 I realised that long hair is like a veil for girls. When you leave it open, you feel secure, sexy and pretty. It took me a while to get comfortable. But once I did, it was liberating, she continued. (Image: YouTube) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 8 Fatima Sana Shaikh further expressed that during Dangal, she was a struggling actress who had just gotten the chance to work with top actors, a renowned director and a major production house. My focus was on my wrestling, my body and my appearance. At 49 kg, I had to gain weight and build muscle, training like an A-list athlete. I remember feeling emotional during the narration, surrounded by the cast and crew, with my head in my hands, worried about managing stunts like the backflip. I was constantly stressed, anxious and terrified of losing this opportunity, she said. (Image: Reddit) Hard Work Brought Me This Far: DK Shivakumar Confident About Congress Decision On His Future Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 20:41 IST DK Shivakumar cites hard work for his rise, addresses Vokkaliga Expo, and expresses confidence amid Congress power tussle over the chief ministers post. Rapid Read Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said that his political journey has been shaped by hard work and perseverance, expressing confidence that the Congress leadership would take an appropriate decision on his future. Shivakumar, also the state Congress president, made the comments amid a power tussle" in the party over the chief ministers post, in which he is involved. He made the remarks while addressing the Udyami Vokkaliga-FC Expo 2025, an event aimed at promoting Vokkaliga entrepreneurship. Shivakumar hails from the Vokkaliga community, which has a significant presence across south Karnataka. For my hard work, I have come this far, serving eight times as MLA and working in Bengaluru among all these people. I have faced many challenges to reach this position, and I am here. Whatever the party decides for me in the future, I am confident," Shivakumar said. Bengaluru, Jan 11 (PTI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Sunday that his hard work has brought him this far in politics and that he is confident about the Congress partys future decision regarding him. Shivakumar, also the state Congress president, made the comments amid a power tussle" in the party over the chief ministers post, in which he is involved. He made the remarks while addressing the Udyami Vokkaliga-FC Expo 2025, an event aimed at promoting Vokkaliga entrepreneurship. Shivakumar belongs to the Vokkaliga community, which has a substantial presence in south Karnataka. For my hard work, I have come this far, serving eight times as MLA and working in Bengaluru among all these people. I have faced many challenges to reach this position, and I am here. Whatever the party decides for me in the future, I am confident," Shivakumar said. Recalling the public support he received during his jail term for what he described as political reasons," Shivakumar said people cutting across parties and communities continued to pray for him, adding that while efforts may fail, prayers never do. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in September 2019 in a money laundering case and was granted bail by the Delhi High Court the following month. Referring to being called a bande (rock) by supporters, he said, A rock is natural. When carved, it takes shape, and when worshipped in the form of an idol, it becomes culture." The power tussle" within the ruling party has sharpened amid speculation over a possible change in chief minister after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. The speculation follows a 2023 power-sharing" pact between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. In a veiled swipe at JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who also belongs to the Vokkaliga community, Shivakumar said he faces daily criticism from members of his own community, adding that such attacks are part of politics. I may be younger, but I have gained extensive experience without any political background. Who is targeting me at the end of the day? It is members of my own community criticising me on TV and social media. Such attacks are common in politics, and we shouldnt be bothered by them," he said. Defending his record during the Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) coalition government, he said, Kumaranna accused me of backstabbing him. No problemI dont need a certificate from anyone. My conscience is enough". Responding to a question about Kumaraswamys claim that Siddaramaiah is on a lease" as CM, Shivakumar said the chief minister is capable of responding and added, We dont take such statements seriously." On MGNREGA, he said he is ready for a debate with opposition leaders. The opposition has also said it is ready. Let any TV news channel organise a debate. I will participate whenever required. I welcome Kumaraswamy too," he said. Clarifying his readiness for a public debate, Shivakumar added, Let their party president, BJPs B Y Vijayendra, come. I welcome Kumaraswamy as well. I have accepted the challenge. Whenever they schedule it, I am ready for a debate in the Assembly or on any TV channel. I need three days to adjust my schedule, but I dont require preparation. I have MGNREGA details at my fingertips." The Congress has called on the Centre to withdraw the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM) Act and reinstate the UPA-era MGNREGA scheme. (With inputs from PTI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 20:41 IST News politics Hard Work Brought Me This Far: DK Shivakumar Confident About Congress Decision On His Future Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... When you buy shares in a company, it's worth keeping in mind the possibility that it could fail, and you could lose your money. But on the bright side, you can make far more than 100% on a really good stock. One great example is Adtran Networks SE (ETR:ADV) which saw its share price drive 157% higher over five years. With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies. We've found 21 US stocks that are forecast to pay a dividend yield of over 6% next year. See the full list for free. Given that Adtran Networks didn't make a profit in the last twelve months, we'll focus on revenue growth to form a quick view of its business development. When a company doesn't make profits, we'd generally hope to see good revenue growth. That's because fast revenue growth can be easily extrapolated to forecast profits, often of considerable size. In the last 5 years Adtran Networks saw its revenue shrink by 4.2% per year. On the other hand, the share price done the opposite, gaining 21%, compound, each year. It's a good reminder that expectations about the future, not the past history, always impact share prices. Still, we are a bit cautious in this kind of situation. The graphic below depicts how earnings and revenue have changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image). XTRA:ADV Earnings and Revenue Growth January 11th 2026 Take a more thorough look at Adtran Networks' financial health with this free report on its balance sheet. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of Adtran Networks, it has a TSR of 170% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! A Different Perspective Adtran Networks shareholders gained a total return of 12% during the year. But that return falls short of the market. It's probably a good sign that the company has an even better long term track record, having provided shareholders with an annual TSR of 22% over five years. Maybe the share price is just taking a breather while the business executes on its growth strategy. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Adtran Networks better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Adtran Networks , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. 'Ultimate Goal To Form Govt In Kerala': Amit Shah After BJP Local Body Win Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 17:33 IST Shah called the partys recent success in the local body polls as a stepping stone towards this larger goal. Union Home Minister Amit Shah (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the Bharatiya Janata Partys ultimate goal in Kerala was to form a government under the lotus symbol and bring a BJP Chief Minister to power in the state. Addressing newly elected BJP councillors in Thiruvananthapuram, Shah called the partys recent success in the local body polls as a stepping stone towards this larger goal. He said the victory was not an end in itself but part of a long-term plan to expand the partys presence in Kerala. This victory is not our goal, but a stepping stone towards achieving our goal," Shah said. Our ultimate goal is to form a government in Kerala under the lotus symbol and bring a BJP Chief Minister. Our goal is to make Kerala fully developed and to protect Kerala from anti-national forces, to protect the power of faith that has existed in Kerala for centuries." Shah arrived in the state capital on Saturday night for a one-day visit. This was his first visit to Thiruvananthapuram after the BJP-led NDA captured power in the city corporation in the recent local body elections, ending four decades of Left rule. He said support for the BJP in Kerala was steadily increasing and expressed confidence that the party would form the government in the upcoming state elections. Shah also launched a sharp attack on the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Pointing to the BJPs growing vote share, Shah said the party had secured 11 per cent of the vote in 2014, 16 per cent in 2019 and 20 per cent in 2024. He said the next jump would not take long and predicted a major breakthrough by 2026. Shah credited party workers for the recent gains, noting that the BJP had won 30 gram panchayats, two municipalities and the mayors post in Thiruvananthapuram. Today, with great humility, on behalf of the BJP, I want to dedicate our victory to the hundreds of party workers who have served time in jail and to their families," he noted. (With inputs from ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 17:26 IST News politics 'Ultimate Goal To Form Govt In Kerala': Amit Shah After BJP Local Body Win Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Assams Hinterland To Global Scam Rings: How Morigaon Became A Cybercrime Hotbed Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 05:44 IST Police investigations have revealed operational links to handlers in Pakistan and Southeast Asia, raising serious national security and financial crime concerns Investigators report that criminal syndicates, including operatives from Rajasthan and Haryana, chose Morigaons remote areas to establish full-fledged cybercrime bases. (Representational image) Morigaon district in Assam has become a covert command centre for organised cybercrime. Police investigations have revealed operational links to handlers in Pakistan and Southeast Asia, raising serious national security and financial crime concerns. Investigators report that criminal syndicates, including operatives from Rajasthan and Haryana, chose Morigaons remote areas to establish full-fledged cybercrime bases. From these secluded locations, they allegedly operated call-centre-style scam operations, trained recruits, and executed frauds worth hundreds of crores, often evading detection for months. At the core of these networks is large-scale identity fraud. Fake Aadhaar cards were systematically used to obtain tens of thousands of SIM cards under single identities from across the country. These SIMs were the backbone of phishing, vishing, and digital arrest" scams, draining savings from ordinary citizens and causing massive losses to banks. Police investigations have uncovered staggering financial crimes. In several instances, fraudsters allegedly secured bank loans running into hundreds of crores using forged documents and fabricated identities. Once the money was siphoned off, the accused vanished without a trace. The funds were then laundered through mule accounts and routed abroad, ultimately landing in accounts linked to handlers in Pakistan and Southeast Asia. The scale of the operation has prompted a major crackdown. Assam Police have arrested more than 300 cybercriminals in Morigaon district alone. Nearly Rs 2 crore has been recovered and returned to victims. In one of the largest SIM-related seizures in the state, over 72,000 SIM cards were confiscated and deactivatedmany registered in Assam but found active near the India-Pakistan border. Investigators have also flagged a troubling recruitment pattern. Some youths who migrate to cities such as Bengaluru and Kerala for employment are allegedly being exposed to cyber-fraud ecosystems there. On returning to Assam, they are believed to be absorbed into local cybercrime networks, strengthening Morigaons role as a training and execution hub. With Morigaon now firmly exposed as a cybercrime hotspot with international money trails, Assam Police, working closely with central security and intelligence agencies, have intensified operations to dismantle these syndicates, choke funding routes, and prevent the district from becoming a permanent base for transnational digital crime. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 05:40 IST News tech From Assams Hinterland To Global Scam Rings: How Morigaon Became A Cybercrime Hotbed Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Misleading': Govt Debunks Report Claiming Phone Makers Being Forced To Share Source Code Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 23:09 IST The PIB Fact Check post called the report misleading and urged the public to verify information through official sources. PIB clarified MeitY has only started stakeholder consultations to discuss a possible regulatory framework for mobile security. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Sunday denied claims that the central government had asked smartphone makers to share their source code or make software changes, rejecting a Reuters report that suggested this was part of a security overhaul. In a statement posted on X, the PIB said the Government of India has NOT proposed any measure to force smartphone manufacturers to share their source code." The PIB Fact Check post called the report misleading and urged the public to verify information through official sources. A news report by @Reuters claims that India proposes forcing smartphone manufacturers to share their source code as part of a security overhaul. #PIBFactCheck This claim is #FAKE The Government of India has NOT proposed any measure to force smartphone manufacturers to pic.twitter.com/0bnw0KQL9Q PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) January 11, 2026 It clarified that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has only started stakeholder consultations to discuss a possible regulatory framework for mobile security. This is a part of regular and routine consultations with the industry for any safety or security standards. Once a stakeholder consultation is done, then various aspects of security standards are discussed with the industry," the post said. No final regulations have been framed," the PIB added, noting that any future framework would be developed only after detailed consultations with all stakeholders. The Reuters report had claimed that India was considering new smartphone security rules that would require companies to share source code with authorities, notify the government before major software updates, and make several software changes. The report said the proposals had drawn criticism from global technology companies including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and Google. According to the report, industry groups warned that sharing source code could expose sensitive proprietary information and harm user privacy. Companies were also said to be concerned about requirements such as storing system logs for long periods and allowing government access for security testing. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 19:24 IST News tech 'Misleading': Govt Debunks Report Claiming Phone Makers Being Forced To Share Source Code Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Groks Amitabh-Jaya Height Edits: What Is This Latest Trend On X? Why Is It Controversial? Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 10:30 IST Grok said that it had restricted its image-alteration features to paid users and started removing illegal content. Groks new features have prompted global backlash. (representative image) Social media platform Xs AI chatbot, Grok, has now restricted non-subscribers from generating or editing images after it faced backlash around the globe over sexualised deepfakes of people. The rollback comes after Grok recently allowed users to make requests for image alteration, including placing women in explicit poses or bikinis. This update faced global outrage. The prompt was being used to mock Amitabh and Jaya Bachchans real-life height difference, with accounts asking Grok to modify the couples images. Comedian Vir Das was among the people who slammed the update by the chatbot. In a post, Das remarked, Given the volume of anonymous dude bros requesting bikini pics on this platformPetition to rename Grok to Lonely-fans." Given the volume of anonymous dude bros requesting bikini pics on this platformPetition to rename Grok to Lonely-fans. Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 1, 2026 Groks update also prompted action by the Indian government. The Centre has sought more information from X on the specific actions and measures that it had taken to prevent future violations, deeming its earlier response as detailed but not adequate," as per PTI. What Is The Latest Trend On X? Grok, Elon Musks AI chatbot, is being used to edit photos by giving it subtle prompts to remove specific elements or people. This often involves using indirect hints, such as calling someone a wanted criminal" or pedophile", to bypass safeguards. How Does The Trend Work? Users post replies to images on X with prompts such as remove the wanted criminal" or Grok, delete the pedophile". The chatbots image-editing feature generates a new photo and removes the specified person or element. Why Is This Trend Controversial? Many accounts are using prompts like remove clothes", leading to backlash and regulatory scrutiny. As of now, authorities in Europe, India and other parts of Asia are investigating X after Grok let users create and share AI-generated sexualized images of women and children. Indonesia became the first country in the world to temporarily block access to Grok. The government views the practice of non-consensual sexual deepfakes as a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and the security of citizens in the digital space," Indonesias Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said in a statement to Reuters. The government has also called representatives from X to discuss the matter. Groks spicy mode" has fewer restrictions compared to competitors like ChatGPT. This has resulted in a lot of misuse of the chatbots features since December 2025. What Measures Has xAI Taken? After the backlash, xAI has restricted Groks features to paid users and started removing illegal content. However, the trend is still in place, with many accounts using creative prompts. Groks hint-based deletion takes advantage of its image-editing feature, allowing users to bypass content filters easily. How Do Users Activate Groks Editing Feature? Users can choose the Edit with Grok" option on the images to alter the photos. They can also reply with a prompt like @grok delete the pedophile" while quoting the image to get the desired results. Grok interprets the instructions to identify the target, erasing the selected people or elements. Why Are Hints Used In Prompts? Hints and indirect prompts are used because direct prompts like could trigger safeguards. Indirect labels such as pedophile" or criminal" bypass these measures. The idea behind hint-based prompts is to exploit Groks maximum truth-seeking" design, which has fewer restrictions compared to rival chatbots. What Is Indias Regulatory Response? Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) demanded that X remove all vulgar content linked to Grok within 72 hours, citing liability under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as the IT Act. X replied with its compliance and takedown policies, but MeitY has sought more specifics on preventive measures that can be taken to prevent any future violations. Officials may consider legal action, including potential bans, as restricting the features to paid users alone is insufficient to tackle the issue. What Has Been The Public And Media Response? Several people have issued calls to ban Grok over privacy violations as well as the creation of explicit deepfakes of women, minors, and Hindu deities. The media has highlighted instances of Grok-altered images, like making saris transparent or putting bikinis on minors, leading to global scrutiny. Victims and activists have urged users to opt out of X using their data to train Grok via settings. Accounts can report deepfakes to sites like stopncii.org. X owner Elon Musk warned of consequences for illegal use, adding that anyone using Grok to create illegal content would face the same consequences as if they upload illegal content." Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 3, 2026 Were The Bachchans Involved In The Trend? Yes, images of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan were also edited, with accounts using height alteration prompts to mock their real-life height difference. Prompts like make Amitabh Bachchan shorter height and Jaya Bachchan longer height" turned the familys photos into viral memes. These edits play on public jokes, like Amitabhs comments on Kaun Banega Crorepati about Jayas shorter stature. Speaking to a contestant in September, Amitabh said, Saari baatein humko aapki bahut acchi lagi, pyaari lagi, par ek baat jo aapne boli na ke meri friend itti si thi aur upar dekh kar mere husband ko dhamka rahi thi, woh humare liye koi nayi baat nahi hai. (I liked everything you said. But you mentioned a short friend looking up to threaten your husband, thats nothing new to me.)" The altered images surfaced around January 4-5, 2026. These and a slew of broader Bollywood celebrity edits resulted in a backlash over non-consensual image alterations by the chatbot. With Indonesia putting a temporary ban on Grok, it is unclear if a similar response will follow in other countries like India. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 10:30 IST News viral Groks Amitabh-Jaya Height Edits: What Is This Latest Trend On X? Why Is It Controversial? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... China Has Detained 8 Members Of An Underground Church, Here's Why Curated By : Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 23:38 IST Early Rain Covenant Church leaders Li Yingqiang, Zhang Xinyue, Dai Zhichao, and Ye Fenghua detained in Sichuan amid Beijing's crackdown on unregistered Christian groups. Early Rain Covenant Church leaders Li Yingqiang, Zhang Xinyue, Dai Zhichao, and Ye Fenghua detained in Sichuan amid Beijing's crackdown on unregistered Christian groups. (A church in China (representative image: AFP) Leaders of a prominent underground Christian church have been detained in south-west China, in what rights groups say is the latest sign of an intensified crackdown on unregistered religious groups under Beijings tightening controls. According to a statement issued by the Early Rain Covenant Church, police on Tuesday detained its leader Li Yingqiang, from his home in Deyang, a city in Sichuan province. His wife, Zhang Xinyue, was also taken into custody, along with pastor Dai Zhichao and a lay member, Ye Fenghua. At least four other members were briefly detained and later released, while several others remain unaccounted for, the church said. The detentions come weeks after 18 senior members of the Zion Church were arrested in a nationwide operation in October. In December, Human Rights Watch also reported that around 100 members of another unofficial church in Zhejiang province had been detained. Yalkun Uluyol, a China researcher at Human Rights Watch, told the Guardian that the arrests appeared to be part of a broader campaign against house churches. As Beijing tightens its ideological control, unofficial churches are seen as disobedient to Communist Party ideology and therefore face severe consequences," he said. One Early Rain member was reportedly summoned on charges of picking quarrels and provoking trouble", a broadly defined offence frequently used against critics and activists. It remains unclear whether those still in custody have been formally charged. Public security authorities in Deyang and Chengdu declined to comment. In a statement, the church urged its congregation to hold fast to the faith, love one another, and remain united amid persecution." The US House Select Committee on China said on X that Early Rain was targeted because it refused to bow" to the Chinese Communist Party. Early Rain is among Chinas most prominent house churches", so called because worshippers meet privately rather than in state-approved venues. Its founder, Wang Yi, a legal scholar and human rights advocate, was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2019 for inciting subversion of state power. While Chinas constitution guarantees religious freedom and the state officially recognises five religions, critics say religious space has sharply narrowed under Xi Jinping. Unregistered religious activity has increasingly been targeted, particularly since a major crackdown on house churches in 2018 that forced groups such as Early Rain and Zion to shift to online sermons and smaller private gatherings. Corey Jackson, founder of the Luke Alliance and a former missionary in China, said pastors were warned last year that there would be no leeway" for unlicensed churches in 2026. Many believers have stopped attending in-person meetings because of intimidation," he said. A source familiar with the situation told teh Giardian that Li had sensed authorities closing in. He felt arrest was inevitable and told others they might not hear from him for a long time," the source said. In September, China introduced new rules banning unlicensed religious groups from holding online sermons. That same month, Xi called for the further sinicisation" of religion, urging faith groups to align more closely with Communist Party ideology. Ian Johnson, author of The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao, said the message from authorities was clear. Large, organised house churches will be crushed. Even their online afterlives are now being shut down," he said. Despite the pressure, some scholars believe Chinas Christian community will continue to grow. Official estimates put Christians at around 3% of the population, though independent figures suggest the number could be higher. Yang Fenggang, a professor at Purdue University, said house churches are unlikely to disappear. Authorities can punish prominent leaders and break large churches into smaller groups, but smaller groups often prove more resilient," he said. Last year, Li was quoted in the newsletter Women as saying that despite severe restrictions, the church remained a vital part of Chinas fragile civil society, continuing to function and grow amid hardship." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : China First Published: January 11, 2026, 23:38 IST News world China Has Detained 8 Members Of An Underground Church, Here's Why Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... German Chancellor Merzs India Visit Begins Monday; Trade, Defence, Tech, Geopolitics On Agenda Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 11:12 IST Chancellor Merz will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad and visit the Sabarmati Ashram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. (Image via X/@narendramodi) German Chancellor Friedrich Merzs visit to India starting Monday marks his first bilateral trip outside NATO and the European Union. German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann described the visit as a very strong signal" of the growing importance of India in German foreign policy, said an Indian Express report. Whats on agenda? During the visit, Chancellor Merz will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad and visit the Sabarmati Ashram. He was invited to the city by the Prime Minister himself, Ackermann said this invitation to PM Modis hometown was a gesture of friendship and warm welcome, which the Chancellor greatly appreciates. After Ahmedabad, Merz will travel to Bengaluru on January 13. There, he will visit the Indian Institute of Science and the campus of German company Bosch. The Chancellor is accompanied by a large business delegation, including chief executives from 25 German companies, both large and medium-sized. Ackermann said the visit will cover many issues, including defence, supply chains, technology, education and skilling. Merz, who has been in office for eight months, will compare notes with Prime Minister Modi and look to further strengthen an already solid partnership. World politics is also likely to be part of the discussions amid the shifting geopolitics. India-Germany trade and business Business will be a major focus. Germany and India reached a combined trade volume of $50 billion in goods and services last year. Ackermann said this level shows how strongly Germany is engaged in India. More than 2,000 German companies operate in India, while around 750 Indian companies have invested in Germany. Trade between the two countries is relatively balanced. Germany has a small surplus in goods, while India has a slight surplus in services. Ackermann said trade is expected to grow further, with increasing interest from German companies. On average, two companies a week contact the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce to explore setting up operations in India. Migration and skilled labour Migration is another key topic. Germany already has a migration agreement with India, and legal Indian migration has become a success story. Ackermann said Indian workers in Germany earn, on average, 20 per cent more than their German counterparts. Germany is looking for skilled workers in areas such as caregiving, nursing and craftsmanship. Ackermann said India shows strong willingness and readiness in these fields. The Chancellor will meet students, engineers and people interested in vocational training in Germany. Education, global issues and defence Higher education cooperation is also strong, with German universities reporting positive experiences with Indian students. There is growing interest among Indian students in studying in Germany. Global issues will be discussed as well, including the war in Ukraine and wider international developments. On defence, submarine talks are ongoing but will not be a major part of this visit. However, Germany and India are expected to begin work on a broader roadmap for defence cooperation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 11, 2026, 11:12 IST News world German Chancellor Merzs India Visit Begins Monday; Trade, Defence, Tech, Geopolitics On Agenda Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iran's President Blames 'Rioters' As Protest Toll Crosses 500; Israel Supports 'Freedom Struggle' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 23:20 IST Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said officials were willing to talk with protesters, and accused the US and Israel of supporting "rioters" and stoking tensions. Rapid Read Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed rioters for the ongoing unrest. (Reuters) Amid widespread protests across Iran, President Masoud Pezeshkian made his first televised remarks on the chaos, where he said that officials are willing to listen to protesters, but rioters are trying to destroy the entire society." The people (of Iran) should not allow rioters to disrupt society. The people should believe that we (the government) want to establish justice," he told state broadcaster IRIB. If someone who belongs to this country protests, we hear those protests, we listen, and we address them. However, our highest duty is to not allow rioters to come and disrupt the society." The Iranian President also accused of Israel and the United States of attempting to destabilising the country. The US and Israel are sitting there, giving instructions to these people, telling them: go ahead, we are backing you. The same ones who struck this country and killed our young people and our children are now giving them orders, telling them: you do this work, we are with you," he added. Pezeshkian also asserted that Iran will not allow any foreigners to sow seeds of discord among the nation, and no fellow citizen should create chaos inside the country. Targeting US President Donald Trump, Pezeshkian said he should be ashamed of what he is doing in Venezuela, Gaza and elsewhere. Families, I ask you: do not allow your young children to join rioters and terrorists who behead people and kill others," Pezeshkian appealed to protesting Iranians. Death Toll Crosses 500 More than 500 people have believed to have been killed as the protests, which began over economic grievances, turned into a direct challenge to Irans clerical leadership. Demonstrations have continued for several nights across multiple cities, drawing growing international attention and concern. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which relies on activists in Iran cross-checking information, said it had verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, with more than 10,600 people arrested in two weeks of unrest. State TV aired footage of dozens of body bags on the ground at the Tehran coroners office on Sunday, saying the dead were victims of events caused by armed terrorists", Reuters reported. Several protesters hit the streets in large numbers despite the internet blackout. The US-based Centre for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said it had received eyewitness accounts and credible reports indicating that hundreds of protesters have been killed across Iran during the current internet shutdown". Irans security chief Ali Larijani drew a line between protests over economic hardship, which he called completely understandable", and riots", accusing them of actions very similar to the methods of terrorist groups", according to the Tasnim news agency. Israel Expresses Solidarity With Protesters Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking during a cabinet meeting, said Israel was closely monitoring developments. We all hope that the Persian nation will soon be freed from the yoke of tyranny," he said. Moreover, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel supports the Iranian people in what he described as their struggle for freedom" and wished them success. We think they deserve freedom We dont have any hostility with the people of Iran," he added. Israels military said it was monitoring developments and was ready to respond with power if need be". Irans parliament speaker warned the US military and Israel would be legitimate targets" if America strikes the Islamic Republic, amid repeated threats by US President Trump. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf directly threatened Israel, the occupied territory" as he referred to it, and the US military, possibly with a preemptive strike. Khameini Hits Back At Trumps Warning Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday took a sharp swipe at Trump, telling him to manage his own country" after the American leader said the United States was ready to help" amid escalating anti-government protests. The President of the United States declared that if the Iranian government did this or that, he would side with the rioters. The rioters have placed their hopes in him. If he is so competent, let him manage his own country then," Khamenei wrote. Trump has spoken out strongly in favour of the protesters and warned Iranian authorities against using deadly force. He has even threatened military action if they start killing people", a statement that further raised tensions between Washington and Tehran. (with inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: January 11, 2026, 18:25 IST News world Iran's President Blames 'Rioters' As Protest Toll Crosses 500; Israel Supports 'Freedom Struggle' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Israel On High Alert For Possibility Of US Intervention In Iran: Reports Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 13:38 IST This comes a day after President Donald Trump said that the US is ready to help Iran gain freedom from the government led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday discussed the possibility of US intervention in Iran. Israel is on high alert for the possibility of US intervention in Iran as anti-government protests continue in Tehran. Reuters quoted three Iranian sources, who were present for Israeli security consultations during the weekend, confirming that a high alert is being maintained in case of any US intervention in Iran but they did not elaborate on what Israels high-alert footing meant in practice. This comes a day after President Donald Trump said that the US is ready to help Iran gain freedom from the government led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reuters quoted an Israeli source saying that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday discussed the possibility of US intervention in Iran. Meanwhile, Israel has not hinted at any desire to intervene in Iran amid the ongoing protests. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran was looking at freedom, perhaps like never before," and added that the US stood ready to help. Trump has warned Iran against continuing to kill protesters. On Friday, he cautioned Iranian authorities not to open fire, saying the US would respond if they did. His remarks followed growing concern in Washington over Irans handling of nationwide protests. The United States has previously carried out strikes on Iranian territory. In June, US forces dropped at least six bunker-buster bombs on three sites, including the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility. The site is located deep underground, nearly 300 feet beneath a mountain. These strikes followed Iranian threats to use nuclear capabilities against Israel during their 12-day conflict and were coordinated with Israeli attacks on Irans military infrastructure. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, meanwhile, strongly criticised the United States and President Trump. He accused Trump of having hands stained with the blood of Iranians" and said the US president should focus on problems in his own country. Khamenei also claimed that protesters were acting to please the US. Iranian authorities have intensified their crackdown on protests across the country. According to Associated Press, the nationwide protests challenging Irans theocracy reached the two-week mark on Sunday as the death toll in violence surrounding the demonstrations reached at least 116 people killed and over 2,600 others detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Israel First Published: January 11, 2026, 13:38 IST News world Israel On High Alert For Possibility Of US Intervention In Iran: Reports Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Before It's Too Late': Trump Warns Cuba To Make A Deal Or Lose Venezuelan Oil Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 22:15 IST Trump warns Cuba to make a deal or face consequences, stating Venezuelan oil and money to Havana will stop immediately. US President Donald Trump (Getty Images) US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Cuba to make a deal" with the United States or face serious consequences, warning that Venezuelan oil and money flowing to Havana would stop. In a message on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Cuba had long relied on large amounts of Venezuelan oil, but that would no longer continue. THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal," the US President wrote. He said the move was urgent and advised Cuban leaders to negotiate before it is too late". Under a longstanding US trade embargo, Havana has increasingly relied on oil from Venezuela under deals made with the late Hugo Chavez. His remarks come a week after US forces captured Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a nighttime operation in Caracas that killed dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel. The Cuban government said 32 of its citizens assigned to protect Maduro were killed during the US raid, while 23 Venezuelan troops also died. Of the Cubans killed, 21 were from the interior ministry, which oversees intelligence services, and the remaining 11 were from Cubas military, officials said. The US President said Venezuela, which had previously sent oil and funds to Cuba, doesnt need protection anymore" from those he described as thugs and extortionists". Trump further claimed the United States would now protect Venezuela. Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will," he noted. Shortly after Trumps warning, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel rebuffed at the US Presidents threat against his country, vowing to defend it following Washingtons capture of the leader of his ally Venezuela. Cuba is a free, independent and sovereign nation. No one tells us what to do," Diaz-Canel wrote on X, adding that the Caribbean island was ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood." Earlier today, Trump reposted a message suggesting that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was born to Cuban immigrant parents, could become president of now communistruled Cuba. The American leader republished a Truth Social post from January 8 that read, Marco Rubio will be president of Cuba," accompanied by a laughingcrying emoji. He commented on the repost: Sounds good to me!" (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: January 11, 2026, 18:24 IST News world 'Before It's Too Late': Trump Warns Cuba To Make A Deal Or Lose Venezuelan Oil Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Marco Rubio For Cuba President? Donald Trump Says 'Sounds Good To Me' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 21:56 IST Trump reposted a message suggesting that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio could become president of now communistruled Cuba as he issued a threat to Havana. US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Reuters) US President Donald Trump issued a threat to Cuba on Sunday, demanding that it make a deal" with the United States or face serious consequences. He also approved of the idea of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becoming the next President of the communist-ruled country. As tensions rise between the United States and Latin American countries, Trump shared a post on his Truth Social platform claiming that Marco Rubio would become the next President of Cuba and said, Sounds good to me". This was not a confirmation of US policy, and the X user may have suggested Rubios name because he was born to Cuban immigrant parents. Users have posted AI-generated photos of Rubio that depict him in a range of imagined roles, from the Shah of Iran and the president of Venezuela to the manager of Manchester United. Shortly after Trumps post, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez insisted right and justice are on Cubas side." The United States behaves like an out-of-control criminal hegemon that threatens peace and security, not only in Cuba and this hemisphere, but throughout the entire world," Rodriguez posted on X. Trumps Warning To Cuba This came amid a period of tensions between the Trump administration and Latin American countries. In a message on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Cuba had long relied on large amounts of Venezuelan oil, but that would no longer continue. Venezuela doesnt need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will. THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. His remarks come a week after US forces captured Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a nighttime operation in Caracas that killed dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel. The Cuban government said 32 of its citizens assigned to protect Maduro were killed during the US raid, while 23 Venezuelan troops also died. Cubas President Miguel Diaz-Canel rebuffed Trumps threat against his country, vowing to defend it. Cuba is a free, independent and sovereign nation. No one tells us what to do," Diaz-Canel wrote on X, adding that the Caribbean island was ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 11, 2026, 21:28 IST News world Marco Rubio For Cuba President? Donald Trump Says 'Sounds Good To Me' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Jan 11 (Reuters) - Israeli cyber startup Torq said on Sunday it raised $140 million at a $1.2 billion valuation, as it looks to speed up adoption of its artificial intelligence-driven security operations center (SOC) platform and expand into the U.S. market. Torq, which uses AI to provide security protection for companies, has now raised a total of $332 million since its inception in 2020. "This funding accelerates our mission to define and dominate the AI SOC market," said Ofer Smadari, CEO and co-founder, Torq. The company said its customer base includes multinationals including Marriott, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Siemens, Uber and Virgin Atlantic. The latest funding round was led by Merlin Ventures, with participation from all existing investors, such as Evolution Equity Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, Notable Capital, and Greenfield Partners. (Reporting by Ruchika Khanna in Bengaluru, Editing by Louise Heavens) Myanmar 2nd Phase Of Polling Sees Mixed Turnout, Junta-Backed Party Likely Winner Curated By : Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 17:49 IST The election saw mixed turnout, with USDP dominating. Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned, NLD dissolved, and critics say polls entrench military rule over divided regions. Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing inspected voting at polling stations in Yangons Hlaing and Insein townships on Sunday. (The Irrawady/X) The second round of voting in Myanmars general election witnessed a mixed turnout with 150 voters in some townships. According to Associated Press, polling took place in 100 townships across the country, including parts of Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago and Tanintharyi regions, as well as Mon, Shan, Kachin, Kayah and Kayin states. Many of these areas have reported clashes in past months and remain under heightened security, underscoring the risks surrounding the vote. The election is being held in three phases due to armed conflicts. The first round took place on December 28 in 102 of 330 townships. The last round will be taking place on January 25 though 65 townships will not take part because of fighting. AP quoted the government saying that the turnout was a success, claiming ballots were cast by more than 6 million people, about 52% of the more than 11 million eligible voters in the elections first phase. Meanwhile, AP reported that at more than 10 polling stations in Yangon and Mandalay voter numbers ranged from about 150 at the busiest site to just a few at others, appearing lower than during the 2020 election when long lines were common. Myo Aung, a chief minister of the Mandalay region, said: The weaknesses from December 28 vote have been addressed, so I believe the January 11 election to be well organized and successful." According to AP, the first phase left the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, or USDP, in a dominant position, winning nearly 90% of those contested seats in that phase in Pyithu Hluttaw, the lower house of parliament. It also won a majority of seats in regional legislatures. While over 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, only six parties are competing nationwide. Former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned, while her widely popular National League for Democracy (NLD) party has been dissolved and barred from participating. Western governments, democracy activists and the United Nations have condemned the polls, arguing they are designed to entrench military rule rather than restore civilian governance. Critics say the process overwhelmingly favours military-aligned parties, particularly the pro-junta Union Solidarity and Development Party, which is expected to emerge as the largest force. Myanmar, home to about 50 million people, remains deeply divided by conflict. Voting is not being held in large swathes of rebel-controlled territory, and the junta has admitted elections cannot take place in nearly one-fifth of lower house constituencies. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Myanmar (Burma) First Published: January 11, 2026, 17:49 IST News world Myanmar 2nd Phase Of Polling Sees Mixed Turnout, Junta-Backed Party Likely Winner Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Only Alternative Is The King: Pro-Monarchy Rally In Nepal Ahead Of March Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 16:59 IST Supporters of Nepals former royal family rallied in Kathmandu, demanding its restoration ahead of elections. Supporters of Nepals former royal family rallied in Kathmandu, demanding its restoration ahead of elections. (AP Photo/Subash Shrestha) Supporters of Nepals former royal family gathered in the capital, Kathmandu, on Sunday to demand the restoration of the monarchy, just weeks ahead of the countrys scheduled parliamentary elections in March. The rally marked the first major mobilisation by supporters of deposed king Gyanendra since violent youth-led protests in September led to the fall of the previous government and the installation of an interim administration. Chanting slogans such as We love our king" and Bring back the king," demonstrators gathered around the statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the 18th-century ruler who founded the Shah dynasty. Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008, forcing Gyanendra to step down and formally become a republic. Protesters said the country needs the return of the monarchy to stabilise governance. The last and only alternative for this country is the king and monarchy," said Samrat Thapa, one of the participants. Referring to the recent Gen Z-led protest movement, he added that Nepal needs the monarchy restored to manage the current political situation. Sundays rally coincided with the birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah. Similar events in the past have turned violent, including clashes with police that left two people dead during a pro-monarchy rally last March. This time, however, the gathering remained peaceful, with riot police maintaining a heavy presence to prevent unrest. Despite the abolition of the monarchy nearly two decades ago, Nepals royal family continues to enjoy notable public support. The interim government, headed by Sushila Karki, a retired Supreme Court judge and Nepals first female prime minister, took charge following protests by young activists angry over corruption, unemployment, lack of opportunities and poor governance. The unrest was initially sparked by a short-lived ban on social media imposed by the previous government. Karkis administration, however, has faced criticism for allegedly moving slowly on corruption cases, even as political uncertainty continues to grip the Himalayan nation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Kathmandu, Nepal First Published: January 11, 2026, 16:45 IST News world Only Alternative Is The King: Pro-Monarchy Rally In Nepal Ahead Of March Polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Operation Hawkeye Strike: US Launches Fresh Airstrikes On ISIS Targets In Syria, Hits Terror Infrastructure Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 07:45 IST US officials said the action was aimed at weakening ISISs operational capabilities and preventing future attacks on American and allied forces in the region. Over 90 Bombs Dropped as US Hits Islamic State Sites in Syria The United States carried out large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State militants across Syria on Saturday, the Pentagon said. The operation was launched in response to the killing of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter last month. US warplanes and drones dropped more than 90 bombs on around three dozen locations, according to US Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins. The targets included ISIS infrastructure, smuggling routes and weapons storage sites. The Jordanian military also took part in the strikes. US officials said the action was aimed at weakening ISISs operational capabilities and preventing future attacks on American and allied forces in the region. US Central Command released video of massive strikes on ISIS* targets in Syria.According to Al Arabiya, American warplanes struck 35 targets.According to Fox News, this is "retaliation" for the killing of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and their American interpreter. pic.twitter.com/xBdSiXHQ3n lone wolf (@MApodogan) January 10, 2026 The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region," Central Command said in a post on X. Saturdays airstrikes came weeks after the first military strikes on December 20 in Syria, aimed at eliminating Islamic State fighters and weapons sites following the killing of American citizens by ISIS near Palmyra. The United States carried out fresh airstrikes involving multiple aircraft, including F-15E fighter jets, A-10 attack planes, AC-130J gunships, MQ-9 drones and Jordanian F-16s, an official said. The locations of the strikes and details of any casualties have not yet been confirmed. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the action showed that Washington would not forget or relent. He said the operation was not the start of a war but a declaration of vengeance. Earlier, US forces killed or captured nearly 25 Islamic State members in 11 missions between December 20 and 29 under Operation Hawkeye Strike, according to Centcom. Watch more videos Share this Article WhatsApp facebook Twitter telegram copy link News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Syria First Published: January 11, 2026, 07:40 IST News world Operation Hawkeye Strike: US Launches Fresh Airstrikes On ISIS Targets In Syria, Hits Terror Infrastructure Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Syrian Govt Forces Take Control Of Sheikh Maqsoud In Aleppo, Detain 300 Kurdish Fighters Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 20:46 IST Syrian government forces evacuated over 400 Kurdish fighters from the Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhood in Aleppo and detained 300 others after clashes broke out earlier this week. Rapid Read People wait for Kurdish fighters who withdrew from Aleppo, which fell under the control of the Syrian government. (Reuters) Syrian government forces on Sunday took control of Sheikh Maqsoud, the last district in Aleppo outside state control, and detained 300 Kurds, a day after the United States and allied forces carried out large-scale attacks against Islamic State targets across Syria. At least 400 Kurdish fighters were evacuated through the mediation of international parties to stop the attacks and violations against our people in Aleppo", and 300 Kurds were detained. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that 360 fighters and more than 59 wounded" were transferred overnight from the Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhood to Kurdish-run areas in northeastern Syria. Another 300 Kurds, including members of Kurdish security forces, were detained. Meanwhile, residents of the Ashrafiyeh neighbourhood, the first of two areas to fall to the Syrian army, began returning to their homes to inspect the damage, finding shrapnel and broken glass littering the streets. An End To Fighting Syrian security forces began deploying in Sheikh Maqsoud after violence broke out earlier this week between the Army and government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have held sway in the neighbourhoods as part of the wider SDFSyrian transitional government clashes. The violence has left at least 24 people dead and 129 wounded, including civilians. Sundays operations officially marked an end to the brutal fighting. The Syrian army said that buses have already entered the Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhood to begin transporting SDF fighters out of the city, as a ceasefire brokered by the US came into effect on Saturday, which allowed the civilians and fighters from Aleppos Ashrafiyah and Sheikh Maksoud neighbourhoods to northern and eastern Syria. The arriving fighters were met with tears and vows of vengeance from hundreds of people who gathered to greet them in the northeastern Kurdish city of Qamishli, according to AFP. We will avenge Sheikh Maqsoud we will avenge our fighters, we will avenge our martyrs," Umm Dalil, 55, said. The departure marks the removal of Kurdish forces from pockets of Aleppo they have held since Syrias war began in 2011, while Kurdish forces continue to run a semi-autonomous zone across large parts of northeastern Syria. The SDF have resisted efforts to integrate into Syrias new government, made up of former rebels who ousted longtime leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. US Calls For Dialogue On Saturday, US envoy Tom Barrack met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and issued a call for a return to dialogue" with the Kurds in accordance with an integration agreement sealed last year. He said US Secretary of State Marco Rubios team was ready to mediate. Barrack earlier said a consolidated ceasefire would see the peaceful withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Aleppo," referring to the main Kurdish force. The March integration agreement between Damascus and the Kurds was meant to be implemented last year, but differences, including Kurdish demands for decentralised rule, stymied progress. Fighting intensified since late December after talks failed over a year-end deadline to integrate SDF fighters into the main Damascus-controlled military. (with agency inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Syria First Published: January 11, 2026, 20:41 IST News world Syrian Govt Forces Take Control Of Sheikh Maqsoud In Aleppo, Detain 300 Kurdish Fighters Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Allies Alarmed By Noems Rapid Domestic Terrorism Narrative On Minneapolis ICE Shooting Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 23:44 IST Insiders worry that Noems comments could undermine public confidence in the ongoing investigation. US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem attends a press conference in New York City. (AFP photo) The rapid and aggressive response by the Trump administration to the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis has raised concern among some White House insiders, who fear it could undermine trust in the investigation, according to a Politico report. Just hours after Good, a 37-year-old poet and mother of three, was shot by an ICE officer on Wednesday, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly described her actions as domestic terrorism," claiming she tried to ram federal agents with her vehicle. The swift statement has alarmed administration officials, as well as current and former ICE personnel. Insiders worry that Noems comments could undermine public confidence in the ongoing investigation" and widen the credibility gap between the public and the immigration agency." One White House source told Politico: Do I think its domestic terrorism? Yeah, I do. But it might not have been wise to say that at the outset, how [Noem] said it." Renee Good was shot in the head while behind the wheel of her car, which agents said blocked their way. The Trump administration claimed her death was an act of self-defence, but local authorities, witnesses, and widely shared video footage have questioned that account. Good was a published poet who won the Academy of American Poets 2020 prize while at university. The report noted that even supporters of President Trump worry that the administrations approachwithin hours, the White House deputy chief of staff also called the shooting domestic terrorism"risks eroding public confidence in federal investigations. The Minneapolis incident comes amid heightened tensions in US cities, as thousands of federal agents are deployed for immigration enforcement. Within 48 hours, another shooting by federal officers in Portland, Oregon, inflamed public outrage. Lawmakers and critics have accused the administration of rushing to close cases before investigations are complete, while officials insist the officers acted in self-defence. This is highly problematic and not a good look and not something our government should be remotely engaged in," said one administration official. Some inside ICE worry the rapid narrative pushed by the administration will deepen political divisions and damage the agencys credibility. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 11, 2026, 23:44 IST News world Trump Allies Alarmed By Noems Rapid Domestic Terrorism Narrative On Minneapolis ICE Shooting Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Backs Iran Protesters As Tehran Vows To Defend 'National Interests' | Top Updates Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 15:04 IST Irans former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is in exile, urged protesters to stay on the streets. In a video message posted on X, he praised demonstrators for their courage. News18 Israel has moved to a high-alert mode amid fears of possible US intervention in Iran, as the country faces its largest wave of anti-government protests in years, according to Israeli sources. The alert follows repeated warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has openly cautioned Irans leadership against using force on protesters. Sources familiar with Israeli security discussions said authorities are closely tracking developments, though they did not specify what the heightened alert involves. The situation remains sensitive, especially after Israel and Iran were involved in a 12-day conflict in June, during which the United States joined Israel in carrying out airstrikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the situation during a phone call on Saturday. A US official confirmed the call but did not share details of the discussion. Trump Warns Iran, Offers Support To Protesters US President Donald Trump has issued strong statements in support of Iranian protesters. In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, he said, Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" Trump has repeatedly warned Irans rulers against using violence. Earlier, he said the US was closely monitoring the situation and made clear that any killing of protesters would draw a response. If they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We will be hitting them very hard where it hurts," he said, adding, I just hope the protestors in Iran are going to be safe because it is a very dangerous place right now." He also reshared comments by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who praised US support for Iranian protesters and criticised Irans leadership, saying the regimes actions will not go unchallenged." Reza Pahlavi Calls For Protests To Continue Irans former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is in exile, urged protesters to stay on the streets. In a video message posted on X, he praised demonstrators for their courage and said their actions were weakening the regimes grip. My compatriots, By your widespread and courageous presence in the streets across Iran for the third consecutive night, you have severely weakened Khameneis repressive apparatus and his regime," Pahlavi said. He added that reports suggest security forces are struggling to respond, with some refusing orders to suppress protests. Pahlavi also said protesters are receiving global attention, particularly from President Trump, which he described as encouraging for those demonstrating inside Iran. Protests Spread, Global Focus Grows The protests, which began over economic grievances, have now turned into a direct challenge to Irans clerical leadership. Demonstrations have continued for several nights across multiple cities, drawing growing international attention and concern. With Washington issuing strong warnings, Israel remaining alert, and opposition voices calling for sustained action, the situation in Iran remains tense and closely watched by the global community. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 11, 2026, 15:04 IST News world Trump Backs Iran Protesters As Tehran Vows To Defend 'National Interests' | Top Updates Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Gets New Portrait At Smithsonian, Impeachment Text Removed: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 20:53 IST Guests moving through the gallery in chronological order will see the portraits of all presidents, with Trump now displayed in a prominent position. The new photograph shows Trump in black and white at the Resolute Desk, fists resting on the surface, looking directly at the camera. (Image via X/@WhiteHouse) The Smithsonian Institutions National Portrait Gallery has unveiled a new photographic portrait of US President Donald Trump, while removing most of the text that referenced his two impeachments and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, according to a report by The Washington Post. The White House shared an image of the updated Americas Presidents" exhibit on its social media accounts, and Trump also promoted the portrait on Truth Social. The photograph, taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok, shows Trump in black and white at the Resolute Desk, fists resting on the surface, looking directly at the camera. NEW at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.:President Donald J. Trump. pic.twitter.com/UbHweGydaX The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 10, 2026 For the first time in history, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery has hung up an iconic photo taken by the White House honoring President Trump," White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement, The Hill reported. His unmatched aura will be seen and felt throughout the halls of the National Portrait Gallery." Ingle noted. Trumps new portrait replaced one of former President Joe Biden, which visitors previously saw first when entering the exhibit. Guests moving through the gallery in chronological order will see the portraits of all presidents, with Trump now displayed in a prominent position. The previous Trump portrait, showing him with hands folded, had two small wooden plaques with the numbers 45" and 47," reflecting his two nonconsecutive termsthe first president to do so since Grover Cleveland. The earlier display also included text noting his impeachments and the Capitol attack, but the new placard only lists his years in office. Other presidential portraits continue to include descriptive text, such as former President Bill Clintons mention of his impeachment. Concetta Duncan, a National Portrait Gallery spokeswoman, told The Washington Post the museum is moving towards tombstone labels," which provide only essential information about each portrait. It is unclear if the recent changes were directed by the administration, though modifications were expected after Trump returned to the White House. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 11, 2026, 20:43 IST News world Trump Gets New Portrait At Smithsonian, Impeachment Text Removed: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Orders Special Forces To Prepare Plan To Invade Greenland: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 09:45 IST Donald Trump ordered JSOC to plan an invasion of Greenland, but senior military leaders and joint chiefs resisted, citing legality and lack of Congressional support. US President Donald Trump (Photo: AP) US President Donald Trump has ordered his special forces commanders to prepare a plan for the invasion of Greenland though the plan has been resisted by senior military figures. The Daily Mail quoted the sources saying the President has asked the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to prepare the invasion plan, but it is being resisted by the joint chiefs of staff on the grounds that it would be illegal and would not be supported by Congress. They have tried to distract Trump by talking about less controversial measures, such as intercepting Russian ghost ships a clandestine network of hundreds of vessels operated by Moscow to evade Western sanctions or launching a strike on Iran," one of the sources said. The sources said that the plan, led by political adviser Stephen Miller, has been formulated after the success of the operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and they aim to seize the island before Russia or China makes a move. However, The Daily Mail quoted British diplomats saying that Trump is also motivated by a desire to distract American voters from the performance of the US economy before the mid-term elections later this year, after which he could lose control of Congress to the Democrats. This comes days after Trump renewed his threat to own the territory. Speaking at a White House meeting with oil and gas executives on Friday, the President doubled down on his recent assertions that the mineral-rich island is an absolute necessity for American national security. He suggested that if a diplomatic purchase cannot be brokered, the US might be forced to intervene the hard way". Trump claimed that the waters surrounding the worlds largest island are currently covered with Russian and Chinese ships", a claim he used to justify the need for a swift change in sovereignty. If we dont do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland," he told the executives. And were not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour." His remarks echo a broader administration strategy to ensure US hegemony in the Western Hemispherea sentiment sharpened following the recent US military operation in Venezuela. While Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, the Trump administration has increasingly questioned the ability of Copenhagen to defend the island. Vice President JD Vance recently accused Denmark of failing to protect the strategically vital landmass, framing the issue around missile defence and the civilisational" importance of the Arctic. However, the proposal has met with fierce resistance. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any attempt by the US to seize Greenland by force would signal the end of NATO", describing the idea of annexation as absurd and deeply disrespectful to Greenlandic sovereignty. The strategic value of Greenland is multifaceted, involving its position at the GIUK (Greenland-Iceland-UK) Gapa critical naval choke pointand its vast untapped deposits of rare earth minerals essential for high-tech and military hardware. The US already operates Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule) under a 1951 treaty, but the President now insists that mere access is insufficient. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: January 11, 2026, 09:30 IST News world Trump Orders Special Forces To Prepare Plan To Invade Greenland: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Says US Stands Ready To Help Iran Gain Freedom From Khamenei As Deadly Protests Rage Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 07:20 IST According to reports, the Trump administration is preparing preliminary plans for a possible attack on Iran. US President Donald Trump (Image: AFP) Amid ongoing protests in Iran, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States is ready to help Iran gain freedom from the government led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran was looking at freedom, perhaps like never before," and added that the US stood ready to help. US military operation in Iran? According to reports, the Trump administration is preparing preliminary plans for a possible attack on Iran. The New York Post, citing The Wall Street Journal, said officials are discussing how to respond to Trumps recent threats against the Islamic Republic. One option under consideration is a large-scale airstrike campaign targeting several Iranian military sites. However, officials said no final decision has been taken. No US military equipment or personnel have been moved, and sources stressed that such planning is routine. Warnings from Washington Trump has warned Iran against continuing to kill protesters. On Friday, he cautioned Iranian authorities not to open fire, saying the US would respond if they did. His remarks followed growing concern in Washington over Irans handling of nationwide protests. Previous US Strikes on Iran The United States has previously carried out strikes on Iranian territory. In June, US forces dropped at least six bunker-buster bombs on three sites, including the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility. The site is located deep underground, nearly 300 feet beneath a mountain. These strikes followed Iranian threats to use nuclear capabilities against Israel during their 12-day conflict and were coordinated with Israeli attacks on Irans military infrastructure. Khamenei hits back Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei strongly criticised the United States and President Trump. He accused Trump of having hands stained with the blood of Iranians" and said the US president should focus on problems in his own country. Khamenei also claimed that protesters were acting to please the US. Protests in Iran Iranian authorities have intensified their crackdown on protests across the country. At least 65 people have been reported dead so far, including 50 protesters. Officials have warned that anyone helping protesters will be treated as an enemy of God," a charge that can carry the death penalty. There are growing fears that the actual number of deaths could be much higher, possibly exceeding 200. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: January 11, 2026, 07:20 IST News world Trump Says US Stands Ready To Help Iran Gain Freedom From Khamenei As Deadly Protests Rage Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Did US Use A Mystery Weapon In Its Operation To Capture Venezuelas Maduro? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 11, 2026, 08:42 IST Venezuelas Interior Ministry has acknowledged that around 100 members of security forces were killed during the January 3 operation. Satellite Images Reveal Damage at Caracas Base After US Night Raid (Satellite image by Vantor) Days after the United States carried out a major operation on January 3 to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, fresh claims have emerged about the high-risk American operation in Venezuela. This includes allegations that a mysterious and highly advanced weapon was used which left the Venezuelan troops bleeding. What do we know of the mystery weapon? A Venezuelan guard quoted by the New York Post described a sudden and overwhelming assault during the operation. He said that Venezuelan radar and systems shut down without explanation before drones appeared overhead and helicopters inserted around 20 US troops. The guard claimed that US forces used an unidentified weapon that felt like a very intense sound wave". He said soldiers began bleeding from their noses, vomiting blood and collapsing, and that the troops appeared technologically very advanced". The account was shared on X by the White House press secretary, but US authorities have not confirmed or provided operational details. It is unclear whether any advanced or experimental US military technology was used during the raid. Venezuelas Interior Ministry has acknowledged that around 100 members of security forces were killed during the January 3 operation. It remains unknown if the alleged weapon contributed to these deaths. What expert said about the weapon? A former US intelligence source told the New York Post that the symptoms described by the guard could be consistent with directed-energy weapons, which use focused energy such as microwaves. Such systems exist but there has been no official verification of their use in this case. For now, the claims remain unverified, and no independent evidence has been presented to confirm the use of the alleged weapon. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: January 11, 2026, 08:29 IST News world Did US Use A Mystery Weapon In Its Operation To Capture Venezuelas Maduro? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... We recently published 11 Stocks on Jim Cramers Radar. Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer radar. Throughout 2025, Jim Cramer had been quite optimistic about data center infrastructure company Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT). The shares are up by 33% over the past year and analysts have started 2026 on a strong note for the firm. For instance, on January 2nd, Barclays upgraded Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT)s rating to Overweight from Equal Weight and bumped the share price target to $200. The bank pointed out that the data center company had the potential to catch up with other AI firms. Data center demand was also at the heart of TD Cowens coverage of Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT) in December. The financial firm pointed out that the firm was its 2026 Best Idea as it kept a Buy rating and increased the share price target to $211 from $210. TD Cowen cited its channel checks to comment that data center demand remained robust. Cramer discussed Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT) after a CNBC report shared that Japanese conglomerate Softbank had completed its $40 billion investment commitment to OpenAI. Naturally, the CNBC TV host believes that the development creates a buying opportunity for Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT): Jim Cramer Reveals When You Can Buy Vertiv (VRT) A woman reading and analyzing stock market data. Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels Do you know that this fundraise is probably the most important thing thats going to happen in the first quarter? Because it means. . .you can buy Vertiv, it means you can buy NVIDIA. While we acknowledge the potential of VRT as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Pizza isn't going away, it's just not everywhere anymore. The Wall Street Journal reports that the once-dominant pizzeria has slipped behind coffee shops and Mexican restaurants in terms of sheer numbers, with sales growth lagging behind the broader fast-food market for years. Price wars, delivery apps offering endless alternatives, and sticker shock$20 pizzas competing with $5 fast-food dealshave chipped away at pizza's old advantage as the easiest dinner in town. Bankruptcies at chains like Pieology and Bertucci's, plus declining sales at long-standing brands, have raised a once-unthinkable question: Has the country had enough? As Papa John's CFO Ravi Thanawala put it bluntly, "Pizza is disrupted right now." The numbers help explain the anxiety. Pizza chains still generated about $31 billion in sales last year, and roughly one in 10 Americans eats pizza on any given day, according to federal estimates cited by the WSJ. But pizza's rank among restaurant chains has fallen to sixth, down from second in the 1990s, and the total number of pizza restaurants has declined since peaking in 2019. Chains are scrambling: Pizza Hut has posted eight straight quarters of same-store sales declines, California Pizza Kitchen sold for far less than it did a decade ago, and Papa John's is reassessing everything from its oven temperatures to franchise strategy. Even loyal customers are getting choosier. "I'd feel silly paying 50% to 100% more anywhere else even if I can afford it," says Austin Rowland, a 26-year-old Domino's customer in Georgia. But not everyone agrees the pizza era is fading. Industry publication PMQ Pizza argues the WSJ focus on chains misses a quieter shift: independent pizzerias filling the gap. Loren Padelford, chief revenue officer at Slicea tech platform that serves more than 15,000 indie shopssays orders at independent pizzerias on its network are up about 20% year over year, which suggests momentum is moving away from corporate brands. With chains closing locations and cutting back, Padelford sees opportunity for operators who control their customer data, streamline technology, and focus on loyalty instead of discounts. "The era of the chains is over, and the era of indie pizza is in full swing," he says. "More shops are opening than ever before, and more are staying open. This is the greatest time in the last 100 years to open an independent pizzeria." Rob and Michele Reiner spent their final weekend cheering on a man in a Texas prison they'd come to view as family, only to be killed less than two days later in a crime for which their own son now stands accused. The couple's unlikely bond with 51-year-old inmate Nanon Williams began with a poem mailed from death row and evolved into near-daily emails, phone calls, and a promise that he could live with them if he were ever freed. Williamsconvicted for a 1992 Houston shooting, when he was just 17, that left 19-year-old Adonius Collier deadhas long insisted he didn't fire the fatal shot. The case against him, built on a co-defendant's testimony and a ballistics expert's analysis, has since been undermined by that same expert's reversal and by a state report deeming the original ballistics evidence wrong. A judge once recommended a new trial, but the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals blocked it; Williams' lawyers are now seeking a retrial under a "junk science" law, a move opposed by prosecutors. The Reiners, drawn in after seeing the stage show Lyrics From Lockdown that features Williams' writings, moved from advocacy to something closer to kinship. They helped produce the show, joined a circle of supporters that includes Georgetown professor Marc Howard and the Innocence Project, and wrote powerful letters backing Williams' bid for a new trial. Michele's last email, sent hours before her death, described the Los Angeles performance they'd just attended with Billy Crystal and their daughter Romy, closing as always: "Love you, Michele." Rob, a longtime critic of the death penalty, later wrote that no one besides his father, actor and comedian Carl Reiner, had influenced him more than Williams. From his maximum-security unit south of Houston, Williams learned the Reiners had been found dead in their home and that their son, Nickwho authorities say has been diagnosed with schizophreniawas charged with murder and could face the death penalty, the sentence Williams once received. Grappling with the parallel, Williams says he keeps asking what the Reiners would have wanted for their son: "If they would have [love and compassion] for me, why not him?" Now wearing a rubber bracelet stamped "Stand by Me," a nod to the prison movie screening with Rob that never happened, Williams says that if he's ever released, he feels an obligation to try to help Nickextending to their son the same mercy the Reiners extended to him. More here. Iran's top leader is signaling he's ready to meet the biggest unrest in years with more force, not concessions. In his first public remarks since nationwide demonstrations erupted on Dec. 28, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed protesters as "vandals" and foreign-backed "saboteurs," accusing them of damaging their own cities to please outside powers, including the US, the Guardian reports. Protesters nevertheless took to the streets over the weekend. Although the communications blackout in Iran makes assessing the turnout difficult, Persian-language news outlets based abroad shared videos showing huge crowds in Tehran, Mashhad, Yazd and other cities chanting for an end to the Islamic Republic and praising Iran's toppled monarchy, per the Washington Post. Two people ended a transatlantic flight with broken ankles after a burst of turbulence over the North Atlantic. The injuries happened on a British Airways flight from Los Angeles to London Heathrow last month as the aircraft flew near Greenland, reports the Independent , citing a newly released report from the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch. It was "clear-air turbulence," which is difficult to predict, but the captain had turned on the fasten-seatbelt sign and made an announcement minutes beforehand, per Simple Flying . The turbulence lasted up to 15 seconds. A flight attendant lowering her jump seat to strap in was thrown upward, then fell and fractured her ankle, investigators said. A passenger on the upper deck, who said he had slept through the seat belt announcement and did not notice the sign, was returning from the restroom when he got jolted and suffered a broken ankle as well. Shortly afterward, another passenger became ill and lost consciousness. Two doctors on board treated the injured, improvising splints and giving pain relief. The captain weighed diverting the plane to land in Canada or Iceland, but discounted both because of poor weather. Instead, he continued to Heathrow and declared a medical alert so air traffic controllers could prioritize the flight and arrange ambulances. President Trump has been briefed on fresh options, including military operations, that the US could take against Iran in support of the protests there that have stretched into a second week. Advisers have presented possibilities including striking nonmilitary targets in Tehran and elements of government security forces accused of using force against demonstrators, the New York Times reports. US officials said Trump is seriously considering a response if the crackdown intensifies, in keeping with his public statements that include a weekend post saying, "the USA stands ready to help" the protesters. On Friday, he said, "We'll be hitting them very hard" if the government kills demonstrators on a large scale. If Trump does order a military response, the speaker of Iran's parliament speaker warned Sunday that the country would consider the US military and Israel to be "legitimate targets." Protesters returned to the streets on Sunday morning, per the AP. Activists estimate the death toll during the protests to be at least 203 people but suggest it could be much higher; the internet and phone outages make determinations difficult. Among the US options are cyberattacks that could hamper the government's capability for blocking internet access, per the Washington Post. The US also could take steps such as announcing that an aircraft carrier strike group is heading to the region, per Axios. Any US action would need to avoid rallying Iranians around their government or exposing American troops and diplomats in the region to reprisals, senior officials said. American commanders want more time to bolster defenses in the region before any strike takes place, a military official said. Since the start of his second term, Trump has authorized strikes in Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Nigeria, building on a record that includes the 2020 drone killing of Iranian Gen. Qassim Suleimani in Baghdad. UPDATE Jan 12, 2026 12:12 PM CST The man accused of killing his ex-wife and her husband in Ohio had his murder charges upgraded on Monday. Michael McKee now faces two counts of premeditated aggravated murder, which means he faces the possibility of a life sentence without parole or even the death penalty, reports the Columbus Dispatch. McKeen, arrested in Illinois, has an extradition hearing later Monday. Ohio hasn't executed anyone since 2018. Jan 11, 2026 5:29 AM CST Authorities say a Chicago surgeon has been arrested in the killing of his former wife and her husbandan Ohio dentistwhose bodies were discovered in their Columbus home late last month, reports NBC News. Police in Columbus said Michael McKee, 39, was taken into custody Saturday in Illinois and charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, 39-year-old Monique Tepe, per TMZ. The couple were found shot to death on Dec. 30 after friends and co-workers reported that Spencer had failed to show up for work and that neither spouse could be reached. Two young children, both under age 5, were found inside the home unharmed. We recently published 11 Stocks on Jim Cramers Radar. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer radar. Banking giant JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) crossed Jim Cramers radar after he discussed a Barclays note for Citigroup. Barclays bumped up Citis share price target, and its coverage came after a similar note for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) on January 5th. This note saw the bank hike the share price target to $391 from $342 and keep an Overweight rating on the shares. Barclays pointed out that JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) and other large-cap banks could benefit from the same factors that drove double-digit earnings growth in 2025 this year as well. Cramers previous comments about the bank have lamented its low multiple. Following Barclays, Bank of America also hiked JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)s share price target. It bumped the target price to $362 from $350 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. BofA pointed towards factors such as the banks strong market positioning in sectors such as private and wholesale banking. In this appearance, Cramer discussed JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) in the context of its upcoming earnings report: JPMorgan(JPM)'s Multiple is an Insult to CEO Jamie Dimon, Says Jim Cramer Like JPMorgan last quarter, where they really threw cold water on everything, really kind of sent you back huge and it turned out to be an amazing buying opportunity. You know all you had to do was come in there and buy it after they talked about it. Probably do that again. While we acknowledge the potential of JPM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Mississippi's largest synagogue was badly damaged in a fire Saturday that authorities say was intentionally set, and officials said a person is in custody. No congregants were hurt in the blaze reported just after 3am at Beth Israel Congregation in northeast Jackson, officials said. But the historic synagogue's library and administrative wing were heavily damaged, and temple leaders said multiple Torah scrolls were lost or damaged. One scroll that survived the Holocaust, displayed in a glass case, was not harmed, Mississippi Today reports. Beth Israel was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967 over the rabbi 's support of civil rights. A suspect was taken into custody Saturday night by local fire investigators, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities did not immediately identify the suspect or specify potential charges, and investigators said they had not yet determined a motive for the crime. In a statement Sunday, per WAPT, Mayor John Horhn said: "Acts of antisemitism, racism, and religious hatred are attacks on Jackson as a whole and will be treated as acts of terror against residents' safety and freedom to worship. Targeting people because of their faith, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation is morally wrong, un-American, and completely incompatible with the values of this city." Congregation members spent the day trying to salvage sacred items and assessing the damage, per Mississippi Today. The fire burned the synagogue's Tree of Life, a plaque that honors and records special occasions for congregants such as bar and bat mitzvahs. Congregation President Zach Shemper said Beth Israel has received support from other local religious communities. Horhn, 70, was 12 when the temple was bombed. "I do remember that the Jewish community and the African American community in those days formed alliances and partnerships to fight racism, to fight injustice, to fight mistreatment of citizens for whatever reason," he said. Beth Israel, the only synagogue in Jackson, has suspended services indefinitely. Hamas said Sunday it will dissolve its existing government in Gaza once a Palestinian technocratic leadership committee takes over the territory, as mandated under the US-brokered peace plan. But the group gave no specifics on when the change will occur, the AP reports. Hamas and the rival Palestinian Authority, the Palestinians' internationally recognized representative, have not announced the names of the technocrats, who are not supposed to be politically affiliated, and it remains unclear if they will be cleared by Israel and the US. The Board of Peace, an international body led by President Trump, is supposed to oversee the government and other aspects of the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, including disarming Hamas and deploying an international security force. The board's members have not been announced. In comments Sunday on Telegram, a Hamas spokesperson called for speeding up the establishment of the technocratic committee. An Egyptian official said Hamas will meet with other Palestinian factions this week to finalize the committee's formation. Trump has said the Board of Peace will monitor the committee and handle the disarmament of Hamas, the deployment of an international security force, additional pullbacks of Israeli troops, and Gaza's reconstruction. The US has reported little progress on these fronts. The government's crackdown on protests in Iran has killed at least 538 people, and even more are feared dead, activists said Sunday. At least another 10,600 people have been detained over the two weeks of protests, said the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous rounds of unrest in Iran in recent years, the AP reports. The organization relies on supporters in Iran crosschecking information. It said of those killed, 490 were protesters and 48 were members of security forces. The Iranian government has not provided overall casualty figures for the demonstrations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Sunday that hundreds of additional federal officers are being sent to Minneapolis to ensure the safety of ICE and Border Patrol personnel already there. Appearing on Fox News, Noem said the agents were to go Sunday and Monday, the Washington Post reports. Although the deployment comes during protests over an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer's killing of Renee Nicole Good, the secretary gave the reason as fraud scandals involving government programs in Minnesota, per the New York Times . People in Minnesota's Twin Cities were preparing Sunday for what the Department of Homeland Security calls its largest enforcement operation ever, per the AP. People holding whistles positioned themselves in freezing temperatures on street corners in the neighborhood where Good was killed Wednesday, watching for signs of federal agents. More than 20,000 people have taken part in trainings to become "observers" of enforcement activities in Minnesota since the 2024 election, said Luis Argueta, a spokesperson for Unidos MN, a local human rights organization. "It's a role that people choose to take on voluntarily, because they choose to look out for their neighbors," Argueta said. Federal and local officials on Sunday hardened their conflicting accounts of Good's death, per the Post. Noem and other Trump administration officials have repeatedly said the agent fired in self-defense and that Good was responsible for her own death, accusing her of using her SUV as a weapon and calling her actions "domestic terrorism" within hours of the shooting. Video circulating online appears to show the officer moving out of the path of Good's vehicle and firing at least two shots from the side as the car passed. Noem told CNN that "everything that I said has been proven to be factual." She said there is video not yet made public that shows the officer being struck by Good's vehicle. The FBI has taken control of the investigation and is not allowing Minnesota agencies to participate, prompting Minneapolis officials to launch their own. Mayor Jacob Frey said there is "deep mistrust" about an FBI-only probe and criticized what he called a rush by federal officials to fix a narrative before facts are established. Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat, told ABC the administration's early statements undermine confidence in an "objective, unbiased" investigation. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low around 0F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low around 0F. Winds light and variable. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 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. 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. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model . Does the January share price for Leong Hup International Berhad ( KLSE:LHI ) 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 their present value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. The RM0.87 analyst price target for LHI is 12% less than our estimate of fair value Story Continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after 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 3.7%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.5%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035 (1 + g) (r g) = RM169m (1 + 3.7%) (8.5% 3.7%) = RM3.7b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM3.7b ( 1 + 8.5%)10= RM1.6b 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 RM3.4b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM0.8, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 23% 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. KLSE:LHI Discounted Cash Flow January 11th 2026 Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the 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 Leong Hup International Berhad 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 8.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. 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 Leong Hup International Berhad SWOT Analysis for Leong Hup International Berhad Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings growth over the past year is below its 5-year average. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Food market. Opportunity Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to decline for the next 3 years. Looking Ahead: 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. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" 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. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Leong Hup International Berhad, there are three essential items you should consider: Risks: For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Leong Hup International Berhad (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does LHI'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 KLSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks 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. Email:online@newsofbahrain.com Cairo: Foreign ministers from a broad group of Arab, African and Islamic countries, together with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have issued a joint statement strongly condemning the visit by an Israeli official to the Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia on 6 January 2026. The ministers recalled their earlier statement of 27 December 2025, rejecting Israels recognition of Somaliland, describing the visit as illegal and a violation of international law. The statement was issued by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Djibouti, the Republic of The Gambia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the State of Libya, the Republic of Maldives, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sultanate of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Palestine, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of Turkiye, the Republic of Yemen, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The ministers stated that the visit constitutes a clear violation of Somalias sovereignty and territorial integrity and undermines established international norms and the principles of the United Nations Charter. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, warning that encouraging secessionist agendas is unacceptable and risks exacerbating instability in an already fragile region. The statement emphasized the importance of respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and adherence to diplomatic norms as essential foundations for regional and international stability. The ministers also commended Somalias commitment to peaceful international engagement and constructive diplomacy, expressed their continued support for diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia, and called on Israel to fully respect Somalias sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity and to immediately revoke its recognition of the Somaliland region. How U.S. Military Captured Nicolas Maduro. The CIA infiltration with stealth drones seems to be the main element of several important elements. Inside Operation Absolute Resolve (January 3, 2026) On January 3, 2026, U.S. special operations forces executed Operation Absolute Resolve, a daring nighttime raid that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from the heavily fortified Fort Tiuna military complex south of Caracas.The operation combined months of intelligence preparation, cyber warfare, precision airstrikes, and a high-risk helicopter assault by Delta Force operators. How the Raid Unfolded Phase 1: Shaping Operations (AugustDecember 2025) CIA teams were secretly inserted into Venezuela and used drones to track Maduro. They built detailed pattern of life intelligence on Maduro using stealth drones and human sources. By late 2025, his location was narrowed to Fort Tiuna, a mountain-integrated base with concrete gates, pillboxes, guard towers, and an estimated 5,000 elite troops. Cyber & Electronic Preparation Starting in mid-December, U.S. Cyber Command planted malware in Venezuelan power and communications infrastructure. On the night of the raid, a nationwide power blackout was triggered, crippling radar, communications, and base defenses. The Assault (January 3, 2026 2:00 a.m. local time) Missile strikes from 20 U.S. bases and ships hit targets across Caracas and surrounding states. 11 helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers) launched from the USS Iwo Jima off the Venezuelan coast. MH-47G Chinooks and MH-60L Black Hawks flew low (100 ft) over the Caribbean, then 10 miles inland under fire. One helicopter was damaged but remained operational. Delta Force operators (embedded with FBI Hostage Rescue Team agents) fast-roped or landed at Fort Tiuna. They breached Maduros on-base residence and panic room using explosive charges, buzz saws, and insider intelligence. A Direct Action Penetrator helicopter provided close air support with miniguns and Hydra rockets. Maduro and his wife were zip-tied, blindfolded, and extracted alive to avoid the appearance of an assassination. Massive Air Campaign for Air Supremacy Approximately 150 U.S. aircraft (F-22 Raptors, F-35s, F/A-18s, B-1 Lancers, etc.) conducted simultaneous strikes. Targets included S-300 air defense systems, radar sites, air bases, armored vehicles, and strategic ports. Anti-radiation missiles, electronic jammers, and precision-guided munitions destroyed key defenses. Satellite imagery later confirmed large sections of bases were flattened. Why Resistance Was So Ineffective Several theories explain the weak response from Maduros forces. Overwhelming U.S. firepower and air dominance. Maduros extremely low approval ratings (1020%) amid economic collapse. Possible negotiated surrender (some opposition sources claim Maduro knew the raid was coming and agreed to it). High-level betrayal within the regime. Advanced U.S. helicopter countermeasures (directed infrared systems) defeated Igla man-portable missiles. No American combat fatalities were reported, though some operators sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Aftermath & Political Situation President Trump announced the U.S. would temporarily run Venezuela through a naval oil blockade until a stable transition occurs. Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as acting president. She is reportedly cooperating privately but publicly defiant. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello called for resistance against terrorist enemies. Public reaction in Venezuela is mixed. Some celebrate Maduros fall, others express anger at perceived American imperialism, and many hope sanctions will be lifted to improve the economy. Legal Questions Unlike previous high-profile captures (Saddam Hussein, Manuel Noriega), this operation was conducted without congressional authorization or prior notification, raising significant questions about legality under U.S. and international law.Maduro now faces narcotrafficking charges in New York federal court. Eyewitness Reports of Sonic / Directed Energy Weapons Multiple Venezuelan soldiers and a guard reported severe symptoms during the raid, including Nosebleeds Vomiting blood Intense headaches Temporary paralysis These accounts have led to speculation about the use of non-lethal directed energy or sonic weapons by U.S. forces. While no official U.S. confirmation exists, the claims have been widely reported. Key Sources Reporting Sonic Weapon Allegations New York Post- US used powerful mystery weapon sonic weapon Hindustan Times- Did the US use a powerful mystery weapon during Maduro raid? Daily Mail- Venezuelan soldiers bled and collapsed after US deployed powerful sonic weapon India Today- Troops bled from nose, vomited blood. Did US use a sonic weapon in Venezuela? Additional Major Coverage Wikipedia 2026 United States intervention in Venezuela Brookings Making sense of the US military operation in Venezuela CNN January 3, 2026 Maduro in US custody The New York Times Inside Operation Absolute Resolve Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Lucy Liu was "so embarrassed" to tell C. Thomas Howell she had a crush on him as a teenager. Lucy Liu had the hots for C. Thomas Howell as a teenager The 57-year-old actress fell head over heels for the actor when he starred in the 1983 crime-thriller film, The Outsiders, aged 16, and she even had a photo of him on her wall. In an interview with W Magazine, Lucy was asked who her first "cinematic crush" was, and she revealed: "C. Thomas Howell in The Outsiders. "I was able to afford one of those teen magazines. I Scotch-taped it up to my wood-panel wall. He had a very 80s look, with his hair blown back and his hand in his jeans pocket. " The Outsiders followed the rivalry between two teenage gangs: the greasers, including brothers Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas), Darrel Curtis (Patrick Swayze) and Sodapop Curtis (Rob Lowe) and their pals, and the privileged Socs (Socials). In 2012, Lucy "ironically" worked with C. Thomas, 59, in season 4 of the TNT crime drama, Southland - which followed LAPD patrol officers and detectives try to stop crime in the Californian city, while they juggled drama in their personal lives. But Lucy (Officer Jessica Tang) did not tell C. Thomas (Officer Dewey Dudek) that she fancied him as a youngster. She admitted: "I never told him that I had a crush on him, because I was so embarrassed. We were playing tough cops." The Charlie's Angels actress has never been married but was engaged to 50-year-old film director Zach Helm in 2004 - two years after they met at a Hollywood bash and dated. However, their engagement was called off, and they broke up a few months later. Lucy has had other high-profile relationships. She dated Jay Kelly star George Clooney, 64, for a few months in 2000. Her longest romance was with Toy Story 4 actor Will McCormack, 51, and it lasted from 2004 until 2007. And in 2014, Lucy was romantically linked to businessman Noam Gottesman, 64, but it is not known when they broke up. Meanwhile, C. Thomas married Commando actress Rae Dawn Chong, 64, in 1989, but they divorced in 1990. He then got hitched to Sylvie Anderson in 1992, and went on to have daughter Isabelle, 32, and sons Dashiell, 29, and 24 year old Liam. C. Thomas and Sylvie divorced in 2016. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: 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. 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. In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Smiths Group plc ( LON:SMIN ) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. The UK26.67 analyst price target for SMIN is 5.7% more than our estimate of fair value Smiths Group's UK24.58 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate Story Continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after 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 3.0%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.7%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035 (1 + g) (r g) = UK499m (1 + 3.0%) (7.7% 3.0%) = UK11b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= UK11b ( 1 + 7.7%)10= UK5.2b 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 UK8.0b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of UK24.6, the company appears about fair value at a 2.5% 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. LSE:SMIN Discounted Cash Flow January 11th 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 Smiths Group 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 7.7%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.930. 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 Smiths Group SWOT Analysis for Smiths Group Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings growth over the past year is below its 5-year average. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Industrials market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years. Current share price is below our estimate of fair value. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the British market. Looking Ahead: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it 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. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Smiths Group, we've compiled three pertinent factors you should explore: Financial Health: Does SMIN have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does SMIN'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 British 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. When CNBC's Jim Cramer posted, Look out Palantir shorts, here we go again! on Thursday morning, the Inverse Cramer crowd immediately braced for a crash. In the superstitious world of retail trading, a public blessing from the Mad Money host is often viewed as a kiss of death or the Cramer Curse. However, this time, the narrative is clashing with two powerful geopolitical catalysts. Don't Miss: The Venezuela Validation Palantir shares climbed this week following the dramatic U.S.-led operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro. While Palantir does not confirm any specific role in classified missions, however, investors instinctively linked the precision of the raid to Palantir's Gotham and AIP platforms. Palantir's stock climbed nearly 4% on Monday, another 3% Tuesday and traded as high as $187.28 on Wednesday before closing at $181.68. The Trump Defense Surge Other major defense stocks, like Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT) and Northrup Grumman Corp. (NYSE:NOC), surged Thursday after President Donald Trump's Wednesday night call to boost military spending by 50% in 2027. Trending: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it? While Trump also threatened to restrict dividends and buybacks for traditional contractors to force faster production, the administrations focus on AI-driven efficiency plays directly into Palantir's hands. However, Palantir did not join the defense majors in a celebratory rally. Instead, PLTR shares fell at Thursday's openafter Cramer told the shorts to "look out." Look out Palantir shorts, here we go again! See Also: GM-Backed EnergyX Is Solving the Lithium Supply Crisis Invest Before They Scale Global Production Curse or Catalyst? So, did Cramer curse Palantir stock? Shares were definitely under pressure Thursday, trading around $175 and down more than 3.5%, according to data from Benzinga Pro. With a trailing P/E ratio north of 400x, the dip could actually just be healthy profit-taking at a historical valuation ceiling. Cramer's vocal support often marks a near-term top, but the combination of the successful tactical mission in Venezuela and hopes for a record-breaking defense budget makes Palantir a difficult stock to bet against. New Jersey has awarded nearly $32 million in grants to expand electric school buses and public charging infrastructure across the state. The funding includes more than $18 million for 53 electric school buses and 41 associated fast chargers, the Department of Environmental Protection announced. In addition, the state awarded $13.6 million through its EV Charging Grant Program. The funding will support 26 public and private projects to install publicly accessible charging stations at or near town and retail centers, multi-unit housing, and transit hubs across the state. The electric school bus grants represent the second round of funding from a program authorized by legislation Gov. Phil Murphy signed in 2022. That law provided up to $45 million over three years to replace diesel buses with battery-electric models, funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy Fund. Nine grants went directly to schools and school districts, while five went to bus contractors serving New Jersey schools. Bergen County South Hackensack School District, up to $600,000 for two school buses Camden County Camden City School District, up to $2.04 million for six school buses and three fast-charging stations Essex County East Orange School District, up to $1.71 million for five school buses and three fast-charging stations Mercer County West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, up to $2.1 million for six school buses and six fast-charging stations through its contractor, Highland Electric Fleets Middlesex County Plainfield Public Schools, up to $2.1 million for six school buses and six fast-charging stations Monmouth County Middletown Township School District , up to $640,000 for two school buses and two fast-charging stations through its contractor, Highland Electric Fleets Shore Regional High School District, up to $1.28 million for four school buses and four fast-charging stations through its contractor, Highland Electric Fleets Passaic County Milkway Education Center Inc./Pioneer Academy , up to $640,000 for two school buses and two level 2 charging stations Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools, up to $680,000 for two school buses and one fast-charging station Somerset County Bernards Township Board of Education , up to $604,000 for two school buses and one level 2 charging station Franklin Township School District , up to $2 million for six school buses and six level 2 charging stations through its contractor, Mercy Transportation, Inc. Montgomery Township School District, up to $2.04 million for six school buses and three fast-charging stations. Union County Summit Board of Education , up to $700,000 for two school buses and two fast-charging stations Union School District, up to $700,000 for two school buses and two fast-charging stations through its contractor, Mosdos Pupa Linden. The DEP awarded $13.6 million for installation of public charging stations at or near town and retail centers, multi-unit housing, and transit hubs across the state. NJDEP The states EV Charging Grant Program is a component of the It Pay$ to Plug In campaign. Fifteen private and governmental entities will receive funding to install 82 charging stations with 136 fast-charging ports across 16 counties. Several grant recipients will be awarded for multiple projects. Each grant ranges from $400,000 to $600,000, depending on the number of charging ports to be installed. Private Entity Grant Awardees: Chargeflex LLC (3 awards) DVM Industries (5 awards) EV Edison (4 awards) Universal Electric Vehicle LLC (3 awards) BE Controls Inc. Blink Network, LLC EV-Zoom Inc. Gill Petroleum Inc. Retrofit Install Inc. Richard E. Ritchie Enterprises Inc. Xura Eatontown Energy Corporation Local Government Grant Awardees: A large fire spread through an apartment building in East Orange on Sunday, injuring 38 and displacing residents of at least 30 units comprising 80 residents, city and rescue officials said. The fire was reported at about 6:15 a.m. and firefighters made several rescues, Mayor Ted R. Green said in a statement later Sunday. I want to commend and congratulate our East Orange firefighters for an extraordinary rescue effort under extremely dangerous conditions. Their quick action, skill, and courage saved lives, as firefighters used ladders to safely remove residents from the building. This was a powerful display of what public service looks like at its best, Green said. Two of the injured taken to local hospitals were firefighters, Green said. The fire grew to three alarms and firefighters from from Orange, Bloomfield, Montclair, Irvington, Millburn, and West Orange responded to assist. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A team of Red Cross volunteers responded shortly after 8 a.m. to assist the residents of the Washington Street building, said Diane Concannon, communications director for the New Jersey Red Cross. The Red Cross responders and East Orange officials opened a reception center to provide displaced families with care, comfort and meals, Concannon said. All residents of the building were displaced, she said. The killer left a horrific scene: a mother, father and two kids shot or stabbed at their Colts Neck home. The intruder then set fire to the spacious home and fled into the night over seven years ago. Someone must legally pay for the crimes, and within days of the tragedy authorities announced they believe it was Paul Caneiro: brother to the father, Keith Caneiro, in-law to Jennifer Caneiro and uncle to their kids, Jesse and Sophia. An escalating storm of financial troubles led Caneiro to annihilate his brothers family on Nov. 20, 2018, prosecutors have said. But trying Caneiro on four counts of first-degree has been delayed multiple times for a variety of reasons over the years, including the pandemic. Now that its here, NJ Advance Media plans full gavel-to-gavel coverage of the proceedings in front of Superior Court of Monmouth County Judge Marc C. Lemieux. Opening arguments are expected to start Monday in a trial that could last well into March. Veteran crime reporter Kevin Shea will be at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold daily, and reporter Sean Sullivan will be bringing key moments and analysis of the trial to followers on YouTube and our other social media platforms. Shea is scheduled to be on a Dateline NBC podcast this week to discuss the case, which has generated national headlines over the years. Court TV also plans to broadcast the trial. The trial is scheduled until at least March 20. You can follow along and see prior coverage on NJ.coms YouTube playlist. Updates can also be found on our Instagram and TikTok pages. Monmouth County prosecutors have said in court they have considerable evidence against Caneiro, who has sat silently next to his lawyers for the past week as the jury underwent qualifying questions. With daily viewers from around the country seeing into the courtroom, the workings of New Jerseys criminal justice system will be on display. Lemieux is the second judge to helm the case. For trial lawyers, this could be seen as a career case, depending on the outcome. Monika Mastellone and Andy Murray are defending Caneiro. Mastellone joined the case in early 2025. Nicole Wallace and Christopher Decker are prosecuting the case for the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. Caneiro has been incarcerated since late 2018, when prosecutors charged him. His attempts to be freed pending trial have all been denied. BNY has rolled out a tokenized deposit service that allows clients to move funds using blockchain infrastructure, marking another step by a major global bank into digital assets. Key Takeaways: BNY launched tokenized deposits to allow on-chain transfers while keeping funds within the regulated banking system. The service supports faster, 24/7 settlement and programmable transactions for collateral and margin use cases. The move reflects growing institutional adoption of tokenization by major global banks. In an announcement published Friday, BNY said it has facilitated an on-chain mirrored representation of client deposit balances on its Digital Assets platform. The initiative marks the first phase of the banks strategy to tokenize deposits, starting with collateral and margin workflow use cases. BNY Says Tokenized Deposits Mirror Bank Balances On-chain The tokenized deposits operate as digital book entries that reflect clients existing demand deposit claims against the bank. While balances are mirrored on-chain, they continue to be recorded on BNYs traditional systems, ensuring regulatory, accounting, and reporting consistency. The capability runs on BNYs private, permissioned blockchain and is governed by the banks existing risk and compliance frameworks. BNY said the launch is designed to support programmable, near-real-time cash movement as financial markets shift toward always-on operating models. Tokenized deposits could help reduce settlement friction, improve liquidity efficiency, and allow rules-based payments across institutional workflows. Early participants include Intercontinental Exchange, Citadel Securities, DRW Holdings, Baillie Gifford, Circle, Ripple Prime, and several other financial and digital asset firms. ICE said it plans to support tokenized deposits across its clearinghouses as it prepares for 24/7 trading and settlement. In September, BNY announced it is making strides towards offering custody services for Bitcoin and Ether, specifically for its exchange-traded product (ETP) clients. Earlier this year, the SECs Office of the Chief Accountant reportedly reviewed BNY Mellons approach to crypto custody. The SEC didnt object to BNY Mellons decision not to include these crypto assets as liabilities on its balance sheet. The review was key because of the SECs SAB 121 rule, which requires banks to account for crypto assets they safeguard as both a liability and an asset on their balance sheets. BNY Mellons unique case with ETPs, however, which bypasses this requirement. RWA Tokenization Gains Momentum Last month, Libeara, the blockchain infrastructure platform backed by Standard Chartereds venture arm SC Ventures, rolled out a new tokenized gold investment fund in Singapore, bringing one of the worlds oldest safe-haven assets onto digital rails. A New Jersey teenager shot and killed a 17-year-old girl that he knew early Saturday morning in Edison, authorities say. The suspect, a 17-year-old whose name has not been released, is charged with acts of juvenile delinquency, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office. The shooting would be considered aggravated manslaughter if the suspect was an adult, authorities said. Edison Police arrived at 1:19 a.m. to a Grove Avenue residence for reports of a shooting. They discovered the victim, of Edison, with a gunshot wound, and she was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. The male suspect, from Plainfield, was arrested at the scene, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Linda Estremera and Edison Chief Thomas Bryan. He is being held at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center while waiting for a preliminary hearing in family court. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Edison Police Department at 732-248-7471 or the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office at 732-745-3316. The investigation is ongoing. Gov. Phil Murphy on Sunday signed an executive order that will allow people with past criminal convictions to serve on juries in New Jersey, ending a lifetime ban that affected thousands of state residents. The order permits people with past convictions of indictable offenses to serve on juries. Today, as we restore the ability to serve on a jury to so many New Jerseyans, we do more than restore a right we restore trust, we restore dignity, and we restore faith in a system that must work with the people, not apart from them, Murphy said in an address to congregants at New Hope Baptist in East Orange. Current New Jersey law states that every person summoned as a juror shall not have been convicted of any indictable offense under the laws of this State, another state, or the United States. Murphy initially attempted to change the law through legislation. A bill was introduced in the state Assembly in February 2019 but languished in Trenton for six years without passage. Sources within the administration indicated they preferred the legislative route but decided to use executive action when it became clear the bill wouldnt pass in his final days of office. Itll likely be one of Murphys last major moves in office. The two-term Democrat who will leave office Jan. 20 when fellow Democrat, Mikie Sherrill, becomes New Jerseys 57th governor, called it an historic Executive Order expanding jury rights in New Jersey, stating that tens of thousands of New Jerseyans will finally be able to once again participate in our justice system. The executive order places New Jersey alongside states, including Maine, Indiana and North Dakota, where jury rights restoration for people with felony convictions is already law. Hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans with criminal offense convictions have been barred for life from serving on a jury, Murphy said. They have been denied the opportunity to perform one of our most fundamental civic duties. And all of us have been denied the promise of being judged by a jury that truly reflects our communities. Murphy noted that those excluded from jury boxes are disproportionately Black and Latino, saying a justice system that does not look like the people it serves is not built to serve any of us. The order applies to convictions on or before Jan. 10 because clemency powers can only be exercised to grant relief for past conduct. People with disqualifying indictable convictions under federal law or in another state remain ineligible to serve on juries in New Jersey, as does anyone with a disqualifying conviction in a case of impeachment or treason. The ACLU of New Jersey called on the state legislature to address unjustifiable racial disparities in the criminal legal system' while applauding Murphy for his action. We believe people deserve second chances, and that includes being able to once again participate fully in civic life,' said Amol Sinha, executive director of the ACLU of New Jersey. Todays executive order will help repair some of the harms caused by excluding returning citizens from this vital civic duty, allowing for more representative juries and building a stronger democracy. 11 1 / 11 State of the State address by Governor Phil Murphy Murphy framed the order as part of broader criminal justice reforms. In 2024, Murphy launched a clemency initiative and has granted clemency to more than 300 individuals in under two years more than every administration over the last 30 years combined. He previously restored voting rights to more than 80,000 New Jerseyans on probation or parole. In his remarks at New Hope Baptist Church, Murphy shared the story of Dameon Stackhouse, who spent more than a decade in prison for robbery. Hes since dedicated himself to giving back to his community, Murphy noted. After nearly 12 years incarcerated and three more on parole, I understand how much civic participation matters,' Stackhouse said. Voting and jury service are not privileges -- they are markers of full belonging. This moment affirms what so many of us have long known: our voices matter, our contributions matter, and we belong in our democracy.' In November, Murphy announced a fourth round of clemency, granting 19 commutations and 29 pardons to 48 people and bringing his total to 200 clemency grants, the most by any governor in New Jersey history. Murphy said he considers clemency one of his keystone social justice accomplishments. Today, we widen the circle of justice and acknowledge that a system cannot call itself fair if it excludes people who have taken responsibility for their actions, rebuilt their lives, and earned their freedom, Murphy said. If youre thinking about traveling to Russia anytime soon, take note that the country is one place you should avoid traveling. The U.S. State Department issued its highest travel advisory for Russia, warning Americans not to travel there for any reason. Here is what you need to know about the travel advisory and why the U.S. government is saying you shouldnt travel there. What does the latest travel advisory for Russia mean for you? Item Detail Start Date Dec. 29, 2025 Whats changing Updated travel advisory urging travelers not to travel to Russia for any reason due to drone attacks, the war between Russia and Ukraine, terrorism, unrest and wrongful detention. What will happen? Travelers should not travel to Russia and U.S. citizens already there are urged to leave immediately because the U.S. government can provide little support to Americans wrongly detained for any reason. Who will it affect? Travelers to Russia. The agency gave a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory to Russia due to drone attacks, the war between Russia and Ukraine, terrorism, unrest and wrongful detention. What is the highest travel advisory? There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4. When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination. Level 1 : Exercise Normal Precautions This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit. Level 2 : Exercise Increased Caution There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution. Level 3 : Reconsider Travel There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination. Level 4: Do Not Travel This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency. What should travelers to Russia do in light of this travel advisory? The U.S. State Department warns travelers who decide not to heed the travel warning to do the following: By Jesselly De La Cruz The New Jersey Legislature needs to act now to pass a package of bills to protect immigrants in our state from an out-of-control federal administration that is violating their rights and terrorizing our communities. The state Assembly just passed these bills out of committee. Now, we need the state Senate to act before the lame duck session ends next week. These measures include: A6310 (Immigrant Trust Directive Codification Bill) A6309 (Privacy Protection Act) A6308 (Safe Communities Act). Together, they limit unnecessary information sharing, create privacy protections, and ensure safe access to essential services for immigrant families. Its a scary time for our country. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is targeting hundreds of thousands of people for family separation, detention, confinement, and deportation. ICE is increasing its violent activity in close proximity to schools, hospitals, and houses of worship. The threat to our lives as New Jerseyans is real. Immigrants make up almost one quarter of our population Our state has the nations fifth largest immigrant population. Almost one in seven New Jerseyans live with at least one parent who is an immigrant. Almost one third of our labor force is foreign born. In the one year since Trump took office for his second administration, 3,000 New Jersey residents have been detained by ICE. In just the first half of the year, 3,201 arrests occurred. Sadly, these activities could be on the rise. As ICE invests $100 billion in a hiring spree nationwide, and trains new hires to interfere in the lives of the American people, our families, our workers, and our children are at risk. Make no mistake about the impact of these changes. The fear and uncertainty that potential and imminent ICE raids create has a real impact on family and child health and well-being. Families are avoiding hospitals and needed social services for fear of being stopped, harassed and arrested. NJ Family Care is seeing reduced enrollment due to families being afraid of signing their children up for the health insurance program. Pediatricians are reporting rising instances of child anxiety, depression, sleep problems, eating issues, headaches, stomachaches and higher levels of stress. Schools are seeing rising absenteeism, academic disruption, and higher rates of stress and anxiety. The direct trauma of witnessing ICE raids makes a lasting impact on the children and families who experience them. The conditions of the jail facilities for those who are detained are seriously substandard, with inadequate medical care, poor conditions, high rates of stress. A staggering number of children have been placed in detention centers the highest ever in US history. These children are being forced to navigate the legal system alone. Passing these bills is the most important action New Jersey can take to protect the children and families being terrorized by the Trump administration. The bill would: Limit unneeded information sharing between state and local agencies and the federal government. Create new privacy protections to limit agency requests for immigration status. Ensure that schools, hospitals, libraries and shelters adopt policies to ensure safe, unimpeded immigrant access. Ban any voluntary cooperation between New Jersey law enforcement and federal agencies. Create accountability and reporting systems to ensure full compliance with the new law. These measures wont just protect our immigrant communities from a predatory Trump administration it will also help ensure the safety of our communities and protect our economy. Our public safety is eroded when immigrants are afraid to report crimes to the police and serve as witnesses in the criminal process. Our public health is threatened when parents are afraid to take their children to the local clinic when they are sick. And our businesses are disrupted when hardworking employees in critical industries like agriculture are too afraid to go to work. Immigrants make an important contribution to our states economy, culture and identity. We must not turn back on our neighbors, families and communities who need our support now. Calling your elected representative in the state Assembly or Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your state Assembly member and Senator to voice your position, go to the New Jersey Legislature websites Legislative Roster. Dr. Jesselly De La Cruz serves as executive director of the Latino Action Network Foundation. This week we cover Trump starting the year by abducting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, ICE agents fatally shooting a Minnesota mother and how the fallout is reaching New Jersey. Our conversation also covers GOP resignations, the delayed Epstein files, and new voting rules for 17-year-olds. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends. Star-Ledger editor Enrique Lavin is moderator. Invading Venezuela Q: President Trump closed out the year at Mar-a-Lago with this resolution: Peace. Peace on Earth. A day later, he gave the green light to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise strike. Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges, while Trump declared the U.S. will run Venezuela, telling the world he did it to secure the countrys minerals and oil reserves. The legality of the move is in question and the worlds response has been loud. Where can we go from here? Julie: We are now a colonial power, removing people at the point of a gun because we own the western hemisphere. So much for ending forever wars. Trump said that we would rule Venezuela for years and also threatened Cuba and Iran. Meanwhile, their patron, Vladimir Putin, sits in the Kremlin, receiving Jared Kushner and enjoying a new rehabilitation thanks to Donald Trump. See the inconsistency? Mike: I have no sympathy for Maduro or his predecessor Chavez who ruled as authoritarian criminals while running the countrys economy into the ground under the banner of socialism. Venezuelans have being fleeing from poverty and violence, despite it being one of the most natural resource rich countries on the planet. The people of Venezuela are better off today than they were a week ago. All that said, the inconsistency of retreating from wars while green lighting invasive-military action here and elsewhere is certainly at odds with the isolationist platform Trump campaigned on. The U.S. has not been expansionist really since the 19th century, and theres no reason to do so now. We have the safety and security of large oceans on two sides and peaceful neighbors on the other two sides. Feelings about these moves will only change if American lives are lost on a mission, which has yet to be the case. ICE kills a suburban mom Q: In Minneapolis, ICE agents fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, during an enforcement operation. Trump claims she tried to run over agents, video and witnesses contradict that account. Protests followed, and federal investigations are underway. Seems like weve crossed another line in the sand. What now? Julie: This was murder, plain and simple and dont let anyone tell you not to believe your lying eyes. The federal investigation will be a joke, because the federal government, from the president on down, has made up their minds that this mother of three, who had dropped her six-year-old off at school and was driving home when she had the misfortune of ending up in the middle of this ICE raid, is somehow a violent domestic terrorist. I dont know what happens now but I do know that I, for one, will not support any Democratic nominee for president who does not commit to holding these horrible people accountable. Oh, and to our members of Congress: if you vote to fund DHS later this month, you are contributing to the problem. Mike: Trump voters voted for what he campaigned on deporting undocumented immigrants who are violent criminals. The raids have gone far beyond deporting criminals to people who have been in this country for decades, who have families and are otherwise law-abiding citizens. This is not just happening in Minneapolis but in Elizabeth, Newark, Edison and Woodbridge. Public opinion will sway as we see a U.S. citizen killed by ICE and more people are touched by someone who is picked up. I am not ready to convict the federal officer based on videos, but I do know the incident itself is brought on by the tension and purposeful conflict around this issue, and it could have been avoided. Republican resignations Q: The GOP continues to see departures. Marjorie Taylor Greene officially resigned on Jan. 5, joining a wave of Republicans who announced retirements late last year. Meanwhile, Dan Bongino, the FBIs deputy director, returned to conservative media where he was a popular podcast host. We left 2025 with seeing turmoil among MAGA leadership. What do expect to see in the coming weeks on this front? Julie: MAGA is fraying and despite its professed loyalty to Trump, it is splintering, as well. You have the neocon contingent (Rubio, Graham), the anti-Semite contingent (Carlson, Fuentes, Owens), the pro-Israel contingent (Shapiro), America First contingent (Taylor Greene) and many others. Its only going to get worse if Trump continues on his regime change misadventures while the cost of everything keeps going up. Mike: Despite Julies accurate summary of the factions, they mostly all remain loyal to Trump. Those who cross him, whether its Marjorie Taylor Green on Lynn Cheney or Adam Kinzinger or Jeff Flake find themselves on the outs. Trump will hold his grip on the party through the next presidential primary and will only lose it if Democrats win Congress in 2026 AND the presidency in 2028. Epstein files delayed Q: Bongino clashed with AG Pam Bondi on the handling and release of the files. Taylor Greene has also been critical. The Department of Justice missed its full disclosure deadline under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. While we saw an initial dump off documents in late December, millions of files remain under review as continue pressure comes from Congress. How will this play out considering the other explosive events in the news? Julie: The Epstein matter is not going away, for starters. Trump can launch wars to deflect from it but his own base recognizes whats going on. As for Bongino, he hasnt clashed with Bondi on anything. If he had, he would have publicly told us what was in those files, since he claims to have seen them. He has no problem running his mouth about everything else but for some reason, hes been mum about this, even though, by law, every Epstein document should be released by now. Nothing is stopping him from coming clean. Mike: I agree with Julie. The Epstein issue will not go away. The victims will not be silent. Some Republicans at least still have a red line about protecting pedophiles even if they are rich and powerful. ICE in New Jersey Q: During the last few days of Phil Murphys tenure as governor, lawmakers are seeking to enshrine into law restrictions on when New Jersey law enforcement can share information with ICE. The proposed legislation would require criminal convictions before sharing any data. Does ICEs actions in Minnesota accelerate this cause and how does this play out for the incoming governor? Julie: Even before yesterday, I would not vote to share anything with ICE. These are out-of-control thugs who are kidnapping innocent asylum seekers and sending them to concentration camps in El Salvador or to places like Alligator Alcatraz in Florida. They are murdering American mothers in cold blood on the streets of American cities and then spinning the crime as self-defense. The people running DHS and ICE should be first in the dock if there is any justice. Mike: Julie makes a point about the current state of ICE, but I dont think New Jersey should simply say we wont cooperate with federal law enforcement. Thats not in the best interest of the safety of our citizens to have law enforcement at best non-cooperative and at worst in conflict. Laws must be enforced, and we must hold those to account who dont enforce them properly, but simply saying brass and rank-and-file officers should be set up at odds by a vote of the Legislature will have bad unintended consequences. New voting rules Q: As of Jan. 1, New Jersey will permit voting by 17-year-olds in primary elections, provided they will turn 18 at the time of the succeeding general election, according to the new law. Do you see any issues arising from this? Julie: Im all for it, since it will hopefully raise political engagement among young people. Mike: Me too. I dont know how many will take advantage, but the more who can vote the better. Minimum wage increase Q: Murphys 2019 law that set a series of annual minimum raise increases brought wages to $15.92 an hour for most industries. His administration called it a major step toward economic equity. Business leaders expressed concerns over it, saying the market should determine rates. In this chaotic economic climate dictated by tariffs and possible war, do these hikes present a challenge to Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrills economic strategy? Julie: In these chaotic economic times, when food prices are through the roof, are you really going to begrudge people from earning a living wage so they can afford to eat and buy clothes for their children? Gov. Murphy is absolutely right about this. Mike: There was bipartisan opposition to the minimum wage increase because there were not carveouts regarding summer jobs for teenagers and the like. No one will begrudge someone the need to make a living wage, but well-meaning politicians do not have a history of making it easier for small businesses in New Jersey. Political consultants Julie Roginsky and Mike DuHaime Photo by Stephanie Cowan Editors note: Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week with this Friendly Fire conversation. Seventeen people were evacuated from a mixed-use residential building Saturday after a three-alarm fire tore through a building on Quincy Street in Passaic, Mayor Hector Lora said in a social media post. Firefighters responded Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. to a reported fire at the corner of Quincy Street and Hope Avenue, according to officials. The fire went from one alarm to three alarms within 25 minutes of firefighters responding, according to Passaic Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost. A total of 17 people were evacuated from the building with no reported injuries to any residents, according to officials. Two firefighters were transported to St. Marys Hospital with shoulder and back pain, Trentacost said. All residents of the building were accounted for and human services were at the scene, according to Lora. The Red Cross was also responding to the scene to provide assistance, Lora said. The fire appeared in a three-story residential building with a bodega on the ground floor and residential units on the floors above, Lora said. The building is uninhabitable, according to Trentacost. Fire departments from Passaic, Carlstadt, Paterson, East Rutherford, Wallington and Clifton responded to the fire, the second fire in Passaic in the past two days, according to Lora. A video recorded by Lora at the scene showed smoke billowing from the top of the third story just below the buildings roof line. Three ladders can be seen in the video extending to the building as yellow hoses snaked down streets from fire hydrants at least a block away. The fire did not spread to adjacent buildings and no one was injured, Passaics Deputy Fire Chief Robert Munier told Lora in the video he recorded at the scene. Munier said the fire was under investigation. Lora and fire department officials did not immediately respond to a requests for comment. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. The Golden Globes are here to kick down the doors with the first major award show of 2026. Nikki Glaser, the first woman to ever solo host the ceremony, will return to hosting the ceremony for a second time. You can watch it live as it airs on Paramount Plus (free trial) or DIRECTV (free trial) or Fubo TV (free trial). The awards begin at 8 p.m., and will take place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. One Battle After Another leads the film category with the most nominations across all award categories, while The White Lotus leads in the television category. Paramount+ $8 per month Paramount Plus costs $8 Get Paramount Plus for $8 Heres a look at at the opening monologue from the 82nd installment of the ceremony, courtesy of the shows official YouTube channel: Heres the information youll need to watch a free live stream of The Golden Globes online without cable. When is The Golden Globes in 2026 on? The special airs on Sunday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. on CBS and Paramount Plus. How to watch The Golden Globes online on-demand If you want to record The Golden Globes or want to watch other CBS content online as it becomes available, check out Paramount Plus (free trial) or DirecTV (free trial) or Fubo TV (free trial). Sling is also a solid choice, and while it does not offer a free trial right now, it offers a huge amount of customization. If youre not in the USA, you can still use a VPN to sign up for any one of these services and set your location to a US server. Among the safest choices to use are ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Both services offer massive discounts, along with a 100% money-back guarantee within the first 30 days. UPDATED FORECAST: Snow squall threat increases with 45 mph wind gusts possible Sunday Rain will continue through tonight across New Jersey before a cold front passes through Sunday morning, followed by wind gusts up to 35 mph and the chance of isolated snow showers. The heaviest rain tonight is expected along the southern portions of the state where 1 and 1.5 inches rainfall totals are possible, according to the National Weather Service. Most other areas of New Jersey should receive around 1 inch of rain, with the northwest portions of the state picking up 0.5 to 0.75 inches. Heavy rain is expected to soak New Jersey through most of Saturday with rainfall totals up to 1.5 inches expected in the southern half of the state. National Weather Service Once the rain ends between 6 and 9 a.m. Sunday, conditions should remain cloudy and foggy until a cold front passes through late Sunday morning into early Sunday afternoon. Temperatures will drop into the upper 30s to low 40s Sunday morning as cold air moves in behind the first cold front. A secondary cold front will cross New Jersey late Sunday afternoon accompanied by a period of rain and snow showers. The isolated snow showers are possible mainly from 7 to 11 p.m., the weather service said. Snow accumulations are not expected in New Jersey. Winds of 15 to 20 mph on Sunday afternoon are expected to increase to 25 to 35 mph by sunset. Mondays forecast calls for mainly clear skies with temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s and winds gradually diminishing. Tuesday will be milder with above-normal temperatures and mainly clear to partly cloudy skies, with a slight chance of some rain showers possible. Wednesdays temperatures will remain above normal with partly cloudy skies and a slight chance of rain showers as a cold front approaches from the west. Forecasters are tracking the potential for a coastal storm that could bring snow to New Jersey late next week, or veer out to sea. AccuWeather.com A potential coastal storm could impact New Jersey with snow on Thursday and Friday, though significant uncertainty remains regarding the exact track and timing of the system, the weather service said. Some forecast models suggest a significant winter storm while others indicate the system will remain offshore. Forecasters are tracking the potential for a coastal storm that could bring snow to New Jersey late next week, or veer out to sea. AccuWeather.com A colder air mass is forecast to move into New Jersey by late next week and into the following weekend. Current weather radar Meta Platforms announced a major deal with three nuclear power companies. Oklo, Vistra Systems, and TerraPower will help power Meta's Prometheus AI supercluster. The news sparked strong momentum for nuclear power stocks on Friday. Meta Platforms is turning to nuclear power to drive its AI ambitions, and its latest deal with a trio of companies is sending stocks in the sector soaring. The tech giant revealed that it signed an agreement with several companies to help supply nuclear power for its data centers, including the massive Prometheus AI supercluster being built in New Albany, Ohio. The one gigawatt facility is expected to come online later this year. The three companies that will help power it are Oklo, Vistra Corp, and privately held TerraPower. Both nuclear power stocks surged on news of the Meta deal, sparking momentum for many of their peers as well. Here are the big moves in the space on Friday: This isn't the first nuclear power deal that Meta has inked. Last summer, it announced a similar agreement with Constellation Energy, which saw its shares spike on the news. "State-of-the-art data centers and AI infrastructure are essential to securing America's position as a global leader in AI," said Joel Kaplan, chief of global affairs at Meta. "Nuclear energy will help power our AI future, strengthen our country's energy infrastructure, and provide clean, reliable electricity for everyone." Big tech's support of nuclear energy has risen in recent years as experts have touted the need for alternative sources of power to enable the AI buildout. Oklo is backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, though he stepped down from his position as chairman of its board of directors in August 2025. "Two years ago, Oklo shared its vision to build a new generation of advanced nuclear powerhouses in Ohio," Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte said. "Today, that vision is becoming a reality through the support of a multi-year effort with Meta." Read the original article on Business Insider Castroville, Texas, a city near San Antonio, will soon be home to a $400 million data center. It is being developed by Microsoft, a filing in January 2026 shows. (Courtesy of Google Streetview) Yet another data center will soon emerge near the Far Westside of San Antonio, according to a recent Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) filing. It's set to further the Lone Star State's reputation as a tech cluster. The quaint town of Castroville, with a population of just over 3,000, will soon house a $400 million development owned by Microsoft. Online records show that the project, named SAT 82, will take up roughly 195,000 square feet in Medina County. Although it's only a one-story building, it will take nearly two years to build, according to the TDLR. Construction at the spot, 3580 FM 471 North, will begin on Thursday, August 13, 2026. A visit to the property revealed that equipment and a welcome poster were already on site. An open field, a two-lane road, and residential properties sit nearby. In time, the structure will likely take on the look of a windowless warehouse. It may be hard for residents to get a clear glimpse of the center, as each contains extensive fencing around its perimeters for safety and security purposes, Microsoft's website states. SAT 82 joins six others in Medina County, according to the TDLR: SAT 80, SAT 81, SAT 89/90, SAT 93, SAT 94, and another with the title SAT 82, but with a different address. The centers provide the infrastructure needed to open a phone application, join a virtual Zoom meeting, play an online game, and more. According to the company's website, they also allow the company's Azure cloud platform, AI, and collaboration tools to continue operating as normal. Earlier this fall, community members in a private Redbird Ranch neighborhood Facebook group voiced concerns over Microsoft's presence in the area. A few users worried the company's projects would worsen traffic. Others highlighted the massive amount of water that data centers use. In a 2024 sustainability report, Microsoft said that its water consumption in 2023 - which includes but is not limited to data centers - increased by 1.7 billion gallons from the previous year, coming in at 2.1 billion gallons. The company attributed the increase to its business growth. "Improvements as part of our Redmond campus modernization project are estimated to yield over 50% reduction in water use for new facilities," it continued in the report. Construction on the property is expected to wrap up by 2028, according to the TDLR. This article originally published at Microsoft bets $400M on tiny Texas town with new massive data center. Queries about benefits and tax credits were the most common issues raised by residents in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield during the final quarter of 2025, according to Citizens Advice. The charity supported 85 people living in the Bovey Ward area between October and December, holding weekly online video advice sessions from the Methodist Church on Fore Street. READ NEXT: Whats on at Newton Abbot Museum this February? Folk music fundraiser revealed Citizens Advice provides help across a wide range of issues, including benefits, debt, work, housing, family matters, immigration and health. Figures from the latest report show that Personal Independence Payments (PIP) made up almost half of all enquiries. Questions about general benefit entitlement and initial benefit claims were the next most common concerns. Debt Relief Orders were the most frequently raised debt issue. The scheme allows eligible people to apply to have debts frozen or written off in certain circumstances. Most people seeking help locally were aged between 35 and 39. More than half of all clients were female, and many were living with long-term health conditions. The data for Bovey Tracey and Heathfield broadly reflects trends seen across the wider Teignbridge district, although council tax arrears and an older client profile were more prominent elsewhere in the district. Deputy Mayor of Bovey Tracey, Councillor Martyn Evans, thanked Citizens Advice for its continued support of local residents. He said: We all know that the cost of living is placing huge pressure on families across our community and without the support offered by Citizens Advice, many would be struggling even harder than they are. Having this free and independent advice easily available is vital and is why Bovey Tracey Town Council continues to back Citizens Advice. The key message is that you dont have to cope alone, help is on hand and there is no shame in asking. Thank you, Citizens Advice, were so grateful for what you do. The weekly online video advice sessions take place every Tuesday from 10am to 12.30pm at the Methodist Church on Fore Street, Bovey Tracey. Citizens Advice can also be contacted by phone on 0808 278 7997, or online via the Citizens Advice Teignbridge website. In this series of features Ian l Handford (President of Torbay Civic Society) looks at famous individuals who lived in Torbay in the 20th century. Elizabeth Goudge (Elizabeth de Beauchamp Goudge) - Part One of Two. Elizabeth was the only child of the Reverend Henry Leighton Goudge DD - Vice Principal of Wells Theological College and his wife Ida de Beauchamp Collenette from the Isle of Guernsey, Born on April 24th 1900 at Wells Somerset, Elizabeth would later move to Marldon near Torbay where eventually she remained for over eleven years. Her earliest years in Wells lasted until her fathers duties took them to Ely another Cathedral City where from age fourteen Elizabeth would attend the Grassendale Boarding School Southbourne before finally Reading College where she studied art. She would soon be teaching design and handicrafts in Ely, before the family moved again in 1923 when her father was appointed Regus Professor of Divinity at Oxford. Elizabeth chose to live with her parents and now taught basket and leather-tooling in Oxford until story telling and writing entered her life through scripts for the local theatre. That formed the catalyst for her writing novels and then poetry etc. Today Elizabeth is remembered for her many novels although she did write a great deal of poetry and books for children. The first major script for a London play which was not particularly successful, but this failed to deter her first novel Island Magic - a childhood memory of holidays taken on the Isle of Guernsey which was enormously successful. Published in 1934 it was so successful in Britain that publihers in America produced her stories and novels including the City of Bells based on the bells of Wells Cathedral and even Towers in the Mist about Oxford in the sixteenth century. But when Elizabeth suffered a nervous breakdown through hard work and a year or so later her father died, she joined her mother now an invalid and left Oxford for Marldon in Devon. Eventually by 1939 Elizabeth had decided to base herself initially at Anthony Cottage in Totnes Road where she was near her mother and later she had built the Providence Cottage at Westerland near Devon from where she could both nurse Ida and work during her final years. When Ida died Elizabeth chose to remain in Marldon for a total of eleven years before she finally returned to Oxfordshire and purchased Rose Cottage at Dog Lane at Henley-on-Thames. She would now share this for life with her companion Jessie Monroe. Her writing never stopped and her next novel Green Dolphin Country published in America as Green Dolphin Street in 1944, became so admired that in America it won the MGM Prize of 125,000 dollars, making this in financial terms her most lucrative book to date. It tells of how a great uncle in Guernsey had emigrated before then writing to attract his bride to be, but gets the two sisters mixed up and eventually marries - the wrong sister. Then another award winning novel would follow titled The Little White Horse in 1947 although not published until 1951 and concerns a sweet story of mystery set in the 1840s, to some editors it especially appealed to imaginative children. Soon followed by the novel Gentian Hill , a legend story about the Chapel of St Michael in Napoleonic times, this Chapel can still be visited in Torquay sitting on the hill opposite Torre Station. This was later followed by her novel The Child of the Sea published in 1970 which concerns forgiveness, a story of Lucy Waters the secret wife of Charles II. Elizabeth created a large number of novels concerning the value of families and how life often tests the human spirit and its feelings for family. Some editors believed she based much of her work on the Eliots of Damerosehay of Lymington a country residence which she recalled as a child so linked the stories to her fathers bungalow at Barton-on-Sea, being a special place of retreat when he was on vacation. Elizabeth inherited her mother's good looks although always seemed fragile, whereas most who knew her said she was strong in spirit. She also adored the unhurried life in the country, which is why she chose to spend the rest of her life in the country cottage in Dog Lane on Peppard Common at Henley. With her companion and a succession of dogs living at Dog Lane cottage she only once admitted to giving an interviewer her own thoughts about writing. (To be continued next week in part two) Thomas Hall School in Exeter welcomed Steve Race MP this month for his first official visit to the school, marking a day of engagement with pupils, staff, and the wider school community. During his visit, Mr Race toured the school with the pupil senate, met members of the schools LGBT+ group, and learned about initiatives designed to create an inclusive and supportive environment. The highlight of the visit was the launch of the schools reward assembly, a new programme celebrating the achievements and contributions of pupils across Thomas Hall. Speaking to students, Mr Race praised their dedication and commitment to fostering a positive school culture. READ NEXT: Freezing temperatures trigger emergency rough sleeping measures in Exeter He also took time to discuss current issues in education and hear directly from pupils about their experiences. At Thomas Hall, students voices play an important role in shaping school policies and initiatives, including programmes designed to improve attainment and wellbeing. Phil Arnold, Headteacher of Thomas Hall School, said: "We were thrilled to have Mr Race visit our school. His engagement with our pupils and interest in their achievements was wonderful to see. Our reward assemblies are a brilliant way to celebrate the positive contributions of our pupils, and having our MP here to launch one made the occasion even more special." Mr Race added: "I was delighted to visit Thomas Hall School recently and celebrate the positive contributions pupils are making to school life, and to talk to staff about how they are already succeeding in improving the educational attainment of the young people who study here. The school has recently received additional support under the governments new approach to driving up attainment, including targeted guidance from the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) Team. Steve also said that, Thomas Hall has had a number of academy operators over recent years, and Im really glad that the current Head and team are already driving significant improvements for pupils. It was great to hear directly from pupils and staff about the work theyre doing together to ensure the school offers a good education and a welcoming environment for everyone." The visit included the launch of the reward assembly, a programme designed to recognise the achievements and contributions of pupils across Thomas Hall School. None of the 7,800 travelling Exeter City fans truly believed their team could beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, but they all hoped for a stoic and courageous display. Unfortunately, the gulf in class was painfully vast, even with a changed line-up for the hosts, as the Grecians slumped to a 10-1 defeat, the biggest win for any top flight side in the FA Cup in 66 years. Academy graduate Max Alleyne set the tone early, opening the scoring after 12 minutes when he stretched to poke the ball over the line. City doubled their advantage just 12 minutes later through captain Rodri, who unleashed a spectacular 30-yard strike to effectively end the contest as a competitive affair. Exeters big day went from bad to worse before the interval, with Jake Doyle-Hayes and Jack Fitzwater both turning the ball into their own net, sending the hosts into the break with a commanding 40 lead. Exeter could have taken a shock lead inside the opening five minutes, but Liam Oakes rising header was brilliantly tipped over by James Trafford. The second half proved even more punishing for the League One side. Rico Lewis added Citys fifth from Antoine Semenyos cross before the Ghanaian forward produced a composed finish of his own moments later. Further goals followed from Tijjani Reijnders, whose curling effort found the corner, Nico OReillys header and a driven strike from Ryan McAidoo as City ran riot. Nineteen-year-old George Birch gave Exeter a brief moment to savour late on, hammering home a consolation goal, but there was still time for Lewis to complete the scoring with Citys 10th. Exeter manager Gary Caldwell told the club website: "I think the goals we conceded were poor. They [the fans] stayed with us and clapped us at the end when it was a really humbling defeat." Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang has just cut through the big debate over AI chipmaking, saying that the future of advanced chips runs through Taiwan. By extension, it still runs through the crown jewel of the chipspace in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM), regardless of the number of fabs being announced elsewhere. In an interview with The Times (UK), Huang made it clear that the efforts to diversify production need to be viewed from an angle of resilience, not replacement. Over the past year or so, weve seen the U.S. adding capacity alongside Europe, but the deep, decades-long ecosystem producing advanced silicon remains concentrated. Nevertheless, the AI trade continues to evolve, and Mr. Market is getting selective. Over the past week, memory stocks stood out, with Micron Technologies delivering nearly a 10% gain on the back of the growing demand/supply imbalance in its space. TSM stock held steadier, but over the past six months has delivered almost a 40% gain. Zooming out, the semiconductor space, represented by the SOXX ETF, posted a super 5% gain over the past week, with investors betting on picks-and-shovels names such as Applied Materials, among others. Meanwhile, AI bellwethers like Nvidia, which is coming off another ambitious CES showing, have mostly been sluggish. Since I last covered Nvidia on January 7, 2026, it has fallen from $189.11 to $184.86 as of January 9, 2026 (-2.25%). Nevertheless, recent market moves have shown the AI trade is alive and well, and Huangs comments have added fuel to the fire. Comments from Nvidia CEO highlight why Taiwan Semiconductor remains pivotal amid rising AI bubble concerns.Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON on Getty Images Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON on Getty Images Taiwan remains irreplaceable in the AI supply chain Huang said in a Time interview that the reshoring initiatives from the U.S. and other countries have more to do with insurance than with substitution. In doing so, he hailed Taiwan as being structurally central to the development of advanced computing over the next several years. For perspective, the Semiconductor Industry Associations report from July last year said that an incredible 100+ projects in 28 states had been announced, totaling over half a trillion dollars in private investment, with U.S. chip capacity expected to triple by 2032. More Nvidia: That view lands squarely on TSMC, which is clearly at the center of Nvidias latest chips and the bulk of the AI supply chain. Huang said that Taiwans advantage isnt just linked to cutting-edge nodes, but spearheaded by a potent ecosystem of suppliers, packaging, talent, and speed. Dr. Tooze is a professor of history at Columbia University. In the early 1910s, Winston Churchill ordered the conversion of Britains giant fleet of dreadnought battleships to oil fuel from coal. In so doing, the story goes, he ushered in the age of oil power. He also effectively anointed the United States at the time the worlds largest producer of oil as the 20th centurys natural hegemon. If global competition is inextricably interwoven with technology and energy, how states power themselves could predict how the next world order takes shape. Today, China is a classic example of a power state. It pursues energy in every direction, harnessing an army of scientists and industrial R&D. The United States, at least through the end of the Biden administration, seemed to be in the same game. Thanks to shale, the United States surged ahead of Saudi Arabia in the oil and gas stakes. There was a retro, Tinkertoy aspect to President Joe Bidens emphasis on U.S. steel, but the United States was at least competing in green energy. Then came the second Trump administration, itself the product of a generation of radicalization in the American conservative movement. There are elements of its politics that are relatively conventional: the talk of energy dominance, the use of blunt force to secure a sphere of influence. But then there is the climate denial, the attacks on science, the phobia of wind turbines. In its darkest incarnation, the administration embraces a vision of conservatism somewhere between steampunk and reactionary 19th-century Catholicism. The problem is, of course, that steampunk isnt real and solar panels are, that artificial intelligence needs gigawatts of power and that drones are a menace to battleships even of the Trump class. Cutting loose from 21st-century physics, electrical engineering, the markets and international community may help the administration stick it to the libs, but pandemics are real, Venezuelan oil really is sticky and the modern U.S. Army really does run on batteries, not push-ups. The anti-systemic, postfactual quality of U.S. power and its obsession with oil did not originate with Donald Trump. Remember Dick Cheney, George W. Bush and 2003? The Chinese do. The determination with which Beijing has pursued alternative energy for the last generation reflects its desire not to be subjected to the whims of Washington and its violent and capricious politics. China today is first and foremost a giant fossil energy power by far the largest the world has ever seen. But its principal energy source is one the United States does not control: coal. And, true to the Soviet example, the backbone of Chinas energy system is industrial electricity but now its electro-tech. To eventually replace its coal-fired power stations, China has encouraged private entrepreneurs to build innovative factories for batteries and solar panels that now command world markets. On the horizon is the promise of a global power system based not on foraging for oil but on farming the sun. That system wont come without its own complications. By contrast with the grotesque caricature presented by America today, it is tempting to paint China as a haven of light: clear waters and green mountains, as President Xi Jinping likes to say. But its system, too, has a dark side. Solar farms in Tibet and power lines in Xinjiang have imperial stakes. The regions economics are a mess. But Chinas is the real dialectic of modernity, not Mr. Trumps W.W.E. version. Does a world order come out of this unequal competition between energy giants? Do new blocs of power and influence form between the petrostates and countries that buy into a greener future made in China? No one can see that far ahead. The outlook, for now, is for multipolar disorder lavishly powered with cheap energy: a polycrisis with drones and heavy crude. Daniel Linehan and Georgia Quealy aren't just partners in life, they're partners in crafting some of Ireland's most exquisite and delicious handmade chocolates. The dynamic boyfriend and girlfriend duo, run the highly acclaimed Bon Chocolatiers in Tullamore, where their handcrafted creations captivate the senses and spark pure delight. Their confections are so irresistible that they can hardly keep up with the demand, especially during Valentine's Day and Easter, when their artisan chocolates become must-have indulgences. The pair first crossed paths at AIT, where their mutual love for the culinary arts ignited a lasting partnership. Both come from rich food traditionsDaniels family runs the 'Beans and Leaves' restaurant in Athlone, while Georgias father is a chef. Though their early culinary training only briefly touched on chocolate, the moment Daniel explored it further, he was hooked. The same was true for Georgia. ''I was like, this is way more interesting than regular cooking. I really liked the chocolate side of things. Georgia was exactly the same. After that we studied advanced pastry. To specialise in chocolate work, you have to go out of Ireland. There is no official qualification either, so you have to go abroad,'' said Daniel. Together they trained internationally under world-renowned experts, including Master Chocolatier Vincent Valle in Barcelona. Daniel later honed his craft at Amaury Guichons prestigious academy in Las Vegas, immersing himself in cutting-edge techniques. ''It covered everything to do with pastry, chocolate, icecream, breads, croissants, but obviously chocolate because that's his claim to fame.'' READ NEXT: 'Story Tots' and 'After-School Lego' among the free offerings at two libraries in Offaly Georgia joined Daniel in Las Vegas towards the end of the program. The covid pandemic cut her trip short, but not before Daniel got to complete the course and the couple flew back to Ireland. However, when they returned to Ireland, both of them were out of work. ''My parents' cafe was also closed,'' said Daniel, who decided to teach Georgia what he had learned in Las Vegas.''We were making pastries and chocolates. Georgia wanted to learn all the new techniques, and we were selling stuff to family and friends. People seemed to really like the chocolates. So we started to focus on that more and develop a core range that people were starting to buy. We thought, why don't we start up an Instagram page? It started to gain some traction, people were asking 'hey can I buy them.' We were just ordering blank boxes and putting a little sticker on the front. It was a mickey mouse sort of thing but it was market research. ''Then slowly we got to open back up. I started to work with Dad in the cafe, I worked during the day with my Dad, frying eggs and cooking breakfast. When it would close at 5pm I would clean down the whole kitchen, cover everything with clingfilm and Georgia and I would make chocolates.'' What began as a small operation making chocolates in Daniels parents cafe kitchen quickly took off. Over time, their dedication and creativity led to a fully-fledged business, complete with a facility in Athlone and this year they moved to a unit in the former Carroll's Meats in Tullamore. ''We are friendly with Niamh and Rory from Biasol who also have a unit in the same building. They were upgrading to the next unit, they rang us and said our old unit is there and it is fully functional. So we could just roll in our equipment.We moved here in April 2024.'' Winning the title of 'Emerging Producer of the Year,'' brought them to the attention of Dunnes Stores who were interested in buying their products. ''We didn't want to give away what makes us niche, but we still wanted to give Dunnes something that was unique to them. We developed a range of six different products, including, shards, clusters, and truffles. We make them under the 'Simply Better' range.'' These are now available in over 70 stores around the country. Meanwhile, their specialist handmade chocolates are a labour of love, taking up to three days to craft each batch. From meticulously polishing molds to hand-painting vibrant designs inspired by the flavours within, their process is both artistic and painstakingly precise. Every caramel, praline, and marshmallow filling is made from scratch, ensuring the highest quality. Their signature chocolate bonbons, a nod to their French training (where bon means good), have become a hallmark of their brand. Seasonal collections like the Valentines With Love box and their hand-painted Easter eggs showcase their flair for combining flavour with visual art. READ NEXT: Concern at lack of Local Area Plan for Tullamore town With an eye for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Bon Chocolatiers continues to sweeten Irelands palate, one delicious creation at a time. A DISTRICT Court judge has ordered a prison governor and psychiatrist to appear before him to explain why medical reports are not being prepared for people with mental health problems who are in custody on remand. Judge Andrew Cody said as many as five accused persons, good decent people who are unwell, were currently before him at Tullamore District Court awaiting medical reports from Cloverhill Prison and the Dochas Centre, which is the women's prison in Mountjoy. Judge Cody said even the dogs in the street knew the defendants were genuinely unwell and described it as a disgrace that they had not received medical attention in the previous three to four weeks. He referred to the case of one man, a 61-year-old who the judge believes has dementia, who had been thrown into Cloverhill and left there to rot. Who cares? asked the judge. That man appeared before Tullamore District Court from Cloverhill by video link yesterday (Wednesday, January 7) and after confirming who he was, told his solicitor Brian Duffy that a fitness to plead report had neither been completed or commenced. READ NEXT: Work starts on major residential scheme in Offaly Mr Duffy said the report had been sought by the court on a previous occasion and that was why his client had been remanded to appear by video link. Judge Cody told the man, who is on remand on alleged public order offences, that it was totally unacceptable that he had not received any assessment. The judge said he was going to direct that witness summonses be issued to Kevin O'Connell, the governor of Cloverhill, and Dr Brenda Wright, psychiatrist, to appear at the sitting of Tullamore District Court on January 14. I'm fed up of people being dumped into prison and that's no disrespect to you or anyone else, added the judge. He said people were being put into prison because they were unwell and received no treatment there, not even an assessment, and told the accused man he was sorry to have to remand him in custody for another week. At the request of Mr Duffy, the judge attached an order to the remand that the accused's legal aid cover the provision of a report from a forensic psychologist. Mr Duffy said he was having great difficulty in getting a private psychiatric report himself through the legal aid scheme. Another man was before the court accused of damaging garda property and Judge Cody (pictured below) noted that even though in his case a medical report had been ordered as a matter of extreme urgency, a letter had been received saying he was not on the case load of the prison. That man's defence counsel, David Nugent, BL, said his client had been ignored and described him as an example of people with mental health issues who were picking up charges and being brought before the court. The court heard the man had been in custody since December 18 and had not been seen by anybody despite the court ordering a report. The man was present in the custody area of the District Court having been brought from prison and Judge Cody told him he needed medical treatment and he had to remand him in custody for his own safety and the safety of the gardai. But you're not alone, there are about five cases here today who are unwell. the judge told the man. A 24-year-old woman who is currently on remand in the Dochas women's prison had also been brought to the District Court. She has been accused of criminal damage and indicated to the court that she wished to be sentenced to get this over with. Judge Cody said he had previously remanded her in custody because there was a reasonable cause to believe she may be suffering from a mental disorder or acute mental health crisis. He said she may require in-patient psychiatric treatment and she needed urgent clinical assessment in relation to her fitness to plead and her appropriate care needs. He said a psychiatric assessment should be facilitated within 12 hours of her admission back into prison and the assessment should then take place within 48 hours. The woman told the court herself she had been given sleepers by the prison staff and she had refused a psychological assessment when it was offered. Her solicitor, Patrick Martin, told the court he was unaware of that. Judge Cody said he would nonetheless make an order requiring an assessment. The woman was remanded in custody for a week before another court appearance on January 14 and similar orders were made for the two men. The judge prohibited the publication of names and addresses of the accused people. A leading company is expanding its team throughout Offaly and the region to meet rising demand for home support services. Irelands leading home care provider, Dovida, is inviting people from diverse backgrounds to explore a rewarding new career in caregiving this year. 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. 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. 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. An iconic and popular pub in Meath tragically burned down on New Years Eve, leaving the owners, locals and people across the country heartbroken. Fagan's pub in Moynalvey, Meath is 150 years old and countless people have years worth of memories spent with family, friends and people in the community in the pub. The owners, John and Beth-ann, shared a heart-breaking post on Instagram after the fire which said: "A lot can change on a Wednesday morning....we will go again". In an updated post, the pair said: "We are grateful for the overwhelming support. We know this loss has been felt right across the community.....we are committed to keeping Fagan's going. Please bear with us as we prepare to take the next steps". The social media post has received massive feedback with over 20,000 views and over 500 comments from devastated people who are hopeful to see the pub back up and running in the near future. READ NEXT: 'You could hear a pin drop'- Late Late Viewers moved to tears over 'stunning performance' One person said, "Heart dropped hearing this. Ive so many memories with Paddy, Kay and Aunty Pauline". Another person said: "Absolutely devastating....may it come back again, we are all behind you guys". "Devastating! John and Beth-ann, so sorry this has happened. I hope it can be rebuilt and you come back stronger. We're all behind you and hoping to make many more happy memories," another person said. Other comments said: "A true Irish pub of pure character, craic and solid locals....sending all our love" and "Terrible news. An iconic pub. Our thoughts are with the family". Oklo (OKLO) shares soared as much as 20% on Jan. 9 after hyperscaler Meta Platforms (META) agreed to support development of a 1.2-gigawatt nuclear power campus in Pike County, Ohio. This advanced nuclear campus will power METAs data centers, including its artificial intelligence (AI) supercluster broadly known as the Prometheus in New Albany, Ohio. More News from Barchart Despite todays rally, however, OKLO stock remains down nearly 40% versus its 52-week high. www.barchart.com Significance of Meta News for OKLO Stock OKLO shares rallied this morning primarily because Metas announcement validates its advanced reactor technology at an unprecedented scale. A vote of confidence from one of the worlds largest tech companies could translate into long-term demand for clean, reliable power for AI infrastructure. Effectively, this partnership elevates OKLO from a speculative nuclear startup to a credible energy supplier for mission-critical operations. Investors see this as a major de-risking event: better revenue visibility, potential replication across other hyperscaler campuses, and alignment with the booming AI sector all catalysts for sustained stock appreciation. Wedbush Reiterates $150 Price Target on Oklo Shares Wedbushs senior analyst Dan Ives dubbed Meta news a Buy signal for long-term Oklo investors in a research note on Friday. According to him, the announcement reaffirms hyperscalers commitment to start leveraging new energy sources to fuel the AI revolution with power being the biggest headwind to the industry. Ives maintained his $150 price target on OKLO stock today, indicating potential upside of roughly 33% from current levels. Options traders seem to agree with his bullish view on the Santa Clara-headquartered nuclear-tech firm as well. Derivatives contracts expiring mid-April currently have the upper price set at about $146. Note that Oklo was previously picked to participate in DOE initiatives to advance small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Wall Street Remains Bullish on Oklo While OKLO isnt an inexpensive stock to own in 2026, Wall Street analysts more broadly believe its premium multiple is justified. According to Barchart, the consensus rating on Oklo shares sits at Moderate Buy currently with price targets going as high as $175 indicating potential upside of another 70% from here. Portland had the wind at its back in the years before COVID-19. The city was buoyed by an influx of highly educated workers, a resurgent technology sector, an active construction industry and by Portlands robust food and beverage scene that attracted visitors from around the world. That hospitality sector collapsed during the pandemic, when restaurants and bars all shuttered indoor dining to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Portlands hospitality jobs never fully recovered and now the rebound has stalled. City economists warn that is an ominous sign for Portlands broader comeback. It is difficult to imagine a resurrection of the Portlandia economy of the 2010s without a recovery in this industry, they wrote in a budget forecast last month. Multnomah Countys hospitality workforce shed nearly 35,000 jobs in April 2020, according to state data, a 50% plunge in the pandemics first month. A similar decline took place across Oregon and across the country in response to the threat posed by COVID-19. Business began bouncing back almost right away and by early 2023 Multnomah County had recovered almost 80% of the hospitality jobs it had lost. In most places, the rebound continued. But not in Portland. Multnomah Countys hospitality workforce remains 13% smaller than it was in 2019, according to data from the Oregon Employment Department, and hasnt grown at all in the last two years. In contrast, the statewide hospitality industry has fully recovered all the jobs it lost during the pandemic if you exclude Multnomah County. Though Portland lost some well-known restaurants in the pandemic years, lots of the citys favorites remain and many more well-regarded establishments have opened in recent years. This past week, The New York Times hailed Portland as one of 52 Places to Go in 2026, describing it as one of the most culturally dynamic cities in the country. The Times noted the pending arrival of the James Beard Public Market near Pioneer Square, a year-round market that will showcase Oregons culinary bounty. Backers hope the market will provide a downtown draw similar to Seattles Pike Place Market, and generate significant economic benefits. There are other signs that Portlands bars and restaurants are coming back. The number of licenses to serve alcohol at bars, restaurants, hotels and brewpubs dropped by 15% between 2019 and 2023. But a 9% jump in licensed establishments last year erased most of the prior years decline. Still, the city is struggling from reputational damage it suffered during the pandemic, when crime and homelessness surged, and from a decline in business travel. While crime has fallen sharply over the past two years, homelessness continues to rise and many business leaders say the citys taxes are deterring investment. Hospitality jobs arent especially lucrative. They pay about $40,000 annually in Multnomah County, state figures show, a little less than half the average wage across all industries. But hospitality work plays a vital role for people entering the workforce, those who want part-time jobs and for some workers with limited English proficiency. The hospitality sector is also central to Portlands identity. Residents and visitors savor Portlands reputation for finely crafted meals, drinks and desserts. Hospitality also helped fill the citys coffers during the last decade, thanks to a 5% lodging tax paid on hotel rooms and short-term rentals. In the decade prior to the pandemic, (lodging tax) revenues more than doubled as tourism within the city thrived, Portlands economists wrote last month. However, this revenue stream has still not fully recovered post-pandemic. The budget forecast notes that Portland hotel occupancy is up, modestly, but finds that room rates are down and so tax revenue is, too. The economists forecast lodging tax revenue of $25 million in the current fiscal year, 65% of the pre-pandemic peak, and they project that lodging revenue will probably remain depressed for at least another five years. This is Oregon Insight, The Oregonians weekly look at the numbers behind the states economy. View past installments here. Dear Liz: What is the best way for us to contribute to our grandchilds college expenses? I believe federal financial aid formulas no longer count grandparents cash or 529 contributions. Would direct cash to the student (who is responsible) or a 529 be the most beneficial to the student or us? Answer: If the grandchild is already in college, then cash contributions may make the most sense. The tax benefits of a 529 plan at this point would be minimal, and youd face some restrictions in what expenses qualify. Keep in mind, though, that you may need to file a gift tax return if you give more than the annual exclusion amount, which in 2026 is $19,000 per recipient. You wont actually have to pay gift taxes until the amounts you give away over that annual exclusion total more than your lifetime gift and estate tax exclusion amount, which in 2026 is $15 million per person. Any amount you pay directly to the college for tuition expenses isnt counted toward the gift tax exclusion. (The same is true for any medical expenses you pay on behalf of someone else, as long as the payments are made directly to the medical provider.) In other words, theres no limit on how much tuition you can pay, as long as you pay the college directly. If college is still many years away, then 529 college savings plans are often the best option. These plans, administered by the states, allow contributions to be invested and grow tax-deferred. Withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, computers and related equipment and repayment of student loans. Qualified education expenses do not include transportation costs, insurance payments or room and board above what school housing and meal plans would cost. Theres no federal tax deduction for contributions to 529 college savings plans, although many states offer tax breaks (California and Oregon are among the states that dont offer such incentives). The tax breaks typically apply only if you contribute to that states plan, but youre allowed to contribute to any states plan and use the money at nearly all accredited two-year, four-year, and graduate schools in the U.S. and many schools abroad. Morningstar rates plans annually. For the wealthy, 529 plans have another benefit: up to five years worth of annual exclusion amounts can be contributed at once. In 2026, that means you could contribute up to $95,000 per recipient. In the past, 529 plan assets had only a small impact on financial aid, but distributions were another story. Money distributed from a grandparent-owned account was treated as untaxed income to the student, which could reduce financial aid by up to 50%. Todays Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no longer counts such distributions or any cash contributions from people other than the childs parents. The formula also doesnt count 529 plans owned by people other than the parents. Such plans are still counted by the CSS Profile, which is used by about 200 private colleges, and some of the schools also count distributions. If your grandchild attends one of these schools and receives financial aid, check with the schools financial aid office about how your generosity could affect their aid package. Liz Weston, Certified Financial Planner, is a personal finance columnist for NerdWallet. Questions may be sent to her at 3940 Laurel Canyon, No. 238, Studio City, CA 91604, or by using the Contact form at asklizweston.com. Immigration rights attorneys Friday night filed a motion urging a judge to halt a practice by federal officers of making immigration arrests without warrants in Oregon in a case that already has elicited testimony about arrest quotas and warrants drafted after arrests had already occurred. If a judge grants the motion, Oregon would join Washington, D.C. and Colorado in restricting the practice, their lawyers said. The motion is filed on behalf of two people who were arrested by masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers either on their way to or from work in Woodburn and Hillsboro last fall. Their lawyers are also seeking class-action status on behalf of all Oregonians arrested by immigration officers without a warrant and without the legally required individual assessment that someone poses a risk of fleeing or escaping. Federal immigration agents arrested at least 1,100 people in Oregon last year - a significant increase from the 113 arrests recorded in all of 2024, according to the Deportation Data Projects database that is compiled by lawyers and academics through public records requests. Nearly 600 arrests were made in the state last October, according to court records. Early in the morning of Oct. 30, a 45-year-old woman identified only as MJMA was riding in a van that ICE officers stopped in Woodburn after following it from an apartment complex that federal officers described as target rich, according to court testimony. They pulled the woman out from a back passenger seat when she refused to give her name and handcuffed her. She asked for an abogado, Spanish for lawyer. They arrested her and moved her quickly to the ICE detention center in Tacoma but released her the next day without any conditions or explanation, according to testimony and court records. She had entered the U.S. at San Diegos San Ysidro border crossing on Jan. 19,2025, with a B2 visa that expired on March 21. The visa covers tourism, family visits and temporary medical trips. ICE officials said she had overstayed her visa and that was the reason for her arrest, once they figured out her identity. An ICE supervisor from Nebraska who was working at the Portland ICE office testified that he created and signed a warrant for the arrest of MJMA after she arrived at the office, although he knew officers had already arrested her without a warrant. MJMA , a Mexican national, was one of at least 35 people arrested during a dragnet in Woodburn that day, according to attorney Stephen Manning, executive director of Innovation Law Lab. A federal officer testified that from mid-October to mid-November his team of immigration enforcement officers had an unwritten quota to arrest at least eight people a day. The team members variously referred to their work as part of Operation Fortifying the Border, Operation Black Rose and Operation Portland Sweep. Their own agents admitted it: quotas, manufactured paperwork, entire neighborhoods targeted. This is by design, Manning said in a statement. You cant just grab people and figure out the justification later. But thats exactly what ICE is doing. Victor Cruz Gamez, 55, was arrested in Hillsboro on his way home from his construction work on Oct. 14 by three masked immigration officers. He saw lights flashing from a car behind him and pulled over to let the unmarked car go by, but the car stopped behind him and three officers got out. One wore a blue jacket with HSI on it. He said they banged on his windows and asked him in English if he was Victor Cruz and demanded he get out of the truck. They walked him to the back of his truck and examined his drivers license and the work permit he showed them. Hes owned a remodeling construction business for the past year and a half, he said in a sworn declaration. One officer looked at the permit, told him it meant nothing to him and said Cruz Gomez was still an illegal, the declaration said. He was ultimately detained at the Tacoma detention center for three weeks - pressured repeatedly to self-deport - until a judge ordered his release. The immigration judge ordered that he report regularly to an ICE office, according to court records. Cruz Gamez, a Mexican national, co-owns a house in Hillsboro with his wife and has lived in the United States since 1990. He has three grown children. One son and daughter are lawful permanent residents and another daughter has status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program known as DACA. He has no criminal record, has lived in the U.S. more than 25 years, has work authorization and owns his own construction business, according to his lawyers. As a victim of fraud in 2012 who assisted in the prosecution of the crime, he applied for a U visa in May and received deferred action, suggesting he met all the requirements and a visa would be approved once available, according to court papers. The special U visa is provided to immigrants who report crimes, are victims of crimes or assist police in prosecuting another. Juana Avila Iso, a 47-year-old Cottage Grove woman who owns a store called Juanitas Latina that sells Latino food, submitted a declaration to the court describing how masked immigration officers pulled her over on Nov. 5, and asked where she was born and told her she was under arrest. One reached through her open window, unlocked her door and dragged her out, she said. They pushed me to the ground, and I felt their knees on my back, forcing me down, her declaration said. The officers handcuffed her and put her in one of their cars. They then searched through her wallet and eventually removed her handcuffs so she could show them her permanent resident card. Only then, did they let her go, she said. She reported the stop to the local police. Avila Iso said she came to the United States from Guatemala at age 14 and obtained her lawful permanent residency in 2017. Every time I leave the house, I leave with fear. I am constantly vigilant, checking my surroundings, she said. When I see a car I dont recognize, I feel an immediate fear that its ICE coming back for me. The Innovation Law Lab lawyers are asking U.S. District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai for a court order to halt what they and some federal judges in Oregon already have described in individual cases as an unlawful practice of arrest first, justify later. Federal government lawyers have not yet responded to the motions and a hearing has not been scheduled. In MJMAs case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Ratcliffe had argued in court that the federal officers followed federal statutes, regulations and policies in arresting the woman. Agents can briefly detain people for questioning if they have a reasonable suspicion that theyre in the U.S. illegally, he argued. During her hearing, Kasubhai said that while the federal officiers didnt seem as if they acted malevolently, he added, Were dealing with a system that may very well have violated the law. In November, a federal judge in Denver ordered federal immigration officers to stop making arrests in Colorado without a warrant, unless someone detained posed a risk of fleeing. Last month, a federal judge in the District of Columbia issued a preliminary injunction barring warrantless arrests of immigrants unless authorities believe the person is likely to escape. Portland police arrested two people during Saturday night protests near the South Waterfront U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, thought the agency says both were wanted for previous, unrelated events. Officers arrested Jennifer Bitgood, 43, in connection with a December shooting in the Mount Tabor neighborhood, they said Sunday. Bitgood is facing felony charges of coercion and unlawful use of a weapon in that case, court documents show. Police also arrested Hailey Knight, 27, alleging that she pushed a Portland police officer near the facility on Friday. She is facing a misdemeanor harassment charge. Portland police have arrested 82 people near the Portland ICE building that has become a rallying point in local protests against federal immigration enforcement. The building was the site of near nightly demonstrations in the fall as President Donald Trump attempted to send National Guard troops to the city. Protest activity has reignited this week after Border Patrol agents opened fire on two people in Southeast Portland an an ICE agent fatally shot a Minnesota woman. A huge black bear that made its den in the crawl space under a Los Angeles area mans house for more than a month has finally been evicted. Altadena resident Ken Johnson said the animal began denning beneath his home around Thanksgiving, twisting gas lines and toppling bricks as he came and went. Surveillance video showed the bear easily tearing away screening and other obstacles and squeezing through a small opening. Johnson said in a phone interview Friday that he first asked state wildlife officials for help, but the air horns and paintball guns they deployed didnt work. So he turned to BEAR League, a California-based nonprofit that bills itself as specializing in living in harmony with bears. The bear was out within about 20 minutes after members from the group arrived, Johnson said. In a social media post on Thursday, the group said that one of its most experienced responders crawled beneath the home and got behind the bear which it estimated weighs more than 500 pounds to encourage the animal to leave. Theres the relief it feels like, you know, you had a bunch of dinner guests over and now the partys over well it wasnt a party but you know theyre gone and now youve got a bunch of dirty dishes and empty glasses to deal with," Johnson said. The group placed an unwelcome mat, which delivers an electric shock, at the opening. Video footage showed the bear returning to the house, stepping on the mat and then running away. Johnson described having the bear around as unsettling. Since the eviction, the bear came back at least once before moving on, he said. Its just the constant tension of if he if he decides to come out I have to be ready, he said. Messages were left Friday BEAR League. Johnson said the animal caused thousands of dollars in damage, which has been particularly tough to deal with because he lost his job after last years Eaton wildfire. The bear shredded ductwork under the house and twisted natural gas piping, Johnson said. Hes set up a GoFundMe page seeking to repair the damage and make his house livable again. --By Mike Catalini/The Associated Press This weeks editorial cartoons are dominated by the news coming out of Venezuela and Washington following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by U.S. military forces to face U.S. drug charges. President Donald Trumps administration is working up a sweeping plan to take over Venezuelas oil production, the Wall Street Journal reported. Trump met Friday with executives of U.S. oil companies, saying they would invest at least $100 billion of their own money to revitalize the countrys oil infrastructure. Drew Sheneman leads off with his view that oil is the newest addictive drug flowing over the border. Jack Ohman and Bill Bramhall pick up the drug theme. Nick Anderson sees Trumps moves as the Grab-a-Piece prize. Dana Summers draws a stampede of oil execs into Venezuela. Pedro X. Molina shows a Venezuelan citizen silenced by the forces telling him whats best for the country. Trump also made overtures to take over Greenland, riling Denmark and alarming members of the NATO alliance. Mike Luckovich sees Trump drawing a bulls-eye on NATOs back, while David Horsey imagines Denmark pulling off a Maduro-like capture of Trump. Other topics in this weeks gallery include Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzs decision not to seek reelection after a scandal over federal childcare funding; the the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis; and the effect of free agency on college sports. Cartoons were drawn by Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Phil Hands, David Horsey, Pedro X. Molina, Jack Ohman, Joel Pett, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Dana Summers and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and Steve Breen, Mike Luckovich and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate. Portlanders gathered across the city to protest the Trump administration Saturday, following a pair of violent interactions involving federal immigration authorities that dominated the news this week. On Wednesday, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed Minneapolis motorist Renee Nicole Good during an immigration enforcement operation. A day later, two people in Portland were shot during a confrontation with U.S. Border Patrol agents. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has defended both shootings, saying the agents acted in self-defense. Federal officials have also accused the two Portlanders of being affiliated with Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Gatherings on Saturday, which included a last-minute town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter in Southeast Portland, strongly condemned the shootings and the Trump more administrations policies and actions more broadly. They were the latest in a series of protests held across the city in the last week, even as more events are planned over the weekend, including a vigil Saturday evening at Terry Shrunk Plaza in downtown Portland and a demonstration in Northeast Portland on Sunday. Protesters gathered at Tom McCall Waterfront Park before marching through downtown Portland. Allison Barr/The Oregonian A march through downtown Portland Roughly 1,000 people showed up at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland on Saturday morning for a protest organized by Indivisible Oregon, a group that formed in 2017 in opposition to the first Trump administration, and the Democratic grassroots organization Swing Left. The protest drew people of all ages who spoke out against Renee Goods shooting and other grievances against the Trump administrations actions, including the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Among the speakers was Washington County commissioner Nafisa Fai, who said she was there to give voice to the Afghan and Somali communities that have been targeted by federal officials. Fai was born in Somalia and fled the civil war with her family,, then spent several years in a Kenyan refugee camp before arriving in Oregon when Fai was a teenager. Now its us civilians who are being murdered in our own streets, Fai said to the crowd, referencing Goods shooting That is a declaration of war on us. The crowd of protesters included Rodalfo Troya, who showed up to the event dressed in an inflatable capybara costume with a poncho and jester hat. Troya said he moved to Portland from Ecuador six years ago and has watched as the citys immigrant community has grown afraid in the face of increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement. They are taking our rights, theyre abusing our people, Troya said. Now theyre getting more aggressive and killing people. Elizabeth Hawkins, who was dressed as the Statue of Liberty, said the Good shooting spurred her to show up to the protest. The Trump administration keeps ramping up and breaking more and more laws and trampling our rights, Hawkins said. They have become the domestic terrorists and Im not going to put up with it. Portland resident Tina Roe, who carried a sign that read stop taxpayer funded murder, said the mood at Saturdays protest was decidedly different from some of the other recent events she has attended, including protests at the ICE building in South Portland. At past protests its been really uplifting, Roe said. Today I feel a lot more just kind of sad and trying not to feel discouraged... some people are just getting worn down and starting to feel hopeless. But there are people here and were not going to give up, she added. We cant stop. Protesters criticize Legacy Emanuel Medical Center As protesters began to march through downtown Portland, another group lined the streets outside of North Portlands Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in a rally organized by immigrant rights group Portland Contra las Deportaciones. The group criticized the hospital for failing to protect the privacy, safety and medical rights of patients in federal immigration custody criticism against the hospital that had previously been voiced in a letter from the Oregon Nurses Association in December. We cannot allow these abuses in Portland, organizers said in a news release earlier this week. Legacy is ignoring patient rights and retaliating against employees who speak out. Legacy Emanuel has previously told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the hospital system does not have any policies specific to immigration agents presence or interaction with health care staff and that it treats immigration agents as it would any other law enforcement officers. A couple hundred people showed up to the protest outside Legacy Emanuel, according to reporting by OPB. U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter speaks at a town hall on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at the East Portland Community Center. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Maxine Dexter receives a standing ovation Amid the protests Saturday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter hosted a last-minute town hall at the East Portland Community Center to a standing-room only crowd of about 360 people. Dexter, an Oregon Democrat, teared up as she received a standing ovation after talking about her announcement Thursday that she would introduce articles of impeachment against U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Impeaching Kristi Noem feels like something that we can do, Dexter said. She is proving herself to be unserious, untrustworthy, and frankly a threat to the peace and security of our nation, so I very much hope she will be fired. In a question-and-answer segment, members of the crowd asked Dexter what could be done to curb the Trump administrations actions, particularly immigration enforcement. Dexter encouraged the audience to continue protesting, supporting their communities and reaching out to her. We have to show up and be stronger together, Dexter said. We do it in solidarity. We are peaceful, resistantly peaceful, persistently peaceful, ever peaceful. 15 1 / 15 'We Protect Us' vigil About 500 people also attended a candlelight vigil Saturday evening in downtown Portlands Terry Schrunk Plaza. Attendees, some singing protest songs, overflowed out of the amphitheater and into the park. Local leaders and community advocates spoke at the bilingual gathering, their words translated into both English and Spanish. Other speakers shared stories from local immigrants who are fearful of ICE and wanted to remain anonymous. Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos, who represents east Portland and is the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, said these shootings feel personal. Were not waiting for Congress to suddenly find a conscience, she said. Our people right now are hurting and theyre hurting because of decades of delay, of cowardice and intentional inaction. Oregon Sen. Khanh Pham also spoke, adding that shes working to pass a bill in the Legislature to ban police from wearing masks. She encouraged attendees to build community and organize together as that will get us through these scary times. It is normal and understandable to feel afraid in this moment, she said. The dangers when we get stuck in that fear and hopelessness. Frog-costumed protesters perform dance of solidarity at ICE By 7 p.m., a crowd of about 250 people gathered outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building for what was billed as the world premier of a choreographed performance honoring the citys signature protest costume. Organizers with UpRisePDX and the Portland Frog Brigade danced for about three minutes to an AI-generated song titled, appropriately, Were the Frogs. One amphibian performer, who gave his name only as Slurmit the Frog, said the routine was planned a few weeks ago and was intended to be a dance of solidarity. The Portland Frog is an icon now for resistance against the fascist government, Slurmit said in an interview. Theres no wrong or right way to protest. 50 1 / 50 Frog Brigade closes day of protests at ICE buildingMark Graves The ICE office itself appeared largely devoid of life, except for a few spotlights shining on the crowd. As of 9 p.m., traffic was moving freely in both directions. Portland police officers, some on bicycles or wearing riot gear, responded at one point to the South Portland protest to break up a shouting match involving counter-protesters and live streamers. Samantha Swindler and Zane Sparling contributed to this report. including assuming the management of Lamb House when Henry fell into his deep clinical depression in 1910 Ive mentioned before that the hope of achievement of what would seem impossible is best demonstrated by what happens in football 47 centimeters high)and provides the backdrop for the best heirloom: a family crest in a precious silver frame.And we recalled her at once principled and generous ambivalen I asked myself what works of literature have changed the way you see the world? Four came to mind right away: the Epic of Gilgamesh.The last time I saw her she was walking d and while readers with no background in the subject material may find places where they need to spend mor Everything Id written to that point reflected in some manner an unmentioned catastrophe that had either already happened or was Cryptocurrency exchange OKX has made changes to its institutional business as part of a global restructuring, reportedly laying off between 30 to 50% of its staff. OKX continues to rank strongly in spot and derivatives trading volume data despite the cuts. Sources familiar with the matter gave different accounts of the impact, as CoinDesk first reported. One person said half the team was let go. Another described eight to ten layoffs, plus a few people leaving on their own, adding up to roughly one-third of the institutional salesforce exiting. A company spokesperson pushed back on the idea of widespread cuts. OKX recently completed a review of our institutional business as we continue to scale globally, the spokesperson said in emailed comments to CoinDesk. As part of that process, we are evolving toward a more traditional institutional coverage model, designed to deepen long-term relationships with clients and better support their needs across regions and market cycles. The adjustments fit into larger plans at OKX, including reviews of its licenses in various markets and further organizational changes expected soon. Notably, the exchange operates regulated entities in places like the EU, Dubai, Singapore, and select US states. Separately, head of finance Yana Vella has left the company, according to a LinkedIn post. OKX: Top 4 Spot and Top 2 Derivatives Crypto Exchange Nevertheless, OKX continues to hold a solid position among centralized exchanges. Data from CoinMarketCap shows OKX ranks fourth in 24-hour spot trading volume at $1.53 billion and second in derivatives at $21.80 billion, trailing only Binance in the latter. Top cryptocurrency spot (left) and derivatives (right) exchanges, Jan. 9, 2026 | Source: CoinMarketCap The restructuring comes after a year of activity across the sector. In August 2025, spot and derivatives volumes rose month-over-month, with Binance dominant but others like Bitfinex and MEXC posting sharp gains, according to a Coinspeaker report. OKX itself has pursued growth in other areas, including a PayPal integration for European users in July 2025 and relisting Zcash for spot trading in November. Read original story OKX Cuts Third of Institutional Staff in Major 2026 Restructuring by Vini Barbosa at Coinspeaker.com The internet reveals that Hang With Me hadnt yet been released during the short period of love Ive just described.though one idea remained consistent: I knew that the pe she applied herself to the ideas about womens status and worth coming out of t that would have been the most honest answer: that it would ultimately take a high-end adaptationwhich is still in progressto resuscitate Tondellis work in English.What asp The findings of this study were visualizedthey were turned into graphsby a data scientist named Mauro Martino of IBM Watson.The librarywhich came in second only to church delightedly) that wants to embellish our gay or queer love with the cozy and warm fragrance of home (andat lastacceptance).which is to say incomplete existences or existen Holly ConnollyI recently dreamed Id made an ice cream cake to look exactly like the face of Karen Black.Other snacks were caraway seedencrusted pretzels crunched by an offi Beauty becomes the weatherthe sun and the rainby which all the people beneath it must ask or pray for m My sisters and I didnt realize until quite late that we needed to keep upping the dose; he couldnt speak by then.you find you the historian Elaine Tierney and the bookseller Jack Rollo began doing a show for their friends at NTS Radio as Time Is Away.You might discover you are writing in a priva Gael Greene profiled residents lingering on at the Barbizonthose for whom the that I grew up surrounded by sexual abuse is sadly something I share with many more people than those who share my name.I have the urge to post on Facebook or sell the toast but suffice it to say that the analytically sexual gaze in painting should be equally and unreservedly available to all.Anns had been turned into a theater-in-the-round so in they arent intellectualsand I also work with argot from the teens and womens magazines and internet writ whose trilling I had listened to for a time on endless YouTube videos and could no longer hear without getting a headache.The se By Henry Savage, The Philadelphia Inquirer A New Jersey school resource officer has been charged with misconduct and child endangerment after an altercation with a juvenile in 2024, Gloucester County prosecutors said. Charles P. Rudolph, 51, of Franklinville, was indicted on second-degree official misconduct and second-degree endangering, abusing, or neglecting a child on Wednesday, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office. Both counts carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison. Prosecutors say that while employed as a school resource officer, on behalf of the Gloucester County Sheriffs Office, Rudolph forcefully pushed a juveniles neck, face, and chest onto a table while the juvenile was handcuffed during an incident that occurred on Dec. 19, 2024. Officials did not release more information on the incident that led to the altercation between Rudolph and the juvenile, any identifying details about the child, or the school where Rudolph worked. The Gloucester County Sheriffs Office declined to comment on the case. Rudolphs lawyer, Stuart Alterman, called the criminal case an improvident indictment of a very professional law enforcement officer who has had a spotless record of over 20 years. Alterman said in a statement that the incident involved a student who had been expelled from Gloucester County Institute of Technology who then returned to the school and got into a knock down dragged out fight in the cafeteria with other Sheriffs Officers minutes before his interaction with Officer Rudolph. Alterman said the school was locked down because of the expelled student and Officer Rudolph attempted to escort this juvenile out of the building to his patrol car so that the lock down would end and school would resume. The juvenile resisted, according to Alterman, and Officer Rudolph merely used his training and experience to prevent the juvenile from eloping, injuring himself, Officer Rudolph and or anyone else. A court appearance for Rudolph is preliminarily scheduled for Feb. 5, according to prosecutors. What Is Actually Changing In PacBios Fair Value Story? Analysts have lifted their fair value estimate for Pacific Biosciences of California from US$2.36 to US$2.50, a move that sits on a small set of updated assumptions rather than any sweeping change in the story. The discount rate used in their models has shifted from 10.58% to 10.31%, and the long term revenue growth assumption has been adjusted from 13.42% to 13.77%, reflecting slightly higher confidence in PacBios ability to grow if it stays on track with its commercial plans and product roadmap. A key part of the bullish case you are seeing is tied to renewed institutional attention, with Cathie Wood's ARK Investment recently purchasing 1.03m shares, which some analysts see as consistent with the modest uplift in fair value and revenue growth assumptions, while others argue it could be fragile support if sentiment turns. At the same time, the lower discount rate in the latest models signals that some analysts are more comfortable with PacBio's risk profile than before, even as cautious voices question whether this fully reflects execution and funding risks that still matter for a higher risk genomics tools name. Put simply, the fair value move to US$2.50 sits on a slightly more optimistic revenue trajectory and a small shift in how risk is being priced, with the ARK purchase acting as a focal point for both bullish and bearish narratives around whether that optimism is justified. As this story keeps evolving, it is worth knowing where to look for fresh model updates, institutional trading disclosures and new commentary so you can stay on top of how the narrative around PacBio's fair value continues to change. Stay updated as the Fair Value for Pacific Biosciences of California shifts by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Pacific Biosciences of California. What Wall Street Has Been Saying Bullish Takeaways By Jesse Bunch, The Philadelphia Inquirer A Philadelphia man who goes by the alias YP SlumBoy was arrested Thursday by U.S. Marshals and charged with killing the mother of his child, tampering with evidence and other crimes. Quamir Jones, 25, is accused of fatally shooting 23-year-old Siani Smith early in the morning of Oct. 12, according to an affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. Investigators say Smith was in the passenger seat of a vehicle with another man on the 7400 block of Dicks Avenue in the citys Eastwick neighborhood when Jones pulled up in a car shortly after 5 a.m. Jones approached the front driver side of the vehicle, the affidavit says. The other man, surprised at Jones presence, asked whether he was blocking the driveway. After a short exchange between the two men, Jones drew a gun, stuck it inside the vehicle and fired once. As the vehicle sped off, Jones fired the weapon again, according to the affidavit. Finding Smith had been struck, the man drove her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead around 5:30 a.m. Meanwhile, Jones called Smiths mother, police said. He told the woman that a group of men had been outside her home, and that she needed to go outside and pick up shell casings they left behind. Jones told Smiths mother that the casings would lead back to a gun registered in his name, but she did not find any casings outside, according to the affidavit. Smiths mother later told investigators she was asleep during the shooting but was awoken when she heard five to six gunshots outside. The last time Smiths mother had seen her daughter was earlier that evening, when Smith arrived home after a night out. Smiths mother said she had heard her daughter talking to the child she shared with Jones, according to the affidavit. Siani Smith and the child had moved back into the home two weeks prior. The woman told police Jones was known to carry guns, and investigators later learned Jones had a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm, a Glock 9mm pistol that was registered in his name in Delaware County. Jones had two prior arrests for gun crimes in 2022, according to the affidavit. One of those cases was dropped for reasons that were not immediately clear, and the other was dismissed for lack of evidence. On Thursday, Marshals arrested Jones on the 200 block of E. Mermaid Lane in Chestnut Hill, nearly three months after Smiths death. It was not immediately clear where Jones resided during that time. In a post on X, the U.S. Marshals of Eastern Pennsylvania alleged Jones is a member of the citys Blumberg gang. In addition to murder, prosecutors charged Jones with possessing an instrument of crime, criminal solicitation, recklessly endangering another person, and tampering with evidence. He is being held at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility and was denied bail, court records show. He is represented by a court-appointed defense attorney. Philadelphia police confirmed Friday that Jones went by the alias YP SlumBoy, a rap name that has garnered a modest following on social media. A music video posted on YP SlumBoys Instagram in November includes a clip of a news anchor discussing the search for Tyvine Jones, or Blumberg Eerd, a North Philadelphia gang member arrested by Marshals in December for three separate killings. Another post on the page promotes a song called Saddam and features artwork depicting the former Iraqi dictator. Mark Kendall, the guitarist for the legendary rock band Great White, first announced that he has been battling stage 4 kidney cancer in November. And he returned to social media on Saturday with a remarkable update for fans. I wanted to share some great news on my health situation, he wrote on Facebook. When this started the tumor in my kidney was 13 centimeters. My first scan revealed it shrank to 11. The 2nd one it went to 8 centimeters. I just had a ct scan 2 nights ago and its now 5 centimeters with no sign of disease spread anywhere else. This is fantastic news that Im managing the tumor and the immunotherapy treatment is working! Thank you everyone for your prayers and good wishes, its working! When Kendall first announced his diagnosis last year he wrote, There isnt a cure for cancer but what I have is manageable. I have the best doctors in the world and one of them invented immunotherapy which is the treatment Im on, he added. I only had to do 3 radiation treatments which is a good thing! To be clear, I dont need any financial help but Ill take prayers & encouragement! Im gonna fight this thing and be okay, he added. People in my support group were diagnosed with my exact issue up to 20 years ago, so that is encouraging! Blessings All! The 68-year-old helped found Great White in Los Angeles back in 1977. He revealed his diagnosis just more than a year after former Great White frontman Jack Russell died at 63. Russells death came just weeks after he retired and announced he was battling health issues of his own. To my fans and friends, It is with my heaviest of hearts that I must announce my retirement from the road, he wrote on social media at the time. After a recent diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in May 2024, I am unable to perform at the level I desire and at the level you deserve. Words cannot express my gratitude for the many years of memories, love and support. Thank you for letting me live my dreams. You have made my life a wonder. Love, Jack Russell. When the United States swooped into Venezuela during its raid that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro, the elite Delta Force was leading the way. And when it comes to units leading the way it doesnt get much better than 1st Special Forces Operational Delta, which the unit is officially known as. Newsweek called Delta Force the armys most elite counterterrorism and direct-action unit. Which is to says Delta is about as efficient and deadly as it gets. Donald Trump and leaders in his orbit have spent the days since throwing out names of new countries that the United States could go after next Mexico, Cuba and even Greenland, repeatedly, have been mentioned. But one Trump-backing country music star, John Rich, had a pitch of his own on social media and it involved using Delta Force inside the United States. The next Delta operation should be extracting Tina Peters from her holding cell, Rich wrote on X. Peters is the former election clerk in Mesa County who is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence. She was convicted of facilitating a data breach into her countys election system during the 2020 presidential election. Trump issued a pardon for Peters on Dec. 5, but a president cannot pardon a person who was tried and convicted in a state court. Despite that fact, Trump and his followers have continued to push for her release, and Rich has not been the first to suggest military intervention to free Peters. And Richs post got plenty of support on X. This needs to happen, MAGA social media influencer Gunther Eagleman replied. I support it. AGREED! the Jerrod Sessler for Congress account replied. Get her out of there. There were plenty more comments like that and you can see them all here. Of course, there were plenty of folks who jumped in his replies to shoot down the suggestion, too. Conservative who believes in 50 states acting as one Nation checking in one person wrote. You do that and you might as well strip away any law enforcement power states have and just go ahead and centralize government. Democrats would love that. An irresistible apple pie recipe won the blue ribbon Saturday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Lorrie Rauch of Lehigh County took home the top $500 prize in the Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest with her Irresistible Apple Pie. Rauchs recipe for a double-crusted pie calls for Cortland apples, cinnamon and lemon juice. Pies are judged on a number of factors including filling consistency, crust, overall appearance and creativity. Baking contests are an annual tradition during the Farm Show, which runs through Jan. 17 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. Along with apple pies, judges scrutinize chocolate cakes, cookies and bars and angel food cakes. Contestants compete at county and community fairs on the statewide level to become eligible to compete at the Farm Show. Heres Rauchs winning recipe: Irresistible Apple Pie Pie Crust: 4 cups flour 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 cup water 1 1/2 cups lard such as Butter Flavored Crisco In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar and salt. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in lard until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix together egg, vinegar and water. Add flour mixture. Mix until dough is moistened enough so it holds together. When it is chilled, roll dough on a lightly floured surface. Apple filling: 9 cups of peeled and thinly sliced baking apples (prefer Cortland) 1 cup sugar 4 tablespoons pie filling enhancer (thickener) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/3 cup boiled apple cider 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons lemon juice Toss apples with lemon juice. Add sugar, pie enhancer, cinnamon, boiled apple cider and butter. Mix gently. Place apple filling inside pie crust. Use the remaining dough to form a top crust. Wet the top of the pastry with milk and sprinkle with gourmet coarse white sugar. Cover top of pie with foil and bake in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Turn heat down to 350 degrees and bake pie for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool. Drizzle caramel over top and dust with confectioners sugar. Enjoy! By JON GAMBRELL, Associated Press DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) A crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran has killed at least 538 people and even more are feared dead, activists said Sunday, while Tehran warned that the U.S. military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America uses force to protect demonstrators. Another over 10,600 people have been detained over the two weeks of protests, said the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous rounds of unrest in Iran in recent years. It relies on supporters in Iran crosschecking information. It said of those killed, 490 were protesters and 48 were members of security forces. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll. The Iranian government has not offered overall casualty figures for the demonstrations. Those abroad fear the information blackout is emboldening hard-liners within Irans security services to launch a bloody crackdown. Protesters flooded the streets in the countrys capital and its second-largest city again Sunday morning. U.S. President Donald Trump has offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran including cyberattacks and direct strikes by either U.S. or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The White House, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment, has not indicated it has made any decisions. The massive ongoing U.S. military deployment to the Caribbean has created another factor that the Pentagon and Trumps national security planners must consider. Defiance in Parliament The threat to strike the U.S. military and Israel came during a parliamentary speech by Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf, the hard-liner speaker of the body who has run for the presidency in the past. He directly threatened Israel, calling it the occupied territory. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Qalibaf said. We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. Lawmakers rushed the dais in parliament, shouting: Death to America! It remains unclear how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after its air defenses were destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Any decision to go to war would rest with Irans 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The U.S. military has said in the Mideast it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and U.S. interests. Iran targeted U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June, while the U.S. Navys Mideast-based 5th Fleet is stationed in the island kingdom of Bahrain. Israel, meanwhile, is watching closely the situation between the U.S. and Iran, said an Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to speak to journalists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio overnight on topics including Iran, the official added. The people of Israel, the entire world, are in awe of the tremendous heroism of the citizens of Iran, said Netanyahu, a longtime Iran hawk. At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV mentioned Iran as a place where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives, adding that I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society. Demonstrations were held in some international capitals in support of the protesters. A spokesperson said U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was shocked by reports of violence against protesters resulting in scores of deaths and called on Iranian authorities to use maximum restraint and restore communications. Protests in Tehran and Mashhad Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehrans Punak neighborhood. There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said. Reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control. In Mashhad, Irans second-largest city some 725 kilometers (450 miles) northeast of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Protests also appeared to happen in Kerman, 800 kilometers (500 miles) southeast of Tehran. Iranian state television on Sunday morning had correspondents appear on the streets in several cities to show calm areas, with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. Government rhetoric ratcheted up. Ali Larijani, a top security official, accused some demonstrators of killing people or burning some people, which is very similar to what ISIS does, referring to the Islamic State group by an acronym. State TV aired funerals of slain security force members while reporting another six had been killed in Kermanshah. In Fars province, violence killed 13 people, and seven security forces were killed in North Khorasan province, it added. It showed a pickup truck full of bodies in body bags and later a morgue. Even Irans reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired Sunday. People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns, Pezeshkian said. But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society. The demonstrations began Dec. 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear program. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani in Washington and Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. A 7-year-old was shot in the head while playing with a gun in Pittsburghs California-Kirkbride neighborhood Saturday morning. Public Information Officer Eliza Durham told WTAE that police were dispatched just before 10 a.m. to the 900 block of Kirkbride Street in Pittsburgh and found a boy with a gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to a Pittsburgh hospital where he underwent surgery. His current condition is unknown. Durham told WPXI they spoke with a 9-year-old on the scene who said he and his 8-year-old brother were playing with a gun in the basement. While the children were handling the firearm, the gun went off. The 9-year-old and a teen who was at the house during the shooting were taken to police headquarters for questioning. Police said that a gun has not yet been recovered from the scene. No charges have been filed, police said. By John S. Brenner As we mark the fifth anniversary of the insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021, let us pause and reflect, not just on the unnecessary events which unfolded and included the worst kind of political violence, but also ask ourselves how weve grown from it. Our civil discourse has become more challenging in the last several years with too many instances of incivility, division and hostility. You dont need to look any further than our own backyard in Pennsylvania where we had an assassination attempt in Butler County two years ago along with a brazen attack on the Governors Residence last year. The Pennsylvania Municipal League has been proud to join with Search for Common Ground, part of the Pennsylvania Resilience Network, in taking down the temperature in our civil discourse while attempting to build bridges. This year marks the beginning of our third year working collaboratively to bring leaders in public service, our faith-based communities, agriculture, business, law and non-profit organizations to create local cohesion while building collective resilience. In November, The League partnered with Search for Common Ground along with the Butler Township manager on a webinar to discuss the assassination attempt and how all forces were mobilized in response to the tragedy that left one person dead. This session was our highest-attended webinar ever, with hundreds registering, showing that political violence is a major concern in local government. We were able to share resources with participants while also talking about best practices in handling a crisis in a straightforward and practical way. We, in local government, are too aware of how closely these events can hit home. We see the impacts on our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and those we see at the grocery store or church on Sunday. We also recognize that there is more that brings us together than what separates us. We all want the same things: safe streets, good schools for our children, clean parks and the desire to leave them better off than ourselves. Across our nation, nearly 80 percent of Americans see political violence as a serious problem with 87 percent exhausted by it. An overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians want to bring people together across dividing lines while transforming conflict into collaboration. Two months ago, The League participated in the annual City Summit sponsored by the National League of Cities held in Salt Lake City. There, we listened attentively to a Dignity Index presentation provided by Project UNITE led by Tim Schriver whose parents created and founded the Peace Corps and Special Olympics, respectively. The Dignity Index is a powerful tool aimed at preventing violence verbal, emotional or physical easing tensions and solving problems. It ranks responses numerically from 1 to 8 with one representing complete rejection of a persons value and viewpoints all the way to eight which concludes with we treat everyone with dignity no matter what. The Dignity Index, available online at www.dignity.us, is also accompanied by a scoring guide that explains how responses differentiate from one number to another. We realize that honoring and recognizing a persons dignity can be challenging, especially when situations get heated and tough words are used. At its core, the Dignity Index asks all of us to approach disagreements with curiosity, pausing before speaking, listening to understand rather than responding, challenging ideas and not people, acknowledging logical or interesting points and taking the opportunity to build rather than tear down. The League will not only continue amplifying the Dignity Index but also invites everyone to go online to examine it. The League will continue working with mayors, councilmembers, township supervisors and others in taking down the temperature in all interactions.. John S. Brenner is Executive Director, Pennsylvania Municipal League. A new legislation to limit the interactions between government officials and the prediction markets is being supported by more than 30 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The lure behind new restrictions is a controversial Polymarket bet, which started as a bet of $32,000 but eventually became more than $400,000 shortly before the unexpected detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The bill proposed by the New York Representative Ritchie Torres is the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026. Torres explained that the bill came about because there was a new Polymarket account that had made a big bet on Maduro being ousted by the end of January 2026, when market odds said that the event was exceptionally unlikely to happen. Several hours later, the U.S. officials stated that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested in an overnight raid that was coordinated by the Trump administration. The contract soon repaid it within the maximum payoff, producing yields of over 1,200%. Subsequently, concerns have been raised by lawmakers and market analysts that the trade might have been pegged on material nonpublic information. Torres claimed that the episode revealed a loophole in federal legislation when prediction markets occur in mass and power, especially when they touch on major political or military judgments. Lawmakers Seek to Close Insider Trading Loopholes in Prediction Markets Under the proposed legislation, federally elected officials, political appointees, executive branch employees, and congressional staff would be barred from buying, selling, or trading prediction market contracts linked to government policy, actions, or political outcomes. The bill does not introduce new penalties but seeks to clearly extend existing insider trading standards to prediction markets, which currently operate in a fragmented regulatory environment. Torres explained that the convergence of government activity and prediction markets represents a definite public integrity hazard, and officials cannot be put in a situation where they are able to financially gain as a result of the impacts they may have. Similar anxieties were expressed by legal writers and economists, who argued that insider trading distorts and diminishes market confidence and lowers the utility of prediction markets as forecasting instruments. The legislation is co-sponsored by a wide coalition of House Democrats, including Pelosi, Rashida Tlaib, Brad Sherman, Seth Moulton, and several other senior lawmakers. Heads-Up Players Agree to Winner-Take-All Deal in WSOP Circuit Event Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link Mehmet Siginc took home CA$40,545 (approximately USD $29,000) for winning a $600 NLH/PLO event during the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) series in Calgary, even though first-place money was only worth CA$24,580. The tournament didn't involve a bounty component, so all the money he won came from the main prize pool, which hit $106,101 with 31 places paid. If you're scratching your head trying to figure out how Siginc collected more than the maximum payout for winning the tournament in a non-bounty event, it was due to a gentleman's agreement," the champion told PokerNews. Crazy Heads-Up Deal Amir Khan busted in third place for CA$10,692 in the NLH/PLO event at Deerfoot Inn & Casino. That left Signinc and his friend Nicholas Lee, both Canadians, to battle it out for the ring. Both players were WSOP Circuit ring winners already, and both have six-figure live tournament earnings, according to The Hendon Mob. The heads-up match was a fair fight with stacks close to even in size. It was anyone's game, and each player has won numerous poker tournaments in the past. But the final two players decided to make a deal that was unique and quite risky. They didn't go for a standard ICM chop or a chip chop, nor did they agree to just split the money evenly. Instead, they agreed that the winner would receive both first and second-place money, and the runner-up would go home with nothing. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) doesn't typically facilitate chops, something the poker world learned this past summer during the Millionaire Maker event. But this wasn't technically a chop. It was more of a risky mutual gamble. "He is just my friend. It was a gentleman's agreement," Signinc said. Signinc would go on to take a massive chip lead during heads-up play around 15:1 in chips. But Lee would go on a heater and not only even up the score, but would take a 2:1 chip lead at one point. That didn't last long, as Signinc would get it in with Ax10x against Ax7x, and the best hand would hold up. That brought Signinc back into a commanding lead, which he would never relinquish. The match lasted around two hours before Lee went all in with Kx10x and lost to Ax9x. He'd go home with nothing. "Everyone who was eliminated was watching the heads-up match. It was very exciting," Signinc said. Signinc said Lee is a "good friend of mine" and they've played together for years. He referred to his friend as an "amazing player," and they both love to gamble. The newest Circuit ring winner explained that the winner-take-all deal was offered to Lee when the tournament reached eight players. Lee agreed at that time that if the two ended up playing heads-up, the champion would take all of the remaining prize pool. "I was asking to do this for years and he was the only one to except it, and I would do it again," Signinc explained. Signinc now has over $360,000 in live tournament cashes. He's now a two-time WSOP Circuit champion. His first ring came in May 2023 at the same casino. Lee will have to wait for another opportunity to win his fifth ring. The WSOP Circuit series in Calgary, which features 18 gold ring events, runs through Jan. 19. *Feature image courtesy of Lyle Bateman/PokerPro. Share this article Jason Ryan is a senior enterprise reporter covering the Lowcountry and South Carolina. He has reported for three South Carolina newspapers and has written several history and true crime books about the Palmetto State and Hawaii. Mitchell Black writes about Bluffton and the southern Lowcountry for The Post and Courier's Beaufort County bureau. He previously covered health care and county government with the Asheville Citizen Times. Lorraine Kellys father reportedly died after falling on an icy path. Cause of death for Lorraine Kelly's father revealed John Kelly, 84, was found injured on Saturday (10.01.26) on a path near to St Leonard's Square in East Kilbride, Scotland and died at the scene, with Lorraine, 66, calling his sudden death a shock. She shared the news of his death on Instagram and wrote: 'Very sad news. My dad has died. I am mourning the man who bought me a telescope when I was five years old, who watched the moon landings with me and taught me to always be curious and interested in everything. He was in poor health but it has still been a shock. Any of you who have experienced a similar loss will know how my brother Graham and I are feeling. Our priority is taking care of my mum and the family would very much appreciate privacy at this distressing time. We will miss you dad. Police Scotland told The Sun: 'Around 7am on Saturday, 10 January, 2026, we were called to a report of a man found injured on a path near to St Leonard's Square in East Kilbride. The 84-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. His family is aware and are being supported by officers. The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course. A source close to Lorraine told The Scottish Sun on Sunday: The news came as a complete shock and she's understandably heartbroken. It's never easy losing a parent, and Lorraine will be spending the next few days with her close family. By Jarrett Renshaw Jan 11 (Reuters) - Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will soon join a U.S.-led initiative to secure AI and semiconductor supply chains, Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg told Reuters in an interview. The addition of those two countries is notable given the Middle Easts history of political divisions and reflects a U.S.-led effort to bring Israel and Gulf states into the same technology-focused economic framework. The program, dubbed Pax Silica, seeks to safeguard the full technology supply chain, including critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, computing and data infrastructure. It is a key pillar of the Trump administrations economic statecraft strategy to reduce dependence on rival nations and strengthen cooperation among allied partners. The Silicon Declaration isnt just a diplomatic communique, Helberg said. Its meant to be an operational document for a new economic security consensus. The group including Israel, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Britain and Australia. Qatar is expected to sign the Pax Silica declaration on Jan. 12, followed by the UAE on Jan. 15. Unlike traditional alliances, Helberg said, Pax Silica is a coalition of capabilities, with membership driven by the industrial strengths and companies of each country. Helberg said he hopes the initiative can help accelerate the Middle Easts economic transition away from energy dependence, toward a more diversified, technology-driven economy. For the UAE and Qatar, this marks a shift from a hydrocarbon-centric security architecture to one focused on silicon statecraft, he said, The moves come against the backdrop of The Future Minerals Forum, a governmentled global minerals and supply chain conference hosted by Saudi Arabia that will bring together senior officials, industry leaders and investors in Riyadh from January 1315. Helberg said the Pax Silica group will focus this year on expanding membership, building strategic projects to secure supply chains and coordinating policies to protect critical infrastructure and technology. The group met in Washington last month. Helberg said he hopes it will meet a few times this year. He said discussions are under way on projects that could modernize trade and logistics routes, including the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, using advanced U.S. technology to boost regional integration and expand Americas economic footprint. U.S. and Israeli officials plan to launch a Pax Silica-linked Strategic Framework, including the Fort Foundry One industrial park in Israel to accelerate projects. AI cooperation will also be discussed, with a memorandum of understanding tentatively planned for January 16. (Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Sergio Non and Alistair Bell) PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-10 22:05:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 441 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New Infrastructure Standard Delivers Perfect Data Fidelity and Absolute Security; Kypspr Announces "Compliance-by-Design" API Sandbox for Enterprise Trials.MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE / ACCESS Newswire / January 10, 2026 / Kypspr, the definitive provider of high-trust enterprise health data infrastructure, today announced the launch of the industry's first Federated Data Fabric. This category-defining move addresses the healthcare industry's central crisis: not a lack of connectivity, but a profound lack of data clarity and fidelity.For decades, the industry has been sold "plumbing" to move data, but moving broken data only results in propagating errors at scale. Kypspr is not the plumbing; it is the refinery. By bridging the "Level 3 (Semantic) Gap"-the dirty data problem that leaves 80% of clinical data inaccessible - Kypspr enables health systems to finally unlock the intelligence required for AI and modern operations.The Federated Moat: Security Without Compromise At the core of this announcement is Kypspr's proprietary patent pending Federated Moat architecture. Designed specifically for the "Messy Middle"-mid-market health systems, large provider groups, and regional payers-this infrastructure provides a provable security guarantee: Protected Health Information (PHI) never leaves the customer's tenant.By utilizing Customer-Managed Encryption Keys (CMEK) and Federated Learning, Kypspr allows organizations to refine chaotic source data (HL7v2, unstructured notes) into high-fidelity "Golden Records" without the risks inherent in centralized "black box" platforms.A Mandate for Clarity and Translation Kypspr's mission is to provide perfect, auditable, and legally defensible translation of chaotic source data. The platform's AI-powered Semantic Refinery interprets, structures, and normalizes clinical data without ever altering the original source of truth."The real crisis in healthcare data isn't connectivity; it's clarity and fidelity," said Ambar Prajapati, Founder and CEO of Kypspr. "We are bringing structure to chaos, empowering organizations to operate with perfect clarity and absolute trust." The API Sandbox: Eliminating the "BAA Gap" To accelerate enterprise adoption, Kypspr is launching the Kypspr API Sandbox, a compliant trial environment that allows technical leads and CISOs to validate the platform's AI-powered Semantic Refinery. This trial includes a mandatory, upfront Business Associate Agreement (BAA), ensuring full regulatory compliance from the first interaction and solving the historical "BAA Gap" that has often hindered healthtech innovation.About Kypspr Kypspr is a deep-tech enterprise infrastructure company providing the high-velocity data fabric required for modern healthcare. Its AI-driven architecture delivers perfect data fidelity and absolute security, empowering organizations to eliminate operational drag and realize the full potential of AI.For more information on the Federated Moat and the Fidelity Imperative, visitkypspr.ai Media Contact:Ambar Prajapati Founder & CEO ambar@ kypspr.ai SOURCE: Kypspr AI PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-11 00:15:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 661 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Guests had an opportunity to meet Gabby Thomas, win health-focused prizes, and learn simple ways to take a more active role in their healthAUSTIN, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / January 10, 2026 / BetterWay blood testing by Babson Diagnostics, a science-first healthcare technology company transforming diagnostic blood testing, hosted Olympic gold medalist and public health advocate Gabby Thomas at H-E-B's iconic South Congress store on Saturday, January 10 for Live Well Your Way Day. The free-admission, community-focused event attended by hundreds launched BetterWay's Track Like Gabby powered by BetterWay campaign, an initiative to inspire individuals to take a more proactive, data-driven role in their health, starting with routine blood testing.BetterWay has partnered with Gabby Thomas through its Track Like Gabby campaign to raise awareness about the importance of routine blood testing and motivate people to make tracking their results a lifelong habit. Gabby uses regular blood work to help guide her own health decisions, and she is committed to promoting more accessible options through BetterWay's patient-friendly, less invasive and clinically accurate fingertip testing."You don't have to be training for the Olympics to track your health," said Thomas. "I hope that people see how I take my own health seriously, and they feel inspired to do the same in their own lives. Getting tested at HEB whenever it works for you, with BetterWay's quick fingertip collection, makes tracking your health easy and comfortable." The engaging event took place from midmorning to the early afternoon of January 10th. Attendees visited various BetterWay partner organizations, including H-E-B and Equity and Wellness Consulting Group, offering complimentary healthy meal and fitness plans, and blood testing education to measure health status and track progress. Gabby Thomas took the stage at 11 a.m for a live conversation on performance, wellness, and preventive health, followed by fitness and healthy-eating demonstrations that ran through 1 p.m. This drew an engaged crowd eager to learn practical health tips and strategies they could apply immediately."Gabby Thomas is a role model for this community, and we are grateful that she could join forces with BetterWay and H-E-B to inspire Austinites in taking charge of their own wellbeing," said David Stein, CEO at Babson Diagnostics. "I'm confident that every last person who came to the event on Saturday left both better equipped and more committed to tracking their health like Gabby." Attendees received interactive Track Like Gabby cards to collect stamps at each kiosk. Completed cards earned participants a photo opportunity with Gabby and entry into a raffle, featuring complimentary BetterWay Fitness Profiles*, H-E-B healthy-eating gift baskets, and 4-week complimentary fitness programs with the Equity and Wellness Consulting Group. All attendees who visited the BetterWay kiosk received a $25 discount* toward a blood test of their choice-covering most individual general tests-reinforcing BetterWay's commitment to making routine testing both accessible and affordable.For more information about the Track Like Gabby initiative, please visit tracklikegabby.com *Available to adults 18 or older. Discount available on customer-initiated orders only.About BetterWay Blood Testing by Babson DiagnosticsBetterWay is blood testing reimagined-patient-friendly fingertip collection with accurate lab results. One in three people skip blood testing due to anxiety, fear of needles, difficult venous access, or inconvenience. BetterWay enables blood testing without phlebotomy. This improves patient experience, increases adherence to testing, optimizes staffing efficiency, and advances health equity. BetterWay was developed by Babson Diagnostics, a science-first healthcare technology company that has become the global thought leader in the use of capillary blood for routine testing. Babson was named 2024 Medtech Company of the Year by MD + DI, 2025 SXSW Innovation Award winner for Health & Biotech, and one of Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies in Healthcare. For more information, please visit BetterWay.com or connect with us on Instagram or LinkedIn.For photos of the event taken by Seth Reissig visit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qeBQ663Dz-sb-ZTcvELH27irUqod7mV4 Media Contact:Jo DetavernierRazor Sharp PR210-803-2097 jo@ razorsharppr.com SOURCE: BetterWay Blood Testing PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-11 17:04:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 370 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 11, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Agilon Health, Inc. ("Agilon" or the "Company") (NYSE:AGL). 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 Agilon and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until March 2, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Agilon 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 August 4, 2025, Agilon issued a press release reporting that Steven Sell "has stepped down as President, CEO, and a Director of the Board." That same day, Agilon issued another press release reporting its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Commenting on the results, Agilon's Executive Chair stated that "as we progressed through this transition year, it's become clear that the industry headwinds are more acute than previously expected[.]" Further, the release announced that the Company was "suspending its previously issued full-year 2025 financial guidance and related assumptions." On this news, Agilon's stock price fell $0.94 per share, or 51.52%, to close at $0.88 per share on August 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: 2026-01-11 04:00:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 643 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 10, 2026 /WHY: New York, N.Y., January 10, 2026. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Blue Owl Capital Inc. (NYSE:OWL) between February 6, 2025 and November 16, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important February 2, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.So what: If you purchased Blue Owl securities 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 Blue Owl class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48876or 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 2, 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 throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Blue Owl was experiencing a meaningful pressure on its asset base from business development companies ("BDC") redemptions; (2) as a result, Blue Owl was facing undisclosed liquidity issues; (3) as a result, Blue Owl would be likely to limit or halt redemptions of certain BDCs; and (4) accordingly, defendants had downplayed the true scope and severity of the negative impact as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Blue Owl's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Blue Owl class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48876 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. If we want to find a potential multi-bagger, often there are underlying trends that can provide clues. Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. So, when we ran our eye over London Security's (LON:LSC) trend of ROCE, we liked what we saw. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)? Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. The formula for this calculation on London Security is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.16 = UK29m (UK220m - UK45m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2025). Therefore, London Security has an ROCE of 16%. In absolute terms, that's a pretty normal return, and it's somewhat close to the Machinery industry average of 14%. Check out our latest analysis for London Security AIM:LSC Return on Capital Employed January 11th 2026 Historical performance is a great place to start when researching a stock so above you can see the gauge for London Security's ROCE against it's prior returns. If you're interested in investigating London Security's past further, check out this free graph covering London Security's past earnings, revenue and cash flow. What Can We Tell From London Security's ROCE Trend? While the current returns on capital are decent, they haven't changed much. Over the past five years, ROCE has remained relatively flat at around 16% and the business has deployed 28% more capital into its operations. 16% is a pretty standard return, and it provides some comfort knowing that London Security has consistently earned this amount. Stable returns in this ballpark can be unexciting, but if they can be maintained over the long run, they often provide nice rewards to shareholders. In Conclusion... To sum it up, London Security has simply been reinvesting capital steadily, at those decent rates of return. And since the stock has risen strongly over the last five years, it appears the market might expect this trend to continue. So while investors seem to be recognizing these promising trends, we still believe the stock deserves further research. On a final note, we've found 1 warning sign for London Security that we think you should be aware of. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-11 01:45:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 671 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 10, 2026 /WHY: New York, N.Y., January 10, 2026. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) between January 27, 2025 and October 27, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important January 26, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Alexandria Real Estate securities 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 Alexandria Real Estate Equities class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48531 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 January 26, 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 handle 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 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 provided investors with material information concerning Alexandria Real Estate's expected revenue and funds from operations ("FFO") growth for the 2025 fiscal year, particularly as it related to the growth of Alexandria Real Estate's real estate operations. The defendants' statements included, among other things, confidence in Alexandria Real Estate Equities' lease activity, occupancy stability, and ability to develop its tenant pipeline.According to the lawsuit, defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of its Long Island City ("LIC") property. In particular, Alexandria Real Estate's claims and confidence about the leasing value of the LIC property as a life-science destination. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Alexandria Real Estate class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48531 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: 2026-01-11 00:55:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 554 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / January 10, 2026 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilJanuary 12, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Stride, Inc. ("Stride" or the "Company") (NYSE:LRN), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between October 22, 2024 and October 28, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Stride and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-lrn/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action by overseeing lead counsel with the goal of obtaining a fair and just resolution, you must request this position by application to the Court byJanuary 12, 2026 .About the LawsuitStride and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On September 14, 2025, it was reported that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education had filed a complaint against the Company, alleging fraud, deceptive trade practices, systemic violations of law, and intentional and tortious misconduct, including inflating enrollment numbers by retaining "ghost students" on rolls to secure state funding per student and ignoring compliance requirements, including background checks and licensure laws for its employees. On this news, the price of Stride's shares fell $18.60 per share, or 11.7%, to close at $139.76 per share on September 15, 2025.Then, on October 28, 2025, the Company disclosed that "poor customer experience" had resulted in "higher withdrawal rates," "lower conversion rates," and had driven students away, and that the Company estimated the impact caused approximately 10,000-15,000 fewer enrollments and that, because of this, its outlook is "muted" compared to prior years. On this news, the price of Stride's shares fell $83.48 per share, or more than 54%, to close at $70.05 per share on October 29, 2025.The case is MacMahon v. Stride, Inc., et al., Case No. 25-cv-02019.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has declared a second liquidation dividend of N24.3 billion for depositors of the defunct Heritage Bank, bringing the total payouts to N70.9 billion. In a statement signed by Hawwau Gambo, head of the Communication and Public Affairs Department, on 9 January, the NDIC said the payment would be made to depositors whose account balances exceeded the statutory insured limit of N5 million at the time the bank was closed. The corporation said the second liquidation dividend was payable at a rate of 5.2 kobo for every N1 on outstanding uninsured balances, in line with Section 72 of the NDIC Act 2023, bringing the cumulative liquidation dividend declared so far to 14.4 kobo per N1. According to the NDIC, the N24.3 billion payment was generated from debt recovery, the sale of physical assets, and the realisation of investments of the defunct bank and would be applied to the payment of uninsured balances for depositors with funds above the insured limit. The NDIC has now declared a second liquidation dividend of N24.3 billion. This amount, derived from debt recovery, sale of physical assets, and realisation of investments, will be applied to the payment of uninsured balances for depositors with funds exceeding the N5 million insured limit, it said. Eligible depositors who had already received their insured deposits and the first tranche of liquidation dividends would have their alternative bank accounts credited automatically using their Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), the NDIC said, advising depositors to check their accounts for confirmation. Depositors without alternative bank accounts or BVNs, as well as those who had yet to claim their insured deposits of up to N5 million or the first liquidation dividend, were advised to visit the nearest NDIC office or complete the e-claim form on the corporations website for prompt processing. The NDIC clarified that liquidation dividends referred to payments made to depositors of a closed bank whose balances exceeded the insured limit, using proceeds from asset sales, investment realisation and debt recovery. It said other creditors would be paid only after all depositors had been fully reimbursed, while shareholders would be settled subject to the availability of funds. The corporation added that the latest payment represented only the second liquidation dividend, noting that further payouts would depend on the continued recovery of assets and the settlement of outstanding debts. Heritage Banks banking licence was revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on 3 June 2024, following concerns about the banks financial condition. After the revocation, the NDIC was appointed liquidator in accordance with Section 12(2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and Sections 55(1) and 55 (2) of the NDIC Act 2023. Upon its appointment, the corporation began processing claims and paid insured deposits of up to N5 million per depositor from its Deposit Insurance Fund. It also commenced the disposal of the banks assets, the recovery of outstanding loans, and the realisation of investments. These efforts enabled the NDIC to declare a first liquidation dividend of N46.6 billion in April 2025, paid at a rate of 9.2 kobo per N1 on uninsured deposits. Thirty female medical students from across Nigerias six geopolitical zones have received scholarships under a new initiative aimed at improving womens health outcomes and strengthening female representation in the countrys health sector. The beneficiaries were selected under the inaugural National Medical Students Scholarship of the Built for Her Foundation, a non-profit organisation launched on Saturday in Abuja. The scholarship programme is being implemented in partnership with the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA). The launch event brought together government officials, health professionals and medical students, with speakers highlighting the link between womens health outcomes and the participation of women in healthcare delivery, research and leadership. Speaking at the event, the foundations founder, Teniola Saraki, said the initiative was created in response to long-standing gaps in how womens health needs are understood, researched and prioritised in policy and investment. Ms Saraki noted that the foundation was also established with a belief that women and girls deserve a world built with them in mind. Womens health shapes not only individual wellbeing but also families, communities, productivity and national development, she said. She added womens health extends beyond reproductive care to include cancers, cardiovascular diseases, mental health conditions, autoimmune disorders and chronic illnesses that often present differently in women and are frequently underdiagnosed or poorly treated. Evidence of a widening gap Ms Saraki cited a 2024 analysis by the McKinsey Health Institute, which found that women globally spend 25 per cent more of their lives in poor health than men, amounting to an average of nine additional years lived with illness or disability. According to the report, gaps in research, data and access to effective care account for tens of millions of disability-adjusted life years lost annually, largely because women are underrepresented in clinical trials and health interventions are not designed with sex and gender differences in mind. She said, These gaps are not inevitable. They are the result of how health systems have been designed and can be addressed through intentional design, sustained investment and collaboration. She added that Nigeria reflects some of the most severe consequences of the gender health gap, noting that the country records one maternal death every seven minutes and accounts for nearly 29 per cent of global maternal deaths in 2023, with an estimated 75,000 women dying from pregnancy-related causes that year. She also highlighted Nigerias cervical cancer burden, where more than 7,000 women died in 2023, despite the disease being largely preventable through screening and vaccination. She added that fewer than 11 per cent of Nigerian women have ever been screened for cervical cancer. Mental health, equity and women doctors Delivering her keynote address, the National President of the Medical Womens Association, Zainab Mohammad-Idris, said improving womens health outcomes in Nigeria requires moving beyond medicine to address equity, leadership and structural support for women, particularly in the health workforce. Ms Mohammad-Idris said the conversation around womens health is not about medicine alone but about the systems it operates from, intentional investment, and what happens when women are supported or ignored. According to her, evidence shows that women are more likely to seek care early, disclose health concerns, and adhere to treatment when attended to by female healthcare providers. She argued that women doctors play critical roles not only in clinical care but also in leadership, policy-making, research and community mobilisation. When women doctors are excluded from leadership, health systems lose empathy, informed planning and gender-responsive policies, she said. But when they are empowered early, they help build systems that are more inclusive and resilient. She added that Nigeria continues to lose talented women in medicine due to financial pressures, burnout, poor working conditions and lack of institutional support, warning that the cost of under-supported women doctors is felt across the health system. Support and health reforms In a goodwill message, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, described the foundations work as aligned with ongoing health sector reforms. The minister, represented by Mayowa Alade, a representative from the ministry, stated that the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) prioritises womens health and aims to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality. READ ALSO: Tinubu appoints first female DG of Nigerian Law School Through the NHSRII, we are beginning to see a downward trend in maternal deaths in health facilities, including a 17 per cent reduction in maternal deaths in MAMII local government areas, he said, adding that partnerships with non-governmental actors are essential to sustaining progress. He described the Built for Her Foundations scholarship programme as a strategic investment in the future health workforce, noting that women currently make up only 35 to 37 per cent of Nigerias physicians. By supporting women medical students today, we are strengthening tomorrows healthcare system, Mr Pate said. Five pillars, long-term goals The Built for Her Foundation said its work will be guided by five pillars aligned with the McKinsey framework for closing the gender health gap. They include counting women through improved data, studying women through inclusive research, caring for women through responsive health services, including women in decision-making processes, and investing in womens leadership and opportunities. Ms Saraki called for collaboration among the government, clinicians, researchers, funders, and community organisations, saying that closing the gender health gap is critical to Nigerias economic growth, workforce productivity, and long-term development. Following allegations of medical negligence made by renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie against a hospital over the death of her 21-month-old son, Nigerians have taken to social media platform X to share personal experiences of wrong diagnosis, pressured surgeries and alleged hospital impropriety across the country. Ms Adichie accused a private centre, Euracare Hospital, of negligence and impropriety, which she said led to the death of her son, Nkanu Nnamdi, on 8 January, at the hospital. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the toddler died after a brief illness while the family was in Nigeria for the Christmas holiday. The hospital has denied any wrongdoing and said it is also investigating the matter. The Lagos State government has also stated that it will investigate the matter. The development reignited conversations about medical errors and patient safety in Nigerias health system, particularly within private hospitals. Joe Abahs account Reacting to the development, a former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Joe Abah, shared his experience on X, recounting how a private hospital in Abuja pressured him to undergo surgery. A private hospital in Abuja said I needed surgery and was trying to pressure me to do it with them immediately. I wasnt sure, and my family wasnt comfortable, Mr Abah wrote. Mr Abah said his wife reminded him that in the United Kingdom, there is a mandatory 14-day cooling-off period between being advised to undergo surgery and the procedure itself, except in life-threatening emergencies, allowing patients time to seek other opinions. He said he decided to get additional medical opinions, including consultations abroad, which revealed that surgery was unnecessary. Getting a second opinion elsewhere and a third opinion abroad, it turned out that I didnt need any surgery at all, he wrote. Medical negligence concerns Concerns about medical negligence and errors within Nigerias health system have remained persistent across both private and public hospitals. A 2025 study published in the African Research Journal of Medical Sciences found that medical error prevalence rates among Nigerian practitioners ranged between 42.8 per cent and 89.8 per cent. The study also reported that about 33.3 per cent of patients experienced additional injuries as a result of treatment. The high prevalence and varied patterns of medical errors underscore the need for systemic interventions, including enhanced training, mentorship programs, and error-reporting systems to improve patient safety and healthcare outcomes, it noted. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is responsible for investigating cases of medical negligence and sanctioning officials found to be negligent. The council has, in the past, sanctioned dozens of medical practitioners for wrongdoings. Nigerians share experiences Several Nigerians responding to Mr Abahs post narrated similar experiences of alleged wrong diagnoses and pressure to undergo surgery. An X user, @eakpe, said a hospital in Abuja once told a friend he urgently needed heart surgery. He decided to see his doctor in the UK, only to be told that he had an ulcer and that the chest pain he was feeling was from acid reflux, the user wrote, adding that the hospital later apologised after being confronted with the new diagnosis. Another user, @Ugwumsinach, recounted how her two-year-old son underwent adenoidectomy surgery in November 2025, noting that relatives were more concerned about whether he had woken up from anaesthesia. I found it odd; now I understand them, she said. Similarly, @MarkusJerryP narrated how a friend was diagnosed with a kidney condition and advised to undergo urgent surgery costing N3.5 million after undergoing MRI scans and purchasing expensive antibiotics. After seeking opinions from consultants in Nigeria and the United States, the diagnosis was reportedly downgraded to minor kidney stones, requiring only increased water intake. Two years later, the patient remains healthy. Another user, @IsaacJunior, alleged that an anaesthetist overdosed a friends younger brother, who never regained consciousness. My semi-literate mum of 70+ was told she needed emergency surgery in 2022, wrote @JK. She refused. Shes still alive. No surgery. No medication. Others shared accounts of pregnancy loss, alleged hospital negligence, and long-time grievances against public health institutions. In Nigeria, please seek for fifth opinion!!! wrote @OnyebuchiRemy, who said he lost a sibling at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in 2021. Chimamandas allegations Ms Adichie said her sons death was avoidable and blamed what she described as critical failures in care during medical procedures that should have been routine. According to her statement, Nkanu was admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos after developing a severe infection. Plans were underway to evacuate him to the United States on 7 January, where a medical team at Johns Hopkins Hospital was prepared to receive him. She said Atlantis Hospital referred them to Euracare Hospital for an MRI, lumbar puncture and insertion of a central line in preparation for the flight. Ms Adichie said she was waiting outside the operating theatre when she noticed medical staff rushing in, later learning that her son had been given too much propofol by the anaesthesiologist. He became unresponsive and was quickly resuscitated, she said, adding that he was later placed on a ventilator, suffered seizures and went into cardiac arrest before he died. She alleged that her son was not adequately monitored after sedation and that proper medical protocols were not followed. Hospitals response Euracare Hospital, however, denied wrongdoing, saying some reports being circulated contained inaccuracies. In a statement, the hospital described itself as a reputable centre for complex medical care, led by an internationally trained clinical team. The hospital said the patient was critically ill upon referral and that its medical team provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted standards. It added that a detailed investigation had been initiated in line with clinical governance standards, expressing sympathy with the grieving family. As medical professionals, we carry the weight of this loss deeply, the statement said. President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for their victory over Algeria and qualification for the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 on Saturday to advance to the semi-finals of the tournament in Morocco. In a post on his X handle, shortly after the match, Mr Tinubu praised the teams display and assured them of national support. Brilliant performance inspiring, the President wrote, Go, Super Eagles! You have the support of all Nigerians, he added. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed the victory for Nigeria in Marrakech, extending the teams unbeaten run in the competition. In a similar gesture, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has also congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over Algeria in the quarter-final match. Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra, in his congratulatory message posted on his X handle, said that the 2-0 victory sends a clear message to the rest of the continent. Mr Obi wrote: Clinical finishing, a rock-solid defence, and a rewarding gift to over 200 million people cheering you on. The AFCON trophy is within reach, Keep the fire burning. Lets take this momentum straight into the semi-finals. Up Nigeria. Nigeria will now face hosts Morocco in the semi-final on Wednesday for a place in the final scheduled for 18 January in Rabat. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the failure to account for the missing or diverted N55.9 billion meant for the purchase of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election materials for the 2019 general elections. The grave allegations are documented in the latest annual report published by the Auditor-General on 9 September 2025. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to account for the missing or diverted 55.9 billion meant to buy smart card readers, ballot papers, and other election materials for the 2019 general elections. SERAP is also seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to disclose the names of all contractors paid the 55.9 billion for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other election materials for the 2019 general elections, including the names of their directors and shareholders. In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: INEC must operate without corruption if the commission is to ensure free and fair elections in the country and uphold Nigerians right to participation. SERAP is also arguing that, INEC cannot ensure impartial administration of future elections if these allegations are not satisfactorily addressed, perpetrators including the contractors involved are not prosecuted and the proceeds of corruption are not fully recovered. According to SERAP, INEC cannot properly carry out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities to conduct free and fair elections in the country if it continues to fail to uphold the basic principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law. SERAP is also arguing that, These allegations also constitute abuse of public office and show the urgent need by INEC to commit to transparency, accountability, clean governance and the rule of law. SERAP also said, Allegations of corruption in the supply of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election materials directly undermine Nigerians right to participate in elections that are free, fair, transparent, and credible. The lawsuit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international anticorruption standards. According to the recently published 2022 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) irregularly paid over N5.3 billion [N5,312,238,499.39] to a contractor for the supply of Smart Card Readers for the 2019 general elections. The contract was awarded without prior approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council. The payment was also made without any document. There was no evidence of supplies to the commission. INEC claimed approval was not sought because the supply of smart card readers falls under national defence or national security and therefore exempted under the Procurement Act. But the Auditor-General rejected the claim as alien to the Procurement Act, and stated that INEC ought to have received a Certificate of No Objection from the BPP for the contract. He is concerned that the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. INEC also reportedly paid over N4.5 billion [N4,505,220,044.06] to six contractors for ballot papers/result sheets, but the payments were without any documentary evidence of supply from the contractors. There was no evidence of advertisement, bid submission, bid evaluation, approvals and no Certificate of No Objection. There was also no evidence of the contractors eligibility, as INEC failed to show the contractors Tax clearance certificate, pension clearance certificate, NSITF certificate, ITF certificate of compliance, and BPP registration. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. INEC paid over N331 million [N331,228,070.04] to some contractors in doubtful circumstances as several payments had contradictory supporting documents. The contract for the supply of 25 pieces of generating sets was dated 28 December 2019 but the receipt for the payment was issued 12 months before the contract. The contractors were paid even before the award of the contracts. INEC claimed that these infractions are justified for the Commission to ensure that the 2019 general elections were concluded and to avoid what would have been a deep constitutional crisis. But the Auditor-General considered the commissions response unsatisfactory. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. INEC also failed to deduct over N2.1 billion [N2,193,484,804.06] of stamp duty from contractors between 2018 and 2019. There were no justifiable reasons by the Commission for the failure to deduct and remit the stamp duty. INEC claimed it did not receive any circular requesting it to deduct stamp duty from contract payments to contractors, but the Auditor-General considered the commissions response unsatisfactory. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. INEC also failed to retire over N630 million [N630,625,319.80] of cash advances granted to some officers of the Commission. Some officers were granted multiple advances when the previous ones had not been retired. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted. The Commission also awarded contracts of over N41 billion [N41,312,066,801.00] for the printing of ballot papers, result sheets, and voting point result sheets for various elections, but without due process. According to the Auditor-General, there was no evidence that the contractors were eligible to carry out such contracts. There was also no evidence of previous work carried out by the contractors, as some of the contractors were Civil Engineering Constructions Company, Oil and Gas Company and Importer of Building Materials, among others. The contracts were also awarded without the Federal Executive Councils approval, and No Objection approval from the BPP. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. INEC also irregularly awarded a contract for the supply of 4 Toyota Land Cruisers to the Commission for over N297 million [N297,777,776.00]. The contract was awarded without the approval by the Federal Executive Council. The market survey carried out showed that the price of Toyota Land Cruiser in 2019 was not above N50 million, but the commission claimed it paid N74 million for each Toyota Land Cruiser. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. Kolawole Oluwadare SERAP Deputy Director President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Abu Dhabi to attend the prestigious 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). The presidents aircraft touched down at Zayed International Airport at approximately 11 30 p.m. local time. President Tinubu was received by Shakhboot Al Nahyan, minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Tinubu is visiting the UAE at the official invitation of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed Al Nahyan. The summit is a premier annual event, serving as a global forum for world leaders, industry experts, and civil society organisations. Participants will address critical issues regarding energy innovation and the financial infrastructure required for renewable energy transitions. The visit underscores the strengthening alliance between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly in the sectors of green energy and economic cooperation. During the summit, President Tinubu aims to position Nigeria as a leading player in sustainable development, seeking to attract foreign investment and foster partnerships that align with Nigerias national growth objectives The 2026 edition, with the theme The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go, focuses on bridging the gap between climate ambition and tangible action through three primary pillars: innovation, finance, and people. The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a N1 billion copyright and breach-of-confidence suit filed against MTN Nigeria Communications Plc by Walls and Gates Ltd and its Managing Director, Okechukwu Udeichi, over the telecom firms 20th anniversary promotion. In a certified true copy shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, the judge, Ayokunle Faji, held on 6 January that the plaintiffs failed to prove that MTN infringed any copyright or breached confidential information related to their 20 For 20 proposal. The court also awarded N3 million in costs against the plaintiffs, describing the suit as frivolous and vexatious. How the case started Walls and Gates Ltd and Mr Udeichi had asked the court to declare that MTNs 20th anniversary promotion, tagged 20 For 20, violated their copyright and confidential information. They claimed MTN unlawfully exploited their intellectual property, entitling them to N1 billion in damages. Alternatively, the plaintiffs sought an order requiring MTN to account for all revenue generated from the promotion and pay them 50 per cent. They also demanded that MTN cover the full cost of the suit. The plaintiffs were represented by lawyers J. Ehiedu and K. Olajide. MTNs defence Through lawyers O. Agaba and J. Nsorom, MTN denied the claims. The company argued that the proposal was an unsolicited business idea that created no contractual or confidential obligation. It said its 20th anniversary programme was independently developed and that the plaintiffs document contained only a general business concept, which is not protected under Nigerian copyright law. MTN also said the plaintiffs lacked a valid trademark, and there was no evidence that the company accessed or copied their work. The company argued that simply labeling a document confidential does not create legal confidentiality, especially since the plaintiffs had previously submitted the proposal to the Nigerian Copyright Commission and circulated it to other organisations. According to MTN, the plaintiffs 20 For 20 idea was not copyrightable because Nigerian law protects only original expressions, not business concepts or ideas. The firm said the promotion was independently created by its marketing team, and there was no evidence that the plaintiffs document influenced MTNs planning. No confidential relationship, no copyright breach Court The judge, Mr Faji, noted that the plaintiffs had conceded their trademark claim, leaving only allegations of breach of confidentiality and copyright infringement. On confidentiality, the court held that no confidential relationship existed. The proposal had already been placed in the public domain through submissions to the Nigerian Copyright Commission and circulated to other companies. The court said MTN was under no legal obligation to respond to an unsolicited proposal in the absence of any contract or non-disclosure agreement. Regarding copyright, the judge ruled that registration with the copyright commission does not confer copyright. He noted that Nigerian law protects original expression, not ideas or business concepts. The plaintiffs 20 For 20 Millennium Promotion was merely a plan to reward customers during an anniversary celebration and lacked originality. Mr Faji also observed that MTNs use of MTN 20th Anniversary was a natural description and did not infringe any protectable work. He noted evidence that similar reward initiatives had been implemented by MTN affiliates in other countries prior to the plaintiffs proposal. Describing the suit as a gold-digging exercise, the judge criticised the plaintiffs for using MTNs trademark in their proposal without authorisation and attempting to base a billion-naira claim on the same document. He said the case wasted judicial time and stressed that courts should be approached only with suits that have prima facie merit. The court dismissed the suit in its entirety and ordered the plaintiffs to pay N3 million in costs to MTN. Gunmen on Saturday evening attacked a Benue Links bus in the Otukpo axis of Benue State, opening fire on the vehicle and injuring at least three people. IDOMA VOICE, a local newspaper, reported that the commercial bus, which departed Makurdi for Lagos, was ambushed a few minutes after leaving Otukpo town, around the Burnt Bricks area. The attackers were said to have fired indiscriminately, triggering panic among passengers who fled in different directions as bullets hit the vehicle. Three occupants sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. A survivor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attack occurred between two security checkpoints. We were on our way to Lagos, between two checking points, when armed robbers attacked us, the survivor said. They kept shooting non-stop. They shot three people. At that point, we thought we would not come out alive. The survivor said the injured passengers were rushed for treatment shortly after the attack. We were taken to the teaching hospital in Otukpo. We thank God for life. I am still in shock and cannot say much, the survivor added. It was gathered that the victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where they are currently receiving medical attention. As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, were not successful, as her phone line was unreachable. An official of Benue Links Transport Company, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed the attack. He said security agencies in the state had taken over the matter and were handling investigations. The attack adds to growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Benue State. PREMIUM TIMES has reported a series of violent incidents across the state in recent weeks, including deadly cult clashes in Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo and Jato-Aka in Kwande Local Government Area, which left at least eight people dead between late December and early January. The newspaper also reported that suspected armed herders recently killed five farmers in Kwande Local Government Area, while police neutralised a suspected bandit in Ukum Local Government Area on 7 January during an operation to prevent a planned kidnapping in Zaki-Biam. READ ALSO: Gunmen abduct travellers on Kwara highway Residents and travellers along major highways in the state have repeatedly raised concerns about attacks on vehicles, particularly along routes linking Makurdi, Otukpo and neighbouring states. Saturdays attack on a Benue Links bus has renewed fears over the safety of commercial transportation in the state, especially at night. Security agencies have said operations are ongoing to address criminal activities across Benue, but residents continue to call for increased patrols and more visible security presence along major roads and flashpoints. Photo: the attacked Benue Links vehicle with stained blood If we want to find a potential multi-bagger, often there are underlying trends that can provide clues. Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. With that in mind, we've noticed some promising trends at Geo Energy Resources (SGX:RE4) so let's look a bit deeper. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)? Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. The formula for this calculation on Geo Energy Resources is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.033 = US$29m (US$1.0b - US$133m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2025). Therefore, Geo Energy Resources has an ROCE of 3.3%. Even though it's in line with the industry average of 3.3%, it's still a low return by itself. View our latest analysis for Geo Energy Resources SGX:RE4 Return on Capital Employed January 11th 2026 Above you can see how the current ROCE for Geo Energy Resources compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free analyst report for Geo Energy Resources . How Are Returns Trending? While in absolute terms it isn't a high ROCE, it's promising to see that it has been moving in the right direction. The data shows that returns on capital have increased substantially over the last five years to 3.3%. The company is effectively making more money per dollar of capital used, and it's worth noting that the amount of capital has increased too, by 214%. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at Geo Energy Resources thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital. What We Can Learn From Geo Energy Resources' ROCE In summary, it's great to see that Geo Energy Resources can compound returns by consistently reinvesting capital at increasing rates of return, because these are some of the key ingredients of those highly sought after multi-baggers. And a remarkable 315% total return over the last five years tells us that investors are expecting more good things to come in the future. In light of that, we think it's worth looking further into this stock because if Geo Energy Resources can keep these trends up, it could have a bright future ahead. The Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, has admitted its pioneer set of medical students as part of the 3,368 students admitted into the university for the 2025/2026 academic session. The university vice-chancellor, Umaru Pate, a professor, disclosed this during the universitys matriculation for the 14th set of admitted students on Thursday. Mr Pate explained that the university admitted 45 medical students for Bachelors degrees in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), as well as in Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology. The vice-chancellor also announced that the university has received approval to offer degrees in Dental Surgery, Nursing and Occupational Therapy from the National Universities Commission (NUC). We are grateful to the NUC, Federal Ministry of Health and the professional regulatory agencies for their support and confidence in the takeoff of the College and securing of full accreditation for seven programmes at a go, he said. Admitted students Mr Pate explained that 3,308 students were admitted into regular programmes and 60 others into the part-time courses. He provided a breakdown of admitted students, with 1,004 at the Faculty of Social Sciences, 920 at the Faculty of Science, 528 at the Faculty of Management Sciences, and 525 at the Faculty of Education. The vice-chancellor said this years matriculation reflects the steady growth and expanding academic profile of the Federal University of Kashere. For this academic session, students have been admitted into the Centre for Part-Time and Distance Learning Studies and the Prof Jibril Aminu College of Medical Sciences, as well as the Faculties of Agriculture, Education, Humanities, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, and Science, he said. Admonition to students Addressing the students, Mr Pate assured them of the universitys commitment to academic excellence, development and a peaceful and respectful towngown relations. He said the university has remained steadfast in safeguarding academic standards by securing full accreditation for most of its programmes from the National Universities Commission. And we shall continue to strengthen quality assurance mechanisms across all faculties, he said. Our duty is to train you with relevant and up-to-date curricula that will prepare you for a rapidly changing world. Mr Pate also warned them against destructive behaviours such as examination malpractice, drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and all forms of antisocial conduct, including what is commonly referred to as yahoo-yahoo. These dangerous shortcuts may appear attractive, but they have ruined many promising lives. The University has zero tolerance for such acts, and offenders will face the full weight of our regulations, he added. READ ALSO: Zamfara governor bags honorary doctorate degree from Kebbi university About university Federal University, Kashere (FUK) was established in 2010 by former President Goodluck Jonathan. In February 2011, Mr Jonathan appointed Mohammed Farouk, a professor, as the pioneer vice-chancellor and Abubakar Bafeto as Registrar. The university admitted its first set of students during the 2011/2013 academic session. The Plateau State Government has rescued 25 people, most of them children, who were kidnapped along the ZakSabon Layi Road in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, and handed them over to the local council for reunification with their families. The rescue was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, Gyang Bere, who said the operation was carried out in collaboration with security agencies, leading to the victims release on Friday. Briefing journalists during the handover ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the victims were kidnapped on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at about 7 p.m., while travelling to attend a Maulud celebration. According to him, the abductors disguised themselves as vigilante operatives and mounted a fake roadblock, stopping the victims tricycles under the pretext of conducting routine security checks. After stopping them for what appeared to be a normal search, the criminals whisked them away to an unknown destination, Mr Jatau said. He said sustained and coordinated pressure by the State Security Service (SSS), with support from the state government, led to the safe rescue of the victims. The group comprised six females and 19 males, he added. Mr Jatau said the state government would support the affected families through the Wase Local Government Council to help the victims recover from the psychological impact of their captivity. Part of a wider security challenge The rescue follows a series of kidnapping incidents in Plateau State in recent months. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that at least 28 travellers were abducted in the Zak community, Bashar District of Wase LGA, in December while travelling to Sabon Layi for a religious event. Security agencies later said investigations had begun, amid growing concern over the use of fake roadblocks by criminal groups. The newspaper also reported that on 1 January, troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, foiled a planned attack on communities in Wase, killing five suspected bandits during an intelligence-led ambush. READ ALSO: 28 travellers kidnapped in Plateau community In another operation on 5 January, troops rescued a retired army officer, Colonel Ajanaku (retd.), who had been abducted from his residence in Bassa Local Government Area, without the payment of ransom. Despite these operations, residents across Wase and neighbouring local government areas have continued to raise concerns over repeated kidnappings and attacks along major rural roads, calling for sustained security patrols and improved intelligence to prevent further incidents. The Katsina State Government has defended its decision to initiate the release of 70 persons suspected of involvement in banditry, describing the move as part of a broader peace agreement with armed groups operating in the state. The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the action was intended to consolidate a peace deal reached between affected communities and what he described as repentant bandits across several local government areas. Mr Muazu spoke during an interview with DCL Hausa on Saturday, following public outrage over a leaked government letter seeking judicial intervention to facilitate the release of suspects currently facing criminal prosecution. According to the commissioner, at least 15 local government areas were involved in the peace arrangement, which he said had led to the release of about 1,000 abducted persons by armed groups. The release of these suspects is similar to what happens during wartime, where warring parties exchange prisoners, he said. Leaked letter Controversy over the decision began last week after a letter dated 2 January and marked SECRET surfaced online. The letter, first reported by Sahara Reporters, was issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice and addressed to the states Chief Judge. In the document, the ministry requested the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of the detained suspects. Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, the letter stated that a list of 48 suspects accused of various banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. The proposed release, the ministry said, was intended to serve as one of the conditions precedent for the continuance of the peace accord deal signed between the frontline local governments and the bandits. The letter further disclosed that while a few of the suspects had been arraigned before the Federal High Court, most were still in custody awaiting trial at various magistrates courts across the state. In addition, a separate list of about 22 inmates facing trial before different high courts in Katsina was also submitted for possible release under the same peace arrangement. The ministry urged the Chief Judge to take necessary action, citing Section 371(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Katsina State, 2021, which outlines the powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee. Public backlash The disclosure triggered widespread criticism from Nigerians, including legal practitioners and civil society actors, who warned that releasing suspects accused of serious crimes could undermine the rule of law, deny justice to victims, and embolden criminal networks. Govts justification Responding to the criticism, Mr Muazu said the peace deal had already yielded tangible results, particularly the release of abducted persons across several communities. He listed figures from different local government areas, including Sabuwa (310), Bakori (125), Danmusa (60), Dutsinma (62), and Safana (36), among others. World over, after wars are fought, there are usually prisoner exchanges, he said. READ ALSO: Suspected bandits stab Plateau resident to death Citing Nigerias civil war and past negotiations with Boko Haram, the commissioner argued that releasing detainees as part of peace negotiations was not unprecedented. The issue is not whether an offence was committed or not, but ensuring peace, he said, adding that prisoner exchange is not a new thing in the history of war and peace. Mr Muazu maintained that the actions of the Ministry of Justice and the courts did not violate any existing laws, insisting that anyone dissatisfied with the decision was free to seek redress through the courts. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 80-year-old grandpa for returning to crime. The Octogenarian reverted to trafficking barely three years after he was arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to two years imprisonment for dealing in illicit drugs. The Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Mr Babafemi said that the suspect was notorious for illicit drug business, saying, he was first arrested by NDLEA on Dec. 14, 2022, prosecuted and sentenced to two years in jail by a Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Not ready to let go the old habit, the suspect returned to the illicit drug trade. Following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, Jan. 10, tracked the Octogenarian ex-convict to his Mmanta Abak village, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom. This was where he was arrested with 5.7 kilogrammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis in his residence. In another successful interdiction operation in Akwa Ibom, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Oron-Ibaka road in Oron LGA on Friday, 9 January, intercepted a 37-year-old businessman. Mr Babafemi said that the arrest was made while the suspect was travelling with full-body mannequins for his clothing business in Cameroon. The director said that a search of the mannequins revealed that they were stuffed with pills of tramadol weighing 5.3 kilogrammes. He added that the suspect claimed that he resided in Cameroon and was reportedly returning to his base after the Christmas and New Year holidays when he was apprehended. It was revealed that he bought the drugs in Onitsha, Anambra, and was trafficking them to Cameroon to sell, using two mannequins to conceal the opioids, he said. Meanwhile, in Oyo, raids across different locations led to the seizure of dangerous illicit drugs and the arrest of notorious dealers, including a 45-year-old suspected drug trafficker at Sasa, Ibadan. Mr Babafemi said that a total of 10.696 kilogrammes of Colorado, Scottish Loud, Ghana Loud, Canadian Loud and skunk, all strains of cannabis, were recovered from him. At the time of his arrest on Thursday, Jan. 8, two vehicles: Toyota Venza and Toyota Yaris marked HG 06 LYD were also recovered from him. Also, at Adegbayi area of the state capital, Ibadan, NDLEA officers on Friday, Jan. 9, apprehended a suspect with various quantities of Colorado, Ghana Loud and skunk. Similarly, another suspected drug trafficker was nabbed at Ring road, Ibadan with 1.264kg Colorado, Scottish Loud and skunk. Not less than N1.3 million cash exhibit was also recovered from him at the point of his arrest on Saturday, Jan. 10, he maintained. In another development, a dispatch rider and two other suspects were, on Friday, 9 January, arrested at Ihama/Airport road GRA, Benin City, Edo, in connection with the seizure of 118 grammes of Canadian Loud and a wrap of Colorado. Mr Babafemi said that while a suspected drug trafficker was arrested at Irrua with 17.552kg Colorado, Loud and skunk, another suspect was nabbed at Ubiaja with 930 grammes of skunk on Wednesday, Jan. 7. In Niger, no fewer than 4,000 pills of tramadol 225mg were recovered from a suspect at Dakwa town in Tafa LGA. Mr Babafemi said that another suspect was nabbed with 100 blocks of skunk weighing 47kg in Lankaviri, Yorro LGA of Taraba, on Wednesday, 7 January. Similarly, not less than 30,950 capsules of tramadol were recovered from the home of a suspect in Bachure area of Yola South LGA of Adamawa, following his arrest at the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport Yola on Tuesday, Jan. 6. ALSO READ: Kano commissioner suspended for standing surety for drug trafficking suspect resigns With the same vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Government Day Science and Technical College, Babura, Jigawa; Abu Ayubal Ansari Islamiyya School. Also included were Layin Indo Mai Tuwan Tara, Fagge LGA, Kano; and youths of Oshituma Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo, Ebonyi state, among others, he said. (NAN) Africa stands at a crossroads. The old model: donor driven, fragmented and reactive is fading. The new model: nationally owned, intelligence driven, and accountable is emerging. The US decision to channel billions directly to African governments is not just a funding shift. It is an invitation to build health systems that are resilient, equitable, data driven, community-centred, and politically credible. Africas public health crisis is not new, but the stakes have never been higher. Despite decades of donor investment, health systems across the continent remain under-resourced, fragmented and dangerously dependent on external actors. The United States decision to channel billions of dollars directly to African governments marks a dramatic shift in global health financing. It places responsibility squarely where it belongs: in national institutions. The future of African public health now hinges on whether governments can turn this moment into meaningful reform. For years, African health systems have been shaped by a persistent contradiction: billions in donor funding, yet chronic fragility in service delivery, data systems, and ineffective governance. The COVID 19 pandemic exposed this contradiction with painful clarity. Ministries of Health were forced to make life and death decisions using lagging indicators, fragmented reporting tools and donor driven priorities that often-bypassed national systems entirely. This fragility is structural. Africa accounts for 17 per cent of the worlds population but only 3 per cent of global health spending. Out of pocket payments make up 37 per cent of total health expenditure double the global average. In many countries, 30 to 70 per cent of primary health facilities experience regular stock outs and more than 80 per cent of health information systems remain paper based. These are not technical glitches. They are governance failures. Yet, a quiet revolution is underway. In 2025, the United States began restructuring its global health engagement, signing a wave of direct government-to-government funding agreements across Africa. Kenya secured $1.5 billion. Cote dIvoire received $480 million. Ethiopia, Botswana, Sierra Leone and Madagascar, together obtained $2.3 billion. Nigeria, with its more than 230 million people, has now joined this new wave of direct partnerships. Crucially, these agreements channel US funding through government systems rather than through NGO-managed programmes. This is not just a funding change. It is a governance revolution. Africas Health Intelligence Gap Is the Real Crisis African health systems do not struggle because leaders just lack commitment or because money is scarce. They struggle because decision makers also lack real time health intelligence. Most ministries still rely on reports that arrive 30 to 90 days late; donor systems that create up to 40 per cent of data fragmentation; manual aggregation that hides local realities; and weak feedback loops from communities. The consequences are predictable: outbreaks detected too late, stock outs that could have been prevented, and budgets that do not match actual needs. Africa takes 10 days longer than global averages to detect disease outbreaks, which is a delay that costs lives and money. If governments are now receiving billions directly, they must be able to see what is happening in their systems in real time. That requires intelligence-driven governance systems. Why Health Intelligence Matters Now Intelligence driven governance is not about gadgets or dashboards. It is about the discipline to see, decide and act quickly. When governments integrate facility level data, supply chain visibility, workforce deployment, disease surveillance, citizen feedback and budget execution, they can detect service disruptions early, allocate resources on the basis of evidence and hold managers accountable. Predictive analytics can cut outbreak response time by up to 40 per cent. Smarter procurement can save up to $2 billion annually. Every dollar invested in health intelligence yields up to ten dollars in efficiency gains. This is the logic behind innovations like the Health Systems Intelligence Lab (HSIL), which demonstrates how real time data and governance diagnostics can transform decision making. Intelligence driven governance is not a technical upgrade. It is a political disruption. Real time visibility threatens actors who benefit from opacity, fragmentation, and slow decision cycles. Every African health system has its own political economy equilibrium, an informal balance of interests, incentives and power brokers who shape how resources flow and who gets to decide. A Once in a Generation Opening Direct funding changes everything. For the first time in decades, governments control the money; donors demand results, not reports; parallel systems lose their justification; and political leaders can claim visible wins. Cote dIvoire committed 60 per cent domestic co-financing. Ethiopia, Botswana, Sierra Leone and Madagascar are to come up with $900 million of their own budgets. Nigerias commitments are expected to grow. This is not charity. It is partnership and it is reshaping incentives across the continent. The Politics: Why Reform Will Be Hard Intelligence driven governance is not a technical upgrade. It is a political disruption. Real time visibility threatens actors who benefit from opacity, fragmentation, and slow decision cycles. Every African health system has its own political economy equilibrium, an informal balance of interests, incentives and power brokers who shape how resources flow and who gets to decide. Three forces, in particular, will resist this shift. 1. Bureaucratic Gatekeepers Who Benefit from Information Asymmetry In many ministries, data is power. Directors, programme managers and subnational officials often control information flows as a way of maintaining influence, negotiating budgets, or shielding underperformance. When dashboards expose facility level realities instantly, these gatekeepers lose leverage. Resistance will not be loud; it will be procedural, such as delays, pilots, committees, and endless validation cycles designed to slow down change. 2. Procurement and Supply Chain Interests Opaque procurement systems are among the most politically sensitive spaces in African health sectors. Stock out manipulation, inflated tenders, ghost deliveries, and politically connected suppliers thrive in environments where no one can see what is happening in real time. Intelligence systems that track commodities from central warehouses to facilities threaten these networks directly. Expect pushback disguised as capacity concerns, system incompatibility, or the need for further consultation. In short, never-ending analysis leading to paralysis. 3. Donor and INGO Incentives that Favour Parallelism For decades, donors and INGOs have built careers, budgets, institutional identities around parallel systems. These systems were justified as efficient, accountable, or risk mitigating, but they also entrenched a political economy in which governments were bystanders, not stewards. Direct funding flips this logic. Donors must now align with national systems; INGOs must shift from implementers to enablers. Some will adapt. Others will fight to preserve the old order. The Real Battle: Control of Information At its core, this reform moment is about who controls the truth of the health system. If governments control the truth, they can govern. If donors control the truth, they can dictate. If bureaucratic networks control the truth, they can extract. If no one controls the truth, the system collapses into fragmentation. Intelligence driven governance redistributes power by redistributing information. This is real systems change at work. That is why it will face resistance and why it is essential. But even the best intelligence systems mean little if they fail to serve those most often left behind. International NGOs have been central to Africas health gains. They have expertise, infrastructure, and decades of experience. But the era of parallel implementation is ending. To stay relevant, NGOs must shift from doing to enabling. Equity Must Be the North Star A health system can be efficient and still be unjust. Women make up 70 per cent of the health workforce but only 25 per cent of its leadership. Maternal mortality in Africa is 533 per 100,000 births, compared to 12 in high income countries. Up to 40 per cent of rural births occur without a skilled provider. People in informal settlements are three to five times more likely to face service disruptions. Intelligence systems must make the invisible visible: women, the poor, rural communities, informal workers, and people living far from political power. Achieving this level of equity will require partners who understand their role in a new governance landscape. That is where NGOs fit in. NGOs Fit in this New Era International NGOs have been central to Africas health gains. They have expertise, infrastructure, and decades of experience. But the era of parallel implementation is ending. To stay relevant, NGOs must shift from doing to enabling. They must: 1. Strengthen government systems, not substitute for them. 2. Support real time intelligence and data integration. 3. Build financial governance and procurement capacity. 4. Transfer skills to local organisations. 5. Help governments navigate political economy bottlenecks. 6. Facilitate social accountability between citizens and providers. 7. Redesign business models around technical excellence, not project volume. The INGOs that thrive will be those that evolve. A Blueprint for African Governments To seize this moment, African governments must: 1. Build national health intelligence labs. 2. Establish subnational decision rooms. 3. Integrate citizen feedback into decision-making. 4. Strengthen data governance and privacy. 5. Align donor reporting to national systems. 6. Train leaders in intelligence driven governance. Technology alone will not save us. Leadership will. Africas Moment to Lead Africa stands at a crossroads. The old model: donor driven, fragmented and reactive is fading. The new model: nationally owned, intelligence driven, and accountable is emerging. The US decision to channel billions directly to African governments is not just a funding shift. It is an invitation to build health systems that are resilient, equitable, data driven, community-centred, and politically credible. If governments, donors, and INGOs rise to this moment, Africa can finally move from crisis response to a future defined by intelligence, dignity and shared prosperity. Wale Osofisan is a seasoned governance strategist and policy analyst with over 23 years of experience advancing African-led, evidence-based solutions to political economy issues, humanitarian crises and development challenges. If this fouryear mark offers any takeaway, it is that public service is neither a shortcut to impact nor a refuge for complacency. It is demanding, often misunderstood work that benefits from thoughtful participation. Imo State, like Nigeria more broadly, needs more professionals willing to come closer, not to seek validation, but to help strengthen decisionmaking from within. Judgment, ultimately, belongs to citizens and history. Participation, however, remains a choice. My thoughts and experience! The 5th of January, 2026 makes it exactly four years since I was sworn in as Chief Economic Adviser to the Imo State Government by Governor Hope Uzodimma. I recall being invited to join the Executive Council (EXCO) meeting that morning. After sitting with the other EXCO members for a few minutes, someone came over and whispered to me that the governor wanted to see me. It was my first time in that environment. It was also my first time meeting him in Owerri as the governor of Imo State. I didnt know what to expect. Everything felt new. When I met him, he was warm and friendly. However, I suppose he noticed my curiosity and asked if I would be comfortable being sworn in that morning and if it would be acceptable to my university, given my pro bono work agreement. I agreed. He administered the oath shortly after, and the rest, as they say, is history. Having held the job for four years, which is akin to a political term in office in Nigeria, it seems an appropriate moment to reflect, not to grade performance, but to share what working inside government actually looks and feels like from close quarters. Public office, especially economic management, is often imagined as either a battlefield or a banquet: endless conflict on one hand, endless privilege on the other. The reality is far less dramatic and far more demanding. It is daily problemsolving under constraint, shaped by limited resources, high expectations, and the weight of history. In Imo State, where citizens are politically alert and quick to scrutinise government claims, ideas do not survive for long unless they resonate with lived experience. From the beginning, the economic agenda pursued by the Imo State Government reflected Governor Hope Uzodimmas 3R priorities. The Imo Development Plan, the Imo Industrial Policy, the largescale training of young people in digital skills, the Imo Economy Digest, and the One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) all emerged from the administrations determination to bring structure, direction, and seriousness to economic governance. These initiatives are politically owned by the governor. My responsibility was to work within that framework, helping to clarify economic logic, strengthen coherence, and ensure that ambition remained connected to institutional and fiscal realities. This distinction matters. Advising the government is not about authorship or visibility. It is about stewardship of ideas in an environment where decisions must balance economics, politics, and social expectations. Much of the work happens away from cameras: refining concepts, stresstesting assumptions, and ensuring that different policies reinforce, rather than undermine one another. The focus has consistently been on building systems and creating jobs and enterprises, rather than episodic empowerment; social protection conceived as insurance rather than charity; skills development linked to opportunity, rather than aspiration alone. Governor Hope Uzodimmas leadership style has been instrumental in shaping how this process has unfolded. One quiet lesson from working in government is the value of experience. Public policy is an unforgiving terrain, and good intentions without seasoned judgment can easily lead to costly mistakes. Having an experienced political leader to lean on, someone who understands institutions, timing, and consequences, matters more than is often acknowledged. Working inside government also reveals why change can be slower than many citizens would like. Listening to the public is indispensable in this process. Public sentiment, criticism, and everyday feedback are often early signals of what is working and what is not. But governing by opinion polls alone is neither realistic nor responsible. It is impossible to please everyone, and attempting to do so often leads to incoherence, rather than inclusion. Effective public service requires convictions anchored in good intentions, tempered by openmindedness and a willingness to adjust when evidence or experience demands it. State governments operate within a tight fiscal space and limited autonomy. Revenue volatility, inherited obligations, and institutional capacity, all shape what is possible at any given time. Economic advising in this context requires patience, pragmatism, and realism. It is less about finding perfect solutions than about making workable choices and sequencing them carefully. There is also an important human dimension to governance that is often missed from the outside. People debate policies with competing responsibilities, pressures, and loyalties. Civil servants bring institutional memory, political leaders bring electoral accountability, and advisers bring analysis and perspective. Effective policy emerges not from dominance by any one group, but from sustained engagement among all three. Observing and participating in this process over four years has been a sobering education for anyone inclined to see government as either incompetent or omnipotent. Governor Hope Uzodimmas leadership style has been instrumental in shaping how this process has unfolded. One quiet lesson from working in government is the value of experience. Public policy is an unforgiving terrain, and good intentions without seasoned judgment can easily lead to costly mistakes. Having an experienced political leader to lean on, someone who understands institutions, timing, and consequences, matters more than is often acknowledged. Governor Uzodimma is decisive and politically astute, with a clear sense of timing and authority. He places value on structured thinking and clear reasoning, particularly where policies affect everyday life. His consistent interest in infrastructure development, health insurance, grassroots enterprise, skills acquisition, and social stability has provided a stable foundation for economic growth. While implementation challenges are inevitable, the intent to address structural exclusion has been steady, rather than episodic. For professionals who keep their distance from politics and the public sector, often due to frustration or mistrust, there is a quiet lesson to be learnt here. Institutions do not improve by being avoided. They improve when capable people engage them seriously, with clear boundaries and ethical discipline. Engagement does not mean applausesinging or surrendering independence. It means understanding context, respecting process, and contributing ideas that can survive political and institutional realities. Navigating public service in Imo State has required clarity about role and responsibility. Advice must be grounded in evidence, expressed with restraint, and delivered in a way that strengthens, rather than destabilises, governance. Influence, in this setting, is exercised quietly. It appears not in public credit, but in better-aligned policies and more disciplined conversations. Navigating public service in Imo State has required clarity about role and responsibility. Advice must be grounded in evidence, expressed with restraint, and delivered in a way that strengthens, rather than destabilises, governance. Influence, in this setting, is exercised quietly. It appears not in public credit, but in better-aligned policies and more disciplined conversations. None of this is to suggest that Imo States economic challenges have been resolved. They have not. Employment pressures persist, infrastructure gaps remain, and expectations continue to outpace available resources. These are realities that no honest reflection can ignore. However, there is value in building foundations, as it leads to clearer plans, stronger policy frameworks, and a more deliberate approach to economic management. This approach is at the heart of Governor Uzodimmas leadership philosophy. If this fouryear mark offers any takeaway, it is that public service is neither a shortcut to impact nor a refuge for complacency. It is demanding, often misunderstood work that benefits from thoughtful participation. Imo State, like Nigeria more broadly, needs more professionals willing to come closer, not to seek validation, but to help strengthen decisionmaking from within. Judgment, ultimately, belongs to citizens and history. Participation, however, remains a choice. My thoughts and experience! Before concluding, I would like to express my gratitude to my family for their unwavering support and encouragement. In a special way, I thank my friend and brother, Sir MacDonald Ebere (PhD), the APC chairman in Imo State, whose loyalty to the party and the governor is infectious and unparalleled, for his wise insights and guidance in navigating the political terrain. I thank my office members who are the face of the office and ensure that our activities are closer to the people and the grassroots. I am grateful to my professional colleagues in the sustainability space and EXCO colleagues who provide the needed support. I thank the members of The Imo Economic Solutions (TIES) WhatsApp Group, who provide a credible platform for brainstorming. I also thank my employers, the University of Edinburgh, UK, and the European University Institute, Florence, Italy, for permitting me to serve my state. As it is often said, the struggle continues! Kenneth Amaeshi is a professor of sustainable finance at the European University Institute, Florence, Italy, a professor of sustainable business and public policy at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and the first occupier of the First Bank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair in Business Ethics, University of Lagos, Nigeria. He writes from the 8th Biennial Conference of the African Academy of Management in Casablanca, Morocco. The Central Mechanical Workshop at Katsina Youth Craft Village has completed the rehabilitation and upgrade of nine government-owned vehicles. The Coordinator of Katsina Youth Craft Village, Kabir Abdullahi Kofar Soro, an engineer, disclosed that the development demonstrated Katsina State Governments commitment to efficient asset management and cost saving. Mr Kofar Soro announced that two Toyota Hilux vans originally manufactured in 2008 have been fully refurbished and modernised to 2024 operational standards. He explained that the upgrade involved extensive mechanical, electrical and bodywork enhancements, significantly extending the service life of the vehicles and aligning them with current performance and safety requirements. The Coordinator noted that a Mercedes-Benz 911 truck has been successfully transformed into a fully functional mobile workshop. He said the mobile workshop is designed to provide on-the-spot mechanical support, maintenance and rapid response services, particularly for field operations, thereby reducing downtime and operational delays for government projects. Mr Kofar Soro emphasised that the development underscores the strategic role of the Central Mechanical Workshop in supporting government operations through in-house technical capacity. He added that the initiative reduces dependence on external contractors and ensures prudent utilization of public resources. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The governor gave the commendation during a special church service to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Cathedral Church of St Peter, Ake, Abeokuta. Governor Abiodun noted that President Tinubu has taken decisive steps to strengthen Nigerias security architecture through improved intelligence coordination, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, better welfare for troops, and the provision of modern equipment for the armed forces. Represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor said the Federal Governments interventions were already yielding positive results, helping to restore public confidence in the nations security system. He urged Nigerians to support government efforts by promoting peace, unity, and patriotism, stressing that collective responsibility was essential to building a strong, united, and indivisible nation. Describing Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a moment of thanksgiving, sober reflection, and renewed national responsibility, Governor Abiodun said the occasion was not only to honour fallen heroes but also to recommit to the values of selflessness, courage, and sacrifice which they defended with their lives. He reaffirmed his administrations commitment to the welfare of serving officers, veterans, and families of fallen heroes, emphasising that supporting them was not an act of charity but a national obligation to those who paid the ultimate price for peace and stability. In his sermon titled Greater Love: The Sacrifice of the Servicemen, the Bishop of Christ Chapel of Grace and Mercy, Venerable Samson Popoola, said there was no greater expression of love than the sacrifices made by servicemen and women who laid down their lives for the nation. He noted that their sacrifices went beyond the battlefield, including prolonged separation from family life and the denial of personal comforts. We are gathered here to honour the fallen heroes, those living with disabilities, and those still alive. Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a sober reflection, as the peace Nigerians enjoy today was purchased at a great cost, he said. Venerable Popoola described sacrifice as the true language of love, urging Christians to offer living, holy, and sin-free sacrifices to God. He referenced Esther 4:16, highlighting Queen Esthers selfless sacrifice for her people, as well as lessons from the biblical account of Abel and Cain. Speaking on the responsibilities of the living, the cleric said government must continue to strengthen support for families of fallen heroes, while citizens should also show them compassion, care, and appreciation. He encouraged serving personnel not to be discouraged, assuring them that their sacrifices and contributions to national peace and security are divinely acknowledged. Highlights of the commemorative service included special prayers for Nigeria, the Ogun State Government, Governor Abiodun, the Armed Forces, political leaders, religious leaders, and traditional rulers. Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has called for calm amid the impeachment move against him and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu. Governor Fubara spoke on Sunday during a church service held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, at St Cyprians Anglican Church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the assembly began impeachment proceedings against the governor and his Deputy, Mrs Odu, a professor, on Thursday over alleged gross misconduct. The is the third attempt by the lawmakers to impeach the Rivers governor since he was elected into office in 2023. Remain calm Mr Fubara, in his first public appearance since the fresh impeachment plot, urged Rivers residents to remain calm in the face of the threats by the state lawmakers. The governor assured that everything would be fine in the south-southern state. I know that I have what is supreme, and that is God. So, I want everyone to be relaxed. What is important is peace for this dear state, and well get it by the special name of God, he said. He explained that his decision to remain silent in the face of the political crisis was deliberate, adding that he draws strength from his faith in God. Mr Fubara spoke about a comment he made a few days ago that dogs bark when they do not understand. I said something that dogs bark when they dont understand. Now, see, a lot of you dont understand, and thats the reason why I dont shout, I dont complain. I know what I have. I know that I have who is supreme, and thats God, he said. Background This is the third attempt by the Rivers assembly to impeach Mr Fubara since he became the governor of the state in 2023 amid a feud between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The assembly first initiated an impeachment proceeding against Mr Fubara in October 2023 over allegations of gross misconduct. However, the impeachment process was dropped shortly after President Bola Tinubu intervened in the political rift between Messrs Fubara and Wike at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. In December of that year, the lawmaker officially withdrew the impeachment notice against Governor Fubara following a peace deal signed by Messrs Fubara and Wike. The peace deal later broke down with the Rivers Assembly stripping Governor Fubara of the power to appoint caretaker committees for local government councils. READ ALSO: Rivers assembly denies halting impeachment move against Fubara In March 2025, the assembly, for the second time, began an impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Mrs Odu, after serving a notice of alleged misconduct against them. While the process was ongoing, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on 18 March 2025 and suspended all elected officials in the state, including the governor, for six months. Mr Fubara only returned to the office in September of that year, after the president declared an end to the emergency rule following a second peace deal brokered in June between Messrs. Fubara and Wike, alongside their supporters. The second peace deal recently broke down with Mr Wike accusing the governor of reneging on the terms of the latest agreement in the peace deal brokered by the president. Mr Fubara recently defected from the PDP to the APC, apparently in the hope of receiving political protection from the ruling party. The Rivers House of Assembly says it has uncovered secret plots by certain persons to use high courts in Rivers State to stop its sittings and scuttle its impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu. The assembly spokesperson, Enemi George, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the assembly began impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Mrs Odu, a professor, on Thursday, over alleged gross misconduct. Plot to stop us Mr George, who represents the Asari-Toru II Constituency, alleged that the unnamed persons planned to use courts outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division to get ex parte orders to illegally stop the lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties. The spokesperson argued that the persons plotting the move are fully aware of the provisions of Section 272(3) of the Constitution of Nigeria, which states that the Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the question as to whether the term of office of a state lawmaker, governor, or deputy governor has ceased or become vacant. Also, section 188(10) states that no proceedings or determination of the panel or of the house of assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court, he said. The lawmaker added that the persons are also fully aware of judicial pronouncements on this matter, especially recently at the Court of Appeal on a matter involving a similar ex parte order by a Rivers State High Court contrary to section 272(3) of the constitution. A word is enough for the wise, he said. Mr George called on those concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from acts inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law. He asked Governor Fubara and his deputy to respond to allegations of gross misconduct. All that is required is for the office holders who have already been duly served with the Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct to respond to them item by item rather than deploy subterranean moves to subvert the law or use proxies to malign members and the Rivers State House of Assembly in the media, he said. Background This is the third attempt by the Rivers assembly to impeach Mr Fubara since he became the governor of the state in 2023 amid a feud between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The assembly first initiated an impeachment proceeding against Mr Fubara in October 2023 over allegations of gross misconduct. But the impeachment process was dropped shortly after President Bola Tinubu mediated in the political rift between Governor Fubara and Mr Wike at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. In December of that year, the lawmaker officially withdrew the impeachment notice against Governor Fubara following a peace deal signed by Messrs Fubara and Wike. The peace deal later broke down with the Rivers Assembly stripping Governor Fubara of the power to appoint caretaker committees for local government councils. In March 2025, the assembly, for the second time, began an impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Mrs Odu, after serving a notice of alleged misconduct against them. While the process was ongoing, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on 18 March 2025 and suspended all elected officials in the state, including the governor, for six months. Mr Fubara only returned to the office in September of that year, after the president declared an end to the emergency rule following a second peace deal brokered in June between Messrs. Fubara and Wike, alongside their supporters. The second peace deal recently broke down with Mr Wike accusing the governor of reneging on the terms of the latest agreement in the peace deal brokered by the president. Mr Fubara recently defected from the PDP to the APC, apparently in the hope of receiving political protection from the ruling party. SharpLink Gaming reportedly pulled in $33 million in income by staking Ethereum, after committing its entire crypto treasury to ETH. Ethereum traded near $3,100 during the disclosure, still well below SharpLinks average buy price. That tension says a lot about todays crypto market, where yield now matters as much as price. SharpLink now holds about 864,000 ETH, making it one of the largest corporate Ether holders on the planet. Even with ETH off its highs, staking rewards kept flowing. This mirrors a broader shift as companies treat Ethereum less like a lottery ticket and more like a cashproducing asset. For everyday investors, the message is simple. Big players earn while they wait. That changes how people think about holding ETH. DISCOVER: Top Ethereum Meme Coins to Buy in 2026 What Is Ethereum Stakingand Why Is SharpLink Doing It? Ethereum staking is like earning interest for helping secure the network. You lock up ETH, and in return, the network pays you rewards for validating transactions. Think of it as putting money in a savings account that also keeps Ethereum running. SharpLink went all in. The company says it stays 100% ETH and 100% staked, which means nearly every coin works around the clock. Over seven months, that added up to more than 10,600 ETH in rewards, worth about $33 million at current prices. This matters because it shows how large holders manage risk. Price goes up and down. Yield keeps coming. For beginners, that explains why so many firms now prefer Ethereum over Bitcoin, which does not pay staking rewards. DISCOVER: Top Ethereum Meme Coins to Buy in 2026 Institutional Demand Is Reshaping Ethereum SharpLink is not alone. Corporate and institutional players now stake a growing share of Ethereums supply, tightening the amount available for trading. More than 28% of all ETH sits in staking contracts. Some firms go even further. SharpLink recently deployed $170 million worth of ETH into Linea, an Ethereum layer2 network, to earn extra rewards. We covered that move in detail when SharpLink put $170M ETH to work on Linea. This trend also spills into regulated markets. Banks like Morgan Stanley filed for spot ETH ETFs that include staking yield, bringing Ethereum income to traditional investors. We saw that shift when Wall Street leaned into ETH staking rewards. Why This Is Not a Free Lunch Heres the reality check. SharpLinks ETH stash sits on an unrealized loss of roughly $395 million because prices fell after buying. Staking income softens the blow, but it does not erase market risk. There is also a technical risk. Staked ETH locks up capital, and newer strategies like restaking add extra layers of complexity. Higher yields often come with higher system risk. Economic activities were grounded on Saturday in Ekpoma and surrounding communities in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, as residents protested rising kidnap attacks in the area. A video clip circulating on X showed a crowd of protesters, including students and residents, marching through major streets and a federal highway in the community. The protesters were seen chanting solidarity songs as they set bonfires with old tyres and other materials on several sections of the federal highway. The protesters also erected makeshift barricades, effectively blocking vehicular movements. In another clip, some irate youths were seen invading Kara Market in Ekpoma and taking away some livestock reportedly belonging to some people accused of taking part in the attacks. Similarly, some 2027 campaign billboards were pulled down during the protest. A resident, Stella Osagie, told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday morning that there had been frequent kidnap attacks in Ekpoma lately. Ms Osagie said the police in Edo were not doing anything to stop the attacks. Theres not a day that passes that citizens are not being kidnapped in Ekpoma. People are now living in fear, she said. The resident urged police authorities in Edo to intervene in the attacks in the Ekpoma community. Police react The police spokesperson in the state, Eno Ikoedem, told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday morning that the Commissioner of Police in Edo, Monday Agbonika, has personally led police officers, including the anti-kidnapping tactical team, to Ekpoma. Ms Ikoedem, an assistant superintendent of police, said the police in Edo have vowed to do everything within their resources to stop kidnap attacks in the south-southern state. Issues of security require calm Also reacting in a statement on Saturday, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, criticised the manner in which residents held the protest on Saturday in the community. Mr Afegbua said the idea of blocking roads and disrupting movement, in the name of protest, does not aid security operations and may expose residents to further risks. While the (Edo State) Government recognises the constitutional right of citizens to express concerns, it is important to state and very clearly that matters of security require calm, coordination, and constructive engagement, he said. The commissioner said Governor Monday Okpebholos administration understands the concerns of residents, adding that effective security solutions are best achieved through intelligence sharing, community collaboration, and sustained engagement with security agencies. Kidnap-for-ransom Cases of kidnap-for-ransom have increased in Edo State in recent times. On 1 January, for instance, suspected kidnappers abducted a medical doctor, Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, and his brother, Abu Tahir, in Auchi, Edo State. A few days later, the abductors killed Mr Tahir, while his elder brother, the medical doctor, remains in captivity. In November last year, gunmen kidnapped a couple in Aviele Community near Auchi, the headquarters of the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has replied to people calling for his sack, saying it is within the right of President Bola Tinubu to do so if he so wishes. Mr Wike stated this on Sunday, during a thank you visit to his Local Government Area, Obio-Akpor, in Rivers, stressing that since 1999, the people had not disappointed him. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some politicians and other interest groups have been calling on Mr Tinubu to sack Mr Wike over the protracted political crisis in Rivers. According to him, there is no sentiment or emotion in politics. What matters is interest; the interest of the people. He added that power is not given but taken, saying, for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes a governor in Rivers. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making a pronouncement; nobody has become a senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor making a decision. So, if you like, abuse us, after abusing us, come and look for our votes, and we will punish you with the votes. Dont bother about people who say sack him. If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right; it is not in your place to tell him what to do, he revealed. He said that Mr Tinubu knows his worth and, as such, does not need anybody to tell him what to do. The minister said that Mr Tinubu had done so much for the people of Rivers, stressing that they would return the favour in 2027. To his detractors, the minister explained that he chose to be a politician, not a pastor, a trader, a public commentator, or a journalist, urging them to allow him to play his role in politics. Earlier, Kingsley Chinda, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, said that Obio/Akpor has over 684,000 votes out of the 3.5 million registered voters in Rivers. Mr Chinda, who represents the LGA in the Green Chamber, said that with such voting strength, nobody would challenge the political power of the LGA in the state. Just go home. Tell us what you want us to do and we will do it, he told the minister. The Chairman of the Council, Gift Worlu, described Mr Wike as a gift to the LGA, the state and the country, due to his outstanding performance in public service at the local, state and national levels. READ ALSO Wike abandons ministerial duties in Abuja for weeks because of Rivers politics Mr Worlu thanked the minister for the many things he had done for the people of the LGA, adding that supporting the election of President Tinubu in 2023 had led to a harvest of benefits for the people. He assured the minister that the people know where to go in the 2027 presidential election in the state. Speaking on the gubernatorial election, the chairman said, We do not know where to go yet, but we know where not to go. Also, the Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, reassured the minister of the full support of the people in the local government area. Mr Amaewhule added that members of the State Assembly would continue to pray for him and support his call for the reelection of Tinubu for a second term. Tell Mr President that what we did for him in 2023, we will do even better in 2027, he assured. (NAN) Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has urged residents of the state to ignore recent meetings and criticisms by opposition politicians, describing them as noise driven by selfish interests rather than concern for the welfare of the people. Mr Otti spoke at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Umuoriehi, Umuahia North Local Government Area, during the dedication of a church building renovated with his personal funds. This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the governors spokesperson, Ukoha Ukoha. Empty barrels make the loudest noise Reacting to rising political criticisms, the governor dismissed the activities of opposition figures, many of whom previously held power in the state. I want us to just dismiss it as noise, you know, and its always the empty barrel that makes the loudest noise, Mr Otti said. Quoting the Bible, the governor added: As recorded in Isaiah chapter 54:15, it says, Behold, they will surely gather, but the gathering is not of me. And since its not of me they will scatter, and they will fall for your sake. He also cited Lamentations chapter 5:37, warning critics against speaking without divine or moral authority. Who are you to speak when the Lord has not spoken? he asked. The governor stated that opposition politicians in the state were focusing on their own personal survival rather than the needs of the people. In everything, they will not talk about you, the Abia people. They are talking about themselves, he said, adding that they represent a tiny minority. Mr Otti insisted his administration would remain focused on governance. We should just do what we are doing God doesnt make mistakes. And he doesnt have an unfinished project, he said. Background The governors comments came amid renewed political activities by opposition politicians, particularly leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who have been holding political meetings and issuing public statements. The politicians, including former governors, who governed the state for years under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, lost power in 2023 to Mr Otti of the Labour Party. Many of them, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, have criticised Mr Ottis policies. They have been mobilising their supporters across local government areas ahead of the 2027 general elections. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how Mr Otti faulted the Abia North Senator, Orji Kalu, over his recent remarks that he would ensure that APC takes over Abia in 2027. Mr Kalu, a former two-term (1999-2007) governor of the state, recently vowed to do all within his powers to deliver Abia to the APC in the 2027 elections. A member of the Funsegbuwa Ruling House of Ijebuland, Wasiu Adesanya, has petitioned the Ogun State Government over what he described as attempts to circumvent due process in the nomination of candidates to fill the vacant Awujale stool. Mr Adesanya, through his lawyer, Wahab Shittu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, raised the alarm in a letter dated 8 January and addressed to the Ogun State Executive Council through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. In the petition, Mr Adesanya alleged that some individuals within the ruling house were introducing procedures that are inconsistent with the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State and the extant chieftaincy declaration guiding the Awujale stool. According to the letter, the Secretary of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government had formally directed the Funsegbuwa Ruling House to convene a statutory meeting within 14 days to nominate candidates for the vacant stool, in line with the law. However, Mr Adesanya claimed that while preparations for the meeting were ongoing, a parallel process emerged. He alleged that a public notice issued by a prince who identified himself as the familys public relations officer directed aspirants to obtain nomination forms and appear before a screening committee. The notice also reportedly proposed that nominations would be carried out by selected delegates at a private event centre in Ijebu-Ode. The petitioner argued that the introduction of screening exercises and delegate-based nominations was unknown to the chieftaincy declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law, warning that such steps could disenfranchise eligible members of the ruling house. It is surprising that whilst members of the family were preparing for the important meeting, one Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa who described himself as the Public Relations Officers (P.R.O.) of the family issued a notice directing candidates to pick up nomination cards and appear before a screening committee under the chairmanship of Prince Alhaji Mitiu Adenuga and that the nomination exercise will take place on 12 January 2026 at Bisood Event Center. The notice further directed that the nomination exercise will be done by delegates to be selected at a meeting scheduled for 10 January, 2026. It is a matter of deep concern to our client that all the illegal directives that are unknown to the Chieftaincy declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law and the letter of the Secretary of ljebu-Ode Local Government were included in the letter of the family to the Local Government dated 6th January 2026. It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members of the ruling house desirous of participating in the exercise of nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy occurring in the stool of Awujale of ljebu-Land, the letter read. Mr Adesanya further cautioned that any attempt by a few individuals to dominate the process could generate tension and crisis in what should be a seamless traditional succession exercise. He called on the Ogun State Executive Council to intervene promptly to protect the integrity of the nomination process and ensure strict compliance with due process. The petitioner also warned that attempts to exclude him or other qualified members of the ruling house would be resisted. He urged the state government to ensure fairness and justice for all parties involved. In particular, our clients concern of attempts by certain elements to preclude him from the process in flagrant violation of the letters of the law will be resisted, and we hope that your intervention will ensure that justice is done to all parties involved in the process including our client, the letter read. The letter stated that copies of the petition have been sent to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, and the head of the Funsegbuwa Ruling House. Background The process to fill the vacant stool of Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland in Ogun State became formal after the Ijebu-Ode Local Government approved and notified the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to commence the nomination exercise. On 6 January, the local government, acting on clearance from the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, issued a letter authorising the ruling house to start its internal selection process and asked it to notify the council of the date, time and venue of the nomination meeting within 14 days. In the same letter, the council said that representatives of the local government would attend the nomination meeting only as observers. Responding to the directive, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in a statement signed by the Chairman of the ruling house, Abdullateef Owoyemi, confirmed it had fixed Monday, 12 January, at Bisrod Hall in Ijebu-Ode by 12 noon for the meeting, where eligible members of the ruling house were expected to nominate candidate(s) for the stool. Under the relevant Ogun State chieftaincy law framework, the 14-day period is the recognised window within which a ruling house must submit names of qualified candidates once notified by the council. Where this timeline lapses, other recognised ruling houses may claim eligibility to present candidates according to the order of rotation contained in the chieftaincy declaration. About half of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos State will be demolished next week in preparation for rebuilding, officials have said. The Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria, Thomas Christl, announced this on Sunday during an inspection tour of the bridge by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. Three spans of the existing Iddo Bridge are heavily damaged and need to be replaced. What we are doing at the moment is that we are separating the two lanes the two directions and next week, we will shift the traffic on one direction and one half of the bridge will be demolished and rebuilt. When this is done, by end of March, most likely, we will shift the traffic on the new side of the bridge and demolish this side of the bridge and rebuild this bridge, the manager said. He said that the company was also constructing the bridges underpass. We have already started with the drainage works, the outfall to the lagoon is already done. After the drainage works, we will remove the soil and lower the road level so that we have a higher clearance for the bridge, so that no trucks can crash into the bridge anymore, which was a main reason for the damages on the existing one. Responding, Mr Umahi noted that the Iddo Bridge suffered a fire outbreak because of illegal occupants. He said that the fire damaged three spans on both carriageways. Six spans are affected. What we have done is to re-asphalt one of the carriageways so that we drive that traffic totally over there and then remove the three spans of one carriageway. Then we can divert the traffic back and demolish the second carriageway, he said. Mr Umahi said that the work, to cost N15 billion, would be expected to end in June. Part of the problem is that the headroom is about 4.5 metres high, but the minimum should be 5.6 metres high; so, we are trying to achieve that minimum headroom. READ ALSO: Nigerian govt inaugurates N40bn CCTV Centre on Third Mainland Bridge He said that the contractor had done a significant part of the headroom and demolished the first three spans of the first carriageway. They have also built a bypass route over there. Julius Berger is doing well. I hope they dont delay the job. I am directing the engineer to monitor them and report back to us to ensure that this is completed as scheduled June, he said. The minister gave the assurance that, at the end of the repair, the federal government would install a closed-circuit television camera to monitor activities under the bridge and on its top, just like what the government did on Third Mainland Bridge. (NAN) New agentic solution enables businesses like Kroger, Lowe's, Papa Johns, and Woolworths to create experiences that shift from simple conversations to active problem solving NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at NRF 2026, Google Cloud unveiled Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience (CX), an agentic solution designed to bring shopping and customer service together on a single intelligent interface for businesses, including retailers and restaurants. The solution introduces new prebuilt and configurable agents that are developed using Google's latest Gemini models and can be quickly deployed in days. With Gemini Enterprise for CX, businesses can manage agents across the entire customer lifecycle, from initial product discovery to post-purchase resolution. Today, customers expect a seamless purchase journey and instant resolutions, yet traditional chatbots for shopping and customer service are often static and disconnected. Customers are frequently forced to repeat information as they move between a business's website, mobile app, or phone support. Gemini Enterprise for CX solves this by acting as a proactive digital concierge that connects the entire process, from initial discovery to post-purchase support. It allows businesses to deploy agents that use complex reasoning to understand intent and execute multi-step tasks on behalf of a customer taking into account their preferences and consent. Whether it is an agent cross-referencing a kitchen's electrical specs to source a compatible induction range or an agent resolving a fulfillment error and issuing a real-time refund, the solution maintains continuous context across every touchpoint, creating a more seamless experience for consumers. For businesses, it enables satisfaction at scale, helping to drive loyalty and bottom line growth. "With Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience, we are combining the best of Google Cloud's AI and infrastructure with a business's own institutional intelligence to power a truly agentic commerce journey," said Darshan Kantak, Vice President, Applied AI, Google Cloud. "By bridging the gap between sales and service, businesses can deliver premium, personalized experiences from initial discovery to post-purchase supportdriving the customer delight that scales long-term loyalty and value." New Shopping agent with complex reasoning Gemini Enterprise for CX includes a new Shopping agent that delivers a complete end-to-end solution, connecting frontend interfaces like chat and voice, directly to backend tools. It expands beyond simple chatbots by handling complex requests through: Complex reasoning: Instead of having shoppers manually search for every single item, the agent acts like an expert who understands their specific needs based on an individual shopper's consent. For example, if a shopper says, "I'm looking for a velvet sofa in emerald green that can withstand pet hair, but it needs to be under 90 inches" the agent can filter for specific fabric durability ratings, cross-references the exact dimensions against the room's constraints all while staying within the shopper's budget. Instead of having shoppers manually search for every single item, the agent acts like an expert who understands their specific needs based on an individual shopper's consent. For example, if a shopper says, "I'm looking for a velvet sofa in emerald green that can withstand pet hair, but it needs to be under 90 inches" the agent can filter for specific fabric durability ratings, cross-references the exact dimensions against the room's constraints all while staying within the shopper's budget. Multimodal interactions: The Shopping agent is able to understand image, video, and voice inputs without shoppers having to type what they are looking for into a search bar. For example, shoppers can take a photo of a handwritten recipe and share it with the agent. The agent reads the handwriting, figures out what ingredients are needed, and puts them in the shopping cart while applying their member discounts. The Shopping agent is able to understand image, video, and voice inputs without shoppers having to type what they are looking for into a search bar. For example, shoppers can take a photo of a handwritten recipe and share it with the agent. The agent reads the handwriting, figures out what ingredients are needed, and puts them in the shopping cart while applying their member discounts. Executing consented actions: Most chatbots can only give shoppers information or links to follow. This agent takes consented action. If shoppers are indecisive about a product, the agent can provide options based on past shopping history from their local stores, take into account real-time product availability, and upon consent, add items to their cart and even handle checkout. Businesses including Kroger, Lowe's, and Woolworths, will be using these agentic capabilities to deliver personalized experiences across the entire shopper journey. "Home improvement is inherently complex, so we're using AI to simplify and personalize the experience," said Seemantini Godbole, chief digital and information officer, Lowe's. "With Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience, we are enhancing our AI-powered home improvement advisor, Mylow, to provide guidance personalized to a customer's home, their project, and where they live, bringing new levels of confidence to every decision." "By bringing together Kroger's long-standing food expertise and Google Cloud's agentic platform capabilities, we're creating a simplified shopping experience for our customers that fits into their day," said Yael Cosset, executive vice president and chief digital officer, Kroger. "We're inspiring our customers with meal and shopping solutions that feel truly personalized. Whether it's building a basket for dinner or planning for the week ahead, we're helping customers find the items they love, compare products, and deliver the value they expect, so there is more time for real connections made by sharing food." "Google Cloud's Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience is a global game changer for retail," said Amanda Bardwell, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director - Woolworths Group. "As the first Australian retailer to partner with Google's agentic platform, we are evolving our digital shopping assistant Olive into an intuitive partner that won't just answer questions, but actually anticipates your needsplanning meals based on what you love and spotting the specials that matter to your budget. This is a practical innovation that's all about us doing the heavy lifting for you, making shopping that little bit easier to give you time back in your day." Turning every customer interaction into an opportunity to inform, delight, and drive loyalty Google Cloud is also introducing Customer Experience Agent Studio, which allows businesses to build, test, and deploy personalized multimodal support agents at scale. Customer Experience Agent Studio is part of Gemini Enterprise for CX and connects directly with the Shopping agent, to ensure every support interaction is informed by historical context. For example, Kroger is using Customer Experience Agent Studio to analyze interactions and intent on calls made by customers to stores to proactively identify and resolve issues earlier, enhance associate productivity, and deliver a more seamless, 'white-glove' experience across its stores. Key support agents built Customer Experience Agent Studio and additional support capabilities of Gemini Enterprise for CX include: Active problem solving: These agents go beyond sharing information to orchestrate complex actions across internal systems. For instance, if a customer is dissatisfied with a beauty purchase, the agent can perform a shade-matching assessment, trigger a replacement from local inventory, and apply a goodwill creditall in one interaction. This automation frees human representatives to focus on the most nuanced cases. These agents go beyond sharing information to orchestrate complex actions across internal systems. For instance, if a customer is dissatisfied with a beauty purchase, the agent can perform a shade-matching assessment, trigger a replacement from local inventory, and apply a goodwill creditall in one interaction. This automation frees human representatives to focus on the most nuanced cases. Intuitive multimodal interactions : Agents deliver natural language support across phone, mobile, and web in over 40 languages, switching between them effortlessly. With visual processing capabilities, they can "see" what a shopper seessuch as a photo of a damaged applianceto resolve issues instantly. : Agents deliver natural language support across phone, mobile, and web in over 40 languages, switching between them effortlessly. With visual processing capabilities, they can "see" what a shopper seessuch as a photo of a damaged applianceto resolve issues instantly. Human-assisted support: Designed to empower human agents, the platform provides real-time contextual guidance to live representatives to accelerate resolution. Additionally, personalized simulations allow businesses to rapidly onboard and upskill staff through AI-driven training. Designed to empower human agents, the platform provides real-time contextual guidance to live representatives to accelerate resolution. Additionally, personalized simulations allow businesses to rapidly onboard and upskill staff through AI-driven training. Real-time analysis and quality assurance: New features enable businesses to uncover customer service trends with natural language like "What is causing the spike in handle time for billing inquiries?". To ensure quality, a new feature can also auto-score customer conversations with conditional scorecards that adapt to conversation context, ensuring agents are graded accurately and fairly. Businesses can rapidly deploy these agents by using new AI-builds-AI capabilities that turn existing chat transcripts and documents into functioning agents. With a visual "drag-and-drop" canvas to build and launch support workflows in just a few days, employees of any skill level can launch sophisticated AI with near-zero human engineering. Transforming restaurant operations Building on its drive-thru success with fast food retailers, Google Cloud's enhanced Food Ordering agent is also now part of the Gemini Enterprise for CX. For restaurants seeking to elevate customer experience, the multimodal and multilingual Food Ordering agent offers conversational AI capabilities across multiple channels including mobile apps, websites, telephone, kiosks, and in-car systems. Papa Johns, the world's third-largest pizza delivery company, is the first customer to deploy these omnichannel capabilities. Beyond taking orders, the agent intelligently upsells based on menu context to boost order value while actively seeking the best deal for the customer. It also acts as a business analyst, providing restaurant operators with insights into performance data and simplifies operations, allowing brands to instantly update complex menus and pricing across thousands of locations without manual intervention. "Our partnership with Google Cloud is helping Papa Johns harness the power of AI to bring back the feeling of 'being known' to the pizza ordering experience," said Kevin Vasconi, chief digital and technology officer, Papa Johns. "We're working together to personalize every interaction, simplify every decision, and remove friction within customer touchpoints, so that Papa Johns again becomes the technology leader in the pizza industry." With Gemini Enterprise for CX, Google Cloud is helping brands unlock new levels of efficiency and increase revenue by turning high-friction moments into effortless, conversational opportunities. In line with Google's commitment to responsible AI, Gemini Enterprise for CX is built with rigorous safety and compliance standards. Customer data is not used for model training, and the system includes built-in mechanisms to ensure agents adhere to strict brand policies and legal requirements. For more information on Gemini Enterprise for CX, check out this page. About Google Cloud Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner. SOURCE Google Cloud SBA collaborates with 19 leading institutions in Seoul's startup ecosystem to actively support the global expansion of 70 startups Seoul Pavilion opening ceremony under the 'Seoul POP' concept leaves a lasting impression of Seoul's innovative energy worldwide Global media, VCs, and CVCs focus their attention as SBA hosts the Global Innovation Forum A total of 17 companies win CES 2026 Innovation Awards, including one Best of Innovation Award, proving Seoul's strength as a tech hub SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Seoul Business Agency (SBA), a small business support organization under the Seoul Metropolitan Government that is leading efforts to enhance the global competitiveness of Seoul's startup ecosystem (CEO Hyunwoo Kim), is participating in CES 2026 by establishing the Seoul Pavilion and supporting 70 startups in entering global markets. CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the world's largest technology exhibition held every January in Las Vegas, United States. This year's event runs for four days from January 6 (Tue) to January 9 (Fri), 2026. Participants of CES 2026 Seoul Pavilion's opening ceremony takes commemorative group photo The Seoul Pavilion is located inside Eureka Park, the startup-focused exhibition zone at CES, and covers 743 (around 225 pyeong). It consists of a main stage, photo zone, and individual spaces for business consultations. In particular, SBA introduced a Media Center and Innovation Award Exhibition Space within the pavilion for the first time this year to strengthen media promotion and increase visitor inflow. The Media Center and Innovation Award Exhibition Space were newly created to provide more systematic support for the global promotion of participating startups. The Seoul Pavilion showcases the combined capabilities of Seoul's innovation ecosystem through close cooperation among 19 organizations. These include SBA as the supervising institution, four autonomous district offices (Gangnam-gu Office, Gwanak-gu Office, Guro-gu Office, and Geumcheon-gu Office), five major startup support institutions (Seoul AI Hub, Seoul Tourism Organization, Seoul Social Venture Hub, Seoul Fintech Lab, and Campus Town Startup Growth Center), as well as nine leading universities in Seoul (Konkuk University, Kyunghee University, Kwangwoon University, Sogang University, Seoul National University, Sungkyunkwan University, Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, and Chung-Ang University). Seventy companies selected as exhibitors at the pavilion are widely distributed across advanced technology sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), mobility, healthcare, and other high-tech industries. In addition, SBA selected 70 university students to serve as supporters, assisting participating companies with interpretation services and overall booth operations. The student supporters consist of students from the nine major universities in Seoul and local Korean students studying at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). These supporters will help ensure participating startups can conduct business activities at CES without difficulty. The Seoul Business Agency (SBA) officially began the four-day exhibition schedule with the opening ceremony of the Seoul Pavilion on January 6 (local time), the first day of CES 2026. The event served as a starting point to introduce Seoul's innovative technologies and city brand to global buyers and media. The main concept of this year's CES 2026 Seoul Pavilion opening ceremony was 'Seoul POP,' representing the moment when Seoul's condensed innovation and energy burst onto the global stage. SBA directed the event through rhythmic music, dynamic video content, and witty performances, conveying the ambition of 19 organizations, 70 companies, and 70 university student supporters uniting to demonstrate Seoul's technological innovation to the world. At the opening ceremony, representatives from each participating institution joined on stage to perform a collaborative piece using a 'Seoul POP' can-shaped object. Startups and university student supporters filled the audience seats and added to the excitement by waving cheering sticks colored 'Morning Yellow,' introduced as Seoul's representative color for 2026. The scene symbolized solidarity among all participants supporting the future of Seoul's innovation ecosystem. SBA CEO Hyunwoo Kim declared the opening of the Seoul Pavilion during the official countdown and Seoul POP ceremony. Delivering the message 'Seoul Innovators Show Up,' he announced, "Seoul Pavilion is not only the most vibrant space at CES but also a venue that global buyers must visit. We expect it to become a bridgehead for practical business achievements by participating companies." Beyond the opening ceremony, SBA operated a variety of programs at CES to support the global promotion of Seoul-based promising startups. Just before the official opening of CES, on January 4, SBA assisted 10 companies, including CES 2026 Innovation Award winners, in joining 'CES Unveiled,' the official CES media preview event. CES Unveiled is an annual program where selected exhibitors are given opportunities to present their products to global media ahead of CES. Ten outstanding companies from the Seoul Pavilion, including Innovation Award winners, attended CES Unveiled and received significant coverage from major global media outlets. Thanks to SBA's systematic and multifaceted support programs, Seoul startups achieved significant outcomes at CES 2026. A total of 17 companies won CES 2026 Innovation Awards, including one Best of Innovation Award. To help Seoul startups prove their innovation and enhance global visibility, SBA provided two months of pre-consulting programs ahead of CES. With this support, Seoul startups achieved tangible results at CES 2026. CES Innovation Awards are granted annually by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organizer of CES, to products and technologies with outstanding technological excellence, design aesthetics, and innovation. Among the 17 Innovation Award winners, the Best of Innovation Award was won by Studio Lab Co., Ltd., a member of SBA's innovation award community. Studio Lab proudly joined the ranks of global winners alongside major companies such as Samsung and Qualcomm. The Best of Innovation Award is awarded to only about 30 companies worldwide each year. In particular, Studio Lab achieved a meaningful result by winning the top award among global technology leaders. SBA operated diverse programs to support Seoul startups' success at CES 2026. In his closing reflections, SBA CEO Hyunwoo Kim said, "The CES Seoul Pavilion is not a simple exhibition space but a global business stage. We hope participating companies and visitors can enjoy and empathize with various experiences here, and that it will serve as the starting point for generating practical business achievements." SBA CEO Hyunwoo Kim commented on CES participation, stating, "CES Seoul Pavilion is not just a technology exhibition but a stage for real business. We expect it to serve as a venue where Seoul startups can present their innovation to the world and create practical results." SOURCE Seoul Business Agency "The 50 Best Airports for 2026 represents a pivotal shift where technology is no longer a luxury, but the very pulse of global aviation, meeting the high-performance demands of digital nomads through Gen Z technology. As global passengers carry higher expectations for efficiency and environmental responsibility, these rankings highlight the hubs that have successfully integrated AI and predictive analytics to turn the vision of an easy trip into a seamless, sustainable reality," says Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travel and Tour World. "Crucially, sustainability is no longer a parallel initiative but a core outcome of these smart designs, ensuring that increased capacity doesn't come at the cost of our planet. This comprehensive research is powered by the first-hand experiences of 15 million users and backed by our rigorous editorial insights to define the new gold standard in travel." Global Smart Airport Leaders Fully Integrated Ecosystems Leading the global index are airports demonstrating the most advanced, end-to-end smart airport ecosystems currently in operation. These airports have embedded artificial intelligence, biometrics, automation, digital twins, and real-time data intelligence across passenger journeys, airside and landside operations, and long-term infrastructure planningsetting the global benchmark for intelligent aviation infrastructure. Indent Airport Name Location 1 Dubai International (DXB) Middle East 2 Singapore Changi (SIN) Asia-Pacific 3 San Francisco International (SFO) North America 4 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) North America 5 London Heathrow (LHR) Europe 6 Vancouver International (YVR) North America 7 Istanbul Airport (IST) Europe / Eurasia 8 Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) North America 9 Doha Hamad International (DOH) Middle East 10 Seoul Incheon (ICN) Asia-Pacific 11 Tokyo Haneda (HND) Asia-Pacific 12 Los Angeles International (LAX) North America 13 Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Europe 14 Cape Town International (CPT) Africa 15 Bengaluru Kempegowda International (BLR) Asia-Pacific 16 Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Europe 17 Orlando International (MCO) North America 18 Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) North America 19 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Asia-Pacific 20 Tokyo Narita (NRT) Asia-Pacific 21 New York JFK (JFK) North America 22 Berlin Brandenburg (BER) Europe 23 Munich Airport (MUC) Europe 24 Miami International (MIA) North America 25 Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) Asia-Pacific 26 Denver International (DEN) North America 27 Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) North America 28 Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) Asia-Pacific 29 Brussels Airport (BRU) Europe 30 Hong Kong International (HKG) Asia-Pacific 31 Rome Fiumicino (FCO) Europe 32 Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) Europe 33 Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) Europe 34 Abu Dhabi Zayed International (AUH) Middle East 35 Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) Australia / Oceania 36 Zurich Airport (ZRH) Europe 37 Madrid Barajas (MAD) Europe 38 Vienna International (VIE) Europe 39 Chicago O'Hare (ORD) North America 40 Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) Europe 41 Barcelona El Prat (BCN) Europe 42 Copenhagen Airport (CPH) Europe 43 San Jose Mineta (SJC) North America 44 Washington Reagan National (DCA) North America 45 Milan Malpensa (MXP) Europe 46 Riyadh King Khalid (RUH) Middle East 47 Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) Asia-Pacific 48 Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) Europe 49 Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) Asia-Pacific 50 Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) North America Advanced Automation & AI-Driven Operational Leaders This category highlights airports operating large-scale automation and AI-enabled decision systems that significantly enhance efficiency, security, and passenger flow. While not all systems are fully unified end-to-end, these airports demonstrate mature, high-impact deployments across multiple operational domains and continue advancing toward fully integrated smart ecosystems. High-Impact Regional Technology Leaders Airports in this category play a critical role in elevating smart airport standards within their respective regions. Their technology strategies emphasize automation, biometric processing, AI-supported security, and advanced terminal systems that deliver measurable operational and passenger experience improvements, even where scale or full ecosystem integration remains selective. Emerging Smart Airport Leaders and Expansion-Driven Innovators This group includes airports actively transitioning into advanced smart hubs through terminal expansions and infrastructure upgrades. Technology adoption is closely aligned with growth programs, with biometrics, automation, and integrated data platforms embedded into new or redeveloped facilitiessignaling strong momentum toward higher smart maturity. Smart Transformation Airports in Advanced Markets These airports are undergoing structured digital transformation, modernizing legacy infrastructure through phased adoption of smart security, passenger flow analytics, automation, and centralized data platforms. They represent established aviation markets moving decisively toward intelligent, technology-enabled operations. Selective Technology Adoption and Scaled Integration Airports in this category have implemented strong smart systems in specific operational areassuch as security, baggage handling, terminal analytics, or sustainabilitybut with partial ecosystem integration. Their approach reflects targeted investment strategies rather than full-scale smart airport transformation. High-Potential Airports at Early Stages of Smart Transformation Representing the next wave of smart airport evolution, these airports are at early or narrowly focused stages of technology deployment. Initial investments in automation, biometrics, and digital integration provide a strong foundation for accelerated advancement as infrastructure, policy, and funding frameworks mature. The 50 Best Airports in the World for 2026 Leading the global index are airports that represent the most advanced, end-to-end smart airport ecosystems in operation today: Dubai International Middle East Dubai International leads global smart airport innovation through advanced biometrics, AI-driven passenger flow optimization, real-time operations control, and integrated security systems. Its technology-first approach enhances efficiency across terminals, baggage handling, and retail ecosystems, while data-led decision-making, automation, and seamless connectivity reinforce DXB's role as a benchmark for high-capacity, technology-enabled aviation hubs. 2. Singapore Changi Asia-Pacific Singapore Changi exemplifies intelligent airport design through AI-enabled passenger flow management, touchless biometrics, smart retail analytics, and predictive maintenance systems. Its technology ecosystem integrates passenger experience, operational resilience, and sustainability, supported by advanced data platforms and automation across terminals, baggage handling, and airfield operations, reinforcing its status as a global smart airport leader. 3. San Francisco International North America San Francisco International advances smart airport operations through digital twin modeling, sustainability-focused infrastructure, automated people movers, and integrated data platforms. Its emphasis on green technology, advanced analytics, and passenger-centric digital services supports efficient terminal management, optimized resource utilization, and seamless multimodal connectivity, positioning SFO as a technology-forward gateway on the US West Coast. 4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International North America Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta leverages large-scale automation, real-time operations analytics, and advanced security technologies to manage the world's busiest passenger volumes. AI-driven scheduling, biometric screening, and smart baggage systems enhance throughput and reliability, while centralized command platforms enable predictive decision-making, ensuring resilience, efficiency, and scalability across its expansive airfield and terminal network. 5. London Heathrow Europe London Heathrow integrates smart security, biometrics, and advanced air traffic coordination systems to support high-density international operations. Data-driven passenger forecasting, automated baggage handling, and intelligent terminal management improve flow efficiency and service reliability, while sustainability technologies and digital transformation initiatives reinforce Heathrow's role as a technologically mature global aviation hub. 6. Vancouver International North America Vancouver International combines passenger-focused digital services with advanced border processing, smart security screening, and predictive operations management. Its investment in biometrics, real-time analytics, and sustainability-driven infrastructure enables efficient international connectivity, improved passenger experience, and resilient terminal operations, positioning YVR as a leading smart gateway between North America and Asia-Pacific markets. 7. Istanbul Airport Europe / Eurasia Istanbul Airport showcases large-scale smart infrastructure through centralized operations control, AI-powered passenger flow optimization, and advanced security integration. Designed for future scalability, its digital ecosystem supports automated baggage systems, real-time analytics, and intelligent facility management, enabling seamless connectivity across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East within one of the world's largest aviation complexes. 8. Toronto Pearson International North America Toronto Pearson applies smart airport technologies including biometric processing, predictive analytics, and automated baggage systems to enhance operational efficiency. Integrated data platforms support passenger flow optimization and airside coordination, while digital wayfinding and contactless services improve traveler experience, reinforcing Pearson's role as Canada's most technologically advanced and globally connected aviation hub. 9. Doha Hamad International Middle East Hamad International demonstrates advanced smart airport integration through biometrics, AI-enabled security, automated baggage handling, and real-time operations monitoring. Its technology ecosystem prioritizes passenger comfort, precision operations, and sustainability, supported by intelligent building systems and data-driven decision platforms that position DOH as a leading next-generation global transit hub. 10. Seoul Incheon Asia-Pacific Seoul Incheon leads smart airport innovation with robotics, AI-powered immigration, biometric boarding, and predictive maintenance systems. Its digital infrastructure integrates passenger services, airside operations, and logistics through centralized data platforms, enabling high efficiency, resilience, and seamless connectivity, reinforcing ICN's reputation as one of the world's most technologically advanced aviation hubs. 11. Tokyo Haneda Asia-Pacific Tokyo Haneda integrates precision technology, automated security screening, and real-time operations analytics to support high-frequency domestic and international traffic. Smart terminal systems, biometric processing, and efficient baggage automation enhance throughput and reliability, while continuous digital upgrades ensure a seamless, punctual, and passenger-centric airport experience aligned with Japan's advanced mobility standards. 12. Los Angeles International North America Los Angeles International is undergoing a large-scale smart transformation featuring automated people movers, advanced security screening, and integrated digital wayfinding. Data-driven terminal management, biometric trials, and sustainability-focused infrastructure upgrades enhance passenger flow and operational efficiency, positioning LAX as a future-ready global gateway supporting complex international and domestic travel demands. 13. Paris Charles de Gaulle Europe Paris Charles de Gaulle employs smart airport technologies including biometric identity management, advanced baggage automation, and centralized operations control. Digital platforms support passenger flow optimization and airside efficiency, while sustainability initiatives and intelligent terminal systems improve resilience and service quality, reinforcing CDG's role as a major technologically enabled European aviation hub. 14. Cape Town International Africa Cape Town International advances smart airport capabilities through digital security systems, energy-efficient infrastructure, and data-enabled terminal management. Technology investments enhance passenger processing, operational visibility, and sustainability performance, positioning CPT as a leading African airport integrating intelligent systems to support growing international connectivity and resilient, environmentally responsible operations. 15. Bengaluru Kempegowda International Asia-Pacific Bengaluru Kempegowda International showcases smart airport leadership through biometric processing, AI-driven operations management, and digitally integrated terminals. Its technology ecosystem supports passenger flow optimization, automated baggage handling, and sustainability-led design, reinforcing BLR's position as India's most technologically progressive airport serving a fast-growing global innovation and business hub. 16. Frankfurt Airport Europe Frankfurt Airport leverages advanced automation, AI-powered logistics, and centralized operations control to manage complex international traffic. Smart security screening, predictive maintenance, and data-driven passenger forecasting enhance efficiency and reliability, while digital transformation initiatives support scalability, sustainability, and Frankfurt's role as one of Europe's most technologically sophisticated aviation hubs. 17. Orlando International North America Orlando International integrates smart terminal design, automated people movers, and advanced security screening to support high leisure traffic volumes. Digital wayfinding, real-time operations analytics, and biometric processing enhance passenger flow and operational efficiency, positioning MCO as a technology-enabled gateway optimized for peak seasonal demand and family-oriented travel experiences. 18. Dallas Fort Worth North America Dallas Fort Worth employs intelligent airfield management, automated baggage systems, and predictive analytics to support large-scale hub operations. Integrated data platforms enhance aircraft movement efficiency, passenger processing, and terminal coordination, while continuous digital upgrades reinforce DFW's position as one of North America's most operationally advanced and resilient aviation hubs. 19. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Asia-Pacific Bangkok Suvarnabhumi integrates smart security systems, automated passenger processing, and centralized airport management platforms. Technology-driven upgrades enhance capacity handling, baggage efficiency, and terminal coordination, supporting Thailand's growing aviation demand while positioning BKK as a key smart gateway connecting Southeast Asia with global travel markets. 20. Tokyo Narita Asia-Pacific Tokyo Narita applies advanced security screening, biometric processing, and data-driven operations management to support long-haul international travel. Smart terminal systems, automated baggage handling, and predictive analytics enhance efficiency and reliability, reinforcing Narita's role as a technologically refined global gateway aligned with Japan's precision-driven aviation standards. 21. New York JFK North America John F. Kennedy International is undergoing a comprehensive smart airport redevelopment featuring biometric identity systems, advanced security screening, and integrated terminal technologies. Data-driven passenger flow management, automated baggage systems, and digital infrastructure upgrades enhance efficiency, resilience, and passenger experience across one of the world's most complex international aviation hubs. 22. Berlin Brandenburg Europe Berlin Brandenburg integrates modern smart airport systems including centralized operations control, automated security screening, and digital passenger services. Technology investments support efficient terminal coordination, real-time monitoring, and scalable infrastructure, positioning BER as a future-ready European airport designed to meet evolving connectivity, sustainability, and operational performance standards. 23. Munich Airport Europe Munich Airport leverages intelligent terminal systems, biometric processing, and predictive analytics to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. Integrated digital platforms support airside coordination, baggage automation, and energy management, reinforcing Munich's reputation for precision, reliability, and technological maturity within Europe's leading aviation hubs. 24. Miami International North America Miami International deploys smart security, biometric trials, and data-driven terminal management to support high international and cargo traffic. Advanced analytics enhance passenger flow, customs processing, and airside efficiency, positioning MIA as a technologically evolving gateway connecting North America with Latin America and global long-haul markets. 25. Shanghai Hongqiao Asia-Pacific Shanghai Hongqiao integrates smart mobility systems, biometric processing, and real-time operations management within a multimodal transport hub. Advanced digital infrastructure enhances passenger flow, intermodal connectivity, and terminal efficiency, positioning Hongqiao as a technologically advanced urban airport supporting China's high-density domestic and regional travel networks. 26. Denver International North America Denver International applies intelligent airfield management, automated baggage handling, and predictive analytics to manage high-altitude, weather-variable operations. Smart infrastructure enhances resilience, capacity planning, and passenger processing, while sustainability-focused technologies reinforce DEN's reputation as a forward-looking airport built for long-term scalability and operational efficiency. 27. Seattle-Tacoma North America Seattle-Tacoma integrates smart terminal upgrades, biometric boarding, and advanced baggage automation to support growing international demand. Data-driven operations management and sustainability initiatives enhance efficiency and passenger experience, positioning SEA as a technology-enabled Pacific gateway aligned with the innovation-driven culture of the US Pacific Northwest. 28. Shenzhen Bao'an Asia-Pacific Shenzhen Bao'an exemplifies next-generation smart airport design through AI-powered security, facial recognition, robotics, and centralized digital operations. Its technology ecosystem supports seamless passenger journeys, high automation, and efficient terminal management, reinforcing Shenzhen's role as a global technology hub reflected in its advanced aviation infrastructure. 29. Brussels Airport Europe Brussels Airport employs smart security screening, real-time operations analytics, and digital passenger services to enhance efficiency and resilience. Integrated data platforms support baggage handling, airside coordination, and sustainability management, positioning BRU as a technologically progressive European hub serving both passenger and cargo-focused aviation markets. 30. Hong Kong International Asia-Pacific Hong Kong International leads smart airport adoption through biometrics, AI-driven operations control, and advanced baggage automation. Its technology ecosystem supports high-capacity international transit, predictive decision-making, and seamless passenger processing, reinforcing HKG's status as one of the world's most efficient and technologically sophisticated global aviation hubs. 31. Rome Fiumicino Europe Rome Fiumicino integrates smart terminal technologies, biometric screening, and centralized airport management systems. Digital transformation initiatives enhance passenger flow, baggage efficiency, and operational visibility, while sustainability-focused upgrades reinforce FCO's position as a modern European gateway balancing heritage, capacity growth, and intelligent infrastructure development. 32. Amsterdam Schiphol Europe Amsterdam Schiphol applies advanced passenger flow analytics, automated security screening, and integrated operations control to optimize high-density traffic. Smart infrastructure supports efficient terminal coordination, predictive capacity management, and sustainability performance, positioning Schiphol as a digitally mature aviation hub renowned for innovation and operational efficiency. 33. Helsinki-Vantaa Europe Helsinki-Vantaa leverages smart security, biometric processing, and AI-driven operations management to support efficient long-haul and regional connectivity. Its technology-focused terminal design enhances passenger flow, energy efficiency, and operational resilience, reinforcing HEL's role as a leading Nordic hub optimized for Asia-Europe transit traffic. 34. Abu Dhabi Zayed International Middle East Zayed International Airport integrates advanced biometrics, automated baggage systems, and intelligent building technologies within a next-generation terminal environment. Data-driven operations management enhances efficiency, passenger comfort, and scalability, positioning AUH as a strategically designed smart hub supporting Abu Dhabi's global aviation and economic ambitions. 35. Sydney Kingsford Smith Australia / Oceania Sydney Kingsford Smith applies smart security screening, digital passenger services, and predictive operations analytics to manage constrained airfield capacity. Technology investments enhance passenger flow, sustainability performance, and operational reliability, positioning SYD as a modernized gateway balancing high demand with intelligent infrastructure upgrades. 36. Zurich Airport Europe Zurich Airport employs precision-focused smart systems including biometric processing, automated baggage handling, and real-time operations control. Integrated digital platforms enhance efficiency, punctuality, and passenger experience, reinforcing Zurich's reputation for reliability and technological excellence within Europe's most operationally disciplined aviation environments. 37. Madrid Barajas Europe Madrid Barajas integrates smart terminal management, biometric identity solutions, and data-driven passenger forecasting to support large-scale international connectivity. Advanced automation and centralized operations platforms enhance efficiency and resilience, positioning MAD as a technologically evolving hub linking Europe with Latin America and global long-haul markets. 38. Vienna International Europe Vienna International applies intelligent security systems, automated baggage handling, and predictive analytics to optimize passenger processing and airside operations. Digital integration enhances efficiency, service quality, and scalability, reinforcing Vienna's role as a technologically mature Central European hub supporting both legacy and low-cost carriers. 39. Chicago O'Hare North America Chicago O'Hare leverages smart airfield management, advanced security screening, and data-driven terminal coordination to support complex hub operations. Automation and analytics enhance aircraft movement efficiency, passenger flow, and resilience, positioning ORD as a technologically evolving cornerstone of North America's aviation network. 40. Oslo Gardermoen Europe Oslo Gardermoen integrates smart energy management, biometric processing, and advanced terminal analytics to support sustainable and efficient operations. Technology-led design enhances passenger flow, environmental performance, and operational resilience, positioning OSL as a leading example of intelligent, sustainability-driven airport development in the Nordic region. 41. Barcelona El Prat Europe Barcelona El Prat applies smart security screening, automated baggage systems, and centralized operations management to support high tourism-driven demand. Digital platforms enhance passenger flow efficiency, terminal coordination, and service quality, positioning BCN as a technologically advancing Mediterranean hub balancing capacity growth with intelligent infrastructure. 42. Copenhagen Airport Europe Copenhagen Airport integrates smart passenger processing, real-time operations analytics, and sustainability-focused technologies. Digital systems support efficient terminal management, baggage handling, and energy optimization, reinforcing CPH's reputation as a technologically mature Nordic hub emphasizing operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and passenger-centric design. 43. San Jose Mineta North America San Jose Mineta reflects Silicon Valley innovation through smart terminal systems, advanced security screening, and data-driven operations management. Technology integration enhances passenger experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability performance, positioning SJC as a digitally progressive regional airport aligned with the surrounding global technology ecosystem. 44. Washington Reagan National North America Washington Reagan National applies intelligent security systems, real-time operations monitoring, and passenger flow analytics within a constrained urban environment. Smart infrastructure enhances efficiency, safety, and service reliability, positioning DCA as a technology-enabled domestic hub optimized for high-frequency, short-haul government and business travel. 45. Milan Malpensa Europe Milan Malpensa integrates smart terminal technologies, automated baggage handling, and digital passenger services to support long-haul and cargo operations. Data-driven airport management enhances efficiency, scalability, and service quality, positioning MXP as a technologically advancing northern Italian gateway within Europe's global aviation network. 46. Riyadh King Khalid Middle East Riyadh King Khalid Airport deploys smart security, biometric processing, and centralized operations platforms as part of Saudi Arabia's aviation modernization strategy. Technology investments enhance passenger throughput, operational visibility, and scalability, positioning RUH as an emerging smart hub supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 connectivity goals. 47. Kuala Lumpur International Asia-Pacific Kuala Lumpur International integrates smart terminal systems, automated baggage handling, and real-time operations analytics. Digital upgrades enhance passenger flow, security efficiency, and service reliability, positioning KLIA as a technologically evolving Southeast Asian hub supporting growing regional and intercontinental aviation demand. 48. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Europe Lisbon Humberto Delgado applies smart passenger processing, automated security screening, and data-driven terminal coordination to manage rising tourism volumes. Technology integration enhances operational efficiency and passenger experience, positioning LIS as a digitally modernizing European gateway connecting Western Europe with transatlantic and African routes. 49. Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Asia-Pacific Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta employs smart terminal management, biometric processing, and centralized airport control systems to support high passenger volumes. Digital transformation initiatives enhance efficiency, capacity handling, and resilience, positioning CGK as a technologically advancing mega-hub serving Southeast Asia's fastest-growing aviation market. 50. Houston George Bush Intercontinental North America Houston George Bush Intercontinental integrates smart airfield management, automated baggage systems, and predictive analytics to support extensive international and domestic connectivity. Data-driven operations enhance efficiency, safety, and scalability, positioning IAH as a technologically robust hub serving energy, business, and long-haul global travel markets. "Smart airports are no longer defined by isolated technology deployments, but by how deeply intelligence is embedded across operations, passenger experience, sustainability, and enterprise decision-making. The 2026 rankings recognize airports that have moved decisively beyond experimentation into scaled, real-world execution. Where AI, biometrics, automation, and integrated data ecosystems function as mission-critical infrastructure" said Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel and Tour World (TTW). Defining the Smart Airport Era According to TTW, the 2026 rankings reflect a clear industry direction: airports are evolving into intelligent mobility platforms, where technology directly influences resilience, capacity optimization, passenger satisfaction, and environmental performance. From biometric-enabled passenger journeys and AI-driven air traffic coordination to digital twins and autonomous systems, the airports featured in this year's list are shaping the future of global aviation. Earlier Travel And Tour World has published Top 50 Countries of the World as Best Travel Destinations for 2026, 50 Best Destinations of World for UK Travellers in 2026, Top 50 Destinations Around the World for US Travelers in 2026 and Top 50 Adventure Travel Destinations of the World for 2026. Research Methodology The 50 Best Airports in the World for 2026 was compiled through extensive research and analysis, drawing on publicly available airport authority information, industry reports and technology deployment disclosures. The assessment focused on the maturity, scale, and integration of smart technologies supporting airport operations, passenger experience, and sustainable travel initiatives, including energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and resource optimization, rather than pilot programs or future announcements. This definitive ranking is fueled by the real-world experiences of 15 million users of TTW and sharpened by expert editorial insights to establish a new global benchmark for the aviation industry About Travel and Tour World Travel and Tour World (TTW) is a premier global digital B2B travel media platform reaching over 15 million readers worldwide across 104 regional platforms in European, Asian, African, GCC, and Indian languages. Since 2009, TTW has been a trusted source of travel and tourism industry news, intelligence, and trend analysis. As an official media partner to more than 1,500 international travel and hospitality events, including WTM, ITB Berlin, ITB Asia, IMEX America, IMEX Frankfurt, and ATM, TTW connects tourism boards, airlines, hotels, tour operators, MICE planners, and luxury travel brands with global industry decision-makers. With its unmatched multilingual reach and editorial credibility, TTW continues to shape conversations that define the future of global travel. Media Contact Tuhin Sarkar Travel And Tour World +1 917-677-7753 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X SOURCE Travel And Tour World If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Portland, Ore.-born childrens wear brand Hanna Andersson has named Kacey Sharrett as chief digital officer. With nearly 20 years of industry experience, Sharrett will oversee the brands URL ecosystem, spearheading strategies to beef up customer acquisition and engagement. Most recently, she served as head of direct-to-consumer at GoPro, with earlier executive roles at the likes of Barnes & Noble and Toys R Us. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton-owned luxury label Givenchy has named Amandine Ohayon as chief executive officer. Ohayon most recently served as CEO at Stella McCartney and succeeds Alessandro Valenti, who, effective Monday, shifts to Christian Dior Couture as deputy managing director in charge of commercial activities. Ohayon will report to Pietro Beccari , the former Dior head who became chairman and CEO of the LVMH Fashion Groupin addition to his role as chairman and CEO of Louis Vuittonon the first day of the year. After a decade in leadership, the president of North America, Ana Mihaljevic , will exit the company in February to pursue new opportunities. Carrie Baker , president of brand and commercial, will oversee the North America market on an interim basis until a successor is named. Toronto-based luxury parka purveyor Canada Goose announced executive management changes. Effective April 2026, Daniel Binder will be appointed president of Asia Pacific, while continuing his role as chief transformation officer. Succeeding Binder is Niclas Ekerot, who joins as senior vice president of global stores. Last January, the AI smart-shopping company named Loretta Choy aka the former chief merchandising and customer service officer of Stitch Fix, who left the company in May 2024 after four years in the roleas CFYs chief merchandising officer. While Klingenberg managed the team behind Stitch Fixs personalization engine as chief algorithms officer, as CTO of CFY, hell focus on scaling automation that will let brand players (reportedly retailers like Revolve and URBN) launch customized, curated consumer experiences across channels. AI-powered purchasing intent platform Curated For You (CFY) announced the appointment of former Stitch Fix executive Brad Klingenberg as its chief technology officer. In this role, Klingenberg will lead CFYs engineering and data science teams as the company scales. Story Continues Kendra Scott Kendra Scott Announces Chris Blakeslee as CEO Southwest-inspired brand by Texas-based designer Kendra Scott has named Chris Blakeslee as chief executive officer, effective Jan. 12. Kendra Scott will continue in her role as chief visionary officer, executive chairwoman and majority shareholder. Most recently serving as president and CEO of Athleta, Blakeslee brings nearly 15 years of leadership in the apparel industry. Earlier roles include serving as president of Alo Yoga and holding senior positions across operations, supply chain, sales and sourcing at wholesale distributor Alphabroder. In October, Blakeslee was named the first independent board member of the B Corp-certified technology company Unspun. P448 Italian streetwear sneaker brand P448 has named former Nike executive Jordan Morrell as its new chief executive officer. Hell be tasked with defining and driving the brands next growth chapter, to increase bottom-line profitability and develop a scalable operating model, Sourcing Journals sister publication reported. Morrell joins P448 from Archipelago, where he served as senior vice president and chief product officer, overseeing design, product management, merchandising and development across several brands. Before that, he was an entrepreneur-in-residence at Next Coast Ventures. Earlier, Morrell spent more than a decade at Nike, holding senior leadership roles across design, digital and direct-to-consumer operations in North America and globally. Retail Kevin Hart and Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic American brand management company Authentic has announced a strategic partnership with Philadelphia-born comedian Kevin Hart to co-own and manage the Emmy- and Grammy-nominated performers brand, scaling it across new verticals and markets through Authentics brand platform, the company said. Additionally, Authentic noted, Hart co-owns and manages the Kevin Hart brand and holds an ownership stake in the company as a strategic partner with Authentic. Major Japanese multinational retail holding company Fast Retailing Group has announced the appointment of Francesco Risso as creative director of GU, a sister brand of Japanese apparel giant Uniqlo, as part of the groups corporate direction to strengthen GUs global presence. Over the summer, Risso departed as creative director of Marni after almost 10 years at the helm of the OTB Group-owned label. Before that, Risso spent a decade at Prada. His debut GU collection is scheduled for Fall/Winter 2026. In tandem, Risso, who helmed the 2022 Uniqlo x Marni collection, will develop a new collaboration line with Uniqlo, also set to launch in 2026. Christies British-born luxury auction house Christies has promoted Kimberly Miller to global managing director for luxury. In this new role, Miller will direct all aspects of the luxury business across both live and online auctions, private sales and global colleagues across specialist departments. Miller previously served as regional managing director for Luxury Americas, overseeing business strategy, sales expansion and financial performance across the jewelry, watches, wine and handbags departments. Paris-based luxury group LVMH has promoted three executives in its human resources department. Moet Hennessys Paula Fallowfield was named chief people officer for LVMH Americas, effective Apr. 1. Effective Mar. 23, Claire de Coincy will succeed Fallowfield in the wines and spirits division as Moet Hennessys chief human resources officer. The conglomerates Fashion Group has named Anna Briem as its chief human resources officer, effective this week. She succeeds Vincent Coubard, who retired after 30-plus years. Briem joins from Celine, where she served as global human resources director since 2017. Textiles Finnish next-gen fiber firm Spinnova has appointed Mikko Lassila as chief commercial officer and member of the management team, effective Apr. 15. Lassila has over a decade of experience in sales leadership and joins from Helsinki-based material solutions company UPM, where he held leadership roles in sales and business development within the bioeconomy industry. With Lassilas appointment, Spinnovas management team will consist of Janne Poranen, CEO; Santeri Heinonen, CFO and people officer; Johanna Valkama, general counsel; Shahriare Mahmood, chief product and sustainability officer; and Juha Salmela, chief technology officer (plus Lassila). Pakistan-based denim manufacturer Artistic Milliners has named Wim Dekeyser as vice president of fabric development and innovation. In his new role, Dekeyser will leverage Artistic Milliners vertical integration technologies and ecosystem to bring more brands more innovative solutions. He brings nearly two decades of expertise to the companys leadership team, with a career spanning major markets across Europe and the United States, including tenures at brands such as Levis, Lee and Wrangler. Washington, Jan 11 : The US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs on Saturday warned that as international flights have resumed, US citizens in Venezuela "should leave the country immediately." The bureau said in a post on X that the security situation in Venezuela "remains fluid" and there are "reports of groups of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of US citizenship or support for the United States." US citizens are advised to "remain vigilant and exercise caution" when traveling by road and to monitor airlines' communications and websites for updated information, Xinhua news agency reported. "Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level -- Level 4: Do Not Travel -- due to severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure," the bureau said. The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of January 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. Meanwhile, earlier on Friday President Donald Trump said that he expects to meet representatives of Venezuela's current leadership soon, signaling a possible diplomatic engagement following recent US actions and a shift in relations between the two countries. Speaking to reporters, Trump said discussions with Venezuelan figures were likely in the near term, though no formal date had been set. "I will be meeting with various representatives of Venezuela, probably pretty soon," Trump said. He said the relationship between Washington and those currently running Venezuela had improved significantly. "The relationship that we have with the people that are currently running Venezuela is very good," Trump said. Trump said the United States was dealing directly with Venezuelan authorities in a way that avoided further escalation. "We're dealing with the people from Venezuela," he said. "We're dealing with them very well." He suggested that recent US military action and pressure had created leverage that prevented further conflict. Bhopal, Jan 11 : The Madhya Pradesh Congress will hold a state-level Nyay Yatra (march for justice) on Sunday at 11 a.m. in Indore to protest the Bhagirathpura water tragedy and recent changes to MNREGA. The march will begin at Bada Ganpati Temple and proceed to Rajwada Chowk near the statue of Maa Ahilyabai Holkar, party leaders said. Senior leaders, elected representatives, office-bearers, party workers and citizens are expected to participate. Announcing the protest at a joint press conference at the State Congress Office in Bhopal, Former Minister PC Sharma, Bhopal City District Congress Committee President Praveen Saxena, and State Spokesperson Rahul Raj strongly criticised the BJP government. Praveen Saxena termed the Bhagirathpura incident "government-sponsored murders," alleging criminal negligence and administrative failure by the BJP government. He claimed twenty people died and over one thousand citizens fell ill due to poisonous water. The Congress demanded the immediate removal of the Indore mayor, the resignation of Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya for what it called insensitive remarks to the press, and compensation of Rs 1 crore for families of the deceased instead of Rs 2 lakh. The party also called for a judicial inquiry and registration of culpable homicide cases against those responsible, stating the struggle would continue from the streets to Parliament until justice is delivered. Targeting the BJP government and former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, PC Sharma said Madhya Pradesh carries a debt of Rs 4 lakh crore from Chouhan's tenure. He added that the new 60:40 ratio in MNREGA expenditure would impose an additional annual burden of Rs 5,000 crore on the state. He also said e-KYC verification is pending for 90.5 per cent of active MNREGA workersthe highest in the countrycalling the policies anti-labour and accusatory of deliberately depriving the poor of their rights. The Congress opposed the new law and demanded its immediate withdrawal by the Modi government, announcing it would intensify the Save MNREGA campaign from panchayats to the streets. Rahul Raj accused Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of being the chief architect behind replacing MNREGA with the new act, calling it a direct attack on the right to work for the poor and "a murder of Gandhi's ideals of Gram Swaraj." He said the law would add Rs 5,000 crore annually to the state's existing debt of Rs 4.5 lakh crore. He criticised provisions to suspend work for 60 days during the harvest season, alleging it would force labour migration and cheap labour, and questioned whether MNREGA wages would now face delays similar to crop insurance payments. Tehran, Jan 11 : The Iranian military pledged to defend national interests, protect strategic infrastructure and public property amid ongoing protests, and urged Iranians to unite to "thwart the enemy's plots," according to state broadcaster IRIB. In a statement, the military accused Israel and "hostile terrorist organizations" of "attempting to undermine order and peace in cities and disrupt public security through another conspiracy," and of "trying to incite another rebellion in the name of supporting the Iranian people." It called on the public to remain vigilant and unite to "defeat the enemy's plots," saying Iran is "in the middle of a war." The statement said the army, together with other armed forces, "under the command" of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, would monitor enemy movements and resolutely defend national interests while protecting strategic infrastructure and public property, Xinhua news agency reported. Separately, Iran's Fars News Agency reported that Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Israel should be held responsible for the current situation in Iran. The spokesperson for Iran's Constitutional Council attributed the protests in the country to foreign interference. "Foreign interference has turned peaceful livelihood protests of people directed at livelihood demands into riots and unrest," Hadi Tahan Nazif told a press conference on Saturday, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. On the same day, the governor of Baharestan told Tasnim that 100 people accused of disrupting public order and leading riots had been arrested in the city. He said they used firearms and cold weapons to attack civilians and security forces. Washington, Jan 11 : High expectations for India-US relations under President Donald Trump have dissipated, with enthusiasm and sustained political investment sharply reduced compared with recent years, according to Joshua T. White, a former White House official and leading South Asia expert. Washington, Jan 11 (IANS) High expectations for IndiaUS relations under President Donald Trump have dissipated, with enthusiasm and sustained political investment sharply reduced compared with recent years, according to Joshua T. White, a former White House official and leading South Asia expert. "It's pretty clear that we're in a bad place," White said, pointing to high expectations at the start of President Donald Trump's term that have since dissipated. He said there were "high hopes for the relationship, when Trump came into office," rooted in Trump's earlier rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the presence of officials seen as supportive of closer ties. That optimism, White said, faded in the spring and summer of 2025. "The relationship seems to have jumped the rails," he said, adding that while he did not see reason "to be completely pessimistic," there is now "much more skepticism, and perhaps realism, both in the United States and in India about the future trajectory of this relationship." White noted that some cooperation has continued. "The fact that some areas have continued relatively apace the defense, and some of the technology, and some of the commercial relationships have continued," he said. But he added that the level of political attention has dropped markedly. Compared with the Biden years, he said, when there was "a significant outlay of time and investment," that focus "seems to have changed dramatically." Asked why the shift occurred, White cited a mix of personal, political, and structural factors. "I think part of it cannot be separated from President Trump himself," he said, pointing to Trump's reaction after the May India-Pakistan conflict and his perception that India did not respond with sufficient gratitude. He also said Pakistan's leadership "clearly saw an opportunity and an opening to court President Trump," while India "for both personal and political reasons" chose not to. White said there was also a longer-standing debate in Washington over what the United States gains from the partnership. "Part of that is a simple question, what is the US getting from the US-India relationship?" he said, noting commercial and people-to-people ties, but raising concerns about India's capacity as a long-term security partner. "India has frankly struggled to even defend its own borders and its own maritime areas," he said, adding that this has led to questions about whether India "could be a real and valuable security provider in its neighborhood." The result, White said, is growing doubt in Washington about the long-term value of the partnership. "I think (it has) caused many people in Washington to question how worthwhile it is to build a sustained relationship with India over the long term," he said. Immigration policies under Trump, White said, also eroded trust. He cited "the very real perception that Indian Americans have added a very significant value to the American economy and the American project," and said these policies undermined confidence built over time. White said the relationship has clearly regressed. "I think there's no question the relationship has taken some steps back," he said, adding that Indian leaders would be "naturally cautious about placing too much trust in the consistency of the United States as a partner." Looking ahead, White cautioned against predictions. "Prediction during the Trump administration is a very dangerous game," he said. He suggested Trump could seek a deal to claim credit, possibly involving trade and tariffs, but warned that deeper trust has been damaged. "There's a real risk" of atrophy, White said, arguing that building partnerships requires sustained senior-level attention. He said it was "quite plausible" that even if rhetoric improves, the administration "doesn't put in significant energy to building the relationship." On India's ties with Russia and China, White said US concerns about Moscow were largely understood and manageable. A "substantive rapprochement" with China, however, "would be very worrying to the United States," though he judged that outcome unlikely. Dr. White previously served at the White House as Senior Advisor and Director for South Asian Affairs at the National Security Council, where he staffed President Barack Obama and the National Security Advisor on the full range of South Asia policy issues pertaining to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Indian subcontinent. Somnath : , Jan 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Somnath Temple in Gujarat is a timeless symbol of divine presence and continues to guide generations. PM Modi is on a three-day visit to Gujarat for the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. He arrived in Somnath on Saturday and participated in key events of the four-day-long national commemoration (January 8-11), celebrating 1000 years of unbroken faith and resilience since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Somnath stands as a beacon of eternal divinity. Its sacred presence continues to guide people across generations," and shared the highlights from Saturday's programmes, including the Omkar Mantra chanting and drone show. Later in the day, the Prime Minister will take part in a 'Shaurya Yatra' launching from Shankha Circle in Somnath at 9:45 a.m. He will subsequently offer his prayers at the Somnath Temple around 10:15 a.m. Following this, a significant public event is scheduled at Sadbhavna Maidan, where the Prime Minister will address the audience. In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will travel to Rajkot, where he will open the trade show and exhibition as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference at Marwari University at 1:35 p.m. He is also set to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Kutch and Saurashtra at 2:00 p.m. Later on, PM Modi will arrive at Mahatma Mandir Metro Station in Gandhinagar, where he will launch the Phase 2 route of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project from Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir. The 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' serves as a tribute to the temple's enduring legacy as a symbol of India's civilisational courage, spiritual strength, and repeated reconstruction despite centuries of invasions. The event highlights the sacrifices of countless devotees who defended the shrine, ensuring its revival time and again. This year also coincides with 75 years since the modern reconstruction of the temple, inaugurated in 1951 by the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad, following efforts led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after Independence. Seoul, Jan 11 : Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo on Sunday departed for Washington amid US concerns over a recent revision to a South Korean law aimed at addressing false and fabricated online information. "We need to explain the government's exact policy intentions regarding the domestic digital legislation," Yeo told Yonhap News Agency ahead of his departure at Incheon International Airport. The U.S. State Department has expressed concerns over the revision of the South Korean law, saying it could negatively affect U.S. online platforms and undermine free expression. "It appears that our exact policy intentions may have been misunderstood," Yeo said, noting he plans to meet with officials from the United States Trade Representative, key U.S. lawmakers and business representatives during the visit. The State Department has expressed "significant concerns" over a recently passed revision to a South Korean law aimed at addressing false and fabricated online information, saying that it would negatively affect U.S. online platforms and undermine free expression. A spokesperson of the department made the remarks in response to questions from Yonhap News Agency, after Korea's Cabinet approved a motion to promulgate the amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act, following the National Assembly's passage of the revision. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers also voiced concerns over the revision in social media posts -- in a public display of concern over the revision that stoked worries over the possibility of diplomatic and trade tension between the two countries. "The United States has significant concerns with the ROK government's approval of an amendment to the Network Act that negatively impacts the business of U.S.-based online platforms and undermines free expression," the spokesperson said. ROK is short for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. "The ROK should not impose unnecessary barriers around digital services. The United States opposes censorship and remains dedicated to working with the ROK to promote a free and open digital environment for all," the official added. a"IANS na/ New Delhi, Jan 11 : Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has said that he will open the new X algorithm to the public in seven days. It will include all code for organic and advertising post recommendations. "We will publish the full algorithm in a week. Still much to improve. It's just trying to show you what you are most likely to find interesting. The goal is to maximise unregretted user-seconds," Musk said. "This will be repeated every 4 weeks, with comprehensive developer notes, to help you understand what changed," he posted on X. The world's richest man didn't say why X was making its algorithm open source. He and the company have clashed several times with regulators over content being shown to users. The decision comes as the European Commission has decided to extend a retention order sent to X last year, which related to algorithms and dissemination of illegal content. Some X users had previously complained that they were receiving fewer posts on the social media platform from people they follow. In October, Musk confirmed in a post on X that the company had found a "significant bug" in the platform's "For You" algorithm and pledged a fix. The company has also been working to incorporate more artificial intelligence into its recommendation algorithm for X, using Grok. Meanwhile, 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. IANS na/ Mumbai, Jan 11 : Actress Tara Sharma celebrated her birthday on Sunday with her 'Khosla Family'. Veteran actor Anupam Kher took to the Stories section of his Instagram handle and dropped a clip of himself and other cast members, including Ranvir Shorey, Parvin Dabas, and Kiran Juneja wish Tara a Happy birthday. As Tara was spending some quality time with her husband, Roopak Saluja, the team came and surprised her by singing "Happy Birthday", followed by a lot of warm hugs and wishes, creating a wholesome moment for the birthday girl. Wishing his co-star on her special day, Kher added the text to the video, "Happiest Birthday dearest @tarasharmasaluja! love and prayers always!! (sic)" Recently, Tara expressed her excitement about reuniting with her old friends from the 2006 original drama "Khosla Ka Ghosla", such as Kher, Boman Irani, Parvin Dabas, and Kiran Juneja. She revealed that the reunion brought for her a mix of feelings, such as nostalgia and adventure, on the first day of the shoot for "Khosla Ka Ghosla 2". Putting her emotions into words, Tara wrote a social media post saying, "And it begins (red heart emoji) #khoslakaghosla 2ashooting with many from our KKG 1 fam and some new. Nostalgia and new adventures. Great to reunite with many, missing those not here and looking forward to the acting and the rest joining and us all hopefully creating another film you all love, safely, smoothly and successfully touch wood." Her post further included a selfie with her gang. Calling her first day of the shoot 'extremely fun', she added, "Not revealing anything but my first day on this set so a Woh Yah Hooo post with some from the OG squad seemed right! Will post more as and when able to and nearer release! Have a super day all." Along with some familiar faces from the original drama, Ravi Kishan has also joined the cast of "Khosla Ka Ghosla 2", the shooting for which is presently underway. Somnath : , Jan 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who made significant efforts in the restoration of the Somnath Temple following Independence. He also paid floral tributes to the countless warriors who laid down their lives defending the temple. The 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' serves as a tribute to the temple's enduring legacy as a symbol of India's civilisational courage, spiritual strength, and repeated reconstruction despite centuries of invasions. The event highlights the sacrifices of countless devotees who defended the shrine, ensuring its revival time and again. 2026 marks the thousand years since the Somnath Temple was first attacked by the invaders in January 1026. This year also marks 75 years since the modern reconstruction of the temple, inaugurated in 1951 by the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad, following efforts led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after Independence. Earlier, in a blog post, the Prime Minister mentioned that the sacred responsibility of rebuilding Somnath Temple, which was attacked by invaders in 1026, fell upon Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He recalled the time when the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was not supportive of the idea of rebuilding the Somnath Temple and did not want the top constitutional authorities to be associated with it. PM Modi mentioned that Sardar Patel's visit to the site during Diwali in 1947 deeply moved him, leading to the decision to rebuild the temple at the same location. "On May 11, 1951, a grand Somnath Temple was opened to devotees in the presence of Dr Rajendra Prasad," he said. Despite Nehru's objections, Sardar Patel, K.M. Munshi (who led the construction efforts), and President Rajendra Prasad were strong proponents of the temple's restoration as a symbol of national pride. The temple was ultimately restored using money collected from public donations and not government funds. PM Modi participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra' at Somnath Temple as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat on Sunday. He witnessed cultural performances from artists across the country. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a ceremonial procession organised to honour the countless warriors who laid down their lives defending the Somnath Temple. As the rhythm of the 'Damru', an instrument associated with Lord Shiva, filled the air, PM Modi was welcomed by large crowds lining the roads, eager to catch a glimpse of him. People showered him with flowers and chanted "Modi-Modi" in excitement. During the event, he took the 'Damrus' in both hands and played it, raising his arms and flicking his wrist. Artists from Rajasthan, Punjab, Manipur, Gujarat, and other regions performed as the Prime Minister continued along the yatra, greeting everyone he passed. Artists participating in the 'Shaurya Yatra' expressed their enthusiasm for Prime Minister Modi's visit and, speaking to IANS, said they were very excited to meet him. The Prime Minister subsequently offered his prayers at the Somnath Temple. Following this, a significant public event is scheduled at Sadbhavna Maidan, where the Prime Minister will address the audience. In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will travel to Rajkot, where he will open the trade show and exhibition as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference at Marwari University. He is also set to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Kutch and Saurashtra. Later, PM Modi will arrive at Mahatma Mandir Metro Station in Gandhinagar, where he will launch the Phase 2 route of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project from Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir. New Delhi, Jan 11 : Swami Swaprakash, Trustee of the Vaidic Dharma Sansthan and associated with The Art of Living Foundation, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in protecting Sanatan Dharma and restoring the pride of India's religious places. Speaking to IANS, he said, "India is fortunate to have a Prime Minister who protects Sanatan Dharma and restores the pride of our religious places, even domestically, our demography is being updated. It was high time to have a PM like that, and it is a matter of pride." Swami Swaprakash emphasised the resilience of Sanatan Dharma, saying it cannot be destroyed because all major religions have emerged from it. Reflecting on historical attempts to undermine Indian heritage, he cited Ghazni's attack on the Somnath Temple, noting that even after invasions, elements of the Shivalinga were found, and Shankaracharya Ji was tasked with its restoration. He added that during this period, plans for the Ram Temple were also mentioned by the revered saint. "The same happened when Ghazni tried to destroy Somnath; some elements of the Shivalinga were found, and for 1,000 years Shankaracharya Ji was asked to re-establish it. Back then, he also mentioned the building of the Ram Temple," he said. Elaborating on the history of Somnath Temple, Swami Swaprakash said it was established in the 'Satyug' by 'Chandra Dev', the moon deity. "It is believed that due to his pride in his beauty, King Daksha cursed him. Later, after repentance, Daksha advised him to worship Lord Shiva in Saurashtra, so he established the first Jyotirlinga of Somnath Ji," Swami Swaprakash explained. The temple, he noted, has been a symbol of spiritual devotion and resilience through centuries, surviving invasions and natural calamities. Swami Swaprakash's remarks come amid renewed interest in India's ancient temples and cultural heritage, with the government emphasising preservation, restoration, and promotion of religious sites across the country. He highlighted the importance of leadership that prioritises spiritual and cultural pride alongside national development. The spiritual leader also underlined that protecting and promoting Sanatan Dharma is not merely a religious act but a cultural responsibility that strengthens India's identity and ensures the continuity of its age-old traditions. Swami Swaprakash's comments link historical reverence for sites like Somnath Temple with contemporary initiatives to restore religious landmarks, reflecting the enduring significance of India's spiritual and cultural legacy. Key Points The Motley Fool has often shied away from gold and other precious metals as an investment, citing the better long-term performance of stocks. 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Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM) shot the lights out with its returns in 2025, benefiting from soaring prices of gold and silver. That raises a simple question: Was last year's moonshot just another short-term blip in the long history of zig-zag moves for precious metals, or is some more fundamental change in the markets prompting a different way of valuing gold and silver? In this first article of a three-part series, you'll learn why gold and silver investors are bullish about their market and how Agnico Eagle Mines is poised to take advantage. Image source: Getty Images. From a store of value to a backdoor AI play Precious metals have enjoyed a special status in the financial markets for millennia. Gold was the primary store of value in many cultures well into the 20th century, and even after sovereign governments went off the gold standard, plenty of investors have still insisted on the superiority of the yellow metal as "real money." The reputation that precious metals have is strong enough that competing assets try to play off it, such as Bitcoin's (CRYPTO: BTC) characterization as "digital gold." Gold jumped 66% in 2025, but its oft-neglected counterpart, silver, soared 144%. Silver has traditionally taken its place as second fiddle to gold, given its relative abundance and much lower price. However, silver has the advantage of being used in a wide variety of industrial applications that create additional demand beyond its monetary value. In particular, silver's favorable electrical conductivity has made it a vital part of several key technologies, including solar panel energy conversion, electric vehicle power transmission, and processors within data centers. Indeed, the U.S. Geological Survey added silver to its list of critical minerals in November 2025, demonstrating the value that the federal government places on encouraging production of the white metal. Caracas, Jan 11 : Venezuelan lawmaker Nicolas Maduro Guerra has said that his father, President Nicolas Maduro, sent a message through his lawyers saying he is in good condition and remains resolute while being held in the United States. "The lawyers told us they are strong and that we should not be sad," Guerra said while addressing leaders of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela on Saturday (local time). He quoted his father as saying: "We are well. I am a fighter." President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently held in the United States after US forces carried out military strikes in Caracas and three other Venezuelan cities on January 3, an operation that resulted in their capture. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern, reports Xinhua news agency. Maduro Guerra said his father remains unbroken, adding that the government and its supporters "are united and standing firm." "The strength of Chavismo lies in unity. Whatever happens, we must remain united," he said. Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Saturday pledged to secure the return of Maduro and his wife. Speaking at a community event in Miranda state, Rodriguez said there was no uncertainty about Venezuela's leadership or governing program. "There is no uncertainty here. The Venezuelan people are in charge, and there is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro," she said, calling for unity to guarantee peace, stability and the country's future. Rodriguez vowed not to rest "for a single minute" until Maduro and Flores return to Venezuela. She noted that a year ago, she was sworn in alongside Maduro at the start of his third term, adding that "today, one year later, we are swearing for his freedom." Rodriguez said national unity would be decisive in what she described as the effort to "rescue" Maduro, reaffirming that her government continues to implement the seven lines of action set by Maduro. Seoul, Jan 11 : The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for Seoul to provide a detailed explanation about recent drone incursions, claiming that the drones from South Korea clearly violated the North's airspace. Kim Yo-jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, made the remarks as South Korea's Defence Ministry denied Pyongyang's claim about the drone incursions from the South's military, raising the possibility that private entities may have been involved in the alleged drone operations, Yonhap News Agency reported. "Fortunately, the ROK's military expressed an official stand that it was not done by itself and that it has no intention to provoke or irritate us," Kim said in a statement carried by the North's Korean Central News Agency. ROK is short for the Republic of Korea, the official name of South Korea. "But a detailed explanation should be made about the actual case of a drone that crossed the southern border of our republic from the ROK," Kim said. Kim also expressed her personal appreciation that South Korea's defence ministry "took a wise choice" by announcing its official stance of not provoking North Korea when it denied the North's claim. Kim, however, said the drone incursions, whether carried out by the military or civilians, constituted a violation of the North's airspace, warning that Seoul will face terrible consequences if it opts for another provocation. "Clear is just the fact that the drone from the ROK violated the airspace of our country," Kim said. "If the ROK opts for provocation against us again in the future, it will never be able to deal with the terrible consequences to be entailed by it." She claimed the video data retrieved from the drones was undeniably related to a uranium mine, the now-suspended inter-Korean joint industrial complex in Kaesong in the North and North Korean border guard posts, demanding an "explanation" from Seoul. Kim also warned, "If they brand it as a deed of a civilian organisation and then try to assert a theory that it is not an infringement upon the sovereignty, they will see a lot of UAVs by the DPRK's civilian organisations." DPRK means the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name. Kim said the drone infiltrations cemented North Korea's view of South Korea as a "group of hooligans and scrap," marking the first time such explicit language has been used against Seoul since the Lee Jae Myung administration took office. Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies in South Korea, assessed that the statement by the North Korean leader's sister appears aimed at maintaining the regime's stance of portraying Seoul as an "unchanging hostile country" and denying Seoul's peace efforts in order to ratchet up pressure. Somnath : , Jan 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that raising the flag atop the historic Somnath Temple symbolises India's strength and capability, showcasing it to the entire world. He emphasised that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is not just a commemoration of the destruction that occurred a thousand years ago, but a celebration of a 1,000-year journey. It also serves as a festival celebrating India's existence and pride. PM Modi added that regardless of any attempts to undermine India or Somnath, both will remain strong, standing as a testament to India's resilience for the world to see. Addressing a large public gathering in Sadbhavna Maidan after offering prayers at the sacred shrine, PM Modi said, "This time, the environment and celebration are wonderful. On one hand, God of Gods Mahadev and on the other hand, the vast waves of the sea, the rays of the sun, the resonance of the chants, the surge of faith, and the presence of Lord Somnath's devotees in this divine atmosphere are making this occasion divine and grand." He said that he considers it his fortune that, as the President of the Somnath Mandir Trust, he got the opportunity to actively participate in it. PM Modi was greeted with the slogans of "Modi-Modi" as he arrived at the stage to address the enthusiastic crowd. "Seventy-two hours of continuous chanting of 'Omkar' were conducted here. Yesterday evening, 1000 drones, 1,000 students from Vedic gurukuls, a presentation of 1,000 years of Somnath Temple and today, 'Shaurya Yatra' till the temple with 108 horses, a remarkable presentation of devotional chants and songs -- everything is mesmerising," he said, adding that one cannot express this experience, but "only time can truly capture this". "This event reflects pride, dignity, and glory, along with a deep sense of grace. It carries a legacy of splendour and a profound spiritual experience. There is emotion, joy, closeness, and above all, the blessings of Mahadev, the Lord of all gods," he added. The Prime Minister mentioned that 1,000 years ago, the foreign invaders were thinking that they had won India, but even after a thousand years, "the flag rising high above the Somnath Mahadev Temple, shows the strength and capability of India to the entire world". "Every corner of this Prabhas Patan is a testament to courage, valour, and heroism," he said. "On this occasion of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, I first bow to every brave man and woman who dedicated their lives to protecting Somnath and rebuilding the temple. They offered everything they had to Mahadev, the Lord of all gods," he added. PM Modi further said that the land of Prabhas Patan is not only the sacred land of Lord Shiva, but its sanctity is also linked with Lord Krishna. He mentioned that during the Mahabharata era, the Pandavas performed penance at this holy place. Therefore, he said that this occasion is also an opportunity to salute the countless dimensions of India's heritage. He said that the Somnath Temple's journey is marked by 1,000 years of resilience and self-respect, but also marks 75 years of its reconstruction in 1951. "This festival is not meant only to remember the destruction that took place a thousand years ago. It is a celebration of a 1000-year journey. It is also a festival of India's existence and pride," he added. He said that at every step and on every achievement, there is a unique similarity in India's journey and Somnath. "The way many efforts were made to destroy Somnath, similarly, the foreign invaders made continuous efforts to destroy our country. But neither Somnath was destroyed, nor India," he added. Earlier, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the Somnath Temple. Amid Vedic chants, PM Modi performed 'Abhishek' and 'Aarti' at the historic temple and sought the blessings of Lord Somnath. New Delhi, Jan 11 : Congress UP Chief Ajay Rai on Sunday said that the party workers across the country will hold protests and observe a fast against the Central government's decision to "end" MGNREGA and replace it with an alternative scheme, which he claimed fails to protect the interests of the poor. Speaking to reporters, Rai said, "Today, across the country, our Congress workers will sit in protest under the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Bhimrao Ambedkar and observe a fast. They will protest against the government for ending MGNREGA and replacing it with schemes like 'G Ram G', which fail to provide proper support to the poor. Today, all of us will sit in silent protest, observe a fast, and voice our opposition to these actions." He alleged that the Centre's move has directly impacted rural employment and the livelihood security of millions of poor families, accusing the government of weakening welfare mechanisms that ensured the right to work. Rai said the Congress will continue its agitation both on the streets and through democratic means to protect the rights of labourers and marginalised sections. The Congress leader said Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar symbolised social justice, equality and the rights of the poor, and staging protests under their statues was meant to underline the party's ideological commitment to those values. He added that the silent protest and fast were intended to draw national attention to what he described as the "systematic dismantling of pro-poor schemes". Commenting on Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's appointment as Chairperson of the Assam Congress Screening Committee, Ajay Rai praised her leadership and nationwide appeal. "Undoubtedly, she is a mass leader of the entire country. Her presence and influence will be seen everywhere -- be it Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Assam, or Kerala," he said, expressing confidence that her role would strengthen the party's organisational efforts ahead of upcoming elections. Rai said Priyanka Gandhi's political engagement and connect with grassroots workers have energised the Congress cadre across states, and her leadership would play a key role in rebuilding the party in several regions. On the occasion of Priyanka Gandhi's birthday on January 12, Ajay Rai said the Congress plans widespread celebrations across the state and the country. "A grand celebration will be held across the state and the country. Our leader is a lioness, and the entire nation will celebrate her. Her leadership is being recognised across the country. She will work wherever needed, and we all welcome her wholeheartedly," he said. New Delhi, Jan 11 : Apex business chamber CII, in its proposals for the Union Budget 2026-27, has urged the Central government to mobilise resources through a calibrated approach to privatisation to unlock the value of public sector enterprises. New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS) Apex business chamber CII, in its proposals for the Union Budget 202627, has urged the Central government to mobilise resources through a calibrated approach to privatisation to unlock the value of public sector enterprises. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, said, "India's growth story is increasingly being powered by private enterprise and innovation. A forward-looking privatisation policy, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, will enable the government to focus on its core functions while empowering the private sector to accelerate industrial transformation and job creation." Against this backdrop, CII has called for accelerating the implementation of the Government's Strategic Disinvestment Policy, which envisions an exit from all Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in non-strategic sectors and a minimal presence in strategic ones. To strengthen and expedite the privatisation programme, CII has outlined a four-pronged comprehensive strategy. First, CII recommends a shift to a demand-based approach in selecting PSEs for privatisation. Presently, the government identifies specific enterprises for sale and subsequently invites investor interest. However, when sufficient demand or valuation is not achieved, the process often stalls. CII suggests reversing this sequence by first gauging investor interest across a broader set of enterprises and then prioritising those that attract stronger interest and meet valuation expectations. Such an approach, CII believes, would ensure smoother execution and better price discovery. Second, to provide investors greater clarity and planning time, CII recommends that the government announce a rolling three-year privatisation pipeline, outlining which enterprises are likely to be taken up for privatisation during this period. This visibility would encourage deeper investor engagement and more realistic valuation and price discovery. Third, an institutional framework can strengthen oversight, accountability, and investor confidence, making privatisation predictable and professionally managed. CII has recommended a dedicated body with a Ministerial Board for strategic guidance, an Advisory Board of industry and legal experts for independent benchmarking, and a professional management team to handle execution, due diligence, market engagement, and regulatory coordination. Besides, CII has recommended a calibrated disinvestment approach combined with a three-year roadmap, as an interim measure. The government could reduce its stake in listed PSEs in a phased manner to 51 per cent initially, allowing it to remain the single largest shareholder while releasing significant value into the market. Over time, this stake could be brought down further to between 33 and 26 per cent. According to CII, reducing the government's stake to 51 per cent in 78 listed PSEs could unlock close to Rs 10 lakh crore. In the first two years of the roadmap, the disinvestment strategy could target 55 PSEs where the government holds 75 per cent or less, mobilising around Rs. 4.6 lakh crore. In the subsequent stage, 23 PSEs with higher government stakes (over 75 per cent) could be disinvested, potentially bringing in Rs 5.4 lakh crore. These measures can enhance investor confidence, ensure predictable and transparent processes, and maximise value realisation for the government. By focusing on governance, regulation, and enabling infrastructure while allowing competitive markets to drive efficiency, strategic privatisation can unlock public resources for high-impact areas such as health, education, and green infrastructure, while retaining minimal presence in strategic sectors, supporting a self-reliant and globally competitive economy. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 11 : The members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), which is the youth wing of CPI(M), and the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) on Sunday held separate demonstrations against Rahul Mamkootathil, the expelled Congress MLA, who has been arrested in connection with a rape case. The protest erupted when the police brought the arrested MLA, who was earlier the Youth Congress Kerala president, to the Pathanamthitta district general hospital for a mandatory medical examination following his interrogation. As the police vehicle arrived at the hospital premises, activists from the youth organisations surrounded it, raising loud slogans and shouting accusations against the MLA. Protesters were heard questioning why an individual facing multiple serious criminal allegations continued to enjoy political patronage and protection. "This is not the first or second case, but the third one. Why is such a person being shielded?" the protesters shouted, demanding strict legal action. The situation soon escalated, prompting the police to deploy heavy security. Amidst intense sloganeering, officers managed to escort Rahul Mamkootathil out of the police vehicle and into the hospital under tight protection. Brief scuffles reportedly broke out between the police and protesters as authorities attempted to clear the area and prevent further unrest. Rahul Mamkootathil was arrested dramatically in connection with what police say is the third rape case registered against him. He was taken into custody from a hotel in Palakkad around 12.30 a.m. on Sunday. After being detained, he was brought to the Pathanamthitta AR Camp for questioning. The interrogation was conducted by a Special Investigation Team under the supervision of DIG G. Poonguzhali. According to police sources, the case is based on a complaint filed via email by a woman from Pathanamthitta district. The complainant has levelled grave allegations against the MLA, including brutal sexual assault, forced abortion, and prolonged financial exploitation. Police officials stated that the accusations are serious in nature and that the investigation is being carried out with due diligence, given the sensitivity of the case and the public attention it has drawn. The arrest and subsequent protests have intensified political tensions in the district, with calls growing louder for accountability and an impartial probe. Authorities have assured that law and order will be maintained and that no one will be spared if found guilty, irrespective of political stature. Chennai, Jan 11 : The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp attack on Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai, accusing him of political hypocrisy and selective activism over issues related to rural employment and governance in the State. In a strongly-worded statement issued on Sunday, A.N.S. Prasad, spokesperson of the Tamil Nadu BJP, questioned why Selvaperunthagai had not launched any protests against the DMK government despite what he described as "numerous actions that go against the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi." The criticism comes in the backdrop of the Union government introducing the Viksit Bharat a" Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, which seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. Prasad alleged that the Congress leader had remained silent on what he termed a "false election promise" made by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, who had pledged in the DMK manifesto to extend the rural employment scheme from 100 days to 150 days. According to the BJP, this promise was never fulfilled and was aimed solely at electoral gains. The BJP spokesperson further claimed that the restructuring of the rural employment scheme by the Centre had curbed alleged irregularities at the local level. He alleged that DMK and Congress MLAs and local body representatives could no longer misuse funds in the manner they allegedly did earlier, and that this had unsettled leaders of the ruling alliance in Tamil Nadu. Taking aim at Selvaperunthagai's recent protest actions, Prasad described them as "political theatrics" designed to deflect growing discontent within Congress ranks. He claimed that Congress cadres themselves were openly questioning their leadershipas dependence on the DMK and demanding a fair share of power within the ruling alliance. Contrasting the State and the Centre, the BJP asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was implementing policies inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and working towards an inclusive model of governance. In contrast, Prasad alleged that Tamil Nadu was witnessing an "anti-people administration" under the DMK, which he said eroded public rights. The BJP concluded by predicting a poor electoral outcome for the Congress in the 2026 Assembly elections, asserting that voters would reject what it called the "political drama" of the DMKa"Congress alliance. New Delhi, Jan 11 : India's rice exports rose sharply by 19.4 per cent last year to reach the second-highest level on record, after the government lifted all export curbs. New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS) Indiaas rice exports rose sharply by 19.4 per cent last year to reach the second-highest level on record, after the government lifted all export curbs. The removal of restrictions made Indian rice more competitive in global markets and helped the country strengthen its position as the worldas largest exporter of the staple grain, as per reports. The strong return of Indian rice to international markets led to a steady flow of supplies, which in turn reduced exports from rival producers such as Thailand and Vietnam. This surge in availability pushed rice prices in Asia to their lowest levels in nearly a decade. Lower prices have brought relief to poorer consumers, especially in Africa and other importing regions that depend heavily on affordable rice supplies. Indiaas growing role in the global rice trade is also reflected in its push towards value-added and nutrition-focused exports. In a recent example, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export of 20 metric tonnes of fortified rice from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea. The consignment marked another step in Indiaas efforts to diversify its agricultural exports and expand its footprint in overseas markets. Fortified rice is produced by blending rice flour with essential micronutrients such as iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. This blend is processed to resemble regular rice grains and then mixed with ordinary rice to improve its nutritional value. Officials said such exports highlight Indiaas technological capabilities in food fortification and its contribution to global food and nutritional security. Chhattisgarh has emerged as an important contributor to Indiaas rice exports, with consistent efforts to support farmers, millers and exporters. The successful shipment to Papua New Guinea underlines the stateas growing role in nutrition-oriented food supplies and aligns with Indiaas broader ambition to be seen as a reliable supplier of safe, high-quality and value-added agricultural products. APEDA officials said the authority continues to focus on quality assurance, capacity building and market linkages to further strengthen Indiaas standing in global agri-trade. New Delhi, Jan 11 : The XVI Russia-India Business Dialogue held in Moscow, attended by over 1,250 participants, observed that the development of Russia-India cooperation and implementation of joint business projects will continue at major international platforms, including the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, scheduled to take place from June 3 to 6. New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS) The XVI Russiaa"India Business Dialogue held in Moscow, attended by over 1,250 participants, observed that the development of Russiaa"India cooperation and implementation of joint business projects will continue at major international platforms, including the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, scheduled to take place from June 3 to 6. The Dialogue was organised by the Indian Business Alliance, the Business Council for Cooperation with India, the Moscow government, and the Roscongress Foundation. During the plenary session, participants discussed the main directions of Russiaa"India cooperation, including the resolution of trade issues and identification of new opportunities to balance bilateral trade, according to an article in Modern Diplomacy. The issue of ensuring logistics and financial resilience, development of industrial cooperation and import substitution, and partnership in energy, technology, and innovation also came up for discussion. Besides, the implementation of joint projects in industry, energy, pharmaceuticals, and the digital economy was also taken up at the conference. Moscow government Minister and the head of the city's Department for External Economic and International Relations, Sergey Cheremin, highlighted the steady growth of business activity and the practical orientation of Russiaa"India cooperation. "Russiaa"India contacts demonstrate confident momentuma"more than 50 joint business events have taken place over the past year. Today, the focus is on the localisation of Indian businesses in Russia, the development of industrial cooperation, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and creative industries, as well as growth in mutual investments and high-tech product supplies," he said, as per the article. Indian Business Alliance (IBA) President Sammy Kotwani emphasised the practical nature of Indian companiesa interest in cooperation with Russia. "The event reflects a new stage of strategic partnership between our countriesa"practical, regionally focused, and aimed at implementing concrete projects. More than 1,250 registered participants and the active involvement of Russian regions confirm the high level of trust and interest in long-term cooperation," he said. In his address at the plenary session, Roscongress Foundation's Deputy Director and the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Director, Alexey Valkov, underlined SPIEFas importance as a key international platform for practical cooperation: "India is a constant and key participant in Roscongress Foundation events. We consistently develop Russiaa"India dialogue not only at events held in Russia, but also through international outreach initiatives of the Foundation," he added. Ahmedabad, Jan 11 : The Adani Group will invest Rs 1.5 lakh crore in Gujarat's Kachchh region over the next five years, underlining its long-term commitment to the state, Adani Ports and SEZ Limited Managing Director Karan Adani said on Sunday. The investments reflect India's message to the world that economic growth, climate responsibility and energy security can move forward together, Karan Adani said. In his remarks at an event in Rajkot, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said Gujarat is not just a state of investment for the Adani Group, but the very foundation of its journey. "Our Chairman, Gautam Adani, has always believed that the growth of our group must be inseparable from the growth of the nation," Karan Adani stated. "Gujarat is where our journey began, and Gujarat is where our long-term commitment remains anchored. Building on this foundation, the Adani Group commits to invest Rs 1.5 lakh crores over the next five years in the region of Kachchh," he added. Highlighting Gujarat's governance model, he said the state demonstrated ease of doing business in practice long before it became part of the national policy vocabulary. "We will also double our port capacity at Mundra in the next 10 years' time," Karan Adani mentioned. He noted that faster decision-making, strong institutions and respect for enterprise created a growth-friendly ecosystem, which was later expanded across the country under Prime Minister Modi through cooperative and competitive federalism. "Prime Minister, under your leadership, India has undergone a fundamental transformation, not just in scale, but in our mindset," he said. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a trade show ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, an event aimed at showcasing investment opportunities and reinforcing Gujarat's role in India's economic growth story. "Long before ease of doing business became part of the national vocabulary, Gujarat showed what it meant in practice," he said. Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. With that in mind, we've noticed some promising trends at Kinatico (ASX:KYP) so let's look a bit deeper. Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. The formula for this calculation on Kinatico is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.046 = AU$1.3m (AU$34m - AU$6.5m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2025). So, Kinatico has an ROCE of 4.6%. Ultimately, that's a low return and it under-performs the IT industry average of 7.2%. Check out our latest analysis for Kinatico ASX:KYP Return on Capital Employed January 11th 2026 In the above chart we have measured Kinatico's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Kinatico for free. What Can We Tell From Kinatico's ROCE Trend? Kinatico has recently broken into profitability so their prior investments seem to be paying off. About five years ago the company was generating losses but things have turned around because it's now earning 4.6% on its capital. In addition to that, Kinatico is employing 323% more capital than previously which is expected of a company that's trying to break into profitability. This can indicate that there's plenty of opportunities to invest capital internally and at ever higher rates, both common traits of a multi-bagger. On a related note, the company's ratio of current liabilities to total assets has decreased to 19%, which basically reduces it's funding from the likes of short-term creditors or suppliers. Therefore we can rest assured that the growth in ROCE is a result of the business' fundamental improvements, rather than a cooking class featuring this company's books. In Conclusion... Overall, Kinatico gets a big tick from us thanks in most part to the fact that it is now profitable and is reinvesting in its business. And investors seem to expect more of this going forward, since the stock has rewarded shareholders with a 64% return over the last five years. In light of that, we think it's worth looking further into this stock because if Kinatico can keep these trends up, it could have a bright future ahead. Kolkata, Jan 11 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday called up the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, and enquired about the attack on the latter's convoy at Chandrakona in West Midnapore district. Adhikari's office had also forwarded five videos on the attack on his convoy to the Union Home Ministry. Earlier in the day, the Union Home Ministry had sought reports from the office of the leader of the opposition regarding the attack, sources in the office of the BJP leader said. The videos sent to the Union Home Ministry showed how the attack on the convoy of the leader of the opposition occurred in a pre-planned manner and how the local police remained "inactive" in resisting the attack on Adhikari's convoy. During the 15-minute conversation with the Union Home Minister, the leader of the opposition gave a description of what exactly happened at Chandrakona. Adhikari claimed on Sunday that he had decided to move the Calcutta High Court in connection with the matter. He had also announced that he would lead a protest march at the spot of the attack at Chandrakona on January 13. The convoy of Adhikari was attacked at Chandrakona in West Midnapore district late Saturday evening while he was on his way back to Kolkata after attending a political programme in Purulia district. Adhikari claimed that after his convoy crossed the four-point crossing in the Chandrakona Road Market area in West Midnapore district, some activists of the Trinamool Congress suddenly blocked the road. He said they were carrying Trinamool Congress flags. The LoP also claimed that some ruling party activists attacked his convoy with bamboo sticks and also hit the bulletproof vehicle. He alleged that although this continued for quite some time, local police did not arrive at the spot. Adhikari's convoy managed to leave the spot, after which he went straight to the Chandrakona Police outpost and sat on the floor there. This is not the first time that the convoy of the Leader of the Opposition has been attacked, allegedly by Trinamool Congress activists. In August 2025, Adhikari's convoy was attacked at Cooch Behar town in North Bengal. Then, a group of people, allegedly linked to the Trinamool Congress, rushed from the sides and tried to block the vehicles in his convoy. Nagpur, Jan 11 : AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his assertion on the religious identity of India's leadership, stating that it reflects his "Pakistani thinking". This came as CM Sarma, on Saturday, said that while the Constitution does not restrict anyone from becoming the Prime Minister, the country's civilisational ethos would ensure that the post remains with a Hindu. Speaking to IANS, Owaisi said, "His mind is like a tubelight. He took an oath on the Constitution. Where in the Constitution is this written? Himanta Biswa Sarma's thinking reflects that of Pakistan's, where the Constitution allows only a person from a particular community to become Prime Minister or President. In contrast, the Constitution of India, framed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar, is far more inclusive and thoughtful." "It is unfortunate that some people neither understand the Constitution nor its spirit. India does not belong to any single community; its beauty lies in the fact that even those who do not follow any religion have a place here. Such narrow-minded thinking reflects a petty mindset," Owaisi added. Addressing the media, Chief Minister Sarma had said there is "no constitutional bar" on who can occupy the highest executive office in the country. "Anybody can become the Prime Minister of India," he said, but added that India is essentially a Hindu civilisation and expressed confidence that the Prime Minister would always emerge from that civilisational framework. These war of words broke out after the AIMIM chief, during a public meeting in Maharashtra's Solapur ahead of the civic polls, had stated that a hijab-wearing woman will one day become the Prime Minister of the country. These remarks drew widespread criticism from across party lines. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said, "The feelings of the Owaisi clearly reveal how they conduct their politics in religious terms. This shows that he does not have any other option left." BJP leader Poonam Mahajan claimed that Owaisi's AIMIM is an "offshoot" of Congress, which only talks about the Muslim community. Speaking to IANS, Mahajan said, "Owaisi is very sharp and experienced in delivering speeches, but he does not apply that experience in politics. In politics, he follows a policy of divide and rule. His party is an offshoot of the Congress and works only for Muslim interests, not for the interests of the country. That is the unfortunate part." Congress, however, mocked Owaisi for not being "serious". Speaking to reporters, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi said, "He is talking about who will become the Prime Minister in the Maharashtra municipal elections, which shows how seriously he is contesting the election. When a hijab-wearing woman wanted to become a Mayor in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur, he fielded his own candidate and defeated her." "To date, he has not been able to make a hijab-wearing woman an MLA from his party, so how will he make someone a Prime Minister? He just talks baselessly, nothing else," he added. Earlier, speaking to the reporters, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane had said, "Barking dogs never bite. As long as our Hindu nation stands, if anyone continues to threaten Hindus, trying to convert this Hindu nation into an Islamic nation, trying to intimidate us, it means we won't even be able to worship at our homes, won't be able to say 'Jai Shri Ram', or put up banners of Mahadev. Those who are giving such threats, we need to decide whether we should allow them to stay in Maharashtra or not. They need to think about this now." Kabul, Jan 11 : Freelance Afghan journalist Ubaidullah Ahmadi has been detained by police in Pakistan's Islamabad, sparking concerns regarding the safety of exiled reporters facing possible forced deportation, local media reported. The reason behind Ahmadi's arrest remains unclear, and Pakistani police have not yet issued any official statement regarding the detention. His detention comes as Pakistani authorities have increased conducting house-to-house inspections in Islamabad to identify undocumented Afghan migrants for detention and forced deportation, Afghanistan's news agency Khaama Press reported. As per the media workers and advocacy groups monitoring the situation, dozens of Afghan journalists have reportedly been detained during these operations, with the majority of them remaining without legal protection, leaving them exposed to arrest, harassment and possible deportation under Pakistan's stringent migration policies. Several detained journalists have warned that forced return to Afghanistan would put their lives at risk, considering the ongoing threats from the current authorities. The arrest of the journalist has renewed concerns among rights groups and media organisations, who have repeatedly urged Pakistan to safeguard exiled journalists and uphold press freedom obligations. In December last year, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) stated that Pakistan had forcibly returned at least 20 Afghan journalists to Afghanistan in 2025, breaching international protections for refugees, Afghan media outlet Amu TV reported. Citing Pakistani media reports and its own documentation, RSF said the expulsion of Afghan journalists from Pakistan was a "clear breach" of the international principle of non-refoulement, stressing that dozens of other Afghan journalists who are living in Pakistan face fears of arrest, extortion and immediate deportation. RSF noted that around 200 Afghan journalists had fled to Pakistan after facing Taliban threats or reprisals after the group seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. Many of these journalists were awaiting relocation to Western nations with RSFas backing; however, resettlement processes have stalled for years, leaving applicants in legal limbo. RSF said Pakistan has rarely extended residency permits for Afghans since mid-2025, placing thousands, including journalists, at risk of being declared "illegal," Amu TV reported. It further stated that arbitrary arrests, detention and deportations of Afghan journalists have sharply increased over the past six months. Chennai, Jan 11 : A video clip showing one of India's top music directors Anirudh meeting actor Ajith Kumar on the Marina Race Circuit in Abu Dhabi has now gone viral on social media. For the unaware, Ajith Kumar and his team participated in the 24H Series Middle East Trophy that took place a the Marina Race Circuit in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. In the video clip, Anirudh, dressed in a black shirt and sporting sun glasses, is seen sharing some light hearted moments with actor Ajith, before beginning to focus on the track. The video also shows Anirudh whispering information to Ajith, who is seen nodding his head. The actor has also come in for praise for making proper arrangements in Abu Dhabi to ensure fans who wanted to click pictures with him did so without facing any hassles. Fans stood in a line in a neat, orderly fashion and got their pictures clicked with the actor. Sources close to the star say that the pictures thus clicked were delivered to fans through QR codes mapped on to their phone numbers. Meanwhile, actor Ajith Kumar's efforts on the race track are to be made into a docu-film, which sources say will be released in theatres on May 1 next year on the occasion of his birthday. Sources close to the actor had confirmed to IANS that ace Tamil film director A L Vijay is directing this docu-film, which will be around 90 minutes long and will seek to inspire scores of youngsters to pursue their dreams. "Scores of youngsters have dreams that remain unfulfilled. Life makes their dreams drift away from them.This will be an attempt to inspire them to pursue their dreams," a source close to the star had said. The move, sources say, will also be an attempt to popularise motorsport, which many still consider a rich man's sport in the country. The source also disclosed that director Vijay had filmed not just the gripping races in Malaysia but had also captured crucial and engaging moments including strategy meetings, discussions with teams, practise sessions and Ajith's preparation on the whole. The source had also informed that director Vijay would also be filming the races in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to be included in the docu-film. New Delhi, Jan 11 : Germany's state-owned energy company Uniper SE is close to signing a deal to buy green ammonia from India. New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS) Germanyas state-owned energy company Uniper SE is close to signing a deal to buy green ammonia from India. The agreement is expected to be finalised around the time of German Chancellor Friedrich Merzas visit to India next week, marking a key step in strengthening clean energy ties between the two countries, as per reports. Green ammonia, which is produced using renewable electricity, is a crucial input for making green hydrogen. Germany is increasingly relying on green hydrogen as it looks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and meet its climate goals. While details of the volume involved in the proposed deal were not disclosed, reports said the move is part of Uniperas strategy to diversify its energy supply base and secure long-term access to clean fuels. Uniper, which was spun off from E.ON in 2016 and became state-owned in 2022, plays a major role in Europeas energy security. The company operates across several countries, including Germany, the UK, Sweden and the Netherlands, and is investing heavily in hydrogen and sustainable energy solutions as it targets carbon neutrality by 2040. India, meanwhile, is rapidly emerging as a global hub for green ammonia and green hydrogen. Backed by the National Green Hydrogen Mission, several large projects are being developed across the country. Odisha has become a key centre, with companies such as ACME and Avaada setting up large-scale green ammonia plants, while AM Green is developing a major export-focused project at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. These projects aim to supply both domestic fertiliser needs and overseas markets, including Europe and Japan, at competitive prices. Chancellor Merz will be on a two-day visit to India starting on the 12th of this month. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he will begin his visit in Gujarat, where he will pay homage at Sabarmati Ashram and take part in the International Kite Festival. He is also scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mahatma Mandir and visit Dandi Kutir, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and Indiaas freedom struggle. Chandigarh, Jan 11 : In a significant step to preserve and promote cultural traditions and the livestock economy, the Punjab government is all set to host the "Ghora Mandi", a grand traditional cattle and horse fair, in Muktsar Sahib on the occasion of the Maghi festival. Chandigarh, Jan 11 (IANS) In a significant step to preserve and promote cultural traditions and the livestock economy, the Punjab government is all set to host the "Ghora Mandi", a grand traditional cattle and horse fair, in Muktsar Sahib on the occasion of the Maghi festival. This vibrant event will showcase the state's rich rural heritage, featuring high-end breeds of horse and other livestock, said Minister of Animal Husbandry Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Sunday. He said 70 acres at the Industrial Focal Point at Lambi Dhab in Muktsar Sahib has been selected for the fair that is expected to draw a gathering of breeders, traders and animal enthusiasts from across the region. The 'Ghora Mandi' will transform the ground into a dynamic showcase of equine splendour, celebrating the state's rich heritage. The fair will feature prized horse breeds such as Marwari and Nukra, etc., rare cattle species and other livestock, besides witnessing the best animal husbandry practices to celebrate a deep-rooted agrarian legacy, he said. Outlining the proactive measures taken by the department to make the fair a success, Khudian said the government is committed to the welfare and safety of livestock, the backbone of rural economy. "The Ghora Mandi is not just a market. It is a part of our soul. To ensure the well-being of every animal attending, we have made comprehensive arrangements," he said, adding that a dedicated temporary veterinary dispensary has been set up at the fairground. A special 40-member team, led by the Deputy Director Animal Husbandry of Muktsar Sahib, Gurdit Singh, has been deployed at the venue. This team will provide round-the-clock treatment facilities for livestock and maintain strict surveillance to prevent the spread of any animal disease. Highlighting the event's popularity and enthusiasm among animal lovers, Khudian said an enthusiastic response, with many livestock farmers already arriving with their animals. "We are expecting thousands of animals at this famous market, making it a true testament to Punjab's thriving livestock sector," he added. The minister also urged the livestock farmers to bring only healthy animals to the fair. "The health of our livestock is paramount. If any livestock farmer notices symptoms of illness in their animal, they must first contact their local veterinary facility for guidance before travelling," he said. --IANS vg/dan Agartala, Jan 11 : A day after clashes broke out between two communities over the collection of subscriptions for a local fair, the situation remained tense but calm in the Kumarghat subdivision of Tripura's Unakoti district on Sunday, police said. A senior police official in Agartala said that the police on Saturday detained 10 persons from both communities. The official added that on Sunday, the police arrested seven of the detainees and presented them at a local court, seeking police custody. A huge contingent of Assam Rifles, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police were deployed in the trouble-torn areas. "The security forces led by senior officials are conducting regular patrolling and closely watching the situation. There has been no fresh incident since Saturday night," Additional Superintendent of Police of Unakoti district Rupam Chakma told the media. He said that if anyone spreads any rumour or fake photos and videos, stern action would be taken against the individual and the group. Another police official said that additional security forces were also deployed in mixed-populated areas and at religious places. Prohibitory orders were also imposed in Kumarghat subdivision of Unakoti district on Saturday after clashes broke out between two communities over the collection of subscriptions for a local fair, leaving at least five to six persons injured and a few houses and properties gutted, officials said. Internet services have also been suspended across the Kumarghat Sub-Division for 48 hours as a precautionary measure. In a letter to the District Magistrate, the Superintendent of Police (SP), Unakoti district, requested the shutdown of all internet services, stating that a sudden and serious law-and-order situation erupted in the Fatikroy police station area following communal violence. "The shutdown of all internet services has been necessitated as a precautionary measure to control the law-and-order situation by restricting the spread of false propaganda and messages," the SP said in the letter. According to police, trouble began on Saturday when a group of youths stopped a timber-laden vehicle at Saidarpar under Fatikroy police station limits and demanded a subscription for a community fair. Tension escalated after a minority family in the Shimultala area allegedly refused to contribute, following which an unruly mob gathered and set fire to a few houses, vehicles and properties, including a timber shop, and vandalised a place of worship. The situation quickly turned volatile as news of the incident spread across the mixed-population locality. Following incidents of arson, vandalism and damage to properties, including a place of worship, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kumarghat imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to prevent further escalation of tension and maintain law and order. Acting Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai, accompanied by District Magistrate Tamal Majumder and other senior officials, rushed to the affected areas with additional forces and reviewed the security arrangements. On the extent of the damage, the police official said a detailed assessment is being carried out by district administration officials. Police and central paramilitary forces conducted flag marches even as tension prevailed in some pockets of the area. The situation remains under close surveillance, and authorities have appealed to the public to maintain peace and refrain from spreading rumours. Meanwhile, state BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, state Congress President Ashis Kumar Saha, and Leader of Opposition and CPI(M) state Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury separately condemned the violence and appealed for peace and calm. Senior Congress leader and former minister Birajit Sinha, along with Unakoti district Congress president Md. Badruzzaman, on Sunday went to visit the incident site to assess the situation. However, when they attempted to interact with the affected minority families and conduct an on-the-spot inspection, they were allegedly prevented by the police administration, triggering serious allegations. Against this backdrop, the Congress leaders claimed that they were stopped by the authorities when they went to stand in solidarity with the affected families on Sunday. Condemning the incident in strong words, Sinha, also a Congress MLA from the nearby areas, termed it a "violation of democratic rights." "If speaking to ordinary citizens who have fallen victim to violence is treated as a crime, then nothing called democracy remains in the state. The question arises as to whose interests the administration is trying to protect by suppressing the truth," Sinha told the media. Bhopal, Jan 11 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday formally launched the Agriculture Year 2026, also known as "Krishak Kalyan Varsh" or "Kisan Kalyan Varsh", with a grand tractor rally and a state-level programme at Jamburi Maidan in Bhopal. The event marked the beginning of a dedicated year focused on farmer welfare, agricultural advancement, and transforming farming into a profitable, technology-driven and sustainable sector. Addressing the gathering of farmers, Chief Minister Yadav highlighted the state's impressive agricultural achievements, including a 16 per cent growth in the sector. He pointed out that Madhya Pradesh stands unique as the only state where cultivated acreage has increased by 2.5 lakh hectares despite ongoing urbanisation, industrialisation and infrastructure development. This expansion is largely attributed to enhanced irrigation facilities, with upcoming major projects such as Ken-Betwa, Parvati-Kalisindh, and Tapti basin recharge expected to bring an additional 16 lakh hectares under irrigation in the coming years. The Chief Minister emphasised that the government is ensuring farmers will have increased income through a collective approach of 16 departments of the state. These departments are associated with farming. Farmers will receive the official minimum support price through the price difference payment scheme, eliminating market uncertainties, CM Yadav said. He announced that the mustard crop will soon be included under this scheme. For coarse grains like kodo and kutki, which are prominent in the state, the government will procure them at the minimum support price with an additional bonus of Rs 1,000 per quintal. Procurement of these millets will continue, and research efforts will be strengthened, including the establishment of a "Shree Anna research centre" in Dindori. A comprehensive calendar of events was unveiled for the year. Key programmes include the distribution of bonuses for kodo and kutki in February, seminars on natural farming in March, the famous mango festival in Narmadapuram during May, a Farmer Producer Organisation convention in Indore in August-September, workshops on agricultural infrastructure in Chhindwara, food festivals in October and November, and a sugarcane festival in Narsinghpur. The year will also promote horticulture, food processing, animal husbandry and dairy development. To reduce input costs and boost income, the government will provide subsidies on various agricultural implements and constructions. Farmers will gain ownership opportunities through partnerships in upcoming food parks and processing units, with procurement possible from departments like animal husbandry and cooperatives, even for vegetables. In a major relief for irrigation, solar pumps will be distributed to 30 lakh power connection holders, enabling them to perform small agricultural tasks while reducing dependency on conventional electricity, Dr Yadav said. The state is moving toward organic and natural farming by gradually reducing fertiliser use and encouraging practices that enhance soil health. "Farmers will receive fertilisers and real-time information through a dedicated mobile app, eliminating the need to stand in long queues for updates or services," he ensured. Compensation schemes have been strengthened, with over Rs 2,106 crore already paid for losses, including to 24 lakh farmers who incurred crop losses from yellow mosaic virus. The government plans to procure and offer bonuses on crops like urad and groundnut, especially when grown in summer seasons, he said. Additionally, a robust weather information data system will be set up, building on existing forest science centres. Tractor rallies, bike rallies, farmers' marches, and exhibitions of cattle, flowers, fruits, and other agricultural produce will be organised across districts to foster community participation and awareness, which will make the year eventful, Dr Yadav further said. Chief Minister Yadav reiterated the vision of prosperous farmers leading to a prosperous state, urging coordinated efforts from all related departments. "The launch of Agriculture Year 2026 reflects the government's commitment to empowering farmers, increasing their income, creating rural employment, and positioning Madhya Pradesh as a leader in sustainable and innovative agriculture," he said. Los Angeles, Jan 11 : Hollywood actress Lucy Liu has shared that she was very embarrassed to tell C. Thomas Howell that she had a crush on him as a teenager. The 57-year-old actress fell head over heels for the actor when he starred in the 1983 crime-thriller film, 'The Outsiders', aged 16, and she even had a photo of him on her wall, reports 'Female First UK'. In an interview with W Magazine, Lucy was asked who her first "cinematic crush" was, and she said, "C. Thomas Howell in 'The Outsiders'. I was able to afford one of those teen magazines. I Scotch-taped it up to my wood-panel wall. He had a very '80s look, with his hair blown back and his hand in his jeans pocket". 'The Outsiders' followed the rivalry between two teenage gangs, the greasers, including brothers Ponyboy Curtis, Darrel Curtis and Sodapop Curtis and their pals, and the privileged Socs (Socials). As per 'Female First UK', in 2012, Lucy "ironically" worked with C. Thomas, 59, in season 4 of the TNT crime drama, Southland, which followed Los Angeles Police Department patrol officers and detectives try to stop crime in the Californian city, while they juggled drama in their personal lives. But Lucy did not tell C. Thomas that she fancied him as a youngster. She shared, "I never told him that I had a crush on him, because I was so embarrassed. We were playing tough cops". The actress has never been married but was engaged to 50-year-old film director Zach Helm in 2004, two years after they met at a Hollywood bash and dated. However, their engagement was called off, and they broke up a few months later. Lucy has had other high-profile relationships. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Amaravati, Jan 11 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday made it clear that attempts to damage Visakhapatnam's brand image will not be tolerated. He congratulated the Visakhapatnam Police for unravelling the facts behind the attack on a woman in the city by arresting the suspect. Two days ago, a woman named Vijayadurga posted on social media that she was attacked and abused by a man at Jagadamba Centre in Visakhapatnam. The police responded immediately and arrested the person responsible for the incident. However, the preliminary investigation revealed that his mental condition was not good. Officials said the victim expressed satisfaction over the police responding immediately after receiving the information about the incident and arresting the person involved. Though the identity of the accused was not known, the police conducted the investigation and identified and arrested the accused. The woman herself came to the police station and confirmed that the man was not mentally sound. She requested that he be admitted to a mental hospital. The victim also requested that legal action not be taken against the accused. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu praised the performance of the police, saying that this is proof that law and order is excellent in Visakhapatnam. He said that the Andhra Pradesh Police Department is committed to the safety of the people. Stating that Visakhapatnam ranks first in the country in terms of protection of women, the Chief Minister advised the high-ranking police officers to be vigilant to prevent any incidents from happening in the future. He also ordered action against those who are trying to politicise such incidents and smear the government. Chief Minister Naidu made it clear that he would not tolerate any damage to the brand image of Visakhapatnam. The government issued a statement hours after the YSR Congress Party posted a video of the victim, saying she expressed anguish over women's safety in the state. "As fellow Indian citizens, let us stand in support of the woman, and we are demanding immediate strict action against such individuals," reads a post. The woman narrated that though she was slapped by an unknown person at a crowded place, no one came forward. The victim also stated that she reacts strongly whenever something bad happens to women, but she did not anticipate that this would happen to her one day. She turned emotional while narrating the incident. Cryptocurrency investors spent much of 2025 watching their investments soar to new highs before a late-year slump erased many of those gains. Experts expect similar volatility in 2026, though with fewer extreme peaks and valleys. As usual, the overall market performance has largely been driven by bitcoin (BTC), the 800-pound crypto gorilla with a market cap bigger than the next 20-plus players combined. Bitcoins price set an all-time high above $126,000 in early October 2025 before losing 30% of its value to close the year at less than $88,000. It has since recouped some of those losses, trading at around $90,500 on Jan. 9, 2026 What will happen in 2026 with BTC? Thats too chaotic to predict, according to a recent analysis from Galaxy, which specializes in digital assets and data center infrastructure. Bitcoin making new all-time highs in 2026 is still possible, Galaxy noted. Options markets are currently pricing about equal odds of $70K or $130K for month-end June 2026, and equal odds of $50K or $250K by year-end 2026. While bitcoin will continue to command much of the crypto attention in 2026, its far from the only player out there. What over cryptos could be ready to explode or enjoy a resurgence in 2026? Heres a look at four of them, according to experts. Ethereum (ETH) Ethereum has been a mild disappointment of late, with a price that has fallen by about 5.6% over the past year, according to Yahoo Finance charts. One reason it could rebound in 2026 is its institutional infrastructure, said Greg Monaco, CPA, MBA, founder of Monaco CPA, a virtual firm with a heavy focus on cryptocurrency taxation and accounting. Ethereum remains one of the leading networks for stablecoin settlements and tokenized assets, Monaco told GOBankingRates. The key question is if ongoing upgrades and institutional interest will support a move toward prior highs. Outcomes vary, and prices depend on broader market liquidity and risk appetite. Zcash (ZEC) and Monero (XRM) These two cryptos were picked by Nic Puckrin, a former Goldman Sachs credit analyst and co-founder and CEO of Coin Bureau, an educational YouTube channel on digital assets with more than 2.7 million subscribers. Both are among the strongest performers of 2025, but are trading well below their 2025 highs, Puckrin told GBR. If any momentum returns to altcoins, it will be 2025s strongest performers that investors turn to. As of Jan. 9, Zcash was rated No. 17 out of all 8,965 active cryptocurrencies listed on CoinMarketCap, while Monero edged it out slightly at No. 15. Chennai, Jan 11 : The debate over the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in Tamil Nadu sharpened on Sunday after P. Shanmugam, State secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), launched a strong attack on Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), accusing him of deliberately misleading government employees for political gain. In a post on X, Shanmugam was responding to Palaniswami's allegation that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) had deceived government employees by claiming to have restored the Old Pension Scheme. Rejecting the charge, the CPI(M) leader said such accusations ignored basic facts and amounted to an attempt to distort the history of pension reforms in the State. Shanmugam pointed out that the Old Pension Scheme was first abolished with effect from April 1, 2003, during the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government led by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. "When the scheme was removed by the AIADMK itself, on what basis is Palaniswami accusing the DMK of betrayal?" he asked. The CPI(M) leader further questioned why Palaniswami did not reintroduce the Old Pension Scheme during his own tenure as Chief Minister. He also noted that even now, the AIADMK has failed to make a clear and categorical promise in its public announcements that the scheme would be restored if the party returned to power. According to Shanmugam, this reluctance "exposed the opposition's lack of commitment to government employees". Referring to the Assured Pension Scheme announced by the DMK government, Shanmugam said the opposition had not offered any substantive criticism of the scheme. He argued that Palaniswami's objections were largely confined to the provision requiring a 10 per cent contribution from employees, while ignoring the broader social security benefits the scheme aimed to provide. Shanmugam also questioned the moral authority of the AIADMK leader to speak on pension issues, pointing out that the party is allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party, which had abolished the Old Pension Scheme at the national level. "A party aligned with those who removed OPS across the country has no credibility to lecture employees on pension rights," he said. Concluding his remarks, Shanmugam accused Palaniswami of relying on allegations rather than action, and urged government employees to critically assess who was responsible for dismantling and who was attempting to rebuild pension security in Tamil Nadu. Hyderabad, Jan 11 : Telangana police will be launching a road safety campaign 'Arrive Alive' from January 12 with an aim to reduce the road accidents in the state. Hyderabad, Jan 11 (IANS) Telangana police will be launching a road safety campaign aArrive Alivea from January 12 with an aim to reduce the road accidents in the state. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will formally launch the campaign at Kotla Vijayabhaskar Reddy Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. Director General of Police Sri B. Shivadhar Reddy said on Sunday that this campaign will be conducted statewide for ten days, from January 13 to 24, excluding festival holidays. The DGP stated that the main objective of this program is to significantly reduce road accidents and deaths with public participation. He said that the aim of aArrive Alivea is to firmly instil the importance of road safety in the mind of every Telangana citizen. He has instructed all police personnel, from senior officers to the lowest level staff, to work wholeheartedly to make this movement a success. The DGP mentioned that the objectives of this campaign are to bring about behavioural change among the public and reduce accidents, to institutionally establish a culture of defensive driving, and to strengthen road safety systems from the village to the district level. The goal is to transform Telangana into a model road safety state for the country with the participation of students, youth, celebrities, NGOs, corporates, media, public representatives, all government departments, and the judiciary, he said. The DGP clarified that this campaign will specifically focus on dangerous habits such as not wearing helmets, especially by pillion riders, lack of seatbelt usage in front and rear seats, using mobile phones while driving, drunk driving, wrong-side driving, signal jumping, crossing the stop line, overloading of autos on highways, violation of meter and uniform regulations, high beam lights, and overtaking from the left side. He stated that this campaign will be implemented at the district level under the leadership of the Police Commissioner or District SP, with the cooperation of district-level officers from all departments. At the divisional level, it will be implemented by SDPOs, at the mandal level by CIs and SIs, and in villages through village traffic safety committees chaired by the Sarpanch, to create awareness among the public. He added that teachers, Anganwadi workers, youth, NCC representatives, auto drivers, tractor owners, and others will be made participants in this movement. The DGP stated that during this 10-day campaign, special programs will be conducted focusing on defensive driving, students and youth, rural road safety, women and family safety, zero tolerance for drunk driving, celebrities and media, corporate and transport sectors, and voluntary organisations. The police chief added that extensive awareness campaigns will be undertaken in collaboration with village assemblies, educational institutions, auto-rickshaws, RTC buses, private travel services, cab services, kite festivals, rangoli events, road campaigns, special measures at black spots, malls, markets, Rythu Bazaars, government offices, hospitals, companies, factories, religious organizations, SERP, and MEPMA groups. Shivadhar Reddy revealed that he has instructed Police Commissioners and SPs to implement this 'Arrive Alive' movement uniformly and comprehensively across the state. The DGP called upon everyone to work together to curb road accidents with the cooperation of the public and make Telangana a role model for road safety in the country. Quetta, Jan 11 : The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has accused Pakistan's military media wing of trying to legitimise enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, terming the Inter-Services Public Relations' (ISPR) latest press conference a "systematic effort" to justify state repression in Balochistan, local media reported. In a statement, the BYC said that ISPR Director General's remarks "once again confirmed" that state policies in Balochistan remain unchanged and the state institutions continue to use "various terminologies and narratives" to justify human rights violations, The Balochistan Post reported. The BYC stated that political and human rights organisations were singled out during the press briefing, including activists who have continued to voice their concerns against disappearances "despite arrests, FIRs, threats and continuous state violence". They stated that no new information was shared and that the press conference depended on an "old, worn-out scripted narrative" aimed to divert attention from documented abuses. The BYC spokesperson stated that ongoing allegations made against the BYC and its leader, Mahrang Baloch, were part of the campaign that has increased in recent months. The group stated that "identical, baseless and false allegations" had been made several times; however, the DG ISPR "has failed to prove even a single accusation". The group slammed the reporters present during the press conference, stressing that they did not raise critical questions and that "journalism itself appeared paralysed." The BYC stated that reporters, "sitting under the shadow of guns", appeared unable to ask logical or probing questions. The group said lawyers, civil society groups and human rights organisations have consistently stated that enforced disappearance is illegal and said that the media trials of victims and activists cause "fear, expand repression and paralyse Baloch society." It vowed to highlight each case until people are produced before courts, saying no authority has the right to declare any individual a criminal "at gunpoint." Last week, a Pakistani court acquitted BYC's Deputy Organiser Lala Abdul Wahab Baloch and 11 other activists, a development which the BYC described as a legal relief after a "prolonged and politically motivated trial". According to the BYC, Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate Naim Akhtar of the Karachi City Court ordered the acquittal after the prosecution failed to substantiate the charges. Those acquitted include Sarfraz Baloch, Zain Baloch, Aftab Baloch, Qazi Amanullah, Murad Baloch, Waheed Baloch, Ahmed Nisar, Ehsan Hameed, Sajid Baloch, Aamir Baloch, and Ahsan Faraz Baloch. The BYC alleged that despite the acquittal in the same case, several other BYC leaders, including its chief organiser, Mahrang Baloch, remain incarcerated. "The judiciary continues to exercise its authority in a manner that keeps these leaders detained, raising serious concerns about justice, prolonged incarceration, and the use of legal processes to suppress political dissent," the BYC stated. The rights body mentioned that the case, registered under the Pakistan Penal Code on January 18, 2025, had remained under trial for nearly a year. The court, it said, concluded that the allegations were "unsubstantiated" and "granted an honourable acquittal" to all the accused. "The arrests stemmed from rallies announced by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee on January 25, 2025, observed as 'Baloch Genocide Day.'Demonstrations were held across Balochistan and in Karachi, including Lyari and Sharafi Goth, Malir," the BYC noted. During the crackdown, the BYC stated that its leaders, women, and activists were reportedly subjected to violence and detained under what were described as fabricated cases. Ottawa, Jan 11 : US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to make the human rights issue a key focus of his visit to China from January 13-17, asking him to press the Chinese government to end its repression in Xinjiang and ensure full compliance with international labour rights conventions. HRW has stated that Carney, during his visit to China, should raise key issues, including links between the Chinese governmentas forced labour and imports to Canada, the persecution and imprisonment of human rights defenders, and Chinaas targeting of critics abroad, including in Canada. In a statement, HRW's Deputy Asia Director, Maya Wang, said: "Prime Minister Carney should recognise that the Chinese governmentas deepening repression threatens not just the rights of people in China but, increasingly, Canadaas core interests and values." "Carney should ensure that engagements with the Chinese government on trade and security are consistent with Canadaas values, which include the promotion of human rights." Carney's visit to China is the first by a Canadian Prime Minister in more than eight years. Ties between China and Canada have been strained in recent years as Chinese President Xi Jinping has increased repression in China and abroad. According to the HRW, the Canadian government's statement announcing Carney's visit to China said that it is part of Canadaas efforts to build economic resilience and to diversify from the United States, by "elevating" engagement between the two nations in trade, energy, agriculture, and international security. However, the statement had no mention of human rights. In its statement, HRW said: "Carney should press the Chinese government to end its repression in Xinjiang and ensure full compliance with international labour rights conventions that China recently ratified, including International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 29 on forced labour and ILO Convention No. 105 on state-imposed forced labour." HRW noted that the Chinese government's labour rights abuses extend beyond the Uyghur region. "Its laws prohibit independent labour unions, and it detains and imprisons labour activists, cracks down on labour protests, and has shuttered labour monitoring organisations in Hong Kong." The Chinese government has largely dismantled freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, free and fair elections, fair trial rights, and judicial independence in Hong Kong, where an estimated 300,000 Canadians reside, the HRW said. China has also conducted cross-border abuses, known as transnational repression, to oppress critics of the government living in other nations, including residents and citizens in Canada, it added. Patna, Jan 11 : RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Sunday returned to Patna after nearly 40 days and launched a sharp attack on the NDA government and the Election Commission, alleging that the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections were won through misuse of state machinery. Speaking to media persons at Patna airport, Tejashwi Yadav said, "In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the people lost, and the machinery won. The NDA and the Election Commission turned Loktantra into Dhantantra and Machinetantra. We know what kind of conspiracy was hatched. This election was won through deception and manipulation." He claimed that the formation of the new government was widely questioned by the people of Bihar and the country. However, he said that the RJD would follow constructive politics. "Despite everything, we will do positive politics. I will not comment on the policies or decisions of this government for the first 100 days. Let us see when our mothers and sisters receive Rs 2 lakh in their bank accounts, when one crore jobs are provided to the youth, and when 45 industries are established in every district, as promised in the joint manifesto. It is the government's responsibility to fulfil these commitments," Yadav said. Tejashwi Yadav had left Bihar during the first Assembly session of the newly formed government and reportedly visited Europe before returning to New Delhi. During this period, he also appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the land-for-jobs case. His prolonged absence had drawn criticism from NDA leaders. However, after his return, Tejashwi openly challenged the Nitish Kumar-led government to deliver on its electoral promises, setting the stage for a politically challenging period ahead for the ruling alliance. In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the RJD suffered a major setback, winning only 25 seats. Other opposition parties, including the Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM, and IIP, also performed miserably. The total strength of the opposition in the Bihar Assembly currently stands at 35 MLAs. On the other side, NDA won 202 seats, including BJP 89, JDU 85, LJPRV 19, HAM five and RLM four seats. New Delhi, Jan 11 : An act of profanity by a Chinese tourist, allegedly inside a noted shrine of a Buddhist monastery, saw the Tibetans venting anger and outrage and demanding immediate action against the trespasser. A wave of anger and fulmination took over social media as the video of a Chinese tourist landed on social media. In the footage, which went viral soon after hitting social media platforms, the Chinese tourist could be seen drinking liquid directly from a shrine's altar and then pouring the leftover drink into a butter lamp an act described as a serious violation of religious beliefs and sanctity by a host of Tibetans. In a report shared by Phayul, a well-known new portal, the Chinese tourist was caught on camera disrespecting and desecrating the religious place. Many Tibetans condemned and denounced the shameful act and called it a "blatant insult" to their deity and a "shameless provocation," stressing that monasteries are sacred spaces and not venues for tourists seeking attention or social media notoriety. Tibetan netizens emphasised that the act went far beyond ignorance of local customs. "It's not that I don't know the rules. This is not a simple disrespect. It's humiliating. This is blatant provocation," said an X user, while another comment read, "The bottom line of culture cannot be trampled. I hope the relevant departments investigate this thoroughly." Tsering Woeser, a renowned Tibetan writer and poet, also weighed in on the incident, attributing such behaviour to what she described as long-term tolerance by authorities toward tourists' misconduct in Tibet. "The outrageous behaviour of tourists is a direct result of long-term tolerance," Tsering wrote on her X account. She also pointed out that under the promotion of "cultural tourism" as one of Tibet's "nine major industries," tourists have increasingly become "untouchable figures," while offences against Tibetan beliefs and customs continue to rise. Amaravati, Jan 11 : With Telangana's petition challenging the proposed Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project scheduled to come up for hearing in the Supreme Court on January 12, Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu on Sunday directed the legal team to present strong arguments in support of the project. Amaravati, Jan 11 (IANS) With Telanganaas petition challenging the proposed Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project scheduled to come up for hearing in the Supreme Court on January 12, Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu on Sunday directed the legal team to present strong arguments in support of the project. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi is arguing the case on behalf of Andhra Pradesh in the Supreme Court. During a video conference, the minister ordered the senior irrigation officials to provide all the records related to this case to the legal team. Irrigation Special Secretary Sai Prasad, Advisor Venkateswara Rao, Engineer-In-Chief Narasimha Murthy, lawyers, and senior officials from the Inter-State Irrigation department participated in the video conference. According to an official statement, the minister asked what was wrong with utilising 200 TMC of water from the Godavari river that flows downstream and goes to waste into the sea. He said it was regrettable that while extending a hand of friendship, Telangana is going to court in a way that would cause injustice to Andhra Pradesh. He said that this project was proposed to utilise only 200 TMC of water out of the 3000 TMC of Godavari water that goes to waste into the sea every year. He argued that according to the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) award, Andhra Pradesh has the right to utilise the surplus water. Since Andhra Pradesh is a downstream state in the Godavari basin, he said that it can utilise the surplus floodwaters without infringing on the rights of other states. Ramanaidu stated that the objective of this project is to divert the water that is currently flowing waste into the sea to the Rayalaseema and make that region fertile. He said that they have submitted the project feasibility report to the Central government and are making changes based on their suggestions. He clarified that the tenders related to the DPR (Detailed Project Report) are merely preliminary preparatory measures. He stated that the project will be undertaken only after obtaining all the necessary legal permissions. Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy had categorically stated last week that the Telangana government will never agree to the construction of the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project by the Andhra Pradesh government. He claimed that the Andhra Pradesh government's proposals are a clear violation of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal 1980 award and interstate water regulations. New Delhi, Jan 11 : Union Minister for Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said on Sunday that India offers a $300 billion investment opportunity across renewable energy generation, storage, green hydrogen, grids and manufacturing by 2030. Addressing the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the Union Minister added that with stable policies and transparent markets, India continues to remain one of the most attractive destinations for clean energy investment. Calling for enhanced international cooperation, Union Minister Joshi stressed the importance of technology transfer, access to low-cost finance, capacity building and harmonisation of standards, particularly to support developing countries in scaling up renewable energy without compromising development aspirations. Reaffirming India's strong support for IRENA, he said that India stands ready to share its experience, institutions and technical expertise and to work closely with all member countries, especially Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, to accelerate the global renewable energy transition. The Union Minister emphasised that India's energy transition is not only about capacity addition, but about people, opportunity and a shared sustainable future. Addressing the Assembly, Union Minister Joshi said that India's approach to energy transition is guided by the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- One Earth, One Family, One Future, and a long-term vision anchored in equity, inclusivity and policy stability. He reiterated India's commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel installed power capacity by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2070. Highlighting a major milestone, Union Minister Joshi told that India has already achieved 50 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target under the Paris Agreement. "India's renewable energy capacity has crossed 266 GW, placing the country among global leaders in renewable energy deployment." The Union Minister underlined that as one of the world's fastest-growing major energy markets, India is prioritising reliable and resilient power systems through accelerated deployment of energy storage solutions, grid modernisation, development of Green Energy Corridors and innovative bidding mechanisms such as hybrid and round-the-clock renewable energy projects. He also highlighted India's efforts to strengthen clean energy supply chains and expand domestic manufacturing across solar, wind, batteries and electrolysers, contributing to both national self-reliance and diversified global supply chains. Emphasising the people-centric nature of India's energy transition, the Union Minister highlighted flagship programmes aimed at empowering households and farmers. "Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, around 2.5 million households have benefitted from rooftop solar installations in less than two years, with a target to cover 10 million households by March 2027." "Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, about 2.17 million farmers have benefited through replacement of diesel pumps and solarisation of agricultural feeders." Earlier, Union Minister Joshi participated in the high-level dialogue on "Reimagining Energy Futures: Bold Visions for Shared Prosperity" held on the sidelines of the Assembly. He reaffirmed India's commitment to a people-centric energy transition, driven by strengthened international cooperation on finance, technology and governance, with the objective of delivering shared prosperity for all. Emphasising that the energy transition must become a mass movement driven by equity and inclusion, the Union Minister said that India added nearly 50 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2025. He congratulated the Dominican Republic on assuming the Presidency of IRENA and extended best wishes to the Vice-Presidents, Kenya, Solomon Islands, Spain, and Antigua and Barbuda, expressing confidence that their leadership will further strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance a sustainable and inclusive global energy transition. The Union Minister also held a meeting with Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates, to further strengthen Indiaa"UAE cooperation on climate action, clean energy and food security. During the interaction, the two sides reviewed the expanding partnership in renewable energy, investment and innovation, anchored in multiple Memoranda of Understanding signed between 2014 and 2024 and aligned with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 goal. The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in renewables, decentralised energy solutions, manufacturing, energy storage, technology cooperation and blended finance, with an emphasis on people-centric, scalable initiatives to enhance energy security, resilience and long-term sustainability. Seoul, Jan 11 : The ruling Democratic Party (DP) elected three-term lawmaker Han Byung-do as its new floor leader Sunday, days after his predecessor resigned amid mounting allegations of misconduct. Han, who represents a district in the southwestern city of Iksan, won a runoff against Representative Back Hye-ryun, after none of the four candidates running for floor leader secured a majority of the initial vote, Yonhap News Agency reported. The first round had combined a vote among DP representatives and an online vote among general party members with voting rights, weighted 8:2. The other two candidates in the first round were Representatives Jin Sung-joon and Park Jeung. "I will speedily push state tasks and quickly improve people's livelihoods to securely support the success of the Lee Jae Myung administration," the new floor leader said in his acceptance speech at a general DP lawmakers' meeting at the National Assembly. "From this moment on, I will swiftly handle the chain of confusion and urgently set forth to end the insurrection, reform the prosecution and judiciary and improve people's livelihoods," he added, referring to the insurrection charge applied to former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his 2024 imposition of martial law. His mention of "confusion" was a likely reference to the party's internal conflict over bribery allegations involving his predecessor, Rep. Kim Byung-kee, and former DP lawmaker Kang Sun-woo. Han served as senior secretary for political affairs to former President Moon Jae-in and was considered a key member of the pro-Moon faction. He later served as chief of strategy and planning for then DP leader Lee Jae Myung and then as operations room chief for Lee's presidential campaign last year. The floor leader election was held after Kim resigned from the post last month following accusations that he received preferential treatment and abused his power, among other allegations. Han will serve out the remainder of Kim's term until May. Also on Sunday, the DP held a vote to elect three members of its supreme council to fill the vacancies left by those who resigned to run for regional elections in June. Representatives Kang Deuk-gu, Lee Sung-yoon and Moon Jeong-bog were elected, ranking first to third, respectively. Representative Lee Geon-tae dropped out after ranking fourth. New Delhi, Jan 11 : The Indian Navy has set up dedicated stalls featuring its authoritative publications at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, along with meticulously crafted scale ship models, an official said on Sunday. At its stalls, the Navy, apart from offering literature, is presenting visitors a vivid insight into the evolution, traditions and operational excellence of the Navy. On Sunday, a panel discussion on aNaval Maritime Expeditions: Past and Presenta was scheduled, with moderation by Cdr Kalesh Mohanan; empanelled by Capt Prashant C Menon; and Cdr Neeraj Vashisth, the official said in a statement. The Indian Navy's participation in the nine-day fair reaffirms its commitment to preserving and promoting Indiaas rich maritime legacy. The Naval History Division (NHD), the premier research institution of the Indian Navy, is spearheading this initiative. At the Navy Pavilion in Hall No. 5, seven volumes of the official history of the Indian Navy (1945a"2021) are on display, along with histories of various Indian Naval ships, submarines, air squadrons and establishments, as well as books on Indiaas maritime history, to enhance visitorsa understanding of the nationas rich maritime and naval heritage. The displays present a compelling narrative of Indiaas maritime journey, blending scholarship with visual appeal, said the statement. As part of its academic outreach, the NHD conducted a panel discussion on Saturday, focusing on the 1971 War, moderated by Cdr Neeraj Vashisth. The panel featured Cdr Vijai Prakash Kapil, VrC, NM (Retd), and noted defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan, providing deep perspectives on a defining chapter of Indiaas naval history. Another panel discussion titled aCreating Rule-based Order: The role of Indian Navya is scheduled on January 14, moderated by Associate Professor Abhimanyu Singh Arha, where Lt Cdr Anupama Thapliyal and Lt Jeevitesh Saharan will be giving insights into the topic, highlighting the Navyas critical role in the Indian Ocean Region. A major highlight of the Book Fair will be the release of a book on the Indian Navy, prepared by the Naval History Division, to be unveiled by the Chief of the Naval Staff at a grand event. Beyond exhibitions and discussions, the NHD is actively engaging with young visitors, inspiring boys and girls to consider a career in the Indian Navy. The naval publications and stalls have already attracted significant public interest. Photographer: Nick Paleologos/Bloomberg If the tumultuous first 10 days of 2026 have convinced investors in Europe and Asia of anything, its that defense stocks are poised for another strong year. In Ukraine, January has brought fresh attacks as the war pushes deep into another winter. But its the US swoop on Venezuela to capture its leader and Donald Trumps repeated assertions that America should control Greenland rather than NATO partner Denmark that have caused the most alarm. Most Read from Bloomberg Its a very big wake up call that a key ally, which is the US, cannot be relied on to such a great extent, said Aneeka Gupta, macroeconomic research director at WisdomTree. The level of rearmament needs to increase, but the pace of that rearmament also needs to increase. Photographer: Nick Paleologos/Bloomberg A Goldman Sachs Group Inc. basket of European defense companies has surged in January as investors step up wagers on increased military spending by governments in response to an increasingly uncertain world. Thats after a 90% advance in 2025, with the rally also playing out this month for stocks in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Trumps call for a $500 billion boost to Washingtons defense budget, meanwhile, is helping to fuel the gains because of potential benefits for companies beyond the US. The rush into the sector was well illustrated by a conversation that Bank of America Corp. strategist Michael Hartnett flagged in a note this week with a London client who said defense is the best secular equity theme ... everywhere. Analysts at Morningstar Inc. see European defense stocks they cover potentially rising by 20% on average this year, with performance influenced by conditions in domestic economies and exposure to US spending. Trumps rhetoric over Greenland should lead to an acceleration of a European shift toward self-reliance, analyst Loredana Muharremi wrote. With Germany at the heart of the regions military spending plans, arms maker Rheinmetall AG has become an investor favorite. The shares have followed up on a record 150% jump in 2025 by gaining about in January. If I only had one stock from my coverage now it would be Rheinmetall, said Vera Diehl, a portfolio manager at Union Investment Privatfonds GmbH. She sees Saab AB and Kongsberg Gruppen ASA as beneficiaries from Greenland tensions, given their close geographic proximity. Trump has become even more aggressive and so you think there is more to come. New Delhi, Jan 11 : Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said on Sunday that language is not merely a medium of communication but a living bridge between our civilisational past and our democratic future. Addressing the Valedictory Session of the Third International Indian Language Conference, Gupta said that the history of Indian languages is a testament to continuity through diversity. He emphasised that languages in India have evolved through sustained interaction among communities, faiths and knowledge traditions. Even languages that are no longer spoken, he remarked, have left behind rich intellectual legacies that continue to shape living languages today. "Our linguistic inheritance is layered; it is not a story of disappearance but of enduring memory," he said. The conference, organised on the theme 'Languages, Literature, Youth and Technology', brought together eminent scholars, writers, linguists and cultural thinkers from India and abroad. The valedictory ceremony was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who delivered the keynote address. The programme was presided over by Ram Bahadur Rai, President, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Delhi Assembly Speaker Gupta said Indians grow up navigating multiple languages in everyday life, each suited to different contexts of expression. This multilingual practice, he said, cultivates habits of listening and accommodation, allowing diverse linguistic families Indo-European, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic and Tibeto-Burman to coexist in a shared civilisational space. "In India, linguistic diversity has never meant division; it has meant dialogue," Gupta remarked. He also reflected on the evolution of writing traditions and oral heritage in Indian languages. From ancient scripts to oral tribal traditions, he underlined that both written and unwritten languages have sustained knowledge through narratives, songs and rituals. He stressed that the value of a language cannot be measured only through literary record, but through lived experience and cultural memory embedded in communities. Gupta commended the organisers for creating a truly international forum of scholarship. Over the three days, the conference hosted 43 sessions including book and art exhibitions, film screenings, theatrical performances and cultural presentations, offering a comprehensive experience of language as thought, art and expression. With participation from scholars and delegates representing over 70 countries, he said, the conference reaffirmed the global relevance of Indian languages in contemporary intellectual discourse. Others who attended the event included Ramesh C. Gaur, Dean (Administration), Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts; Anil Joshi, President, Vaishvik Hindi Parivar and Director, International Indian Language Conference; Ravi Prakash Tekchandani, Dean, Department of Indian Languages, University of Delhi; Shyam Parande, General Secretary, Antar-Rashtriya Sahayog Parishad; A. Vinod, Coordinator, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas; and Vinaysheel Chaturvedi, Director, Vaishvik Hindi Parivar. Washington, Jan 11 : US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency to block courts and creditors from seizing Venezuelan government funds held by the United States of America. This is important to protect oil-related revenues, which is critical to US national security and foreign policy objectives in the Western Hemisphere. In an executive order signed on Friday and released on Saturday, Trump said the "threat of attachment or the imposition of other judicial process" against Venezuelan government deposit funds would "materially harm the national security and foreign policy of the United States". He added that such actions would interfere with the US efforts to promote "economic and political stability in Venezuela", warning that failure would jeopardise major US objectives, including "ending the dangerous influx of illegal immigrants and the flood of illicit narcotics", countering "malign actors such as Iran and Hezbollah", and bringing "peace, prosperity, and stability to the Venezuelan people and to the Western Hemisphere more generally". The executive order blocks any attachment, judgment, lien, garnishment or other judicial action against what it defines as "Foreign Government Deposit Funds", unless specifically licensed or authorised by the administration. Any such legal action, the order says, "is prohibited, and shall be deemed null and void." The funds covered by the order include money paid to or held by the US government in designated Treasury accounts on behalf of the Venezuelan government or its agencies, including the Central Bank of Venezuela and the state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. The order specifies that the funds are derived from the sale of natural resources or the sale of diluents to the Venezuelan government. Trump said the funds "constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States" if subjected to judicial seizure, and formally declared a national emergency under US emergency powers law to address that threat. The executive order makes clear that the funds are considered sovereign property of Venezuela, not assets of private parties or judgment creditors. It also states that the US government holds the funds "solely in a custodial and governmental capacity, and not as a market participant". The order bars the funds from being transferred, exported, withdrawn or otherwise used, except as permitted by future regulations or licenses issued by the administration. It also says the funds "have not been, and shall not be, used for any commercial activity in the United States". According to the order, the funds will be held pending "sovereign disposition for public, governmental, or diplomatic purposes" to be determined by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on behalf of the Venezuelan government. Trump directed the Treasury Department to designate the funds in a way that clearly reflects their status as Venezuelan sovereign property held in US custody. Treasury is also instructed to follow disbursement or transfer instructions determined by the US Secretary of State and to consult with the Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The order authorises the Treasury Department and the Justice Department to assert sovereign immunity on behalf of the funds in any judicial or administrative proceeding, consistent with the US law. It further says that placing the funds in US Treasury accounts does not constitute a waiver of Venezuela's sovereign immunity or consent to the US court jurisdiction for enforcing private claims. Trump said any court action against the funds would interfere with US Foreign Relations and undermine principles of international comity. Ahmedabad, Jan 11 : The first day of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (Kutch and Saurashtra Zone) at Marwadi University, Rajkot, began with a focused seminar on 'Plastic Waste Management and Environmental Protection', highlighting the growing urgency of sustainable material use and eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Ahmedabad, Jan 11 (IANS) The first day of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (Kutch and Saurashtra Zone) at Marwadi University, Rajkot, began with a focused seminar on aPlastic Waste Management and Environmental Protectiona, highlighting the growing urgency of sustainable material use and eco-friendly manufacturing practices. A key presentation was delivered by the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Ahmedabad. Paritosh Diwasli, Director and Head of CIPET Ahmedabad, provided a detailed briefing on aControlled Compostable Plastics and Their Testing as per IS/ISO 17088:2021 for CPCB Certificationa. His session covered crucial aspects such as product validation, certification processes, and compliance pathways for plastic manufacturers. The seminar underscored the need to transition toward compostable plastics that break down safely and do not harm the environment. Industry representatives were guided on how to conduct testing and meet IS/ISO 17088:2021 standards required by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The discussion aimed to help industrial units adopt responsible plastic production practices while aligning with national environmental norms. The session saw participation from Kinsuk Datta, entrepreneurs from the Saurashtra-Kutch region, officials of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, departmental officers, academic experts and students - reflecting a wide interest in sustainable industry solutions. The two-day conference continues with multiple sessions centred on the theme aRegional Aspirations, Global Ambitionsa, exploring new opportunities in innovation, green technology and industrial growth. Launched in 2003 by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Vibrant Gujarat emerged as a flagship global investorsa summit aimed at repositioning Gujarat as an economic powerhouse and a preferred investment destination. Following the inauguration of the event on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the massive exhibition covering 18,000 square meters. At the aEnterprise Excellence Pavilion,a he observed the contributions from leading organisations such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Essar, Nyara Energy, and Jyoti C.N.C., highlighting their role in the nationas economic growth. The Prime Minister also lauded Gujaratas growing industrial capacity and technological advancements. At the aOcean of Opportunitiesa Pavilion, showcasing the vast potential of Saurashtra and Kutchas coastal regions, the Prime Minister showed keen interest. Presentations by the Gujarat Maritime Board on the blue economy, along with innovative technologies displayed by stalls such as Reliance New Energy, attracted considerable attention. The exhibition also demonstrated the balance between industrial growth and environmental sustainability. Bhubaneswar, Jan 11 : In a major crackdown, the Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, on Sunday busted an interstate cybercriminal racket operating from the state capital, by arresting 12 accused persons, said Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh. Singh revealed that of these, seven persons belong to Bihar, four hail from Kerala, and one is from Odisha. "Working on credible information, the Commissionerate Police swiftly acted upon and busted a well-organised interstate cyber fraudsters' gang, arresting 12 members of the gang. Most of the members of this gang hail from Nalanda district in Bihar," said Singh. They had been running the racket in a highly secretive manner for the last few months from the house of Debasish Tripathy, located at Tankapani Road under Badagad police limits in the city. The police identified Debasish Tripathy, Arjun Raj alias Bitu (22), Bijay Kumar (24), and Pankaj Kumar as the masterminds of the gang. The Police Commissioner further added that the gang, involved in both manual and cyber fraud methods, is infamously known as the Katri Sarai Gang of Bihar. "Pankaj used to collect the whole Customer database of NAPTOL, MEESHO and other E Commerce platform sites through his agents engaged at his village and also collect mule bank accounts to run this crime for online transfer of money. The Cyber Fraudsters used to collect the bank account numbers along with the UPI Handles from their agents in Bihar and shared those account numbers/UPI Handles with the victims to deposit/transfer their hard-earned money," said police sources. The police also ascertained during the investigation that the accused criminals obtained fake pre-activated SIM cards from different mobile service providers through agents by furnishing fake documents to make phone calls to customers and operate internet and social media platforms. The accused cheated people using three modus operandi, including fake gift voucher winners, the Kerala lottery scam, and fraudulent loan offers. The accused Tripathy, a web graphics designer, prepared scratch cards, gift vouchers, lucky coupons, offer letters, and Facebook pages for advertising and attracting targeted customers, providing a mobile number as a helpline regarding winning gift vouchers or costly prizes. Subsequently, the letters, along with coupons and phone numbers, were sent to different victims through the post from Kolkata by agents of the accused persons. After scratching the lucky draw coupon, the victims telephoned the accused, who asked them to pay registration fees ranging from Rs 5,500 to Rs 12,000 to receive the prizes they had allegedly won. The fraudsters also duped victims of their hard-earned money by floating fake advertisements on Facebook offering loans from Mudra Finance, Indiabulls, and Bajaj Finance. They targeted gullible people through advertisements of the Kerala Lottery on Facebook with helpline numbers. When the victims shared their details on those helpline numbers, gang members from Kerala Ajay Raj, Santhroo V, Ajit M., and Sarath Sasi spoke to them in Malayalam and extracted money under various pretexts. Imphal, Jan 11 : In an outreach initiative, Assam Rifles flagged off a National Integration Tour from Kadamtala in Manipur's Jiribam under the Civic Action Programme. Imphal, Jan 11 (IANS) In an outreach initiative, Assam Rifles flagged off a National Integration Tour from Kadamtala in Manipuras Jiribam under the Civic Action Programme. Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the National integration tour for 15 female and two male members of JIMPAL hailing from Jiribam in Manipur. The Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (JIMPAL) is a prominent womenas organisation based in the Jiribam district of Manipur that actively works for the welfare of the state, spearheads social issues, and advocates for the community. The spokesman said the ladies were warmly welcomed at Kadamtala (in Jiribam) for the flagging off ceremony as they embark on a journey to explore India's rich cultural heritage and history. The participants were presented with customised blazers for the tour, followed by interaction and a group photograph. The event concluded with flagging off the tour by Assam Rifles Commandant of Srikona battalion Col Prasant Singh Chundawat. As ambassadors of their community, they were exhorted to share their experiences with their community and help in promoting harmony and integration in the region. The 10-day travel itinerary will cover Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Shillong, where they will be visiting historically significant monuments along with other tourist attractions. Assam Rifles regularly undertake National Integration Tours for the people of the Northeastern states to promote national integration to broaden their horizons, and foster national pride. Meanwhile, to promote practical learning in the eco-tourism sector and develop livelihood-oriented skills among college students from Arunachal Pradeshas border areas, the Army has organised an 11-day exposure tour to West Bengal, which is currently underway. Lt Col Rawat said that under the sponsorship of local military authorities, a skill development eco-tourism exposure tour is being conducted as part of aOperation Sadbhavnaa to enhance practical learning and livelihood-oriented skills among youths and students of Arunachal Pradesh border areas. A team comprising 30 students of NEFTU College at Aalo in West Siang district, along with two faculty members, was flagged off from Aalo on January 5 for an educational exposure programme to the hill destinations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal. --IANS sc/dan New Delhi, Jan 11 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Sunday posted on his X account the controversial video related to Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Atishi and issued an open challenge to Aam Aadmi Party's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal to get an FIR registered against him. New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS) Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Sunday posted on his X account the controversial video related to Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Atishi and issued an open challenge to Aam Aadmi Partyas National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal to get an FIR registered against him. Addressing a press conference, Sachdeva posted the video before scribes and news channelsa cameras, asking thousands of BJP workers to do the same. He said that no BJP worker in Delhi is afraid of false FIRs being lodged at the behest of Kejriwal. The press conference was conducted by Delhi BJP Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, who said that AAP MLAs are distancing themselves from Atishi and that the party is witnessing internal disintegration. State General Secretary and MP Yogendra Chandolia, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Vishnu Mittal and Media Relations Head Vikram Mittal were present on the occasion. Sachdeva said that Delhi Government Minister Kapil Mishra had shared the video clip related to Atishias controversial statement during the Assembly proceedings on X, following which the AAP government in Punjab got an FIR registered against him. The Delhi BJP President said that he had on Sunday posted the same video clip on his own X account and has also appealed to thousands of BJP workers to share it. Issuing a challenge, Sachdeva said that if Kejriwal has the courage, the Punjab government should register FIRs against him and thousands of BJP workers. Sachdeva said that on the very day the incident took place in the Assembly, Atishi left for Goa. During the subsequent three days of Assembly proceedings, the Speaker issued notices asking her to appear in the House and present her side, but she did not do so. Despite this, an FIR was registered in Punjab at the behest of Kejriwal. He said that Kejriwal is well aware that any incident or dispute that occurs inside the Assembly can be taken cognisance of only by the Speaker. After AAP MLAs demanded a forensic investigation, the Speaker ordered the probe. However, even before the forensic report was submitted, the Punjab government gave Atishi a clean chit and registered an FIR against Minister Kapil Mishra. The Delhi BJP chief said that Kejriwal is now apprehensive that his government in Punjab is also on the verge of collapse. In this state of panic, he is misusing the Punjab Police in an unethical manner to intimidate the people of Delhi and the BJP workers. However, no BJP worker is going to be intimidated by such threats, said Sachdeva. Chennai, Jan 11 : The makers of director Nithish Sahadev's upcoming comedy entertainer 'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil', featuring actor Jiiva in the lead, on Sunday officially launched the trailer of the film at a grand event organised at the Prasad lab in Chennai. Speaking at the trailer launch event of the film, actor Jiiva said that the film, which happens to be his 45th film, was shot in 45 days in a scenic village in the Western Ghats. Produced by Kannan Ravi, the film, which revolves around the developments that happen before a wedding, was shot primarily at night. "We shot for 40 nights. The place was a scenic one and the whole unit worked like one big family. It was a very pleasant experience. By the time, we wound up shooting, many of us felt sorry that shooting had come to an end. The locals, some of whom have acted in the film, had started treating us as their own and blessed us wholeheartedly when we took leave. They must be prayingJiiv that this film will do well when it releases," the actor said. Stating that they had originally intended to release their film on January 30, Jiiva disclosed that they chose to advance the film's release for the festival because of the void caused by the delay in the release of Vijay-starrer 'Jana Nayagan'. The actor, while talking to IANS, said, "The film is about a problem that erupts between two families and I play a village Panchayat chief who resolves the issues between the two families." Apart from Jiiva, the film will also feature actors Thambi Ramaiya, Ilavarasu, Prathana Nathan, Jensen Dhivakar, Jaiwanth, Meenakshi, Sarjin Kumar, Rajesh Pandian, Subash Kannan, Amith Mohan, Anuraj OB, Sharath and Savithri among others. Written by Sanjo Joseph, Nithish Sahadev and Anuraj OB, the film has Lipin Unni serving as its creative director. Music for the film has been scored by Vishnu Vijay, while cinematography is by Bablu Aju. Editing for the film is by Arjune Babu and art direction is by Sunil Kumaran. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi, Jan 11 : Union Minister for Railways and Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Sunday arrived in the US to participate in the 'Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting', scheduled to be held on Monday (US time). In a post on social media platform X, Vaishnaw said that "secure critical mineral supply chains are vital for our goal of Viksit Bharat." "Arrived in Washington, D.C. Will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting tomorrow. Secure critical mineral supply chains are vital for our goal of Viksit Bharat," he posted. The Indian government has recently announced a scheme to promote the manufacturing of sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM), which aims to enhance India's participation in global advanced-materials value chains while reducing import dependence. The scheme with a financial outlay of Rs 7,280 crore also aims to enable long-term industrial growth by establishing 6,000 metric tonnes per annum of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity covering the full chain from rareearth oxides to finished magnets, according to an official statement issued recently. The scheme is designed to enhance competitiveness, attract technologydriven investment and support longterm scalability while contributing to energytransition goals and India's Net Zero 2070 vision, it added. By establishing domestic capability and strengthening downstream linkages, this Government's initiative will help generate employment, deepen industrial capacity and support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The scheme will distribute a total of 6,000 MTPA of domestic manufacturing capacity across five beneficiaries through global competitive bidding, with each eligible for up to 1,200 MTPA. It includes Rs 6,450 crore as saleslinked incentives over five years and a Rs 750 crore capital subsidy, and will be implemented over seven years with a twoyear gestation period followed by five years of incentive disbursement, the government said. The Ministry of Mines has entered into bilateral agreements with mineral-rich countries, including Australia, Argentina, Zambia, Peru, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. India also participates in multilateral platforms such as the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) to build resilient critical minerals supply chains. Itanagar, Jan 11 : Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) said on Sunday that inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat' places the youth at the centre of India's journey towards becoming a developed, self-reliant and inclusive nation. "The youth of Arunachal Pradesh, with their talent, discipline and deep-rooted cultural values, have a vital role to play in realising this national aspiration through innovation, service, and responsible citizenship," the Governor added. Lieutenant General Parnaik on Sunday extended his warm greetings to the vibrant youth of the state on the special occasion of National Youth Day on Monday, commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. He said that the day reminds all the people of the immense energy, idealism, and responsibility that the youth carry in shaping the destiny of our nation. In his message, the Governor said that Swami Vivekananda was a visionary nationalist who placed unwavering faith in the power of young minds. His message of universal brotherhood and service to humanity continues to inspire generations, the Governor added. He said that through his (Swami Vivekananda's) historic address at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, he introduced the world to India's timeless values of harmony, spirituality, and inclusiveness. His ideals remain profoundly relevant in today's rapidly changing world, Governor Parnaik added. On the National Youth Day, the Governor called upon the young citizens to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, serve the poor and the marginalised, protect the rich natural heritage, uphold the noble traditions, and reject divisive thinking. "Your dedication and character will be the foundation of a Viksit Arunachal and a Viksit Bharat," he said. "The Governor in his message conveyed his heartfelt best wishes to the youth of Arunachal Pradesh for a purposeful, confident, and inspiring future. Kolkata, Jan 11 : Chairman of Congress Screening Committee (West Bengal), B.K. Hariprasad on Sunday said the first meeting of the screening committee was held on Sunday, and the party's high command will soon hold a meeting with West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) leadership to finalise the upcoming Assembly poll strategy. Speaking to IANS, Hariprasad said, "This was our first meeting to decide the next steps. We will coordinate with the Bengal in-charge and state president before visiting Bengal and finalising the process." On January 4, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) declared B.K. Hariprasad as the West Bengal screening committee's chairperson in view of the Assembly polls in the state. Since the formation of the committee, the first meeting was held on Sunday. When asked to comment on the number of seats on which the party will contest and a possible alliance partner in the state, Hariprasad said, "All decisions will be taken by Gulam Mir, who is the in-charge secretary, and after that, we will proceed accordingly." In the 2021 Bengal Assembly polls, Congress had contested the polls in alliance with Left Front and Indian Secular Front (ISF). However, the party failed to win a single seat in the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly polls. Following the poll debacle, Congress and Left Front decided to part ways and contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in the state separately. Till now, there have been no concrete talks with the Left Front leaders regarding the electoral alliance for the upcoming Assembly polls. The WBPCC leadership is awaiting a direction from the party's high command before entering into formal talks with any parties. It may be noted that on January 7, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge appointed its leaders as AICC Senior Observers for the forthcoming Assembly elections in poll-bound states of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and West Bengal with immediate effect. For the Assembly polls in West Bengal, the party appointed Sudip Roy Barman, Shakeel Ahmad Khan and Prakash Joshi as senior observers. The appointments of senior leaders for the upcoming Assembly elections assume significance as the party is looking to regain the ground it lost in previous elections. After failing to make an impact in the Bihar Assembly polls, the party is looking for some electoral victories in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, on RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwatas statement, Hariprasad said, "For 500 or even 700 years, Mughal rule existed, and for 200 years, the British ruled, yet Hindus were never in danger. Since the formation of the RSS, Hindus have been made to feel they are in danger." Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. President Donald Trump told The New York Times he will not pardon former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, who is serving 25 years for fraud and conspiracy, despite granting clemency to other crypto figures including Binance founder Changpeng CZ Zhao and Ross Ulbricht. SBFs Parents Lobbied Trumps Orbit Without Success Bankman-Frieds parents, former Stanford Law School professors Barbara Fried and Joseph Bankman, reportedly met with lawyers and others in Trumps orbit attempting to secure a pardon. The lobbying campaign failed to sway Trump, who is a major political backer of the Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and digital assets entrepreneur. Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.85/Share Missed the AI Boom's Biggest IPOs? This Platform Lets Everyday Investors Access Private Tech Early SBF conducted a Republican-friendly media rehabilitation tour in recent months and repeatedly praised Trumps pardon of former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez for cocaine importation. However, the strategy didnt work. Bankman-Fried donated $5.2 million to the Biden campaign in 2020, potentially creating political complications for a Trump pardon. Hes currently appealing his conviction and is housed at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, reportedly in the same dormitory as rapper Sean Diddy Combs, who also wont receive clemency. Trump Pardoned Three Other Major Crypto Figures Trumps refusal to pardon SBF stands in sharp contrast to his clemency for other crypto industry figures. In January 2025, Trump freed Ross Ulbricht, Silk Roads founder who served over a decade for facilitating $1 billion in illegal drug transactions. Trending: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it? In March, Trump pardoned BitMEX co-founders Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, Samuel Reed, and Gregory Dwyer, who violated anti-money laundering laws. The most controversial pardon came in October when Trump freed Binance founder CZ, who had pleaded guilty to enabling money laundering and paid $50 million in fines. Critics including Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-mass.) alleged corruption, noting Binance invested $2 billion in Trumps World Liberty Financial project (CRYPTO: WLFI). That investment potentially generates $48-52 million annually for Trumps family. Binance also spent $800,000 lobbying for clemency, though CZ denied any quid pro quo arrangement. OBB is expanding Rail Cargo Groups European freight network with additional TransFER services between Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Romania. The new services will see more TransFER connections for single wagonloads and containers operating to fixed timetables between Duisburg in Germany and Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as well as between Salzburg in Austria and Offenbach in Germany. The company is also expanding intermodal services with new routes to Romania. OBB Duisburg-Rotterdam route map. // Credit: OBB The TransFER connections are similar to passenger trains, with fixed timetables and predefined stops. They allow customers to book conventional freight wagons or intermodal units such as containers or swap bodies; there are currently over 60 TransFER connections between economic centres in Europe and Asia. They can also provide first and last-mile services, transhipment, warehousing, and facilitate professional customs clearance. The new TransFER service between Duisburg and Rotterdam will initially operate three round-trips per week. It will provide a direct link between the Rheinkamp logistics hub near Duisburg and the Port of Rotterdams terminals at Waalhaven, Europoort, Botlek, Pernis, and Maasvlakte. Duisburg provides convenient rail connections to other destinations in western, northern, central and south-eastern Europe. The new Salzburg to Offenbach TransFER service runs twice a week non-stop between Austria and Germany, with Offenbach being conveniently situated as an important logistics and industrial location in the Rhine-Main area near Frankfurt am Main. OBB Salzburg-Offenbach route map. // Credit: OBB The previous TransFER service between Genk and Curtici now operates between Liege and Curtici, with seven round-trips each week; Liege has good connections to the North Sea ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Zeebrugge. A new thrice-weekly TransFER service has been established between Duisburg and Curtici, enabling traffic to Curtici to be served from both Liege and Duisburg. OBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) recently expanded its network with a new TransFER freight service between Salzburg in Austria and Augsburg in Germany, and a new service between Belgrade and Rijeka that links the Serbian rail network to the Adriatic. Ruling out scope for a coalition government, senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and state minister I Periyasamy on Sunday asserted that Chief Minister M K Stalin is firm on the stand against sharing power with allies. IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in conversation with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, August 27, 2025. Photograph: AICC/ANI Photo Speaking to reporters in Dindigul, Periyasamy, when asked about Tamil Nadu Congress's demand for a share in power, he said it was the right of the grand old party to make that demand. However, the DMK had never been in favour of such a proposition. "There had never been a coalition government," he said, adding the state had all along been helmed by the DMK on its own. "There is no doubt about this stand of the party, there will be no coalition government and the chief minister is firm on this stand," the rural development Minister said. To a question on CM Stalin's scathing criticism of the Censor Board, he alleged it was true that the film board functioned in a partial manner. Tamil Nadu Congress has revived its demand for a share in power if the DMK-led alliance wins the Assembly election due by March-April this year. Congress MP Manickam Tagore had said recently that it was time to debate "share in power." CLP leader, Killiyoor (Kanyakumari district) legislator S Rajeshkumar had also batted for a coalition government. Congress party in-charge for Tamil Nadu, Girish Chodankar had asked if any political party, "will say that they don't want the power; then we should name ourselves as NGO." Since 1967, both the DMK and AIADMK had formed their own governments despite fighting polls in alliance with other parties. Following independence, when the first general election was held in the then composite Madras state in 1952, the Congress party failed to secure an absolute majority. It was the only during the First Assembly's (1952-57) term that non-Congress leaders (including Manickavelu Naicker of the Commonweal Party) were accommodated in the Congress-party led State Cabinet. In 2006, though the DMK did not have an absolute majority, it ran the government for a full five years (2006-11) with support from allies, including the Congress and without sharing power with allies. Without any success, the TN Congress leaders had made the same "share power with us," demand during 2006-11 term of the DMK too. A farmer allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself on Sunday after being duped of Rs 4 crore in a fake land deal in Uttarakhand's Kathgodam area, the police said. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff According to the police, before taking the extreme step, the farmer posted a video on the internet, narrating his ordeal and naming the accused who defrauded him. The deceased, Sukhwant Singh, 40, a resident of Kashipur's Paiga village, was under severe mental stress for a long time due to being cheated of Rs 4 crore in a land deal, the police said. According to the police, Singh had come to Nainital with his wife, Pradeep Kaur, 40 and son Gursahaj Singh, 14, for a trip and on his way back, he took a room in a hotel in the Kathgodam area, where he allegedly committed suicide. During questioning, Pradeep Kaur told police that she woke up around 3 am after suddenly feeling a blow to her head and found her husband very agitated, at which point she screamed. She said that in the meantime, she woke up her son and ran out of the room to the hotel reception to seek help. Kaur said that as soon as they left the room, Singh locked the door from the inside, and then they heard a gunshot. Police said that the hotel manager called the police, after which the police broke down the door and took Singh, who was lying in a pool of blood, to Dr Sushila Tiwari Hospital, where he was declared dead. Police said the deceased's wife and son, who were in shock from the incident, were also taken to the hospital, where Kaur's injuries were also treated. Nainital senior superintendent of police Manjunath TC said that police have taken the body into custody and a post-mortem has been conducted. The forensic evidence is also being collected from the crime scene, he added. The SSP said that before committing suicide, the farmer had also posted a video on social media, narrating his ordeal. In the video that surfaced on the internet, Singh has accused some people of defrauding him of approximately Rs 4 crore in the name of a land deal. He added that some people had shown him seven acres of land in Baksaura village, but the registration was done for a different plot. He alleged that in this deal, he gave three crore rupees in cash and one crore rupees through a bank account. Singh has also named the people who allegedly defrauded him through the deal. In the video, Singh also claimed that he had complained to the Senior Superintendent of Police of Udham Singh Nagar and other police officers in this regard, but no action was taken. Meanwhile, in Dehradun, the Congress party termed the farmer's suicide as a direct result of the misgovernance of the Bharatiya Janata Party government and the failure of the police administration. Senior Congress leader Amarjeet Singh said in a statement, "The farmer was defrauded of crores of rupees in the name of land, but despite the complaint, the police took no action. The apathy of the system has claimed the life of a farmer." Amarjeet Singh said that the Congress demands a fair high-level inquiry into this incident and immediate action against the officials responsible. Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was arrested in connection with a sexual assault case after being taken into custody from Palakkad in the small hours on Sunday, the police sources said. IMAGE: Rahul Mamkootathil. Photograph: ANI on X He was shifted to a police camp in Pathanamthitta in the morning, they added. According to the police, a third sexual assault case was recently registered against the Palakkad MLA following a complaint lodged by a native of Kottayam district on January 8. The woman, who is currently in Canada, gave her statement to the police via video conference. According to sources, the complainant is a married woman who became acquainted with Mamkootathil in 2024 following issues in her marital life. She told the police that Mamkootathil allegedly raped her at a hotel in April 2024 after promising to marry her. The remand report filed to a magistrate in Pathanamthitta on Sunday said that Mamkootathil told the woman that he required a private space for discussion and, on April 8, 2024, invited her to a hotel room in Thiruvalla, where she "was brutally raped in the afternoon". When she became pregnant, Mamkootathil allegedly refused to take responsibility and threatened her to undergo an abortion, police said. The woman also claimed that Mamkootathil took money from her on several occasions. The report said that Makootathil misused his official position and targeted several housewives and unmarried women. The case was registered against Mamkootathil under IPC sections 376(rape) and 506(1) (criminal intimidation). After registering the case, the police kept Mamkootathil under surveillance, following which a six-member team led by a deputy SP reached the hotel room where he was staying at around 12.15 am, sources said. He was taken into custody from the hotel at around 12.30 am and shifted to the Pathanamthitta police camp at about 5.30 am. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing two other cases of a similar nature against him, has also been entrusted with the investigation of the latest case, sources said. SIT head G Poonguzali arrived at the police camp and is interrogating Mamkootathil. After the preliminary interrogation, his arrest was recorded. He was later shifted to a government hospital where his blood samples were collected for DNA examination, and a potency test was conducted, the remand report said. He was produced before a magistrate who remanded him to judicial custody. The SIT has filed an application seeking his custody, which will be considered on Monday. Mamkootathil has also filed a bail petition, which will also be considered on the same day, police said. Later, he was shifted to Mavelikara sub-jail in Alappuzha district. Sasthamangalam Ajith Kumar, lawyer of Mamkootathil, said that arrest and remand were not the end of the legal process. Responding to queries on his contention that the arrest was unnecessary, Kumar said the MLA had conveyed to the investigation team his willingness to cooperate with the probe. "In one case, he has already been granted bail. In another case, the Kerala high court has given interim relief against arrest. The court imposed certain conditions while granting anticipatory bail, and he had contacted the investigation team to inform them about the time and place at which he could appear," Kumar said. He further said the police had already informed Mamkootathil about appearing before them. "If it is a different case, they can always ask him to appear," he added. The Kerala high court had earlier granted interim protection from arrest to Mamkootathil in the first case, which relates to allegations of rape and forcing a woman to undergo an abortion. In the second case, a sessions court in Thiruvananthapuram had granted him anticipatory bail. Following the allegations, the Congress expelled Mamkootathil from the party. Mamkootathil successfully contested the by-election from Palakkad last year after Congress leader Shafi Parampil, who had earlier represented the constituency, won the Lok Sabha by-poll from Vadakara in Kozhikode district. Uttarakhand Police on Saturday filed a first information report (FIR) to identify alleged 'VIPs' in connection with the Ankita Bhandari murder case, officials said. IMAGE: People in large numbers protest demanding justice in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case, in Dehradun on January 4, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo The development came a day after the state government recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. The FIR was lodged at the Vasant Vihar police station in Dehradun on a complaint filed by Padma Bhushan-awarded environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi to the director general of police. Joshi, in the complaint, has stated that the criminals involved in Ankita's murder have been convicted, but allegations are being made that evidence has been concealed or destroyed. An investigation into the crime involving an unidentified person, described as a 'VIP', is necessary to ensure complete justice, he added. Based on the complaint, the police registered an FIR under sections 238, 249 and 45 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that the FIR should have been filed by Ankita's parents. 'The person named in the FIR is a highly respected person, but it would have been better if the FIR had been filed on behalf of Ankita's parents,' he said in a social media post, adding that the state government should summon Ankita's father, Virendra Singh, and with the help of social workers, prepare the complaint according to the FIR he desires. Opposition parties, however, are adamant that the CBI investigation be conducted under the supervision of a sitting Supreme Court or high court judge. Various political and social organisations have called for a 'Uttarakhand Bandh' on Sunday to press for this demand. State Congress president Ganesh Godiyal said the party will support the statewide bandh. Garhwal Inspector General of Police Rajiv Swaroop said the police have made extensive preparations to maintain security and law and order in view of the bandh. Swaroop also appealed to all parties to refrain from sharing any inflammatory posts on social media during this period. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday raked up the Sabarimala gold loss case to target the ruling Left in Kerala, accusing it of "protecting" the real culprits, and demanded a probe by a neutral investigation agency into the sensational case. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressing the newly elected BJP representatives in the recently-held Kerala local body elections, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, January 11, 2026. Photograph: Courtesy Amit Shah on X Visiting the Kerala capital for the first time after the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance captured power in the prestigious Thiruvananthapuram city corporation in the recent local body polls, Shah virtually sounded the bugle for the assembly polls, scheduled to be held in just a few months, during his address to the newly elected BJP representatives of local bodies in the state and while inaugurating the party's Mission 2026 programme. He said that the assembly elections in Kerala and West Bengal would be held together and asserted that the BJP would form governments in both the eastern and southern states. Raising the Sabarimala gold loss issue to politically target Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his government, he said those who failed to protect the properties of the hill shrine could not safeguard the faith of the people. "Only the BJP can safeguard the faith of believers in Kerala," Shah said. According to him, the "theft" of gold at Sabarimala was not just a concern for people in Kerala but for devotees across the country. Shah said he had seen the FIR in the case and alleged that the manner in which it was drafted made it clear that it was aimed at protecting the accused. Claiming that two persons associated with the LDF were under suspicion, the BJP leader asked how an impartial investigation could be possible under such circumstances. He further alleged that even the Congress could not be absolved, claiming that evidence had emerged of the involvement of its leaders. "I demand that the chief minister hand over the probe to a neutral investigation agency. The BJP will carry out protests and door-to-door awareness campaigns. This is democracy, Vijayan, and you must order a probe by a neutral agency," Shah said, referring to the chief minister. He reiterated that the BJP would launch protests and door-to-door awareness campaigns on the issue. His statement came two days after Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Kerala high court in connection with the case. Launching a scathing attack on the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front, Shah said, "While communism is over worldwide, across India the Congress is finished." He added that Kerala's development was possible only under a BJP government. "Our path was never easy. Securing a BJP victory in Kerala is a formidable challenge. Our final goal is to form a government in Kerala under the lotus symbol and bring a BJP chief minister," the Union home minister said. He said the BJP's journey in Kerala had not been easy and that the party had neither power nor government in the state, but only dedicated workers. There were attempts to break their confidence, he said, but party workers stood firm "like a mountain" and secured victory. Shah said the local body election victory was not the party's final goal and that the BJP must work further to achieve its objective of having a BJP Chief Minister in Kerala. Referring to Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047, Shah said, Viksit Bharat would be achieved through "Viksit Kerala". Alleging "match-fixing" between the LDF and the UDF, Shah said their understanding had affected Kerala's development and that both fronts supported each other's corruption. Shah pointed out that the BJP's vote share in Kerala had risen steadily from 11 per cent in 2014 to 16 per cent in 2019 and about 20 per cent in 2024, and asserted that increasing it to 3040 per cent by 2026 was achievable, as the party had demonstrated across the country. Referring to the BJP's growth from two Lok Sabha seats in 1984 to forming the government at the Centre for a third consecutive term, he cited Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh as examples of the party's expansion. "The next opportunity is Kerala, and we will come to power here in 2026," Shah said. He said the change was not limited to urban areas, noting that the BJP had won 30 gram panchayats, two municipalities, and the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, besides emerging second in 79 panchayats. "Today we are seeing a BJP Mayor in Thiruvananthapuram. Tomorrow we will see a BJP Chief Minister in Kerala," he said. Shah said Kerala's development should be balanced and not one-sided, while welcoming the hard work of Keralites working abroad. He alleged that organisations such as the Popular Front of India, Social Democratic Party of India, and Jamaat-e-Islami constituted the vote bank of the LDF and the UDF. He claimed that the BJP was the only party capable of protecting Kerala from such forces. Shah said the BJP had put an end to the practice of triple talaq, which, he alleged, was opposed by both the UDF and the LDF. "I want to ask the chief minister whether Muslim women do not have the right to live in peace," he said. Shah said that the Centre had introduced a law to put an end to corruption related to Waqf properties, but it was opposed by both the LDF and the UDF. It was fortunate that the Assembly elections in Kerala and West Bengal were being held together; otherwise, the two states might have witnessed an alliance between the Congress and the communist parties, he said. The police began a process to identify the ED officials who searched the residence and office of Pratik Jain, director of political consultancy firm I-PAC, following complaints made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding theft of documents from those places, an officer said on Sunday IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a protest rally from Jadavpur to Hazra Crossing against the ED raid on the IPAC office, in Kolkata. Photograph: Courtesy @AITCofficial/X Steps are being taken to formally seek details from the ED about the officers who carried out the operation at Jain's residence on Thursday, he said. Banerjee, as the TMC chairperson, on Friday lodged two police complaints against the ED in connection with the central probe agency's raids at the office of I-PAC, and the residence of Jain here. Apart from providing political consultancy to the TMC, the I-PAC also manages the party's IT and media operations. She unexpectedly visited the office of the firm and the residence of Jain during the ED raid. "Our officers have found that the search conducted on Thursday was led by an ED assistant director, accompanied by others of assistant officer rank. We are preparing to send an email to the ED seeking the identities of those officers," the officer told PTI. In addition, police are also attempting to ascertain the identities of six Central Reserve Police Force personnel who were deployed to provide security to the ED team during the operation on January 8, he added. An email will be sent to the CRPF's Eastern Sector office to obtain their details, the officer said. Incidentally, as part of the probe, Kolkata Police officials on Saturday visited Jain's residence and seized CCTV footage and the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) from the premises. Statements of household staff and security personnel were also recorded, and the building's security register was seized. Investigators were also examining whether the ED officials made entries in the security register on the day of the search, the officer said. Sources in the Kolkata Police said that the investigators were likely also question Jain, his wife, and his mother if required. "The housing complex's facility manager has already been summoned," he said. The ED officials entered Jain's residence at 6.20 am on Thursday and left at 2.50 pm. "Our officers reached the spot later, between 11.15 am and 11.20 am. Our investigators are analysing CCTV footage as well as recordings of body-cameras worn by some police personnel who were present at the location that day," the officer said. Anti-government protests in Iran have continued for the fourteenth consecutive day on Saturday, with authorities tightening security measures as demonstrations spread across multiple cities. IMAGE: People gather on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. Photograph: Social Media/via Reuters According to think tank the Institute for the study of war, 'Protest activity has continued to take place across Iran amid the Iranian regime's continued nationwide internet shutdown. CTP-ISW has recorded 60 protests across 15 provinces since 0000 local time on January 10, 25 of which were medium-sized and eight of which were large.' 'The Iranian regime has shifted from labelling protesters as 'rioters' to describing them as 'terrorists', which signals that the regime has taken an uncompromising stance toward the ongoing protests. The regime will likely use its characterisation of protesters as 'terrorists' to justify further cracking down on the protests. The regime has killed hundreds of protesters and injured hundreds more in its violent crackdown on the protests,' the think tank further said in a post on X. According to a CNN report, several people who protested in Iran spoke to the network of enormous crowds as well as brutal violence on the streets of Tehran. The report said that one woman had told CNN that she saw 'bodies piled up on each other' in a hospital. The Iranian Khamenei regime has accused the United States of fuelling unrest, claiming that what began as peaceful protests were deliberately turned violent through foreign incitement, an act it said violates international norms, as per Press TV. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani wrote in a letter addressed to the United Nations saying that Washington, DC bears direct responsibility for 'riots and violent acts' in Iran. He condemned the United States' 'illegal behaviour' and its coordination with Israel to interfere in the Islamic Republic's internal affairs. Iravani said such interference is carried out through 'threats, incitement, and deliberate encouragement of violence', to undermine Iran's stability and security. However, the violent crackdown has not deterred the protestors. Journalist and activist Masih Alinejad claimed in a post on X that hundreds had been killed and called for more support from the World for the protestors. 'Removing these terrorists who ordered the massacre of unarmed people is not a tragedy. It is justice. My brothers and sisters were shot in the chest, in the heart, for demanding freedom. Sources inside Iran say hundreds have been killed. This is a war against unarmed people and they need the world's support,' she posted on X. In another post she said, 'This is not a protest. It is a revolution. Yes, Iran is looking at FREEDOM. January 2026 Iran.' Earlier, reacting to the protests, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US is prepared to support the Iranian people. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, 'Iran is witnessing a renewed push for freedom and said Washington stands ready to help.' European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed strong support for the protesters, condemning the Iranian authorities' response. In a post on X, she wrote, 'Tehran's streets, and cities around the world, echo with the footsteps of Iranian women and men demanding freedom. Freedom to speak, to gather, to travel and above all to live freely.' She asserted that Europe stands firmly with the protesters, adding, 'We unequivocally condemn the violent repression of these legitimate demonstrations.' Niamey, Niger (PANA) - A new decree adopted by the Niger military junta risks becoming an instrument of repression in a country where civic space has steadily narrowed since the July 2023 military coup, a human rights watchdog has warned President Donald Trump said he has no plans to pardon Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX CEO who is serving a 25-year federal prison sentence. Bitcoin stayed close to its recent price range after the comment, which suggests traders did not see it as a market-moving event. The timing stands out, as crypto continues trying to rebuild public confidence after several years of fraud cases and tighter government oversight. Bankman-Frieds family and legal team had been pushing for a pardon since early 2025, but Trump grouped him with other convicted figures he also refuses to pardon. That sends a clear message about how financial crime is being treated, and for everyday users, that message carries more weight than short-term price moves. The point is simple: Major crypto crimes now come with serious prison time. What Happened, and Why People Should Care Sam Bankman-Fried ran FTX, a centralized crypto exchange. You can think of an exchange as a crypto version of a bank, where people store funds so they can trade. Prosecutors showed that he secretly used customer money to cover losses at his trading firm, Alameda Research. A jury found him guilty on seven felony charges, and a judge sentenced him to 25 years in prison in March 2024. His parents later asked for a presidential pardon, and Trump has now made it clear that it will not happen. For regular users, this is important because it shows that crypto fraud is punished the same way traditional financial fraud is. That expectation changes how companies behave across the industry. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in Trump Draws a Line on Crypto Crime Trump did not limit his comments to the crypto industry alone. He also ruled out pardons for other convicted figures, such as former Senator Bob Menendez, suggesting a broader stance on financial crimes. For crypto markets, this brings clarity instead of uncertainty. Exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken now compete on things like transparency, audits, and following the rules. That focus grew stronger after the wave of fraud cases that followed FTXs collapse. Users benefit when dishonest players are pushed out, and builders benefit when the rules are easier to understand and plan around. How This Shapes Regulation and Your Wallet This approach supports tougher enforcement rather than outright bans. Regulators are paying closer attention to how exchanges store customer funds, how they prove reserves, and whether client money is kept separate from company money. In simple terms, platforms are being pushed to keep your funds off limits from their own business spending. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led 'Shaurya Yatra', a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves during 'Shaurya Yatra', a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, in Gir Somnath, Gujarat, January 11, 2026. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo He also offered prayers at the historic temple and paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose statue has been installed near the temple premises. The 'Shaurya Yatra', being organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, featured a procession of 108 horses, reflecting valour and sacrifice. A large number of people and devotees gathered on both sides of the yatra route from Shankh Circle to Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle to greet the prime minister. Standing on a specially designed vehicle, Modi, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, waved at the crowd during the one-km-long yatra. A group of young priests, or 'rushi kumars', walked along Modi's vehicle playing 'damru', an instrument of Lord Shiva. At one point, Modi himself borrowed two damrus from a priest and played them while standing on his vehicle. Artists from across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, performed their traditional dances on stages erected at regular intervals along the route. The yatra culminated at 'Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle', from where the path to the famous temple begins. At the circle, Modi offered floral tributes at the statue of Hamirji Gohil, who had sacrificed his life defending the Somnath temple against the incursion of the Delhi Sultanate's army in 1299 AD. Later, Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose statue has been installed near the entrance of the temple premises. Thanks to Patel's intervention, Somnath temple underwent restoration after Independence and it was formally opened to devotees in 1951. Modi also offered prayers at the Somnath temple. He sat for a puja at the temple amid vedic chants by the chief priest. The prime minister will later address people at a public function marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. The event is being held to remember the countless citizens of India who have made sacrifices to defend the Somnath temple, which continues to inspire the cultural consciousness of future generations. The programme marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion of the Somnath temple in the year 1026. Despite multiple repeated attempts for its destruction over centuries, the Somnath temple stands tall today as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith and national pride, owing to the collective resolve and efforts to restore it to its ancient glory, the PIB said in a statement. Shoring up bilateral ties in trade, investment, critical technologies and defence are set to be the focus of wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad on Monday. IMAGE: Workers arrange a welcome hoarding of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz ahead of their scheduled visit at International kite festival, in Ahmedabad, January 8, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo As Merz's trip to India is taking place amid a fractious geopolitical environment, including the US's display of raw military strength to capture Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, the German leader and Modi are also likely to discuss pressing global challenges. Merz's January 12-13 visit to India will be his first to Asia as the German Chancellor. Ways to bring peace to Ukraine may also figure prominently in Modi-Merz talks. The German leader will travel to Bengaluru after concluding his engagements in Ahmedabad. Besides holding talks with Modi, Merz is scheduled to visit the Sabarmati Ashram, participate in a kite festival and attend a skill development event in Ahmedabad, according to officials. In their talks, Modi and Merz are likely to deliberate on trade and investment ties as New Delhi is looking at deepening economic engagement with Europe against the backdrop of Washington's 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, people familiar with the matter said. Germany is one of India's most important partners in Europe. It is New Delhi's largest trading partner in the European Union and the bilateral trade in goods and services between the two countries reached $51.23 billion in 2024-25. Germany accounts for roughly one-fourth of India's trade with the EU, reinforcing its position as New Delhi's leading EU trading partner. The Indo-German trade in services rose by 12.5 percent in the financial year 2024-25, reaching a record $16.65 billion. The influential European nation is the ninth largest foreign direct investor in India, with cumulative FDI inflows of $15.40 billion from April 2000 to June 2025. More than 2000 German companies are currently operating in India. Days after Merz's trip, the top leaders of the European Union will visit New Delhi during which the two sides may announce finalisation of the much-awaited India-EU free trade agreement. India will host French President Emmanuel Macron next month. Macron is visiting India to participate in the AI Summit. Defence and security ties between the two countries have also been on an upswing. With the easing of export control and expeditious clearing of cases, defence exports from Germany to India have increased. Both sides have a joint working group on counter terrorism. Germany will be deploying a German Navy liaison officer in India's Integrated Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). There has been speculation that India and Germany may finalise an inter-governmental agreement during Merz's visit for supplying six stealth submarines to the Indian Navy. German defence major ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) are holding price negotiations with the defence ministry for an Euro 5 billion deal to supply six stealth submarines to the Indian Navy. The deal is being billed as one of the biggest 'Make in India' projects in recent years. The India-German relations are also expanding in a number of other areas, including education, energy, skill development, culture, people-to-people exchanges and technology. In 2024, the two sides launched the Indo-German green hydrogen roadmap that was aimed at supporting India's ambition for production, usage and export of green hydrogen. The people cited above said enhancing cooperation in critical technologies may figure prominently in the talks between Modi and Merz. India and Germany firmed up a strategic agenda to enhance Indo-German partnership in the 21st century in 2000. The strategic partnership completed 25 years last year. Since 2011, the top leadership of the two sides has been undertaking a comprehensive review of cooperation through the Inter-Governmental consultation (IGC framework). The seventh IGC was held in New Delhi in 2024 The Mahayuti alliance on Sunday unveiled a wide-ranging manifesto for the upcoming civic body elections in Mumbai, promising technology-led governance to make it a "global powerhouse", a 50 percent concession on fares for women in BEST buses and "freeing" the city from Bangladeshi migrants. IMAGE: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Photograph: ANI Photo Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who unveiled the document, said the BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI-Atawale alliance would combine "Japanese technology" with local administration to tackle chronic civic problems and bring services to citizens' mobile phones. The manifesto has emphasised the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to curb corruption, speed up clearances and improve service delivery. "The city has seen 25 years of inefficiency in civic governance, and now I want to tell people to give us the opportunity to bring transparency in civic administration," he said. "Our goal is a corruption-free municipal corporation," Fadnavis said, outlining a "Municipality on your Mobile" initiative and an AI-driven platform to fast-track building approvals and ensure transparency in the real estate sector. He also pledged AI labs in all municipal schools to equip students with future-ready skills. Transport and women's safety figured prominently in the manifesto. Fadnavis said the alliance aims to expand the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport fleet from around 5,000 to 10,000 buses, switch to electric vehicles and introduce a 50 percent concession on fares for women travellers. He said new "midi" and "mini" services would improve last-mile connectivity around Metro and railway stations. "We will free Mumbai of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. With the help of IIT, we will develop an AI tool to identify Bangladeshi migrants," Fadnavis said. He stated that Rs 17,000 crore had been pledged for a climate action plan, under which a circular economy will be prepared. Speaking about the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, Fadnavis said an ecosystem will be created to ensure the upgradation of micro businesses in the area, and even ineligible residents will be included. The manifesto has also mentioned a "flood-free Mumbai" plan, promising the city would be free from inundation within five years by adopting Japanese techniques and collaborating with institutions such as IIT and VJTI for measures. Fadnavis said that a research group from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) will study the city's topography, and that the plan included constructing four new underground floodwater tanks and revamping existing drainage lines, alongside expediting work on the BRIMSTOWAD 2 project. He further said that civic hospitals will be upgraded to the level of AIIMS, and a health card facility will be launched in which the medical history of every Mumbaikar will be digitalised to expedite treatment. Housing and redevelopment commitments included a "Pagadimukt Mumbai" initiative to resolve tenancy issues and the promise of Occupancy Certificates for 20,000 stalled buildings, which the alliance said would benefit lakhs of residents. The manifesto also proposed incentives for high-rises that adopt sustainable "Living Forest" practices. Speaking on the occasion, deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stressed the preservation of Marathi culture alongside modernisation. He said that a cultural department would be set up in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to promote local art and heritage, and announced plans for Marathi libraries, cultural centres and a "Mumbai Fellowship" programme for Marathi youth. Shinde said that the school syllabus would include the history of Mumbai and the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, and reiterated plans for the Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical University. He also outlined a redevelopment plan for 'koliwadas' and 'gaothans' aimed at protecting the identity and livelihoods of the Koli community and other original inhabitants of the city. Fresh details have surfaced in the brutal murder of a 35-year-old man, whose dismembered body was recovered from an abandoned plot near Jalandhar Bypass on Thursday. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo A three-member medical board of experts, which conducted the postmortem, has found indications that the victim was injected with some substance in his left hand before being killed. However, the exact cause of death will be ascertained only after viscera samples, sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory, are analysed, official sources said on Sunday. The body was brought for postmortem examinations in six pieces, with the right hand missing. The police are searching for the missing hand. Two accused -- husband and wife -- were arrested on Friday in the case. The accused man has been identified as Shamsher alias Shera, a carpenter by profession. The severed body was recovered from an abandoned plot near the bypass on Thursday. The victim, Davinder Kumar, a resident of Bharti Colony in Ludhiana, had recently returned from Mumbai, where he worked at a printing and graphic design shop. Investigations revealed that Davinder and Shamsher were close friends, and a dispute over money is suspected to have led to the crime. The accused allegedly dismembered the body using a saw, stuffed the parts inside a drum and dumped it at a vacant plot falling under the jurisdiction of the Salem Tabri police station in Ludhiana. A passerby had spotted the drum after which police were alerted. A few other severed body parts, the police believe, may have been dumped elsewhere, too. According to a report in the New York Times, United States President Donald Trump has been briefed in recent days on a range of military options targeting Iran. IMAGE: Demonstrators and activists rally in support of nationwide protests in Iran, outside the White House in Washington, DC, on January 10, 2026. Photograph: Tom Brenner/Reuters According to the report, the options presented to Trump include targeted strikes on select sites in Tehran, including non-military infrastructure linked to the regime's internal security apparatus. The briefings are said to be part of contingency planning as the administration evaluates diplomatic, economic and military tools to deter further violence by Iranian authorities. Earlier, Trump said the US stands ready to help the Middle-Eastern country, which is looking at 'Freedom' like never before. He made the remarks in a post on Truth Social. Trump said, 'Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!' Senator Lindsey Graham further fuelled speculation on possible US action posting, 'TO THE IRANIAN PEOPLE: your long nightmare is soon coming to a close. Your bravery and determination to end your oppression has been noticed by @POTUSand all who love freedom. When President Trump says Make Iran Great Again, it means the protestors in Iran must prevail over the ayatollah. That is the clearest signal yet that he, President Trump understands Iran will never be great with the ayatollah and his henchmen in charge. To all who are sacrificing in Iran, God bless. Help is on the way.' He followed that with a reply to Trumps post on Iran saying, 'As usual Mr President, you are 100% right. Freedom now, freedom forever for the long suffering Iranian people. Death to the ayatollah's regime. Make Iran Great Again.' Meanwhile, anti-government protests in Iran have continued for the fourteenth consecutive day on Saturday, with authorities tightening security measures as demonstrations spread across multiple cities. Earlier on Friday, Trump said that the situation in Iran is being monitored very closely and hoped for the protestors in the country to be safe. He warned that if protestors were killed, the US would get involved and would hit the country where it hurts. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. BRATTLEBORO Education, housing and infrastructure are agreed to be important ongoing priorities for legislators in the new session as they t A deadly confrontation at a gold mine in northern Afghanistan has cast new light on the Talibans push to expand gold extraction, raising questions about the largely unregulated operations and their foreign -- mostly Chinese -- backing. The latest incident comes as the Interior Ministry of the Taliban government confirmed on January 7 that ongoing clashes from last week between officials of a contracted gold-mining company and residents of Chah Ab district in Takhar Province have left four people dead and five others wounded. The dead included three local residents and one company employee, Taliban Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Matin Qane told reporters following the incident, adding that one company guard and one local resident have been arrested on murder charges and that the firms operations have been suspended while investigations are underway. He neither mentioned the company's name nor identified the victims, but the attack took place in an area known for its large number of Chinese or joint Afghan-Chinese mining ventures. Residents say the confrontation started after the company began digging on agricultural and residential land, causing protests that led to violence, highlighting the mounting tensions around Afghanistans fast-expanding but murky gold sector under Taliban rule. Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, the countrys mineral resources, considered to be a pillar of economic recovery, have entered a new phase marked by limited oversight, rising foreign involvement led largely by China, and growing local opposition. In November 2025, two separate attacks killed five Chinese nationals working at a gold mine near Tajikistan's remote border with Afghanistan. It remains unclear who was behind the attacks, but reporting by RFE/RL found a history of mounting tensions and violence between locals and Chinese-backed mining operators over environmental issues and resentment caused by extracting the region's mineral wealth. Unfortunately, there is no oversight in Afghanistan, and extraction mostly takes place in areas that are easiest to exploit, Abdul Qadir Motafi, a veteran of Afghanistan's mining industry, told RFE/RL, adding that public and independent oversight has been severely limited in mines contracted by the Taliban. Frontier Mining Brings Added Environmental Problems In northern provinces such as Badakhshan and Takhar, gold extraction has dramatically increased under Taliban-linked local leaders, with communities complaining that they are being displaced and excluded while others profit. In Badakhshans ShahreBuzurg district, about 50 kilometers from Faizabad, gold mining surged soon after the Taliban takeover. Villagers who once panned riverbeds with basic tools saw their informal activities absorbed into a larger concession controlled by Taliban officials and Chinese partners using heavy machinery. Workers who spoke to RFE/RL say broad areas are now fenced off and guarded by armed men tied to influential figures, cutting local people off from land and water they previously depended on. Ordinary people cant even approach within a kilometer, one mine worker told RFE/RL, speaking on condition of anonymity, fearing possible repercussions. The ShahreBuzurg mining zone spans both state and private land, with Chinese companies and Taliban-linked figures reportedly exploiting state parcels, while private owners either dig themselves or sell plots to outside investors. Residents estimate that more than 500 groups now operate in and around the district, including workers arriving from other provinces such as Kandahar and Helmand, increasing pressure on local ecology. The mining operations' impact to the environment is visible across northern river valleys. Villagers say that pistachio groves and grazing pastures have been destroyed, while dredging and diversion work has repeatedly altered the course of the Amu Darya, a major river in the region that also flows through Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. A community elder in Badakhshan, who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity to avoid reprisal from the Taliban, said Chinese mining firms bring their own security forces from Kabul and operate with broad latitude while not making investments into the local community. There are still no new clinics, schools, or bridges, he said, and profits flow primarily to companies, Taliban officials, and a small circle of local investors. A Crucial Lifeline For The Taliban The Talibans Mines and Petroleum Ministry has done little to challenge these local perceptions. The regime has announced tenders for gold deposits in Badakhshans Raghistan and ShahreBuzurg districts, but has not released contract texts, revenue figures, or environmental conditions. Nationally, the ministry promotes mining as a cornerstone of economic policy and has signed dozens of agreements with foreign, predominantly Chinese, partners, projecting large investment commitments in several provinces, including Takhar. For the Taliban authorities in Kabul, the mining drive offers a crucial stream of hard currency amid sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Officials argue that foreign-backed projects will generate jobs and fund national development, pointing to headline investment figures and projected state revenue shares. Economists and mining specialists, however, warn that exporting largely unprocessed ore under weak regulation risks leaving Afghanistan with depleted deposits, limited employment, entrenched patronage networks, and deepening inequality. Azarakhsh Hafizi, the former director-general of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce, told RFE/RL that Afghanistan must process more of its minerals domestically to build value chains and create sustainable jobs rather than relying on bulk exports of raw material. Exporting raw minerals indiscriminately has no positive economic effect. Our mines are depleted and we remain poor," Hafizi said. "We should extract less but extract properly, process materials inside the country, and add value." President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine amount to "conscious, cynical Russian terror," as the country continues to face deadly strikes and heavy damage to its energy system amid freezing winter temperatures. Zelenskyy said that over the past week alone, Russia had used nearly 1,100 strike drones, more than 890 guided aerial bombs, and over 50 missiles of various types against Ukraine. "In many regions, the situation remains difficult after Russian strikes on our critical infrastructure," he said, thanking emergency workers for restoring essential services. Zelenskyy also said that Russia had used medium-range ballistic missiles "against targets that have no military purpose whatsoever: energy facilities, residential buildings" "This is conscious, cynical Russian terror against the people," he added. Local authorities in Kyiv said more than 1,000 apartment buildings in the city remain without heating as of late January 11. In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said that "repair work is still proceeding in Kyiv after the strike that occurred the day before yesterday." "The main task is to restore power supply to all homes," he said. On January 10, four people were killed in Russian shelling of the Donetsk region, according to the head of the regional military administration, Vadym Filashkin. "The Russians killed four residents of the Donetsk region: two in Yarova and two in Kostyantynivka," Filashkin said on social media on January 11. "Another 10 people in the region were injured over the past day." Ukraine's state railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia reported its railway infrastructure was damaged during Russian strikes, and two workers were injured. It added that due to a power outage overnight, train operations in the Dnipro and Zaporizhzhya regions were temporarily switched to diesel locomotives and energy generators. Ukraine's railway network has been crucial in evacuating civilians from war-torn regions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The news comes after Russian forces launched another large-scale drone attack on Ukraine on the night of January 10, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. It said 154 strike drones were launched from multiple directions between the evening of January 10 and the morning of January 11. The air force added that Ukrainian air defenses had shot down or suppressed 125 drones across northern, southern, and eastern regions. However, impacts by 22 strike drones were recorded at 18 locations, and debris from downed drones fell at two additional sites. In his nightly address, Zelenskyy said that the first priority for his country remains "air defense missiles." "The missiles are there in the [European] depots, and we know that, we know all of it -- and they have to be in service with our air defenders." The most severe consequences of the recent attacks have been felt in Kyiv and its environs. On the night of January 9, Russian forces carried out a massive combined strike using 36 missiles and 242 drones. Ukrainian air defenses neutralized 244 targets, but impacts by 18 missiles and 16 strike drones were recorded at 19 locations. Four people were killed in Kyiv, and 25 were injured, including medics and rescuers. In the Kyiv region, authorities reported widespread damage and five injured. On January 11, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said more than 1,000 buildings in the Ukrainian capital remained without heating. Temperatures in Kyiv been below minus 10 degrees Celsius in recent days. Klitschko said "restoration work is ongoing, but the situation remains difficult." With sub-zero temperatures expected to persist in the coming days, he also urged residents to temporarily leave the city if possible. According to the Ukrainian Energy Ministry, more than 500,000 consumers in Kyiv and the Kyiv region were without electricity. Russia denies intentionally targeting civilians in Ukraine despite widespread evidence to the contrary since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022. Key Takeaways President Donald Trump said he would instruct mortgage firms Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy up to $200 billion in mortgage bonds, which he said would bring down mortgage rates. Its unclear how much impact the move would make on the market for mortgage bonds, which is currently valued at around $11 trillion. President Trump has ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds, a move aimed at lowering rates that have kept many would-be homeowners stuck on the sidelines. I am instructing my Representatives to BUY $200 BILLION DOLLARS IN MORTGAGE BONDS. This will drive Mortgage Rates DOWN, monthly payments DOWN, and make the cost of owning a home more affordable, Trump wrote on his Truth Social network. Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte confirmed on social media that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will conduct the mortgage bond purchases. Markets responded quickly. The 30-year mortgage rate dropped on Friday to near 6%, its lowest level since early 2023, according to Mortgage News Daily. Why This is Important to You Lower mortgage rates directly affect whether you can afford to buy or refinance a home. Mortgage rates also affect housing prices, consumer spending and broader economic growth. When you get a mortgage, your lender often sells it to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. They then bundle the loans into investments called mortgage-backed securities and sell them to investors. That cycle keeps cash flowing to lenders and, in theory, keeps mortgage rates in check. Shifting to having Fannie and Freddie buy these bonds instead is meant to lower mortgage rates. Will $200 Billion Move the Needle? The problem is that the mortgage-backed securities market totals around $11 trillion, according to LPL Financial. A $200 billion buy is significant, but unlikely to drive a major change in the mortgage market on its own. Fannie and Freddie have already been heading this direction. The firms increased their MBS holdings by more than 25% since June, reaching almost $234 billion by October. The purchases by Fannie and Freddie, as well as the increased buying Trump ordered, are meant to bring down mortgage rates, which have been stuck at above 6% for several years. Even as rates declined somewhat in recent months, they're still more than double the rates earlier this decade. Fannie and Freddie have already loaded up their balances sheets with MBS, wrote Mike Simonsen, chief economist at Compass, on the X social media platform. Trump wants more of this. Seems like it'll help rates, gotta wonder how sustainable it is. The family of elderly Roosky farmer Liam Farrell, who was found dead in suspicious circumstances at his home in January 2020, has renewed its public appeal for information on the sixth anniversary of his death. The late Mr Farrells Anniversary Mass takes place at St. Michael's Church in Bornacoola this morning, Sunday, at 11 a.m.. The family of the 87-year-old widower strongly believe their father was the subject of an assault before he suffered a heart attack. An inquest into his death heard how he was discovered by family members at the back door of his home on Sunday, January 12th, 2020. He was covered in blood with his shoes and socks removed, his watch broken and bruising to his left eye and his feet. The jury recorded an open verdict into his death. Following a sustained campaign by his family to seek answers, the new Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly announced last October that a Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) would be carrying out a review of the investigation into their fathers death. Now on his sixth anniversary, the Farrell family is renewing their appeal for information and thanked everyone who has supported their campaign. This time of year is tough enough on the family but we are very thankful that the new Garda Commissioner Mr Justin Kelly has appointed a serious crime cold case unit who began their work on what happened to our father, outlined one of his sons, Willie Farrell. We are very thankful to have such an experienced SCRT team working on our fathers case. We believe that the resources and the expertise that this serious crime unit has, will further that investigation to a level not seen before. We are also very thankful to the media for their amazing work in highlighting the issues surrounding our late fathers death, and the support from the people of Roosky and across Ireland has been far above our expectations. Were very thankful for their kind words, he said. Mr Farrell said he and his family were appealing to anybody who may have information about anything that happened" on the weekend of their father's death to report it to the serious crime cold case team. All we are trying to do is to find out what happened that night, he said. Anyone who may have any information can contact the Serious Crime Review Team by email: nbci.scrt@garda.ie or by ringing the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. The Fuerys, one of Irelands all-time most acclaimed and influential middle of the road, folk and traditional bands, will bring their farewell tour to the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday, February 1st. Classics such as I Will Love You, When You Were Sweet 16, Red Rose Cafe, Leaving Nancy, The Old Man, From Clare to Here, Her Father didnt like me anyway and The Green Fields of France have become the soundtrack to the lives of fans all over the world. Eddie Furey recalls how "many musicians have told us we influenced them after hearing a record from their parents or grandparents' collection". Inevitably changes have occurred over the years. Their brother Paul died suddenly in June 2002, Finbar left the band in December 1996 and Davey got a stroke in March 2014, which he is still recovering from. However, George and Eddie continued to delight audiences on their tours and releasing CDs. In May 2026, the Fureys will come to an end. Eddie and George say: We will have very mixed emotions over the next number of months knowing our working lives as we have known them for so long will be coming to an end. We know we have been among the luckiest people on earth having a job we love and enjoy, traveling the world to places we would never have been to, meeting people and making many friends, we would never have met. However, time catches up with us all and we will look to a new future from the middle of 2026 playing at the odd music session and seeing the younger Furey generation playing their music. Our manager Joe McCadden will also be retiring from the business after 56 years, 39 of them with us. Haryana News: Man dies of drug overdose; drug dealer arrested Kurukshetra Haryana News: Police on Sunday revealed that in connection with the death of a young man who was found dead in a hospital bathroom due to a drug overdose, the accused drug dealer has been arrested. Sharing details, Anti-Narcotics Cell in-charge Sub-Inspector Satvinder Singh said that the deceased, Harsh, worked as a driver and was found dead on December 14, 2025 in a bathroom at Ismailabad hospital. Advertisement The sub-inspector added that Harsh had come in contact with the accused, Satvinder Singh Sonu (Roopa), a resident of Chammu Kalan village in Kurukshetra district, who is allegedly involved in drug trafficking. On December 14, 2025, after procuring drugs from the accused, Harsh injected himself at the Ismailabad hospital. Due to the consumption of an excessive quantity, his condition deteriorated and he died. Police further stated that the accused, Satvinder Singh alias Sonu alias Roopa, already has more than half a dozen cases registered against him under the NDPS Act in the district. (For more news apart from Haryana News: Man dies of drug overdose; drug dealer arrested," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Kerala announces mass protest against Centre over alleged financial strangulation He also stated that the total arrears for centrally sponsored schemes stand at Rs 5,784 Cr. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday announced that a one-day Satyagraha, a resistance protest with mass participation, will be held on January 12 in Thiruvananthapuram against the alleged ongoing financial strangulation by the Centre. A one-day Satyagraha with mass participation will be held, marking the states protest against the sanctions, the chief minister wrote in a post on his X earlier today. Advertisement Sharing what he described as a bleak picture of the financial blockade, CM Vijayan wrote, Slashing Rs 5,900 Cr from the state's eligible borrowing limit for the last three months (JanuaryMarch) of the financial year. Total borrowing limit reduction for this year alone is Rs 17,000 Cr. He added that a request for an additional Rs 6,000 Cr loan as compensation for the states expenditure on National Highway land acquisition remains pending. The chief minister further alleged that Rs 965 Cr of IGST recovery is currently being withheld. Advertisement Additionally, Rs 3,300 Cr in borrowing permission has been denied based on guarantee deposits, he said. He also stated that the total arrears for centrally sponsored schemes stand at Rs 5,784 Cr. CM Vijayan added that what he called concerted efforts to stall Keralas progress will be duly resisted by the people of the state. Advertisement We shall fight, we shall win, he added. (For more news apart from Rishabh Pant ruled out of ODI series, Dhruv Jurel named replacement; Heres Why," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) The Cornesti Iarcuri Citadel Just a few kilometers from Timisoara, in the town of Cornesti, there are traces of one of the most spectacular ancient fortifications in Europe Ion Puican, 11.01.2026, 14:00 Just a few kilometers from Timisoara (western Romania), in the town of Cornesti in the Banat Area, there are traces of one of the most spectacular ancient fortifications in Europe. The Citadel of Cornesti (the Cornesti Iarcuri) is an old settlement, over 3,500 years old. It could soon become the site of a new museum showcasing the archaeological findings in the area. The Citadel of Cornesti covers an impressive 1,800 hectares, and is made up of four concentric rings made of clay and wood, built around 3,500 years ago, in the Bronze Age. Experts say that the fortification was a centre of power in the Banat area and the Lower Mures Valley, inhabited by a warrior elite that coordinated the economic life and the defence of the territory. The construction is contemporary with the famous Troy fortress and belongs to the CruceniBeleghis culture. Its strategic position, close to the Mures River and the Banat Mountains, enabled the locals to trade and get important resources, such as salt. Archaeologists have found traces of semi-buried dwellings, pottery and ritual offerings that highlight the spiritual life of the community. The archaeologist Leonard Dorogostaisky, a volunteer with the National Museum of Banat (MBN) team, who is doing research at this site, tells us more about the Cornesti Iarcuri: Leonard Dorogostaisky: Cornesti-Iancuri, in Otisoara commune, Timis county, Romania, is a huge construction impossible to see from ground level, which consists of four enclosures surrounded by earth mounds and ditches. It spreads a total 1,700 hectares. The mounds have a combined length of about 32 km. The mounds that enclose the first two rings are 2-2.5 metres high and 50 meters wide at the base. Above them there was a complex wooden structure, believed to work as a palisade, which has burned down. It was built in several stages during the late Bronze Age, that is, 3350 years ago, contemporary with the Egyptian pharaohs, Akhenaten and his wife, Nefertiti, with Tutankhamun, Ramses the Great, at the height of Ancient Egypt. Unlike Egypt, the constructions in our area are made of earth and wood, instead of stone. Since 2005, extensive research has begun, using multidisciplinary methods, involving Romanian-German-English teams that set out to investigate the construction of the earth mounds and ditches through several sections in rings 1, 2 and 4. They have provided information related to their shape, depth, width, to the construction methods and so on. Concurrently, geophysical research was carried out on an area of about 200 hectares. The edges of the underground area suggest that there were several gates, areas with traces of habitation, and, more importantly, rectangular, circular or concentric arc-shaped structures located in areas where pottery fragments older than a thousand years were found. Excavations conducted inside Cornesti-Iarcuri led to more questions than answers, with no traces found of large structures or their foundations. The inhabited surface area within the citadels covers around 70 hectares, accounting for some 4% of their total surface area. Why did they need so much space? The findings of the most recent research directly links the CruceniBeleghis culture to Mycenaean civilisation. The traces of a migration movement at the end of the Bronze age can be seen all the way to Thessaloniki. What does the investigation of such an archaeological site involve. Archaeologist Leonard Dorogostaisky: Researching such an archaeological site involves an effort that matches its enormous size, on a physical, technical, human and financial level, as well as timewise. It will probably take decades. The archaeologist Leonard Dorogostaisky proposes that Cornesti is the site of more than just a fortification. He believes that there must also be there a religious site and a site that probably served as an astronomic observatory. What role could these fortifications serve? Militarily, it is intended to intimidate, to discourage possible aggressors. Another purpose served by Cornesti-Iarcuri is that of a sacred place able to shelter large groups of people temporarily, for a week, for example for the duration of the annual summer solstice pilgrimages. Cornesti- Iarcuri was built according to a plan by a society with a high degree of civilisation, which makes us suspect that it also possessed knowledge of arithmetic and geometry, among others, at least in as much as to ensure the logistics and construction of the site. In my opinion, a religion was born here. Id like to think that Zamolxis did not hide for three years under Gugu peak, but that he built and led this site. A possible museum in Cornesti-Iarcuri would showcase this unique heritage, attracting tourists and researchers from Romania and abroad. The museum would contribute both to the development of local tourism and the promotion of the historical sites in the Banat region. Cornesti would then be more than a name on the archaeological map of Europe, to also become a place where the past comes to life and tells the story of a millennia-old civilisation, right in the heart of Banat. January 11, 2026 A roundup of local and world news Newsflash Newsroom, 11.01.2026, 14:00 Cold weather in Romania: alert stays in place amid growing energy consumption The weather in Romania will be unusually cold over the coming days, with snow and temperatures dropping to minus 10 degrees. A yellow code warning against severe cold is in effect until Monday morning across nearly the entire country, except southern regions. Highs will range from minus 10 to minus 2 degrees, with persistent cold even during the day, isolated in the north and center. Amid the cold snap, Romanian authorities expect higher consumption of electricity and natural gas. Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan stated that the energy system is prepared to handle the low temperatures forecast. According to him, although natural gas consumption nationwide will rise by 20% early next week, the fact that storage facilities are 70% full (well above the European average) provides a safety net. The Energy Minister also noted that most of the consumption will be covered by domestic production and energy storage. Response to Mercosur deal The EU is set to sign the trade agreement with the Latin American Mercosur bloc in the coming days. This is a crucial step towards creating the worlds largest free trade area, though its not yet certain, as the document must still be ratified by the European Parliament. EU Member States secured a qualified majority for validation, allowing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to officially sign the pact on January 17 in Asuncion, alongside representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. The agreement was approved despite negative votes from France, Poland, Austria, Ireland and Hungary, and Belgiums abstention. In Romania, coalition parties have had diverging reactions: PSD says the deal lacks clear clauses to protect Romanian farmers from Latin American imports. Meanwhile, USR Economy Minister Irineu Darau pointed out that Romania supported it only after tough negotiations that secured clear guarantees for industry and agriculture. Increase in the minimum wage In Romania, the bill to raise the minimum wage from 797.2 to 851.3 per month starting July 1 has been submitted to the Economic and Social Council, where it will receive an opinion a mandatory step before government adoption. Over 1.7 million employees will benefit from this increase, per the explanatory note. The Labor Ministry expects the proposed increase to have positive social effects, boosting employment, strengthening purchasing power and curbing undeclared work. Car production National car production dropped slightly by 2.6% last year compared to 2024, reaching 545,000 units, according to the Romanian Automobile Manufacturers Association. In terms of new car registrations, association data show over 156,000 units, half hybrid-powered and nearly 9,000 fully electric vehicles, the latter dropping 10% from 2024. Meanwhile, second-hand car registrations in Romania last year totaled 360,000 units, up nearly 10%. Protests in Iran Reports from Iran indicate hundreds have been killed or injured by security forces in recent days as anti-government protests continue nationwide, the BBC reports. Massive crowds continue to take to the streets of Tehran and other cities, with mobilization growing and spreading despite bloody repression. Iran faces unprecedented mobilization in the past three years and one of its biggest challenges since 1979. Romanias Foreign Ministry reminds that a level 8/9 travel warning (Avoid all travel) is in effect for all of Iran due to the demonstrations and the risk of escalation. The authorities urge Romanian citizens on the ground to avoid crowds and the stage of protests and to responsibly assess the need to stay in this country. The EU, UN and other international organizations have criticized Tehran for its violent response to street protests driven mainly by economic woes. Romanian teams performing in EHF competitions CS Minaur Baia Mare has defeated Norwegian side Larvik 28-26 away on Saturday evening, in their Group A debut match in the womens EHF European League handball. Also Saturday evening, Gloria Bistrita lost at home 38-34 to Montenegros OTP Group Buducnost Podgorica in Womens Champions League Group A. Gloria had won the away leg in Podgorica 29-26, and this was Buducnosts first group win. (VP) By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Jan 11 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will urge Group of Seven nations and others to step up their efforts to reduce reliance on critical minerals from China when he hosts a dozen top finance officials on Monday, a senior U.S. official said. The meeting, which kicks off with a dinner on Sunday evening, will include finance ministers or cabinet ministers from the G7 advanced economies, the European Union, Australia, India, South Korea and Mexico, said the official who was not authorized to speak publicly. More from Yahoo Scout Which critical minerals are most vulnerable to disruption? What actions are countries taking against China dependency? How dominant is China in critical minerals supply? Why is the U.S. hosting critical minerals meeting? Together, the grouping accounts for 60% of global demand for critical minerals. "Urgency is the theme of the day. It's a very big undertaking. There's a lot of different angles, a lot of different countries involved and we really just need to move faster," the official said. Bessent on Friday told Reuters that he had been pressing for a separate meeting on the issue since a G7 leaders summit in Canada in June, where he delivered a rare earths presentation to gathered heads of state from the U.S., Britain, Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and the European Union. Leaders agreed to an action plan at the summit to secure their supply chains and boost their economies, but Bessent has grown frustrated about the lack of urgency demonstrated by attendees, the official said. Aside from Japan, which took action after China abruptly cut off its critical minerals supplies in 2010, G7 members remain heavily dependent on critical minerals from China, which has threatened to impose strict export controls. China dominates the critical minerals supply chain, refining between 47% and 87% of copper, lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earths, according to the International Energy Agency. These minerals are used in defense technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy components, batteries and refining processes. The U.S. is expected to issue a statement after the meeting, but no specific joint action is likely, the official added. US urges others to follow its lead The United States is in the posture of calling everyone together, showing leadership, sharing what we have in mind going forward," said the official. "We're ready to move with those who feel a similar level of urgency ... and others can join as they come to the realization of how serious this is." The official gave no details on what further steps were planned by the Trump administration, which is pushing forward to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on China through agreements with Australia, Ukraine and other producers. In a market obsessed with the next big thing, Warren Buffett has built his legacy by doing the opposite: owning great businesses and letting time do the heavy lifting. One thing many investors have learned from Buffett's portfolio is that investment is not simply about chasing the highest yields and flashiest stocks. Instead, it's all about consistent, resilient, and dependable performance over long periods. And if you doubt the results, well, just remember that Buffett grew Berkshire Hathaway from a modest and struggling textile manufacturer into the first non-tech trillion-dollar company in 2024. More News from Barchart So, yes, if imitation is the highest form of flattery, then many investors are giving Buffett compliments by copying his portfolio. But for retail investors, investing in over 40 companies might not be the best option. Thats why today I used Warren Buffetts portfolio to find high-quality dividend stocks and checked which ones are certified Wall Street favorites. How I came up with the following stocks Using Barcharts Stock Screener, I selected the following filters to get my list: Annual Dividend Yield (FWD), %: Left blank so I can rank them later from highest to lowest yield. Current Analyst Rating: 4.5-5. Stocks that are Strong Buy, the best among the rest, according to Wall Street. Number of Analysts: 16 or more. The higher the number, the stronger the rating confidence. Power Investor Ideas: Warren Buffett Stocks. I ran the screen and got four results. Ill cover the top three, from highest to lowest dividend yield. Lets kick off this list with the first Warren Buffett dividend stock: Coca-Cola Company (KO) Coca-Cola Company is one of the worlds most recognizable businesses and needs little introduction. It is the largest beverage company with over 500 products in its portfolio, including Coke, Sprite, and more. Coca-Cola continues to modernize its brands to remain culturally relevant. From the markets perspective, though, they dont need to put in much effort: KO is one of the most popular dividend stocks in the world, and its been featured in many of my top dividend stocks lists, like this recent one about the safest dividend stocks right now. Coca-Cola pays a forward annual dividend of $2.04, yielding around 3%. Plus, it has a 5-YR dividend growth of 21.25%, which I think is pretty decent for investors looking for a long-term, income-focused investment. Further, a consensus among 25 analysts rates the stock a Strong Buy, suggesting around a 25% potential upside if it reaches the high target price of $87 within the next 12 months. Rio Tinto has been urged not to overpay for Glencore , according to the Sunday Times, after it emerged that the two companies are discussing a possible merger to create the world's largest mining group. The paper cited Tal Lomnitzer, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson, which holds a 500m stake in Rio, who said he didn't see a need for Rio to pursue a deal right now, "unless the price is particularly compelling". The potential combination of some of all of Rio and Glencore's businesses could include an all-share merger, the companies confirmed on Thursday. However, it is thought that some Glencore shareholders are wanting a premium of at least 30%, The Sunday Times reported, equating to an offer price equivalent of 537p, up from the 452.65p level on Friday. Donald Trump has said that America is "ready to help" Iranian protestors as US government officials consider strikes on "multiple" military targets in the country, according to the Sunday Telegraph. The paper cited former Pentagon officials who said the US president could sign off secret operations to "destabilise" Tehran or authorise Israel to launch its own attacks. Meanwhile, the Independent reported that Donald Trump's aggression towards Greenland could irrevocably damage America's relationship with Denmark so much that the latter begins to restrict US access to the semi-autonomous territory. The paper cited Frank Rose, who negotiated a defence deal with Denmark and Greenland under the Obama administration, as saying that Trump's threats could mean it is harder to obtain consent from Denmark if the US wants to increase troop numbers across the region like it had done until the end of the Cold War. Charlie Nunn, the chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group, is the latest boss in the sector that could pocket a huge jump in bonuses with an annual pay packet of over 13m, according to The Guardian. The paper said Lloyds' remuneration committee has started planning a new three-year exec pay policy following the government's decision to lift the cap on banker bonuses. Barclays, HSBC and NatWest have already announced that bosses will be handed pay increases of 43-45% if they hit certain targets this year. Lloyds is thought to be considering a similar 45% hike in maximum pay for Nunn, which shareholders will vote on in the spring, The Guardian reported. According to the Sunday Times, industrial leaders and backbench Labour MPs have said that Rachel Reeves' expected bailout for the pubs sector should be expanded to other sectors. Senior ministers have warned that the package should include others in the retail and hospitality industries following recent research from UK Hospitality which showed that over 2,000 firms face closure in 2026 amid a surge in business rates. Elon Musk has said that the UK government is trying to suppress free speech after ministers warned that X could be banned following revelations that its AI tool Grok is being used to make indecent images of underage people. The comments came after technology secretary Liz Kendall said action from Ofcom was expected within "days, not weeks" as it requests an urgent response from the social platform. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A 23yearold New York City Department of Education employee was arrested last week after he allegedly made sexual remarks and gestures toward a child outside a Stapleton elementary school, according to court records. Xavier Smith was taken into custody Friday in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred around 2 p.m. on Jan. 6 near 91 Henderson Ave. as a child was boarding a school bus outside PS 373, authorities said. According to the criminal complaint, Smith allegedly asked the child, Why dont you lift your skirt up? When the child refused, Smith is accused of saying, Not even if anyone wanted to lick you? The complaint further alleges that Smith placed his fingers near his face, spread them apart and put his tongue between them while looking at the child. Police said the victim was younger than 17. Smith, identified by sources familiar with the investigation as a paraprofessional, was charged with acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17-years-old. The charge is not baileligible, and Smith was released on his own recognizance, according to court records. Smiths charges upon arrest also included a count of endangering the welfare of a child. It has since been dropped. According to sources, Smith is believed to be employed at PS 373, though that could not be definitively confirmed by authorities. He is due back in Richmond County Criminal Court on Feb. 26. The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority. This alleged behavior is completely unacceptable, A spokesperson for the Department of Education said in a statement to the Advance/SILive.com. This individual was suspended immediately following their arrest, and if convicted, we will pursue termination. Smiths attorney, Andrew Brian Stoll, had not returned requests for comment by the time of publication. A former Vogue editor is set to deliver a novel that could rival The Devil Wears Prada as the ultimate insiders look at Conde Nast and the fashion world, according to Page Six. Ex-editor, Filipa Fino, who spent more than a decade at Vogue, has penned her own book, which sources say will reveal even more behind-the-scenes details this time from someone who was closer to the action than an intern. [Finos] is being told from an insider, not an intern, a source explained. Fino, whose career also includes stints at Allure and Harpers Bazaar, is expected to release Best Dressed in May. Given her proximity to Wintour and the numerous photos shes shared with the editor-in-chief, the novel is widely expected to feature a Wintour-inspired character reminiscent of Miranda Priestly from Prada. Back in 2003, Lauren Weisberger, who worked as Anna Wintours personal assistant, wrote the now-famous roman a clef that cemented Wintours reputation as a demanding and ruthless fashion titan. Roger Federer, center, 2007 U.S. Open Mens Singles Champion, sits next to Anna Wintour, left, Vogue editor-in-chief as they watch the presentation of the Oscar de la Renta 2008 spring/summer collection in New York during Fashion Week, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh) ASSOCIATED PRESS According to sources, the book will include stories about designers, models, and editors all based on real events, though some names have been changed. One anecdote reportedly addresses Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss notorious 1998 meeting with Fidel Castro. Campbell allegedly requested a private sit-down with the Cuban leader, and he agreed. The meeting supposedly required 10 bodyguards paid from the shoots budget which prompted a superior to remark: Why spend so much money on someone who blends? Leonardo DiCaprio was reportedly present as well and at one point holed up in a room at Havanas Nacional hotel with Moss. This was the BlackBerry era of fashion, extravagance and scandals. Everyone has a book, but no one has told the story, Fino teased. For those unfamiliar, The Devil Wears Prada follows recent graduate Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who lands what appears to be a dream role as the junior assistant to Runway magazines formidable and icy editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Anna Wintour attends the GQ Global Creativity Awards at the Water Street Associates Building on Thursday, April 6, 2023, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Andy is quickly thrust into the high-stakes, glamorous, and often ruthless world of fashion, juggling impossible assignments while confronting her own changing values and identity. The story chronicles her transformation as she adapts her style to meet the demands of her job. The movie centers around Andys questioning whether the sacrifices to her personal life and integrity are truly worth the career advancement in the fast-paced world of fashion. Anna Wintour, left, and Sarah Jessica Parker, right, attend a special screening of "The White Crow", hosted by The Cinema Society, on Monday, April 22, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP) Andy Kropa/Invision/AP Susan Downey, Robert Downey Jr., from left, Cate Blanchett and Anna Wintour attend the Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2024 womenswear fashion collection presented Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in Paris. (AP Photo/Vianney Le Caer) Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP Millions of Americans are shaving down their grocery budgets and putting off buying a home as wages fail to meet rising costs of living. Meanwhile, the nations top CEOs are enjoying eye-watering compensation packagesand some earn more than the average U.S. worker in less than a day. The leader of Americas largest private employer, Walmarts Doug McMillon, can even snatch up a home in less than one workweek. More from Yahoo Scout How is income inequality affecting American workers today? What companies are sharing profits with their employees? How much does Walmart CEO earn compared to average workers? What are the compensation packages of America's highest-paid CEOs? McMillon, who has been leading the $905 billion grocery chain giant since 2011, enjoys around $27.5 million in total compensation. Hes set to retire at the end of this month, and is bowing out on a monetary high; in his final year as CEO, McMillon took home a $1.5 million salary, while also receiving $20.4 million in stock awards and $4.4 million in non-equity incentive plan compensation. Its a far cry from the pay of his first Walmart job. The outgoing CEO started working in the business warehouses in the summer of 1984, unloading trailers for just $6.50 an hour. Thats 481 times lower than the average $3,127 he earns every hour of the day as CEO. Even within one minute he blows that figure out of the water, reeling in around $52 in 60 seconds. Now, it takes less than 20 hours for the Walmart CEO to outearn the average U.S. worker who takes home about $62,088 a year, according to 2025 first quarter wage data from the BLS. And while it could take decades for Americans to pool up savings for a house, McMillon can afford it within one workweek. It only takes 5.85 days for the chief executive to reel in $439,000, the median price of a U.S. home, according to a CEO salary tool from Resume.ai. And over the span of U.S. workers dreaded 30-minute commute to the office, McMillon is already $1,563 richer. Every second, the chief executive can watch his bank account inch up nearly $1. Fortune reached out to Walmart (WMT) for comment. While CEOs are reaping record-breaking salaries, Americans are bunkering down McMillon is just one face in a crowd of CEOs making headlines for their eyebrow-raising salaries. Late last year, the leader of Tesla and the worlds richest person, Elon Musk, secured a $1 trillion pay package at his EV company, spurring criticism of the growing wealth divide between the worlds wealthiest and poorest workers. And Tim Cook, the CEO of $3.8 trillion tech giant Apple, reaped $74.6 million in 2024, up 18% from $63.2 million the year before. In only about seven hours, Cook has already outearned the typical American worker, and in 2.15 days, can afford the average U.S. home. But hes not even the highest-paid CEO leading a large, billion-dollar public U.S. company. Rick Smith, the chief executive of $45.5 billion defense-tech company Axon, took home a whopping $164.5 million, according to an analysis from Equilar. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Evelyn V. Mazzitelli, a native Staten Islander who earned the prestigious Teacher of the Year award and taught generations of students, died Jan. 5 at 98-years-old. As a child, Mazzitelli grew up alongside her many siblings on Scribner Avenue in New Brighton, according to her obituary. As an adult, she offered those same childhood memories of Scribner Avenue to her children, her grandchildren, and her siblings children. The fourth daughter of Rose (formerly Caporale) and Anthony Fressola, Mazzitelli was a graduate of Curtis High School and Hunter College, where she earned both her bachelors and masters degree in education. Mazzitelli worked at two Staten Island schools over the course of her career P.S. 34 and P.S. 13 where she served as a teacher. She additionally held an administrative role at P.S. 13, where she earned her Teacher of the Year award in 1984; just two years before her retirement in 1986. In 1952, she married Louis Mazzitelli, with whom she had two daughters with: Lois and Eva Lynn. They shared 35 years together before Louis passed away in 1987. In her retirement, she joined a variety of Staten Island organizations, including: The Womens Auxiliary at St. Vincents Hospital later, the RUMC Auxiliary and Historic Richmond Towns Womens Auxiliary. She was also described as an enthusiastic reader by her loved ones. Following her teaching career, Mazzitelli a lover of theater attended many shows featured at Wagner College, Broadway, and New Jerseys Paper Mill Playhouse. Surviving her are her brother Michael, daughter Eva Lynn, son-in-law John Hayko, grandchildren Benjamin Louis and Emily Rose Forman, and great-grandson Henry Christopher. The family extended their gratitude to the healthcare team that tended to Mazzitelli, as well: Dr. Jomarie Zeleznik, Quindrella Woods, Vjoleta Note, and Safeharbor Healthcare Services, according to her obitary. Mazzitellis funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Jan. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Moravian Cemetery on Jan. 12. Her committal service will take place at 11:45 a.m. to noon. To read her full obituary, please click here or visit Legacy.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Roughly 16,000 nurses are preparing to strike in New York City after contract negotiations stalled. The New York State Nurses Association and private hospitals across four boroughs are still in discussions Sunday afternoon, with specific hospitals working on provisional arrangements. According to the union, nurses reached tentative agreements with management at Staten Islands Richmond University Medical Center and five other hospitals on a variety of issues, including healthcare and pension protections, improved hospital safety and limits on the use of artificial intelligence. Alexander Lutz, a RUMC spokesperson, said the hospital was pleased with the nurses decision to lift the strike threat. This decision allows us to maintain uninterrupted care for our patients and the communities we serve. We value our nurses and respect the important role they play every day in caring for our patients and their families, he said. While contract negotiations are still ongoing, we remain committed to continuing discussions in good faith and working collaboratively toward a fair and sustainable agreement. Our priority remains ensuring safe, high-quality patient care for our entire community. However, if no agreement is reached by midnight Sunday for the citys other private hospitals, the nurses will picket in what is thought to be the biggest strike held by city nurses on Monday, according to ABC News. These wealthy hospitals are pushing to cut health benefits for nurses who put their own health on the line to care for New Yorkers during this historic flu surge, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans told ABC News. The nurses contract expired New Years Eve. A 17yearold male has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal stabbing in Queens, according to the NYPD. Police said that on Friday at 3:43 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault in progress at the corner of Jamaica Avenue and 76 Street. When officers arrived at the scene, they found 17yearold Josue Argudo of 7640 85 Road in Queens suffering from a stab wound to the neck, police said. EMS transported the Argudo to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in critical condition, where he was later pronounced deceased. As the investigation continued, a 17yearold male was arrested Saturday, in connection to the homicide, police announced. He has been charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. The suspects name has not been released due to his age. The NYPD said the investigation remains ongoing and that detectives are seeking the publics assistance in identifying additional individuals wanted in connection with the homicide. One sought individual is described as a male who was last seen wearing all black clothing and white Beats headphones, police said. A second sought individual is also described as a male who was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and white sneakers, and was carrying a black crossbody bag in his right hand, according to the NYPD. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1800577TIPS (8477). Spanishspeaking callers can dial 188857PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on X @NYPDTips. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesFood & drink Square juice bottles, canned wine: Why your food packaging is getting smarter Jessica Yun January 11, 2026 4:22pm 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 Juice bottles that are square instead of round and wine in lighter bottles or slim cans will become a more common sight on supermarket shelves as food and drink manufacturers prepare to make packaging lighter, cleaner and easier to recycle. As Australians cycle through more than 7 million tonnes of paper, glass, plastic, metal and wood a year the equivalent of 264 kilograms per person food manufacturers are innovating on packaging to save on costs, reduce waste and stay a step ahead of new laws. Food manufacturers are innovating in packaging, and experts say it can influence shopper behaviour. Nine News These moves are also likely to improve margins for major food retailers as more compact packaging can mean more units can fit per pallet, making transport more efficient and reducing fuel costs. Theyre also easier to stack, leading to fewer broken items. Changes in food packaging can have a powerful effect on influencing shopping habits, said ANZ head of agribusiness insights Michael Whitehead. Consumers talk about how much their buying behaviour is impacted by sustainability of a product, he said. Advertisement Does it irritate you when you see all the cucumbers wrapped in plastic? How do I make my muesli stand out on the shelf better than yours? Packaging is always mini-advertising. Related Article Exclusive Plastic Plastic not fantastic: Why you pay less for pointless packaging Innovation in food packaging has already resulted in lighter wine bottles and cans, salad packets that keep leaves fresher for longer through tiny laser pinholes that prevent fog and keep leaves crisp, and clearer labels that indicate whether something should be rubbished or recycled. In his latest Food for Thought report, Whitehead outlined that packets that used multi-layered film now use a single plastic type that is detectable by scanners, ready-made meal trays are moving away from black (which is hard for scanners to detect), while more bottles are starting to shift towards a tethered cap that means the bottle and the lid can be sent to recycling together. The developments can open up new markets, too: clever use of labels and QR codes readable by scanners can address specific requirements of various countries such as allergen and recycling information. Advertisement One smart change at the factory can open several export markets at once, Whitehead said. Packaging has shifted from an end-of-line cost to a strategic tool that can boost product sales, unlock export access and shape brand reputation. About half of the wine industrys carbon footprint comes from production of glass bottles, said a spokesperson for Endeavour Group, which operates Dan Murphys and BWS. The company is a member of a global collective called the Sustainable Wine Roundtable, which has committed to reducing the weight of wine bottles. Making glass bottles generates one-third of the emissions from wine production in Australia, the Endeavour Group says. Tamara Voninski Traditional heavy glass packaging is estimated to generate about 34 per cent of all emissions from wine production in Australia, excluding emissions from transporting these bottles, the spokesperson said. Endeavour Group aims to lead the Australian wine industry by partnering with our wine suppliers to reduce the average weight of glass bottles gradually. Advertisement Supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles have their own sustainability targets aimed at circularity, or using materials that are recyclable or have recycled content. Woolworths has a target of 60 per cent recycled content in own-brand packaging, and says it has already achieved 51 per cent, while most (87.6 per cent) of Coles and Coles Liquor own-brand packaging is recyclable. New rules loom Food packaging laws, waste management and single-use plastic vary across states and territories, which add extra burden to manufacturers, said Sarah Collier, director of sustainability at the Australian Food & Grocery Council. Tomatoes on non-recyclable black trays. Abode Stock The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has indicated it will conduct further industry consultation to refine its approach to national packaging reform, following consultation held in late 2024 that garnered more than 400 submissions. Advertisement The draft regulation is expected to move the industry away from voluntary targets to a mandatory system that will set a minimum percentage of recycled material in packaging and ban toxic chemicals. Mars bars with paper wrappers are an example of how packaging is changing. Eamon Gallagher We are hopeful the upcoming consultation to drive the federal governments packaging regulations will remove the need for states to respond independently, Collier said. Changes to regulation must reflect the complexity of the food and grocery manufacturing sector and consider the whole packaging system and life cycle as part of a circular economy. Manufacturers had already been investing in innovation to improve packaging before the anticipated government reform, she said. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement CultureMoviesCinema The film taking the concept of corporate cut-throat competition to the next level Stephanie Bunbury January 12, 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 Korean director Park Chan-wook started thinking about adapting The Ax, an American horror-thriller about a sacked engineer who goes on a killing spree, almost 20 years ago. Park is by no means a fluent English speaker, but he had already made Stoker starring Nicole Kidman in the US and he intended to make The Ax in Connecticut, where author Donald Westlake had set it. The Ax, published in 1997, was about workers in this case, an engineer in the paper industry losing their jobs to machines. It was very much of its time and place. Director Park Chan-wook had spent years trying to make a version of The Ax. Now he has done it. AP Photo/Chris Pizzello Years passed. Park couldnt raise the finance to make his American film. Eventually, he was persuaded to move the story to Korea, where it fitted perfectly: Japan was a big importer of Korean paper, so the story rang true. The mechanisation of manual jobs, so feared in the 1990s, was small fry compared with the explosion in AI in the 2020s. The issues raised by The Ax, which Park turned into his smart, funny and ferocious film No Other Choice, turned out to be more urgent than ever. Park, whose other films range from outrageously violent genre films (Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance) to his recent drama Decision to Leave, has every reason to take aim at AI: the film industry is under threat as much as any other. Advertisement Its very near us and we cant even predict how fast it is going to advance, he says at the Venice Film Festival, where his film had its world premiere. In the very near future, we will be able to write a prompt give me a Hitchcock style film and its going to spit out quite a decent film. Regardless of how I feel about it, that development is not going to stop any time soon. Nor is capitalism, arguably the films bigger target. When we first meet Man-su played by Lee Byung-hun, familiar from Squid Game he is wielding the barbecue tongs at his handsome rural villa. He has it all, he reflects: a vivacious wife (Son Ye-jin), an amiable stepson, a daughter who may be a cello prodigy, two endearing labradors and an executive job at the paper mill, recently taken over by a US company. They must like him. They gave him the parcel of gourmet eel he is now cooking. Lee Byung-huns character takes extreme measures in No Other Choice. AP The eel, however, is a parting gift. The new bosses, claiming they have no other choice include Man-su in a raft of retrenchments. He is convinced he will soon get another job, but retrenchments are happening everywhere. So he comes up with a crazy plan. If he kills his competitors, he thinks, he will be the only candidate left standing. Advertisement The way that he kills these best candidates is very similar to how a company would fire their employees, Park says. But what can he do? The paper industry is all he knows. He has a family to protect. In his mind, he has no other choice. The film jumps from melodrama to farce and back; we catch ourselves rooting for Lee Byung-hun, always a sympathetic actor, only to be appalled when he does something dreadful. I wanted to make a film that would encourage viewers to ask questions, Park says. What is considered the lowest level of life for Koreas contemporary middle class? What standard of living must you maintain to consider your life decent? So what, exactly, does this man desire to protect? To a great extent, he is protecting his status. Initially, this seems contemptible, but many of us can relate to the way his identity is wound up with his work. Paper is his life. Similarly, I cant explain my life without using movies, Park told Indiewire in an interview about No Other Choice. So Yul Choi, left, and Son Ye-jin in No Other Choice. AP Advertisement I think my life would almost have nothing if I didnt have movies in it. Of course, I do have family, but I spent so much of the time I should have spent on my family on movies as well. And I wouldnt know how to do anything else in life. Over the years he was developing the film, producers and financiers would joke that he could set it in the movie business, but he kept coming back to paper-making. I think its because paper is something were all so familiar with, Park says. Its always with us. You can physically touch it but, at the same time, you dont think about who makes it. You just crumple it up and throw it out without a second thought. And I also like the fact it comes from trees. The more I thought about those processes, the closer it seemed to life itself. The final shot of the film shows a forest being razed to stumps by robots, of course. Most of the time, however, Park Chan-wook avoids thinking about the algorithms vying for his own job. For me, its always the task at hand, he says. What am I doing next? What am I shooting tomorrow, what am I cutting today? Thats really all you can concentrate on. No Other Choice is in cinemas from Thursday Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Michael Fullilove says we should do whatever we can to keep the US deeply engaged in our region on the basis that downgrading our relations with the US because of President Donald Trumps policies is implausible (Divide and conquer, January 10). These relations with the US were based on order, not the chaos that Trump is sowing; we may therefore have to dispense with a century of Australian diplomatic and military practice because things have irrevocably changed. These relations with the US were also based on reliability and dependability but Trump savages friend and foe alike ... so reliability and dependability now dont exist. These are perfect reasons not to keep the US deeply engaged in our region. Who wants an unreliable, undependable and capricious ally such as Trump and the US? David Gordon, Cranebrook Under US President Donald Trump, it feels like the end of the world as we know it. AP The US president is the stereotypical, unscrupulous schoolyard bully who wants what youve got and if you dont give it to him, hell take it by any means necessary. With this coloniser in the White House, we should be aware that Australia occupies a strategic position in the world and has significant deposits of the worlds rare earth reserves. Being an ally is apparently irrelevant to being annexed in the push to hoist the stars and stripes across the globe. Lyn Savage, Coogee Trump has said he does not need to follow international law and is guided solely by what he described as his own morality. The remark comes after the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US commandos. Also in recent days, Trump and several officials from his administration have repeated that the US would take possession of Denmarks autonomous territory of Greenland, one way or the other. In an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, the US president made clear that he would not be restrained in exercising his powers as commander-in-chief. My own morality. My own mind. Its the only thing that can stop me. Norman Broomhall, Port Macquarie If its only Trumps self-professed morality and mind that limits his push for global powers, we are all sunk. Judy Finch, Taree Dozens of people attend a protest in lower Manhattan demanding an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deployments following the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis last week. Getty Images Minnesota Governor Tim Walz rightly compared Trumps dealings with those of George Orwells 1984 (Track record of lies and violence from MAGAs enforcers puts US on dark path, January 10). In that novel, Big Brothers overarching grip on society reinforces its ideology with Newspeak, the Ministry of Truth and the Thought Police. The current situation in the US, where cultish red-neck following of Trumps personality and ideas, disseminated on the internet via Truth Social, his rigging of key players within the legal system and the enforcement of laws by ICE warriors, elimination of woke thoughts, the outright lies and prejudicial claims about critical events; these are straight out of the novel. Who needs the rule of law or social justice when deals can be made and oil and minerals can be seized with the snap of a finger? One pities that country, whose citizens are now hopelessly divided and, except for a few protesters on the streets (who will probably be shot or imprisoned on Trumped-up charges), all opposition has ceased to be. Donald Hawes, Peel Advertisement Surely, surely the ICE agent could have shot the car tyres to stop the car, but no, with ICE, its shoot first, ask questions later. What is even more unbelievable was that US officials led by Kristi Noem said it was self-defence. Weve all seen the bystander footage and this was not self-defence. When will the American people say enough is enough? Peter Miniutti, Ashbury War is Peace, Ignorance is Strength, 2+2=5. Ian Bulluss, Pyrmont During a Fox News interview, when host Sean Hannity asked Trump about reports that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado wanted to personally give him her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, Trump said he was looking forward to meeting with her next week, adding that it would be a great honour to receive her Nobel Peace Prize (Trump says hed accept Nobel Prize from winner. It doesnt work like that, January 10). Once he gets it, he may even change the name on the prize to his own and finally get what he wanted all along. Vijay Khandelwal, Winston Hills So Trump wants Greenland. Does he really think he can sell ICE to the Inuit? Tony Moore, Queens Park Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling a royal commission on Thursday after three weeks of public and private pressure. AAP PM misread the mood Rob Harris explains in his front page reflection (What it took to get Albanese to change his mind, January 10) what it took for our PM to finally call a Commonwealth royal commission in response to the Bondi shootings. Together with other analyses of the events leading up to that point, it tells the story of a person who is so politically astute that he is unlikely to make a political mistake of any real consequence. Unfortunately, like his pursuit of the Voice referendum, it presents a leader who lacks the insight to read the mood of his own people. Brian Barrett, Padstow Advertisement I applaud the Herald editorials conclusion that Albanese has done the right thing in calling a royal commission into the Bondi shooting, as it will give some closure for the surviving victims and the families of the victims both living and deceased, whose lives will be changed forever (As PM acts, attack on Bell is out of line, January 10). However, in my opinion, the PM in setting up the Richardson inquiry was acting proactively and with the speed required to address the communication failures between federal and state agencies to prevent a similar situation from occurring. Albaneses delay in agreeing to a royal commission because he was concentrating on an urgent inquiry to expedite fixing flaws in the systems that allowed the heinous attack to slip under the radar has resulted in political opportunism from the LNP, which is disgraceful in light of the tragedy, compounded by objections to the appointed commissioner. Barrington Salter, Elanora (Qld) Your editorial acknowledges that the PM got the royal commission on the Bondi atrocity and related issues right eventually. For all the fumbling, it is a much better result more comprehensive, and it ties in the Richardson inquiry neatly than it would have been had it been rushed in the days following the Bondi shooting. Andrew Macintosh, Cromer The Herald was correct to point out that vitriolic and partisan attacks on potential judicial appointments are out of line and our habit is to prefer our judiciary to be independent and above reproach, not the preferred personality of special interest groups or individuals. Politicised attacks by Josh Frydenberg and Jonno Duniam on the exceptional Justice Virginia Bell merely demonstrate their unfitness for high office and remind us of the conduct of the Trump administration, stacking the judiciary and attacking it. Paul Fergus, Croydon I have a very different view of Anthony Albanese to Gerardine Grace (Letters, January 10). After the senseless, vile and tragic murders at Bondi, I saw in the PM a decent man who was trying to balance grief, care and empathy with the need to curb kneejerk reactions and keep a lid on blame-shaming and ugly retributions. As leader of the nation, he knew he would be the target of anger and even political opportunism from the opposition. To me, Albanese is a good man in a crisis, the exact opposite of Sussan Ley and Frydenberg. He acts for all Australians, including the multitude of disparate minorities and communities that are the fabric of the nation. Peter Campbell, Potts Point Poor old Albo. Damned if he doesnt, damned if he does. Viv Munter, Tumbi Umbi Illustration by Badiucao What role a writers festival? Advertisement This year will mark my wife and my third attendance at Adelaide Writers Week. We are appalled at the decision to exclude Randa Abdel-Fattah from participation and the consequential withdrawal of a large number of well-regarded presenters, many of whom we were looking to seeing (Authors band to boycott Adelaide Writers Week, January 10). In our previous visits to Adelaide the Middle East situation inevitably garnered attention in various ways. In all instances debate was conducted robustly but respectfully, as we should expect. If honest debate about the Middle East causes any of those on either side of that discussion to be upset, the answer isnt to simply shut it down. All that does is cause rage and upset among even more people. Writers festivals are forums for intellectual engagement and quite properly, organisers should not try to shut down that debate to appease Im not sure who. Alan Phillips, Mosman Our esteemed prize-winning author Richard Flanagan reminds us of the importance of freedom of not only speech, but an individuals thought and its creative consequence, imagination (An appalling exclusion in Adelaide, January 10). This festival of world-class literary creatives who gather to share ideas and propose constructs that challenge preconceived cultural norms feeds on freedom, not censorship. Naturally, that freedom comes with its own societal protocols they do not incite violence, hatred or demean any individual or groups (religious, social or otherwise). Without such festivals, we slide slowly but surely downward toward a dystopian world controlled by autocrats. One that great writers like Margaret Atwood, George Orwell and many others, have penned so eloquently. A rethink of Dr Randa Abdel-Fattahs removal sounds eminently sensible. Cleveland Rose, Dee Why Palestinian-Australian academic and author Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. Randa Abdel-Fattah has not been silenced, Richard Flanagan, shes just been dis-invited from a speakers festival. She can still spread her message loud and clear through her multiple forums as an academic and in the media. Richard Abram, Bexley Love letters It was during the Christmas break that I sorted through some boxes of photos, and thrown in with them I discovered a number of handwritten letters (Return of the art of letter writing, January 10) a few of them going back over seven decades, written to my parents from overseas, while mine were a mixture of intimate love letters, break-up letters and those from friends while travelling overseas. All of them I treasure, along with the special collection of hate mail Ive received over the years from people who didnt like the contents of a few of my letters to this newspaper. Even they though no longer write to me. Con Vaitsas, Ashbury My spirits lifted when reading Return of the art of letter writing. It was sending and receiving those blue aerogrammes in the early 70s that brought my husband and I back together after our earlier relationship in 1968-69. However, that was when Australia Post was completely government funded and not run as it is now as a profit-making business. I have had quite a few letters and cards go missing over the past few years, and in 2025 even a registered letter with theatre subscription disappeared. After complaining, it was traced to the main distribution centre, but nothing after that. I no longer have trust in this business. I hope those described in the article are having better luck with their snail mail. Mary Lawson, Marrickville Advertisement A storm by any other name I agree with Angus Dalton that our extreme weather events should be more memorable and that naming them would help (Heatwave Hayley? Its high time we gave names to these dangerous weather events, January 10). May I suggest a few? Albanese should surely be first, commemorating the approval of multiple new coal mine expansions while, on the other side of his face, maintaining that emissions reductions were on track so long as they only counted within Australia. This will ensure that we will continue with many more extreme weather events. For a second event, how about Watt, after Murray Watt, to remind us of the approval of Woodsides North West Shelf gas extension, widely described as a carbon bomb. And thirdly, Sussan (first name only, as she changed it herself for maximum memorability): when she was the environment minister who successfully defended the Youth Climate Case, in which the court decided she owed no duty of care to future generations in relation to climate change. Well done, Sussan. A good way to remember how we got here. Marie Belcredi, Epping How hot was western Sydney, really? Max Mason-Hubers Blessed is the southerly buster! Michael Deeth, Como West Aussie summer magic Little wonder we are the envy of the (rest of) the world (The sacred relics of the beach holiday, January 10). Blessed with thousands and thousands of kilometres of coastline, a laid-back culture obsessed with sand between our toes and the humble Esky the lifeblood of our aspirations, the Australian summer beckons. Too numbed by the scorching sun to internalise that there are heatwaves, bushfires, cyclones and the odd venomous creature attack, we loll around in our particular paradise. Crikey, how fulsome our gifts: take that British Museum. Pam Connor, Belconnen (ACT) Time to give third umpire out Advertisement Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWSydney Metro How cost of Sydneys main metro station skyrocketed beyond secret forecasts Matt O'Sullivan January 12, 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 The skyrocketing cost of a train station beneath central Sydney for the Metro West rail line has been laid bare in the NSW governments confidential estimates for the mega project, showing it has soared by more than $900 million above what was forecast just five years ago. The surge in the price tag for the projects signature station under Hunter Street in the city raises serious questions about what NSW taxpayers will be slugged for building several other stations along the 24-kilometre line that have yet to be awarded to contractors. A render of an entrance to the Metro West station beneath Hunter Street n the Sydney CBD. The Herald has obtained confidential forecasts made in mid-2020 and revised in early 2025 by Sydney Metro, which is responsible for the delivery of the governments biggest transport project. The government is now paying a Lendlease-led consortium $1.5 billion to build the station beneath Hunter Street, which the internal documents show is $908 million higher than the amount Sydney Metro forecast in mid-2020. Advertisement It is also about $420 million greater than agency estimates from eight months ago, making it easily Sydneys most expensive metro station. One explanation is that the government was left with a single bid for the Hunter Street station precinct, after Multiplex and Brookfield pulled out of the tender process early last year. The cost of excavating the giant cavern beneath Hunter Street for the Metro West station is part of a separate $1.87 billion contract. Steven Siewert The cost of building the station does not include the bill for excavating a giant cavern for it, which is part of a $1.87 billion contract for 3.5 kilometres of tunnels at the eastern end of the Metro West line. Nor does it include more than $4 billion spent on property acquisitions, including those in the CBD, for the entire project. Compounding the financial pressures, the cost of stations at Westmead, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and the Bays in Rozelle is $620 million higher than Sydney Metros internal estimates early last year of $2.23 billion. Advertisement The $2.85 billion contract to build those five stations as part of a single package was awarded two weeks ago to Malaysian company Gamuda. Contracts for stations at Parramatta, Olympic Park and Pyrmont have yet to be awarded, raising the prospect that their build costs will exceed Sydney Metros estimates last year of about $600 million, $625 million and $500 million respectively. Each of the Hunter Street stations two entrances will have skyscrapers built above them. Even after contracts have been awarded, Sydneys transport projects have had a history of soaring in cost due to scope variations and contractors making claims. Coalition transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward said the one and only bidder for the Hunter Street station clearly had the government over a barrel. Advertisement Labors management of this project has seen Metro West delayed for two years and missed deadlines to award contracts, which just results in taxpayers having to wait longer and pay more, she said. Transport Minister John Graham said the tender for Hunter Street station had been a robust, open market process, and one that was started by the former Coalition government. Transport and Treasury put this through a rigorous value for money assessment. The number and value of the bids received by Sydney Metro reflect the capacity in the market, he said. Sydney Metro said the cost of Hunter Street station had risen largely due to significant increases in material and construction costs, along with the complexity of a major underground station that could enable developments above in a highly constrained CBD environment. Advertisement Station construction represents one of the more complex elements of the West project. The value of the remaining station contracts is dependent on market conditions at the time of procurement, as is the case for the delivery of all infrastructure projects, it said. Related Article Exclusive Sydney Metro What Sydney Metro actually knew about delays to new airport rail line Hong Kongs MTR, which leads a consortium that runs Sydneys M1 metro line, won the contract to operate and maintain the Metro West line for 15 years. As part of that $3.96 billion contract, Chinese manufacturer CRRC, which built NSWs Waratah double-decker fleet, will construct 16 trains for the line. The government confirmed last month that the total cost of Metro West would blow out by as much as $3.7 billion to $29 billion. A major contributor has been the skyrocketing cost of stations. As part of the deals, Lendlease will develop a 52-storey skyscraper above the new CBD stations western entrance on the corner of George and Hunter streets and Mirvac and Coombes Property will build a tower up to 58 storeys on top of the eastern entrance next to OConnell and Hunter streets. Advertisement Hospitality billionaire Justin Hemmes Merivale pulled out of the consortium developing the station beneath Hunter Street and the towers above. Sydney Metro said the initial response to tender included Merivale-owned land, but it was not in the final awarded contract. Merivales Ivy nightclub and restaurant complex neighbours land on which the western entrance and tower will be built. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Sydneys population will pass 6 million in the next decade, and housing everyone remains a challenge. Ten years ago the Herald examined how Sydney would house its population in 2026. But the future poses an even bigger challlenge. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A A decade ago the Herald examined what Sydney would look like and how it would function in 2026. Here is what did get done - and what needs to be done next. See all stories . Where in Sydney will more than 6 million residents call home a decade from now? Perhaps the better question is where wont they? Thats the view of NSWs top planning bureaucrat who is among those responsible for determining where sorely needed homes are built, and how people will live, in the 10 years to 2036 and beyond. Well be living everywhere in Sydney, Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure secretary, Kiersten Fishburn, said. And I think thats fantastic. Weve got such different and diverse suburbs, and so many interesting cultures, that being able to continue that is important. Its part of what makes Sydney one of the greatest cities in the world. Ten years ago, senior figures in the then-Baird Coalition state government predicted an overhaul of the Great Australian Dream that for decades emphasised owning a detached home on a quarter-acre block in the suburbs alongside a breakdown in its long love affair with the motor car by 2026. Detached homes in Lalor Park and, 27 kilometres east, apartments in Rhodes. SMH Faced with a shortage of homes to accommodate the NSW capitals growing population, as well as the federal governments target to build 377,000 dwellings by mid-2029, Premier Chris Minns administration has since 2023 overhauled planning rules to boost housing density and diversity. Advertisement The changes to encourage more apartment blocks, terraces and townhouses around train and metro stations and in established areas rather than relying on the march of development on the citys outskirts mean vast swaths of Sydney suburbia will gradually be remade in the next 10 years. But Fishburn is among experts who say more apartment blocks scattered throughout the city wont come at the cost of more detached houses on the fringe they will be a necessary addition to them. Its everything, everywhere, all at once, she says of the states approach to boost housing. Related Article City life Sydney 2026: How well live and how our city will work in 10 years She also believes despite backlash from some residents who worry the changes will destroy the character of their suburbs that different pockets of the city will still be recognisable in a decades time. I dont think our suburbs and our streets are going to feel significantly different. I do think theyll feel more vibrant as a result of some of the density reforms. How is it going to happen? Advertisement The governments reforms to encourage more apartment blocks along public transport routes will accelerate the citys gradual shift away from sprawling suburbs of detached homes radiating from one major CBD in the east, to a metropolis of mini-cities scattered along public transport routes. Its transport oriented development (TOD) scheme aims to create capacity for more than 185,000 homes around 39 transport hubs and urban centres in Sydney and surrounds in the next 15 years. Eight of those zones are being prioritised to create capacity for 47,800 homes in taller residential developments within 1200 metres of train and metro stations in Greater Sydney. They are Homebush, Crows Nest, Bankstown, Hornsby, Macquarie Park, Bays West, Kellyville and Bella Vista. Related Article Development Welcome to Turrella, the weirdest suburb to be upzoned by the government About 20 other Sydney sites, from Kogarah and Turrella to Lakemba and Roseville, will be rezoned for mid-rise residential buildings within 400 metres of stations. At the same time, the fledgling low- and mid-rise (LMR) housing reforms will enable duplexes, terrace homes and unit blocks up to six storeys within 800 metres of town centres, train stations, big bus interchanges and light rail stops. Fishburn said the changes were a more deliberate approach to ensure developers were building homes alongside existing infrastructure and services needed to support the influx of residents. Advertisement In the past, attempts to join up infrastructure and development havent been as successful as we would have hoped, and you end up with development occurring out of sequence with infrastructure. The TOD and LMR reforms are a way of saying development should occur here because infrastructure is here, and these are places that are well-located, and they have great amenity. The changes are underscored by the governments draft Sydney Plan, released in December, to guide development for the two decades to 2045, when the citys population is forecast to pass 6.5 million. It proposes 43 interconnected centres for homes, jobs and services, anchored by the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs, as well as the emerging city of Bradfield near the future Western Sydney Airport. Nicole Gurran, a professor of urban and regional planning at the University of Sydney, said the reforms sent a strong signal about the pattern of development authorities wanted in the near future. The city has, through planning, become much more decentred, and much more dispersed around nodes, and the [transport-oriented development] reforms will reinforce that, Gurran said. Future population hotspots Advertisement Sydneys population is expected to leap from 5.3 million to more than 6 million in the next 10 years. Populations in The Hills, Parramatta, Camden and Liverpool will continue to surge in the next 10 years. There will also be steep rises in Blacktown, Ryde, and Bayside council areas. There are also plans to build tens of thousands of new homes in residential projects at Sydney Olympic Park, Camellia-Rosehill, Bradfield, and Bays West in Rozelle in coming decades. The aim, Fishburn says, has been to use the density reforms and housing targets to spread new housing throughout the city, so that every part of the community has a bit of gentle density. Youre not talking huge apartment towers throughout all of Sydney, that wouldnt be appropriate gentle density means every part of Sydney is taking a bit of the weight as our population does grow. Fishburn said the mountains and national parks that surrounded Sydney meant there was a limit to the distance the citys urban sprawl could extend, but there was still land available on the fringe. Advertisement Advertisement NationalNSWBondi shooting Thousands gather to hear Waltzing Matilda rendition for 10-year-old Bondi victim Cindy Yin January 11, 2026 11:11pm 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 Thousands raised their torches to the sky in a unified display of grief, love, and support for the 15 victims of the Bondi massacre for the final daily vigil at Bondi. A rainy Sunday night marked the end of shloshim the 30-day Jewish mourning period, which saw Bondi Pavilion awash with crowds who came clad in raincoats and clutching umbrellas, undeterred by the rain. Loading The audience fell into a hushed silence as performers sang a special rendition of Waltzing Matilda dedicated to ten-year-old Matilda, the youngest of the victims who died after being shot at Bondi on December 14. Once the little bright girl, laid by the ocean shore, under the shade of the tall pine tree. And she sang, and she laughed with the dancing flames of Hanukkah, youll come a Waltzing Matilda with me, the performer sang. Advertisement Up in the night sky, a smile is shining bright as day, here on the fields of flowers and dreams. If you listen close youll hear the buzzing of a bumblebee, youll come a Waltzing Matilda with me. Thousands gathered at Bondi Pavilion and turned on their phone torches as performers dedicated a rendition of Waltzing Matilda to the youngest victim of the terror attack. Bondi Remembers Performers sang songs in Hebrew and also one dedicated to 10-year-old Matilda at the January 11 final daily Bondi attack vigil. Bondi Remembers Matildas father Michael, mother Valya, and little sister Summer attended, and in their speech described Matilda as a typical 10-year-old girl who loved to laugh, dance, and sing. Since the first day after the attack, Rabbi Yossi Friedman has held vigils at Bondi Pavilion three times a day at 7.30am, 1pm, and 7:30pm. He prefers calling the 15 who were shot dead heroes, rather than victims because many of them did not die running away from the bullets, but actually running towards the bullets and covering others. Advertisement I dont call them victims, because they didnt die helpless. They were heroes beacons and ambassadors of light. That is how each and every one of them lived their lives, Friedman said. He recalled feeling quite touched at one of these vigils after seeing Holocaust survivors give a standing ovation to a group of 100 NSW ambulance staff. Rabbi Yossi Friedman leads people in prayers at the Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach on December 19. KATE GERAGHTY We have certainly seen the best of Australia come through here over these past four weeks. Australians standing side by side as one, as one humanity doesnt matter what faith, background, creed, the colour of our skin, we are one humanity. Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh, and Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley were also in attendance. Advertisement Beazley asked all attendees to join hands with the person standing next to them, and observe a minute of silence. The flowers and tributes outside the Bondi Pavilion were removed more than a week after the attack, following a notice from the NSW government and Waverley Council that tributes would be collected and preserved for display at the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Australian Jewish Historical Society. The vigil comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday bowed to weeks of pressure and called a federal royal commission into the circumstances that led to the Bondi attack, in which alleged terrorists targeted a Hanukkah celebration and killed 15 people. Albanese appointed former High Court justice Virginia Bell to lead the national inquiry. Bell has been asked to complete her report before December 14. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Advertisement NationalAntisemitism Opinion The abomination on Bondi Beach is a failure that extends beyond any politician or party Steven Lowy Businessman and philanthropist January 12, 2026 12:00am January 12, 2026 12:00am 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 One year after the horrors of October 7, 2023, I gave a speech to the University of NSW warning that Australia was sleepwalking into a period of extremism and social disharmony. There was a conviction deficit among our leaders political, institutional, cultural. The concept of mateship and a fair go, once thought to be the essence of the Australian character, seemed to be regarded as an outdated cliche. I called on good people to speak up, loudly and often, against these trends. Another year on, December 14, 2025, the worst terrorist attack on Australian soil took place at Bondi Beach targeting Jews celebrating Hanukkah, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a Bondi vigil last month for victims of the massacre. Edwina Pickles Whether the attack was preventable remains an open question. Antisemitic incidents had surged 316 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year. The levels in 2025 were three times higher than any year prior to 2023. The warning signs werent subtle. They were screaming. Yet here we are. Fifteen families shattered. A community traumatised. A nation forced to confront what it preferred to ignore. Advertisement The announcement of a royal commission was necessary and welcome. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did the right thing by establishing clear and expansive terms of reference focused on antisemitism and social cohesion. In calling this inquiry, the government will subject itself and our institutions to rigorous scrutiny. But this cannot be where things end. We must be clear-eyed about what this moment demands of us. When I spoke of a conviction deficit in 2024, I was describing a broad leadership class of Australians that had failed to confront hard truths and make difficult decisions. The abomination on Bondi Beach has validated that assessment in the cruellest way. This failure extends beyond any single politician or party. It encompasses our intelligence agencies, our law enforcement, our educational, cultural and health institutions, the union movement and the media. All these institutions bear some responsibility for an environment where hatred could flourish and warnings could be ignored. The royal commission will identify these failures with unflinching honesty. But what should be the fundamental objectives? Advertisement First, institutional reform with genuine enforcement mechanisms. The fact that a terrorist known to authorities for six years could carry out such an attack reveals systemic dysfunction. We need structural changes in how intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and political leaders identify, assess, train, communicate with each other and respond to emerging threats from here and abroad. I have confidence that this will be achieved with the involvement of Dennis Richardson. Second, cultural leadership beyond legislation. Governments will introduce and strengthen laws criminalising hate speech and hate preachers. These changes are necessary but not sufficient. Laws tell us what we must not do. They do not inspire us about what we should become. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Rabbi Shlomo Kohn on December 10, 2024, after the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea was destroyed by arsonists. Australia needs its cultural, educational, business, and civic leaders to actively model and defend pluralistic values. We need leaders in schools to explain why diversity makes us stronger. We need them in boardrooms to demonstrate that inclusion is not a compliance exercise but a competitive advantage. We need them in community centres to build bridges between groups that fear each other. This cannot be outsourced to government. It requires all of us who believe in Australian values to speak up, loudly and often. To say its not OK for Jewish artists to be doxed. Its not OK for a senior scientist at a prestigious hospital to peddle a conspiracy theory that antisemitic attacks in Melbourne and Sydney were false-flag operations by the Mossad, or that the Zionist lobby influenced ASIO and the government to blame Iran for these attacks. This is unacceptable behaviour from those who enjoy privileged and respected leadership positions. Advertisement Third, transparency and trust-building. We need regular, transparent reporting on the implementation of the royal commissions recommendations as well as immediate implementation of the report by the special envoy on antisemitism Jillian Segal. Once trust has been shattered, it can only be rebuilt slowly and through demonstrated commitment over time. Related Article Bondi shooting Everything you need to know about the federal Bondi royal commission There will be hard political choices ahead. We need a more robust response to dealing with those who dont share our Australian values or who bring ancient hatreds and violence from other places. Immigration is a wonderful thing so long as those who wish to enjoy all of Australias freedoms and benefits also sign up to our values and our shared responsibilities. Fourth, recognition that this threatens everyone. Antisemitism is not solely a Jewish problem, just as attacks on Muslims, Christians, Hindus or any other community are not isolated concerns. When hatred targets one group based on identity, it threatens the entire social fabric that protects us all. Finally, education as prevention. We need comprehensive education programs about the Holocaust, the history and contemporary manifestation of antisemitism, and the responsibilities of citizenship in a diverse democracy. Advertisement Young Australians must understand that the freedoms they enjoy were hard-won and remain fragile. Tolerance is not passive acceptance but active engagement with difference. Democracy requires not just voters but citizens. Related Article Opinion Bondi shooting As a stubborn PM dug in, one Jewish leader had his ear Matthew Knott National correspondent Australia now faces a defining choice. We can treat Bondi as an aberration, a terrible event requiring a brief flurry of activity before returning to business as usual. Or we can recognise it as a moment demanding renewed commitment to Australias true values. The test of our leadership, and indeed of our national character, is not whether we establish inquiries. It is whether we have the courage to implement their findings and confront uncomfortable truths about how we arrived at this point. Australians everywhere have spoken loudly in the past few weeks. The Jewish community has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of empathy and support from so many other Aussies. Business leaders, sporting heroes, the legal profession and millions of Australians who dont typically engage with politics have spoken up in support of a royal commission as a pathway to a better future. Advertisement This is why I remain optimistic about Australia. A hitherto silent majority of good people have now spoken. Now is the time for us to act collectively. The Western world is watching us. The question is whether our society has the will to carry it through. Fifteen people are dead because we lacked the conviction to act on clear warnings. The royal commission will tell us what went wrong and set a direction for immediate change. The rest is up to us. It is up to every Australian who believes in the values of tolerance and mutual respect to speak up, to act, and to hold our leaders accountable for protecting those values. We will know we have succeeded when we no longer need armed guards outside our Jewish schools, synagogues and institutions. The time for sleepwalking is over. Steven Lowy is the former co-chief executive of Westfield Corporation. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. You can build your own circle of competency with trusted advisors who bring their expertise on growing wealth and Advisor.com can help you find a financial professional thats right for you. Read More: Approaching retirement with no savings? Dont panic, you're not alone. Here are 6 easy ways you can catch up (and fast) "Youve got to be prepared, when you buy a stock, to have it go down 50% or more and be comfortable with it, as long as youre comfortable with the holding," he said (3). His strategy, however, comes with an important caveat: volatility. At the 2020 Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting, Buffett reminded investors of the inevitable ups and downs. By focusing on industries he understands and avoiding temptation to chase trends, Buffett has built his fortune through a disciplined and patient approach. Tom Watson Sr., the founder of IBM (NYSE:IBM), once said, Im no genius. Im smart in spots but I stay around those spots (2). Thats the mantra Buffett has applied to his investing, too. If you want to learn the ropes that helped the nonagenarian accumulate a massive fortune, here are three of his fundamental rules to consider. If I were getting out of school today and I had $10,000 to invest I probably would focus on smaller companies You have to buy businesses, or little pieces of businesses called stocks, and you have to buy them at attractive prices, and you have to buy into good businesses. As always, the Oracle of Omaha conveyed complicated theories in simple terms rules that can guide any investor. One investor who attended the conference in 1999 cut right to the chase in a memorable way. Mr. Buffett, how can I make $30 billion dollars? he asked (1). Get early access to privately-held AI companies with Fundrise Venture Capital for as little as $10. Join 350,000+ investors today Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how At his companys annual meetings, Berkshire Hathaways shareholders have the opportunity to pick Buffetts brain on any number of topics. Warren Buffett is well known for his buy-and-hold investing strategy, and making solid bets on low-performing stocks when others are selling at a loss. Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Story Continues Advisor.com is a free online platform that connects you with vetted financial advisors. Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances, and the platform will match you with experienced financial professionals best suited to help you develop a plan to achieve your financial goals. You can view the advisors profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire. There is also an accessible family office option for established investors with larger portfolios. 2. Start young Buffetts best advice for investors is to get started as early as possible. He has a simple metaphor to explain his wealth-building strategy. We started with a little snowball on top of a very tall hill, he said (1). We started at a very early age in rolling the snowball down, and of course, the nature of compound interest is that it behaves like a snowball. Indeed, the length of Buffetts career is a key piece of his enormous wealth. He bought his first stock at the age of 11 and is still actively investing. In fact, the majority of Buffetts wealth was accumulated after he turned 65. In 1999, his net worth was just $30 billion. Today, its nearly five times greater at about $150 billion, as per Bloomberg (4). Begin investing today Ordinary investors can best harness the power of compounding by starting as early as possible. With platforms like Robinhood, you can invest in ETFs like the Vanguard S&P 500 to get a start on your nest egg. Robinhood has 24/7 support, and you wont pay any commission fees on stocks, ETFs and options. Their platform also offers both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, so you can benefit from tax-efficient retirement investing. New Robinhood customers can also get a free stock once you sign up and link your bank account to the app. You can pick your stock reward from top American companies, with amounts ranging from $5 to $200. Squirrel away your spare change But what if you dont have Buffetts hypothetical $10,000 to start with? You can still begin investing even with your spare change. With tools like Acorns, a popular app that links to your credit and debit cards, and rounds up the cost of each of your purchases to the nearest dollar. Acorns invests the difference your spare change into a diversified portfolio, so you can build wealth almost without thinking about it. Signing up for Acorns takes just minutes, and you can invest in an S&P 500 ETF, Buffetts favourite, with as little as $5. Even better if you sign up today with a recurring monthly deposit, Acorns will add a $20 bonus to help you begin your investment journey. 3. Search for small companies Buffett once said that if he were starting again today with $10,000, he would focus first on small businesses. I probably would be focusing on smaller companies because I would be working with smaller sums, and theres more chance that something is overlooked in that arena, he said at the shareholder meeting (1). In his early days, the billionaire investor focused on extremely small companies that would be considered small-caps. He bought a tiny furniture company in Nebraska in 1983 when it was still expanding across state lines (5). He also acquired Sees Candies when it made just $4 million in annual profits in 1972 (6). These small businesses were overlooked and had more room to grow. That means Buffett had a chance to buy them cheap and watch them expand. Get expert stock advice Need more in-depth guidance on which small-cap stocks to bet on? The team of former hedge fund analysts and experts at Moby spend hundreds of hours each week sifting through financial news and data to provide top-tier stock and crypto reports to keep you up-to-date on whats moving the markets. Mobys superior research can help you reduce the guesswork when selecting stocks and ETFs. In four years, across almost 400 stock picks, Moby's recommendations have beaten the S&P 500 by almost 12%, on average. With their easy-to-understand reports, you can become a wiser investor in just five minutes, and maybe even make some investments that even Buffett would approve of. This can also be the first step to building your own circle of competency. Plus: Charlie Mungers take While Buffett is usually the one who gets the spotlight, his former business partner, Charlie Munger, was also a source of sage financial advice. In the same 1999 shareholders call, Munger weighed in with his perspective on investing: The hard part of the process for most people is the first $100,000. If you have a standing start at zero, getting together $100,000 is a long struggle for most people. And I would argue that the people who get there relatively quickly are helped if theyre passionate about being rational, very eager and opportunistic, and steadily underspend their income grossly. I think those three factors are very helpful (1). Underspending your income and using your extra cash to save and invest is critical to building a serious nest egg. Know where your money goes However, it can be difficult to track where your money goes if youre not a serious budgeter. For those looking to get a handle on their income and spending, apps like Rocket Money can help. Rocket Moneys intuitive app offers a variety of free and premium tools, including subscription tracking, bill reminders and budgeting basics, while premium features like automated savings, net worth tracking, customizable dashboards, and more make it easier to stay on top of your retirement contributions and overall financial goals. Rocket Money can also easily flag recurring subscriptions, upcoming bills and unusual charges by pulling in transactions from all your linked accounts. This can help you cut unnecessary costs, and then you can manually redirect savings straight into your investment fund. No spreadsheets, no guesswork, no stress. Small habits like this can make a big difference over time. Another habit to consider is reviewing your spending annually to see where you can cut down. Many of us dont consider that we could save money on yearly expenses like insurance. However, with OfficialCarInsurance, you can easily compare quotes from multiple insurers, such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO, to ensure youre getting the best deal. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the total cost of owning and operating a new vehicle in 2025 has climbed to around $12,297 per year or $1,024.71 per month (7). Many people overpay on their car insurance without realizing it. Rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type, which is why its important to review your bill annually and shop around for a better price. By using OfficialCarInsurance.com, you could find rates as low as $29 per month in just two minutes. You May Also Like Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. CNBC (1), (3); Business Insider (2), (5), (6); Bloomberg (4); AAA Newsroom (7) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Advertisement Exclusive NationalVictoriaCity life Myer family feuds over plan for neighbouring Sorrento beach houses Adam Carey January 12, 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 A shallow Sorrento bay that was once an unhappy home to almost 500 convicts and settlers in Victorias first, failed colony has become a beach house battleground between brother and sister in one of the states wealthiest families. Celia Burrell and Richard Shelmerdine, siblings in Australian retailing dynasty the Myer family, are fighting in the state planning tribunal over Burrells plans to build a $3 million, three-storey beach house next door to her brothers beach house, facing Sullivan Bay in Sorrento. Sullivan Bay, in Sorrento, with the house and tennis court of Richard Shemerdine, Celia Burrells undeveloped property, and Martin Strodes beach house side by side in the foreground. Eddie Jim Both properties occupy an exclusive row of beachfront homes on land that was part of the historic Collins Settlement Site, where the British established a doomed colonial outpost in 1803. Shelmerdine sold his sister the undeveloped property for $3.4 million in 2011, but is attempting to thwart her plans to build there, even though the dwelling has been approved by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. Advertisement Shelmerdine is seeking to overturn the councils approval by an appeal in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. He has been joined in his cause by property developer Martin Strode, who also owns a multistorey beach house next door to Burrells land, on a property that he also purchased from Shelmerdine. A render of the proposed beach house at 3080A Point Nepean Road, which has council approval but is being contested in VCAT by neighbours on either side. Court documents show that Shelmerdine and Strode both argue that Burrells approved beach house is too bulky, exceeds the approved building envelope, is unsympathetic to the landscape and would require unacceptable destruction of coastal moonah vegetation. Shelmerdine has also argued that the plans would enable people to look into his house. Advertisement His objection states: As a result of the topography of the land, if the driveway is built as planned, pedestrians and people arriving in cars will look directly into my private open space including my childrens bedrooms and my dining room. Car lights at night will also cause significant disruption. His objection also details the loss of a significant moonah tree, which has already been aggressively and extensively pruned, the removal of a section of shared driveway fence without approval and excavation for a staircase that is contrary to retaining the flowing & continuous nature of the 1803 Parade Ground. The Sorrento properties of Myer siblings Richard Shelmerdine and Celia Burrell share a driveway, which has become contested turf. Eddie Jim Strodes objections mostly mirror Shelmerdines. The pairs joint tribunal appeal has forced Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to defend its decision to approve Burrells beach house. Advertisement Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is arguing in VCAT that Burrells planned beach house is consistent with the character and form of nearby housing, and will not cause unreasonable overlooking, overshadowing or building bulk. It said it weighed up the objectors arguments but found the house should be approved, including consent for works outside the building envelope. The applicants for review seems to be applying and seeking a very high bar test to be applied in this instance, the councils submission states. A three-day hearing was held in December, with a decision expected this year. Advertisement The Sullivan Bay foreshore has been disputed turf since Europeans first set foot there. A British party composed mostly of convicts arrived at the Sorrento beach in 1803, displacing Boon Wurrung people who regularly camped there, according to a Heritage Victoria citation. The Collins Settlement Site at Sullivan Bay has been compared to The Rocks in Sydney for its links to Australias first European inhabitants. Eddie Jim The settlers found conditions difficult, with poor soil and no running water nearby, and within seven months they abandoned the settlement for Tasmania. The Heritage Victoria citation records the site as one of the few Australian founding sites that have survived two centuries of change. Advertisement Like The Rocks in Sydney and Risdon Cove in Tasmania, the landscape of Sullivan Bay has revealed evidence from its founding period. More evidence may survive to be revealed as a result of future investigations, it reads. Shelmerdine bought the 1.2-hectare site in 2008 for a then record $18.4 million. He later subdivided it into five properties, successfully appealing to VCAT after Mornington Peninsula Shire Council did not grant approval to do so, amid a heritage and conservation campaign to preserve the site as public parkland. A plaque commemorates Victorias first, failed colony at Sullivan Bay in Sorrento. Justin McManus He has retained ownership of the original home on the site and a jetty that extends into Sullivan Bay. Burrells property is currently undeveloped, other than an old boat shed. Burrell, who founded the El Questro outback resort in the Kimberley region of Western Australia with her husband, has sought to use her brothers tribunal win in 2010 as a key argument for why her own development plans should not be blocked. Advertisement She argues that the development proposal is not contrary to the tribunals decision in Shelmerdine v Mornington Peninsula SC: the 2010 decision in which her brother won the right to subdivide. Burrell has submitted to VCAT that the proposed three-storey house will not unreasonably impact on amenity of surrounding properties and is appropriately respectful of the immediate neighbourhood character. Her statement of grounds argues that the removal of a moonah tree and the landscaping outcome are acceptable, mirroring the councils arguments for why it approved her plans. The Age attempted to contact Burrell and Shelmerdine. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement As exhausted firefighters continue battle major blazes across the state, a political row has broken out over whether the Country Fire Authority was adequately funded to protect lives and homes ahead of a forecast catastrophic summer. Premier Jacinta Allan, the CFA board and its senior management denied funding had been cut and defended the organisations ageing fleet, and Chief Fire Officer Jason Heffernan confirmed the government responded to an emergency request for more money leading into this fire season. Loading As authorities confirmed the deadly Longwood fire was started by a trailer throwing sparks on the Hume Freeway, the CFA board and chief executive issued a statement to defend the preparedness of its ranks and confirm its budget had increased every year since the states fire services were restructured, including a $20.3 million boost for this year. The CFA disputes claims that funding to CFA has been cut and our volunteers and brigades are not prepared for the current fire season, the statement read. Advertisement The premier said arguments about funding would not help people responding to Victorias fire disaster. To suggest there has been anything other than an increase to the CFA is just incorrect, Allan said. The comments appear at odds with the most recent figures published by the CFA which show that, between 2020-21 and 2023-24, the agencys grant income the money it receives directly from government departments reduced from $351.6 million to $339.5 million. Treasurer Jaclyn Symes last year told parliament that the corresponding figure for 2024-25, although not yet published, was $337.6 million. National Party leader Danny OBrien said the figures made clear the trend in government funding for the CFA. Advertisement I am reluctant to engage on budget issues when communities are still under threat, but the premier and CFA board statements are directly contradicted by the CFAs own annual reports, OBrien told this masthead. Editor's pick Exclusive Victoria bushfires Cattle farmer identified as person who died in Longwood bushfire Its there in black and white that the budget has reduced over successive years. Unfortunately, we dont have the most recent figures because the government has failed to table the CFA annual report for 2024-25. A government spokesperson said annual budgets for the CFA fluctuated according to fire activity, with additional funding provided in response to significant bushfire events. This year, an additional $11.6 million was provided ahead of the fire season to fund a Get Fire Ready information campaign and secure access to more bulk water. Heffernan said the information campaign had contributed to saving properties and lives. Back in spring we went to the government and said we are in for a big one, he said. Advertisement United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall said the states ageing truck fleet, which includes 230 vehicles more than 31 years old and two-thirds of all vehicles past their used-by-date, had created an additional crisis. On Monday night, state authorities confirmed the deadly Longwood fire was started last Wednesday by a trailer throwing sparks on the Hume Freeway. As temperatures nudged 40 degrees, the sparks ignited nearby bushland. A State Control Centre spokesperson said the investigation was in its early stages meaning more details could not be released. More than 350 structures have been confirmed as destroyed in Victorias ongoing bushfire emergency, with authorities warning the state faces more high-risk conditions in coming weeks. Advertisement There are more than 20 active bushfires 12 of them classified as major burning across the state, which have so far torn through 395,000 hectares and private and public land and killed large numbers of livestock. CFA members Tyrone and Raewyn Rice at what remains of their home, which was destroyed in the Harcourt blaze. Jason South Some of the biggest blazes, one at Walwa in the north and two in the Otway Ranges, are both still rated at emergency level. Grants of up to $52,000 are available to householders who have lost their homes in the fires and were not insured, with payments expected to be available from Friday, the state government confirmed on Monday. The premier said 440 personal hardship payments of up to $1000 per adult and up to $400 per child had already been made. Advertisement Allan also offered her condolences to the man who died in the Longwood fire. The body of Maxwell Hobson was found 100 metres from a burnt-out vehicle that had run off the road in Gobur, between Yarck and Merton, on Sunday. Its a devastating impact, and its a devastating reminder of the tragedy that fire can bring to any community, to any household, to any doorstep, particularly on those difficult, catastrophic and extreme weather days, Allan said. My thoughts and condolences are with that persons family, their loved ones, the broader community too. Advertisement Allan was speaking from Natimuk, a tiny town 300 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, where 16 homes have been confirmed lost to the blazes. That figure was revised down from the 30 previously estimated by aerial surveillance. The premier said the Victorian Bushfire Appeal would be accepting donations from Tuesday. Firefighters at the edge of the Otways bushfire. Belmont Fire Brigade Every dollar raised through this appeal will go back into providing support for fire affected communities, and how that funding is allocated will be guided by the advice we get from fire-affected communities, she said. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch welcomed calmer weather following last weeks catastrophic fire conditions. Advertisement But that doesnt mean that the risk is over, he warned. We still have three emergency warnings along with three watch and act warnings. In better news, Wiebusch confirmed that three of the dangerous fires, those at Streatham, Mount Mercer and Natimuk all in the states west had been contained. A home destroyed by fire in Ruffy. Eddie Jim But Heffernan warned of the potential for more hazardous days in a fire season that still has many more weeks to come. I can see that it is likely to be another heating event towards the end of January, to the extent thats yet to be determined, but I guess the indication theres been a lot of fire in the landscape, he said. Advertisement Much work will be done between now and then to contain these fires. Underlining the scale of the task, Barongarook CFA captain Steve Brooke, who has been battling the Otway fires, said on Monday that they were the largest blazes in the area since Ash Wednesday in 1983. Resident Robbie Cumming (right) is comforted after seeing the ruins of his home near Yarck. Jason South The fatal Longwood fire, which has destroyed 150 structures, was downgraded to watch and act on Sunday afternoon, but residents of Yarck, Ruffy, Longwood and surrounds were urged to cut travel in the fire-affected area. In the Ravenswood fire, 47 homes and three business structures have been lost. Advertisement Another 12 structures, as well as grazing and cropping land, have burnt in Yarroweyah, and more than 25 buildings have been lost in Streatham. Related Article Updated Bushfires Longwood bushfire turns fatal as fires set to burn for weeks In Walwa, near the Victoria-NSW border, a large fire is still burning uncontrolled after ripping down a 10,000-hectare pine plantation, as well as four structures. The regions of Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, the South West and Wimmera continue to experience poor air quality, while it is very poor in the Mallee, Northern Country, North East, and West and South Gippsland. A total fire ban remains in place for the North East and North Central districts. There is a high fire danger rating in the Mallee, Wimmera, North Central, North East and South West districts. Advertisement On Monday evening, 40 bushfire warnings were still in place around the state, mostly at watch and act level. But residents of Tallangatta Valley, Bullioh, Koetong, Shelley, Berringama, Lucyvale and surrounding areas in the states north were warned on Monday afternoon to take shelter from the Walwa fire. Those in surrounding areas are warned to monitor changing conditions. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalVictoriaCity life Reindeer for dinner: Exchange student extols virtues of Finland life Carolyn Webb January 11, 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 As an exchange student living in Finland, naturally, Australian teenager Marley Hines had to take classes in the local language, Finnish. Eventually, she could follow roughly what the teacher was on about, but getting her head around the unfamiliar pronunciation was a challenge. Exchange student Marley Hines, left, on a walk at Kaitalampi lake near Espoo with her host family sister Tanja. To say r, they roll their tongue, its like aarrrthh. Its not something that comes naturally to me. But in her four-month stint in the Scandinavian nation, Hines, 17, from Mount Martha in Melbournes south-east, achieved her goal of experiencing life in a different culture on the other side of the world. Advertisement She ate sauteed reindeer and visited the self-proclaimed home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, Lapland, in the Arctic Circle, where the temperature was -25 degrees. Hines was struck by how beautiful Finland is how often youd find yourself right by a forest or a lake. Snow worries: Marley Hines, right, standing with her host family sister Tanja, left, and host mum Marjo, centre, in Rovaniemi, Finland. Scenic cities in nearby countries were very accessible. Tallinn, in Estonia, took two hours travel by ferry from Finlands capital, Helsinki. Hines is the fourth and last person profiled in The Ages Living Abroad series about Australians who resided overseas in 2025. Advertisement Hines said she had an incredible time during her exchange placement in the city of Espoo, in Finlands south, which was organised by agency World Education Program Australia. She said most Finns she met spoke English well, including her lovely host family a couple, their 21-year-old daughter and 18-year-old twin sons. Marley Hines, left, with host family sister Tanja eating sauteed reindeer and reindeer pasta in Rovaniemi, Finland. Her favourite Finnish meal was sauteed reindeer with mashed potato and cranberry sauce. It was delicious, she said. It surprised her that her hosts didnt eat fish, nor did many people she met. I had a stereotype that Scandinavians eat a lot of fish. Advertisement Her secondary school in Espoo ran like a university in Australia, with no uniforms, an independent study vibe and students who controlled how many subjects they took at a time. While Hines attends school from 9am to 3pm in Australia, in Espoo, you could walk home when your classes are done. Its not strict at all. Her school provided students with free laptops and hot lunches. Hines said teenagers were more reserved in Finland. At school, everyone kept to themselves and minded their own business, so it was difficult to mingle. Advertisement Related Article Sunday Life Dream of moving to Europe? These women share what life is really like as an expat But Finland felt safe and children had more freedom. Youd often see young kids out walking alone, even in Helsinki. Asked what she missed about home, Hines said Australian beaches and having uniforms at school, which meant not having to worry about what to wear every day. I missed Aussie food like parmas, meat pies and sausage rolls. But Hines, who returned to Australia on December 30 and is soon to start year 12, loved her Finland foray, which included trips to the historic city of Turku and Stockholm in Sweden. Advertisement The Finnish people were very welcoming, she said. They asked her whether everybody in Australia surfs, and how often she sees snakes and spiders. They were very curious because most people hadnt met anyone from Australia before. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalWAVictoria bushfires Specialist WA firefighters fly east to help battle Victoria blazes Cameron Myles January 11, 2026 3:22pm 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 Dozens of West Australian emergency services specialists are flying to Victoria as devastating bushfires ravage communities across the state. About 350,000 hectares have been burnt as 32 fires continue to burn across Victorias regions, with more than 300 buildings destroyed as of Sunday afternoon. Trees burn along a road near Longwood, Victoria. A contingent of 20 WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services workers and 18 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions personnel departed from Perth Airport on Sunday morning for a week. The group includes a taskforce leader and 20 arduous firefighters, who will head to the frontline in Victorias Barwon South West. Advertisement Meanwhile, a 17-member incident management team will support local firefighters in Gippsland. Related Article Updated Bushfires Longwood bushfire turns fatal as fires set to burn for weeks DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said Victoria had faced a particularly difficult three days. That three days has left them with a lot of fire on the ground that theyre now going to have to spend maybe up to three or four weeks in terms of making those fires safe, even if they dont have other ignitions, he said. So [its a] difficult, three or four weeks coming up for them. Advertisement Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has urged residents to stay away from fire-ravaged communities, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an extra $19.5 million for fire-affected communities on top of personal hardship grants unveiled on Friday. Some of the most severe fires are burning to north-east of Melbourne, including in regions bordering New South Wales. One fire near Longwood covers about 136,000 hectares, though that is down from 142,000 recorded on Saturday. WA Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the governments thoughts were with all Victorians impacted by the catastrophic bushfires. The Cook government stands ready to provide resources, and is proud that WA emergency services heroes put up their hands at such short notice to help protect these communities in their time of need, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive NationalPharmaceuticals When Anthony began taking a popular hair loss drug, the side effects emerged almost immediately Broede Carmody January 12, 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 A spike in men presenting to GPs with unexpected depression and erectile dysfunction after taking hair loss medication has prompted doctors to issue a warning about slick social media advertisements and speedy telehealth appointments. The recommendation to consult a doctor face-to-face and use additional safeguards such as pre-medication blood tests comes as Gen Zs and Millennials increasingly turn to digital subscription services for hair, skin and mental health medications shipped to their door. Melbourne man Anthony says he is still suffering side effects years after he stopped taking finasteride. Eddie Jim Mosh and Pilot are among several Australian companies selling hair loss treatment plans via online consultations with a doctor. Both businesses offer subscriptions that can include finasteride, an oral prescription medication that can treat male pattern hair loss by blocking the production of a certain hormone. Doctors have also used the drug for decades to treat enlarged prostates. Advertisement Between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2020, there were 18 reported issues and zero suspected deaths linked to finasteride, according to the federal governments database of adverse event notifications. Related Article Fertility Happy days: Doctors get guidelines for managing male infertility But the number of reported side effects has doubled in the past five years. There were also five reported deaths with suspected links to the medicine since 2020. The most common issue reported was erectile dysfunction, followed by loss of libido, depression and suicidal ideation. A handful of people told doctors they had insomnia and brain fog after taking the medication. Inclusion in the database is not confirmation that an adverse event has occurred, or that it was caused by a particular medicine or vaccine only that a report was made. Advertisement Melbourne man Anthony, who didnt want his surname published for privacy reasons, started taking finasteride in 2019 after realising his hairline was receding. But he stopped using the medication after just two weeks. Within a day or two, I started noticing side effects mainly a disconnect from reality, Anthony said. I remember leaving my workplace and feeling just out of it. The feelings of happiness and sadness and anger, all those emotions dont exist as they did previously. If I could go back in time and talk to myself, Id say, cop the hair loss its no big deal. Anthony, who suffers mental ill health years after taking finasteride Ive never [previously] had any mental health issues. Its a really shocking and weird situation. The 36-year-old, who was prescribed finasteride after a short consultation at a bulk-billing GP, says his ill mental health symptoms persist to this day, despite going to therapy and also trying two kinds of mental health medications. Advertisement There are also sexual side effects that continue to hit pretty hard almost six years later, to the point where he has given up going on dates. Editor's pick IVF Patients deserve to know: The IVF clinics and the missing success rates I have zero libido and changes to sensitivity down there, Anthony said. Its not low libido its complete disconnect. Nothing, zero. I havent really told my family or friends because its really embarrassing. If I could go back in time and talk to myself, Id say, cop the hair loss its no big deal. A Sydney businessman, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, said he took finasteride in 2020 after an online consultation. The drug completely eradicated his libido, he said. Advertisement It took me about six months to get back to normal, the Sydney man said. They definitely downplay this side effect. They say its only a small percentage of people, but I hazard a guess that its way, way higher. Dr Emmanuel Anthony, the Victorian deputy chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said he had heard from colleagues that there was an uptick in men seeking medical advice after taking finasteride. We are seeing more patients who are getting these side effects that they consider unexpected, Dr Anthony said. The impression Im getting is they werent properly counselled that these risks could happen. In a lot of cases, theyre patients whove received these medications from online services and might not have received the same counselling they would have gotten if theyd seen their GP. Dr Anthony said the patient cohort typically waited two to three months before seeking help for side effects. Advertisement There are so many things that can impact a persons libido. The GP said a doctor prescribing finasteride should take a thorough medical history from a patient and, ideally, order a blood test to check the patients prostate cancer risk. We are seeing more patients who are getting these side effects that they consider unexpected. Dr Emmanuel Anthony on men seeking medical advice after taking finasteride Its really important because finasteride is one of these medications that can mask prostate cancer it can reduce PSA [prostate-specific antigen] levels by up to 50 per cent. Elevated PSA is our most useful early market for prostate cancer. This way, they have more certainty and reassurance. Dr Anthony said while a small cohort of patients experienced ongoing symptoms, it was important not to panic. Advertisement These side effects are usually fully reversible. The next emotion to consider is dont feel ashamed. As GPs, were used to discussing these fairly sensitive issues. I want to assure someone who has used an online provider, or not gone through their regular GP, that were not going to shame you. Editor's pick Exclusive Hospitals He needs to be a boy: Unnecessary surgeries being performed on intersex children Professor Eric Chung, a past leader of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealands andrology advisory group, also urged men to speak to a qualified doctor. Andrology is the study of mens reproductive and urological health. He said the exact adverse effect of hair loss drugs on sexual function was likely dependent on various factors such as duration and dosage, the patients baseline sexual function, age, medical comorbidities and lifestyle factors such as stress. Melbourne-based clinical psychologist Dr Marcus Squirrell said he would typically check whether a client was using finasteride if they were seeking therapeutic help for erectile dysfunction or loss of libido. Advertisement Whenever I am assessing and treating clients with concerns relating to a loss of libido or erectile dysfunction, I typically ask about their use of that medication, Squirrell said. Some clients have reduced their dosage and noticed an improvement in their sexual functioning. I think its something that psychologists, sex therapists and medical doctors need to be aware of as part of their screening questions for sexual difficulties. Moshs chief medical officer Dr Kieran Dang said while standard video call appointments were scheduled for 15 minutes, a practitioner would spend longer with a patient if required. Men are informed of potential side effects through written information and during their practitioner consultation, he said. Our medical questionnaire screens for any history of mental illness or suicidality. Where patients may be at increased risk of side effects, our doctors provide tailored advice, including alternative options to finasteride or adjusted dosing. Advertisement Dang said patients could speak to a practitioner at any time should they experience any side effects at no extra cost. Editor's pick Go west New mental health clinic opens in western Melbourne as demand surges Pilot was also contacted for comment. The Age asked the company how long its average telehealth consults were for men seeking hair loss treatments and what safeguards it had put in place. Melbourne man Mitch Sabine runs a support network for men whose side effects continue long after they stop taking finasteride. Post-Finasteride Syndrome Network is also a charity that has raised more than $700,000 for research into finasteride side effects. This research primarily takes place in Finland and Germany. Advertisement The first objective were working towards at the moment is really understanding the mechanisms driving the disease. The ultimate objective is to either find some sort of therapeutic whether its a treatment or cure, Sabine said. While post-finasteride syndrome is not a disease formally recognised by the medical community, Sabine is hopeful that will one day change. Five years ago, these scientific networks didnt exist. There was basically zero research taking place. Once someone reports a case of PFS, please take them seriously. If you or someone you know needs mental health support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Pharmaceuticals Healthcare Broede Carmody is a health reporter for The Age. Previously, he was a state political reporter for The Age and the national news blogger for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. or email. Connect via X Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Opinion After Bondi, our leaders needed to draw breath. Now, so do we all Sean Kelly Columnist January 12, 2026 5:00am January 12, 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 Some years ago, a friend began referring to the period between Christmas and New Years Day as the interregnum: a pause between two things. To me, those days are a pause in the flow of time itself. Before Christmas, time flows normally. After New Years Day, it begins to approach its normal speed again. In the week between, time passes at a different pace, possesses a different quality. It is a reminder that time does not have to flow at the precise pace it usually seems to. Right now, time feels particularly distorted. Much of the country has slowed down, as usual. This year, some of that is tied to mourning; grief, it is said, slows time down horribly. But the political and media classes have, if anything, sped up since the murders on December 14. Illustration by Jozsef Benke There are several news cycles a day, as debates ping back and forth. Responsibility for this rapid back-and-forth is not shared equally; the Coalition and its allies have caused much of it, by immediately turning to political attack. Was this where discussion needed to turn, so soon? Even if you believe the criticisms of Labor legitimate, what was gained by making them so quickly? At the time, it must have seemed at least possible that such interventions would help establish a narrative it would be difficult for the government to shift. By now, that is less clear. My own suspicion is that for many Australians those early, loud attacks weakened any case that might be made against Labor. They came across as overly political, at the most inappropriate of times opportunistic and ugly. Advertisement This is the political cost of haste which points to something more important. After a horrific event, emotions run high not just among those directly affected. The atmosphere can turn feverish. But this is when the political class, including the opposition, should lead. They have seen crises before. They know or should know that the stakes are more than political. One of their duties, on our behalf, is to look through the immediate period to its other side, when initial feelings will have faded. Related Article Opinion Antisemitism The abomination on Bondi Beach is a failure that extends beyond any politician or party Steven Lowy Businessman and philanthropist Perhaps the government thought it was doing this, when it opposed calls for a royal commission. It likely felt it was quite sensibly resisting hysterical political calls from its opponents, who had already made clear their determination to damage Labor. But the government was wrong; it was, in fact, making its own mistake of haste in responding so defensively. It did not merely defer the question, saying it could be answered later. It argued strongly against the idea. And perhaps the opposition thought it was helping those in the Jewish community who wanted a commission, by taking their side. But the way it did so merely clouded matters. For both parties, haste got in the way. The broader point here is the horrible way in which our political culture is developing. Its elements are hyper-partisanship, loudness, ferocity and speed apparent both in political attacks and in the kneejerk defensiveness with which those attacks are so often met. Advertisement This atmosphere is perhaps the most significant reason to be sceptical about what a royal commission might achieve. Much of the media coverage of the commissions findings about antisemitism and social cohesion will inevitably be on those questions already at the centre of public debate: how to treat protests, the role of Israels attacks on Gaza, and how much impact political rhetoric can have. It would be surprising if many people already involved in those debates change their minds. Related Article Opinion Bondi shooting As a stubborn PM dug in, one Jewish leader had his ear Matthew Knott National correspondent And yet, this is what is demanded of Australians if the commission is to succeed: a willingness to put aside the things we think we know and listen again. Without such willingness, the risk is that the commission becomes an excuse to repeat the arguments of the past two years, with the pitch of debate maintained. With openness, though, the commission may stand a chance of restoring nuance to a discussion which long ago lost it. And this is important because the disappearance of nuance from our public discussion is something that fosters division. One antidote to this is what Waleed Aly recently termed grace: looking for what is genuine in our opponents claims. And crucial to this is time: the learnt practice of pausing to push past ones first reactions. In relation to Bondi, I have kept in mind the call for a collective pause made by the not-for-profit leader Jonathan Schleifer, who wrote at the time, drawing in part on the Jewish tradition of shiva: You cant demand transformation from a society that hasnt been allowed to feel the full weight of whats happened. Advertisement I dont think that, as a nation, we ever took that pause. But perhaps the commission can offer some version of it if we pay it attention, rather than treating it as a chance to reiterate what has already been said. Related Article Opinion Bondi shooting Bondi shows us that politics is the very worst forum for us to try to stand together Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic Distance is not always helpful. There are moments when immediacy can lend clarity. This nation has seemed to give climate change its proper level of concern only in the aftermath of drought and bushfire. There is always a danger that time makes us forget what we are dealing with. This is the true challenge of the discussions we will now have over the next year: to achieve both distance and closeness at once. To think clearly and calmly about the future while keeping in mind the horrific events of these years and the people who have died and suffered: in Israel, in Gaza, in Australia, and the complex ways those horrors have interacted to affect Australians and instil fear in so many Jewish Australians. Our political classes have shown us how not to do this. We must hope the royal commission does better. After that, the politicians will get another chance, in how they respond to its findings and recommendations. Advertisement Sean Kelly is a regular columnist and a former adviser to prime ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalCritical minerals Chalmers heads to meet with Trump administration on critical minerals Matthew Knott January 11, 2026 10:30pm 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 Critical minerals required to manufacture batteries, military equipment and advanced semiconductors will be prioritised for a new national stockpile as Treasurer Jim Chalmers heads to the United States for meetings with some of the worlds most powerful economic policymakers. The Albanese government will announce on Monday that antimony, gallium and rare earth elements will be the initial focus for the $1.2 billion critical minerals reserve it is developing to counter Chinas dominance in this geo-strategically significant field. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump signed an agreement to develop a secure supply chain for critical minerals and rare earths when they met at the White House in October. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is travelling to Washington D.C. to discuss critical minerals with leading economic policymakers. Alex Ellinghausen The government has said it subsequently received interest in similar deals from Europe, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Advertisement Antimony, one of the governments initial three priorities for the stockpile, is used to make household and commercial batteries, night-vision equipment and flame-retardant materials. Related Article Rare earths Trumps critical minerals deal unearths a bonanza for Aussie miners Gallium is a key ingredient for advanced semiconductors used in radar systems and telecommunications and rare earths are used to make the high-performance magnets essential for fighter jets and MRI machines. Critical minerals will top the agenda when Chalmers travels to Washington D.C. this week for meetings of the G7 finance ministers. Representatives from India, Mexico and South Korea will also attend the talks. Chalmers will meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, British Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne while in the US capital. Advertisement Ensuring we have a reliable reserve of these critical resources will strengthen supply chains and help to stabilise critical minerals markets, Chalmers said. The world needs critical minerals. Australia has plenty of them and our critical minerals reserve will help us weather global economic uncertainty and help to boost trade and investment. Resources Minister Madeleine King said critical minerals were essential to the nations economic and national security. The strategic reserves initial focus on antimony, gallium and rare earths will give added certainty to Australian projects, help attract further investment and help the sector deal with potential future market disruptions, she said. The government announced last April that it would create stockpiles of certain key critical minerals and that it would enter into offtake agreements to acquire agreed volumes of critical minerals from commercial projects. Advertisement China dominates the supply chain for critical minerals, refining between 47 and 87 per cent of copper, lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earths, according to the International Energy Agency. Editor's pick Analysis Greenland Greenlanders tell absolutely insane Trump what they really think Australias ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd has repeatedly said Australia can offer access to the entire periodic table through its abundant access to critical minerals. In a trade war between the US and China, Beijing imposed strict export controls to the US last year on several rare earths vital for defence and high-tech manufacturing. Under a truce struck in November, Trump agreed to halve tariffs on Chinese imports while Chinese President Xi Jinping implemented a one-year pause on Beijings export restrictions on rare earths. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalAUKUS High probability of failure: Former top officials dire AUKUS warning Matthew Knott January 12, 2026 5:06am 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 Plans to develop a new class of nuclear-powered submarine for Australia and the United Kingdom under the AUKUS pact are likely to collapse because of the shambolic state of the UKs submarine service, a former top British defence official has warned. Under the optimal pathway for AUKUS announced by the Albanese government in March 2023, the British and Australian navies would introduce a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarines known as the SSN-AUKUS from the late 2030s, with at least five to be built in South Australia. Retired rear admiral Philip Mathias, a former director of nuclear policy with the UK Ministry of Defence, said he feared Australians were not adequately informed about how the troubles plaguing the British navy could sink both nations AUKUS ambitions. The new SSN-AUKUS class of submarine is set to replace Britains Astute-class attack submarines. Royal Navy Mathias said British politicians had enthusiastically embraced the industrial and economic opportunities of AUKUS and wanted to expand the UKs military presence in the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement But policy and money dont build nuclear submarines. People do that and there are not enough of them with the right level of skills and experience, Mathias, an ex-nuclear submarine commanding officer, told this masthead. Whilst the United States may sell some [nuclear-powered submarines] to Australia, there is a high probability that the UK element of AUKUS will fail, making the international row in 2021 over the cancellation of the plan for Australia to build French-designed submarines look like a non-event. Mathias, who led a 2010 review of the UK Trident nuclear-weapons system, said: It is clear that Australia has shown a great deal of naivety and did not conduct sufficient due diligence on the parlous state of the UKs nuclear submarine program before signing up to AUKUS and parting with billions of dollars, which it has already started to do. In the last four years there have been plenty of announcements and political grandstanding, plus numerous international visits, forums and discussions but very little substantive progress on actually developing the industrial base needed to build and support nuclear-powered submarines. The US is slated to sell Australia three second-hand Virginia-class submarines under the AUKUS pact, while the UK and Australia are to separately develop the SSN-AUKUS, a replacement for the British navys retiring Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine. Advertisement The SSN-AUKUS, currently under design, is intended to enter service with the UK in the late 2030s and Australia in the early 2040s. Related Article Analysis World politics The new world disorder where might is right Mathias said key organisations overseeing the British program are beset by a lack of leaders with any meaningful nuclear submarine experience or expertise, straining the UKs ability to support Australias nuclear-powered submarine plans. Even if SSN-AUKUS is delivered, Mathias warned that the boat is likely to be much bigger and less agile than previous classes of British nuclear-powered submarines, necessitating trade-offs in capability and operations. He described as shockingly low the number of British nuclear-powered submarines available to counter the Russian threat in the North Atlantic or to escort carrier strike groups operating in the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement A lack of available boats means the UKs ballistic missile submarines are now required to conduct patrols lasting more than 200 days, up from about 70 days during the Cold War, he said. A spokesperson for the Australian Submarine Agency, which is in charge of delivering AUKUS, said: The government has always been clear that this is an ambitious program, and we acknowledged the challenges involved when the optimal pathway was announced in 2023. Working closely with our partners, we are meeting key milestones and AUKUS remains full steam ahead. We remain confident in the ability of all three nations to work collectively to deliver this program. Each AUKUS partner is investing significantly in their industrial bases to meet AUKUS commitments on time. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles (left) and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey enjoy a beer in Geelong after signing the Geelong Treaty for co-operation on SSN-AUKUS last July. Justin McManus Advertisement Mathias made headlines in December when he told the UK Daily Telegraph that Britain is no longer capable of managing a nuclear submarine program and that performance across all aspects of the program continues to get worse in every dimension. This is an unprecedented situation in the nuclear submarine age, he said. It is a catastrophic failure of succession and leadership planning. Mathias, who oversaw UK nuclear defence policy from 2005 to 2008, stressed he was not relying on any classified information in making his assessments. In a democracy the public should be aware of the gross mismanagement of this hugely expensive and important program, he told this masthead. Our adversaries certainly will be, not least by counting our submarines alongside using satellite imagery and reading audit reports already in the public domain. UK defence publication Navy Lookout reported last year that there have been several recent periods when the British navy has not had any nuclear-powered submarines at sea. Advertisement Currently, only one of the six boats in commission is operational, and four of them are at very low readiness, the publication reported. Related Article Opinion Trump diplomacy Why our US alliance is under threat in 2026 from Trump Bruce Wolpe Senior fellow at the US Studies Centre and former political staffer The Starmer government announced as part of a sweeping defence review in June that it would build up to 12 SSN-AUKUS attack submarines and affirmed its commitment to double down on both pillars of the AUKUS agreement (referring to nuclear-powered submarines and other advanced technologies). A month later, the Australian and UK governments signed the Geelong Treaty to enable co-operation on the design, build, operation, sustainment and disposal of SSN-AUKUS submarines. Jennifer Parker, a maritime security expert at UNSW, said she respected Mathias expertise and acknowledged there were huge problems with the current UK submarine service. Advertisement However, she said the investment into AUKUS was more likely to improve the UKs submarine performance rather than diminish it. Having more than one country design and operate the new submarines should help address any problems, not hinder, she said. Parker said the UK was unlikely to relinquish its nuclear-powered submarine capability given the rising geostrategic tensions in Europe, adding that underwater drones could not perform all of the roles of crewed submarines. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsNSWBondi shooting Editorial Wilcox cartoon was divisive and we apologise for the hurt it has caused The Herald's View Editorial Updated January 11, 2026 3:55pm , first published 3:50pm Updated January 11, 2026 3:55pm ,first published 3:50pm 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 the days after the Bondi massacre, this masthead took the editorial decision to lead calls for a royal commission into this murderous attack on the Jewish community. As the nation continued to mourn, we began 2026 with an editorial calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to announce a Commonwealth royal commission that investigates every aspect of the events leading up to Bondi, with the scourge of antisemitism front and centre. Our reasoning was that this is the only form of inquiry with the scope to root out the rise of antisemitism in this country, which has only accelerated since the appalling Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and throughout Israels subsequent bombardment of Gaza. Loading In recent weeks, this masthead published thousands of names of Australians calling on the prime minister to establish a federal royal commission. Some were prominent business leaders, others household names in the sporting arena. In the case of the Bondi Response group, 2000 people, some Jewish, some not, raised money for a media advertising campaign. They did it because it was the right thing to do and we supported them for the same reason. Advertisement Although the Herald saw the need for a royal commission, not all our readers, and indeed not all Australians, agreed with that approach. And those views, too, found a place in our pages as the nation debated how best to respond to the tragedy. Much has been said and written about the Cathy Wilcox cartoon published in these pages on January 7. Related Article Letters Offensive cartoon demeans those calling for a royal commission For decades, the Heralds cartoonists have held up a mirror to reflect hypocrisy in public life. They lampoon the powerful in politics, business and, sometimes, their own publishers. This is the price of independence and it must never be compromised. Their work appears on the opinion pages because that is what a cartoon is: the artists opinion, a first impression of major news events. Wilcoxs intention was to scrutinise the almost immediate politicisation following the horrific attack at Bondi. She by no means intended to cause hurt to the Jewish community. Her depiction of Benjamin Netanyahu, for example, is premised on his condemnation of Anthony Albanese in the hours after the attack, declaring the prime ministers recognition of Palestine pours fuel on the antisemitic fire. Advertisement Many of our readers found the cartoon thought-provoking. It is undeniable, however, that many others in the community, particularly Jews, were deeply hurt and offended by it. We have heard their distress and for this pain, we sincerely apologise. As royal commissioner Virginia Bell begins her inquiry, we will have more uncomfortable conversations about what constitutes free speech. The seeds of that debate have been sown in the past week, with the withdrawal of a host of eminent writers from Adelaide Writers Week following the festivals removal of controversial Palestinian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah from the program. The withdrawals were not necessarily an endorsement of her views and statements, but an act in support of free speech. This masthead stands in support of free speech, but it acknowledges the harm it is capable of causing. There is no place in this country for hate speech. There must, however, be room for people to express their views on politics and world events. Wilcox and other cartoonists must be allowed to continue to draw the world as they see it. There are many commentators and members of the Jewish community, for example, who do not support the policies of Israel under Benjamin Netanyahu. They, too, must not be silenced. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaCity life We can close a city: Fierce comments at first Free Palestine rally since Bondi attack Rachael Dexter January 11, 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 A prominent leader of Australias Palestinian movement has used the first major Melbourne protest rally since the Bondi massacre to slam the federal government and other figures, including directing a f--- you at South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. The rally, called to protest an upcoming visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia, went ahead despite public pressure to cancel because of Victorias bushfire emergency and the proximity to the December 14 terror attack on the Jewish community. Nasser Mashni, a leader of Australias Palestinian movement, speaks outside the State Library on Sunday. Chris Hopkins Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece and the state government had called for the protest to be abandoned, citing the state of disaster and the strain on police. In a concession, rally organisers downgraded their march to a static protest outside the State Library, though trams were still stopped on Swanston Street. Police said 500 people attended the rally, but The Age estimated more than 2000 protesters at its peak. Reece said he was disappointed the protest went ahead, but he welcomed the absence of a disruptive march. Advertisement Addressing the crowd, Nasser Mashni, president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, condemned the scumbaggery of figures trying to link the pro-Palestine protests to the Bondi terror attack and called attempts to hold his movement responsible racist, shameful and disgusting. Mashni expressed deep disappointment in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for establishing a royal commission into antisemitism, and argued it created a hierarchy of hate. We should be doing a royal commission into hate, not elevating one community, one oppressive community, above all of the others, he said. After publication, Mashni contacted this masthead to claim he had meant to say one oppressed community not oppressive community. Protesters at Sundays rally in Melbourne. Chris Hopkins Advertisement He derided high-profile figures who called for the inquiry including James Packer, Nova Peris, Dawn Fraser, Wayne Carey and Grant Hackett and described them as dullards and has-beens who did not have the same power as his movement. We can close a city 300,000 of us closed the [Sydney Harbour] Bridge. We can shut down a city, a bridge, a town, wherever it might be, because we are the people, he said. Mashni also condemned antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal and labelled her a partisan from one of the nastiest Zionist organisations. Academic and writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. Mashni directed a f--- you at Malinauskas, who backed the Adelaide Festivals decision to dump Palestinian author Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah from the Adelaide Writers Week line-up due to cultural sensitivity since the Bondi massacre. Mashni labelled the move shameful. Advertisement Abdel-Fattah, an academic and award-winning author, has faced sustained criticism from Jewish groups for her comments following Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Adelaide Festival board noted that while Abdel-Fattah had no connection to the Bondi attack, her past statements made her inclusion in the writers week culturally insensitive. She has been criticised for posting on social media that Zionists had no claim to cultural safety and that institutions that considered fragile feelings of Zionists were abhorrent, as well as for saying in an interview that she does not view Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Abdel-Fattah was also involved in a doxxing incident in early 2024 in which details of 600 Jewish creatives and academics were leaked online. Related Article Literature Board members quit Adelaide Festival as dumped writer calls in lawyer However, Mashni said the author was our best and brightest and argued that her removal was egregiously drawing a line between us and that horror [at Bondi]. When the board of the Adelaide Writers Week said, We dont want you, Dr Randa, people will feel uncomfortable ... what did writers of good conscience do? he asked. They said, F--- you. F--- you, Malinauskas, f--- you, Adelaide Writers Week. Jam that shit where the sun doesnt shine. Advertisement The focus of Sundays rally was protesting against Herzogs looming visit. Albanese invited the Israeli president to provide support for Jewish Australians following the Bondi attack. Mashni on Sunday labelled the invitation an antisemitic gesture as it conflated Australian Jews with the Israeli state. Although the Israeli presidency is a ceremonial role, Herzog was named in the genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice. The court cited statements by Herzog as plausible evidence of genocidal intent, specifically his remark that an entire nation referring to Gazans bears responsibility for the October 7, 2023 attacks. He was also photographed signing an artillery shell destined for Gaza. Herzog claims the court twisted his words, and argues he was referring to the widespread civilian support for Hamas. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is due to visit Australia. Getty Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said Mashnis comments were appalling. Advertisement This kind of rhetoric is offensive and is designed to stir up hatred of, and violence towards, an ethnic minority in this country, being Jews, he said. Aghion said the comments underlined why the government called a royal commission into antisemitism. Of the Free Palestine movements attempts to decouple Zionism from Judaism, Aghion said Zionism was nothing more than the right to a Jewish homeland in the traditional lands of the Jewish people. He compared the connection to Greek or Ukrainian Australians being proud of their home countries. A protester holds a placard reading Globalise the intifada. The slogan has been highly criticised. Chris Hopkins Advertisement Zionism says nothing about political solutions for that land, including borders or coexistence all of which can be accommodated and indeed welcomed within a Zionist philosophy, he said. However, Jewish Council of Australia executive member Ohad Kozminsky disagreed with Aghions view, and told protesters on Sunday that there was a false choice being imposed on the public. Theres no choice between standing in solidarity with the people of Palestine ... and standing in solidarity with Jewish people who were killed by racist violence, Kozminsky said. Another speaker, Jasmine Duff, the national co-convener of Students for Palestine, defended the controversial phrase globalise the intifada, which critics argue is a call for violence. Daniel Aghion, the president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (pictured in December), said the comments made at Sundays rally were appalling. Wayne Taylor Advertisement The word is an Arabic word, and it means uprising, she said. Duff led chants of Long live the intifada and There is only one solution, intifada revolution. Duff also called media figures such as Eddie McGuire and Kyle Sandilands racist scum for their criticisms of her movement. As the rally ended, some protesters chanted: Death to the IDF and All Zionists are terrorists. Aghion noted the NSW government was already moving to declare such chants illegal. These are the very chants that are being used to incite violence against Zionists, which, in Australia, means Jews, he said. Victoria Police said there were no issues or arrests at the rally. Advertisement Albaneses office declined to comment, but pointed to a previous statement welcoming Herzog to Australia. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. CLARIFICATION This article has been edited to reflect Nasser Mashnis verbatim speech at the protest, along with a later claim from Mashni to the reporter that he had intended to convey a different meaning. The wheat complex spent the Friday session squaring up ahead of the Monday USDA reports. Chicago SRW futures were fractionally lower, with March up 10 cents this week. KC HRW futures closed with steady action, as March was 15 cents higher on the week. MPLS spring wheat was down 3 to 4 cents on the day, as that pushed the March contracts down 3 cents lower on the week. Export sales data, now updated just January 1 has wheat export commitments of shipped and unshipped sales at 20.228 MMT, 18% above a year ago. That is also 83% of the USDA estimate and in line with the average sales pace. Export shipments are at 15.16 MMT, which is 21% above last year. That is 61% of USDAs export number and ahead of the 57% average shipping pace. More News from Barchart USDAs Grain Stocks report will be out on Monday, with a Reuters survey of analysts showing an average guess of 1.636 bbu of wheat on hand as of December 1. The range of estimates is 1.59 to 1.696 bbu. Now up to date Commitment of Traders data showed managed money increasing their net short in CBT wheat futures and options as of January 6, taking the total to 107,165 contracts. In KC wheat, spec traders were heading the opposite direction, cutting 2,664 contracts from their net short to 15,655 contracts, the smallest since November 2024. Mar 26 CBOT Wheat closed at $5.17 1/4, down 3/4 cent, May 26 CBOT Wheat closed at $5.28 3/4, down 1/4 cent, Mar 26 KCBT Wheat closed at $5.30 1/4, unch, May 26 KCBT Wheat closed at $5.43, unch, Mar 26 MIAX Wheat closed at $5.68 1/2, down 3 3/4 cents, May 26 MIAX Wheat closed at $5.78, down 3 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 Cost-consciousness was an appeal for Macdonald. She did the sums on buying a one-bedroom unit or something further afield, but felt that a studio represented better value for her needs. She has become a serial studio buyer too. After refurbishing her first, she bought another, renovated it, put it on the market and recently sold it. The apartment that Macdonald recently sold, before its redesign. Credit: Cassandra Macdonald Now the apartment is full of creative design tweaks that create extra bench space and storage. Macdonald put her design and woodwork skills to use when she renovated her recently sold Potts Point studio apartment. It was her second studio purchase. Credit: James Brickwood Macdonald has bought a third Potts Point unit, which she plans to live in with her partner and reconfigure into a one-bedroom unit. We both feel confident that there will actually be more storage for us to put our items, she said. Adam Haddow, a partner at SJB Architects, who swapped a 200-square-metre apartment for a 67-square-metre two-bedroom house that he designed on a 30-square-metre block, said a smaller home made him more conscious of what he was bringing in. Adam Haddow at the front of his Surry Hills home. Credit: Nick Moir If youre walking down the street, you think, oh, Id love to buy that jacket. You have to really think, Well, do I really need it, he said. Haddow said people had been seduced into this idea that bigger is better, but smaller footprint living was finding its supporters. Loading You do go and use the parks. You do go to the library. You do join a local gym. And from that point of view, it means meeting more people, and you become more connected. The value of small apartments is that they cost less, he said. By designing things smarter and more efficient and with a smaller footprint, it makes them more affordable, which is really one of our big ambitions. How do we make great architecture affordable? Still, uncertainty over the propertys future selling price and whether there would be a potential buyer if it needed to be sold was a consideration for mortgages on smaller apartments, Gilfillan said. Adam Haddow, a partner at SJB Architects, says living in a smaller home has made him more conscious of what he brings into it. Credit: Nick Moir It is harder for Australians to get a loan for a smaller apartment, and even more difficult for studio apartments, he said. Lenders tend to assess home loan applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the size of the property, for example, alongside standard lending policies, said Canstar data insights director Sally Tindall. Some banks and some lenders might say no and others might say yes. But, ultimately, what the bank is trying to assess is whether its a sound purchase. The countrys largest retail lender, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, said smaller apartments were often a practical and more affordable way for first home buyers to enter the property market. A minimum size of 30 square metres applies where the loan involves lenders mortgage insurance or a low deposit premium. However, for customers who dont need LMI or LDP, smaller properties may still be considered if they meet our standard lending criteria and building codes, a CBA spokesperson said. Macdonald has been able to use equity from a property she bought earlier in Perth, in addition to bank loans and her salary, to purchase her Sydney studios over eight years. Macdonald at her latest studio renovation project. Shes planning to turn it into a one-bedder. Credit: James Brickwood The majority of the time I do definitely reinvest all of my money into my apartments, she said of the studios she designs and renovates herself. This is something she hopes to assist others do in future via her Palm Court Studios venture. Despite the best efforts of a 40-year-old Stan Wawrinka, Polands Hubert Hurkacz was able to level the tie with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory in the mens singles to draw it 1-1 and send the final into a mixed doubles decider. Polands Hubert Hurkacz. Credit: Getty Images Wawrinka, who is on his victory lap before retiring at the end of 2026, was electric despite the loss and worked the Sydney crowd as he pushed Hurkacz to three sets. His success at this years United Cup and competitiveness on Sunday night is vindication for Australian Open organisers who this week awarded him a wild card to the grand slam he won back in 2014. But Kawa and Zielinski were clinical in the mixed doubles tie, and an immediate break to start the second set proved decisive, setting the tone for the rest of the match as the duo charged towards victory for Poland. Thousands of Polish fans many of whom had endured the 40-degree heat a day earlier to watch their nation win its semi-final were on their feet as Zielinksi sealed victory for Poland with a forehand straight into Bencic on championship point. With AAP Sabalenka crowned back-to-back champion in Brisbane Aryna Sabalenkas charge to reclaim the Australian Open title is well under way, with the womens world No.1 winning the Brisbane International final in straight sets on Sunday night. Sabalenka defeated Ukraines Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3 to claim back-to-back titles in Brisbane in a clinical performance that bodes well as she attempts to win her fifth grand slam singles title in Melbourne from next week. Aryna Sabalenka celebrates winning a point against Marta Kostyuk. Credit: Getty Images Sabalenka was straight down to business as she broke Kostyuk in the Ukrainians first service game to go 3-0 up in the opening set after just 12 minutes. Kostyuk was able to wrangle the break back to make it 3-3 after a shaky start that saw her serve come under pressure, but Sabalenka snagged a late break to take the first set 6-4 in 39 minutes. Kostyuks campaign in Brisbane had been phenomenal to that point, with the world No.26 defeating three top 10 players Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva and Amanda Anisimova on her way to the final. But when the second set started much like the first, as Sabalenka surged to a 3-0 lead and took advantage of Kotyuks weaker second serve, it was a matter of when, not if, Sabalenka would secure the championship. It took just 1 hour and 18 minutes for Sabalenka to wrap up the match, as Kostyuk joined Karolina Muchova, Madison Keys and Sorana Cirstea on the list of players Sabalenka tossed aside on her way to victory. Ukrainian fans in the crowd at the womens Brisbane International final. Credit: Getty Images Kostyuk ignored Sabalenka a Belarusian player in her runners-up speech, instead taking the time to thank her own team, tournament organisers and volunteers before focusing on the ongoing war in Ukraine. I want to say a few words about Ukraine, she said. I play every day with a pain in my heart and there is thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now, its minus 20 degrees outside, so its very, very painful to live this reality every day. Its very hot here in Brisbane, so its difficult to imagine this, but my sister is sleeping under three blankets because of how cold it is at home, so I was incredibly moved and happy to see so many Ukrainian fans and flags this week too. Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk. Credit: Getty Images Sabalenka began her victory speech by acknowledging her opponent. First of all, I want to start with congratulating Marta and her team on an incredible start to the season, she said. Loading I wish you all the best this season it seems like its going to be great tennis and I hope that were going to meet each other many more times in the finals to show great tennis. Sabalenka is seeking redemption in Melbourne after losing to Madison Keys in last years final, and will head to the first grand slam of the year undefeated. Advertisement InspirationDubai Planning a stopover? These great Dubai hotels are under $200 a night Jenny Hewett January 12, 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 Dubais calendar year is often punctuated by hotel openings that make headlines. Many defy luxury conventions, each new resort a one-up on the last. Opulence and extravagance are in the emirates DNA, but not all of the citys hotels are dipped in gold. Cast your net wider and youll find an array of affordable or boutique options, some with luxury-level facilities like gyms, pools and breakfast buffet spreads. Heres my pick of the best hotels in Dubai under $200. Zabeel House The Greens by Jumeirah Poolside at Zabeel House The Greens. One of the Popular Balcony Rooms at Zabeel House The Greens. Advertisement This affordable, urban-inspired spin-off from luxury hotel group Jumeirah is so good, I pay to stay three extra nights. The 28-square-metre Popular Rooms are stylish and spacious with a New York loft-style vibe, black SMEG fridges, an open wardrobe and glossy white en suites with luxe amenities. Guests have access to a rooftop pool and Native Gym on level four, which is fitted out with modern equipment, an outdoor training zone and padel courts. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. The vibe is young, with a hive of people working at a hot desk station in the lobby each day and an enviable breakfast served downstairs at Social Company. On-site youll find rooftop pan-Asian restaurant Lah Lah, while Bib Gourmand-rated Japanese restaurant Kinoya is just a one-minute stroll into The Onyx Tower next door. Its location within the suburban The Greens area is a bit dull, but its quite central and only a short Careem ride (Dubais app-based car and taxi service) to Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Mall of the Emirates. The hotel offers a late 2pm check-out. Besides the overzealous AC, its hard to fault this hotel. Form Hotel Dubai, Al Jaddaf Form Hotel Dubais distinctive white high-rise facade. One of Form Hotel Dubais Ideal King Rooms. Advertisement This is a solid option thats close to the airport. Part of Design Hotels (the only UAE hotel member), this 15-storey stay features comfortable rooms and minimalist interiors that abstractly hint to Dubais traditional dhow boats. Popular with locals and business travellers, the stark white building sits minutes from the metro line in Al Jaddaf, albeit opposite a construction site, which is within easy reach of The Dubai Mall, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Festival City. My 24-square-metre Ideal King Room has a king-sized bed, an ensuite with basic amenities, a floor-to-ceiling window, an open wardrobe, a small built-in bench-lounge and a desk. The interiors are not particularly remarkable, but the room is practical and functional. On the rooftop is a pool and a decent-sized gym, while the hotels only restaurant, Long Hill Brasserie, serves up a good local breakfast spread including hummus, flatbread and eggs, and offers 24-hour room service (although this is a dry hotel, so you wont find alcohol on the menu). Nearby are affordable spas or the highly rated Yemeni restaurant Mandi Man. XVA Art Hotel, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood The traditional Emirati courtyard at XVA Art Hotel. XVA Cafe. Advertisement This artsy, authentic bolthole in Old Dubai is well-known among Dubais creative set, but is largely unheard of anywhere else. Tucked deep within the labyrinthian area formerly known as Al Bastakiya, this 15-room stay occupies a traditional Emirati house built by local families more than 100 years ago. The heritage hotel was formerly owned by the influential Seddiqi family, renowned Dubai Rolex dealers, and is an extension of the citys well known XVA Art Gallery. Related Article Opinion Middle East Theres no need to avoid this stopover heres why Ben Groundwater Travel writer It comprises open courtyards and cosy nooks, three wind towers, a cafe and restaurant, a gallery, an art shop selling camel milk soap (among other covetable things), and an on-site tailor. Each room is individually designed and features regional artwork and decor, such as red fez hats. Expect a cool, discerning crowd and a soundtrack of deep conversation. As theres no pool, and the area is one of the few in Dubai thats largely walkable, my advice is to stay during Dubais cooler months between November and April. THE DETAILS FLY Emirates flies to Dubai three times daily from Sydney and Melbourne, twice daily from Brisbane, and daily from Adelaide and Perth. See emirates.com/au Advertisement STAY Zabeel House The Greens by Jumeirah, from $130 a night; Form Hotel Dubai, from $90 a night; XVA Art Hotel, from $186 a night. See jumeirah.com; form-hotel.com; xvahotel.com MORE visitdubai.com The writer stayed as a guest of Zabeel House The Greens by Jumeirah and Form Hotel Dubai. Traveller Guides All around the world it is understood that if you take pastry, wrap it around stuff and then either bake or deep-fry it, good things will happen. Talk to Argentinians about empanadas, Australians about pies, Central Asians about samsas, or Americans about pizza pockets and they will tell you: this is how you eat. And so today we turn our attention to one of the worlds most popular examples of pastry wrapped around stuff: Indian samosas. A samosa is a small, usually triangle-shaped pastry made with all-purpose flour, which is wrapped around a filling thats either vegetarian a mix of spiced potatoes, onions, lentils, peas, spices and chillies or with spiced, minced meat, and then deep-fried in vegetable oil or ghee. The piping hot package is then served with cooling chutneys and sometimes chai tea, constituting an iconic snack that can now be seen everywhere from restaurants to supermarket freezer sections the world over. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. First serve Its a little cheeky to say this dish is from India, because even Indians would admit that the basic idea for the samosa came from elsewhere. You might have noted the similarity in the name of samsa, a baked pastry from Central Asia. Go a little further west and you will arrive in the former Persian empire, where a dish called sambusak a baked, filled pastry was first mentioned in the 10th century. Mughal settlers took this idea with them across Asia, where it quickly caught on: a variation of the samosa is now popular everywhere from the subcontinent to South East Asia, through the Middle East and into Africa. Order there Every state in India has its own variation on samosas often multiple and theyre all worth trying. In Mumbai, check out the incredibly popular Gurukripa in Sion (gurukripasion.com). Advertisement Travel newsTripologist Opinion Worlds busiest airline routes named (and why Australias is so expensive) Michael Gebicki The Tripologist January 12, 2026 5:00am January 12, 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 Key points On a typical weekday there are about 70 flights daily each way between Melbourne and Sydney High demand has insulated SydneyMelbourne fares from broader airfare declines The QantasVirgin duopoly limits competition and keeps prices elevated Aviation data specialist OAG has released its annual analysis of the worlds busiest flight routes, and sitting in sixth place is the Melbourne-Sydney route which saw close to 9 million scheduled seats in 2025. Front-runner among the city pairs is Jeju InternationalSeoul Gimpo in South Korea, which has been rusted onto the top rung for more than a decade. In 2025 that route just 243 nautical miles (450 kilometres) had 14.4 million airline seats. Note that this is a measure of airline capacity, determined by the number of airline seats available on flights between those cities. While it does not indicate the total number of passengers carried, the OAG survey is widely accepted as the definitive measure of what the title suggests the worlds busiest air routes. Without breaking the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia duopoly, airfares on Australias busiest route are unlikely to fall. iStock The number of flights on our busiest domestic route is mind-boggling. On January 7, 2026, Qantas and Jetstar operated 51 flights from Sydney to Melbourne. On that same day Virgin Australia operated 21 flights on the route. As well as popular, the Melbourne-Sydney route is incredibly lucrative. In a Visual Capitalist article published in April 2024, the worlds busiest flight routes were ranked by revenue. In the first half of 2023, the most lucrative route was between Sydney and Melbourne, which generated a total ticket revenue of $US1.21 billion ($1.8 billion). The article went on to note this route is earning more than twice that of pre-pandemic levels, even as the number of passengers declined. Advertisement The price of air travel between Sydney and Melbourne has been relatively stable in the post-COVID period. According to figures from Australias Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), the average real price of a discount one-way economy airfare between Melbourne and Sydney in 2025 was $192, which is about the same as the previous year. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. However, that flies against the general cost of domestic air travel, which moved lower during 2025. Figures from BITRE confirmed that domestic economy airfares were lower in 2025 than at any other year in the previous five-year period, especially early in the year. Domestic economy airfares were 12 per cent cheaper in the first two months of 2025 than in the same months in 2024, according to data compiled by corporate travel adviser FCM Consulting. Western Sydney International Airport could be an X factor when it opens later this year. Bloomberg The reason for the drop was a reduction in the world price of aviation fuel. Fuel cost is a major component in air ticket prices, and in 2025 the world price of jet fuel fell by close to 17 per cent compared to the previous year. But in the case of Sydney-Melbourne airfares, high-demand offset the cost savings created by lower fuel prices, particularly in the final quarter of 2025. In a press release issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on December 9, 2025, commissioner Anna Brakey said: While September and October are typically very busy months for domestic air travel, both the AFL and NRL featured interstate teams in their finals this year which led to additional demand for travel to Melbourne and Sydney. Advertisement The ACCC also highlighted the extent of Qantas-Virgin Australias domination of our domestic air travel market, stating: Combined, the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia service about 98 per cent of the domestic airline market. Brakey added the high barriers to entry into the domestic aviation sector have helped to stave off competition from new entrants, particularly since Rex withdrew from routes between major cities More competition in the domestic airline industry is essential to ensure consumers can enjoy lower airfares and more choice. Related Article Opinion Tripologist Seven ways to get a cheaper flight (including in business class) Michael Gebicki The Tripologist Qantas and Virgin Australia rule our skies, but a counter-argument says Australia cannot sustain more than two major airlines. Our small population, spread over vast distances, and limited number of highvolume routes make it virtually impossible for new airlines to challenge Qantas and Virgins dominance of the domestic market. Therefore, were stuck with two very profitable airlines that dont really compete head-to-head on fares, and high domestic airfares. The X-factor is whether Western Sydney International Airport will have any effect on air traffic between Sydney and Melbourne when it becomes operational late in 2026. The Qantas Group will be a major player in the curfew-free airports development, but a Qantas spokesperson said: We havent made any announcements yet about what routes will be operated out of WSI. The most likely scenario is more flights, but its unlikely to come with the sweetener of lower flight prices. As Brakey says, only breaking the Qantas-Virgin Australia duopoly will achieve that outcome. Advertisement As a sidebar, the volume of traffic on this route is often cited as evidence for a high-speed rail line. However, it also supports the contrary view: that such a link may never eventuate because it would directly challenge the interests of the national carrier. As history has shown, what Qantas wants, Qantas usually gets. The worlds 10 busiest flight routes in 2025 based on the number of available seats. Jeju InternationalSeoul Gimpo 14,384,766 Sapporo New ChitoseTokyo Haneda 12,099,499 FukuokaTokyo Haneda 11,496,706 HanoiHo Chi Minh City 11,078,775 JeddahRiyadh 9,819,558 MelbourneSydney 8,951,497 Tokyo HanedaOkinawa Naha 8,052,864 MumbaiDelhi 7,642,016 BeijingShanghai Hongqiao 7,454,950 Shanghai HongqiaoShenzhen 7,138,673 Advertisement Exclusive WorldEuropeGreenland The movement that could decide Greenlands deal with Trump David Crowe January 12, 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 Nuuk: The argument over Greenland is unleashing a force that Donald Trump is yet to quell and Pele Broberg believes it is strong enough to decide who controls the Arctic territory. The US president wants the future of Greenland to be about American ownership to replace colonial ties with Denmark. Loading Broberg, however, wants to turn this moment into a declaration of independence. As the opposition leader in the territorys parliament, and leader of the Naleraq political party, he wants liberty for Greenland from all major powers. Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is watched over by a statue of Hans Egede, the Norwegian missionary who colonised the island in 1721. Bloomberg Advertisement We dont care whos president in the US and what they want. Neither do we care whos prime minister in Denmark and what they want, he says. Its about what we want: thats what we are running on. Broberg is not alone in seeking independence for Greenland: it is the stated position of all five of the major parties in the autonomous territorys parliament, and the policy of Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who leads the Demokraatit party. But Broberg wants independence faster than others, and he accuses Nielsen of talking about it without making it happen. Pele Broberg, the leader of the Naleraq political party, which advocates independence for Greenland. David Crowe Advertisement This does not match Trumps vision because the US president never talks about leaving it to Greenlanders to decide their future. It might preserve American security, however, because Greenlanders can reach their own defence pact with the US. Broberg does not oppose more US forces. Nor do other political leaders. In fact, he believes an independent Greenland would build on the 1951 pact between the US and Denmark that set up the military bases in the first place. You cant continue having a defence agreement between Denmark and the US about the defence of a colony that no longer exists, he says. So, we need to have a defence agreement with the US. If that is the big talking point for the US, that they need something else that they cant get from the 1951 agreement, we should do that. Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in the Arctic Ocean in Nuuk, Greenland, in September. AP Advertisement Because that will benefit us, as well as give them peace of mind. We are not the obstacle that Trump needs to remove. Denmark is. The 1951 agreement has been updated several times, most recently in 2004 to acknowledge the autonomy of Greenland. This update said the US would consult with and inform the governments in Denmark and Greenland on any changes to its military presence. A troubled history shapes the argument over the future. Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is watched over by a statue of Hans Egede, the Norwegian missionary who colonised the island in 1721. Denmark ruled the colony from the early 1800s, but the Inuit trace their time there to at least 1200, when historians believe they crossed from Canada. When Denmark and Greenland agreed on self-government in 2009, the law set out a mechanism to decide full independence by a referendum. Danish forces join NATO troops in exercises in Greenland in September. AP Advertisement Broberg believes that time has come. He raised this last Friday when he joined Nielsen and three other party leaders in making a statement to soothe nerves about Trumps talk of gaining their territory and even using force to do so. The statement said: We will not be Americans, we will not be Danes, we are Greenlanders. Broberg calls that a declaration of independence. We needed a joint statement to calm the waters in Greenland because people are worried, he says. We dont want to be Danish. We want our own identity back. Broberg has risen quickly to become opposition leader. Raised in regional towns on the west coast north of Nuuk, he worked in business before becoming a pilot for Air Greenland. He entered politics in 2018 and became leader of Naleraq four years later. At the election last year, Naleraq gained 25 per cent of the vote; Nielsens party, Demokraatit, gained 30 per cent and rules with a coalition. Advertisement The cause is personal for Broberg. He is the son of an Inuit father and a Danish mother, and he says he might not have been born if his mother had been Greenlandic. That is because Denmark imposed birth control on Inuit women and girls in the 1960s and 1970s by making sure they were fitted with intrauterine devices, or IUDs. Related Article Analysis Greenland Greenlanders tell absolutely insane Trump what they really think At that point, the genocide against the Greenlandic people was ongoing by the Danish state, he says. My mother didnt get an IUD because she was Danish. This is uncomfortable history for Danes, and it was the subject of a formal apology by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in September. In Denmark, the links with Greenland are so deep that many cannot see a future for the island without its mother country. A large group in Greenland, especially in Nuuk, are also loyal to Denmark. Some accuse Broberg of hating Danes and being a racist, but he says those claims are false and that he simply wants independence. Advertisement Trump is bringing this debate to a head. He has identified a problem: control of the Arctic is fundamental for US security, and this requires decisions about Greenlands destiny. Observers outside Greenland have raised the idea of copying US policy in the Pacific, where it has Compacts of Free Association with small states like Micronesia and Palau. This requires the US to help fund those states, while it gains broad scope for its military operations. Related Article Trump's America Maple MAGAs: Separatists in Canada could boost Trumps quest for dominance Greenland differs, however, in having the legacy of two centuries of Danish culture and control. The colonial history is a source of grief for many, but it also means they gain health and education from Copenhagen and annual funding for other services. Greenlanders can live and work anywhere in the European Union. Would they be better off with a form of statehood aligned to the US? In Nuuk, some people tell this masthead that losing Danish financial support would be too costly, making full independence impractical. Advertisement White House officials have discussed paying Greenlanders for the right to control the island, according to a Reuters report, but there has been no suggestion from Trump or his aides about annual US funding for health and welfare. It is difficult to see Trumps base, which is sceptical about foreign entanglements, accepting that cost. Nielsen and his government are not talking about a referendum on independence. This masthead approached government ministers and officials for comment. Broberg, in contrast, wants a faster move towards cutting the bonds with Copenhagen. He says Greenland has enough resources, such as fisheries and mining, to fund its own future. Most of all, he argues that the people of Greenland can make independence work. We are one of the most coveted territories in the world by Denmark, the US, and Europe, he says. Everybody just seems to forget somebody lives here. 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. Advertisement Updated WorldMiddle EastMiddle East tensions US launches new retaliatory strikes against Islamic State in Syria January 11, 2026 11:48am 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 Washington: The United States has launched another round of retaliatory strikes against the Islamic State in Syria following last months ambush that killed two US soldiers and one American civilian interpreter in the country. The large-scale strikes, conducted by the US alongside partner forces, occurred about 4.30am AEDT on Sunday, according to US Central Command. The strikes hit multiple Islamic State targets across Syria. The US and its partner forces have carried out large-scale strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria, the US Central Command has announced. US Central Command The strikes are part of a broader operation that is part of President Donald Trumps response to the deadly ISIS attack that killed Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, the civilian interpreter, in Palmyra last month. Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice, US Central Command said in a statement on Saturday. Advertisement View post on X A day earlier, Syrian officials said their security forces had arrested the military leader of ISs operations in the Levant. The US military said Saturdays strikes were carried out alongside partner forces without specifying which forces had taken part. The Trump administration is calling the response to the Palmyra attacks Operation Hawkeye Strike. Both Torres-Tovar and Howard were members of the Iowa National Guard. Citizens of the Sheik Maksoud neighbourhood in Syria are evacuated to a safe area. Adri Salido / Getty Images Advertisement It was launched on December 19 with another large-scale strike that hit 70 targets across central Syria that had IS infrastructure and weapons. Related Article Analysis Middle East tensions Iran has brutally crushed protests before. This time could be different The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces has for years been the USs main partner in the fight against IS in Syria, but since the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December 2024, Washington has increasingly been coordinating with the central government in Damascus. Syria recently joined the global coalition against IS. Kurdish fighters were evacuated from a contested neighbourhood in Syrias northern city of Aleppo, officials said on Sunday, a move that could bring an end to several days of violent clashes with government forces. Advertisement State-run news agency SANA reported buses transported the last of the fighters from the Aleppo neighbourhood of Sheikh Maqsoud to north-eastern Syria, which is under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Through international mediation to halt the attacks and violations against our people in Aleppo, we have reached an understanding leading to a ceasefire and the safe evacuation of martyrs, the wounded, trapped civilians, and fighters from the Achrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhoods to northern and eastern Syria, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said in a post on X. He called for mediators to uphold their promises to stop the violations and work towards the safe return of the displaced to their homes. A journalist at the scene saw buses leaving on Sunday and was told by officials that the transports carried 360 fighters. Other buses carrying civilians and detained fighters departed the previous day. 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. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America Maple MAGAs: Separatists in Canada could boost Trumps quest for dominance Thomas Seal and Derek Decloet January 11, 2026 4:31pm 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 For months, many Canadians hoped Donald Trump had lost interest in making their country the 51st US state his plate full with turning Washington and the global trading system upside down. Those hopes are fading. The shock capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Trumps ramped-up talk of seizing Greenland have rattled Canada, forcing citizens to take seriously the US presidents past threats to Canadian sovereignty. A young girl in a canoe holds a Canadian flag in Lake Moraine, in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. iStock The administrations declaration that THIS IS OUR HEMISPHERE makes Trumps earlier comments about annexing Canada seem ever less like mere insults aimed at former prime minister Justin Trudeau, or negotiating tactics in his trade war with current leader Mark Carney. Advertisement A blunt column in Canadas largest national newspaper went viral last week warning of the possibility that Trump may use military coercion against the country. The authors advice: learn from Finlands defences against Russia. Expand the civil defence force. Build a national drone strategy, inspired by Ukraines example. And think about the unthinkable. Its all about changing the calculus, said Thomas Homer-Dixon, one of the authors and a Canadian academic who researches global security. If there is an attempt to use military coercion against us, it needs to be clear that its going to be enormously costly. The fear has even inspired its own dark comedy. A widely shared story on The Beaverton, a satirical website similar to The Onion, sported the headline, Mark Carney turns off geolocation on phone just in case. While Trumps actions have unnerved leaders around the globe, Canadians have particular reason to worry. After all, with Greenland, Trump and his advisers are seeking control even raising the possibility of military action of a territory that is democratic, strategically located in the Arctic, and part of NATO. Canada is all of those things, too. Revellers on the lawn of Parliament Hill on Canada Day in Ottawa in July 2025. Bloomberg Advertisement I think many officials in Ottawa just find it hard to believe that were in this space, no matter what the evidence is, said Wesley Wark, a former adviser to the Canadian government on security and border issues. He called Trumps moves on Venezuela and Greenland final wake-up calls for Canada that will underscore the reality that the United States is not the country that it used to be. Less clear is what Canada can do to dissuade Trump. Carney won office last year vowing to stand up to Trump, saying the president wants to break us, so America can own us. Since the election, however, he has avoided antagonising his US counterpart, even as he tries to step up trade with China and other countries to lessen Canadas dependence on its southern neighbour. Carney called last week for the US to respect the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark, of which the island is a territory, without addressing Trumps past threats to Canada. Most analysts doubt the US military would invade Canada. I still do believe thats in the realm of science fiction, said Stephanie Carvin, an associate professor at Carleton University in Ottawa and a former national security analyst for the Canadian government. But I do believe now more than ever that the United States is willing to cripple the Canadian economy in ways that suit the presidents whims. Are we already a vassal state, and we just wont admit it to ourselves? Associate Professor Philippe Lagasse Advertisement She sees the developments in Venezuela, with Trump asserting control over the countrys immense oil reserves, as emboldening him. The president now will be much more willing to engage in adventurism in a quest to dominate the western hemisphere, she said. Philippe Lagasse, an associate professor at Carleton who specialises in defence policy, said one plausible scenario could involve a problem that Canada cant handle on its own, such as a major natural disaster or attack on its electrical supplies to the US. The United States will deal with it for you, at least under this administration, and it may not choose to leave. Or it may choose to make demands of you, he said. What can Canada do to forestall the possibility of the United States arguing that it needs to intervene in Canada for its own security? Canadas military isnt built for a more hostile world. Its regular and primary reserve forces total fewer than 100,000 people to defend the second-largest land mass on Earth. Natural disasters and other duties, such as a NATO mission in Latvia where Canadian soldiers are stationed, stretch its resources. Members of the Canadian military march during the National Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa in November. Bloomberg Carneys government is boosting soldiers pay to help recruitment and allocating tens of billions of dollars for new fighter jets, submarines and other equipment all of which will help Canada, at long last, meet the minimum NATO spending level of 2 per cent of gross domestic product. Theres also a nascent plan, reported in the Canadian media, to build a force of 100,000 reserves and 300,000 supplementary reserve troops. But most of those steps will take years. Advertisement Then theres the possibility of the US interfering in Canadian politics. The oil-rich province of Alberta which has long chafed under Ottawas control may be headed towards an independence referendum, with a few so-called Maple MAGAs holding out hope of not only leaving Canada but eventually joining the US. A separatist organiser, Jeffrey Rath, said he had met with US State Department officials three times and they were supporting his cause. He declined to name the officials, and the State Department declined to comment. Related Article Exclusive Greenland The movement that could decide Greenlands deal with Trump Early polls suggest the Alberta separatists are likely to lose. But the referendum opens the door to the risk of foreign meddling, according to Homer-Dixon and his colleague Adam Gordon, a former legal adviser to Canadas foreign affairs department. They have drawn up a scenario where grey MAGA money and disinformation campaigns are used to help the separatist cause, or perhaps sow distrust in the results if the independence effort fails. Canadians, they say, should think about what it would mean if the US, in the aftermath of an Alberta vote, decided to send troops into northern Montana. Trumps attention is elsewhere now, but it will swing back to Canada. The countries are starting a scheduled review of the trade deal Trump signed in his first term: the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It has the potential to become a forum for the airing of every Washington grievance against Ottawa its small military presence in the far north, its approach to sectors such as agriculture and for Trumps negotiating style of exerting maximum leverage against smaller trading partners. Advertisement The existing deal means that about 85 per cent of Canada-US trade is currently tariff-free, exempted from Trumps 35 per cent import taxes against other Canadian goods. But that blessing is also a sword of Damocles for Canada as Trump merely has to threaten to cancel the exemption or blow up the trade deal to create havoc. Businesses overwhelmingly say ending the trade accord would hurt the US economy. But in the short term, it would be catastrophic for Canada, which sends almost 70 per cent of its exports south across the border. The president now will be much more willing to engage in adventurism in a quest to dominate the western hemisphere. Associate Professor Stephanie Carvin, about the prospect of a US invasion To slash that reliance, Carney set a public goal in October to double Canadas exports to other countries over the next decade. Building that economic counterweight means brisk diplomatic pivots. Despite having called China the biggest security threat to his country last April, Carney this week will become the first Canadian leader to visit the Asian giant in almost a decade, after years of frosty relations. Since becoming prime minister, Carney has worked to improve Canadas relations with Trump, which had grown toxic under Trudeau. He removed some of his predecessors counter-tariffs and digital services tax. And the boost in defence spending addresses one of Trumps key complaints about Americas NATO partners. Advertisement Related Article Analysis Greenland Greenlanders tell absolutely insane Trump what they really think None of those concessions, however, led to a detente on tariffs. And they carry the danger, analysts say, of the steady erosion of Canadian sovereignty. Are we already a vassal state, and we just wont admit it to ourselves? Lagasse said. I start to worry that at some point the more concessions you give in order to maintain market access, the more that you are willing to give up in order not to be further threatened, you eventually end up in a situation where you are basically a tributary. Bloomberg 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. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaProtests Huge protests in US cities over fatal ICE shooting Renee Hickman and Nathan Layne January 11, 2026 2:34pm 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: Tens of thousands of people marched through Minneapolis to decry the fatal shooting of a woman by a US immigration agent, in one of more than 1000 rallies planned nationwide this weekend against the federal governments deportation drive. The massive turnout in Minneapolis for the rally on Sunday AEDT despite a whipping, cold wind underscores how the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer last week has struck a chord, fuelling protests in major cities and some towns. Protesters in Minneapolis on Saturday gather during a rally for Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer last week. AP The Minneapolis protest was one of more than 1000 planned for the US over the weekend. AP Minnesotas Democratic leaders and the administration of President Donald Trump, a Republican, have offered starkly different accounts of the incident. Advertisement Led by a team of indigenous Mexican dancers, demonstrators in Minneapolis, which has a metropolitan population of 3.8 million, marched towards the residential street where Good had been shot in her car. Heartbroken and devastated The boisterous crowd, which the Minneapolis Police Department estimated in the tens of thousands, chanted Goods name and slogans such as Abolish ICE and No justice, no peace get ICE off our streets. Protesters in Minneapolis at a makeshift memorial where Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer. AP The Minneapolis anti-ICE rally on Saturday had tens of thousands of demonstrators. AP Advertisement Im insanely angry, completely heartbroken and devastated, and then just like longing and hoping that things get better, said Ellison Montgomery, 30. Minnesota officials have called the shooting unjustified, pointing to bystander video they say showed Goods vehicle turning away from the agent as he fired. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, says the agent acted in self-defence because Good, a volunteer in a community network that monitors and records ICE operations in Minneapolis, had driven forward in the direction of the agent who then shot her, after another agent had approached the drivers side and told her to get out of the car. The shooting on Wednesday (US time) came soon after some 2000 federal officers were dispatched to the Minneapolis-St Paul area in what DHS has called its largest operation ever, deepening a rift between the administration and Democratic leaders in the state. Demonstrators at Lafayette Park in front of the White House in Washington, DC, on Saturday. Getty Images Federal-state tensions escalated further on Thursday when a US Border Patrol agent in Portland, Oregon, shot and wounded a man and a woman in their car after an attempted vehicle stop. Using language similar to its description of the Minneapolis incident, DHS said the driver had tried to weaponise his vehicle and run over agents. Advertisement The two DHS-related shootings prompted a coalition of progressive and civil rights groups, including Indivisible and the American Civil Liberties Union, to plan more than 1000 events under the banner ICE Out For Good on the weekend. The rallies have been scheduled to end before nightfall to minimise the potential for violence. In Philadelphia, protesters chanted ICE has got to go and No fascist USA as they marched from City Hall to a rally outside a federal detention facility, according to the local ABC affiliate. Protesters in Los Angeles calling for an end to federal immigration enforcement and military action in Venezuela. AP In Manhattan, several hundred people carried anti-ICE signs as they walked past an immigration court where agents have arrested migrants following their hearings. We demand justice for Renee, ICE out of our communities, and action from our elected leaders. Enough is enough, said Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of Indivisible. Advertisement Demonstrations mostly peaceful Minnesota became a major flashpoint in the administrations efforts to deport millions of immigrants months before the Good shooting. Trump criticised its Democratic leaders amid a massive welfare fraud scandal involving some members of the large Somali-American community there. A protest in lower Manhattan. Getty Images Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat who has been critical of immigration agents and the shooting, told a press conference earlier on Saturday that the demonstrations had remained mostly peaceful and that anyone damaging property or engaging in unlawful activity would be arrested by police. Police and anti-ICE demonstrators clash during a protest in Los Angeles on Saturday. AP Advertisement We will not counter Donald Trumps chaos with our own brand of chaos, Frey said. He wants us to take the bait. More than 200 law enforcement officers were deployed on Friday night to control protests that led to $US6000 ($9000) in damage at the Depot Renaissance Hotel and failed attempts by some demonstrators to enter the Hilton Canopy Hotel, believed to house ICE agents, the City of Minneapolis said in a statement. Police chief Brian OHara said some in the crowd had scrawled graffiti and damaged windows at the Depot Renaissance Hotel. He said the gathering at the Hilton Canopy Hotel had begun as a noise protest but that it had escalated as more than 1000 demonstrators converged on the site, leading to 29 arrests. Protesters march in Kansas City on Saturday. AP We initiated a plan and took our time to de-escalate the situation, issued multiple warnings, declaring an unlawful assembly, and ultimately then began to move in and disperse the crowd, OHara said. Advertisement House representatives turned away from ICE facility Three Minnesota congressional Democrats showed up at a regional ICE headquarters near Minneapolis on Saturday morning, where protesters had clashed with federal agents, but they were denied access. Legislators called the denial illegal. Related Article Trump's America ICE agents video shows moments before fatal Minneapolis shooting We made it clear to ICE and DHS that they were violating federal law, US Representative Angie Craig told reporters as she stood outside the Whipple Federal Building in St Paul with colleagues Kelly Morrison and Ilhan Omar. Federal law prohibits DHS from blocking members of Congress from entering ICE detention sites, but DHS has increasingly restricted such oversight visits, prompting confrontations with Democratic lawmakers. Advertisement It is our job as members of Congress to make sure those detained are treated with humanity because we are the damn United States of America, Craig said. Referencing the damage and protests at Minneapolis hotels overnight, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said the congressional Democrats had been denied entry to ensure the safety of detainees and staff, and in compliance with the agencys mandate. She said DHS policies required members of Congress to notify ICE at least seven days in advance of facility visits. 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. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Protests Donald Trump Immigration SAINT-MARTIN:--- In a significant operational update released this week, the Gendarmerie nationale has announced a major milestone in its enhanced initiative to apprehend fugitives across the territories of Saint-Barthelemy and Saint-Martin. Since launching a reinforced strategy on July 1, 2024, law enforcement officers have successfully arrested 100 individuals sought by the justice system. This targeted operation reflects a determined effort by security forces to execute judicial decisions and combat delinquency effectively in the region. The Gendarmerie emphasized that these actions underscore their constant commitment to public safety under the direction of judicial authorities. Of the 100 fugitives apprehended during this period, the outcomes have been swift. Authorities report that 30 individuals were immediately placed in detention following their arrest. The remaining 70 individuals have been brought before the courts to answer for their alleged offenses, marking a significant step forward in enforcing outstanding legal judgments. The success of this ongoing operation relies on a multi-faceted approach. According to the communique, the results are driven by targeted intelligence gathering, close coordination with judicial authorities, and the daily commitment of gendarmes working on the ground. The Gendarmerie nationale has stated it will continue these efforts relentlessly to ensure the security of the population and uphold the rule of law across both Saint-Barthelemy and Saint-Martin. Key Points NuScale Power's stock is soaring because of a recent announcement over a nuclear power deal with Meta Platforms. The company was not a part of the deal; it was with other nuclear energy companies. The stock is risky because it does not generate any revenue or profit. 10 stocks we like better than NuScale Power Shares of NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) popped over 25% this week, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. All nuclear energy stocks have soared on the backs of a new commitment from Meta Platforms, although NuScale Power is not a part of its partnership. The stock has struggled in recent months but is up 100% in the last five years. Here's why NuScale Power stock was soaring this week, and whether it is a buy right now. Meta's nuclear energy contracts This week, Meta Platforms announced the largest commitment to nuclear power in history. It is partnering to fund upwards of 6.6 gigawatts of electric power for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, which is close to 1% of total current power consumption in the United States. In other words, a massive deal. The three companies in the mix for this partnership are Vistra Corp, Oklo, and TerraPower. Each is providing different levels of electric power at various timelines over the next decade, which will be centered in Ohio. While NuScale Power is not a part of this deal, the announcement lifted the entire nuclear power sector. Oklo is specifically a builder of small modular reactors (SMRs), which is similar to what NuScale Power designs. Outside of the announcement, NuScale Power also got a change in an analyst price target, although that has zero impact on its underlying business. Image source: Getty Images. Time to buy NuScale Power Stock? NuScale Power has never built a nuclear reactor and has never secured any contracts for its SMR technology despite a certified design from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Investors should be concerned that it was not included in this deal with Meta Platforms. The stock is trading up on the announcement, but it is actually bearish for the underlying business. NuScale Power stock trades at a market cap of $6 billion even though it has minimal revenue, never turned a profit, and has no contracts to speak of. Nuclear contracts take many years to build, meaning it will be years before NuScale Power ever generates a profit, if it can even win a single contract. Stay away from this stock. Should you buy stock in NuScale Power right now? Before you buy stock in NuScale Power, 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 NuScale Power wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Israel army issues evacuation warning for Lebanon village ahead of strikes Jerusalem, Jan 11 (AFP) Jan 11, 2026 The Israeli army issued an evacuation warning on Sunday for the village of Kafr Hatta in southern Lebanon ahead of air strikes on Hezbollah targets in the area. "The IDF (army) will soon, and once again, strike terrorist Hezbollah military infrastructure in the village, in order to address the prohibited attempts it is making to rebuild its activities there," Arabic-language spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee wrote on X, posting a map of the expected target. "We urge residents of the area... you are located near a compound used by Hezbollah. For your safety, you must evacuate it immediately and move at least 300 metres (980 feet) away. Remaining in the marked area puts your lives at risk," the warning said. The Lebanese army said Thursday that it had completed disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani river, the first phase of a nationwide plan. Kafr Hatta is located north of the river. Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli army announced in a statement that it had carried out strikes against what it said was Hezbollah infrastructure in other areas of south Lebanon "in response to Hezbollah's continuous violations of the ceasefire understandings." Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported "a series of violent Israeli strikes" on Jezzine, Mahmudiyeh and Al-Dimasqiyeh, as well as "more than 10 strikes" on Al-Bureij, all in southern Lebanon. Most of the targeted areas are located north of the Litani river. No casualties were reported in the strikes. Under heavy US pressure and amid fears of expanded Israeli strikes, Lebanon has committed to disarming the Iran-backed militant group, which was badly weakened after more than a year of hostilities including two months of all-out war that ended with a November 2024 ceasefire with Israel. Lebanon's army said Thursday it had "achieved the objectives of the first phase" of its plan, covering the area south of the Litani River -- around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border -- with the intention to extend it to the rest of the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in response that the ceasefire "states clearly, Hezbollah must be fully disarmed". "Efforts made toward this end by the Lebanese government and the Lebanese armed forces are an encouraging beginning, but they are far from sufficient, as evidenced by Hezbollah's efforts to rearm and rebuild its terror infrastructure with Iranian support," it added. Despite the truce, Israel has kept up regular strikes in Lebanon, usually saying it is targeting Hezbollah sites and operatives, and has maintained troops in five south Lebanon areas it deems strategic. It has also said it has struck Hamas targets in Lebanon on various occasions. EU should consider forming combined military force: defence chief Brussels, Belgium, Jan 11 (AFP) Jan 11, 2026 EU countries should weigh whether to set up a combined military force that could eventually replace US troops in Europe, the bloc's defence chief said Sunday. EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius floated creating a "powerful, standing 'European military force' of 100,000 troops" as a possible option to better protect the continent. "How will we replace the 100,000-strong American standing military force, which is the back-bone military force in Europe?" he asked in a speech in Sweden. The suggestion comes as US President Donald Trump has heightened fears among NATO allies over Washington's reliability by insisting he wants to take over Greenland. Worries over Trump's commitment to Europe have already spurred countries to step up efforts to bolster their militaries in the face of the threat posed by Russia. Ideas about establishing a central European army have floated around for years but have largely failed to gain traction as nations are wary of relinquishing control over their militaries. The US has pushed its European allies to increasingly take over responsibility for their own security, and raised the prospect it could shift forces from Europe to focus on China. "In such times, we should not run away from the most pressing questions on our institutional defence readiness," said Kubilius, a former Lithuanian prime minister. In his speech Kubilius also advocated for the creation of a "European Security Council" of key powers -- including potentially Britain -- that could help the continent take decisions over its own defence quicker. "The European Security Council could be composed of key permanent members, along with several rotational members," he said. "In total around 10-12 members, with the task to discuss the most important issues in defence." He said the first focus of such a body should be trying to change the dynamics in the war in Ukraine to ensure that Kyiv does not end up losing. "We need to have a clear answer - how is the EU going to change that scenario?," he said. "This is the reason why we need to have a European Security Council now!" While some Israelis view the phrase as inciting violence to replace Israel and Jewish people, many activists and the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign say the slogan refers to "the right of all Palestinians to freedom, equality and justice" and freedom from occupation. Asked about the possibility of banning the organisation, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told Sky News: Its a very thorough process that the Home Secretary would go through in determining whether to proscribe an organisation Im not going to second-guess the decisions of the Home Secretary on a matter as significant as this. Mr Lammy, who met Mr Vance in the US on Thursday, told The Guardian he raised the issue of Grok and the horrendous, horrific situation in which this new technology is allowing deepfakes and the manipulation of images of women and children, which is just absolutely abhorrent. The Trump White House was full speed ahead this past week on reorienting Venezuelan oil exports to the US, with President Trump even promising this new source of oil would be brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. It remains to be seen if the plan will be economical especially if Trumps goal is to drive down global oil prices below $50 a barrel but its an effort that could be complicated for one country in particular: Canada. Both Venezuela and Canada produce a similar type of heavy crude oil that US refineries crave because it can be mixed with US-produced oil that is of the lighter variety. As the trade-associated American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers explains it: Refineries run on a mix of crude oils in order to run efficiently and maximize outputs, with 70% of US capacity running most efficiently when those refineries include heavier crude, which is not produced in the United States. A mix of factors has led Canada to become the main supplier of this heavier oil. In recent years, 60% of all US crude oil imports have come from Canada, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Thats nearly double where things stood a decade prior. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with oil and gas executives and members of his staff in the East Room of the White House on January 9 in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images This dynamic was one of many undertones of the past week, which ended with a meeting at the White House where Trump gathered executives to make the decision as to which oil companies we are going to allow to go in, as Trump put it. The meeting was attended by an array of top oil CEOs from companies mostly headquartered in the US, as well as a few CEOs from Italy, the United Kingdom, and others. The president made clear the focus and importance of this particular type of oil when he said that Venezuelan oil will come into the US because we have the refining capacity, adding that US refining was designed based very much on the Venezuelan oil, which is a heavy oil, very good oil. That could be a direct challenge to Canadian oil producers. The markets have offered some initial verdicts. Notably, Canadian-focused producers were down in the last week while the overall energy sector was largely flat. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNQ) is down over 6.5% over the past week and Enbridge Inc (ENB) fell sharply Monday in a trend that continued to end the week down over 5%. Canadian oil will be competitive The US imports, on average, about 4 million barrels of crude oil a day from Canada. Trump announced this week that he had an agreement from Venezuela to send 30 million to 50 million barrels in a first wave of imports to the US. Thats less than two weeks' worth of Canadian oil exports. Trump and his team quickly promised more would follow, but many observers suggested the long-term effects on Canada may be limited. We are completely opposed to the military aggression and intervention in Venezuela, which has seen the kidnapping of their president and the first lady, and we call on all of our politicians, particularly the Prime Minister in the UK, to stand up against the military aggression and to condemn this act that breaks all international laws. If we take the example of a small pub with a rateable value of 55,000, the Scottish business would have paid 55,697.50 more in tax than the same business in England over those three years, or with a rateable value of 100,000, the Scottish business would now be 101,250 worse off than the same business south of the border. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, seen here in Quantico, Virginia on Sept, 30, 2025, is visiting Fort Worth and Brownsville Monday. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images A SpaceX Starship is prepared for a test flight from Starbase in November 2024. Eric Gay/Associated Press file photo Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens during a news conference with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla. Alex Brandon/AP Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is visiting Brownsville and Fort Worth on Monday to tour SpaceX and Lockheed Martin facilities. The Pentagon said Sunday he will deliver remarks to SpaceX workers alongside CEO Elon Musk at the Starbase facility where the company builds and tests its Starship mega-rocket. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It will be Hegseth's third major speech since taking the office, the department said. "For too long, Pentagon bureaucracy has hindered the speed and might of our manufacturing base, obstructing innovation and warfare solutions from companies like SpaceX and Lockheed Martin," it said in a statement. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The visit is part of Hegseth's so-called "Arsenal of Freedom" tour that's intended to help grow the defense industrial base. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hegseth's tour began at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia early last week. It then traveled to California, where he gave the oath of enlistment to new recruits, spoke with officer candidates and visited Rocket Lab, a commercial space company in Long Beach. Hegseth is also expected to give the oath of enlistment to military recruits during his Starbase visit, according to the Pentagon. NASA and the Pentagon have invested billions into SpaceX's Starship program that's also expanding into Florida and possibly California. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This will be Hegseth's first visit to Starbase. In November 2024, then president-elect Donald Trump visited Starbase, along with other federal and state politicians and Gen. Chance Saltzman, the head of the Space Force. Brownsville Mayor John Cowen said he understood Hegseth's visit was to SpaceX's town of Starbase about 20 miles east of his city and that he was not invited to be a part of the event. SpaceX has received more than $22 billion in federal contracts since 2008, and Trump's threats last year to cut Musk-company contracts hasn't slowed Pentagon spending. Last week, the Space Force announced it awarded SpaceX another $739 million in contracts for launches in 2027 and 2028. That follows an $714 million deal for launches the space firm landed in October. Various high-level military leaders have joined portions of Hegseth's tour. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Others traveling with Hegseth include Laura Loomer, a right-wing political activist and conspiracy theorist who's now part of the Pentagon press corps for her personal media outfit. She's previously been involved in getting high-level intelligence officials sacked for political reasons. Texas State Capitol Site Code: AAS Status: None Sara Diggins/Sara Diggins/American-Statesman The dominant political narrative for much of the past year has been that Democrats are sitting pretty heading into the 2026 midterms, while Republicans will be swimming against an upstream current, weighed down by the heavy millstone of President Donald Trump strapped tightly around their necks. But a newly released poll of Texas voters suggests that while Republicans have more reason for worry than celebration 11 months before the November election, there is a largely buried and perhaps unrecognized glimmer of hope that they might catch a break in the fall. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Let's get the GOP's bad news out of the way first in the poll of 1,200 self-identified registered voters conducted by the Texas Politics Project and released Friday. Trump's approval rating in Republican-led Texas is underwater. So are those of pretty much every Republican holding statewide office and those running for statewide office. On a dozen issues state leaders tackled in the 2025 Legislature, respondents in the poll, taken Dec. 9-13, gave failing marks to 10. And on eight of them, the disapproval-to-approval ratio hovered close to 2-1. Ironically, even that faint ray of sunshine for Texas Republicans looks, at first blush, like another cloud. It has to do with the economy, both at the national and personal levels, and the overall direction of the state and the nation. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source More than one-third of respondents said the national economy was in poor shape, and only 24% said they themselves were doing OK financially. And that, paradoxically, is the good news. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Here's why. In February, only 20% of Texans said they were happy with their own financial well-being. That survey came one month into Trump's return to the White House and represented a 5-point drop from when Democratic President Joe Biden was still in charge. Confidence in the national economy had been dropping since April, falling to 27% in August. The latest poll shows a 7-point rebound. Confidence in the economy, whether at the household or national level, has historically been one of the strongest bellwethers for how voters will react at the polls. The trick ahead for Texas Republicans is to sustain the modest momentum that surfaced in the poll. Now let's look at why the poll might be putting a spring in the steps of Texas Democrats. First, their signature issue of health care is the top concern of most respondents. And unease about its affordability cuts across party lines. Overall, a whopping 89% said they are worried about the cost of heath care, and most said they are "very concerned." The pollsters said a key driver was the debate during the recent government shutdown over whether Congress would fully fund the Affordable Care Act. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Also, the poll suggests that, as in the 2018 midterms, Trump may once again be a gift to Democrats given that midterm elections are often a referendum on the current occupant of the White House. Not only does he have a 44% approval to 50% disapproval rating, Trump's standing among Texas Republicans is down 10 points since returning to power. To be fair, that drop was from 92% to 82%. But in each of the six polls taken by the Texas Politics project over the past year, Trump's approval rating among his own party has been lower than in the one before. One more striking nugget in the poll involves Democrats' attitudes toward the candidates in their primary for U.S. Senate. Few political figures in Texas have drawn more media attention much of it favorable than state Rep. James Talarico of Austin, both in the run-up to his announcement for Senate and in the months since. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the poll showed that only one in three Democrats have heard enough about him to form an opinion. Among those who have, 47% said they like him. Contrast that with U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas. She entered the race just over a month ago, but she has been a national figure for nearly four years, giving her name identification far exceeding Talaricos. More importantly, that visibility appears to have solidified her standing among Texas Democrats. Seven in 10 said they like her, and five in 10 said they like her a lot. Advertisement Article continues below this ad American-Statesman business editor Travis Webb asks: How did those bright green parrots get to Austin? He refers, of course, to the monk parakeets that seem so alien to many of our citys newcomers. Surely these screeching noisemakers wearing a gray cap that resembles a monks cowl belong somewhere like Argentina, Brazil or Uruguay, not Texas? These gregarious, true parrots gather in nesting flocks atop tall structures, such as utility poles and transmission towers, which led Webb to a second thought: They act kind of like grackles, dont they? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Given that grackles and monk parakeets can be annoying, especially when they nest in large numbers, yes. Although, if you lived near a nesting colony of cattle egrets, you might think a bit more kindly about our two more urban species. Thats a whole different kind of stink. Another thing that grackles, monk parakeets and cattle egrets have in common: They, too, are relative newcomers to Central Texas. Monk parakeets: A true invasive species? Monk parakeet: Length/weight: 11.5 inches, 3.5 ounces. Notable marks: Bright green back, pointed tail, dark blue underwing, pale gray breast and forehead. Sounds like: Chatter of short notes, but in flight, make loud squawks; can mimic humans. Other notes: An introduced species that nests in colonies; Austins birds have their own Facebook page; they will visit feeders. [Joe Hood] Austin American-Statesman Large feral populations of monk parakeets have grown out of small founding colonies throughout the temperate world. Ornithologists typically have theorized that these colonies developed from the pet trade in other words, voluntary or involuntary escapees. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Some of the more famous American populations were recorded as early as the 1960s and 70s in places such as New York, Chicago, Dallas and Houston. Yet they have become a global phenomenon. They compete with native birds and often destroys crops in Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Lets look at their story through the eyes of the Statesman archives, and note the early tone of alarm. Dec. 11, 1973: New Bird Invades America Advertisement Article continues below this ad A kind of super-bird is invading America, agricultural experts report. About the size of a blue jay and the color of pea soup, he has the face of a parakeet, the song of a creaking door, and the habits of a locust. Hes already a menace to backyards and has the potential to destroy vast quantities of crops if his present rate of breeding goes unchecked, experts say. Many will recognize him as their $6 mistake that poor excuse for a pet called the monk or grey-breasted parakeet. May 26, 1974: Bird World,' a regular column by Marjorie Adams Still another report of monk parakeets in Texas. Two were sighted by Jerry and Nancy Strickling in their Houston yard. This species could be very destructive if it is allowed to get established in Texas. July 7, 1984: Parakeets Bring Tropical Flavor to Austin, by George Miller in his Austin au naturel column. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You do not have to go to the tropics to hear the raucous screech of parrots flying overhead! Austin may not be a rain forest, but it does have a resident flock of monk parakeets. These foot-long green birds have been at liberty in the city since St. Patricks Day, 1981. A local bird breeder released a total of 19 birds in hopes that they could survive in the Austin urban environment as well as they have in other parts of the country. "A flock of five or six families has lived in their large communal nest structure in Chicago for three years. These tropical birds survived one of the worst winters in recent history as well as the native birds." (2026 note: The South American range of monk parakeets is not primarily in tropical or rain forests, but rather the temperate lowlands of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Bolivia. The flocks in Texas have never grown to destructive numbers.) July 25, 1995:Flocking to Town Lake: Parakeets flourish near trail, but some discourage release of Pets,' by Ricardo Gandara. In a city known for producing fake rain remember the sprinklers on MoPac near 35thStreet? and celebrating Spamarama, it should be no surprise that Janet Gilles can stand under a light pole on Town Lake and chirp without causing much of fuss. She calls out for monk parakeets seen grooming just before they leave their nests to eat. They chirp back. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Gilles released 19 monk parakeets, natives of Argentina, in March 1991 when they wore out their welcome as house pets. She thought theyd remain in her wooded yard on a hill above Bouldin Creek, but come summer, they headed for Town Lake like everybody else. The hardy 11-inch green parakeets with gray heads have thrived, thanks to the moderate weather and the plentiful fruits, seeds and nuts. (2026 note:The sharp reader will remember that the 1984 story mentioned a release of 19 birds in 1981, while the 1995 article reports the same number released in 1991. Somethings going on here.) Nov. 13, 2011: Its true, wild parrots live here: Monk parakeet colony started as pets, but now officially Texan,by Lynne Weber and Jim Weber in the NatureWatch column. Monks are the only parrots that build a stick nest, either in a tall tree or manmade structure, rather than using an existing hole in a tree. They often breed in colonies, building a single large nest that has separate entrance holes for each pair. In the wild, these colonies can become quite large, with communal nests reaching the size of a small automobile. Even if the nests are cleared out, many colonies return to the same place to rebuild their nest. While mainly constructed of willow branches, these nests might include manmade items such as rope, carpet, newspaper and scraps of cloth. Our two kinds of grackles moved up from Mexico Austin has a complex relationship with great-tail grackles, which are known to flock grocery stores, restaurants and parking lots in large numbers. Reshma Kirpalani/American-Statesman In comparison to monk parakeets, common grackles and great-tailed grackles the two species most common in Austin had lived in Texas for much longer. I remember their weird cackling calls from early childhood in Houston, specifically at the Houston Zoo, where they produced something like the soundtrack from a Hollywood back-lot jungle movie. Never pets or caged zoo denizens, they feasted on the meals of caged animals, much as they do from your pets feeding dishes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When I moved to Austin, grackles had taken over the live oak trees on the University of Texas campus. Leaders tried all kinds of strategies to help them decamp, but the only thing that seemed to work was the Longhorn Band, accompanied by the giant Big Bertha Drum. The grackles simply found more welcoming groves at the Texas Capitol, along Lady Bird Lake you name it. They have long been known for their fearless habit of scrounging food from patio diners. In fact, thats partly how they moved through Texas during the middle of the 20th century. (More on that in a bit, and how their destinies were tied to hamburger joints.) In 2018, inventive Statesman features editor Sharon Chapman pushed through a tongue-in-cheek series of stories known as Grackle Week, an homage to Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. We all pitched in. July 9, 2018: Whats that sound? Its Grackle Week, introduced by Joe Gross. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Loud. Glossy. Glaring. Glorious? Unlike the Congress Avenue Bridge bats, grackles are everywhere. They hang around food trailers and grocery store parking lots and can be seen by the thousands on power lines near shopping malls. They steal our tortilla chips on restaurant patios. Tales abound of cheap shotguns and expensive lasers to get rid of them. And yet they always return, like the tide or Matthew McConaughey. They are as Austin as Willie, as Texan as the Alamo. And thats why you can make the case that the grackle is Austins unofficial avian symbol and the Texas city bird to end all Texas city birds. July 15, 2018: Austin grackle wars rage on with hawks, lasers and loud noises, by yours truly. What repels a plague of grackles? Loud noises. Lasers. Hawks. At least for a while. During the 1980s, grackles roosted in great numbers among the sheltering coastal live oaks planted on the University of Texas campus by late Regent Lutcher Stark, namesake for the Stark Center for Physical Culture, located at the north end of Royal-Memorial Stadium. "A single grackle can be a thing of beauty. Alert and intelligent, they adapt easily to human ways. A flock of hundreds, if not thousands of grackles, on the other hand, is a menace to civilization. They 'ack' and 'toot' like hearty partygoers until fairly late at night. They let loose an icky gray-white liquid that not only stains and stinks, it blankets cars and buildings, creating an undeniable public health threat. Nobody knew how to fend them off. Until it was noticed that when the Longhorn Marching Band paraded across campus, the birds scattered in terror. Advertisement Article continues below this ad July 6, 2018: Our 2 kinds of Austin grackles come with 5 different looks,by yours truly. There is a third Texas sample, the boat-tailed grackle recognized not so long ago as a separate species by a UT professor which sticks to the marshes of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the U.S. The main way to distinguish them from great-tails: Adult male boat-tails have dark eyes, while great-tails look more demonic with their penetrating yellow eyes. "However, top birder Victor Emanuel said boat-tails do not drift up to Central Texas. One less look to consider. 'Grackles are an example of a bird that is adapted to humans,' Emanuel says. 'Great-tailed birds reached the Austin area, following cattle from Mexico, by 1920. They picked seeds and insects from cattle droppings, but then people built hamburger joints, and grackles found food around parking lots, and expanded even more.' Advertisement Article continues below this ad "He says there has been a more recent, huge expansion since the 1930s, aided by a warming climate. The great-tails now range as far north as Nebraska, Colorado and Nevada, while common grackles breed throughout most of southern Canada and even into the Northwest Territories. 'They have gone up from South Texas, north, north, north,' Emanuel said. 'Its the great-tailed that many people dont like. They gather in the thousands with their droppings and their noise. If you are eating, glance over to talk to a friend, glance back, its taken something. Very fast.' A note about cattle egrets Cattle egret fill the trees at the egret and heron rookery in Brackenridge Park in San Antonio. Marvin Pfeiffer/San Antonio Express-News Webb, the Statesman business editor, did not ask about cattle egrets, but since they were mentioned, these white birds of the heron family come from Africa. They first colonized Europe, Asia and Australia, then arrived in South America in 1877, before working their way up through Central America and the Caribbean, following livestock. They reached the U.S. in 1942. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They can often be seen in Texas around cattle, where they wait for the insects that escape the heavy trod of bovine hooves. Cattle egrets nest often in wooded areas in the hundreds and neighbors find them far from neighborly. To colonize new areas, cattle egrets must be able to reproduce quick and in large numbers, wrote George Miller for the Statesman in 1982. The female lays from two to five eggs, which are meticulously cared for by both parents. With abundant food, which is usually the case, they can double their population almost every year. In 1959, there were 11 nesting pairs in Texas; six years later, over 20,000 cattle egrets were raising families. Today, nesting colonies of up to 15,000 pairs occur along the Texas coast. This opportunistic bird, unlike other wildlife, is perfectly compatible with many of the environmental practices of humans. By converting our forests into rangeland, we are creating paradise on Earth for the adaptable cattle egret. Recent columns in this series Advertisement Article continues below this ad Please send tips and questions to mbarnes@statesman.com Exalton Delco Jr. and Wilhelmina Delco at the opening of the Delco Center in 2003. Object_Name_ID: gonzodelco1JPGCopy1 Orig_Trans_Ref: AAS0702101024197050 Site: Austin Site Code: S Status: Archived Title: AAS Staff Rodolfo Gonzalez/American-Statesman File Longtime Huston-Tillotson University leader Exalton Alfonso Delco Jr. a science educator, dean, academic vice president, civil rights pioneer and community advocate died Dec. 3 in Austin. He was 96. Along with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his wife, groundbreaking Austin school board member and prominent former Texas state Rep. Wilhelmina Delco. They were married for 73 years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I met Wilhelmina Delco shortly after my arrival in Austin in the mid-1980s, said community advocate Roxanne Evans in an interview Thursday. While I loved her passion and enthusiasm, I was totally captivated by Dr. Exalton Delco. During my occasional visits to Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church, I would always search him out and hope for a nod and smile from him. Dr. Delco had a quiet dignity and demeanor. He was gentle, warm and friendly, and sometimes displayed great wit and humor. During his 25 years at Huston-Tillotson as well as in various roles for the University of Texas and Austin Community College he commanded widespread respect. In all the decades Ive known Dr. Delco, his wife Wilhelmina and their family, I cant recall anyone but Wilhelmina ever calling him Exalton, said Alberta Phillips, executive editor of Austin Free Press and former American-Statesman editorial writer. Even our priests at Holy Cross Catholic Church over the years always addressed him as Dr. Delco. Everyone understood he had earned that title through sheer achievement in education. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source That respect was rooted in what Dr. Delco overcame. Earning a Ph.D. as a Black man in that era especially at the University of Texas, when the atmosphere was openly hostile to African Americans was nothing short of extraordinary. History shows us that some other African Americans left UT under that same pressure. But Dr. Delco weathered it and overcame it, and in doing so, opened doors for so many others to walk through. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Delco in the vanguard Exalton Delco Jr. examines a portrait alongside his wife, Wilhelmina Delco, and their daughter, Cheryl Sawyer, in 2007. Object_Name_ID: mrzdelco01jpg Orig_Trans_Ref: AAS0702181754133083 Site: Austin Site Code: S Status: Archived Title: AAS Staff Writer: MR Matt Rourke/American-Statesman File Delco was born in Houston on Sept. 4, 1929. He attended Yates High School and arrived at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, at age 15. Delco pledged Alpha Phi Alpha in 1947 and remained a proud supporter of Black fraternities throughout his life. After graduating from Fisk, he earned a master's degree from the University of Michigan. During his early fraternity days, Delco met another Fisk student, Wilhelmina Ruth Fitzgerald. They married Aug. 23, 1952, in her hometown of Chicago. They soon moved to Houston, where Delco taught biology at Texas Southern University; he eventually rose to department chair. One of his students was future U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan. Advertisement Article continues below this ad From 1955 to 1956, he served as operating room specialist with the 46th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Germany. Delco and his family later moved to Austin, where he embarked on a career as teacher and administrator at Huston-Tillotson University. As a tenured professor, he contributed papers to scholarly publications in his research field. During the late 1950s, he earned a doctorate in ichthyology from the Zoology Department at UT. He was the first Black student in that department and was counted among the precursors, the first group of African American students on campus. In a 2016 interview for a UT Department of Integrative Biology publication, Delco recalled receiving lower grades, social slights and exposure to unredeemably racist references from a famous lecturer. Wilhelmina Delco once told journalist Phillips that UT withdrew an offer of affordable graduate student housing for their family once it was known they were African American. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As part of the Huston-Tillotson administration, he established the Upward Bound Program and rose to vice president of academic affairs. He retired from that position in 1985, then was recruited to serve in a similar role at Austin Community College, which his wife helped found. UT later sought Delco out to serve in various high positions, including participation in the Commission of 125, which was tasked with envisioning the university's future. A respected advocate, Delco remained a leader in the wider Austin community. Among the groups he helped steer and advise were the American Cancer Society, Austin Area Urban League, Salvation Army, Leadership Austin and the Austin-Travis County Mental Health Mental and Retardation Center. An abiding interest in people Delco was an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Austin. He and his wife helped raise four children, 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "As a devoted family man, he loved to drive when we took trips around the country in a camper and he supported all four of us in our academic and extracurricular activities," said his daughter, Loretta Edelen. "He liked camping and hiking. He also taught us the importance of discipline and responsibility by creating a circular wheel for us to use to do various chores like clean the dishes, the floors and the bathrooms around the house. He showed us financial management by giving us our lunch money for the whole month at the beginning of the month and we had to make it last. "He definitely taught us the '5 P's' that he coined: 'Prior preparation prevents poor performance,'" Edelen continued. "He showed us how to love by how he treated his wife and our mother with over 73 years of marriage. He also taught me how to dance and to never give up. My father was a wonderful man and the best dad I could ever hope for." Everyone contacted for this tribute mentioned his devotion to the Catholic Church. For decades, Exalton and Wilhelmina Delco were a steady presence at Holy Cross their voices rising in the choir, their hands and hearts guiding the young, their wisdom quietly shaping those who followed, Phillips wrote in Austin Free Press after his death. Ill always cherish our conversations, those moments of grace and laughter. In hard economic years and turbulent political times, we all found ourselves looking to them for strength and inspiration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One attribute served the late Delco particularly well: his abiding interest in people. Roxanne Evans recalled: The last time I saw Dr. Delco, it was just a few years ago, and since he was already into his 90s, I began my reintroduction thus: Dr. Delco, I dont know if you remember me. I am Roxanne Before I could get out my last name, he let out a hearty laugh and said, Of course I remember you, Roxanne Evans. How are you? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Joshua Alejandro, 9, center, joins other children eagerly raising their hands during an icebreaker activity last fall at Walnut Creek Elementary. An electorate with good reading skills isn't only important to preserve public health; it's essential to democracy, Mary Ellen Klas writes. Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman America's education system is in historic decline. According to the latest report card on 12th graders, students finishing high school have fewer skills and less knowledge in core academics than their predecessors a decade ago. The learning losses revealed in that report, September's National Assessment of Educational Progress, show that vast numbers of high school seniors don't even meet the most basic thresholds in reading or math. And although the disruptions of COVID didn't help, studies now show student achievement had been falling long before the pandemic. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It hardly seems like an accident that the nation's decline in literacy and math is happening simultaneously with its decline in democracy. We are in the age of disinformation and outrage-bait. The damage to Americans and our critical thinking skills is only going to get worse with the power of artificial intelligence. We need an education moonshot a radical new focus on developing breakthrough solutions that redefine education to meet the digital age and elevate the value of critical thinking. Today's teenagers can produce a TikTok video in minutes, but how many of them will learn to analyze the president's false claim that Tylenol causes autism? How many American adults understand the value of discerning the reliability of a post that's gone viral? And while anyone can sound off on social media, how often are students taught to consider the consequences of their words? The future of democracy is going to depend on our ability to think critically and disagree civilly. But distinguishing fact from fiction takes work and requires a level of reading comprehension that Americans are losing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since America's economy shifted a century ago from farms to factories and offices, education has been the method by which we have trained our workforce, provided upward mobility and cultivated good citizenship. Americans invested in public education because we understood that when Americans have strong cognitive skills, we are better workers and citizens and society benefits. But our fragmented media landscape and the dominance of social media have left us polarized and divided. As the gap between the rich and everyone else has widened, the gaps in student achievement have followed. Instead of reducing income inequality, education is now exacerbating it. Our policymakers are not meeting the moment. The Trump administration's dismantling of the Department of Education as an antidote to failing student achievement is a prime example of the wrong answer to a deepening problem. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We've already seen the implications of the decline in the public's critical thinking skills. The vaccine misinformation advanced by the president and his science-denying Secretary of Health and Human Services is taking its toll on vaccination rates. The June research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the vaccination rate for measles, mumps and rubella has fallen from 94% in 2019 to 91% in 2024, an alarming drop; the level needed to protect society from outbreaks is 95%. But an electorate with good reading skills isn't only important to preserve public health. It's essential to democracy because there are those in our midst who believe that if they can exploit the decline in education, they can control the agenda. As we've seen with authoritarian systems across the globe, strongmen do not welcome critical thinking. On the contrary, authoritarians want to control thinking and stifle dissent. They dictate curricula and demand that teachers comply with their political agenda. But this is no longer only happening in countries like Russia, Hungary and China; it's happening here. Consider the "Stop WOKE Act" in Florida, the conspiracy-laden curriculum in Oklahoma schools, and the crusade by Christian nationalists to get the Ten Commandments into grade school classrooms across the country. The wave of book bans from 87 public school districts in 23 states to the U.S. Naval Academy are the hallmarks of totalitarian regimes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pulling American schools out of this downward spiral will not be easy. The U.S. education system is radically decentralized and famously complex. The urge to reform it is a constant theme of elected officials. (According to the National Governors Association, nearly every governor discussed their "reforms" aimed at closing gaps in student achievement or addressing needs in workforce development in their state of the state addresses in 2025.) But we've let our national leaders suck up too much attention with the right's culture wars such as how teachers use gender pronouns in the classroom or what is taught about slavery instead of doing the hard work of understanding the problem of student underachievement. SIGN UP FOR THE AUSTIN ANGLE and get Statesman commentaries in your inbox A radical new focus doesn't mean reinventing everything. Many classic learning models still work well. For example, a 2025 study from the University of Virginia and the American Institutes for Research found that public Montessori preschool programs provide superior early learning outcomes for children ages 3-6 than traditional programs, especially in reading, memory and social understanding. What's especially reassuring is that these programs also cost school districts less money. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A small Michigan school district has reconfigured its reading program based on science and data. Its third graders have improved their English proficiency on standardized tests by 12%. In Newark, the KIPP charter network created the Evening Learning Program on weeknights for students to help make up for COVID-year losses and to help parents who have evening jobs. Incentive programs also work, as Tennessee and Chicago each found with plans that offer free community college to students who qualify; high schoolers who graduate with a B average in Chicago and anyone who graduates with a high school diploma in Tennessee. Then there's technology, which can both help and hurt student achievement. Students now have more choice and access to quality education through both in-person and online classrooms. Learning has become more engaging for many students with innovations like incorporating gaming technology into curricula. And AI can offer promising new approaches by serving as a personalized tutor, assisting teachers with better grading and lesson planning, and helping workers learn new skills.But there's also a glaring downside to technology: It has the potential to make us dumber, conditioning us to think less and think less critically. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some have suggested that the U.S. should follow Australia and ban all social media for students under the age of 16. Bell-to-bell cell phone bans are a promising start, but a social media ban in our culture is likely impossible to effectively implement. A better approach would be a hybrid system in which policymakers impose strict guardrails on all social media such as restricting platforms that fail to limit harms to children and schools include in their curricula skills for building healthy social media habits. In 1961, when President John F. Kennedy challenged the nation to land a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth, he urged Americans to do those things "not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills." America responded with characteristic ingenuity. It's time we tap that American spirit again. Since we can't rely on the White House to lead on this, it will be up to the states to rekindle those energies and skills and advance an education moonshot. We can't waste another minute. Kids grow up fast. Advertisement Article continues below this ad BNY, the worlds largest custodial bank, has taken its first major step toward tokenization by offering institutional clients the ability to settle bank deposits on a blockchain. The Wall Street giant, with nearly $58 trillion in assets under custody, is launching a platform that mirrors client balances on a private blockchain to support faster settlement and liquidity management, according to a statement on Friday. The move comes as BNY has been testing blockchain deposits to overhaul its payment settlement process. Last year, the bank announced that it was testing tokenized deposits as part of its efforts to modernize its global payment infrastructure. "Tokenized deposits provide us with the opportunity to extend our trusted bank deposits onto digital rails enabling clients to operate with greater speed across collateral, margin, and payments, within a framework built for scale, resilience, and regulatory alignment," said Carolyn Weinberg, BNY chief product and innovation officer, in the release. Tokenization is the process by which real-world assets are converted into blockchain-based tokens. Around the clock settlement BNY said the capability is now live on BNYs Digital Assets platform, allowing institutional clients to represent their existing deposit claims as onchain entries. These tokenized balances are designed to streamline collateral and margin workflows, two areas of finance that often require quick and reliable movement of funds. The platform operates on a permissioned blockchain controlled by BNY, and governed by the companys established risk, compliance, and control frameworks, the bank said. However, BNY will continue to record the actual bank balances on traditional ledgers to ensure regulatory compliance. It's not the first bank to push into blockchain settlement technology. More financial institutions are looking to transition from legacy systems that operate only during business hours to digital infrastructure that can settle assets around the clock. Most recently, JPMorgan began its JPMD token in June on Coinbases Base blockchain, while in Europe, nine banks are building a MiCA-compliant euro stablecoin. Read more: Tokenization 'supercycle' set to drive cryptos next leg higher in 2026: Bernstein Coast Guard cutters Halibut, Blackfin and Barracuda conduct a patrol off the coast of Southern California, Nov. 08, 2025. The cutters coordinated the patrol in support of Operation Border Trident to safeguard U.S. borders and ensure maritime safety and security. (Salvador Macias/U.S. Coast Guard) The U.S. Coast Guard closed out 2025 with record success in maritime drug interdictions, seizing more than 511,000 pounds of narcotics valued at more than $3.8 billion, the service announced in a news release. Counter-drug and law enforcement operations in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean stopped more than 193 million potentially lethal doses from reaching U.S. communities. The service also marked major achievements in contingency responses, border operations, recruitment and advancing Force Design 2028 to meet evolving maritime challenges, the Coast Guard said in the Friday release. The men and women of the Coast Guard delivered extraordinary results for our nation in 2025, Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, the commandant of the Coast Guard, said in a statement. From securing the border and interdicting illegal drugs to facilitating maritime commerce and responding rapidly to crises, their success is driving the momentum we carry into 2026. Heres a recap of the Coast Guards other successes, according to the release: Controlling, securing and defending U.S. borders: The Coast Guard patrolled over 100,000 miles of U.S. border and interdicted, deterred and transported over 11,000 illegal migrants in 2025. Responding to major contingencies: The Coast Guard responded to major contingencies in 2025, including flooding in the Pacific Northwest, Texas and Alaska. In December, the Coast Guard led a multi-agency response to historic flooding in Western Washington, carrying out 17 air missions to rescue people and assess damage. In November, the Coast Guard successfully fought a fire, conducted salvage, and led recovery efforts on the container ship One Henry Hudson in the Port of Los Angeles. In October, the Coast Guard saved 34 lives, and evacuated 28 people to Bethel after former typhoon Halong hit Western Alaska, and cleaned up over 500 gallons of spilled fuel to protect local waters. In July, Coast Guard air crews from Houston and Corpus Christi conducted several flights and rescued and evacuated more than 200 people during catastrophic flash floods in Texas. Search and rescue missions: Throughout 2025, the Coast Guard conducted thousands of search and rescue cases across coastal waters, offshore regions and inland waterways. In total, Coast Guard crews saved 5,220 lives, assisted 19,437 people and saved or assisted more than $1.02 billion in property. Record-setting recruitment: The Coast Guard exceeded its fiscal year recruiting goals, adding 5,204 enlisted members the highest total since 1991. It also surpassed targets for officers and reservists though by smaller margins. The 777 service members added into the reserve force and the 371 newly commissioned officers made for 104% and 101% of the target goals. Force design 2028: In 2025, the Coast Guard launched Force Design 2028 to modernize workforce, operations, and command, focusing on people, organization, technology, and acquisitions including adding 15,000 personnel and establishing a service secretary. Securing the marine transportation system: The Coast Guard conducted 33,370 vessel inspections and 16,012 facility inspections and facilitated the movement of more than 1.8 billion tons of cargo through U.S. waters, helping sustain an economic engine projected to move $5.4 trillion in goods to, from, and within the United States in 2026. Arctic operations: From July to September 2025, five Chinese research vessels operated over the U.S. extended continental shelf in the Arctic, the largest number to date, according to the release. Coast Guard Cutters Healy, Waesche and Storis intercepted and challenged these vessels. The Coast Guard also conducted a series of high-profile boardings of oil tankers suspected of violating U.S. sanctions and maritime regulations including M/V Skipper and Centuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reduced the number of vaccines recommended for all children from 17 to 11 on January 5, 2026, following a directive from President Trump to review how the U.S. childhood immunization schedule compares to other developed countries. The changes moved six vaccines that were previously recommended for every child into different categories. Vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rotavirus are now recommended only for children at high risk for these diseases. New Vaccine Recommendations Meanwhile, vaccines for influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and meningococcal disease now require "shared clinical decision-making," meaning parents must discuss with their healthcare provider whether the vaccine is appropriate for their child. The vaccines that remain recommended for all children include those protecting against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, chickenpox, and human papillomavirus (HPV), according to UC Berkeley Public Health. However, the HPV vaccine recommendation changed from two or three doses to just one dose. Determining whether a child qualifies as "high-risk" has created confusion among families. The CDC did not provide clear definitions, and many healthy infants actually fall into high-risk categories for conditions like RSV despite having no preexisting conditions. Pediatricians report spending additional clinic time explaining vaccine eligibility criteria to concerned parents, diverting attention from other critical health screenings and developmental assessments that occur during wellness visits. Read more: Growing Number of Flu Cases Among Children in England Spark Concern Among Health Experts The revisions represent a significant departure from traditional vaccine policy development. Historically, changes to the childhood immunization schedule occurred only after the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reviewed scientific data and made evidence-based recommendations. These recent changes were not based on new safety or effectiveness data. Health experts, including former CDC Director Mandy Cohen, criticized the modifications, stating they "add confusion and unnecessary obstacles for families who want to protect their children from serious diseases," CNN reported. What Parents Should Keep in Mind Insurance companies are still required to cover all vaccines recommended by the CDC as of December 31, 2025, without cost-sharing. However, families may face additional hurdles if they need to schedule separate consultations with healthcare providers to discuss vaccines now classified under shared decision-making. Pediatricians across the country report growing vaccine hesitancy among families who interpret the new categorization as a sign of safety concerns. Experts emphasize that "shared clinical decision-making" does not suggest doubts about vaccine safety or effectiveness but rather reflects policy changes rather than scientific ones. The American Academy of Pediatrics announced it will continue publishing its own comprehensive immunization schedule, which includes annual flu shots and updated COVID-19 vaccinations. Many pediatricians have indicated they will follow the AAP guidelines rather than the new federal recommendations, as per ABC News. A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle taxis at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike, on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. The command said it conducted large-scale strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria on Saturday. (U.S. Air Force) U.S. Central Command and its partner forces on Saturday launched large-scale strikes on multiple Islamic State group targets across Syria, the command said in a news release. The strikes took place around 12:30 p.m. ET, the release said. The statement, which included a short video featuring unclassified footage of the strikes, did not specify a number of casualties or locations. The strikes were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched in December after a lone gunman killed three Americans in the Syrian city of Palmyra, two of them soldiers with the Iowa National Guard: Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard. We will never forget, and never relent, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X in reference to the strikes. A day earlier, Syrian officials said their security forces had arrested the military leader of ISs operations in the Levant. Saturdays attacks come after another series of missions from Dec. 20-29 that killed seven members of the terror group and captured another 18. Jordanian forces assisted in the operation. CENTCOM did not say which partners were involved in Saturdays strikes. Contributing: The Associated Press, Stars and Stripes reporter Lara Korte. Salina, N.Y. - Deputies have released the name of a man accused of stabbing a man to death, setting off a 13-hour standoff in Salina. Raoof Mustafa, 47, fatally stabbed Taiwo Ogunsola, 38, of Salina on Friday afternoon, the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Saturday afternoon. Mustafa has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree arson and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Deputies said during the standoff Mustafa set multiple fires inside of 543 Sunflower Dr. where he barricaded himself until a SWAT team broke in early Saturday to apprehend him. He was found in the attic of the home. According to voter registration records, the victim lived at 541 Sunflower Dr., which is part of a duplex with 543 Sunflower Dr. Mustafa may have been living in 543 Sunflower Dr., or been visiting someone he knew there, but the answer is not totally clear yet, according to Deputy Doug Roser, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office. Police are still investigating exactly what led to the stabbing and if the victim and suspect knew each other, Roser said. The standoff started around 3:41 p.m. Friday when deputies were called to the scene, finding Ogunsola with stab wounds to the neck, they said. Ogunsola was transported to Upstate University Hospital in critical condition before he died Friday night, deputies said. Mustafa suffered burns and smoke inhalation during the standoff, Roser said. He was taken to a hospital Saturday morning.. On Saturday evening, Mustafa was transported to the Onondaga County Justice Center Roser said. () ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE -- A short drive from Andersen AFBs main gate, unbeknownst to many members of Team Andersen, lies one of Guams most hidden gems. Below a large limestone cliff, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service operates the Guam National Wildlife Refuge (GNWR), Ritidian Unit, on the islands northernmost coastal point. As an agency of the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service protects and manages both natural and cultural resources unique to Guam. GNWR welcomes the public free of charge to explore nearly two miles of nature trails, its white-sand beach and remnants of ancient Chamorro cave and Latte Stone dwellings. Visitors can also experience what Guam may have looked and sounded like 500 years ago, by visiting the Nature Center display, where four, 16-foot murals depict Guams natural environment before European contact. As anywhere on Guam, however, caution applies. There are no lifeguards on duty and ocean currents can be very strong. Stinging jelly fish are also occasionally found. In addition, access to certain jungle and beach areas is limited in order to protect cultural resources as well as endangered animal and plant life. Visitors are therefore asked to remain on established, signed paths unless under guided supervision by refuge personnel. For those who want to venture and explore the most hidden sights, such as a newly rediscovered ancient village or the pictograph caves found along the limestone cliff line, FWS staff offers free, guided tours Tuesday and Saturdays, on a space available basis. The Wildlife Refuge is also an important nesting habitat for the endangered green sea turtle. On the first Saturday of the month, refuge staff invite volunteers to give back to the island and support vital conservation efforts, during guided beach clean-ups as part of the Keep Guam Beautiful! Campaign. For scientifically-minded individuals, GNWR also welcomes volunteers to conduct surveys, participate in invasive plant removal, and engage in outreach and education activities, among other opportunities, and provides rewards for volunteers who contribute 10 or more hours of their time. Visit the Events Calendar for more details regarding upcoming events, or the Get Involved page for volunteer opportunities. Normal Hours of Operation The Refuge is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, except federal holidays or during life-threatening weather conditions. To find out more and get updates on Refuge hours and Closures and other information, please visit the website. Salina, N.Y. - Deputies have released the name of the man who was stabbed to death in Salina on Friday afternoon. Taiwo Ogunsola, 38, of Salina, died after he was stabbed in the neck at 543 Sunflower Dr. at around 3:41 p.m., according to Thomas Newton, a spokesperson for the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office. Ogunsola was transported to Upstate University Hospital in critical condition before he died Friday night, Newton said. Ogunsola lived at 541 Sunflower Dr., according to voter registration records. The homes for the victim and the suspect - 543 and 541 Sunflower Dr. - are a two-family home. The stabbing led to a more than 13-hour-long standoff between a male suspect inside the house and a large law enforcement presence that included SWAT officers and deputies. As officers attempted to negotiate with the suspect, he set fires inside the home, Newton said. Firefighters hosed down the recurring blazes while being protected by SWAT officers. At around 5 a.m. Saturday, deputies breached the home and took the suspect into custody after they found him hiding in the attic, Newton said. The name of the suspect has not been released. Salina, N.Y. - A quiet suburban neighborhood in Salina was the scene of a chaotic 13-hour standoff this weekend after a man deputies say stabbed another man to death barricaded himself inside a home. SWAT officers had to protect firefighters as they put out a series of fires deputies say the suspect started. Officers set up on the second floor of a nearby home to see into the home where the suspect had barricaded himself in. Some neighbors ended up sleeping in their cars when they couldnt get home. Others sheltered in their homes and watched the standoff unfold. Deputies were called to the house at 543 Sunflower Drive at around 3:41 p.m. Friday where they found a man with stab wounds to his neck. The man, Taiwo Ogunsola, 38, who lived next door, died later at a hospital, according to Thomas Newton, a spokesperson for the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office. The suspect in the stabbing, later identified as Raoof Mustafa, 49, barricaded himself inside the house, deputies said. Dozens of deputies, SWAT officers and firefighters rushed to the scene. Streets were blocked off. Deputies set up a mobile command center down the block. The sound of officers attempting to speak to the suspect through a megaphone could be heard throughout the night. At one point, 10 to 20 flashbangs exploded near the house. Officers used a battering ram to try to break into the house. During it all, the man inside started a series of fires, Newton said. SWAT officers carrying long guns protected firefighters who worked to put out the fires. It wasnt something that we do every day, said Liverpool Fire Chief Matt Manley. Officers were worried the man inside might try to harm the firefighters. Theyre watching the house for movement of the suspect that was still inside, and theyre providing coverage for us, the fire chief said. They didnt know what his status was, and they wanted to make sure of our safety. Residents were forced to shelter-in-place as law enforcement tried to negotiate with the suspect. Some had to find other places to sleep when they couldnt get back to their homes. Aaron Blasyak, 44, was doing work at his home across the street when he got a call from his wife wondering what was happening on their block. When he looked out the window, he saw a line of police cars and officers along the street. I tried to stay away from windows because the SWAT was heavily armed, he said. I was just trying to lay low. I didnt have a lot of information. At one point several hours into the standoff, Blasyak said officers asked if they could use the upper floors of his home to scope out the suspect. They had come to my door at about 8 oclock asking if any of our windows had higher vantage points, he said. The angle was such that they thought maybe they could see something. At around 8:30 p.m. Friday, officers escorted Blasyak away from his home so he could be reunited with his family. Next door to the house where the standoff took place lives Tracy Hrynio, whose daughter was home when the officers first arrived at the scene. Her daughter told her over the phone that she had heard screaming outside and saw officers with large guns in the yard next door. Hrynio was escorted into her home early in the standoff. Several hours later she was evacuated when the suspect set his house on fire. I peeked my head out and I said are we safe in here, she said, and an officer said no, get out and go down the street. Hrynio and her daughter grabbed their coats and shoes and walked down the street to her car, which they ended up sleeping in until the standoff was finished at around 5 a.m. Saturday. Authorities havent released many details about the stabbing or how the two men knew each other. The stabbing victim, Ogunsola, lived at 541 Sunflower Dr., according to voter registration records. The homes for the victim and the suspect - 543 and 541 Sunflower Dr. - are a two-family home. Ogunsola succumbed to his injuries at Upstate University Hospital on Friday night. The suspect, Mustafa, was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and minor burns, according to Deputy Doug Roser, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office. He was transferred to the Justice Center jail on Saturday. Mustafa is charged with second-degree murder, third degree arson and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The former guitarist for a legendary rock band is refusing to release what he calls the greatest album of all time unless fans pay $200 per song. Ex-KISS member Vinnie Vincent announced last month that he would sell his new record, Judgment Day Guitarmaggedon, one song at a time. The controversial decision offered fans collector singles as individually signed and numbered CDs, each costing $200 plus shipping, but only once reaching 1,000 pre-sales. The first single, Ride the Serpent, is described as a nearly 8-minute intense guitar powerdrive featuring Vincent on guitars and bass, Robert Fleischman (formerly of Journey) on vocals and Keary Jordan on drums. Vincent wrote and produced the song. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, his website lists 18 song titles (...and more), so buying the complete album would cost at least $3,600. He defended the price, arguing that the rollout plan was his best way of fighting against illegal downloads, file sharing, streaming services and other changes to the music industry over the years that have made it harder for artists to get paid adequately. Rolling Stone reported last month that he insisted each CD single is worth more than most entire albums. It would be the first full-length album from Vinnie Vincent Invasion since 1988. Vincent responded to backlash online, telling fans that hes perfectly fine never releasing the music if not enough people pay his asking price. Theres no money in record labels. Theyre a dead end, he wrote on Facebook. Unless I get compensated for my work, the album stays unheard. The praise from a fan base is pointless unless Im compensated FIRST... I am the manufacturer. I produce high end product. I set the price accordingly. Its that simple. theres no argument here. theres no discussion. Ive created an elite product for elite taste. So for the smash and grab EBT card group of self entitled complainers bitching about price... f--- off. So it comes down to this; if the fan support is not there which it does not appear to be, this record will not be released. Am I fine with that? Absolutely. 100%. It will be the greatest album of all time, never to be heard, never to be released. If people want my music, and think theyre punishing me by not buying it because of the price, it matters not to me. Theyre the ones who will lose out. Vincent also doubled down on his boasts, comparing Guitarmaggedon to legendary albums like Meet the Beatles, Led Zeppelins II, Jimi Hendrixs Are You Experienced, Jeff Becks Truth, Creams Wheels of Fire and Pink Floyd etc. The only difference is these albums are generation tested and have the benefit of fermentation of time. But as for impact and perfection from the first song to last, Guitarmaggedon is a classic," he said. Vincent is best known for his work as a guitarist for KISS, appearing as The Wizard on 1982s Creatures of the Night and without makeup and costumes on 1983s Lick It Up. He joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group as a replacement for Ace Frehley, then was replaced by Mark St. John in 1984. Vincent also contributed as a songwriter to KISS 1992 album Revenge. Guitarist Vinnie Vincent of the rock band Kiss performs onstage in this 1983 photo. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Getty Images He released two albums as Vinnie Vincent Invasion during the 80s hair metal period, plus worked with artists like Laura Nyro, Peter Criss, John Waite, The Bangles, Was (Not Was), and Syracuse University alumnus Felix Cavaliere. His early career also reportedly included working as a staff songwriter for music on the TV series Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi. Syracuse, N.Y. - Nearly a dozen Syracuse-area activist groups are pooling resources to organize an anti-ICE protest and march through downtown Monday afternoon. The groups plan to lead a rally starting in Columbus Circle at 3:30 p.m., they said in a newsletter. At 4:30 p.m., the group plans to march a half-mile to Clinton Square where they will hold a vigil, the newsletter said. The protest is one of many taking place across the nation demanding ICE to leave cities in the wake of the Renee Nicole Goods death. Her ex-husband has said Good had just dropped off her 6-year-old son at school Wednesday and was driving home with her current partner when they encountered a group of ICE agents on a snowy street in Minneapolis. She was fatally shot by an agent. ICE has targeted dozens of people in Central New York in recent months, including the owners of two Chinese restaurants, a farmworker in Otisco, and roofers on their way to to a job at a Mexican restaurant. A married couple from Cuba a janitor and a supervisor at SUNY Upstate Medical University were also arrested, along with a hospital janitor from Guinea detained while walking in Syracuses Hawley Green neighborhood, where he lived. In November, a French man who overstayed his visa fled to Canada with the help of immigration activists and local leaders after ICE officers in unmarked cars followed him and his husband from their Liverpool home to the Syracuse store where they sell handmade soaps. Immigration enforcement in Central New York has increasingly ensnared people who are already navigating the legal system, including asylum seekers detained during routine court appearances. Local data show most of those arrested in Onondaga County face no criminal charges beyond immigration violations, undercutting claims that enforcement efforts focus on serious offenders. As arrests mount, immigrant advocates across the Syracuse area have expanded support networks, from know your rights trainings and hotlines to rapid response teams. Co-organizers for Mondays event are Syracuse Democratic Socialists of America, the CNY Solidarity Coalition, LGBTQ Syracuse, May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Syracuse Immigrant Refugee Defense Network, Citizen Action of New York, Jewish Voice for Peace Syracuse, Syracuse Peace Council, and Indivisible Onondaga County. 13 1 / 13 Demonstrators rally at Syracuse Federal Building The Associated Press contributed to this report. Four people have been arrested for a fake kidnapping prank, according to New York State Police. Police said they received a report on Jan. 7 around 1 p.m. that a vehicle was traveling on the I-87 Northway in Saratoga County with a passenger who was displaying a handwritten sign that said help!! being kidnapped!! A vehicle matching a 911 callers description was located on the highway in Malta, N.Y., and stopped by police during a significant law enforcement response that caused a temporary shutdown of I-87 southbound. The 18-year-old driver and three passengers were removed from the vehicle and detained. An investigation determined that all four of them were aware of the sign displayed as an alleged joke and that no kidnapping occurred. Jasmine R. Barber, 20, of Champlain, N.Y., Emily R. Ferdinandi, 20, of Champlain, N.Y., and two 18-year-olds involved were each charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident in the third degree. The names of the driver and the other 18-year-old were not disclosed; Barber and Ferdinandi were passengers. They were arrested and transported to State Police of Saratoga for processing. Each was issued a ticket to appear in Malta Town Court on Feb. 5 and released. State Police wants to emphasize that falsely reporting a kidnapping is not a prank or a mistake; its a serious crime with real consequences, NYS Police said. When a false any false emergency report is made, emergency responders rush into action, diverting police, medical, and rescue resources away from people who may genuinely need help. Families and communities experience fear and trauma, and in some cases, false reports can even put officers and bystanders in danger. Malta is located in Saratoga County, about 25 miles north of Albany and 150 miles south of Champlain. President Trump was spotted wearing a lapel pin of a miniature version of himself this week and the internet has some thoughts. He debuted the one-of-a-kind accessory on Friday at a meeting with oil and gas executives in the White Houses East Room. Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy noticed the tiny lookalike adornment and pressed the president for more details. Someone gave me this, Trump said of the accessory, which sat underneath his usual American flag lapel pin. Thats called a happy Trump, he explained, before adding, Im never happy, Im never satisfied. Trump continued: I will never be satisfied until we make America great again, but we are getting pretty close. This is called a happy Trump. Someone gave it to me, and I put it on. WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 09: A detailed view of the pins worn by U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting with oil and gas executives in the East Room of the White House on January 9, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump is holding the meeting to discuss plans for investment in Venezuela after ousting its leader Nicolas Maduro. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) Getty Images The pin features a cartoon caricature of the president with his mouth open, brows furrowed, and fists balled at his sides. As photos from the meeting began to circulate, users on X were quick to weigh in. Reactions were predictably polarized. He is wearing his own lapel pin. He just called it a happy Trump. Speechless," wrote one person on the platform. Another user said: That is the epitome of full of himself ... what the hell. On the other side of the aisle, supporters praised Trumps latest add-on. Oh my gosh...I love his Trump pin!! Our President is just awesome!!, opined a third user. Another user simply stated: I need to get a happy Trump pin ASAP. The demand is already driving a mini-market. An Etsy seller is currently selling a pin here that looks identical to the one Trump was gifted. While it may be a replica of the original pin, the item is already trending on the platform. Chinese villagers struggle for heat as gas subsidies fade Xushui, China, Jan 11 (AFP) Jan 11, 2026 Almost a decade after China began curbing coal burning to stop thick winter smog, villagers in northern Hebei province are struggling to afford their heating bills with most gas subsidies now phased out. In 2017, Beijing mandated that dozens of northern areas wind down the use of coal-fired stoves in favour of electric and natural gas-powered systems. China's central government allocated funds to refit stoves, but subsidies faded after three years and additional aid has drastically declined, local media reported this week. In Xushui, a district in Hebei roughly 100 kilometres (62 miles) outside Beijing, villagers told AFP they avoided turning on the heating because it drained their incomes. "Regular folks can't afford it... Spending 1,000 yuan ($143) per month on heat -- no one can stand that," a resident in his 60s told AFP at a farmers' market. "Everyone likes that (the air) is clean. There's not one person that doesn't like it," he said, asking not to be named for fear of "trouble". "But... the cost of clean (air) is high," he added. On the clear, sunny day AFP visited, the warmest temperature was just under six degrees Celsius, with lows of minus seven. Restaurant worker Yin Chunlan said that her elderly in-laws need to pay up to 7,000 yuan per year to heat their six-room village home. Yin, 48, lives in an apartment in town and says her annual bill is a third of that. "But it's not the same in the village," she told AFP. "They have to set their heating much higher, and the temperature still isn't as warm, so it wastes gas and wastes money." Yin's in-laws often pile on extra blankets to stay warm. "When I see it, it's quite pitiful," said Yin, wiping away a tear. "Nothing can be done." In one village, a woman in her 70s wore a green padded jacket underneath an apron as she crossed her outdoor courtyard. Heating in her home is not turned on during the daytime, she said, showing AFP the system's switchboard mounted above her stove displaying "off". The woman, who did not give her name, said the dial could reach 60C. When asked if the temperature inside could feel as warm, she laughed. - Articles taken down - Reports that villagers in Hebei were layering up under quilts to avoid costly heating peppered Chinese social media in the first week of the new year. An article by Farmers' Daily reshared in state media CCTV's opinion section said in rural Hebei natural gas costs up to 3.4 yuan per cubic metre compared to 2.6 yuan in rural areas of Beijing. Villagers told AFP they felt the huge price gap was unfair. But the original article was quickly taken down, with republications, including the CCTV article, inaccessible days later. China's Ministry of Finance said in 2021 a total of 13.2 billion yuan in funds had been distributed for clean heating across Hebei. But subsidies to support the installation of new systems and for gas bills, which had lasted three years, would not be renewed, it said in a letter. The move came around the same time that international gas prices were driven up by Russia's war in Ukraine. Last year, Chinese authorities reported national gas consumption growth had slowed. The ministry, responding to a local proposal to increase financial support for provincial pollution control, said special funds would be arranged for additional subsidies in rural areas, but gave no details of the rollout. A local Xushui government platform said in 2017 that some households would be eligible to receive 300 yuan in gas subsidies. For villager Zhang Yanjun, that amount hardly made a dent in his bill of several thousand yuan per season. The 55-year-old labourer said he had already spent more than 5,000 yuan on heating his home since October. "If you give 300 or 200 yuan or something, it's the same as if you gave no subsidies at all," he said. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Erich von Daniken, the Swiss author whose bestselling theories on the extraterrestrial origins of ancient civilisations brought him widespread fame among paranormal enthusiasts and considerable scorn from the scientific community, has died at 90. His representatives announced on his website on Sunday that he passed away the previous day in a hospital in central Switzerland. His daughter, Cornelia, confirmed the news to the Swiss news agency SDA. Von Daniken rose to prominence in 1968 with "Chariots of the Gods," his first book. In it, he controversially claimed that ancient civilisations like the Mayans and Egyptians were visited by alien astronauts who provided advanced technology, enabling them to build monumental structures such as the pyramids. The book ignited a growing public interest in unexplained phenomena, published at a time when conventional science was preparing for humanity's first steps on the Moon. "Chariots of the Gods" was followed by more than two dozen similar books that sold 60 million copies in 32 languages, spawning a literary niche in which fact and fantasy were mixed together against all historical and scientific evidence. While von Daniken managed to shrug off his many critics, the former hotel waiter had a troubled relationship with money throughout his life and frequently came close to financial ruin. Born in 1935, the son of a clothing manufacturer in the northern Swiss town of Schaffhausen, von Daniken is said to have rebelled against his father's strict Catholicism and the priests who instructed him at boarding school by developing his own alternatives to the biblical account of the origins of life. open image in gallery Erich von Daniken speaks onstage at the Exclusive Gold Pass Session panel during Day 1 of AlienCon Baltimore 2018 at the Baltimore Convention Center on November 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for HISTORY) ( Getty Images for HISTORY ) After leaving school in 1954, von Daniken worked as a waiter and barkeeper for several years, during which he was repeatedly accused of fraud and served a couple of short stints in prison. In 1964, he was appointed manager of a hotel in the exclusive resort town of Davos and began writing his first book. Its publication and rapid commercial success were quickly followed by accusations of tax dodging and financial impropriety, for which he again spent time behind bars. By the time he left prison, "Chariots of the Gods" was earning von Daniken a fortune and a second book "Gods from Outer Space" was ready for publication, allowing him to commit himself to his paranormal passion and travel the world in search of new mysteries to uncover. Throughout the 1970s von Daniken undertook countless field trips to Egypt, India, and above all Latin America, whose ancient cultures held a particular fascination for the amateur archaeologist. He lectured widely and set up societies devoted to promoting his theories, later pioneering the use of video and multimedia to reach out to ever-larger audiences hungry for a different account of history. No amount of criticism dissuaded him and his fans from believing that Earth has been visited repeatedly by beings from Outer Space, and will be again in the future. In 1991 von Daniken gained the damning accolade of being the first recipient of the "Ig Nobel" prize for literature for raising the public awareness of science through questionable experiments or claims. Even when confronted with fabricated evidence in a British television documentary supposedly ancient pots were shown to be almost new von Daniken insisted that, minor discrepancies aside, his theories were essentially sound. In 1985 von Daniken wrote "Neue Erinnerungen an die Zukunft" "New Memories of the Future" ostensibly to address his many critics: "I have admitted (my mistakes), but not one of the foundations of my theories has yet been brought down." Although his popularity was waning in the English-speaking world by the 1980s, von Daniken's books and films influenced a wave of semi-serious archaeological documentaries and numerous popular television shows, including "The X-Files," which featured two FBI agents tasked with solving paranormal mysteries. His last major venture, a theme park based on his books, failed after just a few years due to lack of interest. The "Mystery Park" still stands, its man-made pyramids and otherworldly domes rotting as tourists prefer to explore the charms of the nearby town of Interlaken and the imposing Swiss Alps that surround it. Erich von Daniken is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elisabeth Skaja, Cornelia and two grandchildren. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Claire Foy, the acclaimed actress known for her portrayal of the late Queen in the hit Netflix series, The Crown, has voiced strong disapproval of artificial intelligence (AI) generated content. The 41-year-old star stated she has "no interest" in consuming it and would be "disappointed" if young people chose to do so. Foy, who stars in the upcoming biopic H Is For Hawk alongside a real bird of prey, highlighted her concerns. She suggested the film, which follows a woman taming a goshawk after her fathers death, would be "shit" if the hawk were AI-generated. Speaking to The Times, Foy remarked: I just find it very sad. I have no interest in watching or reading anything by AI. Foy is known for her portrayal of the late Queen in Netflixs The Crown. ( Netflix ) Speaking about the rise of AI and its impact on the film and TV industry, and whether her job would become obsolete, she said: Well, only if there is an appetite for people to watch that stuff, if the younger generation say this is just the world we live in. But I dont get it. And Ill be very disappointed in my fellow humans if that happens if they want to watch glorified animation. Creatives around the world have raised concerns over the past year about the growing role of AI within the film and TV industry, with examples such as the AI-generated character or actress Tilly Norwood causing a stir. Foy is known for starring in the BBC historical drama Wolf Hall and A Very British Scandal and took home two Emmy awards and a Golden Globe for her role as the late monarch in The Crown. Her film credits also include starring alongside Normal Peoples Paul Mescal and Fleabag actor Andrew Scott in the fantasy drama All Of Us Strangers, and appeared in 2022s drama Women Talking alongside Hamnet star Jessie Buckley, which follows the true story of how a group of women begin to realise the extent of the sexual abuse they have suffered by the men in their religious community after they start sharing their experiences with one another. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Derek Martin, the actor best known for playing taxi driver Charlie Slater on EastEnders, has died at the age of 92. The actor appeared on the popular soap actor as a regular between 2000 and 2010, returning several times up until his characters on-screen death in 2016. A statement from his family, shared by his agent Sharon Henry, said: Derek wasnt just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows. He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time. We both miss him terribly. The family ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. In a separate statement, Henry said: It is with great sadness that I can confirm that our beloved client Derek Martin passed away on 10th January 2026. For over 50 years, Derek was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film. Born in east London in 1933, Martin worked in several professions before transitioning to acting at the age of 29. I was a professional gambler, motor racer, worked at the meat market, debt collector, [and] national service in the RAF, he told Larry Jaffee, author of Albert Square and Me: The Actors of EastEnders. Derek Martin in EastEnders ( BBC ) His first major success came as a lead in the 1978 BBC TV series Law & Order, which prompted controversy at the time over its depiction of police corruption. Martin also featured in series such as The Sweeney, Minder, Bergerac and The Bill. He was initially eyed to play Dirty Den Watts in EastEnders, but was ruled out due to scheduling conflicts. Martin was subsequently brought into the show as Charlie Slater, a popular character who arrived with his family in 2000. Martin spoke highly of his time on the show, stating in 2009: I can't wait to go to work. That's how much I love it. I feel actors and actresses are very lucky to be able to do a job that you love doing and get paid for it. We've all got to work, bills, commitments, mortgages, whatever. I go to work with a big smile on my face. A spokesperson for EastEnders said in the wake of his death: We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Derek Martin. From the moment he arrived, Dereks portrayal of Charlie Slater instantly cemented him in the hearts of the audience, as the head of one of EastEnders most iconic families. Charlie would do anything for his family, and much like his character, Derek would do the same for those around him. Derek was deeply loved by all those that worked with him at EastEnders and will always be remembered with great fondness. Our love and thoughts are with his family and friends. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Virginia man, Brendan Banfield, faces trial on Monday for aggravated murder, accused by prosecutors of an elaborate double-murder scheme to frame another man in his wife's stabbing. Mr Banfield, who had a relationship with the familys au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhaes, has pleaded not guilty. The charges relate to the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at the Banfields' northern Virginia home. Court records state Mr Banfield and Ms Magalhaes were present. On the day, they told officials they saw Mr Ryan, a stranger, stab Christine Banfield after entering the house, then they each shot the intruder. Prosecutors have painted a different picture, arguing that Brendan Banfield and Magalhaes lured Ryan to the house and staged it to look like he and the au pair shot a predator in defense. Officials have said Banfield and Magalhaes had a romantic affair beginning the year before the killings. Both the au pair and husband were arrested between 2023 and 2024 and initially handed murder charges in the case. In 2024, Magalhaes pleaded guilty to a downgraded manslaughter charge after giving a statement to officials confirming parts of their theory. open image in gallery This image provided by the Fairfax County Police Department and taken on Oct. 13, 2023, was submitted as evidence in the murder case against Brendan Banfield shows a framed photo of Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhaes on his bedside table in Herndon, Va. (Fairfax County Police Department via AP, File) In that statement, Magalhaes said she and Brendan Banfield created an account in his wifes name on a social media platform for people interested in sexual fetishes. There, Ryan connected with the account in Christine Banfields name, and the users made plans to meet on the morning of Feb. 24, 2023, for a sexual encounter that would involve a knife, authorities said based on the statement from Magalhaes. Prosecutor Eric Clingan said last year that the au pair's statement helped the state solidify its theory ahead of trial. With 12 different homicide detectives, there were 24 different theories, Clingan said. Now, one theory. Not all officials investigating the case have believed Banfield and Magalhaes catfished Ryan. Brendan Miller, a former digital forensic examiner with the Fairfax County Police Department, testified last year that he analyzed dozens of devices and concluded Christine Banfield had connected with Ryan herself through the social networking platform. An evidence analysis team at the University of Alabama peer-reviewed and affirmed Millers digital forensic findings, according to evidence submitted to the court. open image in gallery Brendan Banfield ( 7 news ) Miller was transferred out of the departments digital forensics unit in late 2024, though a former Fairfax County commander testified the reassignment was not punitive or disciplinary. John Carroll, Banfield's attorney, argued that Millers' transfer was directly tethered to the case. He also said in court that Fairfax County police reassigned the cases lead detective after that man had pushed back on the top brass catfishing theory. It is a theory in search of facts rather than a series of facts supporting a theory, Carroll said. Banfield, whose daughter was at the house on the morning of the killings, is also charged with child abuse and felony child cruelty in connection with the case. He will also face those charges during the aggravated murder trial. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 39-year-old man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriends new partner in 2017 has been extradited from Mexico and charged with murder following a years-long investigation. Humberto Rodriguez Martinez is accused of fatally stabbing 32-year-old Daniel Reyes in Anaheim, California, nine years ago, the Orange County District Attorneys Office said Friday. But prosecutors said he fled to Mexico following Reyes death, leading to a years-long search that ended in 2024. Martinez now faces one felony count of murder, one felony enhancement of special circumstance lying in wait, and one felony enhancement of personal use of a weapon, a knife, the district attorneys office said. This arrest does not undo the pain the victims family has endured, but it reinforces our commitment and promise to our community: we will never stop working until justice is served, Anaheim Police Chief Manny Cid said in a statement. Humberto Rodriguez Martinez is accused of killing his ex-girlfriends boyfriend in 2017 ( Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer ) Martinez pleaded not guilty Tuesday and is being held without bail. The Independent has contacted the defense attorneys listed on Martinezs public court records for comment. Prosecutors said the incident unfolded on October 17, 2017, when Martinez went to his ex-girlfriends apartment to watch their two children while she went to work. Martinez was accompanied by his friend, Adan Zapot-Leyva, according to prosecutors. Martinez and the woman had broken up several months earlier, but were still co-parenting, prosecutors said. The two men left the apartment around 8:30 p.m., when the woman arrived back home, investigators said. Reyes, who was dating Martinezs ex-girlfriend at the time, then came to the apartment about 30 minutes later. Early the following morning, Anaheim police were called to a nearby intersection, where witnesses claimed two men were chasing Reyes, and one of them was stabbing him, prosecutors said. Responding officers found Reyes dead with multiple stab wounds. Prosecutors said Martinez fled to Mexico soon afterward, while Zapot-Leyva was arrested two days later. Zapot-Leyva pleaded guilty to one felony count of second-degree murder in 2023 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to the district attorneys office. A $2 million warrant was out for Martinezs arrest, and in 2024, he was located by Mexican authorities and arrested at the request of the United States, prosecutors said. He was extradited to California on December 4, 2025. Martinez is a Mexican citizen who was in the U.S. illegally at the time of the murder, prosecutors said. The pursuit of justice will never be derailed by time or distance, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement. The long arm of Orange County law enforcement reaches to every corner of the earth to ensure the full weight of the law is felt by those who commit the most heinous acts of violence against other human beings. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A person was taken into custody late Saturday after a fire engulfed a synagogue in Mississippi, causing significant damage to the historic house of worship in what authorities are calling an act of arson. No injuries were reported. The blaze broke out at the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday. Photos showed the charred remains of an administrative office and the library, where several Torahs were damaged or destroyed, according to synagogue leaders. Charles Felton, chief fire investigator with the Jackson Fire Department, confirmed the arrest to Mississippi Today late Saturday but did not release the suspects name or charges. Felton said the department determined the fire was arson. Beth Israel, the largest synagogue in Mississippi, was previously targeted in a 1967 Ku Klux Klan bombing, a retaliation for the congregations involvement in civil rights activities, according to the Institute for Southern Jewish Life, which also has an office in the building. open image in gallery Beth Israel, the largest synagogue in Mississippi, was previously targeted in a 1967 Ku Klux Klan bombing ( Allen Siegler/Mississippi Today via AP ) As Jacksons only synagogue, Beth Israel is a beloved institution, and it is the fellowship of our neighbors and extended community that will see us through, the institute said in a statement. The synagogue's president, Zach Shemper, said the congregation was still assessing the damage and had received outreach from other houses of worship, according to Mississippi Today. One Torah that survived the Holocaust was not damaged in the fire, the outlet reported. Both the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the investigation, according to Mississippi Today. Inquiries to Beth Israel and the Jackson Fire Department were not immediately returned. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A neighbor of Michael McKee, the Chicago man arrested in the fatal shooting of his ex-wife and her dentist husband over the holidays, has spoken out, saying he did not seem like somebody that would do something like this. McKee, 31, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder Saturday in Rockford, Illinois, after Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were found dead in their Columbus, Ohio, home on December 30. Gera-Lind Kolarik, who lived in the same luxury condominium building as McKee in Chicagos Lincoln Park neighborhood, said the vascular surgeon did not raise any red flags when she had previously interacted with him. He did not seem like somebody that would do something like this, Kolarik told ABC 7. You never know. You meet people everywhere, and you dont know if theyre a serial killer. Kolarik recalled friendly interactions she had with McKee at various neighborhood events. open image in gallery Michael McKee is facing two murder charges for the deaths of his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her current husband, dentist Spencer Tepe ( Winnebago County Sheriff's Office ) I sat down with this man, and talked with him at the pool, barbequing, about what a beautiful day it is, and then he turns out to be a killer. Its kind of shocking, Kolarik added. How do you explain to a child that mom and dad are here one day and gone the nextThose are the real victims of this whole case, are the children. The Tepes were found suffering fatal gunshot wounds inside their home after Spencer Tepes employer called 911 the morning of December 30, when he didnt show up for work that day, according to audio obtained by Fox News Digital. Spencer works with me and he did not show up to work this morning and we cannot get ahold of him or his family, Mark Valrose, who owns Athens Dental Depot told the dispatcher. He is always on time and he would contact us if there is any issues whatsoeverwere very, very concerned because this is very out of character and we cant get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing. A second call came in that morning from someone who said they could hear kids inside the Tepe household, but no one answered the door. I can hear kids inside, and I swear, I think I heard one yell, but we cant get in at this point. I dont know if I need to break the door in or just get in the house or what, the caller said. One of Spencer Tepes friends later called 911, saying they came to the house to do a wellness check and could see a body inside the home. Theres a body, the person can be heard saying. Our friend wasnt answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here and he appears dead. Hes laying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood. I cant get closer to see more than that. I can tell hes obviously not breathing or anything, the caller added. open image in gallery Spencer and Monique Tepe, who shared two kids, were murdered one month before their fifth wedding anniversary ( Facebook ) The couples two young children, ages 1 and 4, as well as their Goldendoodle, were home at the time of the shooting, but were not harmed, with no sign of forced entry and no firearm found at the scene. Court documents confirmed that McKee and Monique Tepe married in August 2015 and divorced in May 2017. At the time of their separation, McKee was living in Virginia for a surgical residency program. McKees arrest comes days after the Columbus police shared surveillance footage of a hooded person in black and grey walking the streets near the Tepes home around the time of the murders, which detectives believe happened sometime between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Police had not publicly named any suspects or persons of interest but said they did not believe the couples deaths to be a murder-suicide. The couples children have been in the care of Spencer Tepes brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, who told NewsNation earlier this week that he does not believe the kids were exposed to the murder scene as they were just as happy and, unfortunately, unaware as they ever could be. McKee is set to appear in court on Monday. He is currently being held at the Winnebago County Jail. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Missing 12-year-old Ryan Davis was found alive in Oklahoma a week after he vanished and just days after his parents were charged with a string of offenses. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed on Monday that Davis was located by the United Cajun Navy. We can say that the outcome that we were all hoping for has come true. RJ Davis was found safe. Hes doing well, an official told the media. The exact location where he was found was not disclosed. To say were excited is an understatement. I mean, weve been on plenty of these when its been the other way, so when you get to bring one home, its pretty rewarding. Its quite the high, United Cajun Navys Shaun Schraeder said. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation had described Ryan Davis disappearance as suspicious. He vanished on January 2, last seen in the community 40 miles south of Oklahoma City. Authorities said he had been staying in a hotel with his family. On January 7, officials announced that Davis mother, Kimberly Cole, 33, and his stepfather, George Cole, 43, were in custody on charges that included child abuse and child sexual abuse. One of the charges levelled against Kimberly Cole is of crime against nature. In announcing the arrests, OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee described the Coles home as not safe for Davis who also went by RJ and Ryker. This is extremely sad. This is a horrific case so far for everybody involved, McKee added. Last week, a $5,000 reward was issued for anyone who could confirm RJs location, leading to his safe return. We're still receiving several tips, we're still following up on those tips, but the boy has not been found. We do believe he is alive at this time, so we are doing everything we can to locate him, McKee told the media last week while discussing the case that a multi-agency search operation was underway that involved drones, dogs, and water searches. Its getting to a point where it is scary. Time is of the essence. We have to find this child. open image in gallery Davis' mother, Kimberly, is facing among other charges, crimes against nature ( Caddo County Jail ) The spokesman also said that Davis has run away in the past, though he did not elaborate on the circumstances. He asked anybody with surveillance cameras in the Chickasha area to check the footage for any trace of the missing child. All we want to do is lay eyes on this child, get him the medical care that he needs, and assure him, physically and emotionally, he will not be returning back to that environment, Chickasha Chief Goebel Music said at the same press conference. Music said that under no circumstances will Davis return to live with his parents. Prior to her arrest, Kimberly Cole publicly thanked those searching for her son in an interview with ABCs Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO. We just want our son back home, we want him back, she said. open image in gallery George Cole has been identified as Ryan Davis' stepfather, he's in custody on various child abuse charges ( Caddo County Jail ) According to Kimberly Coles Facebook page, Davis last went missing on December 17. Its not clear when he was found in that instance. A member of George Coles family has received a restraining order against him and Kimberly Cole, reports The Oklahoman. Over the weekend, search parties concentrated their efforts around Lake Burtschi in Grady County. A volunteer told KOCO that he was using his drone over the lake to help in the search. What I've been able to see so far out there is there's a lot of clearing areas, so what they tell me is RJ really knows good camping skills and maybe camping out somewhere so I'm looking for signs of anything he may have left behind campsite tent anything, Kent Jones told the station. One sign posted up close to the lake that was uploaded on Facebook read: RJ. This is a safe place. Plz come to our home. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Google has removed a number of its artificial intelligence health summaries after an investigation found that false or misleading information was reportedly being provided. Earlier this month the Guardian found issues with multiple health-related AI Overview snapshots, which use generative AI to summarise key information at the top of search results. In one example, the newspaper said that when asked the question what is the normal range for liver blood tests, the AI did not account for sufficient context, nor the nationality, sex, ethnicity or age of patients in response. Experts warned this could leave severely unwell people incorrectly believing they have normal results and therefore not attending follow-up appointments. Now Google has removed AI Overviews for that question and also what is the normal range for liver function tests searches, the newspaper reports. The company, which holds a more than 90 per cent share of the global search engine market, stressed that AI results are updated where context is found to be lacking. open image in gallery Some artificial intelligence health summaries have been removed by Google ( PA Archive ) A spokesperson told The Independent: We do not comment on individual removals within Search. In cases where AI Overviews miss some context, we work to make broad improvements, and we also take action under our policies where appropriate. Our internal team of clinicians reviewed whats been shared with us and found that in many instances, the information was not inaccurate and was also supported by high quality websites. Vanessa Hebditch, the director of communications and policy at charity British Liver Trust, welcomed the companys response but warned there was still a risk from using AI for such important information. This is excellent news, and were pleased to see the removal of the Google AI Overviews in these instances, she told the Guardian. However, if the question is asked in a different way, a potentially misleading AI Overview may still be given and we remain concerned other AIproduced health information can be inaccurate and confusing. open image in gallery Googles AI Overviews use generative AI to summarise essential information at the top of search results ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) AI Overviews are still being provided after typing in slightly altered versions of the original queries, such as lft reference range or lft test reference range. Google said it is reviewing these fresh examples. Ms Hebditch continued: A liver function test or LFT is a collection of different blood tests. Understanding the results and what to do next is complex and involves a lot more than comparing a set of numbers. But the AI Overviews present a list of tests in bold, making it very easy for readers to miss that these numbers might not even be the right ones for their test. In addition, the AI Overviews fail to warn that someone can get normal results for these tests when they have serious liver disease and need further medical care. This false reassurance could be very harmful. Advertisement CultureLive reviewsMelbourne live reviews Lust, power and betrayal collide in this story of an aspiring sugar baby Sonia Nair, Vyshnavee Wijekumar, Cameron Woodhead , Marcus Teague and Tony Way and Updated January 15, 2026 1:48pm ,first published January 11, 2026 1:01pm 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 Key points MUSIC: Yungblud puts on a five-star performance at Sidney Myer Music Bowl CIRCUS: Ten Thousand Hours is a brilliantly crafted hour of circus MUSIC: Scottish band Travis tour Australia for the first time since 2001 THEATRE: Blackpill: Redux delves into the dark corners of the manosphere MUSIC: Peninsula Summer Music Festival returns for 2026 CABARET Sugar The Show Room, Arts Centre Melbourne, until January 25 Bursting onto the stage with irrepressible energy, genderqueer demon twink Sugar (the multi-hyphenate powerhouse Tomas Kantor) quickly acquaints the audience with their predicament. Intent on becoming a sugar baby, all Sugar needs is a daddy. Enter the mysterious Richard, a mining tech executive whom Sugar covertly starts seeing in exchange for money. Tomas Kantor stars in Sugar Mark Gambino Kantor tells this tale of lust, power and betrayal written by Ro Bright by drawing on a pantheon of pop legends. Think Gaga, Kylie, Sugababes, Lorde, Chappell, Addison and, in one of the most humorous bits, the unexpected inclusion of Macklemore. Kantor performs these songs interpolated with dialogue, dancing and their own flourishes never before has Levitating ended on such a mournful note as when Kantor is succumbing to the allure of Richard. If songs occasionally feel shoehorned into the narrative, which is itself a little thin, Kantors charisma and consummate skill as a performer ties everything together. Whether theyre dementedly drawing their bow across a cello while spewing forth Thrift Shop or revelling in a gender-affirming moment while breathily mouthing Aquamarine, Kantor catapults from humour to pathos, bouncing quickly (and literally) between different roles, accents, personas, instruments and emotional states of being with aplomb. Advertisement Spearheading these transitions is the excellent lighting design of Spencer Herd and the immaculately timed soundtrack shifts helmed by musical director Rachel Lewindon. Under the direction of Kitan Petkovski, the audience is seamlessly folded into Sugars interiority. When Sugar is feeling awkward and unsure, the house lights are turned back on so audiences can sit in this simulated discomfort alongside them. Many a front-row audience member is treated to a consensual lap dance as Kantor ricochets across the bunker-like Show Room and prances up and down the aisles. Kantors charisma and consummate skill as a performer ties everything together Mark Gambino The stage invites us into the intimacy of a bedroom, draped by a trimmed cloth suggesting an aspirational mode of femininity. With minimal props a memorable blonde wig, inflatables and a few costume changes among them Kantor oscillates between acerbic, rapid-fire streams of consciousness and affecting displays of sincerity, as when they break the fourth wall and proselytise about the lived experiences that unite sex workers, trans people and genderfluid people. Sugar will resonate most with anyone whos found themselves in a seemingly controllable power dynamic that spirals into something entirely different, as well as pop culture mavens. If you are familiar with what holding space means, can recite Lady Gagas oft-repeated line from promoting A Star is Born, and know Pretty Woman back to front, youll find communion with Sugar. Reviewed by Sonia Nair Advertisement MUSIC Yungblud | IDOLS World Tour Sidney Myer Music Bowl, January 13 Yungblud kicks off the night as he intends to continue: in wild flirtatious fashion. Bounding in from the shadows dressed in a figure-hugging leather pants and vest ensemble, with black sunglasses shielding his eyes, the singer-songwriter looks like a punk-goth Harry Styles. Yungblud performing at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Tuesday. Richard Clifford The crowd goes wild. He starts jumping as he holds the mic, launching into Hello Heaven, Hello. A confetti gun blows and a sea of white paper fills the air. Yungblud (the professional name of Dominic Richard Harrison) hails from Doncaster in Northern England. The 28-year-olds latest album, Idols, is inspired by classic rock artists such as Oasis, whom he grew up listening to in his fathers guitar shop. Advertisement Yungbluds showmanship is incredible. Richard Clifford His stardom has risen exponentially over the past few months, earning three Grammy nominations for Idols and gaining a whole new legion of multi-generational fans following his viral rendition of Black Sabbaths Changes at their Back to the Beginning tribute show in Birmingham last year. The performers showmanship is incredible. He rips his vest and sunglasses off early on, much to the crowds enjoyment. He jumps, does high kicks and ferociously flirts with the audience, blowing kisses and asking to see tongues. He drops his mic from the excitement and the tech team replaces it promptly while the crowd fills in the lyrics. Before he begins performing fleabag, he laments having to leave Australia, asking cheekily with his wrists outstretched as if theyre cuffed: Anybody want to kidnap me and take me home? He turns his back to the crowd and puts his hands over his behind, jerking his hips from side to side. When he swivels around, he adds I wont be f---ing good, though. Advertisement In the middle of the track, he throws his electric guitar to the side, and a crew member catches it (hopefully that was rehearsed). He lights a cigarette and walks off stage, only to reappear behind the stalls, facing the crowd on the lawn, like a magician. His cover of Changes, which hes been performing across the tour, is an emotional one. The violins, cello, drums, keys and guitar enhance the weight of the performance, emphasising Yungbluds intimate connection with Ozzy Osbourne. He also makes a passionate plea to support the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. At the end of the show, he yells to the crowd to meet him in 30 minutes by the pond and the crowd disperses through the trees to find the obscure location. He arrives eventually, making his way through the sea of dedicated fans. Reviewed by Vyshnavee Wijekumar Advertisement CIRCUS Ten Thousand Hours Gravity and Other Myths, Arts Centre Melbourne, until January 25 When I first saw Gravity and Other Myths at the Adelaide Festival in 2019, I was impressed by their fresh and distinctive approach to contemporary circus. In an artistic landscape that had been comprehensively expanded by Brisbane-based Circa over the preceding 15 years, this was a company at ease with itself. Ten Thousand Hours is a brilliantly crafted hour of circus. Darcy Grant Carving out a niche within the broader push to align circus with theatre and dance, it occupied an unadorned, yet intensely playful, corner of the form one which valued authenticity over theatricality and sought to forge a unique connection between acrobats and audiences. Ten Thousand Hours is the fruit of this ethos, and it speaks the language of wonder in a wonderfully relaxed accent, even as it invites us to bear witness to the labour involved in acquiring an effortless sense of mastery. Advertisement The show takes its name from the amount of practice it supposedly takes according to the rule Malcolm Gladwell popularised to become an expert at something. Traditionally, performers disguise effort onstage; Ten Thousand Hours lets us peek behind the curtain from the start. Taking a leaf from the post-dramatic theatre playbook, youll enter the auditorium to find acrobats stretching and limbering up in front of a large, electronic 10,000 sign a monster version of the kind you might see on a radio alarm clock display. Gravity and Other Myths have carved out their own niche. Darcy Grant Seconds tick down, the show begins. Accompanied by live percussion and synth, the ensemble creates driving momentum in an extended sequence that builds from casual walking around to group tumbling and balance work of almost baroque complexity, weaving through bodily synchronicity and counterpoint and as the companys gravity-defying name would seem to demand achieving every possible variation of a three-high human pyramid. Advertisement A game-like atmosphere descends. One performer repeats their warm-up routine in various comedic styles, according to a list of whimsical instructions. Later, the electronic display becomes a scoreboard, keeping a tally of every trick landed or muffed. And theres fun acrobatic version of Pictionary or charades, in which an audience member is chosen to draw doodles of performers perched in unlikely positions, while other acrobats turn their backs. Then, the latter must scramble to recreate the original pose from each drawing before a timer runs out. Editor's pick Visual art Destination Art: The best exhibitions to see around Australia while on holiday Between these ludic set-pieces are imaginative ensemble routines performed with sly insouciance. Imagine that friends of friends walked into your loungeroom and started pulling off mad acrobatic feats, as if it were as natural as saying gday, and youll get an idea of the vibe. Yet we get glimpses, too, of the perspiration the relentless striving needed to attain the uncanny physical prowess on display. Ten Thousand Hours is a brilliantly crafted hour of circus. Children and teens should leave wide-eyed and inspired, and for adult audiences, its an exciting way to chill. Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead Advertisement MUSIC Travis Festival Hall, January 10 Scottish band Travis havent toured Australia since 2001. The reason, says lively elfin frontman Fran Healy to a crowd loud with expats, was their management: So we sacked them. The four-piece are here to perform their 1999 breakthrough The Man Who, in its jangly, melancholy-pop entirety, followed by a set cherry-picked from their back catalogue. Travis frontman Fran Healey at Festival Hall. Martin Philbey A band ticking off a track list can feel perfunctory, but Travis poke fun at this by going full PowerPoint presentation mode literally. With a laptop on stage, the white-haired Healy introduces each song via a slide show and recollections of it. It sounds like a slog, but his easy charisma makes it a sweet romp through the bands journey from students in Glasgow to indie pop stars of the early 2000s. Advertisement Opener Writing to Reach You was apparently inspired by Healys gas heater, Franz Kafka and Wonderwall; The Fear was written above a pub called The Horseshoe (the Scots in the crowd cheer); As You Are is about a poem an old man handed Healy on a train. Before Driftwood, Healy says he came up with the melody while doing the dishes, then plays the original voice memo of it. Its a lot of fun. Though Healy is a great raconteur and his voice remains lovely Travis music still isnt about much. Healey takes the Festival Hall crowd through the stories of the songs from Writing to Reach You. Martin Philbey Gaslight, from the bands 2024 LP L.A. Times, is a response to someone who wronged Healy, but the vague lyrics on screen locate no such venom. Fortunately, there are earworms in Why Does it Always Rain on Me? which has the crowd pogoing a stirring Side and closing highlight Sing to keep spirits up. Its less about the songs and more about the memories we attach to them, says Healy, perhaps a little too insightfully at one point. At least tonight will be a nice one. Reviewed by Marcus Teague Advertisement THEATRE Blackpill: Redux Theatre Works, until January 17 Chris Patrick Hansens Blackpill: Redux dives into dark corners of the manosphere. Its confronting, disturbing, sometimes darkly funny ensemble theatre that explores incel culture, how easy it is for boys and young men to be exposed to it, and for them to fall down rabbit-holes into realms of radical, and virulently misogynistic, gender ideology. Chris Patrick Hansens Blackpill: Redux dives into dark corners of the manosphere. Chris Patrick Hansen We follow Eli (Oliver Tapp). Hes having a bad day. Sacked from his job over his behaviour towards Carina (Eleanor Golding), a young woman he met through the Hinge dating app, Eli feels aggrieved by his lack of romantic and career success. Hes easy prey for a digital underworld which peddles the lie that women are to blame for all his woes. Using references to The Matrix, the incel (involuntary celibate) community promotes a weird, gender essentialist conspiracy that women are only sexually attracted to the alpha, or High Value Male (Bailey Griffiths), leaving most men (as beta males, or worse) irreversibly single. Advertisement Being redpilled is their internet vernacular for waking up to this truth, and when Eli tries relatively innocuous ways to bolster self-esteem seeking online advice on how to talk to women, or on how to improve his fitness and physique hes instead lured towards social media content and interactions that target his vulnerabilities. With an antagonist in a wolf mask only ever a click or a scroll away, Eli becomes more isolated and disenchanted. The road toward blackpill thinking a nihilistic strain of incel culture which has caused despicable instances of real-world violence looms. A scene from Blackpill: Redux at Theatre Works. Chris Patrick Hansen Hansens play portrays Elis story in monologues and short dramatic scenes, regularly disrupted by physical theatre, mass choreography, and (usually text-based) projections. The latter give a sense of the acid in the water supply the digital content Eli is doomscrolling through in idle moments and works well to promote a sense of disorientation, and unease at the slipperiness of the slope hes descending. Thats an energising way to embody an essentially solitary phenomenon, even if ambition can outstrip execution and there are a few scenes where the ensemble work could be tighter. A bigger issue is the caricature heavily utilised in the portrayal of female figures. With one exception, we see them through Elis jaded eyes, and although partial truth lurks in the satire the HR girlboss who fires Eli using managerial care-speak with an Orwellian flavour, say the play could use a side-mirror to correct its male blindspots. Advertisement Blackpill isnt as slick or entertaining or complete a work as it could be, but it creatively tackles an urgent social problem, while trusting us to think for ourselves about solutions to it. Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead MUSIC Peninsula Summer Music Festival Various venues, January 9-11 Its a magical alchemy: breathtaking seascapes, manicured vineyards and rugged bush, all counterpointed with fine music. Such is the Peninsula Summer Music Festival. Sydney-based Ensemble Offspring perform at Peninsula Summer Music Festival 2026. David Wilkinson Concerts from the final weekend of the festival confirmed the enduring value of its core commitments to strengthening cultural ties with First Nations peoples and encouraging young artists. Advertisement Among the thermal pools of Peninsula Hot Springs, Sydney-based Ensemble Offspring presented Every Plant Has Its Dreaming, an exploration of five Indigenous food sources, narrated by Uncle Peter Aldenhoven with music by Noongar man Aaron Wyatt. Using violin, cello, flute, clarinets and percussion, Wyatt evoked the chocolate lily, garawang apple berry, murnong daisy, durable lomandra and the karkalla bush banana with music that interwove reflective moments full of childlike playfulness and wonder together with bursts of rhythmic energy. Theonie Wang David Wilkinson Young artists on the bill eagerly presented sizeable programs in the intimacy of St Johns Flinders. Former Australian Youth Orchestra concertmaster Theonie Wang, partnering with her pianist mother Mizusa, presented an atmospheric realisation of Amy Beachs Romance. Spinning ardent, well phrased melodic lines, Theonie used this arch-romantic idyll to contrast the alluring dark chocolate tone of her violins lower register with its silvery upper brilliance. Advertisement In Beethovens monumental Kreutzer Sonata, mother and daughter maintained admirable forward momentum, finding particularly memorable characterisation in the third and fifth variations of the second movement. Members of the recently formed Cedar Collective (violinists Lachlan MacLaren and Jessica Leigh, violist Sebastian Coyne and cellist Sarah Wang) revelled in the challenges of ambitious and interesting choices. Karin Schaupp David Wilkinson Their perceptive versatility brought ebullience to Haydns String Quartet in G major Op. 76 No. 1, finely calibrated timbres to the stark but intriguing postmodern soundscape of Plan and Elevation by Pulitzer prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw, and rapture to Fanny Mendelssohns String Quartet in E-flat major, notably in the third-movement Romanze. Back at the Peninsula Hot Springs, Brisbane-based guitarist Karin Schaupp brought her customary finesse and persuasive artistry to works chosen to resonate with the natural surroundings. Australian compositions including the recently composed neo-baroque Suite in D by Phil Moran, Infinity by Tara Lynam and the amusing, very apt Frog Ballet from Richard Charltons Kingfisher Dances rubbed shoulders with works from Spain, Brazil and Scotland. Advertisement Once again, co-directors Melissa Doecke and Ben Opie have united a suite of satisfying artistic experiences with the natural glories of the Mornington Peninsula. In the words of Ira Gershwin, Who could ask for anything more? Reviewed by Tony Way MUSICAL Saturday Night Fever The Athenaeum, until January 25 A pop-cultural touchstone of the late 70s, Saturday Night Fever was the film that made John Travolta a megastar and turned disco into a global phenomenon. Its soundtrack album remains one of the bestselling in history, with all those chart-topping bangers from the Bee Gees defining the sound of a musical genre that never really goes out of style. Ethan Churchill (centre) strikes an iconic pose as Tony Manero with the cast of Saturday Night Fever. Ben Fon Advertisement The songs alone should make a jukebox musical an appealing proposition, though the transition from screen to stage isnt exactly a smooth move. If youve only seen the PG version of the film, you might not be aware of just how dark the storyline gets in the R-rated release: gang violence, gang rape, family violence, suicide, pervasive male chauvinism and misogyny. Young Italian-American Tony Manero (Ethan Churchill) is stuck in an uninspiring job. His home life is tormented by a violent alcoholic father (George Kapiniaris), and his friends are toxic in the masculinity stakes: brawling with rival ethnic gangs and hanging at a local discotheque trying to seduce young women into having sex with them. Churchill and Regan Barber on the dancefloor in Saturday Night Fever. Ben Fon Tony seeks an outlet in a disco dancing competition, discarding his first partner Annette (Izzi Green) for Stephanie (Regan Barber), a better dancer with ambitions to move to Manhattan. Meanwhile, Tonys brother (Matthew Casamento) leaves the priesthood, and Brooklyns mean streets claim their due in misery. This national touring production from Drew Anthony Creative does feature numbers that pay affectionate, hedonistic homage to disco favourites. Still, the fun factor is seriously undercut by the way the show strives to press the songs into dramatic service, sandwiching the music between competing and contradictory demands. Advertisement The musical tones down the heaviest material, yet it attempts to lend a naturalistic authenticity to a world of disaffected, working-class Brooklyn youth. It largely fails, with many over-earnest, quickly sketched scenes serving as little more than flimsy filler between songs. A few musical arrangements do work well theatrically Greens plaintive rendition of If I Cant Have You neatly channels the angst of an unrequited crush, for instance. Others look and sound terribly awkward. Its no shade on Sam Hamilton to say that the Bee Gees Tragedy is a ridiculous accompaniment to his characters suicide. Related Article Melbourne live reviews Funny, surreal and fierce comedy exposes insidious effects of partner violence Barbers sassy Stephanie out acts Churchill, who could use more comedic and charismatic gloss in the Travolta role, and the thing that might have carried the musical through its humdrum sequences the magnetism, the spectacle, the epiphanic transcendence of losing yourself in dance doesnt quite make itself felt on the cramped Athenaeum stage. Saturday Night Fever does provide visual interest elaborate projections, colourful period costume, spots of impressive choreography and it isnt so awful you want to burn that mother down, as they say in Disco Inferno. But theres little synergy between music and storytelling, and it isnt a jukebox musical I can heartily recommend. Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday. Advertisement Updated NationalNSWCrime Where is Bondi Beach? Man caught wearing suspicious vest granted bail Amber Schultz, Jack Gramenz and Max Maddison Updated January 12, 2026 4:37pm ,first published January 12, 2026 7:33am 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 man arrested for allegedly wearing a vest covered in duct tape and asking for directions to Bondi Beach during a terrorist attack vigil has been granted bail after breaking down in court and saying the incident was a mistake. Cleophias Machaya, 33, was on Monday charged with offensive behaviour, drug possession and giving false information to police over his suspicious behaviour on Sunday evening. Cleophias Machaya was granted bail on Monday afternoon. Nine News The Local Court Bail Division heard Machaya, who was wearing a camouflage vest secured to his body with silver duct tape with visible bulges, approached a bystander at Oxford Street at Bondi Junction to ask for directions during the memorial event on Sunday evening. Thousands had gathered at Bondi Beach for the final daily vigil to mourn the 15 people killed in the terrorist attack on December 14. Advertisement Where is Bondi Beach? he is alleged to have asked the woman. An image shared on Facebook by the Australian Jewish Association appearing to show one of the duct-taped vests. Australian Jewish Association Officers from Operation Shelter, set up to reduce antisemitic and other hate crime activity, caught up with Machaya on Bondi Road at Bondi, where he was arrested. He was taken to Surry Hills police station. A search of his vehicle parked in Maroubra allegedly uncovered a second duct-taped vest along with a face mask and a tin allegedly containing prohibited drugs. The bomb disposal squad was called in to where the man was arrested, and then attended the car, as crowds left the vigil. Performers sang songs in Hebrew and one dedicated to 10-year-old victim Matilda at the final daily Bondi vigil on Sunday. Bondi Remembers Advertisement A photo of the vest, which had been deemed safe by the disposal squad and destroyed, was shown to the court. The court heard Machaya told police the vest was weighted and was used for exercise. Related Article Bondi shooting Thousands gather to hear Waltzing Matilda rendition for 10-year-old Bondi victim Magistrate Margaret Quinn said the alleged behaviour was most unusual. Wearing a camouflage vest in a place where theres been severe distress to people is extraordinary. It is incomprehensible. I do not understand it, she said. No wonder he was reported. Advertisement The police prosecutor said wearing an altered vest while asking for directions to the site of a terrorist attack showed his message was clear. His intention was to cause that person fear that he was going to Bondi Beach, he said. The defence said Machayas clear lack of criminal history, his young age, and the fact that he lives in south-east Melbourne, far away from Bondi, meant he didnt pose a risk to the public if he were granted bail. Machaya told the court he made a mistake and began sobbing. I didnt mean anything, he said, before being told by his Legal Aid lawyer to stay quiet. Machaya lives in Hampton Park with his father and is employed at his fathers air-conditioning business. He was granted bail on the condition that he is released into the care of his father, who will travel from Victoria to collect him. Advertisement Machaya will next face court in mid-February. Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory said members of the Jewish community had come across the police response to the vest-related arrest on their way home. We are pleased that the suspicious item was apparently found not to be dangerous, but the whole Bondi community has been on edge since the Hanukkah attack, he said. Rabbi Yossi Friedman leads people in prayers at the Bondi Pavilion in December. Kate Geraghty The vigil marked the end of shloshim, the 30-day Jewish mourning period that followed the shooting at Bondi. Advertisement Since the first day after the attack, Rabbi Yossi Friedman has held vigils at Bondi Pavilion three times a day, at 7.30am, 1pm and 7.30pm. The arrest came as NSW Premier Chris Minns announced stronger powers for local councils to shut down prayer halls accused of hosting hate preachers, beefing up fines and allowing utilities to be cut off when operators ignore planning laws and cease-use notices. Pressed on whether the closure of prayer halls would push hate preachers underground, Minns said he did not believe allowing these groups to operate somehow lowered the temperature in the community. He said they should be stamped out. NSW Premier Chris Minns announced stronger powers for local councils to shut down prayer halls accused of hosting hate preachers. Dominic Lorrimer And Im just sick of a situation where we cant even close down an illegally operating prayer hall where you should be seeking approval, as does every other business organisation everything from the Boy Scouts to a dump to a garbage disposal unit, has to go through the local councils, he said. Advertisement Minns said the new regulation would also apply to prayer halls that did not spew hate speech if they were not complying with their development applications. Canterbury-Bankstown Council issued a cease-use directive in December after it found the Al Madina Dawah Centre had never been approved to operate as a prayer hall. But a message that remained on its locked gates on Monday said the centre is not closing. A letter to the community on the Al Madina Dawah Centres locked gates, informing the public a Change of Use application has been lodged and the centre has not closed. Kate Geraghty We will be temporarily pausing operations until the matter is fully rectified, the message said, mirroring a similar statement released in December. Advertisement This pause is purely to ensure full compliance with council requirements and to obtain the necessary approvals. Following the cease-use notice in December, the Al Madina Group questioned the basis, timing and motivation behind the order. Al Madina Group rejects any attempt to conflate administrative or planning matters with allegations of extremism, national security, or criminal conduct, the group said. The Al Madina Dawah Centre in Bankstown on Monday. Kate Geraghty Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone labelled the state government announcement complete garbage and accused the state government of palming the problem off to local councils. Advertisement How can the council regulate hate speech? I mean, this is a police matter, he told 2GB. Carbone said development applications for places of worship generally attracted so many objections that they ended up going to a state government panel anyway. The other big issue is these places can operate anywhere; they can operate in a local club, they can book a hall, Carbone said. Dont try and pretend that this is a council issue because what hes actually announced changes absolutely nothing if youre an unauthorised place of worship. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. Advertisement NationalLiterature Board members quit Adelaide Festival as dumped writer calls in lawyer Kerrie O'Brien January 11, 2026 6:47pm 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 Palestinian-Australian writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah has engaged a lawyer to demand clarity on why she has been removed from the Adelaide Writers Week line-up. Last Thursday, the Adelaide Festival board announced that while it was not suggesting in any way that Abdel-Fattah or her writing had any connection with the Bondi attack, given her past statements it would not be culturally sensitive to continue to program her at this unprecedented time so soon after Bondi. Academic and writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. More than 50 top local and international writers have now boycotted the event including Zadie Smith, Masha Gessen, Helen Garner, Trent Dalton and Michelle de Kretser. What has happened to me is a litmus test because double standards show up quickly when it comes to Palestinians, Abdel-Fattah told this masthead on Sunday. Advertisement Many cultural bodies and politicians can defend human rights in the abstract, but struggle when it requires standing up to political pressure or accepting discomfort. Palestine is where commitments to anti-racism, free expression, and universal dignity are most often qualified. Related Article Literature Bestselling Australian author Trent Dalton withdraws from Adelaide Writers Week Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers, representing Abdel-Fattah, said that the moral indefensibility of the Adelaide Festival boards actions has been amply evidenced by the reaction its provoked. It also trampled on Randas human rights, and the board will have to answer for that. The legal letter specifies board members should retain all documents in their possession, including emails, texts and messages on disappearing messaging apps as these may be required for the purposes of litigation. Three board members have since resigned from the Adelaide Festival, according to a well-placed source not authorised to speak publicly. No official notification was provided but the names Daniela Ritorto, Donny Walford and Nick Linke have been removed from its website. Advertisement Speaking on Sunday at a Free Palestine rally in Melbourne, Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni weighed into the debate. When the board of the Adelaide Writers Week said, We dont want you, Dr Randa, people will feel uncomfortable ... what did writers of good conscience do? They said, F--- you. F--- you, [South Australian Premier Peter] Malinauskas. F--- you, Adelaide Writers Week. Malinauskas has backed the literary events decision to remove Abdel-Fattah. On Saturday, a letter signed by 11 former leaders of the festival condemned the boards decision and called for its reversal. Signatories included Neil Armfield, Peter Goldsworthy, Jo Dyer, Kath Mainland and Peter Brookman. Wickedness thrives in darkness and prejudice thrives in ignorance born of silence, the letter, sent to the festival board and Malinauskas, says. Advertisement An about-face may be embarrassing but it is both the right thing to do and will cauterise the growing damage to this much loved and internationally significant South Australian cultural institution. Editor's pick Analysis Greenland Greenlanders tell absolutely insane Trump what they really think The Adelaide Festival board is now made up of Tracey Whiting, Leesa Chesser, Mary Couros, Brenton Cox and Jennifer Fuller (government observer). Chesser, a former South Australian state MP was a co-convener of the Parliamentary Friends of Israel group, established in 2014. Sydney-based Abdel-Fattah had been scheduled to speak about her new novel, Discipline, which examines ideas of truth and censorship. In recent years, she has come under fire for past social media posts which said Zionists had no claim to cultural safety and that institutions that considered fragile feelings of Zionists were abhorrent. She has also been criticised for use of an image of a parachutist under the Palestinian flag which she made her Facebook profile photo the day after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Advertisement Adelaide Writers Week sits under the banner of the Adelaide Festival. Louise Adler, who has helmed the writers week to great acclaim for the past three years, has not spoken publicly since the decision. Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said the decision to withdraw Abdel-Fattahs invitation was correct. It is beyond comprehension how they extended the invitation in the first place to someone who has called for Zionists ... to have no cultural safety in this country, he said. Someone who days after the worst terrorist attack on Jewish civilians [October 7] that included the rape, murder and kidnapping of civilians, celebrated it as resistance. With Rachael Dexter Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. An elderly cyclist is dead and two 15-year-old e-bike riders are in hospital with serious injuries after separate crashes on Saturday. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Wynnum and Murarrie roads in Tingalpa about 6am on Saturday following reports of a crash involving a car and an 83-year-old cyclist. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating both the Tingalpa and Gold Coast incidents. Queensland Police The cyclist, a Balmoral man, was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital but passed away a short time later. The driver of the car, a 50-year-old Murarrie man, was not injured and is helping with a Forensic Crash Unit investigation. Advertisement Victorias bushfire crisis has taken a deadly turn with one person confirmed to have died in the Longwood blaze as authorities warn it could take weeks to control the fires that have destroyed hundreds of buildings, including dozens of homes. Victoria Police confirmed on Sunday afternoon that they had found human remains 100 metres from a vehicle in Yarck Road, Gobur, a remote area east of Seymour which faced the full force of Fridays catastrophic conditions that sparked major fires across the state. Forensic police inspect a body discovered on a forested stretch of Yarck Road, Gobur. The Age The State Control Centre said at 5.30 pm on Sunday that there were more than 30 fires still burning, eight of them major, and two of them at an emergency level, one at Walwa in the states north-east and the other in the Otway Ranges. The Longwood fire was downgraded to watch and act level late on Sunday afternoon. Residents of Yarck, Ruffy, Longwood and surrounds were urged to minimise travel in the fire-affected area. Advertisement The body was found on a forested stretch of Yarck Road known by locals as the cutting due to its switchback nature. Forensic officers dressed in white overalls and wearing face masks could be seen inspecting the edge of the tarmac near a bend in the road. A fallen burnt tree blocked the narrow road, which snakes through farmland into the Gobur Bush Reserve. Premier Jacinta Allan expressed her sorrow and support for the persons loved ones, saying all of Victorias thoughts were with them. This loss will be felt far beyond Gobur, and it marks the first known fire-related fatality during what has already been an incredibly challenging period for our state, she said. Advertisement There is still a very long road ahead, and for many it will be marked by grief. But we will stand alongside those families and communities for however long it takes. Emergency services warned that fires could burn for weeks, despite cooler and less blustery conditions that brought some relief to Victorias firefighters. Extreme heatwave conditions eased on Sunday over western and central Victoria. Melbourne reached a top of 18 degrees while Mildura, after three days in a row over 44 degrees, reached a top of 27. The Bureau of Meteorologys Sherwin Simpson said that while temperatures were dropping around Victoria, he expected heat to linger around parts of the north-east. Advertisement A total fire ban has been extended until the early hours of Monday. The heaviest building losses from the fires have been in the Longwood, where more than 150 structures were destroyed. In Natimuk, in the states west, 30 homes and 40 sheds have been lost. Forty-seven homes and three businesses have been lost in Harcourt, south of Bendigo. Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, the South West and Wimmera continue to experience poor air quality, while it is very poor in the Mallee, Northern Country, North East, and West and South Gippsland. Advertisement More than 5000 properties remain without power across the fire-affected areas of the state, and rebuilding the power network is likely to take weeks. Tap water in Barkers Creek, Harcourt and part of Castlemaine remains unsafe to drink. Residents are urged to stick to bottled water. Support for victims Standing alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Allan announced an additional $19.5 million in funding for fire-affected communities, on top of the personal hardship grants announced on Friday. Advertisement About half of the extra funding will help distribute hay to farmers in need, while the rest will go to initiatives like emergency accommodation and mental health support. Related Article Bushfires In Ruffy and Longwood, locals return to devastation as tales of courage emerge Albanese thanked anyone who had responded to the fires, including volunteers who had travelled from NSW. My message to Victorians is pretty simple: weve got your back, he said. Not just during this crisis, but through the recovery as well. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said spectators had been entering fire-affected areas. Advertisement Disappointingly, in the last 24 hours, weve started to see some tourism or spectators heading into some of our fire-impacted zones. We only expect to see locals, if it is safe to be in there at all, so please do not enter those fire-impacted zones. Allan lashed the fire tourists, pointing out the police had powers under the states emergency legislation to require people to leave. Stay away. It is not safe, and it is wrong, she said. Earlier on Sunday, Allan told Seven News that she felt sick hearing that police were concerned about the potential for looting in north-central Victoria. I was at the Seymour relief centre yesterday and I met with families who had lost their homes, she said. Advertisement A firefighter helps a koala cool down near the Longwood fireground. Benalla Fire Brigade I met with a woman who showed me a photo of her home that had been burnt to the ground. These are communities that have experienced the worst of an emergency. The premier warned that some fires, such as those in north-east Victoria, were expected to burn for weeks. She insisted emergency services were well-prepared for this fire season. Allan herself has been partially affected by the fires. The premier lives near Bendigo and has not returned home since an evacuation warning was issued on Friday. The damaging fire which swept through Harcourt, south of Bendigo, on Friday is now largely contained. Advertisement The Longwood fire has covered about 136,000 hectares. There has been some incredible work done by firefighters on that blaze, Forest Fire Management chief fire officer Chris Hardman said. The road at the edge of Longwood on Sunday. Grant McArthur There is some fire activity towards Lake Eildon, the rest of the fire is looking pretty good. The out-of-control bushfire 25 kilometres west of Walwa is slowly moving north-east. Advertisement A fire-damaged road sign near Longwood on Saturday. Getty Images It is not safe to return to Corryong, Towong or Walwa, while people in the Mitta Valley are being urged to leave now, and people in Tallangatta Valley are being urged to take shelter. A relief centre has been set up in Wodonga and people to the north of the fire front were urged to leave via NSW. Authorities said the two out-of-control fires in the Cape Otway area, south of Colac, were now considered part of the same fire. The emergency-level fire in this complex was travelling north-east on Sunday night. Brian Nunn walks through the remnants of the Harcourt Co-op. Jason South Advertisement Across the rest of the state, the danger from fires is beginning to ease. In the north-west, residents of Mallee towns like Patchewollock and Underbool have been told it is safe to return, after two fires in Wyperfeld National Park that have burnt through 74,000 hectares slowed. In the Wimmera, the 8300-hectare Natimuk fire was contained as of Sunday night, with agencies planning the safe return of residents to the fire-affected area. Further south, it is still not safe for people to return to Carranballac, Stoneleigh and the rural area of Skipton, despite crews containing a grassfire there. At the other end of the state, a bushfire on the Princes Highway at Genoa, near Mallacoota, is no longer a threat. Bushfires at Mallacoota, Lake Barracoota and Cape Howe are not yet under control. Advertisement Residents in the area were told to either take shelter or leave immediately early on Sunday. Those affected by the Otways blaze have been told to head to Colac, where a relief centre has been set up. There is a separate relief centre for larger animals. Devastated: Animals also lost Three months ago, Lindsay Park Racing was the toast of Australian horse racing, after its progeny Ka Ying Rising won the $20 million Everest in Sydney. Advertisement Now it is in mourning seven horses were killed when the Longwood fire hit its property at Euroa. Five were spelling [resting and recuperating] racehorses, two were retirees. One horse remains in a critical condition, Lindsay Park said in a statement. The company said a further 320 horses had been brought through the fire safely. The team who work tirelessly to care for these horses are devastated by the events, and we will be ensuring they are supported. One caller to ABC Radio, a resident of Wangaratta, said he and a small army of volunteers had been euthanising severely injured livestock. Advertisement They said they had seen thousands of dead sheep and hundreds of dead cattle, as well as plenty of dead kangaroos and a few deer. Hunting and fishing businesses have donated ammunition to farmers needing to put down their livestock, while agribusinesses and Euroa MP Annabelle Cleeland have helped co-ordinate urgent animal feed to prevent surviving stock from starving. Smoke from the Otways fire over Aireys Inlet on Saturday. Aireys Inlet CFA No trains will run on the Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca lines on Monday, as crews continue to assess the damage done by the Harcourt fire. Advertisement About 200 interstate personnel are assisting Victorian firefighters on the ground. More than 70 aircraft have been deployed, and the Australian Defence Force continues to provide support via logistics, accommodation and catering for emergency personnel. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalVictoriaBushfires I havent slept for three nights: Residents of Yarck return to ruins Marta Pascual Juanola Updated January 11, 2026 7:48pm ,first published 12:57pm 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 Robbie Cummings house is gone. So is the cubby house he built for his daughters using a slide and an old horse float and the jumping mat from the trampoline by the shed. He struggles to hold back tears as he looks at the pile of rubble and metal that now stands in place of his home on the outskirts of the small farming community of Yarck, in central Victoria. Relatives of Robbie Cumming inspect the ruins of his family home in Yark. Jason South The brick barbecue, the site of endless family celebrations and events, is still standing a painful reminder of all the happy memories. Cumming calls this part of the world Gods country. He takes a sip out of the beer can in his hand. Advertisement Robbie Cumming in bushfire-ravaged Yarck. Jason South Weve never been burnt here ever before like this, he says. He would know. Even though he moved to Yarra Glen in 2007 and kept his home as a second residence, his connections to Yarck run deep. His family were among the first settlers in the Yarck area. His house, on Yarck Road, belonged to his grandparents. His father was born in a cottage across the road. When his parents got married, on the same day they won a tennis championship, they moved into a small house by the creek they called the milk where they raised their first children. They eventually moved to a new home down the road, where they live to this day. Advertisement When the Longwood fires crept up over the rolling hills and threatened to reduce Yarck to cinders last week, Cummings parents decided to stay back and fight for their slice of paradise. Cumming and other family members joined in, working to defend the home. A CFA truck dropped in and, unfortunately for them, they blew a tyre coming into our place. And fortunately for us, they had to stay there and couldnt move, Cumming says. The house was saved. That was a blessing, he says. At the Yarck Hotel down the road, locals listened to Johnny Cashs Ring of Fire as they drank cold beers and played cards on the bistro tables. It was an oddly everyday scene for a town that has lost multiple homes to the devastating blaze. Advertisement Earlier on Sunday, staff from Agriculture Victoria toured affected farms, assessing the cattle and euthanising any animals badly injured by the fire. At the CFA headquarters, locals were finally able to catch a breath, after sleepless nights trying to protect local assets. Resident Bob Balsdon watched as a wall of fire surrounded his property in town on Friday night, the smoke so thick he could not see his hand in front of his face. The heat was tremendous. Them fires came over us at a million miles an hour, and it was very scary, Balsdon recalls. Bob Balsdon amid the remains of his Yarck property. Jason South He fought the blaze with mops, shovels of dirt and buckets of water. His shed was destroyed, but the house, along with some cattle and an emu, were saved. Advertisement I havent slept for three nights, he said. Later on Sunday, police confirmed they had found human remains on a windy road on the outskirts of Yarck. The body was found about 100 metres away from a vehicle on a section of Yarck Road known as the cutting due to its switchback nature. Elsewhere, in Yea on Sunday morning locals eagerly waited to stock up on food supplies outside the local supermarket after the nearby fire caused a power outage. Locals in Yea were forced to shop using torchlight on Sunday morning as the power remained off after the bushfires. Jason South Next person. Cash only. Youll need to be guided, a worker manning the door at FoodWorks said. Advertisement Inside the store, staff guided customers through the aisles in the dark with a torch and clipboard. Some were picking up coffee and milk, while others needed tomatoes, bread and Milo. Homewood local Fiona Purvis walked down the aisles looking for cartons of milk and a large tub of water. Were keeping our eskies full with just the essentials milk and bread, butter, she said. The FoodWorks in Yea. Jason South Worker Adam Kupke said the supermarket had a generator but it had broken down overnight. Advertisement Were just trying to do what we can for the people that need help, basically. It might get to a point where were going to have to close, [but] were just doing this for the moment, he said. Kupke said words could not describe the horror the region had experienced since the fires started. I know so many people. I grew up in the area. Its devastating, mate, he said. An Ausnet spokesperson said crews had restored power to Yea just after 2pm. Advertisement Hundreds of buildings, including homes, have been destroyed in Victoria and there have been many stories of close calls. Just north of Yea, at a remote property on Caveat-Dropmore Road, police made a dramatic air rescue, evacuating two generations of a family, including a 92-year-old man and the familys cat. Police said on Sunday morning that they used the Air Wing on Saturday to evacuate the family, who had lost their home while trying to defend it and sought shelter in a shipping container on their property as the fire raged around them. Police rescued a family at a remote property near Yea after their home was razed by fire. Two women, aged 59 and 82, and a 92-year-old man called emergency services Friday afternoon seeking assistance to evacuate their isolated property on Caveat-Dropmore Road, police said in a statement. Advertisement After trying to manage the conditions for two days, including the complete loss of their home by fire, the 59-year-old woman called for help with concerns for the health of her mother and uncle. Related Article Updated Bushfires Longwood bushfire turns fatal as fires set to burn for weeks Police have been told the family bunkered down and sought safety in a shipping container on their property as the fire swept through the area on Wednesday, 7 January. The trio also slept in their vehicle Friday night. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Land Rover Sticker Shock, Soothing Subaru In This Month's Letter From Europe Letter from Europe, By Andrew Frankl European Bureau Chief and Executive Editor In all these years of testing card and trucks I have never ever come across a vehicle where the MSRP price differential between the least expensive and the most expensive is -no this is no misprint- 100 thousand dollars! Yes folks,, The 2026 Land Rover Defender chimes is at 65 thousand dollars accelerating all the way to a mind blowing 160 thousand dollars. This is the Octa version which some young people with more money then they know what to do with other than prance around Aspen. Unless of course Ivanka and her beautiful family happen to be in town in which case Octa or no Octa you will be diverted regardless of how many times you tell the cops Don't you know who I am?! Any more than these billionaires who had mega meltdowns in St Barts because their private jets were also diverted from the nearest Major airport in St Martin. Now that Ive had a minute to mop up my tears, how about the Defender itself? At $65 thou it is a very fine product, At 160 it is silly. From an engineering point of view it is a tour de force but I doubt if any of the billionaires have a clue about what is under the hood and its historic off road capabilities. First of all let me just say that I dont blame Land Rover for taking money off these fools. This Defender the one I had for test costs 107 thousand dollars and ti comes with lots of goodies. It has one of my favorite engines, Rovers block-busting V8 with 493 horsepower. 8 speed auto transmission, all wheel drive, all terrain control (a must outside Harrods in London) What is there not to love?! All the techies and hedgies have one for hurtling down the M40 into the highly coveted Soho house for dinner. The Defender is much more rugged than its rivals and it also scores in the snobbery stakes-vital if you are in the Stratospheric segment of the 1/10th of 1 percent. Genesis who? Genesis what? Park at the back says the valet. No, the rivals to take seriously are Audis Q8 and Porsches Cayenne. So far during my California winter stay weve had floods of Biblical proportions here in the Bay Area and the Defender was of course a God send, Dont be fooled by the enclosed pictures, that was the only sunny day. I must admit I am still having problems getting over Rovers 160 thou sticker price. Especially when I got back into reality with Subarus Forester Hybrid AT around 40 thousand dollars it makes all the sense in the World. Partly because Subaru is a byword for reliability. Is it exciting? No. Could it use a bigger engine? Absolutely. But for working families these are minor consideration. What matters are the fuel consumption which is excellent 37 mpg and things like the first class instruments. I needed all the help I could get during the horrendous storms we have had. Roads blocked, rivers overflowing, diversions everywhere and yet the Forester coped admirably. Brakes were fine, handling was fine and quite frankly I was glad to be in a Subbie cos I knew it would get me home. Under these conditions it was vital to have my iPhone charged and the Forester had a wireless smartphone changing pad. Should be made compulsory. The 11.6 inch infotainment touchscreen was fine but truth be told under the appalling conditions it was a matter of hands on the wheeling no distractions of any kind. What mattered more at that moment that the wipers which helped me to get home. Before you think I am dramatizing just look at recent photos from Marin County. It was so Bad that The Times of London had on its front page a picture of three cars floating down Highway 101 in Corte Madera just up the road from where we winter. The generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance was a blessing and a savior! As for rivals..well there are several in this highly contested field. Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, you name it. The one thing that differentiates the Subaru is customer loyalty. I have several relatives who own one and would not consider switching to any other brand. If I needed a small SUV would it at the top of my shopping list? Absolutely. Well that's it from rainy California Happy New Year To All and hoping that California goes back to its forever description Sunny California. 16th MP PATHCON: Advancement in pathology, diagnostic medicine dominates Day 2 Staff Reporter : To disseminate global technological standards to ensure most accurate and sophisticated treatments available in the medical landscape to the patients, second day of 16th MP PATHCON 2026 concluded on Saturday. The second day marked a significant advancement in the discourse surrounding pathology and diagnostic medicine. The event convened a diverse assembly of medical experts, researchers and students to examine the integration of modern technology and innovative pedagogical approaches in the healthcare sector. The conference was inaugurated by the chief guest, Dr Ashok Khandelwal, Vice-Chancellor, Madhya Pradesh Medical University, who characterized the event as a milestone for the medical fraternity in the State. Dr Sanjay Totade, Organising Chairman highlighted the entry of large corporate entities into the pathology sector and urging the current generation of professionals to mentor future students. Furthermore, Dr Rajesh Tiwari, Acting Dean, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, proposed a decentralized infrastructure model, suggesting the establishment of pathology laboratories on every floor of medical institutions to enhance diagnostic efficiency. The technical sessions featured rigorous academic exchanges on various clinical challenges. Dr Parul Jain detailed the transition from traditional microscopy to molecular medicine in the diagnosis of Tuberculosis. Dr Amit Verma and Dr Atin Singhai provided updates on ovarian biopsy protocols and the latest WHO classifications for bladder carcinoma, respectively. Dr Reena Das and Dr Aparna Jairam in their lectures, covered hereditary anemia and recent updates in autoimmunity. Dr Arjun Singh, through his presentation, advocated for the implementation of Gamification in medical education. This approach involves applying game-design elements to academic curricula to enhance engagement and retention among medical students, ensuring they are equipped with the cognitive tools required for modern clinical practice. Accused in Rs 3.08 cr Crypto Scam held Staff Reporter : BHILAI : POLICE have arrested a 22-year-old youth for allegedly cheating investors by running a fraudulent investment consultancy under the guise of cryptocurrency trading and promising guaranteed monthly returns. The accused collected approximately Rs 3.08 crore from 76 investors by offering lucrative returns. According to police, the accused has been identified as Hardik Kudeshiya (22), a resident of Shanti Nagar, Bhilai. The accused was operating an office named Finance Up Investment Consultancy near Agrasen Chowk in Nehru Nagar, Bhilai, where he lured investors by offering 6 percent monthly profit through cryptocurrency trading. The case came to light following a complaint lodged on October 9, 2025, by an investor who stated that he had met the accused in March 2025. Claiming to be a professional trader, the accused persuaded the complainant to invest money by assuring consistent returns. Acting on this assurance, the complainant invested Rs 20 lakh through online transfers and cash deposits into bank accounts belonging to the accused and his father. Subsequently, the complainants father also invested Rs 4 lakh in the bank account of the accuseds mother. The investors initially received monthly returns from April to October 2025. Payments stopped in November 2025. When the investors visited the consultancy office, they found it closed and later learned that the accused had allegedly fled after collecting money from multiple investors. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had opened the consultancy in 2024 and executed agreements with investors promising fixed monthly returns. He reportedly collected funds through bank transfers and cash deposits into accounts held with Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and IndusInd Bank. The police investigation further revealed that the accused used the Binance mobile application to convert Indian currency into US dollars and conduct cryptocurrency trading. The profits were allegedly converted back into Indian currency and transferred to his personal bank accounts. During initial phase, a portion of the profits was distributed to investors and associates to maintain trust, while the principal amount was retained by the accused. Investigations have also revealed that the accused collected approximately Rs 3.08 crore from 76 investors by offering lucrative returns. Records of transactions were maintained on his laptop, while trading activities were conducted via his mobile phone. During the operation, police seized an iPhone 16 Pro, a Victus laptop, a currency counting machine, investor agreements, and other relevant documents. Arrested Sabarimala priest hospitalised after feeling unwell THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : A DAY after being arrested and sent to judicial custody in connection with the gold theft case, Sabarimala priest Kantaru Rajeevar was on Saturday morning moved to the state-run Medical College Hospital after he felt unwell. It was late on Friday night that Kantaru Rajeevar was remanded to judicial custody by a court in Kollam after his arrest was recorded by the Kerala High Court appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT). On Saturday morning, the tantri (priest) after being served breakfast in the Special Sub-jail here, reported to the jail staff that he wished to see a doctor. After the jail doctor examined him, he was moved to the General Hospital and after a detailed examination it was decided to shift him to the Medical College Hospital here for treatment. Rajeevar was arrested by the SIT after being questioned for several hours over his alleged role in the gold theft case. Investigators said the decision to arrest him was taken only after a detailed examination of the evidence and after seeking legal advice. The SIT has maintained that the arrest followed due procedure and was not made in haste. The remand report submitted before the court places significant emphasis on the position and responsibilities of the tantri as defined in the Devaswom Manual. According to the manual, the tantri occupies a post equivalent to that of an Assistant Commissioner in the Devaswom hierarchy. The report underlines that the tantri is among the highest-ranking authorities in matters relating to temple rituals as well as the protection and management of Devaswom assets. Investigators have also highlighted that the tantri carries a crucial responsibility in safeguarding Devaswom properties, a factor the SIT has cited to underscore the gravity of the allegations in the gold theft case. A key issue examined during the probe was the nature of the remuneration received by the tantri, described in the Devaswom Manual as paditharam. Initially, there was confusion over whether paditharam constituted a ritual offering or dakshina, or whether it was a formal payment. After seeking legal clarification, the SIT concluded that paditharam is remuneration and not a voluntary offering. The SIT has further stated that the tantri is a salaried functionary who receives payment from the Devaswom Board, a finding that has been incorporated into the remand report. A team of state BJP leaders on Saturday visited the home of the arrested tantri at Chengannur. Meanwhile on Tuesday the bail application of the tantri is coming up and until then in all likelihood he will be in his hospital bed. Bhopal shivers amid dense fog, Khajuraho at 3C for third consecutive day Staff Reporter : A harsh grip of winter continues to affect the State as cold wave conditions prevailed in several parts of Madhya Pradesh. Residents of the State capital are waking up to chilly mornings and cold nights, including on January 10, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 27.6C and a minimum of 7.2C, while morning humidity stayed at 93 percent, resulting in haze and mist across the city. Light winds of 8-10 kmph have added to the cold feel during early hours. The Meteorological Department predicts clear skies with haze or mist continuing until the morning of 11 January, with temperatures expected to remain steady in Bhopal. Meanwhile across the State, Khajuraho (Chhatarpur) recorded the lowest temperature at 3.6C, followed closely by Shivpuri at 4.0C, Rajgarh at 4.4C, Kalyanpur (Shahdol) and Datia at 4.6C, and Nowgong at 5.0C. On the warmer side, Khandwa recorded the highest maximum at 30.1C, while Narmadapuram registered 29.8C, Vidisha 28.9C, Berasia (Bhopal) 28.6C, and Bhairunda (Sehore) 28.3C. Maximum temperatures over the past 24 hours were appreciably below normal by 3.9C in Chambal division, below normal by 2.9C in Gwalior division, slightly above normal by 1.92.3C in Bhopal and Narmadapuram divisions, and normal elsewhere. Minimum temperatures were below normal by 1.62.2C in Bhopal and Gwalior divisions, while remaining near normal in other regions. Cold wave conditions were reported in Khajuraho and Shivpuri, while Prithvipur (Niwari) and Datia experienced a cold day. Moderate fog was observed in Gwalior, and isolated dense fog is expected in Morena, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, and Panna, potentially reducing visibility on roads, railways, and at airports. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during dense fog, drive cautiously, and use low-beam headlights by IMD, Bhopal. The current synoptic situation shows a Western Disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Punjab at 3.1-4.5 km above mean sea level, accompanied by a trough in middle tropospheric westerlies along longitude 71E north of latitude 30N. An induced upper air cyclonic circulation over Haryana at 1.5 km above mean sea level persists. Additionally, the subtropical westerly jet stream with core winds of around 252 kmph at 12.6 km above mean sea level continues to dominate northwest India. The 84-Year Milestone The state capital of Madhya Pradesh has etched a new chapter in its climatic history. In a startling weather event, Bhopal has recorded its lowest November temperature in 84 years, signaling a dramatic shift in Central Indias winter patterns. According to official data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the current 2024-25 and ongoing 2025-26 winter seasons have outperformed nearly a century of winter data. The most significant highlight of this season occurred on November 16, 2024, when the mercury in Bhopal dropped to 5.2C. Meteorologists confirm that this is the lowest temperature recorded for the month since the previous record of 6.1C on November 30, 1941. While 5.2C is a record for November, IMD archives remind us of the citys absolute extreme: a bone-chilling 0.6C recorded on January 18, 1935, which remains the all-time lowest minimum. Considering the intensity of the cold wave, the Meteorological Department has issued safety guidelines for residents to protect against the cold wave, including covering the head, neck, fingers, and toes, wearing adequate winter clothing such as gloves, caps, mufflers, and waterresistant shoes, and minimising outdoor exposure. People should also watch for signs of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia or frostbite, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms appear. Farmers are advised to take preventive measures for both crops and livestock. Crops should be protected from excess moisture and possible diseases due to prolonged fog, and livestock should be housed in warm shelters with dry bedding. Animals should receive lukewarm water and energy-rich feed such as jaggery, oil cakes, and grains. Rabi crop sowing should be completed early, with proper field levelling, moisture management, and monitoring for pests and diseases. Fertilisers should be applied according to crop stage and soil requirements, while fields should be kept weed-free. Deworming of calves, clean water, green fodder, and protection against cold for livestock are also recommended. Fatal fall or cold-blooded murder? Staff Reporter : A three-day investigation into the mysterious death of a college student, who allegedly fell from the second floor of a private stay-home facility, has taken a dramatic turn. The Chunabhatti police on Friday registered a case of murder against the victims friend, Kapil Tushar, after forensic evidence suggested the girl was physically assaulted and subsequently pushed off the terrace during a violent altercation. According to investigating officer Vinod Kumar Panthi, the accused attempted to cover up the crime by posing as a concerned bystander. CCTV footage from JP Hospital shows Tushar arriving in an e-rickshaw with the victim, Priya, and rushing her to the emergency ward. However, as soon as the doctors declared her brought dead, Tushar was seen fleeing the premises, leaving the body behind. Further investigation revealed that prior to the fatal fall, Tushar had smashed Priyas mobile phone to prevent her from seeking help. Priya had left her home around 10:30 am on Wednesday, ostensibly to attend college. Instead, she visited Tushar at a private stay-home in Chunabhatti, where he worked as a caretaker. The duo spent approximately two and a half hours together before the situation turned violent around 12:15 pm, leading to Priyas fall from the terrace. The investigation into their background revealed that Tushar had been an acquaintance of the family for seven years, having previously lived as a tenant near Priyas residence. Their relationship reportedly intensified after he moved to Chunabhatti post-pandemic. The preliminary post-mortem report has provided chilling details of the assault. Medical examiners found multiple bruise marks on the victims face, consistent with being punched. The cause of death was attributed to severe internal injuries to the head and chest sustained from the impact of the fall. The police are currently awaiting the final forensic report for further confirmation. The victims family has levelled serious allegations against the accused, claiming he had been stalking and harassing Priya for over a year. He had threatened to kill her eighteen months ago and was constantly exerting pressure on her regarding a personal matter, a family member told the police. The Bhopal Police have formed multiple teams to apprehend Tushar. Special units have been dispatched to Khandwa to conduct raids at suspected hideouts. Millions of litres go waste as Narmada pipeline bursts near 10-Number Market Staff Reporter : At a time when several parts of the State capital are grappling with a severe water crisis, a major technical lapse by the municipal corporation led to the wastage of lakhs of litres of pure drinking water on Saturday morning. A primary feeder line of the Narmada water supply burst near the busy 10-Number Market area around 10:30 am, turning the main thoroughfare into a virtual river and causing significant hardship to local residents and commuters. The incident occurred during peak supply hours when the pressure in the Narmada network was at its maximum. According to eyewitnesses, the force of the escaping water was so intense that it created a fountain rising nearly 20 feet into the air. This uncontrolled discharge continued for over an hour, inundating the area and slowing down the citys pace. Upon receiving reports of the burst, a technical team from the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) rushed to the spot. Investigations revealed that the spindle of a crucial valve had popped out under high pressure. Assistant Engineer Ankur Raizada explained, The team had reached the site following reports of a minor leakage. During the inspection and repair attempt, the valve spindle dislodged due to the immense water pressure, leading to the fountain-like eruption. However, the situation was brought under control within an hour. The sudden flooding caused a massive traffic jam on the main road connecting 10-Number and 11-Number markets, leaving several vehicles stranded in knee-deep water. Furthermore, the gushing water entered the basements of nearby shops and residential houses, damaging goods and property. Local residents expressed anger over the delay in shutting off the main supply, pointing out the irony of such massive wastage during a period of water scarcity. We received a complaint regarding leakage in the morning. A BMC team was immediately dispatched for inspection. While we were attempting to rectify the fault, the spindle came out, causing the water to erupt. The team acted swiftly to plug the gap, and the supply line has now been restored to normal functioning, said Assistant Engineer Ankur Raizada. NMC polls: Citizens confront former corporators for not fulfilling promises By Kaushik Bhattacharya : As the campaigning mode ahead of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections is nearing its end, the public anger over collapsing civic amenities spilled onto the streets with the direct confrontation with the former corporators who are busy campaigning. Nagpur will witness civic elections after a gap of about nine years on January 15. Facing various civic issues for long, public vented ire on former corporators who were seen struggling to give answers to citizens questions on various civic issues. In Prabhag No 17A, Shraddha Chutele, a BJP candidate after the party gave the ticket in place of her husband and former corporator Vijay Chutele, was confronted by local residents in the Prabhag when she was campaigning with her husband and supporters. The local residents raised questions over poor roads and garbage issues in the locality. They also stopped her from campaigning in the locality as the ex-corporator Vijay Chutele failed to fulfill the promises he had made then. Similarly, in Prabhag No 17D, former Congress corporator Manoj Sable, who joined the BJP recently, and is contesting on the partys ticket, is facing stiff resistance during the door-to-door campaigning. The other day, when Sable entered one of the localities, a group of women residents stopped him and refused to let him proceed further in the locality. They opposed his entry in the locality for betraying voters on civic issues. Apart from BJP, Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) candidates also are facing resistance during campaigning for the same reasons. Former Indian National Congress (INC) corporator Manoj Sangole, who joined NCP(AP), recently, also was confronted by local residents for not fulfilling the promises he made in previous civic polls. The residents blocked his entry to the locality for not fulfilling the demands of road construction and proper sanitation in the locality by the ex-corporator. Similar incidents were witnessed in Gulshan Nagar, Kalamna, Bharatwada and Pardi areas where residents confronted the poll candidates of different parties while they were campaigning. Petition alleging irregularities in evaluation of NEET exam dismissed Legal Correspondent : Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed a petition alleging irregularities in the evaluation of the NEET exam. During the hearing, the court told the petitioner, a student, that instead of complaining, she should be happy that she had scored higher than she expected. Gatha Vasnik, a resident of Navdoor Sanchar Colony in Bhopal (originally from Nagpur), had filed a petition in the High Court challenging the results of the NEET exam conducted by the National Testing to the student, she should have scored 342 marks based on her score, but the result showed 352 marks. The petition alleged a major error in the evaluation method, resulting in her receiving 10 extra marks. The student demanded that this error be corrected and the entire merit list be reissued. The division bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf heard the case. The bench orally remarked that a candidate should be happy when they have achieved higher marks than they expected. During the hearing, when the court asked whether the student had taken admission based on her results, the answer was no. The court expressed concern that such a petition could affect the students future. RTMNU awaits new Pro-V-C Staff Reporter : Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University got first woman Vice-Chancellor in Dr Manali Kshirsagar on December 2, 2025. Since taking over the charge on December 5, 2025, she is yet to choose the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Pro-V-C) of the university. The Maharashtra Public University Act 2016 has vested powers on Pro-Vice Chancellor and appointment of a suitable person can ease the academic and administrative load of Vice-Chancellor. According to sources, the university administration is citing the reason of model code of conduct that came into effect on December 15, 2025 for the local body polls. Similar issue was raised in the Senate meeting when Umred MLA Sanjay Meshram, nominated on the Senate, had pointed out that a meeting could not be held as code of conduct was in force. Then the elections of Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat were declared. But the University administration had brought to his notice that the Senate meeting had nothing to do with the elections. Similarly, now some top lawyers told The Hitavada that the Pro-V-Cs appointment can be made. As per the Section 13 (6) of the Maharashtra Public University Act, 2016, the powers lie with the Vice-Chancellor who is expected to recommend a person for the post of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor to the Management Council. The Management Council shall, on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor, appoint Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the university. Section 13 (3) of the Act describes the position of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor who shall be the Chairperson of the Board of Deans, Board of Sub-campuses, Board of University Talibans Noor Ahmad Noor to take charge of Afghan Embassy in Delhi NEW DELHI : SENIOR Taliban member Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor has arrived in New Delhi to take over as Charge dAffaires at Afghanistans Embassy, officials said on Saturday. Noor Ahmad Noor has previously served as the Director General of the First Political Department at Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. India and Afghanistan have witnessed a steady rise in their bilateral relations in the past few months, especially after the seven-day visit of the Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in October last year. During this visit, Muttaqi had firmly asserted control over the Embassy here in New Delhi, indicating the Islamic Emirates flag flying in front and behind him. This is our flag. We fought jihad under this. This is 100 per cent our embassy. All those who are working here... they are all with us, Muttaqi said in response to a question by IANS, pointing to the Islamic Emirates flag fluttering behind his back and at the front of his table while the embassy officially still hoists the former flag, representing the former regime of Ashraf Ghani. Notably, Mufti Noor was a part of the FM Muttaqis delegation to New Delhi. Although India has not yet recognised the Taliban regime, it has been emerging as a key aid donor and continues to supply aid and medical supplies. Similarly, Afghan consulates, both in Mumbai and Hyderabad, are being run by Taliban appointed diplomats. Said Muhammad Ibrahim Khil, who was appointed by the government headed by former President Ashraf Ghani, was the CDA of the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi. Meanwhile, there have been several high-ranking delegation visits from Afghanistan to India, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, trade, energy development and activating and effectively utilising the capacities of the India-developed Chabahar Port in Iran and attracting more investments. JAPAN POST BANK Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:JPSTF Get Free Report)s share price shot up 6.4% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $14.40 and last traded at $14.40. 700 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 83% from the average session volume of 4,211 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.5376. JAPAN POST BANK Stock Performance The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $12.48 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $11.73. Get JAPAN POST BANK alerts: JAPAN POST BANK Company Profile (Get Free Report) Japan Post Bank Co, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: JPSTF) is a Japanese financial institution and a core subsidiary of Japan Post Holdings Co, Ltd. Headquartered in Tokyo, the bank traces its roots to the postal savings system established in the early 20th century. Since its incorporation in April 2006, Japan Post Bank has focused on providing a wide range of retail and institutional banking services, leveraging the extensive postal network to reach customers across Japan. The banks primary business activities include deposit-taking and asset management services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for JAPAN POST BANK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JAPAN POST BANK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System trimmed its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 0.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,519,866 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 8,521 shares during the quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $203,571,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of ABT. Citizens & Northern Corp boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp now owns 21,875 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,930,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the period. Washington Trust Bank lifted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 0.9% during the third quarter. Washington Trust Bank now owns 20,430 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,736,000 after purchasing an additional 178 shares in the last quarter. Associated Banc Corp grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 3.8% in the third quarter. Associated Banc Corp now owns 128,811 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $17,253,000 after buying an additional 4,720 shares in the last quarter. Forum Financial Management LP raised its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 5.6% in the 3rd quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 62,932 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $8,429,000 after buying an additional 3,337 shares during the period. Finally, Phillips Financial Management LLC lifted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 49.8% during the 3rd quarter. Phillips Financial Management LLC now owns 3,887 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $521,000 after acquiring an additional 1,292 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Down 0.2% Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $125.95 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $219.00 billion, a PE ratio of 15.78, a P/E/G ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 1.70 and a quick ratio of 1.24. The stocks fifty day moving average is $126.13 and its two-hundred day moving average is $129.36. Abbott Laboratories has a 1-year low of $110.86 and a 1-year high of $141.23. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data 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 the consensus estimate of $11.40 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.60% and a net margin of 31.88%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.21 EPS. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 15th will be issued a $0.63 dividend. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 15th. This is a positive change from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.57%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have weighed in on ABT. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $145.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $149.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Mizuho upped their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $146.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $147.68. Read Our Latest Research Report 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ActiveOps Plc (LON:AOM Get Free Report) shares were down 1.6% on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 240 and last traded at GBX 240. Approximately 286,108 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 26% from the average daily volume of 388,439 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 244. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 355 price target on shares of ActiveOps in a research report on Thursday, November 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of GBX 355. Get ActiveOps alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on AOM ActiveOps Trading Down 1.6% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.50, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 1.20. The stock has a market cap of 171.38 million, a P/E ratio of -727.27 and a beta of 0.40. The firms fifty day moving average price is GBX 235.66 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 197.38. ActiveOps (LON:AOM Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 27th. The company reported GBX (1.31) EPS for the quarter. ActiveOps had a return on equity of 0.01% and a net margin of 4.41%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that ActiveOps Plc will post 2.5966851 EPS for the current year. About ActiveOps (Get Free Report) ActiveOps offerings provide predictive and prescriptive insight to help service operations make better decisions faster. The Companys AI-powered SaaS solutions are underpinned by 15+ years of operational data and its AOM methodology thats proven to drive cross department decision-making. With Decision Intelligence, ActiveOps customers deliver MORE release 20%+ capacity within the first 12 months and boost productivity by 30%+ leading to MORE business impact. Customer turnaround times are improved substantially, costs are reduced, SLAs are met, and employees are happier and more engaged. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for ActiveOps Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ActiveOps and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alamo Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALG Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six analysts that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $222.3333. ALG has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Alamo Group in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research lowered Alamo Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. DA Davidson lowered their price target on Alamo Group from $225.00 to $190.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Wall Street Zen lowered Alamo Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, CJS Securities upgraded Alamo Group to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Get Alamo Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ALG Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alamo Group In related news, CEO Robert Paul Hureau bought 600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 13th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $167.77 per share, with a total value of $100,662.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 11,588 shares in the company, valued at $1,944,118.76. This represents a 5.46% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link . Over the last ninety days, insiders have purchased 1,058 shares of company stock valued at $175,209. 1.18% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ALG. SG Americas Securities LLC increased its holdings in Alamo Group by 18.9% in the 4th quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 4,754 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $798,000 after purchasing an additional 756 shares in the last quarter. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL grew its holdings in shares of Alamo Group by 359.7% during the third quarter. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL now owns 6,188 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,181,000 after purchasing an additional 4,842 shares during the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Alamo Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $211,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC bought a new position in Alamo Group in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $310,000. Finally, CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co raised its holdings in Alamo Group by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 8,771 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,663,000 after buying an additional 221 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.36% of the companys stock. Alamo Group Trading Up 0.4% Shares of ALG stock opened at $187.27 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $2.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 1.12. Alamo Group has a 1 year low of $156.29 and a 1 year high of $233.29. The company has a current ratio of 4.43, a quick ratio of 2.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $169.67 and a 200 day simple moving average of $194.36. Alamo Group (NYSE:ALG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $2.34 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.61 by ($0.27). The company had revenue of $420.04 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $407.55 million. Alamo Group had a net margin of 7.20% and a return on equity of 11.11%. On average, research analysts predict that Alamo Group will post 9.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Alamo Group Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 29th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th will be given a dividend of $0.34 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. This represents a $1.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. This is a positive change from Alamo Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. Alamo Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 14.11%. About Alamo Group (Get Free Report) Alamo Group, Inc engages in the design, manufacture and marketing of equipment for vegetation management, roadside maintenance, agricultural harvesting and industrial applications. The company offers a broad portfolio of products, including boom mowers, flail mowers, rotary cutters, snow removal equipment, slurry seal machines, railcar movers and tow tractors. These offerings are distributed under a variety of brand names and through a network of independent dealerships and distributors, meeting the needs of municipalities, highway departments, agricultural producers and industrial operators. The company operates through two primary segments: Agricultural and Industrial. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Alamo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alamo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atkore Inc. (NYSE:ATKR Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Hold from the seven brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has given a strong 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 $70.00. A number of research analysts have recently commented on the company. Citigroup cut their target price on Atkore from $66.00 to $64.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Roth Capital upped their price objective on Atkore from $65.00 to $71.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Atkore in a research note on Monday, December 29th. KeyCorp restated a sector weight rating on shares of Atkore in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, CJS Securities raised shares of Atkore to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Get Atkore alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Atkore Atkore Stock Down 0.7% NYSE ATKR opened at $67.41 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.13, a current ratio of 3.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. Atkore has a 52 week low of $49.92 and a 52 week high of $89.46. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -129.63 and a beta of 1.58. The company has a fifty day moving average of $65.13 and a two-hundred day moving average of $65.46. Atkore (NYSE:ATKR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The company reported $0.69 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by ($0.61). Atkore had a positive return on equity of 12.98% and a negative net margin of 0.53%.The firm had revenue of $752.01 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $733.61 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.43 earnings per share. Atkores revenue for the quarter was down 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Atkore will post 5.79 earnings per share for the current year. Atkore Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th were given a dividend of $0.33 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $1.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. Atkores dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -253.85%. Insider Buying and Selling at Atkore In related news, insider Mark F. Lamps sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.75, for a total value of $64,750.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 29,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,937,514.25. This represents a 3.23% 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. Corporate insiders own 2.10% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Atkore A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Atkore by 8.1% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,632,594 shares of the companys stock worth $227,909,000 after acquiring an additional 273,466 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP raised its holdings in shares of Atkore by 13.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,757,797 shares of the companys stock valued at $124,013,000 after purchasing an additional 213,858 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Atkore by 14.3% in the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,158,103 shares of the companys stock valued at $72,659,000 after purchasing an additional 144,844 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of Atkore by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,036,079 shares of the companys stock worth $64,998,000 after purchasing an additional 18,951 shares during the period. Finally, LSV Asset Management boosted its stake in shares of Atkore by 2.2% during the third quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 907,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,943,000 after purchasing an additional 19,800 shares in the last quarter. Atkore Company Profile (Get Free Report) Atkore International Group Inc (NYSE: ATKR) is a diversified global manufacturer of electrical raceway and mechanical products, serving a broad range of end markets including commercial construction, industrial facilities and energy infrastructure. The companys electrical product portfolio encompasses conduit, tubing, fittings, connectors and cable management systems designed for use in residential, commercial and industrial wiring applications. On the mechanical side, Atkore offers pipe support solutions, seismic bracing, HVAC hangers and other mechanical products that address critical building and process piping needs. Founded as a family-owned business before its reorganization into a standalone public company in 2016, Atkore has grown through both organic investment and targeted acquisitions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Atkore Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atkore and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bancorp of New Jersey Inc (NYSEAMERICAN:BKJ Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $17.89 and traded as high as $19.30. Bancorp of New Jersey shares last traded at $17.89, with a volume of 58,200 shares. Bancorp of New Jersey Stock Down 7.4% The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $17.89 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.89. Get Bancorp of New Jersey alerts: About Bancorp of New Jersey (Get Free Report) Bancorp of New Jersey, Inc is the bank holding company for Bank of New Jersey, a New Jersey-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Cliffwood, New Jersey. The bank commenced operations as a de novo community bank in early 2019 and is regulated by the Federal Reserve and the New Jersey Division of Banking. As a bank holding company, Bancorp of New Jersey oversees the strategic direction and regulatory compliance of its banking subsidiary. Bank of New Jersey offers a full suite of deposit products, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, alongside certificates of deposit. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bancorp of New Jersey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bancorp of New Jersey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Bank of Hawaii Corporation (NYSE:BOH Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Hold by the five analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $71.25. BOH has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. DA Davidson reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $70.00 target price on shares of Bank of Hawaii in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Bank of Hawaii in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Bank of Hawaii from $66.00 to $68.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Bank of Hawaii from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Sunday, January 4th. Get Bank of Hawaii alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on BOH Bank of Hawaii Stock Down 0.4% Bank of Hawaii stock opened at $71.01 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The firm has a market cap of $2.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.41, a P/E/G ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 0.75. The business has a fifty day moving average of $67.58 and a two-hundred day moving average of $66.56. Bank of Hawaii has a twelve month low of $57.44 and a twelve month high of $76.00. Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The bank reported $1.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.13 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $182.64 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $180.95 million. Bank of Hawaii had a return on equity of 13.33% and a net margin of 17.41%.During the same period last year, the business posted $0.93 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Bank of Hawaii will post 3.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bank of Hawaii Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. Bank of Hawaiis payout ratio is 68.63%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Bank of Hawaii news, CEO Peter S. Ho sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.87, for a total value of $1,018,050.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 156,774 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,640,251.38. This trade represents a 8.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 2.07% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bank of Hawaii Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its stake in Bank of Hawaii by 16.4% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 26,241 shares of the banks stock worth $1,808,000 after purchasing an additional 3,689 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 177.5% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 23,818 shares of the banks stock worth $1,617,000 after buying an additional 15,234 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 4.6% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 23,272 shares of the banks stock worth $1,605,000 after buying an additional 1,027 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 4,090.7% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 302,315 shares of the banks stock valued at $20,851,000 after buying an additional 295,101 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 35.8% in the 1st quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 19,808 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,366,000 after acquiring an additional 5,227 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.18% of the companys stock. About Bank of Hawaii (Get Free Report) Bank of Hawaii (NYSE: BOH) is a regional commercial bank headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, with roots tracing back to its founding in 1897 by Charles Montague Cooke and Peter Cushman Jones. As one of the oldest financial institutions in the U.S. West Coast region, the bank has built a reputation for stability and community focus. It operates as the principal subsidiary of Bank of Hawaii Corporation, a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking products and services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Hawaii Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Hawaii and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Brixmor Property Group Inc. (NYSE:BRX Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the eleven brokerages that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $30.40. A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Brixmor Property Group in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Evercore ISI raised their price target on shares of Brixmor Property Group from $31.00 to $32.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 15th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Brixmor Property Group in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. They set an equal weight rating and a $28.00 price target on the stock. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Brixmor Property Group from $29.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Scotiabank lowered their target price on Brixmor Property Group from $31.00 to $30.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Get Brixmor Property Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on BRX Institutional Trading of Brixmor Property Group Brixmor Property Group Trading Down 2.1% A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BRX. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Brixmor Property Group by 17.4% during the 3rd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 2,681 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $74,000 after purchasing an additional 398 shares during the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System increased its position in shares of Brixmor Property Group by 0.5% during the second quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 86,100 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,242,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the period. State of Michigan Retirement System raised its stake in Brixmor Property Group by 0.5% during the second quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 73,607 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,917,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC lifted its holdings in Brixmor Property Group by 4.7% in the second quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 10,073 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $262,000 after buying an additional 451 shares during the period. Finally, Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its position in Brixmor Property Group by 2.5% during the third quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 19,283 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $534,000 after acquiring an additional 465 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.43% of the companys stock. NYSE BRX opened at $25.67 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $7.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 1.09. Brixmor Property Group has a twelve month low of $22.28 and a twelve month high of $28.61. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85. The businesss fifty day moving average is $26.01 and its 200 day moving average is $26.54. Brixmor Property Group (NYSE:BRX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.56 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.56. Brixmor Property Group had a return on equity of 11.22% and a net margin of 24.70%.The business had revenue of $340.84 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $335.23 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.52 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Brixmor Property Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.23-2.250 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Brixmor Property Group will post 2.22 EPS for the current fiscal year. Brixmor Property Group Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 5th will be given a dividend of $0.3075 per share. This represents a $1.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.8%. This is a positive change from Brixmor Property Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 5th. Brixmor Property Groups dividend payout ratio is 112.84%. Brixmor Property Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brixmor Property Group is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the ownership, management and development of open-air shopping centers across the United States. The company acquires and leases retail properties that feature everyday, necessity-based tenants such as grocery stores, discount retailers, and service providers. Brixmors core strategy centers on generating stable, long-term income streams through tenant relationships and targeted property enhancements. The companys main business activities include proactive leasing, property upkeep and capital improvement projects designed to maximize occupancy and tenant satisfaction. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Brixmor Property Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brixmor Property Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the seventeen analysts that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five 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 issued a report on the stock in the last year is $301.8462. Several equities research analysts have commented on IBM shares. Bank of America upped their price target on shares of International Business Machines from $310.00 to $315.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on International Business Machines from $300.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on International Business Machines from $295.00 to $325.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Wall Street Zen lowered International Business Machines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $300.00 to $360.00 in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Get International Business Machines alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on International Business Machines International Business Machines Price Performance Shares of NYSE:IBM opened at $304.36 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97. International Business Machines has a twelve month low of $214.50 and a twelve month high of $324.90. The companys 50 day moving average is $303.55 and its 200 day moving average is $281.97. The company has a market cap of $284.49 billion, a PE ratio of 36.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 0.70. International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The technology company reported $2.65 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.45 by $0.20. International Business Machines had a net margin of 12.09% and a return on equity of 37.76%. The business had revenue of $16.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.10 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.30 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that International Business Machines will post 10.78 EPS for the current year. International Business Machines Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 10th were issued a $1.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $6.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.2%. International Business Machiness payout ratio is presently 80.38%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On International Business Machines Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Family CFO Inc acquired a new stake in International Business Machines in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in International Business Machines in the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. purchased a new stake in International Business Machines in the 3rd quarter worth $28,000. SWAN Capital LLC acquired a new position in International Business Machines during the third quarter worth $28,000. Finally, Silicon Valley Capital Partners lifted its holdings in International Business Machines by 322.6% during the first quarter. Silicon Valley Capital Partners now owns 131 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. 58.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Key International Business Machines News Here are the key news stories impacting International Business Machines this week: About International Business Machines (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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for International Business Machines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Business Machines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM Get Free Report) (TSE:CM) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the eight research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $107.50. Several equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen raised Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Raymond James Financial initiated coverage on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. They set a market perform rating for the company. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 31st. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Trading Down 1.0% Shares of NYSE:CM opened at $90.74 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $84.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.90, a PEG ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 1.02. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $88.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $80.82. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 12 month low of $53.62 and a 12 month high of $94.16. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM Get Free Report) (TSE:CM) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.57 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $5.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.23 billion. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a return on equity of 14.93% and a net margin of 13.57%.Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces revenue for the quarter was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.91 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 5.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Investors of record on Monday, December 29th will be given a $1.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 29th. This is an increase from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.97. This represents a $4.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.7%. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 50.25%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CM. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. bought a new position in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Toth Financial Advisory Corp bought a new stake in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the third quarter worth $32,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc increased its stake in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 300.0% in the third quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 400 shares of the banks stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC increased its position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 119.7% during the 3rd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 402 shares of the banks stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares during the period. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce during the second quarter worth $34,000. 49.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (Get Free Report) 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Saturday. Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on CMS. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of CMS Energy from $78.00 to $82.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on CMS Energy from $71.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on CMS Energy from $85.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on CMS Energy from $81.00 to $77.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of CMS Energy to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $78.25. Get CMS Energy alerts: Get Our Latest Report on CMS Energy CMS Energy Price Performance CMS opened at $69.98 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $21.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.22, a PEG ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 0.49. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.84. CMS Energy has a 12-month low of $63.97 and a 12-month high of $76.45. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $71.83 and its 200-day simple moving average is $72.07. CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The utilities provider reported $0.93 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.86 by $0.07. CMS Energy had a net margin of 12.62% and a return on equity of 12.10%. The company had revenue of $2.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.83 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.84 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. CMS Energy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.800-3.870 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 3.560-3.600 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that CMS Energy will post 3.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. CMS Energy Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th were paid a $0.5425 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. This represents a $2.17 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. CMS Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 62.72%. Insider Buying and Selling at CMS Energy In other news, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.47, for a total transaction of $289,880.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 64,259 shares in the company, valued at $4,656,849.73. This represents a 5.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.40% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of CMS Energy during the second quarter worth $238,951,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd lifted its position in CMS Energy by 1,048.7% during the 2nd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 1,460,924 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $101,213,000 after acquiring an additional 1,333,743 shares during the period. Soroban Capital Partners LP lifted its position in CMS Energy by 215.8% during the 2nd quarter. Soroban Capital Partners LP now owns 1,435,170 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $99,429,000 after acquiring an additional 980,733 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in CMS Energy by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 39,044,129 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,704,977,000 after purchasing an additional 702,713 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S increased its holdings in shares of CMS Energy by 3,585.4% in the third quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 443,054 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $32,458,000 after purchasing an additional 431,032 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.57% of the companys stock. About CMS Energy (Get Free Report) CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is an energy company based in Jackson, Michigan, whose principal business is the regulated utility operations of its subsidiary, Consumers Energy. The company is primarily focused on providing electric and natural gas service to customers in Michigan, operating the generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure necessary to deliver energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Jackson, CMS Energy conducts its core activities within the state and is regulated by state utility authorities. Through Consumers Energy and related subsidiaries, CMS Energy develops, owns and operates a portfolio of generation assets and delivers a range of customer-facing services, including electricity and natural gas supply, grid management, energy efficiency programs and demand-response offerings. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for CMS Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CMS Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (NYSE:MUFG Get Free Report) and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (OTCMKTS:IDCBY Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, risk, earnings and analyst recommendations. Risk & Volatility Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has a beta of 0.35, suggesting that its share price is 65% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. has a beta of 0.14, suggesting that its share price is 86% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group alerts: Dividends Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group pays an annual dividend of $0.38 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.8%. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group pays out 33.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. pays out 21.9% 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. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group 13.98% 9.39% 0.49% Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. 24.10% 8.96% 0.71% Analyst Recommendations This table compares Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.s net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group 0 2 0 0 2.00 Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. 0 0 0 0 0.00 Earnings & Valuation This table compares Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.s revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group $89.51 billion 2.27 $8.36 billion $1.12 15.26 Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. $219.33 billion 1.28 $50.89 billion $2.74 5.73 Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. has higher revenue and earnings than Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Institutional and Insider Ownership 13.6% of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group shares are held by institutional investors. 0.0% of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. About Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (Get Free Report) Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. operates as the bank holding company, that engages in a range of financial businesses in Japan, the United States, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Digital Service, Retail & Commercial Banking, Japanese Corporate & Investment Banking, Global Commercial Banking, Asset Management & Investor Services, Global Corporate & Investment Banking, and Global Markets. The company offers commercial banking, trust banking, and securities products and services to retail, and small and medium-sized enterprise customers. It also provides mergers and acquisition, debt and equity issuance, financial advice, and real estate-related services; digital-based financial services; credit cards; and trust banking and securities products and services, as well as engages in the lending, fund settlement, and foreign exchange businesses. In addition, the company offers corporate banking services, such as project export credit agency finance, and financing through asset-backed commercial paper; investment and transaction banking services for corporations, financial institutions, sovereign and multinational organizations, and institutional investors; and asset management and investor services, including pension fund management and administration, pension structure advisory, beneficiary payment, and investment trust services for retail customers. Further, it provides loans, deposits, fund transfers, hedging, and investments services for retail, small and medium-sized enterprise, as well as corporate customers; financing for automotive and consumer goods; sells and trades in fixed income instruments, currencies, equities, and equities; offers investment products comprising mutual funds, structured bonds, and notes; originates and distributes of financial products; and provides insurance and treasury services. The company was founded in 1880 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. About Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (Get Free Report) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides banking products and services in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company operates through Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, and Treasury Operations segments. The Corporate Banking segment offers financial products and services to corporations, government agencies, and financial institutions. Its products and services include trade financing, deposit, corporate wealth management, custody, and various corporate intermediary services, as well as corporate loans. Its Personal Banking segment provides financial products and services to individual customers. This segment's products and services comprise personal loans and cards, deposits, and personal wealth management and intermediary services. The Treasury Business segment is involved in the money market transactions, investment securities, and proprietary and foreign exchange transactions businesses. It also offers e-banking services, investment banking, financial leasing, and insurance services. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited was incorporated in 1984 and is based in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deltec Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Macro Bank Inc. (NYSE:BMA Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 6,500 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $275,000. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sagil Capital LLP purchased a new position in Macro Bank during the second quarter worth about $10,094,000. Marshall Wace LLP lifted its holdings in shares of Macro Bank by 4,089.3% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 120,191 shares of the banks stock worth $8,439,000 after acquiring an additional 117,322 shares during the period. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC boosted its position in shares of Macro Bank by 10.0% in the second quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 117,770 shares of the banks stock worth $8,269,000 after acquiring an additional 10,717 shares during the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its holdings in Macro Bank by 1.4% in the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 85,228 shares of the banks stock valued at $5,984,000 after purchasing an additional 1,160 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in Macro Bank by 14.6% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 79,947 shares of the banks stock worth $5,613,000 after purchasing an additional 10,211 shares during the last quarter. Get Macro Bank alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Macro Bank in a report on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup raised Macro Bank from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. HSBC downgraded Macro Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $80.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Monday, December 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Macro Bank to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res lowered Macro Bank from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $103.75. Macro Bank Price Performance BMA stock opened at $95.72 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $6.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.16. Macro Bank Inc. has a 1 year low of $38.30 and a 1 year high of $118.17. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $86.68 and a 200-day simple moving average of $69.76. Macro Bank (NYSE:BMA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The bank reported ($0.39) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.67 by ($1.06). Macro Bank had a return on equity of 8.15% and a net margin of 6.11%.The company had revenue of $668.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $590.57 million. On average, equities analysts predict that Macro Bank Inc. will post 7.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Macro Bank Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 16th were given a $0.3585 dividend. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 16th. This is an increase from Macro Banks previous monthly dividend of $0.35. Macro Banks dividend payout ratio is currently 194.57%. Macro Bank Company Profile (Free Report) Macro Bank (NYSE: BMA) is the American depositary receipt program of Banco Macro SA, one of the largest privately owned banks in Argentina. Headquartered in Buenos Aires, the institution delivers a comprehensive suite of banking solutions to retail, corporate and agricultural customers across the country. Through its extensive branch network and digital platforms, Macro Bank aims to serve diverse client segments with tailored financial products and services. The banks offerings span traditional deposit accountsincluding checking, savings and term depositsalongside payment and transaction services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Macro Bank Inc. (NYSE:BMA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Macro Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Macro Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report released on Saturday morning. Other analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Morgan Stanley set a $138.00 target price on shares of DTE Energy in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Wells Fargo & Company raised DTE Energy to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded DTE Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the company from $149.00 to $150.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Scotiabank decreased their target price on shares of DTE Energy from $147.00 to $146.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price target on shares of DTE Energy from $153.00 to $154.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $148.33. Get DTE Energy alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on DTE DTE Energy Stock Up 0.2% Shares of DTE Energy stock opened at $129.90 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.01, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 0.68. DTE Energy has a 1-year low of $116.30 and a 1-year high of $143.79. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $132.49 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $135.83. The company has a market capitalization of $26.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.50, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.49. DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The utilities provider reported $2.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.10 by $0.15. DTE Energy had a return on equity of 12.63% and a net margin of 9.34%.The company had revenue of $3.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.23 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.22 earnings per share. DTE Energy has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.090-7.230 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 7.590-7.730 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that DTE Energy will post 7.18 EPS for the current year. DTE Energy Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $1.165 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This is a boost from DTE Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.09. This represents a $4.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.6%. DTE Energys payout ratio is presently 69.97%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On DTE Energy A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DTE. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of DTE Energy by 4.2% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 25,964,872 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,439,307,000 after acquiring an additional 1,042,589 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its position in DTE Energy by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,806,278 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,540,000,000 after purchasing an additional 247,747 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors raised its stake in shares of DTE Energy by 5.9% during the 3rd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 9,851,237 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,393,260,000 after purchasing an additional 552,346 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of DTE Energy by 12.1% during the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 5,571,081 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $788,004,000 after buying an additional 602,602 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of DTE Energy by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,250,341 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $692,535,000 after buying an additional 154,594 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.06% of the companys stock. Key Stories Impacting DTE Energy Here are the key news stories impacting DTE Energy this week: About DTE Energy (Get Free Report) DTE Energy is an integrated energy company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, that combines regulated utility operations with non-utility energy businesses. Its regulated subsidiaries operate electric and natural gas utility services that deliver generation, transmission and distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The companys utility segment focuses on maintaining and upgrading energy delivery infrastructure, ensuring reliable service and meeting regulatory requirements in its service territory. Beyond its regulated utilities, DTE Energy operates non-utility businesses that develop, own and operate power generation and energy-related projects. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for DTE Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DTE Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eagle Capital Growth Fund, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:GRF Get Free Report)s share price passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $10.61 and traded as high as $10.84. Eagle Capital Growth Fund shares last traded at $10.82, with a volume of 3,778 shares trading hands. Eagle Capital Growth Fund Price Performance The companys 50-day moving average price is $10.61 and its 200-day moving average price is $10.46. Get Eagle Capital Growth Fund alerts: Eagle Capital Growth Fund Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed an annual dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st were issued a $0.85 dividend. This represents a yield of 842.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 21st. Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Trading of Eagle Capital Growth Fund In other news, CFO David C. Sims bought 2,840 shares of Eagle Capital Growth Fund stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 16th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $10.73 per share, with a total value of $30,473.20. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief financial officer directly owned 210,032 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,253,643.36. The trade was a 1.37% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . In the last ninety days, insiders purchased 16,386 shares of company stock worth $173,126. Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Eagle Capital Growth Fund by 166.0% during the third quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,421 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 1,511 shares in the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its holdings in Eagle Capital Growth Fund by 10.9% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 28,862 shares of the companys stock valued at $281,000 after buying an additional 2,839 shares in the last quarter. Sigma Investment Counselors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Eagle Capital Growth Fund by 24.5% in the 2nd quarter. Sigma Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 16,591 shares of the companys stock worth $161,000 after acquiring an additional 3,264 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Matisse Capital increased its stake in shares of Eagle Capital Growth Fund by 26.5% in the 3rd quarter. Matisse Capital now owns 16,262 shares of the companys stock worth $171,000 after acquiring an additional 3,402 shares during the last quarter. About Eagle Capital Growth Fund (Get Free Report) Eagle Capital Growth Fund Inc (NYSE American: GRF) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company that seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities of U.S. and foreign issuers. Launched in December 2012, the fund follows a value-oriented investment approach, targeting companies with durable competitive advantages, solid cash flows and attractive valuation metrics. Advised by Eagle Capital Management LLC, a Boston-based investment firm specializing in fundamental, bottom-up research, the funds portfolio includes publicly traded common stocks and, when appropriate, convertible securities. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eagle Capital Growth Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eagle Capital Growth Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC increased its stake in Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR Free Report) by 405.4% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 45,768 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 36,713 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Emerson Electric were worth $6,004,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Emerson Electric by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 54,129,898 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $7,217,139,000 after acquiring an additional 695,105 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its holdings in Emerson Electric by 3.0% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 27,053,019 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,606,979,000 after purchasing an additional 784,987 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in Emerson Electric by 75.0% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 12,538,402 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,671,762,000 after purchasing an additional 5,371,585 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Emerson Electric by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 12,143,357 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,610,958,000 after purchasing an additional 89,192 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB increased its position in shares of Emerson Electric by 19.5% during the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 9,195,005 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,223,947,000 after purchasing an additional 1,499,000 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.30% of the companys stock. Get Emerson Electric alerts: More Emerson Electric News Here are the key news stories impacting Emerson Electric this week: Analyst Ratings Changes EMR has been the subject of several research reports. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $145.00 target price on shares of Emerson Electric in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Emerson Electric from $151.00 to $150.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Emerson Electric from $157.00 to $159.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Emerson Electric from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, TD Cowen cut shares of Emerson Electric from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $150.00 target price for the company. in a report on Friday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Emerson Electric presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $151.06. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Emerson Electric Insider Activity at Emerson Electric In other news, CEO Surendralal Lanca Karsanbhai sold 7,263 shares of Emerson Electric stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.00, for a total transaction of $965,979.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 196,292 shares in the company, valued at approximately $26,106,836. The trade was a 3.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.23% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Emerson Electric Price Performance EMR stock opened at $144.17 on Friday. Emerson Electric Co. has a one year low of $90.06 and a one year high of $150.27. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $134.09 and a two-hundred day moving average of $134.74. The firm has a market capitalization of $81.06 billion, a PE ratio of 35.68, a P/E/G ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 6th. The industrial products company reported $0.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $3.16 billion for the quarter. Emerson Electric had a net margin of 12.73% and a return on equity of 15.87%. Emerson Electric has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.350-6.550 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.400-1.400 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Emerson Electric Co. will post 5.96 earnings per share for the current year. Emerson Electric Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $0.555 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This is an increase from Emerson Electrics previous quarterly dividend of $0.53. This represents a $2.22 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.5%. Emerson Electrics dividend payout ratio is currently 54.95%. Emerson Electric announced that its board has initiated a share repurchase program on Wednesday, November 5th that authorizes the company to repurchase $0.00 in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the industrial products company to buy shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. About Emerson Electric (Free Report) Emerson Electric Co is a global technology and engineering company that designs and manufactures products and provides services for industrial, commercial and consumer markets. Founded in 1890, the company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and has built a long-standing presence in automation, control and climate-related technologies. Emersons offerings are aimed at improving productivity, energy efficiency and reliability for a wide range of end markets. Emerson operates through two principal platformsAutomation Solutions and Commercial & Residential Solutionsproviding process automation systems, measurement and analytical instrumentation, valves and actuators, control software, and related aftermarket services, alongside products for heating, ventilation and refrigeration, residential and commercial climate controls, tools and storage solutions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EMR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Emerson Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Emerson Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield Wealth Solutions (NYSE:BNT Get Free Report) and PJT Partners (NYSE:PJT Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends and profitability. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Brookfield Wealth Solutions and PJT Partnerss gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Brookfield Wealth Solutions alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Brookfield Wealth Solutions $14.10 billion 1.24 $1.21 billion $0.23 210.74 PJT Partners $1.49 billion 2.93 $238.47 million $6.50 27.64 Insider and Institutional Ownership Brookfield Wealth Solutions has higher revenue and earnings than PJT Partners. PJT Partners is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Brookfield Wealth Solutions, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. 20.3% of Brookfield Wealth Solutions shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.2% of PJT Partners shares are held by institutional investors. 1.0% of Brookfield Wealth Solutions shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 11.8% of PJT Partners shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Brookfield Wealth Solutions and PJT Partners net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Brookfield Wealth Solutions 0.11% 0.11% 0.01% PJT Partners 10.75% 29.66% 16.60% Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Brookfield Wealth Solutions and PJT Partners, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Brookfield Wealth Solutions 0 0 1 0 3.00 PJT Partners 1 6 0 1 2.13 PJT Partners has a consensus price target of $180.60, suggesting a potential upside of 0.52%. Given PJT Partners higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe PJT Partners is more favorable than Brookfield Wealth Solutions. Dividends Brookfield Wealth Solutions pays an annual dividend of $0.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.5%. PJT Partners pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Brookfield Wealth Solutions pays out 104.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. PJT Partners pays out 15.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. PJT Partners is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Risk and Volatility Brookfield Wealth Solutions has a beta of 1.57, suggesting that its stock price is 57% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, PJT Partners has a beta of 0.84, suggesting that its stock price is 16% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary PJT Partners beats Brookfield Wealth Solutions on 11 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Brookfield Wealth Solutions (Get Free Report) Brookfield Wealth Solutions is focused on securing the financial futures of individuals and institutions through a range of retirement services, wealth protection products and tailored capital solutions. Through our operating subsidiaries, we offer a broad range of insurance products and services, including annuities, personal and commercial property and casualty insurance and life insurance.The company was incorporated in 2020 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda. About PJT Partners (Get Free Report) PJT Partners Inc., an investment bank, provides various strategic and capital markets advisory, restructuring and special situations, and shareholder advisory services to corporations, financial sponsors, institutional investors, and governments worldwide. It offers advisory services to clients on various transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), spin-offs, activism defense, contested M&A, joint ventures, minority investments, and divestitures. The company also advises private and public company boards and management teams on strategies for building productive investor relationships with a focus on shareholder engagement; and strategic investor relations; environmental, social, and governance matters; and other investor-related matters. In addition, it provides advisory services related to debt and acquisition financings; structured product offerings; public equity raises, including initial public offering and SPAC offerings; and private capital raises for early and later stage companies, as well as other capital structure related matters. Further, the company offers advisory services in financial restructurings and reorganizations; liability management; distressed mergers and acquisitions; and to management teams, corporate boards, sponsors and creditors. Additionally, it provides private fund advisory and fundraising services for a range of investment strategies; and advisory services to general and partners on liquidity and other structured solutions. The company was formerly known as Blackstone Advisory Inc. and changed its name to PJT Partners Inc. in March 2015. PJT Partners Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Wealth Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Wealth Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First American Financial Corporation (NYSE:FAF Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the five ratings firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $75.75. A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on shares of First American Financial from $79.00 to $81.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Truist Financial upped their price objective on First American Financial from $73.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Wall Street Zen raised First American Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, December 14th. Stephens assumed coverage on First American Financial in a research report on Friday, November 14th. They issued an equal weight rating for the company. Finally, Barclays dropped their price target on First American Financial from $71.00 to $68.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Get First American Financial alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on First American Financial Institutional Trading of First American Financial First American Financial Price Performance Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of FAF. ProShare Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of First American Financial by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 4,561 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $280,000 after buying an additional 172 shares in the last quarter. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System boosted its holdings in shares of First American Financial by 3.9% in the third quarter. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System now owns 4,850 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $312,000 after acquiring an additional 180 shares during the period. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS boosted its holdings in shares of First American Financial by 0.9% in the third quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 21,500 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,381,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the period. Clearstead Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of First American Financial by 33.0% in the third quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 859 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Treasurer of the State of North Carolina raised its stake in shares of First American Financial by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 45,932 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,820,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.05% of the companys stock. Shares of First American Financial stock opened at $61.45 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $6.26 billion, a PE ratio of 13.21 and a beta of 1.27. First American Financial has a 1 year low of $53.09 and a 1 year high of $68.64. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $63.11 and a 200-day moving average price of $62.81. First American Financial (NYSE:FAF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The insurance provider reported $1.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.42 by $0.28. First American Financial had a net margin of 6.80% and a return on equity of 11.01%. The company had revenue of $1.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.87 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.34 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 40.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that First American Financial will post 5.35 EPS for the current fiscal year. First American Financial Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 8th were issued a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 8th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.6%. First American Financials dividend payout ratio is 47.31%. About First American Financial (Get Free Report) First American Financial Corporation is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement services and diversified real estate-related data and analytics. Headquartered in Santa Ana, California, the company serves customers throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Its business is built on the underwriting capabilities of its title insurance operations combined with comprehensive closing and escrow services for homebuyers, sellers, mortgage lenders and real estate professionals. The companys title insurance segment issues policies that protect property owners and mortgage lenders against defects in titles, liens or encumbrances that can arise during real property transactions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for First American Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First American Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Forum Financial Management LP increased its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 30.5% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 32,839 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 7,668 shares during the period. Forum Financial Management LPs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $5,046,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Procter & Gamble during the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Nova Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 67.9% in the 2nd quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC now owns 178 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. bought a new stake in Procter & Gamble in the second quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, RMG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble during the second quarter worth $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.77% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Procter & Gamble Stock Up 0.2% Shares of NYSE:PG opened at $141.81 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The firm has a market cap of $331.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.70, a P/E/G ratio of 4.78 and a beta of 0.39. Procter & Gamble Company has a 12 month low of $137.62 and a 12 month high of $179.99. The companys 50-day moving average price is $144.93 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $151.50. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $1.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.90 by $0.09. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.74% and a return on equity of 32.63%. The company had revenue of $22.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.23 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.93 earnings per share. Procter & Gambles quarterly revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.100 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 24th were given a $1.0568 dividend. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 24th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 61.61%. Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble In other news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 725 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.57, for a total transaction of $108,438.25. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 979 shares in the company, valued at $146,429.03. The trade was a 42.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently commented on PG. TD Cowen reduced their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $168.00 to $150.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Dbs Bank raised shares of Procter & Gamble to a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $165.00 to $157.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $158.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $156.00 to $179.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $169.23. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Procter & Gamble Key Headlines 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Vanguard (NYSE:AVD Get Free Report) and FUCHS (OTCMKTS:FUPBY Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, dividends and earnings. Institutional and Insider Ownership 79.0% of American Vanguard shares are held by institutional investors. 7.6% of American Vanguard shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get American Vanguard alerts: Profitability This table compares American Vanguard and FUCHSs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Vanguard -21.15% -23.15% -8.20% FUCHS 8.30% 15.46% 11.14% Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio American Vanguard $547.31 million 0.20 -$126.34 million ($3.98) -0.97 FUCHS $3.81 billion N/A $326.79 million $0.63 17.56 This table compares American Vanguard and FUCHSs revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. FUCHS has higher revenue and earnings than American Vanguard. American Vanguard is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than FUCHS, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for American Vanguard and FUCHS, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American Vanguard 1 0 1 0 2.00 FUCHS 1 0 1 0 2.00 American Vanguard presently has a consensus price target of $12.00, suggesting a potential upside of 211.28%. Given American Vanguards higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe American Vanguard is more favorable than FUCHS. Volatility and Risk American Vanguard has a beta of 1.22, meaning that its stock price is 22% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, FUCHS has a beta of 0.91, meaning that its stock price is 9% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary FUCHS beats American Vanguard on 7 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About American Vanguard (Get Free Report) American Vanguard Corporation, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets specialty chemicals for agricultural, commercial, and consumer uses in the United States and internationally. It manufactures and formulates chemicals, including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, soil health, plant nutrition, molluscicides, growth regulators, soil fumigants, and biorationals in liquid, powder, and granular forms for crops, turf and ornamental plants, and human and animal health protection. The company also markets, sells, and distributes end-use chemical and biological products for crop applications; and distributes chemicals for turf and ornamental markets. It distributes its products through national distribution companies, and buying groups or co-operatives; and through sales offices, sales force executives, sales agents, and wholly owned distributors. American Vanguard Corporation was incorporated in 1969 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California. About FUCHS (Get Free Report) Fuchs SE develops, produces, and sells lubricants and related specialties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and North and South America. The company offers automotive lubricants, such as biodegradable lubricants, central and mobile hydraulic oils, dry coatings, engine and gear oils, motorcycle/two wheelers, and service fluids, as well as various oils for agriculture sector. It also provides industrial lubricants, including chain lubricants, dry coatings, gear and hydraulic oils, machine oils, open gear lubricants, rapidly biodegradable lubricants, compressor and refrigeration oils, release agents, slideways oils, fluids and industrial oils, textile machine oils, and turbine oils. In addition, the company offers lubricating greases comprising assembly pastes, biodegradable greases, food grade greases, multi-purpose/long-life greases, pastes for extreme temperatures, perfluorinated pastes, and wheel bearing greases, as well as gear boxes, and greases for central lubricating system, extreme temperature, machine tools, plain and roller bearings, rail vehicles, spray cans or rattle cans, and solid lubricants. Further, it provides metal processing lubricants consisting of cleaners, corrosion preventives, cutting and grinding, forming lubricants, and quenching oils; and special application lubricants for application equipment, chain lubrication, dry coatings, food and beverage, gears, sugar processing, railway traffic, plain and roller bearings, glass manufacturing process, hot forming, maintenance, open gears, pastes, release agents, other specialties, special greases, and wind power plants. Additionally, the company offers open gear and surface coating services. The company was formerly known as Fuchs Petrolub SE and changed its name to Fuchs SE in July 2023. Fuchs SE was founded in 1931 and is headquartered in Mannheim, Germany. Receive News & Ratings for American Vanguard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Vanguard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lessened its holdings in General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS Free Report) by 15.1% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 148,104 shares of the companys stock after selling 26,439 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in General Mills were worth $7,467,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of GIS. Garde Capital Inc. raised its holdings in General Mills by 101.5% in the 2nd quarter. Garde Capital Inc. now owns 524 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 264 shares during the period. Davis Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of General Mills during the third quarter valued at about $29,000. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of General Mills in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC lifted its holdings in shares of General Mills by 1,094.4% in the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 645 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 591 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial Consulate Inc. acquired a new position in shares of General Mills in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $32,000. 75.71% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get General Mills alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $60.00 target price on shares of General Mills in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Wall Street Zen upgraded General Mills from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, September 13th. Evercore ISI reiterated a positive rating on shares of General Mills in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Morgan Stanley set a $47.00 target price on General Mills and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein set a $54.00 target price on General Mills and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, General Mills currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $53.33. Insider Transactions at General Mills In related news, insider Paul Joseph Gallagher sold 1,500 shares of General Mills stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.15, for a total value of $72,225.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 48,568 shares in the company, valued at $2,338,549.20. The trade was a 3.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. General Mills Trading Up 1.5% NYSE:GIS opened at $44.60 on Friday. General Mills, Inc. has a 12-month low of $42.78 and a 12-month high of $67.35. The firm has a market cap of $23.80 billion, a PE ratio of 9.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.83 and a beta of -0.06. The company has a current ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $46.57 and a 200 day moving average price of $48.70. General Mills (NYSE:GIS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 17th. The company reported $1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $4.86 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.78 billion. General Mills had a return on equity of 21.41% and a net margin of 13.51%.General Millss revenue was down 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.40 EPS. General Mills has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.580-3.790 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that General Mills, Inc. will post 4.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. General Mills Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, January 9th will be issued a $0.61 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.5%. General Millss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 52.47%. About General Mills (Free Report) General Mills, Inc (NYSE: GIS) is a multinational consumer foods company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of branded food products. Its product categories include ready-to-eat and hot cereals, baking mixes and ingredients, snacks and bars, refrigerated and frozen doughs, yogurt and other dairy products, and a variety of shelf-stable meals and meal components. The companys portfolio features widely recognized consumer brands across grocery store, mass channel and foodservice outlets. Founded in the early 20th century and incorporated under its current name in 1928, General Mills has grown through both internal brand development and strategic expansion to become a global food company. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GIS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for General Mills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Mills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Glencore PLC (OTCMKTS:GLNCY Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the eight ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, four have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $9.30. A number of research analysts have commented on GLNCY shares. UBS Group downgraded shares of Glencore from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Glencore in a research note on Thursday. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of Glencore in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Berenberg Bank upgraded Glencore from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Glencore in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Get Glencore alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on GLNCY Glencore Stock Performance Glencore News Summary Shares of Glencore stock opened at $12.04 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 1.15. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $10.06 and its 200-day moving average price is $9.00. Glencore has a 12 month low of $5.74 and a 12 month high of $12.33. Here are the key news stories impacting Glencore this week: About Glencore (Get Free Report) Glencore is a global natural resources company engaged in the production, processing and marketing of commodities. The business combines large-scale mining and metals operations with an extensive physical commodities trading and marketing platform. Its activities span the full commodity value chain, from extraction and smelting/refining to the commercial distribution of metals and energy products to industrial customers worldwide. Key product areas include base and precious metals (such as copper, zinc, nickel and related concentrates), bulk commodities and energy products (including thermal coal and oil) and associated valueadded materials and services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Glencore Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Glencore and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Gold Fields (NYSE:GFI Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Saturday morning. Several other equities analysts also recently weighed in on GFI. Zacks Research downgraded Gold Fields from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. Investec cut shares of Gold Fields from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. HSBC reiterated a hold rating on shares of Gold Fields in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Gold Fields from $62.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on Gold Fields to $45.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $42.13. Get Gold Fields alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on GFI Gold Fields Stock Performance Institutional Investors Weigh In On Gold Fields Gold Fields stock opened at $45.73 on Friday. Gold Fields has a twelve month low of $14.56 and a twelve month high of $47.60. The stocks 50 day moving average is $42.62 and its 200 day moving average is $36.49. Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Penserra Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Gold Fields in the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Country Trust Bank bought a new position in Gold Fields in the second quarter valued at about $26,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC boosted its position in Gold Fields by 47.1% in the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 853 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 273 shares during the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc grew its stake in shares of Gold Fields by 672.1% during the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,552 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 1,351 shares during the period. Finally, Archer Investment Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Gold Fields during the 3rd quarter valued at about $42,000. 24.81% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Gold Fields Company Profile (Get Free Report) Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI) is a Johannesburgbased gold mining company that operates as an international producer of gold. Listed on multiple exchanges and traded in the United States via American Depositary Receipts under the ticker GFI, the company focuses on the exploration, development, extraction and processing of gold-bearing ore and the sale of refined gold products. Its operations span several regions, serving global bullion markets and supplying gold for both investment and industrial uses. The companys core activities include mine development and underground and openpit mining, ore treatment and refining, and ongoing exploration to replace reserves. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Gold Fields Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gold Fields and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HB Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP Free Report) by 43.4% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 5,491 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,663 shares during the quarter. HB Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Ameriprise Financial were worth $2,698,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in AMP. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Ameriprise Financial by 0.9% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,432,261 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,635,471,000 after purchasing an additional 111,386 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of Ameriprise Financial by 7.7% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,270,995 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,347,019,000 after purchasing an additional 446,080 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Ameriprise Financial by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,818,428 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,500,115,000 after buying an additional 47,584 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Ameriprise Financial in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $693,736,000. Finally, Boston Partners grew its stake in Ameriprise Financial by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,179,876 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $629,650,000 after buying an additional 35,500 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.95% of the companys stock. Get Ameriprise Financial alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Ameriprise Financial In related news, Director Robert Francis Sharpe, Jr. sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $450.94, for a total value of $676,410.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 7,500 shares in the company, valued at $3,382,050. The trade was a 16.67% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.73% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have issued reports on AMP. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Ameriprise Financial in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their target price on Ameriprise Financial from $601.00 to $550.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price target on shares of Ameriprise Financial from $550.00 to $530.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Argus cut their price objective on shares of Ameriprise Financial from $568.00 to $554.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their target price on shares of Ameriprise Financial from $587.00 to $570.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Ameriprise Financial currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $528.75. View Our Latest Report on Ameriprise Financial Ameriprise Financial Trading Up 0.9% Shares of AMP opened at $508.25 on Friday. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. has a 1-year low of $396.14 and a 1-year high of $582.05. The company has a market capitalization of $47.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.94, a P/E/G ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 0.68 and a quick ratio of 0.68. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $475.82 and its 200 day simple moving average is $495.10. Ameriprise Financial (NYSE:AMP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $9.92 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $9.76 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $4.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.51 billion. Ameriprise Financial had a net margin of 20.12% and a return on equity of 64.97%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $9.02 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Ameriprise Financial, Inc. will post 38.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Ameriprise Financial Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were given a dividend of $1.60 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $6.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. Ameriprise Financials dividend payout ratio is 17.55%. Ameriprise Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Ameriprise Financial, Inc is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The firm provides a range of advice-based wealth management, asset management and insurance products to individual and institutional clients. Its business model centers on delivering financial planning and investment advice through a network of financial advisors alongside proprietary product offerings designed to meet retirement, protection and accumulation needs. Core products and services include comprehensive financial planning and advisory services, managed investment portfolios, retirement planning solutions, annuities and life insurance products. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ameriprise Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ameriprise Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Akbar Novruz Israel has raised its national security alert level amid growing discussions in Washington over a possible U.S. role in developments inside Iran, as the country faces its largest wave of anti-government protests in years, according to sources cited by Reuters. Three Israeli officials familiar with the matter told the agency that the heightened readiness comes against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions and uncertainty surrounding Irans internal stability. The move reflects concern in Jerusalem that any direct or indirect U.S. involvement in Iran could trigger rapid and unpredictable regional consequences. According to Reuters, the issue was discussed during a telephone conversation on Saturday between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While one source confirmed that the call took place, the precise content of the discussion was not disclosed. Iran has been gripped by widespread protests in recent weeks, with demonstrations spreading across multiple cities and drawing international attention. The unrest has raised questions about the durability of Irans political order and the potential for foreign powers to become involved, either diplomatically or militarily. Israel, which views Iran as its primary regional adversary, has long warned that instability inside the Islamic Republic could spill over into the wider Middle East. Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed the need for readiness in the face of any escalation involving Iran, particularly if the United States alters its posture toward Tehran. Neither the Israeli prime ministers office nor the U.S. State Department has publicly commented on the substance of the reported discussions. However, analysts note that any U.S. move related to Iranespecially during a period of mass protestswould have significant implications for Israels security calculations and the broader regional balance. A federal judge's decision this week to end a decadesold desegregation order in DeSoto Parish has intensified a fight in Louisiana over whether Washington should still oversee how local schools handle race. The DeSoto Parish case, first filed in 1967, was dismissed after the U.S. Department of Justice, the Louisiana attorney general, and the parish school board jointly asked the court to close it, arguing there had been no active disputes for years and federal supervision was no longer needed. It is the second such case in Louisiana to be quickly lifted, following the Trump administration's move last year to end a 1966 desegregation order in Plaquemines Parish. The DeSoto district serves roughly 5,000 students. State Officials Prioritize Local Control Over Federal Oversight Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and other state leaders say removing the orders restores local control to school boards and relieves districts of costly reporting and courtapproval requirements for decisions like school construction, attendance zones, and closures, according to ABC News. They argue that Louisiana "got its act together decades ago" and that keeping longinactive cases open is a "historical wrong." School officials note that paperwork demands can burden smaller districts and that federal officials visit annually to request data on hiring and discipline practices. Civil rights advocates strongly disagree. They warn that ending oversight without a full review of current conditions risks allowing schools to resegregate, pointing to research showing Louisiana's public schools have grown more racially separated over the past three decades. Latino students are currently more segregated in Louisiana schools than they have been since 1968, with only 7.2% of Hispanic students attending traditional public schools, according to state data, The Guardian reported. Groups such as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund say many Louisiana districts still show racial gaps in discipline, facilities, and access to advanced classes, signs that the harms of past segregation have not been fully addressed. Courts Split on How to Handle Dismissals The Justice Department traditionally required school systems to prove they had eliminated segregation "root and branch" before desegregation cases could be closed. In Plaquemines Parish, however, federal officials and the state instead used a joint dismissal, avoiding a detailed court review and prompting critics to call the move a dangerous shortcut. This method signals contempt for communities of color, according to legal experts. Not every judge has agreed to the new approach. In Concordia Parish, a federal judge recently refused to dismiss another 1960sera case and instead offered the district a hearing to prove it has fully dismantled segregation, forcing the state and district to appeal. About a dozen Louisiana school systems remain under desegregation orders. What happens in the next few cases will help decide whether the state's schools are chiefly governed by local officials or by federal civilrights promises made more than half a century ago, as per Edweek. Tronox (NYSE:TROX Get Free Report) and Cabot (NYSE:CBT Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, dividends, valuation, earnings, risk, analyst recommendations and profitability. Dividends Tronox pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.5%. Cabot pays an annual dividend of $1.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Tronox pays out -9.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Cabot pays out 30.0% 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. Cabot has increased its dividend for 14 consecutive years. Tronox is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get Tronox alerts: Profitability This table compares Tronox and Cabots net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Tronox -11.39% -8.10% -2.23% Cabot 8.91% 24.55% 10.57% Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Tronox 3 3 5 0 2.18 Cabot 2 1 3 0 2.17 This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Tronox and Cabot, as reported by MarketBeat. Tronox currently has a consensus price target of $5.18, suggesting a potential downside of 8.48%. Cabot has a consensus price target of $74.00, suggesting a potential upside of 1.64%. Given Cabots higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Cabot is more favorable than Tronox. Institutional and Insider Ownership 73.4% of Tronox shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 93.2% of Cabot shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.7% of Tronox shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 3.0% of Cabot shares are owned 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. Volatility & Risk Tronox has a beta of 1.16, meaning that its share price is 16% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Cabot has a beta of 0.89, meaning that its share price is 11% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Tronox and Cabots revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Tronox $3.07 billion 0.29 -$48.00 million ($2.05) -2.76 Cabot $3.71 billion 1.04 $331.00 million $6.01 12.11 Cabot has higher revenue and earnings than Tronox. Tronox is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Cabot, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Cabot beats Tronox on 12 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Tronox (Get Free Report) Tronox Holdings plc operates as a vertically integrated manufacturer of TiO2 pigment in North America, South and Central America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates titanium-bearing mineral sand mines; and engages in beneficiation and smelting operations. It offers TiO2 pigment; ultrafine specialty TiO2; zircon; feedstock; pig iron; monazite; titanium tetrachloride; and other products. The companys products are used for the manufacture of paints, coatings, plastics, and paper, as well as various other applications. Tronox Holdings plc is based in Stamford, Connecticut. About Cabot (Get Free Report) Cabot Corporation operates as a specialty chemicals and performance materials company. The company operates through two segments, Reinforcement Materials and Performance Chemicals. It offers reinforcing carbons that are used in tires as a rubber reinforcing agent and performance additive, as well as in industrial products, such as hoses, belts, extruded profiles, and molded goods; and engineered elastomer composites solutions. The company also provides specialty carbons for use in inks, coatings, plastics, adhesives, toners, batteries, and displays; conductive additives and fumed alumina used in lead acid and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles; fumed silica used in adhesives, sealants, cosmetics, batteries, inks, toners, silicone elastomers, coatings, polishing slurries, and pharmaceuticals; and fumed alumina for use in various products, including inkjet media, lighting, coatings, cosmetics, and polishing slurries. In addition, it offers aerogel, a hydrophobic, silica-based particle to use in various thermal insulation and specialty chemical applications; masterbatch and conductive compound products that are used in automotive, industrial, packaging, infrastructure, agriculture, consumer products, and electronics industries; and inkjet colorants for inkjet printing applications. The company sells its products through distributors and sales representatives in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Cabot Corporation was founded in 1882 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for Tronox Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tronox and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the fourteen analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $31.90. HP has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Piper Sandler upgraded Helmerich & Payne from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the stock from $21.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Cowen restated a hold rating on shares of Helmerich & Payne in a research report on Wednesday. TD Cowen lifted their target price on Helmerich & Payne from $33.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley set a $26.00 target price on shares of Helmerich & Payne in a report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Helmerich & Payne from $29.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Get Helmerich & Payne alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Helmerich & Payne Helmerich & Payne Trading Down 2.4% Shares of Helmerich & Payne stock opened at $30.65 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $28.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $22.72. The company has a market capitalization of $3.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -18.35 and a beta of 0.56. The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 1.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. Helmerich & Payne has a 12-month low of $14.65 and a 12-month high of $37.30. Helmerich & Payne (NYSE:HP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 17th. The oil and gas company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.26 by ($0.27). The firm had revenue of $1.01 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $972.79 million. Helmerich & Payne had a positive return on equity of 3.21% and a negative net margin of 4.37%.The businesss revenue was up 45.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.76 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Helmerich & Payne will post 2.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Helmerich & Payne Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. Helmerich & Paynes payout ratio is presently -59.88%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Hans Helmerich sold 75,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.12, for a total value of $2,109,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 496,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,968,188.20. This represents a 13.12% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 4.51% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Helmerich & Payne Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Rothschild Investment LLC boosted its stake in shares of Helmerich & Payne by 1,377.8% during the third quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 1,330 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 1,240 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Helmerich & Payne by 2,433.8% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,647 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 1,582 shares during the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB boosted its position in Helmerich & Payne by 46.5% during the 3rd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 1,745 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 554 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its holdings in Helmerich & Payne by 184.3% during the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,831 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 1,187 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC increased its position in Helmerich & Payne by 407.1% in the 3rd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 2,226 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $49,000 after acquiring an additional 1,787 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.05% of the companys stock. Helmerich & Payne Company Profile (Get Free Report) Helmerich & Payne, Inc is a leading provider of contract drilling services to the oil and gas industry, specializing primarily in onshore drilling operations. The company designs, engineers and operates a fleet of advanced drilling rigs, including its proprietary FlexRigs, which are engineered for high efficiency, safety and rapid mobilization. Alongside core drilling services, Helmerich & Payne offers well intervention, workover and coiled tubing services, positioning itself as a comprehensive drilling solutions partner for exploration and production companies worldwide. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Helmerich & Payne has grown through innovation and strategic expansion to serve diverse hydrocarbon basins. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Helmerich & Payne Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Helmerich & Payne and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc (OTCMKTS:HTKKY Get Free Report) was down 2.2% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $53.89 and last traded at $53.89. Approximately 100 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 0% from the average daily volume of 100 shares. The stock had previously closed at $55.10. Hitachi Kokusai Electric Price Performance The company has a 50-day moving average price of $53.89 and a 200 day moving average price of $53.89. Get Hitachi Kokusai Electric alerts: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hitachi Kokusai Electric Co, Ltd. is a Japan-based manufacturer specializing in professional video equipment, security and industrial systems, and medical imaging solutions. As a member of the Hitachi Group, the company leverages advanced electronic and optical technologies to serve broadcast professionals, security integrators, and healthcare providers worldwide. The companys Broadcast & Professional Video division designs and produces high-definition studio cameras, video switchers, signal processors, and recording systems for television networks and production houses. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hitachi Kokusai Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hitachi Kokusai Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. (LON:IAG Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 389.73 and traded as high as GBX 434.30. International Consolidated Airlines Group shares last traded at GBX 424.10, with a volume of 11,204,354 shares traded. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group from GBX 475 to GBX 500 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a GBX 500 price target on shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Peel Hunt reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 450 price objective on shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Citigroup raised their target price on shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group from GBX 620 to GBX 630 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 455. Get International Consolidated Airlines Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on IAG International Consolidated Airlines Group Stock Performance International Consolidated Airlines Group Company Profile The stock has a market capitalization of 19.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.58, a P/E/G ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 2.31. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 338.12. The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 403.93 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 390.15. (Get Free Report) International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of passenger and cargo transportation services in the United Kingdom, Spain, the United States, and rest of the world. It also provides aircraft leasing, aircraft maintenance, tour operation, air freight operations, call centre, ground handling, trustee, retail, IT, finance, procurement, storage and custody, aircraft technical assistance, human resources support, and airport infrastructure development services; and manages airline loyalty programmes. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for International Consolidated Airlines Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Consolidated Airlines Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of iShares Floating Rate Loan Active ETF (BATS:BRLN Get Free Report) were up 0.1% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $51.82 and last traded at $51.6950. Approximately 9,611 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 2% from the average daily volume of 9,457 shares. The stock had previously closed at $51.6398. iShares Floating Rate Loan Active ETF Stock Up 0.0% The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $51.58 and a 200-day simple moving average of $51.83. iShares Floating Rate Loan Active ETF Company Profile (Get Free Report) The BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF (BRLN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund seeks to provide current income and capital appreciation by actively investing in floating rate loans of any credit quality from around the globe. BRLN was launched on Oct 4, 2022 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Floating Rate Loan Active ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Floating Rate Loan Active ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JAPAN POST BANK Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:JPPTY Get Free Report) shares were up 9% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $14.87 and last traded at $14.87. Approximately 3,000 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 61% from the average daily volume of 1,865 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.64. JAPAN POST BANK Stock Performance The businesss 50 day moving average is $11.88 and its 200 day moving average is $11.44. Get JAPAN POST BANK alerts: About JAPAN POST BANK (Get Free Report) Japan Post Bank Co, Ltd. is one of Japans largest retail banks, operating as a subsidiary of Japan Post Holdings. Leveraging the extensive network of post office branches across Japan, the bank provides a full suite of deposit and payment services designed to meet the needs of individual consumers, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and public sector clients. Its broad branch footprint enables convenient access to banking services even in rural areas, underpinning a strong domestic deposit base. The banks core offerings include savings and time deposit accounts, domestic and international remittance services, and foreign currency deposit products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for JAPAN POST BANK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JAPAN POST BANK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Saturday. A number of other research analysts have also commented on JKS. Roth Capital upped their target price on JinkoSolar from $17.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of JinkoSolar in a research note on Wednesday, December 24th. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating on shares of JinkoSolar in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on shares of JinkoSolar from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $19.49. Get JinkoSolar alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on JKS JinkoSolar Stock Performance NYSE JKS opened at $27.19 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $26.75 and its two-hundred day moving average is $24.60. JinkoSolar has a 52-week low of $13.42 and a 52-week high of $31.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.30 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.97 and a beta of 0.52. JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 17th. The semiconductor company reported ($2.30) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($2.56) by $0.26. JinkoSolar had a negative net margin of 4.98% and a negative return on equity of 8.96%. The business had revenue of $2.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.72 billion. Equities research analysts forecast that JinkoSolar will post -0.24 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of JinkoSolar Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of JinkoSolar by 41.2% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 387,834 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $7,220,000 after acquiring an additional 113,187 shares in the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its position in JinkoSolar by 51.3% in the 2nd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 33,900 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $719,000 after purchasing an additional 11,500 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in JinkoSolar by 18.2% in the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 23,449 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $498,000 after purchasing an additional 3,608 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of JinkoSolar by 9.9% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 37,671 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $799,000 after purchasing an additional 3,394 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of JinkoSolar during the second quarter worth $28,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 35.82% of the companys stock. JinkoSolar Company Profile (Get Free Report) JinkoSolar Holding Co, Ltd. (NYSE: JKS) is a vertically integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer headquartered in Shanghai, China. The company specializes in the design, development and production of high-performance solar modules, silicon wafers, solar cells and related components. Since its founding in 2006, JinkoSolar has become one of the worlds largest solar module suppliers, known for delivering reliable products to utility, commercial and residential customers. JinkoSolars product portfolio encompasses a broad range of monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV modules, including half-cell, bifacial and high-efficiency Tiger module series. See Also Receive News & Ratings for JinkoSolar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JinkoSolar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Kroger (NYSE:KR Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report published on Thursday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They currently have $75.00 price objective on the stock. A number of other brokerages also recently issued reports on KR. Wall Street Zen downgraded Kroger from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, December 27th. Evercore ISI set a $77.00 target price on Kroger and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Argus set a $85.00 price target on Kroger in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $70.00 price target (down previously from $74.00) on shares of Kroger in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Roth Mkm raised shares of Kroger from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $66.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $74.19. Get Kroger alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on KR Kroger Stock Down 0.5% Shares of NYSE KR opened at $59.52 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.28. Kroger has a 52 week low of $58.12 and a 52 week high of $74.90. The firms fifty day moving average is $63.88 and its 200 day moving average is $67.29. The company has a market cap of $37.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 55.11, a PEG ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.61. Kroger (NYSE:KR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported $1.05 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.02. Kroger had a net margin of 0.54% and a return on equity of 38.06%. The business had revenue of $33.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $34.27 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.98 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up .7% compared to the same quarter last year. Kroger has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.750-4.800 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Kroger will post 4.44 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. increased its stake in shares of Kroger by 6,840.0% during the second quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 347 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 342 shares in the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Kroger in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Rossby Financial LCC bought a new position in Kroger during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Whipplewood Advisors LLC raised its stake in Kroger by 10,425.0% during the second quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 421 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 417 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Avalon Trust Co purchased a new position in Kroger during the third quarter valued at $29,000. 80.93% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Key Headlines Impacting Kroger Here are the key news stories impacting Kroger this week: Positive Sentiment: Kroger completed the sale of Vitacost to iHerb to streamline operations, preserve its 2025 guidance, and refocus on core grocery and margin improvement management portrays the deal as part of a strategic review to simplify the business. Read More. Kroger completed the sale of Vitacost to iHerb to streamline operations, preserve its 2025 guidance, and refocus on core grocery and margin improvement management portrays the deal as part of a strategic review to simplify the business. Read More. Positive Sentiment: iHerb says the Vitacost acquisition strengthens its U.S. business in vitamins/minerals/supplements the buyers strategic rationale increases the likelihood of a smooth transition and reduces execution risk for Kroger. Read More. iHerb says the Vitacost acquisition strengthens its U.S. business in vitamins/minerals/supplements the buyers strategic rationale increases the likelihood of a smooth transition and reduces execution risk for Kroger. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analysts and options traders showed bullish signals: Deutsche Bank upgraded KR from Hold to Buy with a $75 target, and there was unusually high calloption volume both indicate upside conviction among some institutional and derivatives traders. Read More. Read More. Analysts and options traders showed bullish signals: Deutsche Bank upgraded KR from Hold to Buy with a $75 target, and there was unusually high calloption volume both indicate upside conviction among some institutional and derivatives traders. Read More. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Consumerfacing initiatives continue: Kroger launched a Verified Savings program and targeted discounts for SNAP/WIC/Medicaid shoppers and debuted checkout features highlighting customer savings moves that may help traffic, loyalty and comps in a tight consumer spending environment. Read More. Consumerfacing initiatives continue: Kroger launched a Verified Savings program and targeted discounts for SNAP/WIC/Medicaid shoppers and debuted checkout features highlighting customer savings moves that may help traffic, loyalty and comps in a tight consumer spending environment. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Store-level experiments: a proposed State Street remodel includes an instore Dunkin incremental nongrocery partnerships can boost traffic but are unlikely to move nearterm earnings materially. Read More. Store-level experiments: a proposed State Street remodel includes an instore Dunkin incremental nongrocery partnerships can boost traffic but are unlikely to move nearterm earnings materially. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Industry context: outlets rank grocery chains (where Kroger appears) and competitor valuation stories (e.g., Albertsons) are circulating useful for relative valuation but not an immediate company catalyst. Read More. Read More. Industry context: outlets rank grocery chains (where Kroger appears) and competitor valuation stories (e.g., Albertsons) are circulating useful for relative valuation but not an immediate company catalyst. Read More. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Kroger will close about 60 stores as part of a postmerger refocus on stronger markets the planned closures signal ongoing restructuring and cost but raise nearterm execution and severance costs and reduce store count. Read More. Kroger will close about 60 stores as part of a postmerger refocus on stronger markets the planned closures signal ongoing restructuring and cost but raise nearterm execution and severance costs and reduce store count. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Operational/PR hit: a Kroger store in Orion Township remained closed after inspectors found rodent evidence localized foodsafety incidents can pressure traffic and require remediation spend and invite shortterm negative headlines. Read More. Kroger Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Kroger Co (NYSE: KR) is one of the largest supermarket operators in the United States, offering a wide range of retail grocery and related services. Founded in Cincinnati in 1883 by Bernard Kroger, the company operates a portfolio of supermarket and multi-department store banners and provides customers with fresh foods, packaged groceries, deli and bakery items, meat and seafood, produce, and prepared foods. Krogers stores commonly include pharmacy services and fuel centers, positioning the company as a broad-based neighborhood retail destination for everyday needs. In addition to traditional in-store retailing, Kroger manufactures and distributes a variety of private-label brands and operates its own food production and supply-chain facilities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kroger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kroger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Learning Tree International Inc. (OTCMKTS:LTRE Get Free Report) passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $0.40 and traded as high as $0.76. Learning Tree International shares last traded at $0.76, with a volume of 2,500 shares changing hands. Learning Tree International Trading Up 1.3% The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.63 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $0.41. Get Learning Tree International alerts: About Learning Tree International (Get Free Report) Learning Tree International, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, is a global provider of professional training and development solutions. The company specializes in delivering instructor-led courses and certifications in information technology, project management, cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, and leadership skills. Through a blend of hands-on workshops, real-world scenario simulations, and expert instruction, Learning Tree designs its curriculum to help organizations and individuals acquire practical skills that support digital transformation and business growth. Learning Trees portfolio includes more than 200 distinct courses and learning paths, available in open-enrollment, private on-site, and virtual classroom formats. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Learning Tree International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Learning Tree International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legacy Trust bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 2,060 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $528,000. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Acropolis Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 4.5% in the third quarter. Acropolis Investment Management LLC now owns 134,659 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,361,000 after acquiring an additional 5,813 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 18.9% during the 3rd quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 30,074 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,713,000 after acquiring an additional 4,790 shares during the last quarter. Beacon Financial Group lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 11.0% in the 3rd quarter. Beacon Financial Group now owns 22,212 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,696,000 after purchasing an additional 2,203 shares during the period. Advocacy Wealth Management Services LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 5.7% in the 2nd quarter. Advocacy Wealth Management Services LLC now owns 88,416 shares of the companys stock worth $21,248,000 after purchasing an additional 4,752 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 1,151,952 shares of the companys stock worth $295,418,000 after purchasing an additional 29,230 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Trading Up 23.0% BATS MTUM opened at $257.15 on Friday. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF has a 12 month low of $168.49 and a 12 month high of $240.99. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $249.98 and a 200 day simple moving average of $247.97. The company has a market capitalization of $18.77 billion, a PE ratio of 28.67 and a beta of 1.02. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities, selected and weighted based on price appreciation over 6- and 12-month periods and low volatility over the past 3 years. MTUM was launched on Apr 16, 2013 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Peregrine Capital Management LLC cut its position in LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RAMP Free Report) by 98.5% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 3,857 shares of the companys stock after selling 255,176 shares during the quarter. Peregrine Capital Management LLCs holdings in LiveRamp were worth $105,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of RAMP. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in shares of LiveRamp by 246.4% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 19,726 shares of the companys stock valued at $515,000 after purchasing an additional 14,031 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in LiveRamp by 101.5% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 229,244 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,869,000 after acquiring an additional 115,464 shares during the period. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. acquired a new stake in LiveRamp in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $212,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its stake in LiveRamp by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 38,234 shares of the companys stock valued at $999,000 after acquiring an additional 677 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in LiveRamp by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 377,443 shares of the companys stock worth $9,866,000 after acquiring an additional 24,330 shares during the period. 93.83% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get LiveRamp alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently commented on the company. Zacks Research raised LiveRamp from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of LiveRamp from $31.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Benchmark restated a buy rating on shares of LiveRamp in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of LiveRamp in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Cross Research set a $53.00 price objective on shares of LiveRamp in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $43.50. LiveRamp Trading Up 0.4% Shares of LiveRamp stock opened at $27.89 on Friday. LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. has a 52 week low of $22.82 and a 52 week high of $36.08. The stock has a market cap of $1.77 billion, a PE ratio of 45.71 and a beta of 1.12. The companys 50-day moving average price is $29.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $29.19. LiveRamp (NYSE:RAMP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.55 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.07. LiveRamp had a net margin of 5.15% and a return on equity of 4.44%. The business had revenue of $199.83 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $197.31 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.51 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 8.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. will post 0.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. About LiveRamp (Free Report) LiveRamp Holdings, Inc is a leading provider of data connectivity and identity resolution services for marketers, publishers and platforms. The companys core technology enables organizations to link disparate data sourcessuch as CRM systems, web engagements and offline transaction recordsinto a single, privacy-safe view of individual consumers. By standardizing and anonymizing identifiers, LiveRamps platform facilitates targeted media activation, measurement and analytics across digital, mobile, addressable TV and offline channels. The company offers a suite of products designed to support every stage of the data lifecycle. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RAMP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RAMP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for LiveRamp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for LiveRamp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina S.A. Sponsored ADR (NYSE:LOMA Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the five research firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $14.80. LOMA has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Get Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on LOMA Institutional Inflows and Outflows Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Trading Up 1.2% A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LOMA. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its holdings in shares of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina by 5.1% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 31,336 shares of the companys stock worth $344,000 after acquiring an additional 1,524 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp bought a new position in shares of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina during the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Ping Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina by 3.7% in the 2nd quarter. Ping Capital Management Inc. now owns 139,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,525,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares during the period. Dodge & Cox increased its stake in Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina by 17.0% during the 3rd quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 36,400 shares of the companys stock worth $268,000 after purchasing an additional 5,300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Engineers Gate Manager LP increased its stake in Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina by 35.3% during the 2nd quarter. Engineers Gate Manager LP now owns 24,773 shares of the companys stock worth $272,000 after purchasing an additional 6,463 shares in the last quarter. 19.32% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. NYSE LOMA opened at $12.51 on Friday. Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina has a 12 month low of $7.04 and a 12 month high of $14.17. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $12.10 and a 200 day simple moving average of $10.48. The company has a current ratio of 1.24, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina (NYSE:LOMA Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.05) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by ($0.11). The company had revenue of $135.15 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $221.70 million. Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina had a return on equity of 4.40% and a net margin of 5.67%. On average, analysts expect that Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina will post 1.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Company Profile (Get Free Report) Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina SA is the leading cement producer in Argentina, with a history dating back to its founding in Buenos Aires in 1926. The company operates an integrated network of cement and lime plants, as well as quarries and ready-mix concrete facilities. Its operations encompass the extraction of limestone, the production of clinker, hydraulic cement and quicklime, and the distribution of aggregates and concrete for a wide range of construction projects. The companys product portfolio serves residential, commercial, industrial and public infrastructure markets across Argentina. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MASTERINVEST Kapitalanlage GmbH decreased its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 77.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 18,641 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 62,410 shares during the period. MASTERINVEST Kapitalanlage GmbHs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $841,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Exchange Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 0.4% in the second quarter. Exchange Capital Management Inc. now owns 54,893 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,541,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares during the period. Parsons Capital Management Inc. RI boosted its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Parsons Capital Management Inc. RI now owns 78,105 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,615,000 after buying an additional 224 shares in the last quarter. Richwood Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Richwood Investment Advisors LLC now owns 13,303 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $616,000 after buying an additional 225 shares in the last quarter. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC grew its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 5.0% in the 3rd quarter. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 4,931 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $222,000 after buying an additional 235 shares during the period. Finally, Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV lifted its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 26.7% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 1,123 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $52,000 after acquiring an additional 237 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.41% of the companys stock. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol Myers Squibb Price Performance Shares of NYSE BMY opened at $55.92 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $113.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.89, a PEG ratio of 9.29 and a beta of 0.29. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a twelve month low of $42.52 and a twelve month high of $63.33. The company has a quick ratio of 1.17, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39. The company has a 50 day moving average of $50.93 and a 200 day moving average of $47.80. Bristol Myers Squibb Increases Dividend Bristol Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by $0.11. Bristol Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 76.53% and a net margin of 12.57%.The business had revenue of $12.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.75 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.80 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.63 per share. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 2nd. This is a boost from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. Bristol Myers Squibbs payout ratio is 85.14%. Trending Headlines about Bristol Myers Squibb Here are the key news stories impacting Bristol Myers Squibb this week: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on BMY shares. Truist Financial set a $65.00 price objective on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Bank of America raised Bristol Myers Squibb from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $52.00 to $61.00 in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $56.62. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bristol Myers Squibb Bristol Myers Squibb Company Profile (Free Report) Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, focused on discovering, developing and delivering medicines for serious diseases. The companys core activities include research and development, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of prescription pharmaceuticals across multiple therapeutic areas. BMS concentrates on advancing therapies in oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular disease and specialty areas through both small molecules and biologics. BMSs marketed portfolio and latestage pipeline reflect a strong emphasis on cancer and immunemediated conditions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Park Avenue Securities LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET Free Report) by 17.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 32,486 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 6,647 shares during the period. Park Avenue Securities LLCs holdings in MetLife were worth $2,676,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its stake in shares of MetLife by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 3,585 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $295,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in shares of MetLife by 4.2% during the third quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC now owns 3,192 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $263,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares during the period. Ignite Planners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of MetLife by 2.2% during the second quarter. Ignite Planners LLC now owns 6,366 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $491,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of MetLife by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,355 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $350,000 after purchasing an additional 137 shares during the period. Finally, Abound Wealth Management increased its stake in MetLife by 29.9% in the 3rd quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 635 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 146 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.99% of the companys stock. Get MetLife alerts: MetLife Trading Down 0.5% Shares of NYSE:MET opened at $79.37 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $78.77 and a two-hundred day moving average of $79.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 0.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. MetLife, Inc. has a 12-month low of $65.21 and a 12-month high of $88.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $52.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.72 and a beta of 0.76. MetLife Dividend Announcement MetLife ( NYSE:MET Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $2.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.30 by $0.07. MetLife had a return on equity of 21.00% and a net margin of 5.30%.The business had revenue of $12.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.64 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.95 earnings per share. MetLifes quarterly revenue was down 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that MetLife, Inc. will post 9.65 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 3rd will be paid a $0.5675 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 3rd. This represents a $2.27 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. MetLifes payout ratio is presently 42.75%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth MET has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Evercore ISI set a $97.00 price objective on shares of MetLife and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday. Mizuho began coverage on shares of MetLife in a research report on Monday, December 15th. They issued an outperform rating and a $101.00 price target for the company. UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of MetLife from $95.00 to $94.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley set a $101.00 target price on MetLife and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut MetLife from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $84.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, MetLife has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $95.08. View Our Latest Stock Report on MET MetLife Profile (Free Report) MetLife, Inc is a global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs. Headquartered in New York City, the company offers a range of risk protection and retirement solutions to individuals, employers and institutional clients. Its core businesses include life insurance, group benefits, retirement products such as annuities, and supplemental health products including dental and disability coverage. In addition to traditional life and group insurance, MetLife provides workplace benefits and voluntary products distributed through employer-sponsored programs. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MetLife Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MetLife and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:MRG.UN Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$17.92 and traded as high as C$18.28. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust shares last traded at C$18.19, with a volume of 30,873 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently commented on MRG.UN shares. TD Securities raised their price objective on shares of Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$23.00 to C$24.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and lifted their price target for the company from C$20.00 to C$21.00 in a report on Friday, October 31st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$22.33. Get Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust alerts: Get Our Latest Report on MRG.UN Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Stock Performance About Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust The stock has a market cap of C$948.66 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.20 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 95.54. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$17.21 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$17.91. (Get Free Report) Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust is an open-end real estate investment trust. The REIT invests in multi-suite residential rental properties in Canada and the United States. The REIT operates into two reportable segments, Canada and the United States. The United States contributes to the vast majority of revenue. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSE:CP Free Report) (NYSE:CP) had its target price decreased by National Bankshares from C$124.00 to C$119.00 in a research note released on Thursday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. National Bankshares currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. CP has been the subject of a number of other reports. Desjardins upped their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$120.00 to C$133.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. ATB Capital upped their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$124.00 to C$125.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$121.00 to C$114.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$129.00 to C$137.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Scotiabank cut their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$122.00 to C$119.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Canadian Pacific Kansas City currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$120.23. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Canadian Pacific Kansas City Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Down 0.5% Shares of TSE CP opened at C$99.56 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of C$89.69 billion, a PE ratio of 21.64, a P/E/G ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 0.88. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a 12-month low of C$94.60 and a 12-month high of C$118.80. The company has a 50-day moving average of C$100.77 and a 200 day moving average of C$103.83. The company has a current ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.64. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSE:CP Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported C$1.10 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$3.66 billion for the quarter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 24.50% and a return on equity of 8.22%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Canadian Pacific Kansas City will post 4.3438583 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Canadian Pacific Kansas City (Get Free Report) Canadian Pacific is a CAD 8 billion Class-1 railroads operating on more than 12,500 miles of track across most of Canada and into parts of the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. It is the second-smallest Class I railroad by revenue and route miles. In 2021, CP hauled shipments of grain (22% of freight revenue), intermodal containers (22%), energy products (like crude and frac sand), chemicals, and plastics (20%) coal (8%), fertilizer and potash (10%), automotive products (5%), and a diverse mix of other merchandise. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System boosted its stake in Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report) by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 466,559 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 4,585 shares during the quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in Welltower were worth $83,113,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in WELL. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Welltower in the 2nd quarter worth about $4,903,554,000. State Street Corp increased its stake in Welltower by 4.6% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 39,616,289 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $6,090,212,000 after purchasing an additional 1,740,196 shares during the period. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. lifted its position in shares of Welltower by 241.5% during the second quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,241,145 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $190,801,000 after purchasing an additional 877,725 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Welltower by 5.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 15,012,454 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,303,484,000 after purchasing an additional 723,887 shares during the period. Finally, Congress Asset Management Co. bought a new position in shares of Welltower in the second quarter worth about $88,986,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.80% of the companys stock. Get Welltower alerts: Welltower Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:WELL opened at $186.12 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $192.61 and a 200 day moving average of $175.57. The company has a quick ratio of 5.47, a current ratio of 5.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The company has a market capitalization of $127.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 128.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.86. Welltower Inc. has a 52 week low of $123.11 and a 52 week high of $209.05. Welltower Dividend Announcement Welltower ( NYSE:WELL Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.30 by $0.04. Welltower had a return on equity of 2.71% and a net margin of 9.69%.The business had revenue of $2.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.70 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.11 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 30.7% on a year-over-year basis. Welltower has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.240-5.300 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Welltower Inc. will post 4.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 11th were issued a $0.74 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $2.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.6%. Welltowers payout ratio is currently 204.14%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have issued reports on WELL shares. National Bankshares set a $246.00 price objective on shares of Welltower in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on Welltower from $175.00 to $183.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. Scotiabank increased their price objective on Welltower from $182.00 to $214.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Loop Capital set a $196.00 target price on Welltower in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $204.00 target price on shares of Welltower in a report on Monday, January 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $204.80. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Welltower Welltower Profile (Free Report) Welltower Inc (NYSE: WELL) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires and manages real estate serving the health care industry. The company specializes in healthcare infrastructure, owning and operating a diversified portfolio of senior housing, post-acute and long-term care communities, and outpatient medical properties. Welltowers assets are designed to support the delivery of health care services through a combination of leased properties, joint ventures, and other capital arrangements with health care operators and providers. The companys property types include assisted living, memory care, independent living and skilled nursing facilities, as well as medical office buildings and other outpatient-care real estate such as ambulatory surgery centers and specialty clinics. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WELL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Welltower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Welltower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System lessened its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) by 1.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,067,016 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 14,522 shares during the quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $100,929,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 40,382,724 shares of the energy producers stock worth $3,623,946,000 after purchasing an additional 287,970 shares during the period. Fisher Asset Management LLC raised its stake in ConocoPhillips by 1.6% in the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 14,393,875 shares of the energy producers stock worth $1,291,706,000 after buying an additional 224,201 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 31.4% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 10,778,664 shares of the energy producers stock worth $966,267,000 after buying an additional 2,575,803 shares during the period. Primecap Management Co. CA boosted its position in ConocoPhillips by 66.0% during the 2nd quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 7,883,455 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $707,461,000 after acquiring an additional 3,135,315 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners grew its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 4.0% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 6,424,232 shares of the energy producers stock worth $577,471,000 after acquiring an additional 244,810 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.36% of the companys stock. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: More ConocoPhillips News Here are the key news stories impacting ConocoPhillips this week: ConocoPhillips Price Performance COP opened at $97.44 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $91.60 and a 200-day moving average price of $92.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.32 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The firm has a market cap of $120.40 billion, a PE ratio of 13.78, a P/E/G ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 0.32. ConocoPhillips has a 1 year low of $79.88 and a 1 year high of $106.20. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $15.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.51 billion. ConocoPhillips had a net margin of 14.25% and a return on equity of 13.64%. ConocoPhillipss revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.78 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a $0.84 dividend. This represents a $3.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This is an increase from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.52%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth COP has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Mizuho raised their target price on ConocoPhillips from $120.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on ConocoPhillips from $113.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $115.00 to $111.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research report on Friday, October 17th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $100.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $122.00 to $117.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Nineteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, ConocoPhillips currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $112.96. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on COP Insider Activity at ConocoPhillips In related news, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total value of $46,315,490.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 325,972 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $30,152,410. This represents a 60.57% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director William H. Mcraven bought 5,768 shares of ConocoPhillips stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $86.68 per share, with a total value of $499,970.24. Following the acquisition, the director owned 5,768 shares in the company, valued at approximately $499,970.24. This represents a increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. ConocoPhillips Profile (Free Report) ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is a Houston-based international energy company focused on exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Formed in 2002 through the merger of Conoco Inc and Phillips Petroleum Company, the firm operates as an independent upstream company that explores for, develops and produces crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids across a portfolio of global assets. The companys activities span conventional and unconventional resources and include onshore and offshore operations in multiple regions around the world. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System decreased its holdings in Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report) by 3.1% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 195,408 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 6,206 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in Deere & Company were worth $89,352,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Deere & Company by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,372,671 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $11,376,279,000 after purchasing an additional 309,081 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Deere & Company by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,386,268 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,297,913,000 after buying an additional 64,262 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 2.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,541,778 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,810,807,000 after acquiring an additional 111,627 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Deere & Company during the second quarter valued at $1,578,243,000. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Deere & Company by 10.1% in the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 2,580,228 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,312,020,000 after acquiring an additional 236,406 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.58% of the companys stock. Get Deere & Company alerts: Deere & Company Trading Down 2.6% Shares of DE stock opened at $487.80 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.22, a quick ratio of 2.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $131.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.00. Deere & Company has a 12-month low of $403.01 and a 12-month high of $533.78. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $474.71 and its 200-day moving average price is $481.86. Deere & Company Dividend Announcement Deere & Company ( NYSE:DE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The industrial products company reported $3.93 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.96 by ($0.03). Deere & Company had a net margin of 11.00% and a return on equity of 20.54%. The firm had revenue of $12.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.77 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $4.55 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts predict that Deere & Company will post 19.32 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a $1.62 dividend. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. Deere & Companys payout ratio is currently 35.01%. Insider Transactions at Deere & Company In other Deere & Company news, CEO John C. May II sold 41,472 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $501.49, for a total transaction of $20,797,793.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 117,970 shares in the company, valued at $59,160,775.30. This trade represents a 26.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.29% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Key Stories Impacting Deere & Company Here are the key news stories impacting Deere & Company this week: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on DE shares. Truist Financial boosted their price target on Deere & Company from $609.00 to $612.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Deere & Company from $480.00 to $460.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Deere & Company from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Wolfe Research upped their price objective on Deere & Company from $520.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 2nd. Finally, Citigroup lowered their target price on Deere & Company from $525.00 to $515.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Deere & Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $524.20. View Our Latest Analysis on DE Deere & Company Profile (Free Report) Deere & Company, commonly known by its brand John Deere, is a global manufacturer of agricultural, construction and forestry machinery, as well as turf care equipment and power systems. Founded in 1837 by blacksmith John Deerewho developed a polished steel plow to improve tillage in tough prairie soilsthe company is headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable names in equipment manufacturing worldwide. The companys principal businesses include a broad portfolio of agricultural equipment such as tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, harvesters and tillage implements, complemented by precision agriculture technologies and telematics that support farm management, yield optimization and equipment connectivity. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Deere & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deere & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF Free Report) by 19.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 364,263 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 59,175 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Regions Financial were worth $9,702,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ramiah Investment Group bought a new position in Regions Financial in the third quarter valued at about $521,000. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Regions Financial during the 3rd quarter valued at about $217,000. Benjamin Edwards Inc. lifted its position in Regions Financial by 6.2% during the 3rd quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 406,001 shares of the banks stock valued at $10,706,000 after purchasing an additional 23,533 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its stake in shares of Regions Financial by 30.0% in the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 68,404 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,804,000 after purchasing an additional 15,768 shares during the last quarter. Finally, HB Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Regions Financial by 15.2% during the 3rd quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 107,254 shares of the banks stock worth $2,828,000 after buying an additional 14,178 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 79.39% of the companys stock. Get Regions Financial alerts: Regions Financial Price Performance Shares of RF stock opened at $28.52 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. Regions Financial Corporation has a 12-month low of $17.74 and a 12-month high of $29.25. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $26.33 and a 200-day moving average of $25.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $25.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.03. Regions Financial ( NYSE:RF Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 27th. The bank reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter. Regions Financial had a return on equity of 13.05% and a net margin of 22.49%.The firm had revenue of $1.81 billion for the quarter. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Regions Financial Corporation will post 2.26 earnings per share for the current year. Regions Financial announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program on Wednesday, December 10th that authorizes the company to buyback $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the bank to repurchase up to 12.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Regions Financial Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were given a $0.265 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $1.06 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.7%. Regions Financials payout ratio is currently 46.70%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently weighed in on RF. Evercore ISI lowered shares of Regions Financial from an in-line rating to an underperform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $27.00 to $29.00 in a report on Tuesday. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Regions Financial from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Stephens restated an equal weight rating and issued a $27.00 price target (down from $30.00) on shares of Regions Financial in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Regions Financial from $26.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Regions Financial from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, December 13th. Eight 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 companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $28.93. Check Out Our Latest Report on RF About Regions Financial (Free Report) Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE: RF) is a U.S. bank holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, that provides a broad range of banking and financial services. Its primary banking subsidiary, Regions Bank, serves retail and commercial customers through a combination of branch and ATM networks, digital channels and relationship-based delivery. The company offers deposit accounts, consumer and commercial loans, mortgage origination and servicing, and payment and treasury services. In addition to core banking, Regions offers wealth management, trust and brokerage services, insurance solutions, and capital markets capabilities to corporate and institutional clients. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Regions Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Regions Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV Free Report) by 99.2% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 99,699 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 49,644 shares during the period. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLCs holdings in Synovus Financial were worth $4,893,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Pzena Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Synovus Financial by 1.7% in the second quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 680,368 shares of the banks stock valued at $35,209,000 after buying an additional 11,521 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in Synovus Financial by 17.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 57,373 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,969,000 after acquiring an additional 8,509 shares in the last quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Synovus Financial during the second quarter worth approximately $592,000. Brighton Jones LLC acquired a new position in shares of Synovus Financial during the second quarter worth approximately $468,000. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc grew its stake in shares of Synovus Financial by 650.4% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,058 shares of the banks stock valued at $60,000 after purchasing an additional 917 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.85% of the companys stock. Get Synovus Financial alerts: Synovus Financial Stock Down 1.6% Shares of Synovus Financial stock opened at $50.51 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $49.34 and a 200 day simple moving average of $49.81. The stock has a market cap of $7.01 billion, a PE ratio of 9.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a quick ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. Synovus Financial Corp. has a 12 month low of $35.94 and a 12 month high of $61.06. Synovus Financial Dividend Announcement Synovus Financial ( NYSE:SNV Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The bank reported $1.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.36 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $612.79 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $604.59 million. Synovus Financial had a return on equity of 16.13% and a net margin of 21.97%.The companys revenue was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.23 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that Synovus Financial Corp. will post 4.89 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 24th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 18th were issued a dividend of $0.39 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 18th. This represents a $1.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. Synovus Financials payout ratio is currently 29.10%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Gregory G. Montana bought 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, October 20th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $45.37 per share, for a total transaction of $45,370.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 5,464 shares in the company, valued at approximately $247,901.68. This trade represents a 22.40% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently weighed in on SNV. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Synovus Financial from $58.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Barclays boosted their target price on Synovus Financial from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Truist Financial cut their price target on Synovus Financial from $56.00 to $55.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Stephens lowered their price objective on Synovus Financial from $54.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings cut Synovus Financial from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $58.38. View Our Latest Stock Report on SNV About Synovus Financial (Free Report) Synovus Financial Corp (NYSE: SNV) is a regional financial services company headquartered in Columbus, Georgia. The company offers a comprehensive range of banking and financial products to individual consumers, small businesses, and large corporations. Synovus operates through various business segments, including commercial and retail banking, mortgage lending, treasury and payment solutions, and wealth management services. In its commercial banking division, Synovus provides loans, lines of credit, and treasury management services tailored to the needs of businesses across multiple industries. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SNV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Synovus Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Synovus Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC bought a new position in General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm bought 10,417 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $3,552,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of General Dynamics in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Louisbourg Investments Inc. acquired a new position in General Dynamics in the third quarter worth about $27,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its stake in General Dynamics by 80.3% during the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 110 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the period. Nova Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in General Dynamics during the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC grew its stake in shares of General Dynamics by 64.7% in the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 112 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.14% of the companys stock. Get General Dynamics alerts: General Dynamics Stock Up 0.6% Shares of NYSE:GD opened at $353.49 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The firm has a market cap of $95.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.41. General Dynamics Corporation has a 12 month low of $239.20 and a 12 month high of $367.65. The companys 50-day moving average price is $342.31 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $328.03. General Dynamics Announces Dividend General Dynamics ( NYSE:GD Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The aerospace company reported $3.88 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.69 by $0.19. General Dynamics had a net margin of 8.18% and a return on equity of 18.27%. The company had revenue of $12.91 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.49 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.35 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. General Dynamics has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.300-15.35 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that General Dynamics Corporation will post 14.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be given a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. General Dynamicss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 38.89%. Insider Activity at General Dynamics In other news, VP David Paddock sold 20,360 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $334.92, for a total transaction of $6,818,971.20. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 36,644 shares in the company, valued at $12,272,808.48. The trade was a 35.72% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In GD has been the subject of several analyst reports. Citigroup initiated coverage on General Dynamics in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $371.00 target price for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a $400.00 target price on shares of General Dynamics in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley set a $385.00 target price on shares of General Dynamics in a report on Monday, October 27th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of General Dynamics from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, October 4th. Finally, Vertical Research raised shares of General Dynamics from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $400.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, General Dynamics currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $358.50. Get Our Latest Report on General Dynamics General Dynamics News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting General Dynamics this week: About General Dynamics (Free Report) General Dynamics is a major American aerospace and defense contractor that designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of products and services for government and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered in the United States (Reston, Virginia), the company supplies platforms and systems used by armed forces, civil authorities and private operators across multiple domains including air, land, sea and cyber. Its principal activities span several operating businesses: a business aviation unit that develops and supports Gulfstream business jets; land systems that produce armored combat vehicles and related logistics and sustainment services; marine systems that design and construct submarines and surface ships for navies; and mission systems and information technology operations that provide command-and-control, communications, cybersecurity and systems-integration services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for General Dynamics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Dynamics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund raised its stake in General Motors Company (NYSE:GM Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) by 31.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 108,884 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after buying an additional 25,802 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in General Motors were worth $6,639,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of GM. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of General Motors during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH acquired a new position in General Motors during the second quarter worth $25,000. GFG Capital LLC acquired a new position in General Motors during the second quarter worth $27,000. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. boosted its position in General Motors by 94.6% during the third quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. now owns 545 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 265 shares in the last quarter. Finally, RMG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in General Motors in the second quarter valued at $32,000. 92.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get General Motors alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently issued reports on GM. Mizuho set a $100.00 price target on General Motors in a research note on Friday. TD Cowen increased their price objective on shares of General Motors from $92.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of General Motors in a research report on Friday, December 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of General Motors from $60.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Piper Sandler set a $98.00 price target on shares of General Motors and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, General Motors presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $77.76. Key Headlines Impacting General Motors Here are the key news stories impacting General Motors this week: Positive Sentiment: Piper Sandler upgraded GM to overweight and raised its price target to $98, signaling some analysts see upside once onetime charges are absorbed. Piper Sandler upgrade Piper Sandler upgraded GM to overweight and raised its price target to $98, signaling some analysts see upside once onetime charges are absorbed. Positive Sentiment: Zacks notes GM has a strong earningssurprise history and factors that could support another beat in the next report, which can help the stock beyond the onetime charges. Zacks: beat potential Zacks notes GM has a strong earningssurprise history and factors that could support another beat in the next report, which can help the stock beyond the onetime charges. Neutral Sentiment: GM reported that fullyear 2025 sales climbed despite a lateyear slowdown evidence demand isnt collapsing across the business even as EV demand cools. 2025 sales climbed GM reported that fullyear 2025 sales climbed despite a lateyear slowdown evidence demand isnt collapsing across the business even as EV demand cools. Negative Sentiment: GM will record $7.1 billion in Q4 special charges, roughly $6 billion of which are EVrelated writedowns tied to scaling back U.S. EV investments after policy changes and weakening demand the primary driver of todays selloff. Reuters: $6B writedown GM will record $7.1 billion in Q4 special charges, roughly $6 billion of which are EVrelated writedowns tied to scaling back U.S. EV investments after policy changes and weakening demand the primary driver of todays selloff. Negative Sentiment: Management warns additional EVrelated costs may continue into 2026 as supplier negotiations and capacity changes progress increasing nearterm earnings uncertainty. Business Insider: more EV costs likely Management warns additional EVrelated costs may continue into 2026 as supplier negotiations and capacity changes progress increasing nearterm earnings uncertainty. Negative Sentiment: GM is cutting more than 1,000 jobs at two plants amid slower EV demand and production changes, underscoring operational adjustments and potential nearterm disruption. MSN: plant job cuts Insider Activity In other news, CAO Christopher Hatto sold 15,697 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.00, for a total transaction of $1,098,790.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 12,007 shares of the companys stock, valued at $840,490. This represents a 56.66% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, President Mark L. Reuss sold 260,600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.45, for a total transaction of $17,316,870.00. Following the transaction, the president owned 98,006 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,512,498.70. The trade was a 72.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 284,021 shares of company stock worth $18,971,788 over the last quarter. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. General Motors Stock Performance Shares of NYSE GM opened at $82.78 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $76.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $63.78. 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 company has a market cap of $77.22 billion, a PE ratio of 16.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.31. General Motors Company has a 12 month low of $41.60 and a 12 month high of $85.18. General Motors (NYSE:GM Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The auto manufacturer reported $2.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.32 by $0.48. The firm had revenue of $48.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $44.60 billion. General Motors had a net margin of 1.62% and a return on equity of 12.29%. General Motorss revenue was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.96 earnings per share. General Motors has set its FY 2025 guidance at 9.750-10.500 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that General Motors Company will post 11.44 earnings per share for the current year. General Motors Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th were paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. General Motorss dividend payout ratio is presently 12.07%. General Motors Company Profile (Free Report) 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Motors Company (NYSE:GM Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U). Receive News & Ratings for General Motors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Motors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund increased its position in The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL Free Report) by 31.9% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 30,166 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 7,295 shares during the quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Allstate were worth $6,475,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Allstate in the 2nd quarter valued at $482,870,000. Swedbank AB boosted its position in shares of Allstate by 2,157.8% during the 3rd quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 861,725 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $184,969,000 after acquiring an additional 823,559 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its stake in Allstate by 52.7% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,385,901 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $279,062,000 after acquiring an additional 478,598 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Allstate by 1.3% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 33,235,231 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $6,690,584,000 after acquiring an additional 435,145 shares during the period. Finally, Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. acquired a new position in Allstate in the second quarter worth about $68,590,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.47% of the companys stock. Get Allstate alerts: Allstate Stock Up 0.6% NYSE ALL opened at $212.34 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $207.34 and its 200 day simple moving average is $203.32. The Allstate Corporation has a one year low of $176.00 and a one year high of $215.89. The firm has a market cap of $55.56 billion, a PE ratio of 6.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 0.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 0.43 and a quick ratio of 0.43. Allstate Dividend Announcement Allstate ( NYSE:ALL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The insurance provider reported $11.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.48 by $5.69. The firm had revenue of $17.26 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.59 billion. Allstate had a return on equity of 35.42% and a net margin of 12.53%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.91 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that The Allstate Corporation will post 18.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. Allstates payout ratio is 12.95%. Analysts Set New Price Targets ALL has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Evercore ISI set a $225.00 price objective on Allstate in a report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Allstate in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Mizuho assumed coverage on Allstate in a research note on Monday, December 15th. They issued an outperform rating and a $254.00 price target on the stock. Wolfe Research upgraded Allstate to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and set a $215.00 price objective (down from $245.00) on shares of Allstate in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $236.00. View Our Latest Analysis on Allstate Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Suren Gupta sold 21,871 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $215.21, for a total value of $4,706,857.91. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 100,646 shares in the company, valued at $21,660,025.66. This represents a 17.85% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders have sold 48,400 shares of company stock valued at $10,313,256 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 1.70% of the companys stock. About Allstate (Free Report) Allstate Corporation is a publicly traded insurance company headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, and is one of the largest personal lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. Founded in 1931 as a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck and Co, Allstate has grown into a diversified insurer that serves millions of consumers and businesses through a mix of distribution channels and product offerings. The company underwrites a broad range of insurance products, with primary emphasis on auto and homeowners coverage. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Allstate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Allstate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its position in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 34.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 36,661 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 9,340 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $6,338,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in DLR. OFI Invest Asset Management increased its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 37,575.7% in the 3rd quarter. OFI Invest Asset Management now owns 271,265 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $46,896,000 after acquiring an additional 270,545 shares in the last quarter. World Investment Advisors grew its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 412.7% in the third quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 11,003 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,902,000 after purchasing an additional 8,857 shares during the period. Cim Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 99.6% in the second quarter. Cim Investment Management Inc. now owns 22,734 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,997,000 after purchasing an additional 11,345 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 3.0% in the second quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 7,356,429 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,282,446,000 after purchasing an additional 211,692 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CUSHING ASSET MANAGEMENT LP dba NXG INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT raised its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 100.0% during the third quarter. CUSHING ASSET MANAGEMENT LP dba NXG INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT now owns 34,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,878,000 after purchasing an additional 17,000 shares during the period. 99.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Insider Activity In other news, Director Mary Hogan Preusse sold 4,166 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $157.42, for a total value of $655,811.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Digital Realty Trust Stock Performance Shares of DLR opened at $158.50 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $54.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.96, a P/E/G ratio of 3.80 and a beta of 1.11. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 52 week low of $129.95 and a 52 week high of $187.74. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $158.43 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $167.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a current ratio of 2.02. Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter. Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 6.41% and a net margin of 23.67%.The company had revenue of $1.58 billion for the quarter. Equities analysts forecast that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 7.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.22 per share. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. Digital Realty Trusts payout ratio is currently 126.10%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently commented on the company. TD Cowen raised their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $163.00 to $179.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on Digital Realty Trust from $206.00 to $184.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Daiwa Capital Markets assumed coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. They set a buy rating and a $210.00 price objective for the company. Truist Financial upped their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $199.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. They issued a buy rating and a $188.00 price target for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $194.62. Read Our Latest Research Report on Digital Realty Trust Digital Realty Trust Profile (Free Report) Digital Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: DLR) is a real estate investment trust that owns, acquires and operates carrier-neutral data centers and provides related colocation and interconnection solutions. The company focuses on large-scale, mission-critical facilities that support the physical infrastructure needs of cloud providers, enterprises, network operators and content companies. Digital Realtys offerings are designed to enable secure, reliable and highly available IT infrastructure with an emphasis on power density, cooling, and physical security. Digital Realtys product set spans wholesale data center space, turnkey build-to-suit facilities, and retail colocation suites, complemented by interconnection services that allow customers to establish private and public connections to networks, cloud on-ramps and other ecosystem partners. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Pentair (NYSE:PNR Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note released on Saturday morning. A number of other analysts also recently commented on PNR. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Pentair from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $120.00 to $135.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. BNP Paribas lowered Pentair from a hold rating to a strong sell rating and set a $90.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Wednesday. Oppenheimer upped their price target on Pentair from $124.00 to $128.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Barclays downgraded Pentair from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $127.00 to $115.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane reiterated an underperform rating and set a $90.00 target price on shares of Pentair in a research report on Wednesday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $116.31. Get Pentair alerts: View Our Latest Report on Pentair Pentair Trading Up 0.1% Shares of PNR stock opened at $103.12 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $104.97 and its 200 day moving average price is $106.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.88 billion, a PE ratio of 26.17, a P/E/G ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 1.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 1.46 and a quick ratio of 0.82. Pentair has a 1-year low of $74.25 and a 1-year high of $113.95. Pentair (NYSE:PNR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The industrial products company reported $1.24 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.18 by $0.06. Pentair had a return on equity of 21.83% and a net margin of 15.84%.The company had revenue of $1.02 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.09 earnings per share. Pentairs quarterly revenue 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. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Pentair will post 4.77 EPS for the current fiscal year. Pentair Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. This is a positive change from Pentairs previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. Pentairs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 25.38%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director T Michael Glenn sold 6,558 shares of Pentair stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.33, for a total transaction of $684,196.14. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 31,192 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,254,261.36. This trade represents a 17.37% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Robert P. Fishman sold 7,786 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.42, for a total transaction of $820,800.12. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 63,164 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,658,748.88. The trade was a 10.97% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pentair Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PNR. Neuberger Berman Group LLC lifted its position in Pentair by 40.0% during the second quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 52,886 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,429,000 after buying an additional 15,105 shares during the period. United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund acquired a new position in shares of Pentair during the 2nd quarter valued at about $380,000. Valley National Advisers Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Pentair by 46,124.4% during the 3rd quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. now owns 18,952 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,098,000 after acquiring an additional 18,911 shares during the period. Vinva Investment Management Ltd increased its position in Pentair by 191.1% during the second quarter. Vinva Investment Management Ltd now owns 11,151 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,155,000 after purchasing an additional 7,321 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC purchased a new position in Pentair during the second quarter worth approximately $336,000. 92.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Pentair Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pentair and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:PCQ Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Friday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 13th will be given a dividend of 0.036 per share by the investment management company on Monday, February 2nd. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 13th. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Trading Up 0.3% Shares of PCQ opened at $8.91 on Friday. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund has a one year low of $8.13 and a one year high of $9.36. The companys fifty day moving average price is $8.79 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.63. Get PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund alerts: PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Company Profile (Get Free Report) PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (NYSE: PCQ) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide high current income exempt from federal and California state income taxes. The fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of municipal securities issued by entities within the State of California, with an emphasis on credit quality and income generation. Its strategy is designed to appeal to investors seeking tax-advantaged yields alongside professional portfolio management. The fund generally allocates at least 80% of its total assets to municipal securities that are of investment grade or higher, covering a broad spectrum of sectors such as transportation, utilities, education, health care and local government obligations. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II (NYSE:PNI Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 13th will be given a dividend of 0.0295 per share on Monday, February 2nd. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 13th. PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II Stock Up 0.4% Shares of PNI stock opened at $7.03 on Friday. PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II has a 52 week low of $6.43 and a 52 week high of $7.47. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $6.93 and a 200-day moving average of $6.81. Get PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II alerts: PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II Company Profile (Get Free Report) PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II (NYSE: PNI) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from both federal and New York State income taxes. The fund is managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO), a global fixed income investment firm. PNI invests primarily in investment-grade municipal obligations issued by or on behalf of the state of New York, its municipalities and related public authorities. The funds portfolio is constructed with a focus on New York state general obligation and revenue bonds, including transportation, education, healthcare and utility-backed securities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PressLogic (PLAI) is planning to raise $9 million in an IPO on the week of January 19th, IPO Scoop reports. The company plans to issue 1,800,000 shares at $4.00-$6.00 per share. In the last 12 months, PressLogic generated $14.77 million in revenue and $1.91 million in net income. The company has a market-cap of $83.20 million. American Trust Investment Services acted as the underwriter for the IPO. PressLogic provided the following description of their company for its IPO: (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands) We provide digital marketing services to companies in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Our content marketing solutions include a digital marketing solution segment, which offers editorial content, influencer marketing and display advertising, along with advertisements. We run nine proprietary media brands with over 12 million subscribers and followers, including nine websites, five apps, 11 Facebook fanpages, 11 Instagram profiles and eight YouTube channels, as of the date of this prospectus. Note: Net income and revenue are in U.S. dollars (converted from Hong Kong dollars) for the 12 months that ended June 30, 2025. (Note: PressLogic filed its F-1/A on Oct. 14, 2025, and disclosed the terms of its small IPO: The company is offering 1.8 million shares at a price range of $4.00 to $6.00 to raise $9.0 million, if priced at the mid-point of its range. Background: PressLogic filed its F-1 to go public in September.) . PressLogic was founded in 2016 and has 124 employees. The company is located at 26/F, Chinachem Leighton Plaza 29 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay Hong Kong and can be reached via phone at +852 3709 2787 or on the web at https://www.presslogic.online/. Receive News & Ratings for PressLogic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PressLogic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Figma (NYSE:FIG Get Free Report) and SEMrush (NYSE:SEMR Get Free Report) are both services companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk, institutional ownership and dividends. Profitability This table compares Figma and SEMrushs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Figma alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Figma -99.32% -84.34% -48.79% SEMrush -1.05% -1.60% -1.07% Insider and Institutional Ownership 32.9% of SEMrush shares are owned by institutional investors. 45.2% of Figma shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 55.6% of SEMrush shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Figma $749.01 million 20.67 -$732.12 million ($2.68) -13.89 SEMrush $376.82 million 4.71 $8.24 million ($0.02) -594.50 This table compares Figma and SEMrushs top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. SEMrush has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Figma. SEMrush is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Figma, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Figma and SEMrush, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Figma 1 8 4 0 2.23 SEMrush 1 5 0 0 1.83 Figma currently has a consensus price target of $56.63, suggesting a potential upside of 52.14%. Given Figmas stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Figma is more favorable than SEMrush. Summary SEMrush beats Figma on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Figma (Get Free Report) Figma is where teams come together to turn ideas into the worlds best digital products and experiences. Every day, billions of people around the world use apps, websites, and other digital experiences that are made in Figma. Theyre looking up directions on Google Maps; requesting rides with Uber; checking in for flights on JetBlue; streaming shows on Netflix; learning languages with Duolingo; asking questions of Claude; connecting on LinkedIn; buying goods on Mercado Libre; or booking stays and experiences with Airbnb. Behind each of these products is a cross-functional team responsible for bringing them to life. In Figma, designers work alongside developers, product managers (PMs), researchers, marketers, writers, and other non-designers who, in the three months ended March 31, 2025, made up two-thirds of our more than 13 million monthly active users(1). Together, these teams share and explore ideas, align on a vision, visualize concepts, and translate them into coded products all on a single, connected, AI-powered platform that collaborators around the world can access with a URL. Our focus on the entire lifecycle of software creation reflects our ability to rapidly bring new products onto Figmas browser-based platform and our belief that design spans far beyond a single step or role. We take this expansive view because design is more than how something looks, or even feels; design is also how something works and in todays increasingly digital-first world, what sets brands and companies apart. As AI makes software much easier to create, and as organizations across industries and geographies continue to invest heavily in digital transformation, better-designed digital products and experiences have become even more critical to a companys success. Thats why 95% of the Fortune 500 and 78% of the Forbes Global 2000 used Figma in March 2025. These companies understand deeply that great design is what attracts and wins user loyalty, especially in a world where a business interactions with its customers are increasingly digital. Figma has been fortunate to play a part in, and benefit from, the growing global movement to elevate design and the craft of building software. Millions of people use Figma every week, often for hours a day, and as more users have come to our platform, our business has grown. (1) We define monthly active users as the number of unique users that access at least one of our products during a given month. A Paid Customer typically includes multiple unique users. When reporting monthly active users during a quarter or other period of time, we report the number of monthly active users during the month with the highest number of active users during such period. Our principal executive offices are located in San Francisco, California. About SEMrush (Get Free Report) Semrush Holdings, Inc. develops an online visibility management software-as-a-service platform worldwide. The company enables companies to identify and reach the right audience for their content through the right channels. Its platform enables the companys customers to understand trends and act upon insights to enhance the online visibility, and drive traffic to their websites and social media pages, as well as online listings, distribute targeted content to their customers, and measure the digital marketing campaigns. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for Figma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Figma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sachetta LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report) by 178.5% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 43,379 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 27,801 shares during the period. iShares Gold Trust makes up approximately 1.2% of Sachetta LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest position. Sachetta LLCs holdings in iShares Gold Trust were worth $3,157,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares Gold Trust during the second quarter worth $25,000. Keener Financial Planning LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Private Wealth Management Group LLC increased 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 acquiring an additional 320 shares during the last quarter. Key Financial Inc bought a new position in shares of iShares Gold Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. lifted its holdings in iShares Gold Trust by 230.0% in the 3rd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 462 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 322 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.67% of the companys stock. Get iShares Gold Trust alerts: iShares Gold Trust Trading Up 0.7% NYSEARCA:IAU opened at $84.89 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $71.29 billion, a PE ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.09. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $79.88 and its 200 day simple moving average is $72.06. iShares Gold Trust has a 1 year low of $50.14 and a 1 year high of $85.68. Key iShares Gold Trust News iShares Gold Trust Company Profile Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Gold Trust this week: (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). Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Gold Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Gold Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spire Wealth Management decreased its position in Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report) by 66.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,026 shares of the CRM providers stock after selling 8,120 shares during the period. Spire Wealth Managements holdings in Salesforce were worth $954,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Painted Porch Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Salesforce by 260.0% in the 2nd quarter. Painted Porch Advisors LLC now owns 90 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in Salesforce in the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc boosted its position in Salesforce by 383.3% in the 2nd quarter. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc now owns 116 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Maseco LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Salesforce during the second quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Salesforce by 208.6% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 126 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 242 shares during the last quarter. 80.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Salesforce alerts: More Salesforce News Here are the key news stories impacting Salesforce this week: Insider Buying and Selling at Salesforce Wall Street Analyst Weigh In In other news, insider Parker Harris sold 134,662 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $234.70, for a total transaction of $31,605,171.40. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 139,767 shares of the companys stock, valued at $32,803,314.90. The trade was a 49.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . Also, CEO Marc Benioff sold 2,250 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.20, for a total transaction of $580,950.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 11,911,571 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,075,567,632.20. The trade was a 0.02% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 155,034 shares of company stock valued at $36,726,584. Corporate insiders own 3.00% of the companys stock. CRM has been the topic of a number of research reports. Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on Salesforce from $325.00 to $315.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an underperform rating on shares of Salesforce in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on Salesforce from $250.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Citigroup lowered Salesforce from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Citizens Jmp reaffirmed a market outperform rating and set a $430.00 price target on shares of Salesforce in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-nine have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Salesforce has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $327.74. Get Our Latest Analysis on Salesforce Salesforce Stock Down 0.2% Shares of NYSE CRM opened at $260.03 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.98. Salesforce Inc. has a 1 year low of $221.96 and a 1 year high of $367.09. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $250.32 and a 200 day simple moving average of $251.54. The firm has a market cap of $243.65 billion, a PE ratio of 34.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 1.26. Salesforce (NYSE:CRM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The CRM provider reported $3.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.86 by $0.39. Salesforce had a net margin of 17.91% and a return on equity of 14.41%. The company had revenue of $10.26 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.27 billion. Salesforces revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.41 earnings per share. Salesforce has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Salesforce Inc. will post 7.46 EPS for the current year. Salesforce Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 18th were paid a $0.416 dividend. This represents a $1.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 18th. Salesforces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 22.16%. Salesforce Company Profile (Free Report) Salesforce, founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a global provider of cloud-based software focused on customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise applications. The company popularized the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model for CRM and has built a broad portfolio of products designed to help organizations manage sales, service, marketing, commerce and analytics through a unified, cloud-first platform. Core offerings include Sales Cloud for sales automation, Service Cloud for customer support, Marketing Cloud for digital marketing and engagement, and Commerce Cloud for e-commerce. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its position in shares of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM Free Report) by 387.0% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 37,269 shares of the restaurant operators stock after buying an additional 29,617 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Yum! Brands were worth $5,665,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Yum! Brands during the 2nd quarter worth about $602,551,000. Invesco Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Yum! Brands by 34.3% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,789,728 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $413,382,000 after purchasing an additional 713,167 shares during the last quarter. Amundi grew its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 115.8% during the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 1,311,849 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $197,013,000 after buying an additional 703,891 shares during the period. Magellan Asset Management Ltd grew its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 35.9% during the 2nd quarter. Magellan Asset Management Ltd now owns 2,306,932 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $341,841,000 after buying an additional 609,223 shares during the period. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its stake in shares of Yum! Brands by 2,288.1% during the second quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 502,267 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $74,426,000 after buying an additional 481,235 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.37% of the companys stock. Get Yum! Brands alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have issued reports on YUM shares. Oppenheimer cut shares of Yum! Brands from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Tuesday. Piper Sandler reissued a neutral rating on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on Yum! Brands in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. They set a sector perform rating and a $165.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley set a $165.00 price objective on Yum! Brands in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $177.00 target price on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Yum! Brands presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $169.15. More Yum! Brands News Here are the key news stories impacting Yum! Brands this week: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Yum! Brands news, CEO Aaron Powell sold 2,790 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.48, for a total transaction of $419,839.20. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 26,650 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,010,292. This trade represents a 9.48% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Scott Mezvinsky sold 276 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.17, for a total transaction of $42,274.92. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 30,695 shares of company stock valued at $4,582,843 in the last quarter. 0.33% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Yum! Brands Stock Up 1.4% YUM opened at $155.59 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $43.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.33, a P/E/G ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.67. Yum! Brands, Inc. has a 12 month low of $122.13 and a 12 month high of $163.30. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $150.37 and a 200 day simple moving average of $148.00. Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The restaurant operator reported $1.58 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.12. Yum! Brands had a negative return on equity of 21.79% and a net margin of 17.95%.The firm had revenue of $1.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.96 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.37 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Yum! Brands Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were given a $0.71 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 2nd. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. Yum! Brandss payout ratio is currently 55.36%. Yum! Brands Company Profile (Free Report) Yum! Brands, Inc (NYSE: YUM) is a global quick-service restaurant company that develops, operates and franchises a portfolio of well-known restaurant brands. The companys principal brands are KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, each focused on distinct product categoriesKFC on fried chicken and related menu items, Pizza Hut on pizza and complementary offerings, and Taco Bell on Mexican-inspired quick-service food. Yum! is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and was formed as Tricon Global Restaurants in 1997 when PepsiCo spun off its restaurant businesses, later adopting the Yum! Brands name. The companys operating model centers on brand development, system growth and franchising; a large portion of its restaurants are operated by independent franchisees, and Yum! generates revenue through franchise royalties and fees in addition to sales from company-operated locations. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding YUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Yum! Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yum! Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI Free Report) had its price target upped by Evercore ISI from $629.00 to $632.00 in a research note published on Thursday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the business services providers stock. A number of other analysts have also recently commented on SPGI. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of S&P Global from $660.00 to $661.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on S&P Global from $615.00 to $620.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Citigroup upped their target price on S&P Global from $600.00 to $635.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 15th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on S&P Global from $625.00 to $599.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of S&P Global in a report on Monday, December 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and sixteen have assigned a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $615.14. Get S&P Global alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on S&P Global S&P Global Stock Performance NYSE:SPGI opened at $542.34 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 0.97. S&P Global has a fifty-two week low of $427.14 and a fifty-two week high of $579.05. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $506.15 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $516.37. The company has a market capitalization of $164.22 billion, a PE ratio of 39.44, a P/E/G ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 1.21. S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 28th. The business services provider reported $2.33 EPS for the quarter. S&P Global had a net margin of 28.10% and a return on equity of 15.90%. The company had revenue of $1.87 billion for the quarter. S&P Global has set its FY 2025 guidance at 14.800-15.050 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that S&P Global will post 17.11 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On S&P Global A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of S&P Global by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 30,256,638 shares of the business services providers stock worth $14,726,208,000 after purchasing an additional 161,719 shares in the last quarter. TCI Fund Management Ltd. raised its holdings in S&P Global by 7.0% during the second quarter. TCI Fund Management Ltd. now owns 11,091,623 shares of the business services providers stock worth $5,848,502,000 after buying an additional 730,354 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of S&P Global by 0.6% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,793,282 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $3,565,889,000 after buying an additional 42,724 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in shares of S&P Global by 4.6% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 6,231,644 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $3,033,003,000 after buying an additional 274,285 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of S&P Global during the second quarter valued at about $2,188,945,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.17% of the companys stock. About S&P Global (Get Free Report) S&P Global is a leading provider of financial information, analytics and benchmark indices that serve investors, issuers, corporations and public institutions worldwide. The company operates through well-known businesses that include credit ratings, market intelligence and index licensing, as well as commodity and energy information services. Its products and services are used to assess creditworthiness, inform investment decisions, construct and track benchmark portfolios, and support risk and commodity market analysis. S&P Global Ratings provides independent credit ratings, research and data used by fixed income investors and capital market participants to evaluate issuer and transaction risk. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for S&P Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for S&P Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue trimmed its position in shares of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR Free Report) by 25.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 86,216 shares of the companys stock after selling 29,084 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Carrier Global were worth $5,147,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. AdvisorShares Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Carrier Global during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Winnow Wealth LLC bought a new position in Carrier Global in the second quarter worth $26,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Carrier Global during the second quarter worth $26,000. Clayton Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in Carrier Global in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Finally, Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Carrier Global in the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Institutional investors own 91.00% of the companys stock. Get Carrier Global alerts: Carrier Global Stock Performance NYSE:CARR opened at $56.27 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $47.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. Carrier Global Corporation has a 1 year low of $50.24 and a 1 year high of $81.09. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $53.99 and a 200-day moving average of $61.69. Carrier Global Increases Dividend Carrier Global ( NYSE:CARR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.10. Carrier Global had a return on equity of 16.65% and a net margin of 18.05%.The business had revenue of $5.58 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.65 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.83 EPS. Carrier Globals revenue for the quarter was down 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. Carrier Global has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.650-2.650 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Carrier Global Corporation will post 2.99 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be paid a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.7%. This is a boost from Carrier Globals previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 20th. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio is 20.13%. Carrier Global announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Tuesday, October 28th that authorizes the company to buyback $5.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to reacquire up to 10.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Carrier Global from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Carrier Global from $62.00 to $59.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on Carrier Global from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Robert W. Baird set a $72.00 target price on Carrier Global in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Wolfe Research set a $74.00 price target on Carrier Global in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $71.12. Get Our Latest Stock Report on CARR Carrier Global Profile (Free Report) Carrier Global Corporation is a leading global provider of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire and security, and building automation solutions. The company designs, manufactures and sells a broad portfolio of products that includes air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, chillers, rooftop units, commercial refrigeration systems, fire and smoke detection and suppression systems, security sensors and access controls, and a range of building controls and analytics software. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CARR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Carrier Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carrier Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Strategic Blueprint LLC cut its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 52.0% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 12,305 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 13,348 shares during the period. Strategic Blueprint LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $482,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Sarasin & Partners LLP boosted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.1% during the third quarter. Sarasin & Partners LLP now owns 2,565,111 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $102,348,000 after buying an additional 27,366 shares during the period. Rexford Capital Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 3,266.1% in the 3rd quarter. Rexford Capital Inc. now owns 14,676 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $575,000 after acquiring an additional 14,240 shares during the last quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA boosted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 76.3% during the 3rd quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA now owns 356,986 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $13,333,000 after purchasing an additional 154,512 shares during the period. Hilltop National Bank purchased a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 2nd quarter worth about $2,579,000. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.1% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 2,596,483 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $145,793,000 after purchasing an additional 171,466 shares during the last quarter. 91.30% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Chipotle Mexican Grill Trading Up 2.3% Shares of CMG stock opened at $40.10 on Friday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a twelve month low of $29.75 and a twelve month high of $59.57. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $34.57 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $40.96. The stock has a market capitalization of $53.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.49, a P/E/G ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.97. Chipotle Mexican Grill News Summary Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.29. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 45.39% and a net margin of 13.04%.The firm had revenue of $3 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.06 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.27 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. Here are the key news stories impacting Chipotle Mexican Grill this week: Positive Sentiment: Telsey Advisory Group initiated coverage with an Outperform rating and a $50 price target a fresh analyst endorsement that signals confidence in Chipotles growth story and likely helped buying interest. Telsey Initiation Telsey Advisory Group initiated coverage with an rating and a $50 price target a fresh analyst endorsement that signals confidence in Chipotles growth story and likely helped buying interest. Positive Sentiment: Truist raised its price target to $50 and kept a Buy view, another firm pushing upside expectations that supports the rally. Truist PT Raise Truist raised its price target to $50 and kept a Buy view, another firm pushing upside expectations that supports the rally. Positive Sentiment: Analysts are highlighting Chipotles strong earningssurprise history and the companys setup to beat again, which bolsters confidence ahead of future reports. Zacks Earnings Beat Thesis Analysts are highlighting Chipotles strong earningssurprise history and the companys setup to beat again, which bolsters confidence ahead of future reports. Positive Sentiment: Product strategy: Chipotles push of higherprotein menu options aimed at GLP1 users is being viewed by analysts as a demand catalyst and potential market share win among healthfocused consumers. Benzinga HighProtein Push Product strategy: Chipotles push of higherprotein menu options aimed at GLP1 users is being viewed by analysts as a demand catalyst and potential market share win among healthfocused consumers. Positive Sentiment: Barclays and other brokers are publicly forecasting upside, adding to the positive analyst tone supporting the stock. Barclays Note Barclays and other brokers are publicly forecasting upside, adding to the positive analyst tone supporting the stock. Neutral Sentiment: Bernstein reiterated an Outperform rating but cut its price target to $40 a mixed signal that keeps mediumterm conviction but reduces nearterm upside. Bernstein Note Bernstein reiterated an Outperform rating but cut its price target to $40 a mixed signal that keeps mediumterm conviction but reduces nearterm upside. Neutral Sentiment: Mizuho nudged its target to $38 with a Neutral rating, reflecting more cautious positioning by some sellside desks amid recent gains. Mizuho Note Mizuho nudged its target to $38 with a Neutral rating, reflecting more cautious positioning by some sellside desks amid recent gains. Negative Sentiment: Valuation and momentum concerns: several pieces question whether the recent rebound has stretched pricing relative to fundamentals (P/E near decade lows versus past but still elevated vs. peers) this commentary can cap upside and prompt profittaking. Yahoo: Pricing Stretched? Valuation and momentum concerns: several pieces question whether the recent rebound has stretched pricing relative to fundamentals (P/E near decade lows versus past but still elevated vs. peers) this commentary can cap upside and prompt profittaking. Negative Sentiment: Macro/consumer risk: opinion pieces label Chipotle as a possible value trap if samestore sales weakness persists; new federal nutrition guidelines also introduce uncertainty about diningout behavior. Fool: Value Trap Analysis CNBC: Nutrition Guidelines Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have issued reports on CMG. Gordon Haskett downgraded shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Northcoast Research downgraded Chipotle Mexican Grill from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Barclays lifted their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $38.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have issued a Buy rating and thirteen have given 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 $50.00. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CMG Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant company known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, the chain emphasizes fresh, customizable meals made from a limited menu of core ingredients and a focus on ingredient quality. Chipotle operates primarily company-owned restaurants and offers dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery through its own digital platforms and third-party partners. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and traces its roots to Denver, Colorado. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swmg LLC decreased its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 49.3% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 6,504 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 6,324 shares during the quarter. Swmg LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $781,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. RMG Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Curio Wealth LLC raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 26,900.0% in the second quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 270 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 269 shares in the last quarter. Bulwark Capital Corp bought a new position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF in the second quarter worth about $30,000. Marshall & Sullivan Inc. WA purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF during the second quarter valued at about $38,000. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 200.4% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 452 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $49,000 after buying an additional 902 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 66.92% of the companys stock. Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Up 0.8% Shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF stock opened at $126.42 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $92.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.52 and a beta of 1.08. The firms 50 day moving average price is $120.59 and its 200-day moving average price is $117.41. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 52-week low of $89.22 and a 52-week high of $126.58. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Profile iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The Index serves as the underlying index for the S&P 600/Citigroup Growth and Value Index series. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IJR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom S.A. (NYSE:TEO Get Free Report) crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $9.76 and traded as high as $11.41. Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom shares last traded at $11.2810, with a volume of 128,031 shares. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on TEO shares. Zacks Research raised Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, UBS Group set a $17.00 target price on shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $11.93. Get Telecom Argentina Stet - France Telecom alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on TEO Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom Trading Down 0.6% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.52 and a quick ratio of 0.50. The firms 50 day moving average price is $11.99 and its 200 day moving average price is $9.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.86 billion, a P/E ratio of -32.23 and a beta of 1.22. Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom (NYSE:TEO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The utilities provider reported ($0.36) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.49) by $0.13. Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom had a negative return on equity of 2.64% and a negative net margin of 2.55%.The company had revenue of $1.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.50 billion. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom S.A. will post 1.28 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a special dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 3rd. Investors of record on Monday, November 24th were issued a $0.0452 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 24th. Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecoms payout ratio is -14.29%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of TEO. RWC Asset Management LLP increased its position in shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom by 0.4% during the third quarter. RWC Asset Management LLP now owns 669,828 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,870,000 after buying an additional 2,383 shares during the period. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. bought a new position in shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $2,725,000. UBS Group AG lifted its stake in shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom by 18.6% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 233,626 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,698,000 after purchasing an additional 36,642 shares during the period. Two Sigma Investments LP boosted its position in shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom by 317.8% during the third quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 204,172 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,484,000 after purchasing an additional 155,299 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its stake in Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom by 34.2% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 149,672 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,322,000 after purchasing an additional 38,107 shares during the period. Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom Company Profile (Get Free Report) Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom (NYSE:TEO) is an integrated telecommunications provider based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Originally formed through the 1990 privatization of the state-owned Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (ENTel), the company was initially backed by Italian state carrier STET and French operator France Telecom. Since its listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TEO, Telecom Argentina has evolved into one of the countrys principal communications groups, offering a comprehensive portfolio of voice and data services. The companys core business activities span fixed-line telephony, mobile services, broadband internet and digital television. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Argentina Stet - France Telecom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Argentina Stet - France Telecom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lowered its stake in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG Free Report) by 16.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 84,565 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 16,455 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in The Hartford Insurance Group were worth $11,324,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group during the 3rd quarter worth $27,000. Private Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its holdings in The Hartford Insurance Group by 151.1% in the second quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 221 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 133 shares during the last quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC grew its position in The Hartford Insurance Group by 72.8% during the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 235 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 99 shares during the period. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in The Hartford Insurance Group during the second quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Signature Resources Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in The Hartford Insurance Group during the second quarter worth about $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.42% of the companys stock. Get The Hartford Insurance Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Lori A. Rodden sold 7,841 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $122.41, for a total value of $959,816.81. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 18,400 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,252,344. The trade was a 29.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Beth Ann Costello sold 35,339 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $136.58, for a total value of $4,826,600.62. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 77,574 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,595,056.92. This represents a 31.30% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on HIG shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price objective on The Hartford Insurance Group from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Piper Sandler increased their target price on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group from $152.00 to $161.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Mizuho started coverage on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. They set an outperform rating and a $160.00 price target on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group from $143.00 to $146.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group from $151.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, The Hartford Insurance Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $147.07. Check Out Our Latest Report on The Hartford Insurance Group The Hartford Insurance Group Stock Down 1.2% NYSE HIG opened at $136.20 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $37.95 billion, a PE ratio of 11.13, a P/E/G ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 0.61. The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $104.93 and a fifty-two week high of $140.50. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $134.88 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $130.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The Hartford Insurance Group (NYSE:HIG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 27th. The insurance provider reported $3.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.02 by $0.76. The Hartford Insurance Group had a net margin of 12.75% and a return on equity of 21.07%. The company had revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.17 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.53 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. will post 11.11 EPS for the current fiscal year. The Hartford Insurance Group Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st were issued a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. This is an increase from The Hartford Insurance Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. The Hartford Insurance Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 19.61%. The Hartford Insurance Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Hartford Financial Services Group, commonly known as The Hartford, is a U.S.-based insurance and investment company that provides a broad range of commercial and personal insurance products and employee benefits. Its core businesses include property and casualty insurance for businesses and individuals, group benefits such as group life, disability and dental plans, and retirement and investment solutions offered through affiliated asset-management operations. The company also delivers risk management, claims-handling and loss-prevention services designed to support policyholders across a variety of industries. Founded in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1810, The Hartford is one of the oldest insurance organizations in the United States and has a long history of underwriting and product development across multiple insurance lines. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HIG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Hartford Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hartford Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) have received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fourteen brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $194.6364. Several analysts recently commented on TRI shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Thomson Reuters from $178.00 to $160.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Thomson Reuters in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Huber Research raised shares of Thomson Reuters to an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price target on shares of Thomson Reuters from $208.00 to $182.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $165.00 price objective on shares of Thomson Reuters and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on TRI Thomson Reuters Stock Performance NYSE TRI opened at $129.23 on Friday. Thomson Reuters has a twelve month low of $126.21 and a twelve month high of $218.42. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The stock has a market cap of $57.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.43, a PEG ratio of 5.67 and a beta of 0.80. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $134.11 and its 200 day simple moving average is $162.38. Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The business services provider reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.04. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 14.62% and a net margin of 30.45%.The company had revenue of $1.80 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.78 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.80 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Thomson Reuters will post 3.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Thomson Reuters Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 18th were given a dividend of $0.595 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. This represents a $2.38 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio is 61.18%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Thomson Reuters Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 1.3% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,690,956 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $883,680,000 after buying an additional 73,725 shares in the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc grew its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 5,681,469 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,140,208,000 after acquiring an additional 166,977 shares during the last quarter. TLT Family Holdco ULC acquired a new stake in Thomson Reuters in the 2nd quarter valued at about $865,442,000. LCC Family Corp. bought a new position in shares of Thomson Reuters in the second quarter worth about $813,253,000. Finally, SEG Family Corp. acquired a new position in shares of Thomson Reuters during the second quarter worth approximately $659,930,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 17.31% of the companys stock. Thomson Reuters Company Profile (Get Free Report) Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI) is a multinational information and media company that provides content, technology and services to professionals in the legal, tax & accounting, compliance, risk, corporate and media sectors. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, the company combines news and editorial content from the Reuters news agency with specialist workflow platforms and databases designed to support decision-making and regulatory compliance across industries worldwide. The companys product portfolio spans legal research and workflow tools, tax and accounting software, regulatory and risk management solutions, and real-time news and data services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TXNM Energy, Inc. (NYSE:TXNM Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the eight brokerages that are covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $58.4167. A number of research firms recently weighed in on TXNM. Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of TXNM Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating and upped their target price for the stock from $58.00 to $61.25 in a report on Monday, October 27th. Citigroup started coverage on TXNM Energy in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. They issued a neutral rating and a $61.25 price objective on the stock. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of TXNM Energy in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Get TXNM Energy alerts: Read Our Latest Report on TXNM TXNM Energy Stock Performance Shares of TXNM opened at $59.00 on Friday. TXNM Energy has a 52-week low of $45.83 and a 52-week high of $59.20. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $58.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is $57.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 0.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.52 and a beta of 0.17. TXNM Energy (NYSE:TXNM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $1.33 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.44 by ($0.11). TXNM Energy had a net margin of 8.67% and a return on equity of 7.20%. The company had revenue of $647.16 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $608.65 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.43 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that TXNM Energy will post 2.73 EPS for the current fiscal year. TXNM Energy Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th will be given a $0.4225 dividend. This represents a $1.69 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. This is a positive change from TXNM Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 30th. TXNM Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 95.32%. Insider Transactions at TXNM Energy In other TXNM Energy news, Director Vicky A. Bailey sold 1,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.74, for a total value of $103,932.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 8,725 shares of the companys stock, valued at $503,781.50. The trade was a 17.10% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.28% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of TXNM Energy Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. bought a new stake in TXNM Energy in the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. Huntington National Bank grew its stake in shares of TXNM Energy by 1,307.0% in the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 605 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 562 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in TXNM Energy by 280.0% during the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 1,026 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,000 after purchasing an additional 756 shares during the period. MorganRosel Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in TXNM Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at about $67,000. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its position in TXNM Energy by 574.0% during the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $73,000 after purchasing an additional 1,102 shares during the last quarter. 91.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. TXNM Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) TXNM Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides electricity and electric services in the United States. It operates through Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) segments. The PNM segment engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The segment owns and leases communications, office and other equipment, office space, vehicles, and real estate. It generates electricity using coal, natural gas and oil, and nuclear fuel and waste, as well as solar, wind, geothermal, and battery storage energy sources. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for TXNM Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TXNM Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unifirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of Reduce by the six brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and four have assigned a hold rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $181.00. UNF has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Unifirst from $152.00 to $145.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. UBS Group increased their target price on Unifirst from $182.00 to $206.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday. Robert W. Baird set a $198.00 price target on Unifirst in a report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Unifirst in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Unifirst from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Get Unifirst alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Unifirst Institutional Investors Weigh In On Unifirst Unifirst Price Performance Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Engine Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of Unifirst during the second quarter worth about $11,688,000. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its stake in Unifirst by 118.1% during the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 10,830 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $2,038,000 after acquiring an additional 5,864 shares during the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Unifirst during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,947,000. River Road Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Unifirst by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. River Road Asset Management LLC now owns 793,765 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $149,402,000 after purchasing an additional 4,339 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Unifirst by 1,492.4% in the second quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 49,571 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $9,330,000 after purchasing an additional 46,458 shares during the period. 78.17% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. UNF opened at $203.16 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $176.57 and a 200 day moving average price of $173.29. Unifirst has a 12 month low of $147.66 and a 12 month high of $232.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.87 and a beta of 0.72. Unifirst (NYSE:UNF Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 7th. The textile maker reported $1.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.05 by ($0.16). Unifirst had a net margin of 5.70% and a return on equity of 6.68%. The company had revenue of $621.32 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $615.23 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.31 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Unifirst has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.580-6.980 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Unifirst will post 7.71 earnings per share for the current year. Unifirst Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th were issued a dividend of $0.365 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. This is an increase from Unifirsts previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. This represents a $1.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. Unifirsts dividend payout ratio is 19.31%. 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). See Also Receive News & Ratings for Unifirst Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unifirst and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Warwick Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report) by 74.6% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 49,405 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 21,112 shares during the quarter. Warwick Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $2,677,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 2.7% during the 3rd quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 114,632 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,211,000 after buying an additional 2,989 shares during the last quarter. One Degree Advisors Inc lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 2.6% in the third quarter. One Degree Advisors Inc now owns 102,362 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $5,545,000 after acquiring an additional 2,586 shares during the last quarter. Trilogy Capital Inc. lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 4.3% in the third quarter. Trilogy Capital Inc. now owns 18,482 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,001,000 after acquiring an additional 765 shares during the last quarter. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC grew its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 7.0% in the third quarter. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC now owns 117,166 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,348,000 after acquiring an additional 7,679 shares during the period. Finally, Associated Banc Corp increased its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 5.7% during the third quarter. Associated Banc Corp now owns 223,127 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $12,089,000 after acquiring an additional 11,955 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.19% of the companys stock. Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Up 0.2% NYSEARCA:VWO opened at $55.43 on Friday. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 52 week low of $39.53 and a 52 week high of $56.04. The stocks fifty day moving average is $54.24 and its two-hundred day moving average is $52.91. The company has a market capitalization of $108.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.08 and a beta of 0.55. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Profile The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sit-in protest held | IMPHAL, Jan 11 : Tension and fear gripped the residents of Khagempalli after a man, who was arrested on the charge of stabbing his wife to death, was reportedly seen roaming freely at the locality. The accused, Heikrujam Bijoy (57), a resident of Khagempalli Pankha, was arrested for the alleged murder of his wife, H Pishakmacha (55), on June 3, 2024. A case was registered against him at Singjamei Police Station. In response to this development, a sit-in protest was staged today near Nganapithong at Khagempalli Pankha, urging the authorities to take immediate action. Speaking to the media, the protesters expressed their concerns, stating that the presence of the accused in the area has instilled a sense of fear and insecurity among the residents. They called on the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure their safety. During the protest, placards with slogans such as "Penalise the murderer" and "Submit the chargesheet against the accused" were displayed. The demonstration was organized by the Khagempalli Ideal Club and Sundrembi Nupi Lup. Lefties and liberals want Narendra Modi to condemn Don Trumps invasion of Venezuela. All invasions are bad; innocents get shot. But if we condemn one, shouldnt we condemn all? When Leonid Brezhnevs tanks rolled into Czechoslovakia, we looked the other way. When the Russian bear rolled down into Afghanistan, Indira accused Andrei Gromyko, without anyone hearing, of bringing the cold war to our doorsteps. We didnt condemn Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. We kept quiet when Benjamin Netanyahu invaded Gaza. There are more. Military-pacted, non-aligned, neutral or simply spineless, every ruler acts in his countrys supreme self interest when confronted with global crises. So it was with Nehru and Indira; so it is with Modi. The same with Trump. The philanderer-president may be accused of all the seven cardinal sins or more, but concede one virtue to himhe practises what he preaches. Image AI Look at his Venezuelan adventure. He had told the whole world and its elder brothersPutin, Xi, Starmer, Macron, Merz &cthat he wouldnt let any carpetbagger from the east ride into the American continent and take control of its vast assets. This Trump corollary to the Monroe doctrine, proclaimed late November, had warned he would deny non-hemispheric competitors the ability to position forces or other threatening capabilities, or to own or control strategically vital assets in our hemisphere. This column had discussed the Monroe doctrine then. Annoyed with the European powers fighting their colonial wars on the American continent, US president James Monroe told them in 1823 to keep off the New World; in return the US wouldnt poke its nose in European affairs. Venezuela is the first place where Trump is practising the doctrine. He may have given several reasons for ousting Madurohe was a tyrant, a drug lord or even a mad dog. But the real sin of Maduro in Trumps eyes was that he had stepped out of the Monroe rekhahe was giving control of Venezuelas oil fields, the largest in the world, to non-hemispheric actor Chinaand he was arming himself with Chinese weapons. Not in my backyard, decided Trump. Now, among the first things Trump said after ousting and arresting Maduro is that he would control the oil fields. The libs are cheesed off with Trump also for letting Maduros 2-I-C Delcy Rodriguez, perhaps a partner in his crimes, take command, and not the Nobel-winning liberal icon Machado. I would say, for the first time, we saw Trump following the norms of democracy at least in letter. Venezuelans had elected Maduro and Rodriguez to rule them, and sent Machado to lead the opposition. Now when theres a vacancy at the top, its the number two among the elected rulers who should fill the post, and not the one who had lost the polls. How would the invasion impact the world? As lawyers say, here the Monroe doctrine ought to be read with the Trump corollary. In return for keeping their messy fingers out of the American pie, Monroe had also promised to keep off Europes nasty post-Napoleonic politics dictated by Prince Metternichs and Lord Castlereaghs. Trump has been saying much the same ever since he came to power the second time, seeking to MAGA by minding its own business and stop intervening or bankrolling other peoples wars. So, dont be surprised if he lets Putin have his way in Ukraine or looks the other way if China arm-twists Taiwan. Now, what about us? Well, havent we always found our own ways and pacts of convenience? prasannan@theweek.in Long years of subjugation have buried our collective memory beneath layers of debris. Even when it resurfaces, it does so faintly. With those words, senior bureaucrat Shashi Ranjan Kumar opened the launch event for his book, The Decline of Hindu Civilisation, turning what might have been a routine literary event into a sustained examination of how India lost not only political power, but also intellectual continuity. Kumar, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Tripura cadre and currently Secretary of the Union Public Service Commission, framed civilisational decline not as an absence of achievement, but as a process of accumulated amnesia. India, he argued, continues to celebrate fragments of its past without understanding the intellectual systems that once sustained them. He illustrated this through mathematics, beginning with zero. Zero appears in many ancient cultures, Kumar said. But in most of them it is only a placeholder. It is only in India that zero becomes a genuine number, capable of arithmetic operations. By the seventh century, Kumar noted, Brahmagupta had laid down formal rules for calculations involving zero. In the twelfth century, Bhaskara II went further, associating division by zero with the idea of infinity. These abstractions, he argued, were far ahead of their time. Negative numbers are even harder to imagine, he added. Yet Indian mathematicians accepted them and integrated them systematically, while Europe struggled even to accept zero. He pointed out that Florence banned the use of zero in public accounting in 1299, fearing it would enable fraudlong after Indian mathematicians had normalised it. To explain deeper divergences between civilisations, Kumar contrasted Euclid and Panini. Euclids Elements, he said, shaped a Western tradition grounded in axioms, definitions and deductive proof. Paninis Astadhyayi, by contrast, represented algorithmic thinking of extraordinary precision. The emphasis is on method rather than metaphysics, Kumar said. On procedures, not assertions. This distinction shaped astronomy as well. Greek astronomers sought physical models of the cosmos and justified them philosophically. Indian astronomers, by contrast, focused on computation. They were less interested in what the universe looked like, Kumar said, and more interested in accurately calculating planetary positions. He anchored these abstractions in historical episodes. Kumar recalled that in 1140 CE, a literary gathering in Kashmir brought together 32 scholarsphilosophers, poets, grammarians, aestheticians and architectsto celebrate the completion of a Sanskrit epic. This was not a local salon, he said. Scholars travelled long distances. It shows the scale of the intellectual ecosystem that once existed. A decade later, Bhaskara IIs Siddhanta Siromani blended algebra with poetry, posing mathematical problems through romantic imagery. No one found this inappropriate, Kumar noted. That confidence tells us something about the culture. That ecosystem, he argued, collapsed rapidly after the late twelfth century. The defeat at Tarain in 1192 opened the Gangetic plains to conquest. Nalanda was destroyed. Scholarly networks disintegrated. The destruction was not just material, Kumar said. It was institutional and epistemic. India entered a long arc of intellectual contraction. By the time European colonialism arrived, India had already been weakened by centuries of earlier disruption. Kumar also pointed to a paradox in military history. Deception lies at the heart of the Arthasastra, he said. Yet historically, India rarely used deception systematically in warfare. Equally damaging, he argued, was Indias lack of curiosity about the outside world. We sent merchants and monks abroad, Kumar said. But we produced no sustained accounts of foreign societies. We were generous givers of ideas, but reluctant borrowers. The second set of responses came from Swapan Dasgupta, author and former Rajya Sabha MP, and Amish Tripathi, who placed Kumars argument in a broader civilisational frame. Dasgupta argued that questions of decline and sovereignty had preoccupied Indian thinkers from the nineteenth century until Independence, but were abruptly sidelined thereafter. A certain idea of modernity encouraged disengagement from the past, he said. The term Hindu civilisation itself became suspect in polite discourse. He pointed to the collapse of Sanskrit as a living discipline and the narrowing of academic history as evidence of institutional neglect. Kumars book, Dasgupta said, mattered because it restored legitimate questions to public debate, even if it did not settle them. Tripathi approached the issue from a different angle, arguing that the last thousand years should not be read simply as a sequence of defeats. Many ancient cultures faced the same invaders, he said. Most did not survive. Hindu civilisation did. The story, Tripathi argued, was one of prolonged resistance, sustained by cultural flexibility rather than doctrinal rigidity. He warned against treating Hindu civilisation as a single, exclusive tradition. That idea is modern, he said. Historically, Hindu society functioned through multiple, sometimes contradictory, streams. He cited the Ranakpur Jain temple, where a fierce Shaivite guardian deity stands at the entrance to a shrine dedicated to non-violence. Pacifism inside, force at the gate, Tripathi said. That complementarity was a strength. The final intervention came from Gautam Sen, Director of the Dharmic Ideas and Policy Foundation, who adopted a sharper tone. Sen warned that India was losing a global narrative war over its past. He argued that civilisational scholarship rooted in India remained underfunded and institutionally weak compared to well-resourced international academic networks. Kumars book, he said, was valuable precisely because it was accessible to non-specialist readers. Despite differences in emphasis, all four speakers converged on a shared concern: that Indias decline was not the result of intellectual poverty, but of broken transmission. Recovering that inheritance, they argued, requires neither grievance nor nostalgia, but a renewed willingness to examine the past without fear. In the 25th edition of the Pentagons assessment of Chinas military trajectory, the US Department of Defence stated that Pakistan had ordered 36 J-10 fighter aircraft from China in two separate orders, at least 20 of which had been delivered. Officially known in defence circles as the China Military Power Report (CMPR), it was submitted by the Secretary of Defence to the U.S. Congress under legal requirements. Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China for 2025 was released in the last week of December 2025. The latest edition claimed that China was working on a project to make the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) a world class military by 2049 and had already made significant progress in this regard. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was expected to receive the remaining fighter aircraft before the end of that year, fully completing Pakistans first J-10C fleet structure, it added. Apart from the sale of J-10C fighter jets, Pakistan was mentioned a total of seven times across four topics in the report. The report mentioned Islamabad while commenting on the PLA's ambitions to have global military bases as well as the activities of the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). Earlier reports had said that China, which was the dominant supplier of military hardware to Pakistansupplying nearly 81 per cent of Pakistans total arms imports between 2020 and 2024would continue to be so, with some media reports claiming that Islamabad had even shown interest in China's sixth-generation fighter jets which were under development. ALSO READ | Chinese weapons, fighter jets will continue to dominate Pakistan's arsenal: Expert Here were all mentions of Pakistan in the US report that labelled the PLA as "a key component of Chinas ambition to displace the United States as the worlds most powerful nation." 1. Sino-Pak aircraft deals. What the report said: Fixed-Wing Aircraft. China offers three combat aircraft for export, including the fifth generation FC-31 and the fourth generation J-10C multirole combat aircrafts, and the China-Pakistan co-produced JF-17 light combat aircraft. In addition to manned aircraft, China has supplied strike-capable Caihong and Wing Loong UAVs to Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Morocco, Myanmar, Pakistan, Serbia, and the UAE. ALSO READ | India's BrahMos missiles blew out Pakistans Chinese junk air defence systems during Operation Sindoor: US expert In a further table included in the report regarding J-10C sales, it is stated that as of May 2025:, Beijing has delivered 20 units to Pakistan as part of two previous orders totalling 36 since 2020. It is their only J-10C export to date, it claimed. 2. Pakistan was among the potential buyers of Chinese naval vessels. What the report said: Naval Combatants. During the next five years, China probably will grow its naval export market, adding to a customer base that currently includes Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Thailand. In 2017 and 2018, China sold two frigates to Bangladesh and four to Pakistan, respectively. ALSO READ | Why can't Pakistan have an arms race with India? ISPR chief explains while championing Chinese defence platforms 3. China wanted bases and had identified places where it wished to establish them. A staunch ally of the communist regime, Pakistan and Bangladesh featured in the list. What the report said: China seeks to establish sites as part of a global logistics and basing network to allow the PLA to project and sustain military power at greater distances. Chinas leaders probably accept varied levels of access to meet the PLAs overseas military logistics needs including bases with garrisoned forces, host-nation shared facilities, exclusive PLA logistics facilities collocated with commercial infrastructure, or ad-hoc access to commercial infrastructure abroad. The purpose and operations performed at each facility are likely to be determined based on host-nation agreements and each China has likely also considered basing in Angola, Bangladesh, Burma, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, and Vanuatu. The PLA is probably most interested in military access along the sea lines of communication in the Malacca Strait, the Strait of Hormuz, and other areas in Africa and the Middle East. CLICK TO READ THE REPORT IN FULL HERE 4. Space Cooperation: Throughout 2024, China increased its space cooperation outreach worldwide, probably to boost its image as a collaborative space power while undermining U.S. global leadership, particularly with developing nations. As of December 2024, China has signed nearly 200 intergovernmental space cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries and international organizations, covering fields including earth observation, deep space exploration, satellite development, lunar exploration, and manned spaceflight. In 2024, Senegal became the latest country to join the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), and entities from the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Panama, Serbia, Pakistan, South Africa, and Indonesia signed agreements on ILRS cooperation. (Note: The seven mentions were not given in the order of appearance in the original report.) Former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) Vikram Sood on Saturday said peace with Pakistan is "not possible" without a fundamental change in Islamabad's approach. Addressing a session on global power dynamics at the Mangaluru Lit Fest, Sood reportedly said there is little benefit in compromise or negotiations with Pakistan given its entrenched policies and repeated hostilities. The spymaster also urged India to build strategic strength and self-reliance. Sood contrasted India's supportive role in regional crises, such as in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with the absence of reciprocal backing in India's times of need. The dialogue with Pakistan remains unlikely to succeed unless it changes its approach, he added. He criticised "global interventions" by the United States. "Strength, military capability, and power are essential for effective governance," Sood was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. He highlighted China's ability to challenge US economic dominance due to its manufacturing independence. He noted that the US, despite its military might, has not been directly victorious in conventional wars since the 1940s. On India's diplomatic strategy, Sood said the country must engage with major powers like the United States and China logically, rather than depend on external support. He cited recent Indian military operations, including the Balakot airstrike and Uri counterattack, as indicators of India's growing strategic assertiveness. Senior IPS officer Parag Jain is the current head of the Research and Analysis Wing. He was earlier with the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), which is known to have played an important role in Operation Sindoor, having offered intelligence inputs that facilitated precise missile strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. The ARC played a role in monitoring Pakistani aircraft and airspace during the operation, enabling the IAF to carry out major strikes. The Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence said that Russia used the new Geran-5 strike drone against the country for the first time, starting early 2026, during a combined air attack. According to the intelligence sources, the drone is approximately 6 metres long and has a wingspan of up to 5.5 metres. The aircraft features a standard aerodynamic design, unlike previous versions of the Geranium series and is classified as a cruise missile. Other features of the model are similar to the previous models in the series. Russian troops have used the Geran-5 for the first time a new model of strike UAV, according to Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (GUR MO). Dimensions: 6 m in length, wingspan 5.5 m. Warhead approximately 90 kg. Declared range up to 1000 km. Equipped with 12-channel pic.twitter.com/Wxb3lMMGOt MilitaryNewsUA (@front_ukrainian) January 11, 2026 The drone uses a Chinese made Telefly jet engine, similar to the one used in Geran-3 UAV, but with a greater thrust. The warhead weighs 90 kilograms and its range is approximately 1000 kilometres. The drone also uses a 12-channel Kometa satellite navigation system, a tracker based on a Raspberry Pi microcomputer and 3G/4G modems. The main intelligence directorate said, As with previous Gerans, this UAV can hardly be considered a Russian Federation development. Significant design and technological similarities with the Iranian Karrar drone have been recorded." The Iranian Karrar drone was first tested in 2023 and was equipped with an AD-08 missile from the Majid air defence system, which shot down an air target. The Ministry of Defence said that Russia is currently working on an option to equip the Geran-5 with R-73 air-to-air missiles, which could increase its threat to Ukrainian aviation.They are also reportedly exploring options to deploy the drone from the Su-25 aircraft. Russia had already equipped some of their previous drones with R-60 missiles. Vijay's farewell film Jana Nayagan has been in the news over the last week, although for reasons that the actor wouldn't have preferred. The film, directed by H Vinoth, was slated to release on January 9, 2026 for the Pongal season but has been delayed indefinitely due to an ongoing censor certificate row. While the Jana Nayagan producers KVN Productions were expecting to get the certificate by January 5, the delay and lack of clarity from the Censor Board forced them to take the legal route by approaching the Madras High Court. The case was initially supposed to get its verdict on January 7 but that got pushed to January 9, officially delaying the release for the first time. On January 9, the High Court initially ruled in favour of the film's producers by directing the CBFC to issue the censor certificate. However, the CBFC then hit back by filing a writ appeal against the judgement, ensuring further delay to the film's release. The next date of hearing is on January 21, which means that the film is effectively out of the Pongal release. KVN Productions are set to approach the Supreme Court on Monday (January 12) in a bid to fast track the case but it would be unrealistic at this point to expect a favourable outcome for Jana Nayagan. If the Supreme Court appeal doesn't work, January 21 is the obvious date of hearing but the Jana Nayagan producers have a problem if the delay continues. As such, the hearing on January 21, which makes it difficult to release on January 23 for the Republic Day weekend. If Jana Nayagan gets delayed further, the makers will hope that the Election Commission doesn't announce the dates for the 2026 Tamil Nadu state elections in between. If that happens, Vijay and Jana Nayagan will have to wait till the elections are over, if they want to release the film. Why? Once the election dates are announced, Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into play if Jana Nayagan date hasn't been fixed till then. With Vijay set to contest in the 2026 TN elections, the EC have the authority to halt or prevent screenings of Jana Nayagan, if they feel that the movie has the potential to influence the voters in TN. In short, more delays and legal troubles could be on the cards. Hence, the Jana Nayagan producers will hope that they get relief by January 21 at the earliest, and hope that the election dates do not come before the release date is fixed. A new perspective study published in the journal Biocontaminant has flagged a growing but largely overlooked global health threat, free-living amoebae, a group of microscopic organisms that thrive in soil and water and, in rare cases, can cause fatal infections in humans. Scientists warn that climate change, ageing water infrastructure, and gaps in surveillance systems are creating conditions that allow these pathogens to spread more widely and persist longer in both natural and man-made environments. With Kerala reporting an exponential rise in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases over the past three years from only two fatal cases in 2023 to at least 170 cases and 42 deaths till November 2025 the insights could help address the mounting public health concern. The study highlights that while most amoebae are harmless, a small subset can trigger severe and often deadly diseases. Among the most notorious is Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the brain-eating amoeba, which causes a rare infection of the brain known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The infection typically occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, often during swimming or other recreational water activities. According to a 2025 global review, at least 488 cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by Naegleria fowleri have been reported worldwide since 1962. Considering that infection with the brain-eating amoeba is nearly always fatal, this study could provide critical insights into how rising temperatures and environmental changes are further expanding the spread and risk of these rare but deadly infections. Findings of the study The study warns that free-living amoebae are emerging as a serious but largely overlooked global public health threat. As the researchers note, Amoebae, single-celled protists capable of altering their shape and moving via pseudopodia, represent a growing public health threat worldwide, with species such as Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba spp. being of particular concern. Although these organisms are often ignored in conventional biosecurity research, the study highlights their extraordinary resilience. These protozoa can survive extreme environmental conditions, including high pH, elevated temperatures, and high chlorine concentrations, making them resistant to standard water treatment approaches, the authors write. For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH Their ability to persist in both natural and engineered environments increases the risk of human exposure through contaminated water sources, recreational activities, and drinking water systems. Amoebae are widely distributed across soil, water, and air due to their adaptability. The researchers point out that they thrive not only in lakes, rivers, and ponds, but also in human-made systems such as drinking water distribution networks, swimming pools, sewage systems, and hot springs. This widespread presence, the study notes, poses significant exposure risks, particularly as pathogenic species have been repeatedly detected in treated drinking water and recreational waters. As a result, everyday activities such as swimming may serve as exposure routes. In certain regions, the risks may be further amplified by cultural and religious practices, including ceremonial bathing and the use of neti pots for nasal irrigation, which can provide direct pathways for infection. The study explains that N. fowleri, which typically inhabits warm freshwater or polluted environments, enters the human body through the nose and travels along the olfactory nerve to the brain, causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Other species, such as Acanthamoeba castellanii and Balamuthia mandrillaris, are responsible for granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (BAE). These pathogens can invade through the skin, nasal passages, or eyes, leading to severe brain infections or sight-threatening conditions like amoebic keratitis, often associated with contaminated contact lenses. The researchers caution that the true scale of exposure is likely far higher than reported. Before molecular diagnostic tools became widespread, traditional microscopy and culture techniques frequently failed to detect amoebic infections. As the study notes, amoebae are often mistaken for yeast cells or macrophages, leading to misdiagnosis and significant underreporting. Given their ubiquity across diverse environments, the authors argue that the current burden of disease is likely a substantial underestimate of the real public health threat. Controlling amoebae-related risks remains particularly challenging. The study highlights that cyst forms of amoebae can survive conventional water treatment methods, including chlorination, filtration, and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. Some species can withstand extremely high chlorine concentrations, while exposure to sublethal doses may even enhance virulence by increasing the expression of pathogenic genes. Physical barriers such as membrane filtration are also vulnerable, as amoebae can colonise these surfaces and contribute to biofouling. Given these limitations, the researchers point to advanced oxidation strategies as promising alternatives. Emerging technologies, such as persulfate-based chemical systems, piezocatalytic composites, and innovative water oxidation approaches, have shown substantial reductions in amoeba viability and the inactivation of other pathogens sheltered within them. In addition, source control measures targeting biofilms in water distribution networks, including flushing and flow regulation, are identified as critical preventive strategies. The threat is expected to intensify with climate warming, which may expand the geographic range of thermophilic species like N. fowleri into regions previously considered low risk. Reflecting this concern, the World Health Organization issued guidelines in 2025 specifically for controlling N. fowleri in drinking-water systems, signalling growing international attention to amoeba-related public health risks. What makes these organisms particularly dangerous is their ability to survive conditions that kill many other microbes, said corresponding author Longfei Shu of Sun Yat-sen University. They can tolerate high temperatures, strong disinfectants like chlorine, and even live inside water distribution systems that people assume are safe. The authors further emphasise that amoebae can act as hidden carriers for other harmful microbes. By sheltering bacteria and viruses inside their cells, amoebae protect these pathogens from disinfection and enable their persistence and spread in drinking water systems. This so-called Trojan horse effect may also contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Climate warming is expected to worsen the problem by allowing heat-loving amoebae to spread into new regions, while recent outbreaks linked to recreational water use have already raised public concern in several countries. In response, the researchers call for a coordinated One Health approach that integrates human health, environmental science, and water management, alongside stronger surveillance, improved diagnostics, and advanced water treatment technologies. Amoebae are not just a medical issue or an environmental issue, Shu said. They sit at the intersection of both, and addressing them requires integrated solutions that protect public health at its source. Significance for India Building on the global concern over heat-loving amoebae highlighted in the study, the findings carry particular significance for India, where recent outbreaks and rising case numbers have intensified public health concern. According to a Lok Sabha reply, Kerala has reported a sharp increase in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases over the past three years. In 2023, the state recorded two cases, both fatal. In 2024, 39 cases were reported, resulting in nine deaths. By 2025, as of November 27, at least 170 cases and 42 deaths had been documented. A 2025 global review highlighted the growing public health concern, noting that amoebic infections were traditionally associated with warm freshwater environments in tropical and subtropical regions. The authors observed that recent cases from temperate areas indicate that climate change and water resource mismanagement are expanding the epidemiological footprint. They also emphasised that despite advances in molecular biology and phylogenetics, timely diagnosis remains elusive, as early clinical manifestations mimic bacterial or viral meningitis, often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Another review on Keralas outbreak observed that climate change, inadequate chlorination, and water contamination have expanded amoebic reservoirs, contributing to what has been described as the largest-ever outbreak of amoebic meningoencephalitis in the region. Building on this, a systematic review highlighted the global significance of Naegleria fowleri, noting, The thermophilic amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which can live independently, is normally located in hot freshwater and is responsible for a disease named Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a quick and nearly always lethal infection of the central nervous system. The reviews authors conducted a thorough literature search across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on peer-reviewed articles, case reports, and clinical trials within this timeframe. Their synthesis indicates a considerable geographical change in the occurrence of PAM cases, with South Asia, especially Pakistan and India, being the new hotspot, a transition that is closely linked to climate change and water management practices. In parallel, molecular studies have provided new insights into pathogenesis, using multi-omics approaches to explore unique virulence factors and host-pathogen interactions. The review emphasizes that the use of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has greatly aided rapid diagnosis of PAM, improving early confirmation of cases. Therapeutically, a shift from amphotericin B monotherapy to combination antifungal regimens, including miltefosine, has contributed to better survival outcomes in several recent cases. Experimental strategies, such as nanoparticle-based drug delivery and AI-assisted therapies, are also under investigation, holding promise for future interventions. The review concludes that while PAM has revealed many biological and epidemiological insights, it remains a formidable disease. The authors stress that a persistent and multipronged approach is essential, stating that the urgent need for raising public awareness, the establishment of a robust environmental monitoring system, and the continuous search for new diagnosis and treatment methods will be among the priorities. Steps taken by the government According to a Lok Sabha reply, an investigation was conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Kozhikode branch, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, with support from the concerned District Health Authorities in July 2024. The government stated, A high-level meeting was conducted by the Secretary, Department of Health Research/Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with National and State experts to review the surge in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases in Kerala. National Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) surveillance was reinforced through 18 Virus Research & Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs), with emphasis on cross-validation of tests, improved environmental surveillance, and evidence-based treatment guidance. In parallel, the NCDC strengthened field operations, conducting detailed epidemiological assessments and supporting Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns in collaboration with the State of Kerala. The government emphasised its ongoing commitment, noting that it continues to support Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities and collaborated with the State of Kerala for research, prevention, and preparedness. As part of these efforts, a revised Communicable Disease (CD) alert was issued by NCDC, New Delhi, in October 2024. This alert highlighted management protocols, preventive strategies, and control measures for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, reinforcing the importance of coordinated surveillance and timely intervention to mitigate the public health risk. Health officials in Kerala have emphasised the importance of strict water hygiene and preventive measures to reduce the risk of amoebic infections. Water bodies should be cleaned regularly, and swimming pools must be chlorinated, maintained, and kept hygienic as per the guidelines. People need to be extra cautious during water-related activities, and always use a nose clip. Even babies must be protected; contaminated water should never enter their nose, so it is important to always filter or boil the water, Dr Anuradha T.C. Nambiar, Assistant Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Kerala, told First Check earlier. Echoing these concerns, Dr Rajaram K.K., District Medical Officer of Kozhikode, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the source of the outbreak. We have not yet arrived at a definite conclusion regarding the cause. Kerala has a population density comparable to Delhi, and there may be contamination of water sources from different areas, but a conclusive study has not been undertaken. What we do know is that cases are being reported from different parts of the state. Though they remain occasional, they are alarming, he told First Check. Dr Rajaram explained that the infection is caused by free-living amoebae that usually enter the body through the nasal cavity. They are most often found in stagnant water - ponds, slow-moving rivers, or even in water where animals like buffaloes bathe. In recent times, traces have also been detected in some well-water samples, he added. According to Dr Rajaram, the primary risk is not from drinking water but from contaminated water entering the nose. That is why we are stressing preventive measures. People should avoid bathing in ponds for the time being. Even swimming pools can pose a risk if not maintained properly. Ideally, pools should be chlorinated weekly, scrubbed thoroughly before draining, and allowed to dry under sunlight before being refilled, he told First Check. This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a major claim about the history of the Somnath Temple during his speech at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. The three-day event marks 1,000 years since the first major attack on the Somnath Temple in Gujarat by Mahmud of Ghazni, and 75 years since it was restored to its present state by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It also saw Modi participate in a Shaurya Yatra to honour those who died protecting the temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession held to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the defence of the Somnath temple in Gujarats Gir Somnath district. (PM Narendra Modi, Somnath Temple, Shaurya Yatra, Gujarat) pic.twitter.com/LlOgMfeHtN THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) January 11, 2026 PM Modi claimed that the motive behind the attacks on the Somnath Temple was not just "economic plunder", because then it would have stopped after the first attack. He argued that this was not the case, as further attacks had led to the sacred idol of Somnath being destroyed, and attempts made to change the temple's appearance. #WATCH | Somnath, Gujarat | PM Narendra Modi says, "... Unfortunately, after independence, people with a colonial mindset tried to get rid of our glorious past. They tried all they could to erase history... Those who fought for the Somnath Temple were not given their due pic.twitter.com/xNrJFCnRQ6 ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2026 "The real brutal history of hatred, oppression and terror was hidden from us," he declared. These statements came amid PM Modi's attack on the Congress's "slave mentality", saying that the party's "appeasement politics" made it bow down to "extremist thinking". "When India was freed from the shackles of slavery; when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took the oath to rebuild Somnath, attempts were made to stop him too," he alleged in his charged speech. #WATCH | Somnath, Gujarat | PM Narendra Modi says, "After independence, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pledged the renovation of Somnath Temple, he was stopped from doing so. Objections were raised in 1951 on the visit of then President Rajendra Prasad to Somnath... Unfortunately, pic.twitter.com/q609VYxX2y ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2026 He also claimed that the "powers that opposed the redevelopment of the Somnath Temple"which reportedly blocked Rajendra Prasad (India's president in 1951) from visiting the rebuilt templewere still active today, Modi said, warning people of "hidden conspiracies against India". After participating in the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference and inaugurating the remaining stretch of the Ahmedabad Metro (Phase 2) later in the day, PM Modi is set to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday. Apart from discussing various issues, Merz's visit to Indiahis first visit to an Asian country since becoming the Chancellor of Germanyis also expected to review the progress of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which recently completed 25 years. Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kerala on Saturday night to attend various programmes of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the assembly elections scheduled for April-May. Shah, who is set to meet various party leaders in Thiruvananthapuram, is expected to officially launch the partys campaign for the high-stakes polls. According to the itinerary shared by his office, Shah would begin his visit with darshan and pooja at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the morning. Programs of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri @AmitShah Ji in Kerala. , . pic.twitter.com/CmVXSV06zs Office of Amit Shah (@AmitShahOffice) January 10, 2026 Following that, he will meet the newly elected local body representatives in Kerala. In the afternoon, he will attend the "New India, New Kerala" conclave and later hold a meeting with NDA leaders at the BJP state office in the evening. "Privileged to join our karyakartas in welcoming Amit Shah ji to Thiruvananthapuram. Six months ago, in July 2025, Amit Shah ji launched BJP/NDA's Mission 2025, and Kerala witnessed a political turning point in the local body elections. Today, he is here to launch Mission 2026 and guide our karyakartas as we prepare for one of the most consequential Assembly elections in Kerala's history, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said in a post. This election will decide the future of our state and the opportunities available to generations of Malayalees, he added. The BJP, which recently wrested power in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation during the local body polls, hopes to replicate this success in the upcoming assembly elections. The BJP has already announced that Chandrasekhar will contest in Nemom, the lone constituency the party won in the 2016 elections but later lost to CPI(M)s V. Sivankutty in the 2021 elections. In a major political development, former MLA and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Dagdu Sakpal, a loyalist of Balasaheb Thackeray, switched sides to join the Sena led by Eknath Shinde on Sunday. Sakpal had served as an MLA from Mumbai's Lalbaug-Parel-Sewree belt, the stronghold of the Thackerays for more than five decades. The move that comes just days before the Maharashtra civic body polls is likely to prove detrimental for the Thackeray faction, as Sakpal has great influence in the Lalbaug-Parel area. Speculations are that Sakpal was unhappy over the Thackeray faction denying a ticket to his daughter, Reshma Sakpal, in the civic body elections. While many interpret this move as indicative of Sakpal's displeasure, it also signals the changing power centers in the Shiv Sena in the backdrop of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Who is Dagdu Sakpal Sakpal has been an influential leader within the Shiv Sena since its formation. He had a very influential role among the mill workers and the Marathi middle-class voters. Sakpal is highly regarded as a leader among the Shiv Sainiks of Central Mumbai and has maintained close ties with both the organisation and local workers of the party. Mumbai, Maharashtra: Former Shiv Sena MLA Dagdu Sakpal quit Shiv Sena (UBT) and joined the Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in his presence pic.twitter.com/EHlHQIyTcb IANS (@ians_india) January 11, 2026 However, Sakpals standing within the party deteriorated recently. While Uddhavs decision not to field his daughter, Reshma Sakpal, for the municipal elections was cited as an immediate provocation for his decision, there were murmurs that Sakpal was unhappy over being sidelined as he got older, especially during internal party meetings and consultations. Sakpal didnt mince words at the meeting held to announce his switch. I spent 59 years of my life in the same house. We were formed with Balasahebs thoughts. However, for some time now, loyal workers have been sidelined. There is no respect for senior leaders in the decision-making process. It is difficult to stay at a party where thoughts are not valued. It is not easy to break this relationship. But Eknath Shinde is carrying forward Balasahebs thoughts, and there is a bow and arrow here. That is why I chose this path, Sakpal said. Why Sakpals switch will hurt Thackeray? A decision by an influential Shiv Sainik like Dagdu sends a clear message that old leaders were preferring the Shinde group. It also reflects the Shinde Senas success at increasing organisational strength in the wake of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. As for Uddhav Thackeray, an old leader leaving the party gives legitimacy to the Shinde group as the real Shiv Sena. The impact of Sakpal's party change may be limited in terms of direct voter turnout, but in a large and politically sensitive city like Mumbai, such 'moves' make a huge difference. This is because local voters often make decisions based on the leaders and social signals, according to analysts. Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was taken into custody by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala Police late Saturday night in connection with a sexual assault case. His arrest was officially registered on Sunday morning after the probe team transferred him to a police camp in Pathanamthitta. He is expected to be produced before a local court in Thiruvalla later today. Reports indicate that the arrest follows a third complaint filed against the MLA, who is already facing two similar charges. Earlier, the Kerala High Court had granted Mamkootathil interim protection from arrest in the first case, which involves allegations of rape and coercion to force a woman into undergoing an abortion. In the second case, a sessions court in Thiruvananthapuram had granted him anticipatory bail. In the third complaint, the woman accused the MLA of raping her after falsely promising to marry her and financially exploiting her. The MLA also allegedly forced the woman to undergo an abortion and humiliated her when she informed him of her pregnancy, according to local media reports. The survivor emailed her complaint to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan a few days ago, who subsequently forwarded it to the Director General of Police (DGP). The Congress expelled Mamkootathil from the partys primary membership on December 4, 2025 ahead of the local body elections. Prior to this, he had been suspended from the party on August 25, 2025. A strong critic of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Left government, Mamkoottathil won the Palakkad Assembly by-election in November last year by a record margin of 18,724 votes. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would have "died of malnutrition" if his late father Bal Thackeray had not come to its rescue. The former Maharashtra chief minister was speaking at a rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ahead of the January 15 civic elections. BJP leader Raosaheb Danve had said earlier that "every political party has eaten out of our plate", implying that the BJP has helped most parties at some point. "If the Shiv Sena chief (Bal Thackeray) hadn't fed you, you would have died of malnutrition. If this is so, why are you eating leftovers from our plate? How much more will you consume? It seems you have contracted the 'Bhasmya' (insatiable hunger) disease. How many of our people will you take?" Thackeray was quoted as saying by news agency PTI in response to Danve. The BJP, notably, first came to power in Maharashtra in the 1990s in an alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena when the late Bal Thackeray headed the party. His party's name and symbol were taken away but the people stayed with him, he claimed, adding, "Now we will make a fresh start, just as we did in 1988. We have so many new faces now." Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar receives water for only 44 days in a year, Thackeray said, adding that when he was chief minister, the state government had proposed to fund the water pipeline scheme for the city entirely. "But this government made the city take a loan for the project and yet it is incomplete," he claimed. Thackeray also targeted the BJP over the appointment of a co-accused in the Badlapur sexual abuse case as a 'co-opted' councillor in the Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council. "We expected that the (main) accused in the Badlapur case would be brought to justice through a fast-track court. But he was killed in an encounter, which created suspicion that he was killed so that further names would not come to light. But Tushar Apte, a co-accused, was made a co-opted member in the Badlapur local body, with the claim that he had helped them (the BJP) win elections. This is the sick mindset of the BJP," Thackeray said. Apte was the secretary of a school where two children were allegedly sexually assaulted by an attendant, who was later killed in a police "encounter". Apte was named in a case registered against the school management for allegedly failing to report the offence. He resigned after his appointment as a councillor led to controversy. Uddhav, meanwhile, also said that if Bangladeshis have infiltrated the country and state as the BJP keeps claiming, it is the failure of the central government and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "The ruling parties are only making the people of different communities quarrel among themselves. The country is being taken towards anarchy as the cities are being pushed under a debt burden," PTI quoted him as saying. The Maharashtra Congress urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Bharatiya Janata Party to reveal figures of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants in the state. Congress's comments come after Fadnavis said they would use AI to identify illegal migrants in the state. The Congress party urged Fadnavis to make illegal migration figures public after he claimed the maximum number of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants have been identified in the state. In a statement, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, "If the government has indeed identified the highest number, it should release the figures." Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis unveiled the manifesto of the ruling Mahayuti alliance for the upcoming Mumbai civic polls. In the event, Fadnavis said, "We will free Mumbai of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. With the help of IIT, we will develop an AI tool to identify Bangladeshi migrants." The chief minister also promised a "flood-free Mumbai" within five years by adopting Japanese techniques and collaborating with institutions such as IIT and VJTI for measures. Congress charged Fadnavis was a "merchant of dreams", who showcases a golden future while ignoring the grim realities of the present. "The CM's interviews focus largely on future plans, with little explanation about the fate of past promises," he claimed. Targeting Fadnavis over incompleted projects, Sawant said, "The Eastern Freeway was supposed to be connected to Thane in 2017, while Mumbai was assured of becoming flood-free the same year. Both commitments remain unfulfilled. The deadlines announced by the CM are rarely met. The popular phrase 'tareekh pe tareekh' (date after date) appears to have become symbolic of the government's functioning." Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led left government in Kerala over the Sabarimala gold theft case and said a neutral investigation agency should probe the matter. Shah's comments come as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case over the loss of gold from the hill shrine. Addressing the newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representatives of local bodies in Kerala, the Union home minister charged those who failed to protect the properties of Sabarimala cannot safeguard the faith of the people. Shah asserted "only the BJP can safeguard the faith of believers in Kerala." The Union home minister said the Sabarimala gold theft was a matter of concern for devotees across the country, not just people in Kerala. Shah said he had seen the First Information Report (FIR) in the case and alleged that the manner in which it was drafted made it clear that it was aimed at protecting the accused. The Union minister alleged two leaders related to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) were under suspicion in the case. He also charged that evidence related to a few Congress leaders has also emerged. "I demand that the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hand over the probe to a neutral investigation agency. The BJP will carry out protests and door-to-door awareness campaigns. This is democracy, Vijayan, and you must order a neutral agency probe," Shah said. Targeting both fronts in Kerala, the BJP leader said, "While communism is over worldwide, across India, the Congress is finished." Claiming only a BJP government can lead the state in the path of development, Shah said, "Securing a BJP victory in Kerala is a formidable challenge. Our final goal is to form government in Kerala under the lotus symbol and bring a BJP chief minister." A Booth Level Officer (BLO) was found dead inside a primary school in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, with his family alleging that excessive Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work pressure led him to take his own life, police said on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Hamimul Islam (47), a teacher at Paikmari Char Krishnapur Boys Primary School. He was the BLO of a booth in Purba Alaipur village under Kharibona gram panchayat, news agency PTI said, quoting the police. The police officer reportedly added that all aspects of the case are being examined. According to the family, the late teacher left home on Saturday morning to attend school but did not return in the afternoon. After an extended search, his body was found hanging in a room inside the school premises on Saturday night. Our officers recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem examination. An investigation is underway, a police officer told PTI. The family members alleged that Hamimul was under severe stress due to the workload arising from his dual responsibilities as a teacher and a BLO, the police officer said. According to Hamimul's elder brother, Farman-ul-Kalam, the pressure to complete SIR duties was beyond his brother's capacity to handle. Bhagabangola Trinamool Congress MLA Riyaz Hossain Sarkar visited the family and alleged that the Election Commission was rushing the SIR process, resulting in an excessive workload on BLOs. He reportedly alleged that Hamimul Islam had been assigned extensive tasks, including mapping and unmapping work. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.) Pune police are currently on the lookout for a domestic help who worked for former IAS probationer Puja Khedkars parents after they allegedly carried out a heist and stole valuables from their home. Multiple members of the household were found unconscious when police arrived on the scene. Khedkar contacted the police Saturday night to report the incident, which took place at the familys bungalow in the National Housing Society area of Aundh Baner road. According to Chaturshringi police officials, the Khedkar family has hired several domestic helpers. One of them, a person who arrived from Nepal just eight days ago, is the prime suspect. Sources said that intruders managed to break into the residence and ransack the premises at around 1:30 am on January 11. When police arrived, Puja Khedkar and her two brothers, Vinay and Harshad Budhwant, were present on the scene. The thieves reportedly stole jewellery stored in the cupboards. The exact values of the items stolen have not been determined. Cupboards were ransacked, and belongings were thrown around. Preliminary reports from officials suggest that Khedkar's parents and the security guard Jitendra Singh were physically assaulted by the burglars to the point where they lost consciousness. Singh was found unconscious in the parking lot. The victims are reportedly stable. Khedkars driver Dadasaheb Dhakane was found unconscious in a room on the ground floor, and Sujit Roy, the cook, was found in a separate room also unconscious. Khedkars told police that the domestic help gave sedatives to her parents, Dilip and Manorama Khedkar, which rendered them unconscious. Police have begun their preliminary inquiries and are awaiting a formal complaint from the family to file a case. Puja Khedkar stated that she would file the complaint after her parents' health conditions were stable. Further investigations are underway to determine the exact sequence of events. Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party chief Nainar Nagenthran targeted the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in the state and charged that several temples have been demolished under the Stalin regime. Nagenthran also called the DMK government "anti-spiritual." The BJP organised various events as part of Pongal celebrations in Coimbatore on Sunday. BJP national working president Nitin Nabin also took part in the celebrations. During an outreach programme on the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)(VBG RAM G) programme, Nagenthran accused the DMK government of spreading falsehoods against the scheme. Nagenthran charged, "The DMK is a party that lies and then tries to make it appear as the truth; the chief minister has been making incorrect statements about this scheme." On upcoming assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, Nagenthran said the DMK government has included cash gift of Rs 3,000 in Pongal kit for votes. Targeting the DMK over corrupt electoral practices, the Tamil Nadu BJP leader said voters should take money from the DMK and vote for NDA in the elections. Accusing the DMK of acting against the Hindu faith, the BJP leader charged, "DMK government is anti-spiritual; under this regime, many temples have been demolished." He also targeted the state government over Thiruparankundram deepam row and said the government failed to light the lamp on the hill. BJP national working president Nitin Nabin charged the people of the state are "deeply dissatisfied" with the DMK government. "The people of Tamil Nadu are deeply dissatisfied with the DMK government's administrative failures. Our dedicated karyakartas are fully prepared and committed to taking the noble vision of a corruption-free, prosperous Tamil Nadu under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi- National Democratic Alliance to every house and every polling booth," Nabin said. There are many ways to say no in medicine. No, this antibiotic wont help a viral infection. No, this test wont change our management. No, that surgery carries more risk than benefit. And then there is the newest way: No, the algorithm doesnt prioritize your health. Welcome to WISeR, short for Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction, a Medicare pilot program that promises to usher artificial intelligence into health care decision-making with all the subtlety of a parking ticket and all the moral imagination of a spreadsheet. According to its architects, WISeR will save taxpayers money, protect beneficiaries, reduce fraud, streamline care, and, almost as an afterthought, continue to provide appropriate medical services. It is already being called an AI death panel. CMS objects to that label. Naturally. One does not name ones own guillotine. Target practice: Aim for the elderly, fire at the knees Every great experiment needs a soft launch. WISeR wisely begins with low-hanging fruit, procedures that are common, expensive, and disproportionately affect older adults. Knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis. Electrical nerve stimulators. Skin and tissue substitutes. The elderly, in other words, have been selected for beta testing. [Image of knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis] Critics worry that this is a slippery slope toward life-and-death decisions being mediated by AI. CMS reassures us that WISeR does not involve life-threatening care. True enough. Knee pain wont kill you. It will simply ensure that the last decade of your life is conducted in slow motion, punctuated by falls, addicted to opioids, and full of regret. If the real goal is cost containment, one wonders why CMS stopped here. Why not be honest? Why not expand euthanasia and really bend the cost curve? Canada has already demonstrated the power of policy branding through its national program, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). Think of the savings. Think of the efficiencies. Think of the acronyms (see below). 666: Six states, six vendors, six years WISeR will be piloted for six years in six states (Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington), each assigned a different private contractor wielding its own proprietary AI tools. This will ensure six different interpretations of medically necessary, six flavors of denial logic, six proprietary black boxes, and six unique ways to tell clinicians they didnt fill out the form correctly. CMS is trying to convince us that this pilot will ensure innovation, competition, and learning. To me, 666 feels less like innovation and more like a pact with the devil. Consistency is overrated anyway. Medicine thrives on variability, especially when its algorithmic. Why not skip the pilot altogether? Roll it out nationally. Let every American experience the thrill of wondering whether their care depends on geography, vendor selection, or whether the AI had a good training set that morning. ADVERTISEMENT Nothing builds public trust like randomness. For-profit denial: Now with incentives WISeRs most elegant innovation is its payment structure. Contractors are paid a percentage of the money they save Medicare by denying care. CMS calls this averted expenditures. Normal people call it a bounty system. This is not a bug. It is the feature. The contractors only get paid if care is not delivered, or if a denial survives appeals long enough to ripen into profit. CMS assures us that licensed clinicians will review denials, which is comforting in the same way its comforting to know that someone technically glanced at your tax return before auditing you. Ethics, curiously, do not appear as a performance metric. Branding matters: WISeR, but not smarter Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction is a mouthful, but WISeR is a strong acronym, suggesting prudence, restraint, and sagacity. It pairs nicely with CMS press releases about creativity and stewardship. But acronyms cut both ways. If WISeR exists, it deserves a competitor: SLoP: Statistical Logic over Patients Statistical Logic over Patients DUMB: Data-Uninformed Medical Bureaucracy Data-Uninformed Medical Bureaucracy NOPE: Necessary Outcomes Preemptively Eliminated Necessary Outcomes Preemptively Eliminated CARE-LESS: Computational Authorization for Reducing Expenses, Leaving Seniors Sore Simply call it STUPID: Systemic Triage Using Predictive Inference for Denials. Because branding is important when youre automating denial. On second thought, that acronym wont work. You want the name to sound thoughtful, not predatory. Strategic Tech-Enabled Uncareful Pruning of Indispensable Decisions didnt test well in focus groups. Transparency theater: Trust us, its proprietary CMS insists that WISeR will be transparent. Providers, however, will not see the algorithms, the weighting of variables, or the decision logic. That information is proprietary. You wouldnt want clinicians understanding how medical decisions about their patients are made. That could lead to questions. We are told that AI will merely expedite reviews and support clinicians. This is the same reassurance offered every time a human role is quietly hollowed out and replaced with a dropdown menu. The experience of Medicare Advantage should have taught us something here. AI-driven prior authorization in that program has been associated with widespread inappropriate denials, delays in care, and class-action lawsuits. CMS seems to argue that the problem was never the tools, only who was holding them, and the government under traditional Medicare is WISeR than private insurance companies administering Medicare Advantage plans. The roundtable of trust (Spelled T-R-U-S-T) Perhaps the most charming detail in the WISeR saga (nothing is carved in stone yet) is that CMS held a roundtable with insurers shortly before introducing the program (on June 27, 2025), after which it proudly announced that insurers had pledged to fix the broken prior authorization system in Medicare Advantage. A pledge. From insurers. This is the regulatory equivalent of asking the fox to pinky-swear not to eat the chickens, and then giving it a better lockpick. CMS asks providers and patients to trust that lessons have been learned, incentives have been aligned, and guardrails will hold. Trust, after all, is cheaper than oversight. Administrative burden: Because doctors needed more paperwork WISeR promises to reduce administrative burden. This is technically true if you define reduce as redistribute entirely onto clinicians. Providers must now choose between prior authorization upfront or pre-payment review later, both involving documentation, delays, resubmissions, peer-to-peer reviews, and appeals. Nothing says efficiency like doing the work twice, slowly, while your patient waits. The algorithm does not experience burnout. The physician explaining to an 82-year-old why her knee surgery was denied by a vendor in another state does. Conclusion: Automation speeds rejection, not healing WISeR is not stupid because it uses AI. It is stupid because it applies AI to the wrong problem, with the wrong incentives, under the wrong assumptions, and then calls the result wisdom. If the goal were truly better care, CMS would invest in primary care, physical therapy access, shared decision-making, and time. Those are expensive. Denial is cheaper. So, we get WISeR: An experiment that mistakes efficiency for ethics, savings for stewardship, and automation for judgment. It will be fast. It will be scalable. And it will be very good at saying no. Whether it is good for patients is, apparently, a secondary outcome. Arthur Lazarus is a former Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership, and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. He is the author of several books on narrative medicine and the fictional series Real Medicine, Unreal Stories. His latest book, a novel, is Against the Tide: A Doctors Battle for an Undocumented Patient. As Iran boils in protests, the Islamic Republics Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly ordered the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to raise its readiness to a level that exceeds that of the recent 12-day war. Though there were reports that Khamenei and 20 of his close family members, including heir Mojtabha, could flee to Russia if the protests reach his inner circle, the Supreme Leader has no plans to do so, a senior Iranian official told the UK-based Telegraph. The Iranian regime is said to be in survival mode, but the official insisted Khamenei has no plans to leave the country, and such a claim bears no resemblance to his character. He will not leave Tehran even if B-52s are flying overhead, said one official, adding that Khamenei was in closer contact with the IRGC. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East He is in closer contact with the IRGC than with the army or the police, because he believes the risk of IRGC defections is almost non-existent, whereas others have defected before. He has placed his fate in the hands of the IRGC, the official quoted. There are also reports that the underground "missile cities" have been activated to counter external threats. 2000 died in firings This is why security forces of the regime are afraid to even be present on the streets across #Iran tonight. This footage, recorded last night during anti-regime protests in #Shahsavar, shows protesters overpowering a #Basij militia member who had been firing at them. They pic.twitter.com/WYP9jpJn74 Babak Taghvaee - The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) January 9, 2026 Khamenei's regime firing on Iranian protesters during the protests this month. Not rubber bullets. Live rounds. pic.twitter.com/tmUZp86lHO Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) January 10, 2026 As protests intensify, reports have claimed that over 2,000 protesters were killed in the last 48 hours. The Islamic regime has reportedly ordered security forces to use lethal force against protesters nationwide, UK-based Iran International quoted sources, adding that preliminary estimates point to mass casualties as a sweeping crackdown unfolds amid a near-total internet shutdown. Iran International also claimed to have footage from Kahrizak, south of Tehran, showing several dead bodies in body bags. It added that dozens of bodies are visible at the site, with additional bodies reportedly located in another nearby industrial shed. Two eyewitnesses who visited Kahrizak in search of their loved ones told Iran International that they saw more than 400 bodies there. Videos from hospitals in Fardis, Karaj, and Alghadir Hospital, all in eastern Tehran, showed similar scenes of bodies, while footage from the streets showed dead bodies on the ground. According to Iran International, mass killings were happening across the country. Though the internet shutdown that began on January 9 has effectively eliminated the possibility of obtaining a complete picture of the situation on the ground, Iran International claimed it had been receiving reports and accounts indicating the use of deadly weapons to disperse protesters is ongoing on a large scale. The most conservative estimates indicate that at least 2000 people have been killed in the firings, the report claimed. The recent escalation in Yemen marks a critical inflection point not only in the decade-long civil conflict but also in relations among key Gulf actors, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). What began as a unified, Saudi-led intervention against the Houthi movement in Yemen has emerged as an internal dispute, laying bare the divergent strategic visions and rivalries within the cohesive coalition. The aftermath of the Saudi airstrike on Mukalla port, contentions of UAE arms shipments to the Southern Transitional Council (STC), and the UAEs contentious decision to withdraw its forces signal a profound reconfiguration of regional alignments, which are definitely going to have serious implications for Yemen as well as the regional political order of the Gulf region. STC is an armed secessionist group in Yemen working against the unification of Yemen. On 30 December 2025, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on the southern port city of Mukalla, contending that vessels carrying weapons and military vehicles from the UAE were destined for the STC. Saudi authorities have condemned this move as a violation of coordination protocols and a threat to Yemens security. However, the UAE had denied supplying weapons to any faction in Yemen and described the cargo as equipment for its own counterterrorism units. Immediately after the strike, Saudi-backed members of Yemens Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) declared a state of emergency and ordered the immediate withdrawal of all Emirati forces. The UAE also announced the pullout of its remaining troops from Yemen. This marks the escalation of what had been a slow variance within the Gulf coalition over Yemen. This withdrawal is significant because, since formally ending its combat role in 2019, the UAE had maintained a limited counterterrorism presence in the country, and its exit now potentially signals a deeper strategic disengagement or recalibration of priorities. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, long positioned as the twin pillars of the anti-Houthi coalition, have grown increasingly divergent over Yemen. Riyadhs primary objective has been the restoration of a unified, internationally recognised Yemeni government and the containment of Houthi expansion, which has been conceived within a broader security framework that directly affects its border regions and internal stability. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East On the contrary, the UAEs strategy has increasingly emphasised local power brokers in southern Yemen. This divergence is not new, but recent events have uncovered the faultlines in this coalition. It should be noted that the STCs assertive moves have increased Saudi anxieties about an emboldened separatist entity potentially extending influence up to the Saudi frontier. Riyadh frames this as a direct threat to its territorial security and Yemens unity. Furthermore, the Saudis assertion also points to a broader geopolitical calculation wherein external actors with overlapping interests contest influence in Yemen. This recalibration postures echo the patterns in the Gulf region where allied cooperation can be highly transactional and subject to realignment in national interests. Yemens civil war has been catastrophic, with it being the worlds largest humanitarian crisis. Millions have been displaced due to this protracted instability, which has also resulted in external actors playing a role in this conflict since 2015. The Saudi-UAE rift that is now clearly visible risks undermining prospects for a durable political settlement. For years, Yemen has been the theatre of a regional proxy struggle between regional and external actors and the Houthis rebel group. This fracture in alliance may exacerbate the already complex landscape of the Gulf region. Further, it exposes a broader recalibration of Gulf politics, where economic, strategic and diplomatic interests are undergoing resetting amidst a post-Arab Spring landscape and shifting great power dynamics. Riyadh and Abu Dhabis diverging approaches in Yemen reveal how alignments can unravel under pressure. The role of the international actors, including the United States and the United Nations, has condemned escalation and called for restraint. However, external pressures alone cannot resolve internal Yemeni issues. The emergence of these intra-Gulf tensions over Yemen underscores the fragility of coalition frameworks built without harmonised strategic objectives. The Saudi-UAE crisis in Yemen reveals the competing threat perceptions and the limits of external patronage in shaping regional outcomes. In the current scenario, the challenge is to address the humanitarian crisis and the civil war that Yemen is facing, so that it does not convert into a broader confrontation. The author is an assistant professor at Amity Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (AIDSS), Amity University, NOIDA. Sweeping anti-government protests in Iran entered their third week on Sunday, despite warnings from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of a harsher crackdown on demonstrators. US President Donald Trump, who had previously cautioned Tehran against using force against protesters, reiterated his stance on Saturday, stating that Washington stands ready to assist Iran in securing "freedom." "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. On Friday, Trump had warned that the US would intervene if the Iranian government continued to kill protesters. Were watching the situation very carefully. I made the statement very strongly that if they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We will be hitting them very hard where it hurts, and that doesn't mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very hard where it hurts, so we don't want that to happen, he had said. #WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "Iran is in big trouble. People are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible... We are watching the situation carefully... If they (governemnt of Iran) start killing people as they have in the past, we will get pic.twitter.com/w7FZNZHnVP ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2026 Despite Trumps warning, Tehran escalated its threats on Saturday. Iran's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, stated that anyone participating in protests would be considered an "enemy of God," a charge punishable by the death penalty. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 116 people have been killed in the protests and related violence in Iran. As the protests continued, the government imposed a shutdown of the internet and cut off phone lines, making it difficult to assess the scale of the demonstrations from abroad. A Reuters report indicated fresh violence across Iran on Saturday night, with state media reporting that a municipal building in Karaj, west of Tehran, was set on fire by rioters. The emirate of Sharjah witnessed a massive power outage on Sunday morning, disrupting businesses, banking services, and commercial establishments. Local media reports said the outage happened around 12 pm at parts of Al Majaz and Al Taawun, including Jamal Abdul Nasser Street and nearby residential and commercial neighbourhoods. Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) confirmed the outage, which they claimed was restored as quickly as possible in some areas. The technical team was still working to restore supply to the remaining locations, SEWA officials told Khaleej Times just hours after the outage. What caused the outage? SEWA stated that the temporary power outage was caused by a localised emergency fault in the power network. This triggered the automatic protection systems to maintain network stability. The disconnection was also designed to prevent the fault from spreading to wider areas. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Authorities soon got to work, rectifying the situation. We are restoring power to several areas and will gradually restore service to the remaining affected areas after ensuring operational safe procedures, Arabic media quoted SEWA's statement. The Sharjah Government Media Bureau also confirmed the outage on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as an unforeseen technical issue. Though the outage was described as sudden and unexpected in many neighbourhoods, some claimed they received prior notice of scheduled maintenance. A Government of Sharjah notice had planned a power disconnection in Al Majaz 3 from 8am to 2pm. The United States carried out large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State positions across Syria on Saturday, marking one of the most intense uses of American airpower in the country in recent years. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation was launched in response to the killing of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter during an ambush last month. About 20 US Air Force aircraft, including F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack jets and AC-130J gunships, were involved, along with MQ-9 Reaper drones and Jordanian F-16 fighter jets. Together, they fired more than 90 bombs and missiles at at least 35 targets spread across central and eastern Syria. American officials said the strikes were designed to dismantle Islamic State infrastructure, including weapons depots, logistical hubs and operational sites used to plan future attacks. The scale of the operation underscored Washingtons determination to impose a heavy cost on the group and to deter further assaults on US personnel operating in Syria as part of the ongoing counterterrorism mission. The immediate trigger for the escalation was an attack on December 13, near Palmyra, in Syrias vast central desert. During what American officials described as a counterterrorism engagement, an Islamic State gunman ambushed American forces, killing two soldiers and a civilian interpreter and wounding three others. The incident sent shockwaves through Washington and prompted a rapid reassessment of the US military posture in the country. Senior defence officials framed the subsequent response in unusually stark terms. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a declaration of vengeance, insisting that the United States would never relent when its personnel were targeted. Showing a clear intent to use overwhelming force, the strikes were ordered immediately after the ambush. With a friendly regime in Damascus following the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the US has recalibrated its diplomatic and military coordination in Syria. While the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have long been the United States primary local partner in the fight against Islamic State, American officials have increasingly coordinated with the new central government in Damascus. That shift was symbolised by the visit of Syrias new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to the White House late last year, after which Damascus formally joined the international coalition against Islamic State. Now, American troops are conducting operations with the consent and cooperation of the host nation, a development that has eased some operational constraints but also created new political complexities. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The December ambush has shown that Islamic State continues to pose a serious threat, especially in the sparsely populated Syrian desert. US military planners argue that sustained pressure is essential to prevent the group from reconstituting itself. Operation Hawkeye Strike, which began on December 19, targeted around 70 locations linked to the group, and American officials say that roughly 25 Islamic State operatives were killed or captured in the weeks that followed. Yesterdays strikes, however, suggest that the organisation retains enough infrastructure and capability to justify the deployment of heavy bombers, attack aircraft and gunships. At the same time, a clear tension remains between Washingtons strategic objectives and its actions on the ground. Trump has repeatedly expressed scepticism about American military presence in Syria and has, in the past, ordered partial withdrawals. Reflecting this stance, the Pentagon announced plans earlier this year to halve the number of personnel in the country, while the US special envoy for Syria indicated that the long-term goal was to consolidate American forces at a single base. Yet the overwhelming response to the December ambush has effectively tied Washington to ongoing combat operations, even as political leaders speak of disengagement. About 1,000 US troops remain in Syria, tasked with preventing an Islamic State resurgence that could threaten both American interests and the fragile stability of the new government in Damascus. As a part of a series of security measures, India proposes requiring smartphone makers to share source code with the government and make several software changes. This has invited a huge opposition from giants like Apple and Samsung, who countered that the package of 83 security standards, which would also include a requirement to alert the government to major software updates, lacks any global precedent and risks revealing proprietary details, Reuters reported. What is the security plan all about? The plan is part of PM Modi's efforts to boost the security of user data as online fraud and data breaches increase in the world's second-largest smartphone market, with nearly 750 million phones. "Any legitimate concerns of the industry will be addressed with an open mind," said IT Secretary S. Krishnan to Reuters, adding it was premature to read more into it. A ministry spokesperson said it could not comment further due to ongoing consultation with tech companies on the proposals. Among the requirements in the new Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements is access to source code, the underlying programming instructions that make phones work. This would be analysed and possibly tested at the designated Indian labs, the documents show. The Indian proposals also require companies to make software changes to allow pre-installed apps to be uninstalled and to block apps from using cameras and microphones in the background to 'avoid malicious usage'. Regarding the source code, smartphone makers guard it closely. Previously, Apple declined China's request for source code between 2014 and 2016, and U.S. law enforcement has also tried and failed to get it. India's proposals for 'vulnerability analysis' and 'source code review' would require Smartphone makers would be required to perform a 'complete security assessment' to comply with India's proposals for 'vulnerability analysis' and 'source code review', after which test labs in India could check their claims through source code review and analysis, Reuters reported. Demonstrations surged nationwide this weekend as hundreds took to the streets on Saturday to protest the fatal shooting of a Minnesota woman by an ICE agent. As public support for Good grows, unverified reports have emerged alleging that she has a criminal history. The alleged rap sheet was widely shared on X by unverified profiles. "Parole violation, Child abuse, Interfering with medical treatment, Battery of a Police Officer," wrote one X user. Also read | Minneapolis shooting: New video shows ICE agent's version, reveals last words of Renee Good You idiots on the left really need to pick your martyrs better. Renee Good has one hell of a rap sheet including Child Endangerment and SEVERAL Battery of a Police Officer charges. pic.twitter.com/40J9dquXCw Snickerdoodle IceCream-Poodle (@SalleeSays) January 11, 2026 "You idiots on the left really need to pick your martyrs better," wrote another user sharing the rap sheet. What's the truth about the rap sheet However, the rap sheet that is circulating on social media is untrue, as the birth year noted on it is 1980, which would make the person 45 years old at present, while Good was 37. Abuser Renee Good was interfering with a federal investigation repeatedly. When ICE finally decided to detain her for it, she tried to murder one with her vehicle which resulted in her catching some freedom seeds. There you have it. pic.twitter.com/Z3TCOx8a3D GhostOfCR (@GhostOfCR) January 11, 2026 Grok's fact check also termed the rap sheet on X as wrong. "This image appears to show records for a different Nicole Renee Good (DOB 1980, inconsistent age). The Renee Nicole Good, in recent news (age 37, from Colorado, killed by ICE on Jan 8, 2026), had no significant criminal history beyond a 2012 traffic ticket, per reports from the Denver Post and others. For an accurate rap sheet, check official Colorado records sites. Also read | Who is Jonathan Ross? Details about ICE agent's military past and Iraq connection emerge It is the edited version that is shared on social media. Though the mugshot photo resembles Good, it is likely that the rap sheet belongs to someone else. This rap sheet is being circulated at a time when the Trump administration and Homeland Security have jumped in to defend Ross. Also read | Did Minneapolis woman provoke ICE agent Jonathan Ross? Trump's claim gets fact-checked Several videos of the shooting incident emerged on social media after the incident, with the latest being the one revealing the US Immigration officer Jonathan Ross's version, the agent who shot the 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, version. President Donald Trump had earlier said that the officer fired the shots in "self-defence". Vice President J.D. Vance accused Good of using her car as a weapon. While sharing the video, Vance added that it shows that the officer's life was in danger. When Google announced a $15-billion investmentthe largest greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) India has ever receivedto set up its global AI hub in Visakhapatnam on October 14, it sent ripples through Indias policy and technology circles. The decision was remarkable not only for its scale, but also for its speed: Google had made its largest global bet in just 13 months. Nara Lokesh, the IT and HRD minister, has positioned what he terms as Speed of Doing Business (SDB) as the governments new investment strategy. The investment is neither a one-off bonanza nor a stroke of luck. A recent Bank of Baroda report shows that Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the preeminent investment destination in India, attracting 25.3 per cent of the total investment commitments made during the first three quarters of the financial year 2025-26. Of the Rs26.6 lakh crore investment commitments Indian states have received, Andhra Pradesh alone accounted for Rs6.73 lakh crore. This signals a quiet transformation under way in Andhra Pradesh following the return of the Telugu Desam Party to power. Once considered a peripheral destination for investments, the state is now securing new investment commitments across IT and ITeS, data centres, semiconductors, electronics, renewable energy and other high-end areas. Its port city Visakhapatnam is emerging as a hub for large IT companies and large-scale AI hubs. This turnaround in the investment climate is being attributed to Nara Lokesh, the states IT and human resources development minister, who has positioned what he terms as Speed of Doing Business (SDB) as the governments new investment strategy. Breaking away from bureaucratic templates of investment facilitation that were weighed down by red tape and corruption, Lokesh has pushed for faster decision-making and quicker project grounding. Unlike earlier models that relied on layered approvals and dispersed accountability, SDB seeks to expedite timelines by centralising responsibility and maintaining continuous engagement with investors. State officials say this approach has begun to deliver tangible results. By the end of 2025, the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) had approved 256 projects with a total investment commitment of Rs8.75 lakh crore, according to C.M. Saikanth Varma, CEO of the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB). These investments are expected to generate 8.6 lakh jobs. Grand plans: Lokesh (left) with Sundar Pichai of Google in San Francisco | X@naralokesh Lokeshs SDB framework is built on five pillars: direct and easy access, adequate incentives, comprehensive infrastructure support, required policy changes and proactive government coordination. Explaining how the model works in practice, Saikanth Varma said the entire investment cyclefrom the first discussion to project groundingis expected to be completed within 12 months. The process starts with a virtual or in-person meeting with the prospective investor, he said. A WhatsApp group with the concerned officials and the minister is then created. Land options are forwarded to the investor within 48 hours. The investor can reach out to the minister directly or through the WhatsApp group for any issue. This direct approach has eliminated the classic problems of lower-level red tape, corruption and indifference. The approach appears to have impressed Googles leadership. After Lokesh met the leadership in San Francisco in August 2024, a Google team flew to Visakhapatnam in October. Lokesh personally received the team and accompanied them to the proposed site. This focused approach helped the state clinch the Google deal. The team did not expect the minister to accompany them. After visiting Vizag, Google did not even consider other options. By the time of the final announcement, the Google leadership increased the investment commitment from $10 billion (Rs85,000 crore) to $15 billion (Rs1.34 lakh crore), said Vinayaka Sai Chaitanya, officer on special duty to the IT department. The state government had also worked on changes to the countrys data centre policy. While Google sought modifications in Indias data centre framework, Lokesh used his political capital to ensure that the Union government addressed long-standing regulatory concerns affecting hyperscale data centres. Ankit Bose, head of AI at Nasscom, said these policy changes signalled that India was serious about competing in the global digital infrastructure race. Hyperscale data centres and AI infrastructure require long-term certainty around data governance, power availability, connectivity, security standards and ease of doing business, he said. By enabling clearer norms around data localisation, cross-border data flows where appropriate, and compliance aligned with global standards, India makes it easier for companies to deploy advanced AI workloads without legal or regulatory ambiguity. The SDB model has also helped Andhra Pradesh attract complex and capital-intensive projects that had stalled elsewhere. ArcelorMittals proposed 12-million-tonne steel plant in Odisha, first discussed in 2006, was abandoned in 2013 because of prolonged delays in land allocation. In contrast, Andhra Pradesh helped ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel start its 17.8-million-tonne integrated steel plant project within a year. The government signed an MoU with the steel major at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2025 for an investment of Rs1.4 lakh crore. The state allocated 2,200 acres at Rajayyapeta in Anakapalli district by March, and handed over half the land by December. Incentives have played an important role in attracting large IT companies. Chaitanya recalled how Lokesh persuaded Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar Singisetti to establish a Visakhapatnam campus during a meeting at Davos in January 2025. The CEO was not keen because land prices were high. The minister immediately proposed to allocate land at Rs1 per acre. The company was allotted 21.31 acres in the Kapuluppada area by June 21, followed by a temporary 800-seat office by December 12. However, the decision to allocate land at Rs1 per acre drew criticism from the opposition YSR Congress Party, which accused the government of favouring select companies. Lokesh responded by invoking Narendra Modis 2008 decision as Gujarat chief minister to allot 1,100 acres at Rs1 per acre to Tata Motors for the Nano plant in Sanandan investment that later transformed Sanand into a major automobile cluster, attracting companies such as Suzuki, Ford Motors and MG Motors, along with extensive supplier networks. Andhra Pradesh officials argue that todays IT and data centre investments could play a similar ecosystem-building role. Within the industry, Googles investment commitment is seen less as a one-off investment than as the beginning of a momentum cycle. When a global player like Google commits long-term infrastructure and talent in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh government, it lowers risk perceptions for other investors, said Ankit Bose. This leads to follow-on investments and allows Visakhapatnam to move beyond a delivery location into a capability and innovation hub. Murali Krishna Gannamani, chairman of the Andhra Pradesh chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry, said speed had become Andhra Pradeshs competitive differentiator. On the ground, this shift has translated into faster decision cycles, tighter interdepartmental coordination and a visible push for time-bound clearances, he said. Following Google, Digital Connexiona joint venture of Reliance Industries, Brookfield and Digital Realtyannounced an AI data centre campus with an investment of about Rs98,000 crore and nearly 1GW of planned capacity. Lokesh said the state aims to attract 6GW of data centre capacity by 2029 and has already crossed 2.5GW, including projects by Sify and Anant Raj Cloud Services. While civil society groups have raised concerns about environmental impact and pressure on power and water resources, Chaitanya dismissed the fears citing Loudoun County in Virginia, which has transformed from an agrarian economy into a global data centre hub. Today, the county hosts 60 data centres with more than 6GW of capacity. When Loudoun, a rural-suburban county, can become the global data centre hub, why cant we develop Visakhapatnam into one? he asked. What ultimately lends weight to the SDB model is not the volume of announcements but the scale and quality of employment being generated. According to the IT department, among the 256 SIPB-approved projects, 29 are IT, IT infrastructure and advanced electronics projects with a total investment of Rs1.49 lakh crore. These projects have deadlines of one to three years, and are expected to generate more than 1.47 lakh jobs in three years. APEDB estimates that the Google AI Hub alone will create around 6,000 higher-value roles in AI, data engineering and applied research. Reliances AI-native campus is expected to generate similar employment, while Sify and Anant Raj Cloud Services together are projected to create 9,100 direct and nearly 12,000 indirect jobs. While data centres are often criticised as capital-intensive but labour-light, the state government argues that their real impact lies in the ecosystems they anchorspanning cloud services, cybersecurity, operations, facilities management and specialised training. Cognizant has already started operations at its temporary, 800-seat facility. The full campus is expected to be operational by the end of 2026, and an eventual headcount of 8,000. TCS plans to operationalise its campus with 12,000 employees by 2027. The government is also courting IT infrastructure developers such as Raheja Corp, Sattva Developers and ANSR Global. We have seen what Raheja Corp achieved in Hyderabad, Chaitanya said. These IT infrastructure companies build campuses and use their connections to attract IT companies from across the world. Lokeshs push to attract technology and advanced manufacturing investments is driven by the governments goal of creating 20 lakh jobs in five years. This is only the beginning, Varma said. I am sure our success will be manifold in the coming years and we will achieve the job target. Some early indicators of traction are already visible. A recent ANSR Global study said while companies still preferred Hyderabad for core AI teams, they were increasingly deploying smaller teams in Visakhapatnam because of increasing talent availability and lower costs. In another telling sign, around 5,000 Cognizant employees expressed interest in relocating to Visakhapatnam when the company asked its Indian employees whether they preferred to shift to the port city. Together, these shifts suggest that Andhra Pradeshonce considered a marginal player in the technology economyis now emerging as a credible start-up state. Interview/ Nara Lokesh, minister for information technology and human resources development, Andhra Pradesh Q/ You campaigned for the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar. You also supported C.P. Radhakrishnan of the BJP as vice president candidate over the INDIA blocs nominee from Andhra Pradesh, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy. We believe Andhra Pradesh should play a strategically important role on the eastern coast as far as attracting investments in the data centre ecosystem is concerned. We are doing clusterisation in aerospace and defence, glass, electronics, renewable energy and automotive space.... This will set Andhra Pradesh apart from other states. Historically, the Telugu Desam Party has been a regional party but it has always had the nations interest at heart. Even when Chandrababu Naidu and [Atal Bihari] Vajpayee ji worked together, they always had the nations interest at heart. Policies were created for the nation where Andhra Pradesh had the first-mover advantage. We have been part of many national dispensations, and in every dispensation we have always contributed back to the nation. That is what makes the TDP different from other regional parties. Q/ You have seen politics in your growing up years at home, and you were educated abroad. How are you stringing together your experiences today, and can you share some of your learnings? I have had a very interesting childhood. I was born exactly a month after my grandfather N.T. Rama Rao became chief minister. I have seen the highs and lows of politics. The one thing I have learnt is that you should take your lows as you take your highs. Only then can you become a practical politician. That has been my lesson. Being born in this family helpsit opens doors. But then, people decide whether you belong in that room or not. When I contested in 2019 from Mangalagiri constituency, which my party had not won in the last 40 years, I had the audacity to think I would win with ease. But I lost by 5,300 votes. But it didnt deter me. I worked hard and contested from the same constituency again, and won it with one of the highest majorities in Andhras history. My transition to politics happened exactly 13 years ago, but my padyatra [in 2023] is my MBA in politics. I believe that I have learned a lot more about my state, my motherland, because I walked. I understood the pain, suffering and challenges that people at the grassroots face. Q/ You are bringing the first AI hub in India to Visakhapatnam. How do you see this bringing jobs and dividends? How did the idea come about? Our AI journey started way back in November-December 2018. We were the first state to actually have a policy around it. But then we lost power and the project was shelved for five years. But, as soon as the NDA government came to power, we immediately restarted our efforts, because we knew the power of data and AI. We believe Andhra Pradesh should play a strategically important role on the eastern coast as far as attracting investments in the data centre ecosystem is concerned. For me, what is exciting is to capture the entire value of that ecosystem: how do I create manufacturing jobs, train my citizens on using AI, and take AI to the grassroots? This includes agriculture, doubling household income, empowering women and even the skill census (aimed at understanding skills of individuals and skill sets needed by industries) that we are doing as a new project. Q/ Another plan that created a lot of buzz was the 99-paisa lease model. Is it still on? Absolutely. We call it the LIFT (Location for IT Framework and Technology) policy. It is aimed at attracting investments from Fortune 500 companies. We believe that Andhra Pradesh, [which has] graduates who can work anywhere in the world, should provide good opportunities here at home. That is the thought process with which we started. Apart from the Speed of Doing Business, which is our USP, we are offering land at a substantive discount, which will create more economic value. We will attract investments, and through these investments, create substantively more economic value than selling land at government price. That is why I proposed in the cabinet that we should give land to TCS at 99 paise, which was accepted. It was suggested that I bring a policy. Cognizant was the first company to come in after that policy. We have noticed that IT jobs create amazing economic impact on the field. For every IT employee, there are close to four to five indirect jobs that get created and the ripple impact it has on the economy is massive. We have an aspiration to be a $2.4 trillion economy and IT will play a very important role. Picture perfect: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Nara Lokesh, wife Nara Brahmani and son Devaansh | PTI Q/ While you focus on bringing big enterprises and global companies, are you also looking at the Indian startup industry? We have two clear trajectories. One, we have the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, which is our incubator and accelerator. This is not just about IT or IT-related startups; it is cross-sector, like food processing. We want to really incubate the ideas of our youngsters and focus on accelerating. Thats one vertical. The other vertical is MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises). In every constituencywe have 175 constituencieswe have an MSME park that is getting built by the state and land is given to the local entrepreneur. Q/ You are also looking at boosting connectivity in the coastal region and laying undersea cables. To have a cable-landing station is very important, especially on the eastern front. Chennai already has it, but we believe there is a need for a second one. We are working closely with the Union government. We are going to have double the capacity of what is coming to Mumbai right now. So we are going to get three cable-landing stations. We have already given right-of-way permissions, enabling us to attract investments in the AI-driven economy. Q/ Talking about data centres, there are security and energy concerns. How do you plan to bring in green and sustainable solutions, and address waste management and climate concerns? India is now investing in new infrastructure at a pace that the world has not seen. But like every developing economy, we have to keep investing more in our capital assets, and energy is one such asset. In Andhra Pradesh, we have solar, wind and pump storage projects; together, they can deliver round-the-clock green energy, which is very unique to the state. We want to create a green corridor where this power will be taken to different parts of the state; it is not only about green data centres, it is also about green steel, green automobiles, green electronics and green fertiliser. This is a competitive advantage for Andhra Pradesh that no other state can offer. Next would be water. Thanks to the Polavaram project, we are securing water for the future, and the water that data centres use is minuscule compared with the amount of water that will come from Polavaram. As technology matures, AI data centres will also become more energy efficient. Q/ The Centre is looking at a national data security policy. How closely are you working with the Central government, and are there any bottlenecks? We have a double-engine, bullet-train government. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, we are working together to create products and solutions that we can give to the nation. As a state, we already have a data linka core data authority that is responsible for housing and managing the data, ensuring that there is security and proper access. We are one of the first states to deliver a thousand citizen services on a single WhatsApp number. Q/ How much time do you spend on WhatsApp coordinating these efforts? Has it percolated down to districts where real-time monitoring on ground is needed? We have close to half a million active users at any given point of time, who are asking for different services. In my padyatra I had given my number quite liberally to karyakartas to give feedback to the party. I spend about three hours a day looking at all my messages and replying to them. I also have close to 30 WhatsApp groups with different companies, where things are at a very advanced stage and I monitor the projects on a weekly basis. Q/ Your father, Chandrababu Naidu, is credited with the deregulation of the telecom sector and privatisation of airports. What is your dream, and what do you think you would be known for? Chief job creator. At the end of the day, we are doing all this to create jobs. Speed of Doing Business is a tool to get investments, which will create jobs. A legacy that I would like to leave behind is that, during my time, several lakh core jobs were created. Q/ A lot of land is needed for setting up data centres and AI hubs. Is there resistance to land acquisition? We have adopted different models. Its not always land acquisition as a model; land pooling is also an option. In Amaravati, the greenfield capital city, it is a land-pooling system involving 33,000 acres where farmers came together and gave the land to build a world-class capital city. They got a certain percentage of developed land back for themselves, which they can monetise at a certain point in time. Similar models have emerged. In Andhra Pradesh, we have not had major challenges as far as land acquisition is concerned. Q/ The IT sector promises a lot of jobs, yet there seems to be some kind of a mismatch where youngsters are not really able to get into the industry. Is there a measurable target that you are looking at? In the IT sector alone, I aspire to create half a million jobs by 2029. I am taking a two-pronged approach. First, I am working with the industry to revamp the entire curriculum, because I am also the education minister. Secondly, we are going to do a skill census. We are using conversational AI to help with resume building, preparing children on how to face interviews and rating how they are performing. We are going to use AI to improve their interview and technical skills. Q/ There is concern about quality of studies in government schools. When we came to power, only 3 per cent of the schools were one class, one teacher. Through a simple reform, we were able to take that number to 35-36 per cent. As public servants, twice a year, we go back to the schools and use parent-teacher meetings as a mechanism to do it. The chief minister himself attends, sits in a class, and takes feedback from students. We are just a tad below Indias average, which is not good for meI want us to be number one. We are using AI to administer tests for students above sixth grade. If India wants to be a developed nation, its very important to have moral education. For the first time in Andhra Pradesh, Saturday is a no-bag day and there is a class on moral educationmoral responsibility, respecting women. I am not saying I have a magic wand and can set everything right, but I believe that Andhra Pradesh can now set itself apart from the pack and deliver high-quality education in government schools. Q/ You mentioned you were heavily influenced by your teachers. Can you recount any experience? We were a very naughty bunch. I was particularly naughty and had to be disciplined more by my teachers who wanted to make an example out of me. That discipline helped me. During my board exams, I was weak in certain fundamentals, and I did bridge courses that really helped me leapfrog. When I went to Carnegie Mellon University, I had a professor who was like my mentor. The year was 2000 and, in my generation, I was the first to go to the US. He helped me understand the credit system and the importance of homework. It really helped having mentors at different stages of my life, especially my teachers. It is that discipline, work ethic and culture that I carry as a minister today. Q/ When we talk of Andhra Pradeshs aerospace and defence policy, what steps have been taken towards actually becoming a defence hub? We are looking at a vertical and horizontal integration. Verticals mean identifying the thousand companies that manufacture components that go into an engine. Horizontal is the curriculum, skill upgrade, testing and certification facilities you need, all in an ecosystem that we call a cluster. This clusterisation is very critical. For example, 50 per cent of Indias air conditioners are manufactured in Andhra Pradesh. We are doing this clusterisation in aerospace and defence, glass, electronics, renewable energy and automotive space, and close to 22 clusters are getting created by this. This will set Andhra Pradesh apart from other states. Q/ Against the backdrop of India-US trade tensions, do you see technology playing a part in bridging that gap? I believe that crisis is an opportunity. India has always shone well when our backs were up against the wall. We should look at all our rules and regulations and bring about cutting-edge reforms that will enable manufacturing and enable GCCs (global capability centres) to come at a much bigger and faster rate. Q/ How is the Polavaram project progressing? It is on track. I think it will take us another two, or two and a half years. Q/ What do you say to the oppositions criticism of prices of agro-produce going down? There is a challenge. But the government is proactively addressing it. We are giving free power and input subsidy, and we are giving support price in addition to backing government of India schemes. We are now focused on attracting more and more food processing companies. There will be highs and lows in commodity pricing. Only when we actually have crops that we can export to the world will we be successful. We have done well with cocoa, dairy, mango and dragon fruit, and Andhra is now number one in fruits in the country. We are identifying commodities. I believe and we will build on those. There will be shocks in the supply chain as it cannot be streamlined overnight, but the government is proactively working with the farmers and resolving those issues. Q/ When the aquaculture industry faced a setback in the US, you moved to other markets like Australia. How has that experience been and how did you steer that market? Crisis is an opportunity. We opened up doors. We have sent containers to Australia, Russia and even to Ukraine. We sort of diversified our market base. We looked at the cost structure of the farmers, and one of the initiatives is to reduce power tariff for the aqua farmer, because power is an important component. This approach has paid good dividends. That is why we are able to export our aqua produce to the rest of the world. Q/ What has been your most trying moment and the lowest point so far? When Naidu was arrested and was in jail for daysI think that was the worst part. He has always been clear that the family should not depend on politics for income and, in 1992, started this company called Heritage Foods. Our entire family income comes from that one company. He has always maintained that we should deliver a higher ethical framework in public life. Seeing him being arrested in a wrong case and sent to judicial remand for 53 days did really hurt us. At one point, my wife also questioned whether we should continue in politics. We have always lived with so much pride and respect, and all of a sudden, for no fault of his, he is in jail. We all had tears in our eyes. It was the worst moment that we ever had, but people across the worldin 120-130 countriescame out in support of us. The entire Telugu community stands by Naidu, and they dont believe in these allegations. That definitely helped me get through those tough days. And the mandate of the people in the last election, in 94 per cent of seats, made it clear that the people are with Naidu. Q/ How do you see the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, which requires Central and state ministers to resign if they are jailed for more than 30 days for serious offences? Do you think it is prone to political misuse and needs revision? Definitely, safeguards have to be in place. But at the same time, its very important that cases that have already been filed, [against] whoever it might be, need to be disposed by the courts within a year. There is a judgment by the Supreme Court that sets a deadline of one year for lower courts to complete the trial in cases involving MPs and MLAs. It is only when there is speedy delivery of justice in such cases that we will be living in a democracy where there is greater accountability. Q/ You are seen as a close apprentice of the prime minister, and you are the son of a visionary leader. How do you combine the strengths of both, and what would you say is common to the two? I am the luckiest Indian because I have two great leaders to call upon as my mentors. Both of them have amazing life discipline. They work exceptionally hard, and they have India at heart. We have greater alignment, which is why I call it double-engine, bullet-train government, where both leaders are working together to create history at the state and national level. Q/ You are the prominent face of the NDA in the south. How has been the NDAs performance so far, and how can the alliance move forward? I am a worker in the NDA ecosystem. It is our responsibility to work with the parties within the NDA and strengthen them. I look forward to working wherever NDA believes that I can be of helpeven at the grassroots. Q/ The chief minister of a neighbouring state opposes delimitation and mentions the need for larger families to ensure adequate parliamentary representation for the south. What would you say to that? My view is that the current ratios should be maintained. It is important to protect the interests of all states and, at the end of the day, strong states make a strong nation. The nation grows only when the states grow. The investment announcements by Google and other companies in Andhra Pradesh are already yielding tangible results, triggering a real estate surge across Visakhapatnams IT zones and adjoining districts. Land prices have climbed by 30 to 50 per cent, with the most visible impact along the IT HillsMadhurawadaRushikonda corridor. Investor interest there has picked up sharply, said E. Ashok Kumar, president of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India (CREDAI), Visakhapatnam chapter. Land values reacted first to these developments, he said. Data centres and AI facilities require large, well-connected land parcels with reliable power supply and fibre connectivity. This has increased demand for clear-title land in areas such as Madhurawada, Yendada, Rushikonda and the Bheemili belt. The momentum is spilling into the suburbs. Areas that were once villages or small towns, and are now merging into Greater Visakhapatnam city, are witnessing a sharp rise in inquiries from potential buyers. M. Srinivas, a realtor from Bhemannapalem village in Visakhapatnam Rural district, said land prices per acre had risen by about 50 per cent. A month ago, we heard Rs4 crore from an owner. Now he is demanding 6 crore. Lands that were pegged at Rs2.5 crore to Rs3 crore have now gone up to Rs5 crore, he said. Beyond the citys IT belt, Vizag Rural, Vizianagaram and Anakapalli districts are also benefiting from the announcement of new projects. Areas along the Visakhapatnam-Anakapalli industrial and logistics corridor are attracting considerable interest, CREDAI sources said. In Anakapalli district, for instance, the arrival of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steels factory is pushing up land prices. Improved connectivity between Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram is creating spillover demand for residential properties in the latter. Realtors also say the completion of pending road and drainage projects in and around Visakhapatnam is boosting confidence in Visakhapatnams real estate growth prospects. Anticipating further price appreciation, many landowners are choosing to hold on to their properties. Despite the rising prices and increasing number of transactions, people are still being cautious, said Ashok Kumar. The buzz is still at an early stage, he said. Timely grounding of projects by the government, matching infrastructure development and the creation of visible employment will be crucial to sustaining this momentum. WHEN YOU OPERATE in manufacturing, especially in mobility and energy, you learn quickly that capital is patient, but confidence is not. Investors can handle complexity; what they struggle with is uncertainty. Over the years, I have met many public leaders across India and globally. Few combine clarity of intent with an ability to listen and act. Lokesh engages with industry in a way that signals continuity. HIS message is clear: if you invest in Andhra Pradesh, the state will invest backin trust, in time and in long-term partnership. In Andhra Pradesh, Nara Lokesh stands out as a leader who approaches industry not as a transaction, but as a relationship built for the long term. His vision and capability are manifested in the fact that he holds information technology, electronics and communications, real-time governance and human resources development in the Andhra Pradesh government. Our association with Andhra Pradesh goes back many years, starting in the 1990s when we conceptualised a 1,040MW thermal power plant. More recently, we interacted closely with the present AP leadership in their last term, 2014-2019, when the state was positioning itself as a competitive destination for industry. In that term, what we valued most was predictability: a government that understood that factories are not announcements but ecosystemsland, utilities, local permissions, workforce, vendor networks, logistics and, above all, speed in resolving bottlenecks. Lokesh brought an unusual openness to that engagement. He was accessible, direct and unafraid to ask the right questions: what is stuck, why is it stuck, and what does it take to unlock it? That same approach became even more evident in the current term (2024 onwards), when he played a pivotal role in reviving our bus manufacturing facility at Mallavalli near Vijayawada. It was an investment that had been envisioned to build both conventional diesel buses and electric buses through Switch Mobility. The units foundation stone had been laid in March 2018, with an expected capacity of around 4,800 buses annually, but the project remained stalled for years amid local and administrative hurdles. What changed the momentum was not a grand event, but a simple act of leadership. Lokesh invited our family for a breakfast meeting in December 2024. That conversation was not about opticsit was about problem-solving. Within a short time, the roadblocks were cleared and the facility was inaugurated in March 2025. In manufacturing, this is what ease of doing business really means: not slogans, but the capacity to convene stakeholders, cut through friction, and make outcomes happen. The second pillar of our engagement with the state has been energy. The Hinduja Group owns and operates a 1,040 MW (2520MW) thermal power plant at Palavalasa in the Visakhapatnam region. The project has had a long and complicated journey, with significant delays and legal and regulatory issues over time. What is encouraging today is that this asset is not being viewed as legacy infrastructure, but as a platform for responsible expansion and improved competitiveness. Andhra Pradeshs industrial ambition will require reliable baseload power alongside renewables, and the direction of policy is clearly towards ensuring energy security without losing sight of sustainability. In November 2025, the Hinduja Group publicly outlined an intent to expand the Visakhapatnam power plant capacity by 1,600MW, alongside renewable projects in Rayalaseema. This is where Lokeshs AP first mindset matters. He thinks in systems: how energy, logistics, skilling and mobility reinforce each other. His emphasis on electric mobility is not limited to manufacturing; it extends to creating enabling conditionscharging infrastructure, fleet adoption and a practical transition path for public transport. The same 2025 announcements also spoke of a statewide EV charging network and EV manufacturing in Mallavalli, indicating a holistic view of the ecosystem rather than isolated projects. At Ashok Leyland, we build for Indias futuresafer buses, cleaner mobility, stronger supply chains, and world-class manufacturing. For that, we look for partners in government who see industry as a force multiplier for jobs and opportunity. Lokeshs willingness to listen, his comfort with detail, and his bias for execution create that confidence. He engages with industry in a way that signals continuity. Lokeshs message is clear: if you invest in Andhra Pradesh, the state will invest backin trust, in time and in long-term partnership. In the end, leadership is measured not only by vision, but by what gets done on the ground. Our experience has been that Lokesh brings both. The author is executive chairman, Ashok Leyland. Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:NAK Get Free Report) (TSE:NDM) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $1.53 and traded as high as $2.19. Northern Dynasty Minerals shares last traded at $2.13, with a volume of 7,604,985 shares trading hands. Northern Dynasty Minerals Trading Up 3.3% The firms 50-day moving average price is $1.94 and its 200-day moving average price is $1.53. Get Northern Dynasty Minerals alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Northern Dynasty Minerals Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. purchased a new stake in Northern Dynasty Minerals during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $17,117,000. GAM Holding AG acquired a new position in shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals during the 2nd quarter worth about $3,752,000. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. increased its position in shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals by 100.6% during the second quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 1,466,300 shares of the mining companys stock worth $1,983,000 after purchasing an additional 735,300 shares in the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals by 232.7% in the second quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 636,134 shares of the mining companys stock worth $852,000 after buying an additional 444,950 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE increased its holdings in shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals by 77.4% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 367,285 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $492,000 after purchasing an additional 160,285 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 10.55% of the companys stock. Northern Dynasty Minerals Company Profile Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. is a mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with primary operations focused on North America. The company is publicly listed on the NYSE American and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NAK. Established in 1985, Northern Dynasty has built its business around the identification, evaluation and advancement of large-scale mineral resources, leveraging its expertise in geology, engineering and environmental planning. The companys flagship asset is the Pebble Project, located in the Bristol Bay region of southwestern Alaska. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Northern Dynasty Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Northern Dynasty Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSE:LB Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$33.49 and traded as high as C$40.00. Laurentian Bank of Canada shares last traded at C$39.87, with a volume of 418,408 shares traded. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. CIBC cut shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from a neutral rating to a tender rating and increased their price objective for the company from C$35.00 to C$40.50 in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from a strong sell rating to a hold rating and increased their price target for the company from C$25.00 to C$40.00 in a research report on Monday, December 8th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$31.00 to C$40.50 in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Raymond James Financial lowered Laurentian Bank of Canada from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Scotiabank set a C$33.00 target price on Laurentian Bank of Canada and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Laurentian Bank of Canada presently has an average rating of Strong Sell and a consensus target price of C$35.19. Get Laurentian Bank of Canada alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Laurentian Bank of Canada Laurentian Bank of Canada Trading Up 0.1% The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$37.17 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$33.58. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.78 billion, a PE ratio of 14.05, a PEG ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.57. Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSE:LB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, December 5th. The company reported C$0.73 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$244.71 million for the quarter. Laurentian Bank of Canada had a negative return on equity of 0.20% and a negative net margin of 0.30%. As a group, analysts predict that Laurentian Bank of Canada will post 3.8414986 EPS for the current year. About Laurentian Bank of Canada (Get Free Report) Laurentian Bank of Canada provides personal banking, business banking and real estate and commercial financing to its personal, business, and institutional customers across Canada and the United States. The company reports three operating segments: personal, business services, and capital markets. The personal segment offers financial services to retail clients. The business services segment provides financial services, commercial banking, real estate financing, and equipment and inventory financing to business clients. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Laurentian Bank of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Laurentian Bank of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hitachi Ltd. (OTCMKTS:HTHIY Get Free Report) passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $32.14 and traded as low as $32.00. Hitachi shares last traded at $32.98, with a volume of 269,457 shares. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have recently issued reports on HTHIY. Zacks Research upgraded Hitachi from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Erste Group Bank upgraded shares of Hitachi to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Hitachi alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on HTHIY Hitachi Trading Up 2.3% The companys fifty day moving average is $32.12 and its 200-day moving average is $29.85. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $154.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.13, a P/E/G ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 0.86. Hitachi (OTCMKTS:HTHIY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The conglomerate reported $0.42 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by $0.21. Hitachi had a net margin of 7.98% and a return on equity of 13.10%. The firm had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2,463.27 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Hitachi Ltd. will post 0.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hitachi Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hitachi, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:HTHIY) is a Tokyo-headquartered multinational conglomerate that operates a diversified portfolio of businesses spanning information technology, energy and power systems, industrial machinery, transportation systems, and digital solutions. Founded in 1910 by engineer Namihei Odaira in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, the company grew from an electrical repair shop and early induction motor manufacturing into a global engineering and technology group. Hitachi positions itself as a social innovation company, combining operational technology, information technology and domain knowledge to address infrastructure and industry challenges. The companys activities include design and manufacture of heavy industrial equipment and construction machinery, delivery of rail and urban transportation systems, development and provision of power generation and grid equipment, and enterprise IT services including systems integration and cloud solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hitachi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hitachi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Springfield Properties PLC (LON:SPR Get Free Report) insider Innes Smith sold 100,000 shares of Springfield Properties stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 133, for a total transaction of 133,000. Springfield Properties Stock Down 3.1% Shares of SPR stock opened at GBX 127 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of 151.26 million, a P/E ratio of 11.26 and a beta of 1.42. Springfield Properties PLC has a 52 week low of GBX 80 and a 52 week high of GBX 137. The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 121.78 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 108.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 2.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 38.16. Get Springfield Properties alerts: About Springfield Properties (Get Free Report) The Springfield Group is one of the largest homebuilders in Scotland. Made up of six well-established and respected brands Springfield Properties, Springfield Partnerships, Dawn Homes, Walker Group, Tulloch Homes and Mactaggart & Mickel Homes we deliver high quality, energy efficient homes across multiple tenures for people that need them. With a focus on sustainable and quality homes, the customer is at the heart of what we do. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Springfield Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Springfield Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of American Healthcare REIT, Inc. (NYSE:AHR Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the fourteen brokerages that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $51.6364. AHR has been the subject of a number of research reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of American Healthcare REIT in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup boosted their target price on American Healthcare REIT from $45.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, November 21st. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating on shares of American Healthcare REIT in a research report on Monday, December 15th. KeyCorp lifted their price target on shares of American Healthcare REIT from $43.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of American Healthcare REIT from $45.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Get American Healthcare REIT alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on AHR Insider Transactions at American Healthcare REIT Institutional Inflows and Outflows In related news, EVP Mark E. Foster sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.35, for a total transaction of $74,025.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 57,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,842,560. The trade was a 2.54% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, Director Jeffrey T. Hanson sold 35,570 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.38, for a total value of $1,720,876.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 19,208 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $929,283.04. This represents a 64.93% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 76,288 shares of company stock worth $3,718,666. 0.92% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in AHR. Optiver Holding B.V. increased its stake in American Healthcare REIT by 83.1% during the 3rd quarter. Optiver Holding B.V. now owns 652 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 296 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont acquired a new stake in shares of American Healthcare REIT during the third quarter valued at about $28,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of American Healthcare REIT during the second quarter worth about $31,000. Total Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of American Healthcare REIT in the second quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in American Healthcare REIT in the second quarter valued at about $34,000. 16.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. American Healthcare REIT Stock Down 0.0% Shares of NYSE AHR opened at $47.32 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.37 billion, a PE ratio of 338.01, a P/E/G ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $48.36 and a 200-day moving average of $43.31. American Healthcare REIT has a 52-week low of $26.40 and a 52-week high of $51.01. American Healthcare REIT Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. American Healthcare REITs dividend payout ratio is currently 714.29%. About American Healthcare REIT (Get Free Report) American Healthcare REIT, Inc (NYSE: AHR) was a publicly traded real estate investment trust focused on acquiring, owning and managing healthcare?related properties across the United States. The companys portfolio spanned senior housing communities, skilled nursing facilities, medical office buildings and outpatient care centers, all operated under long?term net lease or triple?net lease structures designed to provide stable, predictable rental income. Employing a strategy of partnering with established healthcare operators, American Healthcare REIT targeted properties in both major metropolitan areas and high?growth secondary markets to capitalize on demographic trends such as an aging population and increased demand for outpatient services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for American Healthcare REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Healthcare REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE:JLL Free Report) had its price objective boosted by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $390.00 to $405.00 in a report published on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the financial services providers stock. A number of other brokerages also recently commented on JLL. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle from $340.00 to $360.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Barclays initiated coverage on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. They set an equal weight rating and a $351.00 price target on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered Jones Lang LaSalle from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on Jones Lang LaSalle from $361.00 to $407.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Jones Lang LaSalle currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $350.71. Get Jones Lang LaSalle alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on JLL Jones Lang LaSalle Stock Performance Shares of Jones Lang LaSalle stock opened at $349.87 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $324.92 and its 200 day moving average price is $300.80. The company has a market cap of $16.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.83 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 2.31 and a current ratio of 2.31. Jones Lang LaSalle has a one year low of $194.36 and a one year high of $356.57. Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE:JLL Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $4.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.24 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $6.51 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.49 billion. Jones Lang LaSalle had a return on equity of 11.10% and a net margin of 2.49%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.50 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Jones Lang LaSalle will post 16.45 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Christian Ulbrich sold 96 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $332.18, for a total transaction of $31,889.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 114,685 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,096,063.30. This represents a 0.08% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In the last quarter, insiders sold 20,000 shares of company stock valued at $6,609,091. 0.91% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Jones Lang LaSalle Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in JLL. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Jones Lang LaSalle in the second quarter valued at $160,187,000. Swedbank AB increased its holdings in Jones Lang LaSalle by 115.0% during the 2nd quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 938,149 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $239,960,000 after purchasing an additional 501,716 shares during the period. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. raised its position in Jones Lang LaSalle by 21.0% in the 2nd quarter. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. now owns 2,221,528 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $568,222,000 after purchasing an additional 386,184 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle by 4,285.3% in the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 350,821 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $104,643,000 after buying an additional 342,821 shares during the period. Finally, Equity Investment Corp acquired a new position in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle during the third quarter worth about $72,132,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.80% of the companys stock. About Jones Lang LaSalle (Get Free Report) Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm specializing in real estate and investment management. The company provides a broad range of services including leasing, advisory, property and asset management, capital markets, project and development services, and valuation. Through its integrated platform, JLL serves corporate occupiers, institutional investors, real estate owners and developers, offering tailored solutions that span the entire real estate lifecycle. Founded in 1783 in London as Jones Lang Wootton, the firm established a reputation for expertise in property management and brokerage. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hillhouse Frontier Holdings (HIFI) expects to raise $6.50 million in an initial public offering on the week of January 19th, IPO Scoop reports. The company will be issuing 1,300,000 shares at a price of $4.00-$6.00 per share. In the last twelve months, Hillhouse Frontier Holdings generated $8.07 million in revenue and $880 thousand in net income. The company has a market cap of $106 million. Cathay Securities served as the underwriter for the IPO. Hillhouse Frontier Holdings provided the following description of their company for its IPO: (Incorporated in Nevada) We are a luxury vehicle exporter. Through our subsidiary, Hillhouse Capital Group, we run a vehicle export business that specializes inA finding premium vehicles in the U.S. and facilitating their shipment to Hong Kong to our client, who distributes the vehicles to its clients in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). In 2024, Hillhouse Capital Group did 67 vehicle transactions, including 34 with authorized dealerships and 33 with independent dealers. We worked with 15 purchasing agents. We specialize in exporting U.S. luxury vehicles having MSRPs of at least $80,000, targeting affluent consumers and dealers seeking premium luxury brands, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Cadillac. Unlike smaller industry participantsatypically family-run businesses that rely on informal sourcing networksawe operate through a structured purchasing model with authorized dealerships (i.e., purchasing from them through their designated purchasing agents) and independent dealers, ensuring a stable and scalable supply chain.A Fenglong MaA has served as our CEO and our chairman of the board since October 2022. He is a seasoned entrepreneur in international trade and automotive sales. He founded our company in October 2022, leading its strategy, operations, and entry into automotive exports. Previously, he co-founded Qingdao High-End Vehicle Trading Co., and served as general sales manager from January 2020 to September 2022. He was responsible for sales, market expansion, and supply chain management of high-end imported vehicles, establishing strong global partnerships and optimizing procurement processes. He received an associate degree in business managementA from Mudanjiang Forestry Vocational and Technical College.A Mr. Ma is a citizen of the PRC and currently resides in the PRC. Zheng Wen TongA has served as our chief operating officer since November 2024, overseeing vehicle procurement, logistics, and financial transactions. She has extensive experience in automotive trade and supply chain management. Before this, she was an office manager at TW&EW Service from April 2024 to October 2024 and was employed by Wave Capital Management from January 2022 to March 2024, where sheA oversaw administrative and supply chain operations. From January 2020 to March 2020, she served as an office manager at Luxury Unlimited Group. She received a diploma in accounting from Shanghai Business Trade College in July 1994. Ms. Tong is a citizen of the United States and currently resides in the United States.A Chihyuan LinA has served as our CFO since February 2025, overseeing financial strategy and operations. He is an experienced financial executive with expertise in strategic financial management, accounting, and SEC reporting. Before joining us, he founded Linck Consulting Inc. in September 2024 and has been serving as its CEO, providing accounting and tax consulting services. From September 2023 to September 2024, he worked as a consultant at 8020 Consulting LLC, focusing on SEC reporting and financial advisory services. Prior to that, from October 2022 to September 2023, he was the senior manager of financial reporting and technical accounting at Tattooed Chef, where he managed SEC filings, financial reporting, and statement consolidation. From October 2021 to October 2022, he held the role of senior manager of financial reporting and analysis at HF Foods Group Inc., overseeing financial reporting and compliance matters. Earlier, from February 2018 to October 2021, he served as the assistant director of finance and assistant controller at Ta Chen International Inc., specializing in operational accounting and financial statement consolidation. Mr. Lin earned a Master of Science degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas on August 12, 2011, and a Master of Science degree in Finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on May 16, 2010. Mr. Lin is a citizen of the United States and currently resides in the United States. Note: Net income and revenue are in U.S. dollars for the year that ended Dec. 31, 2024. (Note: Hillhouse Frontier Holdings filed its S-1 for its IPO on July 21, 2025, and disclosed the terms: 1.25 million shares at a price range of $4.00 to $6.00 to raise $6.25 million, if priced at the $5.00 mid-point of its range.) . Hillhouse Frontier Holdings was founded in 2022 and has 3 employees. The company is located at 20955 Lycoming St, Suite 201, Diamond Bar, California 91789 and can be reached via phone at (661)-508-8888 or on the web at http://www.hillhouse-group.com/. Receive News & Ratings for Hillhouse Frontier Holdings Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hillhouse Frontier Holdings and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR Free Report) had its price objective upped by TD Cowen from $278.00 to $280.00 in a research report sent to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a hold rating on the insurance providers stock. RNR has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Wolfe Research started coverage on shares of RenaissanceRe in a research note on Monday, September 15th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of RenaissanceRe from $250.00 to $283.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Wednesday. Mizuho began coverage on RenaissanceRe in a research note on Monday, December 15th. They set a neutral rating and a $281.00 price objective on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of RenaissanceRe in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, UBS Group increased their target price on RenaissanceRe from $265.00 to $272.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $295.67. Get RenaissanceRe alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on RNR RenaissanceRe Price Performance RNR opened at $272.86 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.40, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.58, a PEG ratio of 6.49 and a beta of 0.26. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $269.55 and a 200-day moving average price of $253.58. RenaissanceRe has a 12-month low of $219.00 and a 12-month high of $285.26. RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The insurance provider reported $15.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $9.49 by $6.13. The company had revenue of $3.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.97 billion. RenaissanceRe had a return on equity of 16.83% and a net margin of 14.23%.RenaissanceRes quarterly revenue was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $10.23 EPS. Equities analysts predict that RenaissanceRe will post 26.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. RenaissanceRe Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. RenaissanceRes dividend payout ratio is currently 4.45%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 707.1% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 113 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 99 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc raised its holdings in shares of RenaissanceRe by 160.0% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 117 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. Financial Consulate Inc. purchased a new stake in RenaissanceRe in the third quarter worth $29,000. Huntington National Bank boosted its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 80.9% in the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 123 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 151.9% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 131 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 79 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 99.97% of the companys stock. RenaissanceRe Company Profile (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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for RenaissanceRe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RenaissanceRe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Solar, Canadian Natural Resources, Celsius, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, and Canadian National Railway are the five Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of companies incorporated in Canada or primarily listed on Canadian exchanges (notably the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange), representing ownership stakes in those firms. For investors they provide direct exposure to the Canadian economyoften concentrated in sectors like financials, energy and materialsare typically quoted in Canadian dollars, and are subject to Canadian regulatory and tax regimes. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Canadian Solar (CSIQ) Canadian Solar Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides solar energy and battery energy storage products and solutions in in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy. The CSI Solar segment designs, develops, and manufactures solar ingots, wafers, cells, modules, and other solar power and battery storage products. Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Read Our Latest Research Report on CNQ Celsius (CELH) Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells functional energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company offers CELSIUS, a fitness drink or supplement designed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat; various flavors and carbonated and non-carbonated functional energy drinks under the CELSIUS Originals and Vibe name, as well as functional energy drink under the CELSIUS Essentials and CELSIUS On-the-Go Powder names; and CELSIUS ready-to drink products. Read Our Latest Research Report on CELH Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Read Our Latest Research Report on CP Canadian National Railway (CNI) Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. The company provides rail services, which include equipment, custom brokerage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services, such as temperature controlled cargo, port partnerships, and logistics parks. Read Our Latest Research Report on CNI See Also Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Watts Water Technologies (NYSE:WTS Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report released on Saturday morning. A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on WTS. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research upgraded Watts Water Technologies from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $275.00 price target on Watts Water Technologies in a research note on Thursday. Royal Bank Of Canada assumed coverage on Watts Water Technologies in a research report on Monday, January 5th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $288.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a report on Thursday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $280.00. Get Watts Water Technologies alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on WTS Watts Water Technologies Stock Up 0.4% Shares of WTS opened at $287.51 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $276.35 and its 200-day simple moving average is $271.78. Watts Water Technologies has a one year low of $177.59 and a one year high of $290.80. The company has a market capitalization of $9.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.67, a PEG ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a current ratio of 2.83 and a quick ratio of 1.84. Watts Water Technologies (NYSE:WTS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The technology company reported $2.50 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.29 by $0.21. The company had revenue of $611.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $576.20 million. Watts Water Technologies had a return on equity of 18.31% and a net margin of 13.79%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.03 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Watts Water Technologies will post 9.08 EPS 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 was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. Watts Water Technologiess payout ratio is currently 21.47%. Insider Activity at Watts Water Technologies In other news, CAO Virginia A. Halloran sold 605 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $276.78, for a total value of $167,451.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 13,412 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,712,173.36. The trade was a 4.32% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Timothy P. Horne sold 6,814 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $272.32, for a total value of $1,855,588.48. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 15,000 shares in the company, valued at $4,084,800. The trade was a 31.24% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 15,605 shares of company stock valued at $4,296,387 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Watts Water Technologies Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. World Investment Advisors boosted its holdings in Watts Water Technologies by 1.4% during the third quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 2,648 shares of the technology companys stock worth $740,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the last quarter. Texas Yale Capital Corp. lifted its position in Watts Water Technologies by 4.4% during the 3rd quarter. Texas Yale Capital Corp. now owns 940 shares of the technology companys stock worth $263,000 after buying an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans boosted its stake in shares of Watts Water Technologies by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 6,457 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,588,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Journey Strategic Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of Watts Water Technologies by 4.3% in the 3rd quarter. Journey Strategic Wealth LLC now owns 1,001 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $280,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc grew its holdings in shares of Watts Water Technologies by 15.9% in the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 335 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $94,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.02% of the companys stock. About Watts Water Technologies (Get 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Watts Water Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Watts Water Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Saturday. Several other brokerages have also issued reports on TMO. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $585.00 to $625.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Thermo Fisher Scientific in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $685.00 target price on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Evercore ISI reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $650.00 price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research note on Monday, January 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have assigned a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $625.47. Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific Stock Performance TMO stock opened at $619.14 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 1.50 and a quick ratio of 1.11. Thermo Fisher Scientific has a 1 year low of $385.46 and a 1 year high of $628.08. The company has a market cap of $232.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.07 and a beta of 0.91. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $581.35 and its 200-day moving average price is $517.34. Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The medical research company reported $5.79 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.50 by $0.29. The company had revenue of $11.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.90 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a return on equity of 16.97% and a net margin of 15.02%.Thermo Fisher Scientifics revenue was up 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $5.28 earnings per share. Thermo Fisher Scientific has set its FY 2025 guidance at 22.600-22.860 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Thermo Fisher Scientific will post 23.28 earnings per share for the current year. Thermo Fisher Scientific declared that its board has authorized a share repurchase program on Thursday, November 6th that allows the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the medical research company to reacquire up to 2.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Thermo Fisher Scientific Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Thermo Fisher Scientifics payout ratio is presently 9.94%. Insider Activity at Thermo Fisher Scientific In other Thermo Fisher Scientific news, EVP Michael D. Shafer sold 10,725 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $600.00, for a total transaction of $6,435,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 18,731 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,238,600. This trade represents a 36.41% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 7,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, October 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $566.10, for a total transaction of $4,104,225.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 113,762 shares in the company, valued at $64,400,668.20. This trade represents a 5.99% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 149,271 shares of company stock worth $86,507,282 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Thermo Fisher Scientific A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TMO. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,264,615,000. Soundwatch Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific during the second quarter valued at $807,713,000. Flossbach Von Storch SE grew its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 93.0% in the 2nd quarter. Flossbach Von Storch SE now owns 2,727,021 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,105,698,000 after buying an additional 1,314,182 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 88.9% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,699,460 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,309,292,000 after buying an additional 1,270,191 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 54.7% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 3,571,857 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,732,422,000 after buying an additional 1,262,967 shares in the last quarter. 89.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Thermo Fisher Scientific Company Profile (Get Free Report) Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO) is a global provider of scientific instrumentation, reagents and consumables, software, and services that support research, clinical, and industrial laboratories. The company supplies analytical instruments and laboratory equipment, life sciences reagents and kits, specialty diagnostics, and a broad range of consumables used by researchers, clinicians, and manufacturers. Its offerings also include laboratory information management and data-analysis software, as well as service solutions such as instrument maintenance, validation, and logistics that help customers run complex workflows efficiently. Thermo Fisher operates through multiple business areas that broadly cover life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services, including contract development and manufacturing for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Koninklijke Philips (NYSE:PHG Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Saturday morning. Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded Koninklijke Philips to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on Koninklijke Philips in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. They set a sector perform rating for the company. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Koninklijke Philips in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Two 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. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Koninklijke Philips alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Koninklijke Philips Koninklijke Philips Stock Performance Shares of PHG stock opened at $29.57 on Friday. Koninklijke Philips has a 52 week low of $21.48 and a 52 week high of $30.03. The company has a market capitalization of $28.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 147.84, a PEG ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $27.62 and a 200 day simple moving average of $27.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.32. Koninklijke Philips (NYSE:PHG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.37. Koninklijke Philips had a net margin of 1.07% and a return on equity of 12.14%. The firm had revenue of $5.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.30 billion. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Koninklijke Philips will post 1.63 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of Koninklijke Philips Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD bought a new position in Koninklijke Philips in the third quarter valued at approximately $215,529,000. Causeway Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 5.8% in the 3rd quarter. Causeway Capital Management LLC now owns 1,958,112 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $53,378,000 after purchasing an additional 107,117 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp increased its stake in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 8.1% in the 3rd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 1,922,551 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $52,409,000 after purchasing an additional 143,811 shares during the last quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP increased its stake in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 54.3% in the 2nd quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 1,530,918 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $36,712,000 after purchasing an additional 538,715 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,351,015 shares of the technology companys stock worth $32,397,000 after buying an additional 32,663 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 13.67% of the companys stock. Koninklijke Philips Company Profile (Get Free Report) Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE: PHG), commonly known as Philips, is a Dutch multinational company focused on health technology. Founded in Eindhoven in 1891, the company evolved from a diversified electronics manufacturer into a specialist in healthcare products, systems and services. Philips is legally registered in the Netherlands and operates globally, supplying equipment and solutions to hospitals, clinics, healthcare providers and consumers across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Philips principal activities center on medical technologies and personal health. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Koninklijke Philips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Koninklijke Philips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen cut shares of nVent Electric (NYSE:NVT Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Saturday morning. Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of nVent Electric in a research note on Monday, December 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on nVent Electric from $111.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price objective on nVent Electric from $117.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Roth Capital reissued a buy rating and set a $130.00 target price (up from $115.00) on shares of nVent Electric in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Citigroup increased their price target on nVent Electric from $114.00 to $131.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and nine have issued a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, nVent Electric presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $123.25. Get nVent Electric alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on nVent Electric nVent Electric Trading Up 2.6% NYSE NVT opened at $105.39 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 1.57 and a quick ratio of 1.11. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.03, a PEG ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 1.34. The firms 50-day moving average is $105.59 and its two-hundred day moving average is $95.18. nVent Electric has a 12 month low of $41.71 and a 12 month high of $117.52. nVent Electric (NYSE:NVT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.88 by $0.03. nVent Electric had a net margin of 16.83% and a return on equity of 14.29%. The business had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.01 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.63 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 34.8% on a year-over-year basis. nVent Electric has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.870-0.890 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 3.310-3.330 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that nVent Electric will post 3.04 earnings per share for the current year. nVent Electric Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be paid a dividend of $0.21 per share. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.8%. This is a positive change from nVent Electrics previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. nVent Electrics payout ratio is currently 22.04%. Insider Transactions at nVent Electric In related news, insider Sara E. Zawoyski sold 115,557 shares of nVent Electric stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $112.78, for a total transaction of $13,032,518.46. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 66,680 shares in the company, valued at $7,520,170.40. The trade was a 63.41% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CAO Randolph A. Wacker sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $110.08, for a total value of $550,400.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 26,400 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,906,112. The trade was a 15.92% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 163,228 shares of company stock worth $18,345,001 over the last three months. 1.80% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On nVent Electric A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in nVent Electric in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $234,290,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its holdings in shares of nVent Electric by 146.0% during the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 3,195,543 shares of the companys stock worth $234,074,000 after purchasing an additional 1,896,749 shares during the last quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC increased its stake in nVent Electric by 29.5% in the second quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 3,113,936 shares of the companys stock valued at $228,096,000 after purchasing an additional 709,464 shares during the last quarter. Champlain Investment Partners LLC lifted its position in nVent Electric by 26.8% during the second quarter. Champlain Investment Partners LLC now owns 2,260,240 shares of the companys stock worth $165,563,000 after buying an additional 477,135 shares during the period. Finally, Clark Capital Management Group Inc. boosted its stake in nVent Electric by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Clark Capital Management Group Inc. now owns 1,830,406 shares of the companys stock worth $180,551,000 after buying an additional 43,502 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.05% of the companys stock. About nVent Electric (Get Free Report) nVent Electric PLC is a global manufacturer of electrical connection, protection and thermal management solutions. The company designs, engineers and produces a broad portfolio of products aimed at enhancing safety, reliability and performance in electrical systems across a variety of industries. Its core offerings include electrical enclosures, heat tracing systems, grounding and bonding products, cable management, and fastening solutions. nVent serves markets such as commercial and industrial construction, oil and gas, telecommunications, data centers, utilities, and renewable energy. The companys electrical enclosures and housing solutions protect sensitive components from environmental hazards, while its Raychem brand heat tracing products provide freeze protection and temperature maintenance for critical piping and equipment. Read More Receive News & Ratings for nVent Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for nVent Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Affiliated Managers Group (NYSE:AMG Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Saturday morning. AMG has been the subject of several other research reports. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and set a $282.00 price objective on shares of Affiliated Managers Group in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. TD Cowen upped their target price on Affiliated Managers Group to $485.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Affiliated Managers Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Barrington Research increased their price target on shares of Affiliated Managers Group from $285.00 to $295.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on Affiliated Managers Group from $300.00 to $341.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $338.83. Get Affiliated Managers Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Affiliated Managers Group Affiliated Managers Group Stock Performance AMG stock opened at $307.93 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $8.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.34, a P/E/G ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 1.19. Affiliated Managers Group has a 12-month low of $139.22 and a 12-month high of $311.51. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $274.46 and its 200 day simple moving average is $241.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. Affiliated Managers Group (NYSE:AMG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The asset manager reported $6.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.88 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $528.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $543.39 million. Affiliated Managers Group had a return on equity of 16.75% and a net margin of 26.01%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $4.82 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Affiliated Managers Group will post 22.86 EPS for the current year. Affiliated Managers Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 13th were given a $0.01 dividend. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 13th. Affiliated Managers Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 0.24%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Affiliated Managers Group Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in Affiliated Managers Group by 428.0% in the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 132 shares of the asset managers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Affiliated Managers Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $33,000. Meeder Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Affiliated Managers Group during the third quarter worth $34,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its holdings in Affiliated Managers Group by 189.8% during the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 142 shares of the asset managers stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Millstone Evans Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Affiliated Managers Group by 41.9% during the 3rd quarter. Millstone Evans Group LLC now owns 176 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. 95.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Affiliated Managers Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Affiliated Managers Group, Inc (NYSE: AMG) is a global asset management holding company that partners with boutique investment firms. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, AMG invests in and collaborates with independent investment managers to foster growth while preserving their entrepreneurial culture. Through equity stakes and strategic support, the company aims to enhance its affiliates distribution capabilities, operational infrastructure and access to capital. The companys core business activities include providing capital solutions, distribution services and operational support to affiliated investment firms. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Affiliated Managers Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Affiliated Managers Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of DuPont de Nemours (NYSE:DD Free Report) to a hold rating in a research note released on Saturday. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. UBS Group upped their price objective on DuPont de Nemours from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of DuPont de Nemours in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. KeyCorp boosted their target price on DuPont de Nemours from $45.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on shares of DuPont de Nemours from $100.00 to $50.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of DuPont de Nemours from $80.00 to $44.00 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $44.61. Get DuPont de Nemours alerts: Get Our Latest Report on DD DuPont de Nemours Stock Performance Shares of DuPont de Nemours stock opened at $43.80 on Friday. DuPont de Nemours has a 12 month low of $22.50 and a 12 month high of $44.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.35 billion, a P/E ratio of -23.81, a P/E/G ratio of 3.25 and a beta of 1.08. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $40.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $34.73. The company has a current ratio of 2.00, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30. DuPont de Nemours (NYSE:DD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 11th. The basic materials company reported $0.29 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $3.02 billion for the quarter. DuPont de Nemours had a negative net margin of 6.17% and a positive return on equity of 7.81%. DuPont de Nemours has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.430-0.430 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that DuPont de Nemours will post 4.38 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. DuPont de Nemours declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback program on Thursday, November 6th that authorizes the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the basic materials company to repurchase up to 12.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are generally an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. DuPont de Nemours Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. DuPont de Nemourss dividend payout ratio is -43.48%. Insider Buying and Selling at DuPont de Nemours In other DuPont de Nemours news, SVP Erik T. Hoover sold 6,005 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.79, for a total transaction of $238,938.95. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 112,101 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,460,498.79. The trade was a 5.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Lori Koch sold 9,011 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.46, for a total value of $355,574.06. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 288,326 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,377,343.96. The trade was a 3.03% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.61% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On DuPont de Nemours Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its stake in shares of DuPont de Nemours by 19.6% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 5,012 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $382,000 after buying an additional 822 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its position in shares of DuPont de Nemours by 6.6% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 43,529 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,251,000 after acquiring an additional 2,695 shares in the last quarter. Ascent Group LLC bought a new position in shares of DuPont de Nemours in the first quarter worth about $210,000. Empowered Funds LLC grew its position in shares of DuPont de Nemours by 8.9% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 11,550 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $863,000 after purchasing an additional 947 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Plato Investment Management Ltd raised its stake in DuPont de Nemours by 31.8% during the 1st quarter. Plato Investment Management Ltd now owns 970 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $73,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.96% of the companys stock. About DuPont de Nemours (Get Free Report) DuPont de Nemours (NYSE: DD) is a global science and engineering company that develops and supplies specialty materials, chemicals and industrial biosciences for a wide range of markets. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company traces its origins to 1802 and has evolved through more than two centuries of innovation. In recent history DuPont participated in a major combination with Dow Chemical and subsequent reorganization that refocused the company on differentiated, specialty businesses built around science-based solutions. DuPonts operations center on advanced materials and technologies used by manufacturers and OEMs in industries such as transportation, electronics, construction, industrial manufacturing and worker safety. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for DuPont de Nemours Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DuPont de Nemours and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (OTCMKTS:ICAGY Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Hold from the six brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have assigned a hold recommendation and three have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. A number of research firms have recently weighed in on ICAGY. 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 initiated 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 note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Get International Consolidated Airlines Group alerts: View Our Latest Report on ICAGY International Consolidated Airlines Group Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS ICAGY opened at $11.32 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $25.87 billion, a PE ratio of 3.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 1.65. International Consolidated Airlines Group has a 1 year low of $5.60 and a 1 year high of $11.77. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $10.69 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.40. 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 earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The transportation company reported $1.77 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $1.09. International Consolidated Airlines Group had a net margin of 9.52% and a return on equity of 112.24%. The company had revenue of $10.90 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.95 billion. Equities analysts anticipate that International Consolidated Airlines Group will post 1.07 earnings per share 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for International Consolidated Airlines Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Consolidated Airlines Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProPetro Holding Corp. (NYSE:PUMP Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Hold from the nine analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $12.50. A number of analysts have issued reports on PUMP shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised ProPetro from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $7.00 to $13.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on ProPetro from $6.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Barclays restated a neutral rating on shares of ProPetro in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Piper Sandler upgraded shares of ProPetro from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $16.00 target price for the company in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of ProPetro in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Get ProPetro alerts: Get Our Latest Report on ProPetro ProPetro Stock Performance NYSE PUMP opened at $9.42 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $978.97 million, a PE ratio of -55.38 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a current ratio of 1.26. ProPetro has a 52-week low of $4.51 and a 52-week high of $11.66. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $9.90 and a 200 day simple moving average of $7.11. ProPetro (NYSE:PUMP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported ($0.02) earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.11) by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $293.92 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $266.25 million. ProPetro had a negative net margin of 1.31% and a negative return on equity of 0.06%. The companys revenue was down 18.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned ($1.32) EPS. On average, research analysts predict that ProPetro will post 0.25 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at ProPetro In related news, Director G Larry Lawrence sold 27,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.84, for a total transaction of $292,680.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 35,831 shares in the company, valued at approximately $388,408.04. The trade was a 42.97% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Michele Vion sold 6,916 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.64, for a total value of $73,586.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 45,029 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $479,108.56. This represents a 13.31% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On ProPetro Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PUMP. Trexquant Investment LP bought a new position in shares of ProPetro in the 1st quarter worth $118,000. State of Wyoming purchased a new position in shares of ProPetro during the first quarter worth approximately $48,000. Quarry LP bought a new stake in shares of ProPetro in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of ProPetro by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 51,534 shares of the companys stock valued at $379,000 after purchasing an additional 2,230 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of ProPetro by 44.6% during the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 735,731 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,408,000 after purchasing an additional 226,914 shares during the last quarter. 84.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. ProPetro Company Profile (Get Free Report) ProPetro Holding Corp is a publicly traded oilfield services company that specializes in hydraulic fracturing and well completion solutions for exploration and production operators. Headquartered in Midland, Texas, the company delivers a comprehensive suite of pressure pumping services designed to optimize reservoir stimulation and enhance hydrocarbon recovery. Its integrated approach encompasses well design, proppant selection, fluid systems and pressure management to support clients development targets across unconventional plays. The companys core offerings include high-pressure fracturing, coiled tubing, cementing, acidizing and flowback services, all supported by in-house logistics and digital monitoring tools. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for ProPetro Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProPetro and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Volatility and Risk Madison County Financial has a beta of 0.12, indicating that its stock price is 88% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Prime Meridian has a beta of 0.06, indicating that its stock price is 94% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 11.8% of Prime Meridian shares are owned by institutional investors. 16.9% of Madison County Financial shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 25.9% of Prime Meridian shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Madison County Financial alerts: Dividends Madison County Financial pays an annual dividend of $0.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.4%. Prime Meridian pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Prime Meridian pays out 40.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Madison County Financial $29.54 million 2.38 $3.82 million N/A N/A Prime Meridian $50.36 million 3.80 $8.49 million $2.48 22.83 This table compares Madison County Financial and Prime Meridians gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Prime Meridian has higher revenue and earnings than Madison County Financial. Profitability This table compares Madison County Financial and Prime Meridians net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Madison County Financial N/A N/A N/A Prime Meridian 15.49% 9.27% 0.87% Summary Prime Meridian beats Madison County Financial on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Madison County Financial (Get Free Report) Madison County Financial, Inc. operates as the holding company for Madison County Bank that provides banking and financial services to individual and corporate customers in Nebraska, the United States. It offers checking, money market savings, savings, and individual retirement accounts; certificates of deposit; credit and debit cards; home loans; and consumer loans, including home equity lines of credit, second mortgage, home improvement, recreational vehicle, personal, and overdraft protection loans, as well as loans for automobiles, trucks, and vans. The company also provides agricultural real estate, machinery and equipment, livestock and crop, and operating loans; and commercial real estate, construction, investment property, and working capital loans, as well as equipment financing services. In addition, it offers online and mobile banking, and merchant services. The company was formerly known as Madison County Holding Company and changed its name to Madison County Financial, Inc. in October 2012. Madison County Financial, Inc. was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Madison, Nebraska. About Prime Meridian (Get Free Report) Prime Meridian Holding Company operates as the bank holding company for Prime Meridian Bank that provides various consumer and commercial banking services to individuals and businesses. The company accepts various deposits, such as checking, money market, savings, term certificate of deposit, demand interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing, health savings, NOW, and escrow accounts, as well as retirement savings plans and time deposits. Its loan products include commercial real estate, residential real estate and home equity, small business administration, construction, equipment, and commercial loans; and consumer and other loans comprising financing of automobiles, boats, and recreational vehicles, as well as issues standby letters and business lines of credit. The company also offers debit and credit cards; mobile banking, remote and mobile deposit, Apple Pay, bank-to-bank transfer, and online banking services; and safe deposit, wire transfer, foreign exchange, direct deposits, notary, night depository, official checks, domestic collections, bank drafts, automated teller services, drive-in tellers, merchant card, and banking by mail services, as well as invests in securities. Prime Meridian Holding Company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida. Receive News & Ratings for Madison County Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Madison County Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Piedmont Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PDM Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the five ratings firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have issued a hold recommendation and one has given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $9.00. Several equities analysts recently commented on PDM shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Piedmont Realty Trust in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Piedmont Realty Trust from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Get Piedmont Realty Trust alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Piedmont Realty Trust Hedge Funds Weigh In On Piedmont Realty Trust Piedmont Realty Trust Stock Down 1.0% Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of Piedmont Realty Trust by 368.8% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 2,046,431 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $14,262,000 after buying an additional 1,609,919 shares during the last quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Piedmont Realty Trust during the 3rd quarter worth $12,138,000. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH lifted its position in Piedmont Realty Trust by 710.2% in the second quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH now owns 1,201,555 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $8,759,000 after acquiring an additional 1,053,256 shares during the last quarter. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP lifted its position in Piedmont Realty Trust by 34.9% in the second quarter. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP now owns 3,013,575 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $21,969,000 after acquiring an additional 780,050 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wolverine Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Piedmont Realty Trust by 6,504.1% in the second quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 433,094 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,157,000 after acquiring an additional 426,536 shares in the last quarter. 84.48% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Shares of NYSE:PDM opened at $8.41 on Friday. Piedmont Realty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $5.46 and a fifty-two week high of $9.19. The firms 50 day moving average price is $8.36 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.18. The company has a quick ratio of 1.67, a current ratio of 1.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43. The stock has a market cap of $1.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -14.75 and a beta of 1.26. Piedmont Realty Trust (NYSE:PDM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.35 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by $0.01. Piedmont Realty Trust had a negative net margin of 12.44% and a negative return on equity of 4.51%. The company had revenue of $110.75 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $141.46 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.36 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. Piedmont Realty Trust has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.400-1.420 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Piedmont Realty Trust will post 1.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Piedmont Realty Trust (Get Free Report) Piedmont Realty Trust is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that focuses on the ownership, acquisition and management of office properties. The companys portfolio comprises a mix of multi-tenant and single-tenant buildings, with a particular emphasis on small- to mid-size office campuses and urban infill properties. Piedmont Realty Trust structures its leases and property services to support a diversified base of tenants, including professional services firms, government agencies and technology companies. The companys operating model combines property management, leasing and strategic capital allocation to enhance asset value and drive income stability. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Piedmont Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Piedmont Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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The firm owned 155,951 shares of the banks stock after selling 65,198 shares during the period. Park Avenue Securities LLCs holdings in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group were worth $2,611,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 26.0% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 177,249 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,740,000 after buying an additional 36,522 shares in the last quarter. Ascent Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group during the first quarter worth about $235,000. Focus Partners Wealth increased its holdings in shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 40.5% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 18,253 shares of the banks stock valued at $282,000 after acquiring an additional 5,258 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 41.6% in the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 3,163 shares of the banks stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 930 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 336.4% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 39,574 shares of the banks stock worth $610,000 after purchasing an additional 30,506 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 3.85% of the companys stock. Get Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have issued reports on SMFG shares. 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 reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group in a report on Monday, December 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Stock Performance Shares of NYSE SMFG opened at $20.19 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $18.33 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $16.80. The stock has a market cap of $129.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.11, a PEG ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.36. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.65. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc has a 12 month low of $11.83 and a 12 month high of $20.34. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (NYSE:SMFG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The bank reported $0.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.19. The firm had revenue of $8.15 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.41 billion. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group had a net margin of 13.80% and a return on equity of 9.14%. As a group, analysts predict that Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc will post 0.39 earnings per share for the current year. About Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SMFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc (NYSE:SMFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HB Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE Free Report) by 142.8% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 107,731 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 63,356 shares during the period. HB Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Hewlett Packard Enterprise were worth $2,646,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Spire Wealth Management lifted its stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 7.1% in the 3rd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 6,694 shares of the technology companys stock worth $164,000 after purchasing an additional 445 shares in the last quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. grew its holdings in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 11.1% in the 2nd quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 4,902 shares of the technology companys stock worth $100,000 after acquiring an additional 489 shares during the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont grew its position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 6.4% in the 3rd quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 8,855 shares of the technology companys stock worth $217,000 after buying an additional 533 shares during the last quarter. Caldwell Trust Co increased its position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 64.4% during the third quarter. Caldwell Trust Co now owns 1,526 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 598 shares during the period. Finally, J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 3.5% during the second quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 17,846 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $365,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares in the last quarter. 80.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Hewlett Packard Enterprise alerts: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Price Performance NYSE:HPE opened at $22.16 on Friday. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company has a 12 month low of $11.97 and a 12 month high of $26.44. The company has a current ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The firm has a market cap of $29.57 billion, a P/E ratio of -369.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 1.32. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $23.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of $22.73. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Increases Dividend Hewlett Packard Enterprise ( NYSE:HPE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The technology company reported $0.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.59 by $0.03. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a net margin of 0.17% and a return on equity of 9.15%. The firm had revenue of $9.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.91 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.58 earnings per share. Hewlett Packard Enterprises revenue was up 14.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.250-2.450 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.570-0.610 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company will post 1.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 19th will be issued a dividend of $0.1425 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 19th. This is a positive change from Hewlett Packard Enterprises previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. This represents a $0.57 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio is -950.00%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. UBS Group boosted their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and issued a $25.00 target price (down from $28.00) on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a report on Monday, November 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $27.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a report on Friday, December 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and fourteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $25.53. View Our Latest Analysis on Hewlett Packard Enterprise Insiders Place Their Bets In other Hewlett Packard Enterprise news, SVP Jeremy Cox sold 13,463 shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.68, for a total value of $332,266.84. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Maeve C. Culloty sold 35,958 shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.66, for a total value of $886,724.28. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 585,537 shares of company stock valued at $14,255,864. 0.36% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company Profile (Free Report) Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is an enterprise technology company that designs, develops and sells IT infrastructure, software and services for business and government customers. Its core offerings span servers, storage, networking, and related software, together with consulting, integration and support services aimed at modernizing and managing enterprise IT environments. HPEs product portfolio includes systems for traditional data centers as well as solutions for high-performance computing, edge computing and telecommunications infrastructure. A major focus for HPE is hybrid cloud and consumption-based IT. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HPE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its position in shares of Snap-On Incorporated (NYSE:SNA Free Report) by 211.2% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 16,947 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 11,502 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Snap-On were worth $5,873,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Snap-On by 1.3% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,495,475 shares of the companys stock worth $2,021,262,000 after purchasing an additional 80,422 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its holdings in Snap-On by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,207,840 shares of the companys stock worth $687,036,000 after buying an additional 12,184 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in Snap-On by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,958,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $609,292,000 after buying an additional 36,421 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP raised its holdings in Snap-On by 40.7% during the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,892,708 shares of the companys stock valued at $588,973,000 after acquiring an additional 547,527 shares during the period. Finally, Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Snap-On during the second quarter worth $434,938,000. 84.88% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Snap-On alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets SNA has been the subject of several recent research reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded Snap-On from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 18th. Tigress Financial lifted their target price on Snap-On from $395.00 to $405.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Barrington Research reissued an outperform rating and issued a $350.00 price target on shares of Snap-On in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Robert W. Baird boosted their price objective on shares of Snap-On from $355.00 to $365.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Snap-On in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $365.00. Insider Activity at Snap-On In related news, CFO Aldo John Pagliari sold 6,779 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $352.20, for a total value of $2,387,563.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 111,888 shares in the company, valued at approximately $39,406,953.60. The trade was a 5.71% 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. Also, VP Richard Thomas Miller sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $348.27, for a total value of $696,540.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 4,158 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,448,106.66. This represents a 32.48% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 40,036 shares of company stock valued at $13,710,988. 3.90% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Snap-On Stock Performance NYSE:SNA opened at $362.29 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $18.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.00, a PEG ratio of 2.54 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a quick ratio of 3.37, a current ratio of 4.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $344.77 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $334.95. Snap-On Incorporated has a twelve month low of $289.81 and a twelve month high of $366.17. Snap-On (NYSE:SNA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 16th. The company reported $4.71 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.59 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $1.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.16 billion. Snap-On had a net margin of 21.08% and a return on equity of 17.71%. Snap-Ons revenue for the quarter was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $4.70 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Snap-On Incorporated will post 19.79 EPS for the current fiscal year. Snap-On Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 21st were given a dividend of $2.44 per share. This is an increase from Snap-Ons previous quarterly dividend of $2.14. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 21st. This represents a $9.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.7%. Snap-Ons dividend payout ratio is 51.18%. Snap-On Company Profile (Free Report) Snap?On Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostic equipment, repair information and shop equipment for professional users. The companys product range includes hand and power tools, tool storage and cabinets, diagnostic scan tools and software, shop equipment such as lifts and tire changers, and specialized specialty tools for automotive, aviation, marine and industrial applications. Snap?On also offers information and workflow solutions that combine diagnostic data, repair procedures and parts information to support professional technicians. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Snap?On has established a long history in the professional tools market. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SNA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Snap-On Incorporated (NYSE:SNA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Snap-On Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Snap-On and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC trimmed its stake in shares of Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TYL Free Report) by 15.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 14,856 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 2,801 shares during the quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Tyler Technologies were worth $7,772,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. DLD Asset Management LP acquired a new position in shares of Tyler Technologies during the second quarter worth $5,780,190,000. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Tyler Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth $712,276,000. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Tyler Technologies by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,570,120 shares of the technology companys stock worth $3,302,190,000 after purchasing an additional 110,957 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in Tyler Technologies by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,913,672 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,134,501,000 after purchasing an additional 81,679 shares in the last quarter. Finally, William Blair Investment Management LLC raised its position in Tyler Technologies by 16.2% in the second quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 358,474 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $212,518,000 after purchasing an additional 49,915 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.30% of the companys stock. Get Tyler Technologies alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Tyler Technologies news, Director Glenn A. Carter sold 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $458.73, for a total value of $229,365.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 3,172 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,455,091.56. The trade was a 13.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Brian K. Miller sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $448.51, for a total value of $448,510.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 17,148 shares in the company, valued at $7,691,049.48. The trade was a 5.51% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 3,500 shares of company stock valued at $1,605,605. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Tyler Technologies Stock Performance Shares of NYSE TYL opened at $448.64 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $459.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $517.24. Tyler Technologies, Inc. has a 52-week low of $430.00 and a 52-week high of $661.31. The company has a market capitalization of $19.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 62.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.04 and a beta of 0.91. Tyler Technologies (NYSE:TYL Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The technology company reported $2.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.88 by $0.09. Tyler Technologies had a net margin of 13.72% and a return on equity of 10.57%. The business had revenue of $595.88 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $594.34 million. Tyler Technologiess revenue for the quarter was up 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.52 earnings per share. Tyler Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 11.300-11.500 EPS. Analysts forecast that Tyler Technologies, Inc. will post 8.52 earnings per share for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Stifel Nicolaus assumed coverage on Tyler Technologies in a report on Wednesday. They set a buy rating and a $550.00 price target on the stock. Cowen initiated coverage on shares of Tyler Technologies in a research report on Friday, December 12th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Evercore ISI restated a positive rating on shares of Tyler Technologies in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Tyler Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, BTIG Research initiated coverage on shares of Tyler Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $560.00 price objective on the stock. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $632.21. Get Our Latest Research Report on TYL About Tyler Technologies (Free Report) Tyler Technologies, Inc is a provider of software and technology services for the public sector, delivering integrated systems that help government and public agencies manage operations, finances and citizen services. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, the company focuses on developing and implementing solutions for local and state governments, school districts, courts and public safety organizations. Its offerings are aimed at modernizing administrative workflows, improving transparency and enabling digital interactions between governments and the communities they serve. Tylers product portfolio spans enterprise resource planning and financial management, tax and billing systems, court case and records management, public safety solutions (including computer-aided dispatch and records management), land and property management, permitting and licensing, and enterprise asset management. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tyler Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tyler Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC Free Report) by 6.1% 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 202,825 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 11,747 shares during the quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Centene were worth $7,237,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of CNC. Assetmark Inc. boosted its position in shares of Centene by 248.2% during the 2nd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,156 shares of the companys stock worth $63,000 after purchasing an additional 824 shares in the last quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Centene by 265.8% in the second quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 1,178 shares of the companys stock valued at $64,000 after purchasing an additional 856 shares during the period. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new stake in Centene during the second quarter worth about $76,000. Intact Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in Centene during the second quarter worth about $76,000. Finally, CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new position in Centene in the second quarter valued at about $76,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.63% of the companys stock. Get Centene alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In CNC has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Cantor Fitzgerald boosted their price target on Centene from $38.00 to $41.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on Centene from $24.00 to $32.00 in a report on Friday, October 31st. Zacks Research raised Centene from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group set a $42.00 price target on Centene and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on shares of Centene from $28.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $40.38. Centene Stock Down 0.7% Shares of NYSE:CNC opened at $46.58 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The company has a market capitalization of $22.90 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.31, a P/E/G ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 0.48. Centene Corporation has a 52-week low of $25.08 and a 52-week high of $66.81. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $39.17 and its 200-day simple moving average is $34.95. Centene (NYSE:CNC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.50 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.21) by $0.71. Centene had a negative net margin of 2.85% and a positive return on equity of 7.82%. The firm had revenue of $49.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $47.50 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.62 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 18.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Centene Corporation will post 6.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Centene (Free Report) Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that specializes in providing services to government-sponsored and national health programs. The company primarily acts as a managed care organization, delivering healthcare coverage and administering benefits for Medicaid, the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare Advantage, and individual marketplace plans. Centene also contracts with federal and state agencies to manage specialty care programs and community-based services for vulnerable populations. Centenes offerings extend beyond traditional insurance to include a range of specialty and support services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Centene Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centene and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund raised its position in shares of Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL Free Report) by 34.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 189,473 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after buying an additional 48,960 shares during the quarter. Oracle accounts for 0.7% of Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest position. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Oracle were worth $53,287,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Darwin Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Oracle by 130.0% during the 3rd quarter. Darwin Wealth Management LLC now owns 115 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Oracle in the second quarter worth $28,000. Financial Consulate Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Oracle during the third quarter valued at $37,000. Kilter Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Oracle during the second quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, LGT Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Oracle during the second quarter valued at $33,000. 42.44% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Oracle alerts: Oracle Trading Up 4.8% Oracle stock opened at $198.75 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.28, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.91. The company has a market capitalization of $571.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.36, a PEG ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.65. Oracle Corporation has a one year low of $118.86 and a one year high of $345.72. The companys fifty day moving average price is $208.40 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $242.09. Oracle Dividend Announcement Oracle ( NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 10th. The enterprise software provider reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.62. The company had revenue of $16.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.19 billion. Oracle had a return on equity of 70.60% and a net margin of 25.28%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.47 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that Oracle Corporation will post 5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. Oracles dividend payout ratio is presently 37.59%. More Oracle News Here are the key news stories impacting Oracle this week: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have commented on ORCL shares. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Oracle from $355.00 to $270.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $375.00 price objective on shares of Oracle in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Oracle from $380.00 to $290.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Oracle from $246.00 to $320.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Finally, Guggenheim reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $400.00 price target on shares of Oracle in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-seven have issued a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $304.94. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Oracle Insider Activity at Oracle In other news, Director Naomi O. Seligman sold 2,223 shares of Oracle stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $196.61, for a total value of $437,064.03. Following the transaction, the director owned 25,596 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,032,429.56. This trade represents a 7.99% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Jeffrey Berg sold 49,365 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $283.02, for a total transaction of $13,971,282.30. Following the sale, the director directly owned 151,999 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $43,018,756.98. This represents a 24.52% 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 126,588 shares of company stock valued at $33,155,596. 40.90% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Oracle (Free Report) Oracle Corporation is a multinational technology company that develops and sells database software, cloud engineered systems, enterprise software applications and related services. The company is widely known for its flagship Oracle Database and a portfolio of enterprise-grade software products that support data management, application development, analytics and middleware. Over recent years Oracle has expanded its focus to include cloud infrastructure and cloud applications, positioning itself as a provider of both platform and software-as-a-service solutions for large organizations. Oracles product and service offerings include Oracle Database and the Autonomous Database, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), enterprise resource planning (ERP), human capital management (HCM) and supply chain management (SCM) cloud applications (often grouped under Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications), middleware such as WebLogic, and developer technologies including Java and MySQL. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ORCL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valmark Advisers Inc. boosted its position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report) by 16.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 19,027 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,640 shares during the period. Valmark Advisers Inc.s holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF were worth $3,609,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in RSP. Nova Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada purchased a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Tompkins Financial Corp bought a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at $32,000. Howe & Rusling Inc. lifted its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 190.8% during the first quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 189 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 124 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GoalVest Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the second quarter worth $34,000. Institutional investors own 61.18% of the companys stock. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Price Performance Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF stock opened at $197.60 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $77.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.99. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a one year low of $150.35 and a one year high of $198.07. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $190.82 and a 200-day moving average price of $188.25. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Profile Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues). The Index utilizes quarterly rebalancing to maintain its equal-weight stance. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 90% of its net assets, plus any borrowing for investment purposes, in the equity securities (and derivatives thereof) included in the Index. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RSP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund grew its stake in shares of Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE:MLM Free Report) by 31.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 6,897 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,661 shares during the quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Martin Marietta Materials were worth $4,347,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Schear Investment Advisers LLC grew its stake in shares of Martin Marietta Materials by 0.6% during the third quarter. Schear Investment Advisers LLC now owns 2,731 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,721,000 after acquiring an additional 16 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its stake in Martin Marietta Materials by 10.4% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 181 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $99,000 after purchasing an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Martin Marietta Materials by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC now owns 448 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $283,000 after purchasing an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Snowden Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Martin Marietta Materials by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Snowden Capital Advisors LLC now owns 970 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $533,000 after buying an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Personal CFO Solutions LLC boosted its stake in shares of Martin Marietta Materials by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC now owns 787 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $432,000 after buying an additional 19 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.04% of the companys stock. Get Martin Marietta Materials alerts: Martin Marietta Materials Stock Up 4.5% NYSE:MLM opened at $667.11 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.97, a quick ratio of 2.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $622.28 and a 200-day moving average of $608.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.23 billion, a PE ratio of 35.17 and a beta of 1.15. Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. has a 52 week low of $441.95 and a 52 week high of $667.66. Martin Marietta Materials Dividend Announcement Martin Marietta Materials ( NYSE:MLM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The construction company reported $5.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $6.62 by ($0.65). Martin Marietta Materials had a net margin of 17.34% and a return on equity of 11.68%. The company had revenue of $1.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.06 billion. Analysts predict that Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. will post 19.53 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were issued a $0.83 dividend. This represents a $3.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. Martin Marietta Materialss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 17.50%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on MLM shares. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Martin Marietta Materials from $637.00 to $681.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Martin Marietta Materials from $754.00 to $758.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Martin Marietta Materials in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays increased their target price on Martin Marietta Materials from $600.00 to $675.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Martin Marietta Materials from $620.00 to $610.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Martin Marietta Materials currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $668.67. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on MLM Martin Marietta Materials Profile (Free Report) Martin Marietta Materials, Inc (NYSE: MLM) is a leading producer of aggregates and heavy building materials serving the construction and infrastructure markets. The company operates quarries, sand and gravel pits, and other extraction sites to supply crushed stone, sand and gravel, and a range of value?added products for use in roads, bridges, commercial and residential construction, and other civil engineering projects. In addition to its core aggregates business, Martin Marietta manufactures and sells asphalt, ready?mixed concrete and related materials and services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Martin Marietta Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Martin Marietta Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund raised its position in Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU Free Report) by 31.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 40,254 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 9,741 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Prudential Financial were worth $4,176,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. boosted its position in shares of Prudential Financial by 12.7% during the 2nd quarter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. now owns 871 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $94,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. Summit Global Investments raised its holdings in Prudential Financial by 1.3% during the second quarter. Summit Global Investments now owns 7,609 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $817,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Thrive Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Prudential Financial by 2.6% during the second quarter. Thrive Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,007 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $430,000 after purchasing an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Woodward Diversified Capital LLC grew its holdings in Prudential Financial by 1.4% in the third quarter. Woodward Diversified Capital LLC now owns 7,662 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $795,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Pitcairn Co. increased its position in shares of Prudential Financial by 2.7% in the second quarter. Pitcairn Co. now owns 3,973 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $427,000 after buying an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 56.83% of the companys stock. Get Prudential Financial alerts: Insider Activity at Prudential Financial In other Prudential Financial news, Chairman Charles F. Lowrey sold 48,164 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.39, for a total transaction of $5,172,331.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman directly owned 165,564 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,779,917.96. The trade was a 22.54% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Caroline Feeney sold 6,555 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.28, for a total transaction of $762,215.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 22,523 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,618,974.44. This trade represents a 22.54% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 62,719 shares of company stock worth $6,796,067 in the last ninety days. 0.25% of the stock is owned by insiders. Prudential Financial Price Performance PRU opened at $118.13 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 0.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The companys 50-day moving average price is $111.00 and its 200 day moving average price is $106.90. Prudential Financial, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $90.38 and a fifty-two week high of $123.88. The firm has a market cap of $41.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 0.97. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 15th. The financial services provider reported $3.58 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $8.35 billion for the quarter. Prudential Financial had a return on equity of 16.60% and a net margin of 4.65%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Prudential Financial, Inc. will post 14.36 earnings per share for the current year. Prudential Financial Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 11th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 18th were issued a $1.35 dividend. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 18th. Prudential Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 74.18%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PRU has been the topic of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Prudential Financial from $117.00 to $118.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Prudential Financial from $120.00 to $117.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Mizuho assumed coverage on shares of Prudential Financial in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. They issued a neutral rating and a $125.00 price objective for the company. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on shares of Prudential Financial in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. They set a peer perform rating on the stock. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded Prudential Financial from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Prudential Financial currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $118.60. View Our Latest Report on Prudential Financial About Prudential Financial (Free Report) Prudential Financial, Inc, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, is a diversified financial services company with roots dating to 1875. The firm provides a range of insurance, retirement and investment products aimed at helping individual and institutional clients manage risk, accumulate and protect wealth, and plan for retirement. Prudentials long history in life insurance and related financial services has positioned it as a major participant in the U.S. insurance market and a provider of services to a broad client base. Prudentials core business activities include individual life insurance, annuities, retirement solutions and group insurance products for employers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Prudential Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prudential Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moran Wealth Management LLC cut its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) by 16.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 82,894 shares of the companys stock after selling 16,418 shares during the period. Moran Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $15,370,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of JNJ. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 7,392 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,371,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the period. Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% in the third quarter. Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,639 shares of the companys stock valued at $304,000 after buying an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Lifestyle Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.4% in the third quarter. Lifestyle Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,683 shares of the companys stock valued at $312,000 after buying an additional 56 shares during the period. Wynn Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 0.4% during the third quarter. Wynn Capital LLC now owns 15,930 shares of the companys stock worth $2,954,000 after acquiring an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Defined Financial Planning LLC raised its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.0% during the third quarter. Defined Financial Planning LLC now owns 1,926 shares of the companys stock worth $365,000 after acquiring an additional 57 shares during the period. 69.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Key Headlines Impacting Johnson & Johnson Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently weighed in on JNJ. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Johnson & Johnson from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, September 13th. Argus set a $210.00 price objective on Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Wolfe Research lifted their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $225.00 to $240.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on Johnson & Johnson from $165.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $213.33. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson Stock Down 0.6% JNJ stock opened at $204.47 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $492.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.74, a P/E/G ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 0.34. Johnson & Johnson has a twelve month low of $140.68 and a twelve month high of $215.18. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $202.87 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $184.75. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 30th. The company reported $2.26 EPS for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 32.73% and a net margin of 27.26%.The company had revenue of $24.02 billion during the quarter. Johnson & Johnson has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.800-10.900 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be given a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 24th. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 50.19%. About Johnson & Johnson (Free Report) Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world. The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JNJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd increased its stake in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 254,615 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 9,658 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltds holdings in Altria Group were worth $16,820,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MO. Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in Altria Group by 64.7% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 17,702 shares of the companys stock worth $926,000 after purchasing an additional 6,954 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth boosted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 18.0% in the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 202,587 shares of the companys stock worth $12,218,000 after buying an additional 30,860 shares during the last quarter. Modern Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 5.3% in the first quarter. Modern Wealth Management LLC now owns 17,461 shares of the companys stock worth $1,048,000 after acquiring an additional 876 shares during the period. Hodges Capital Management Inc. increased its position in Altria Group by 82.7% during the first quarter. Hodges Capital Management Inc. now owns 7,885 shares of the companys stock valued at $473,000 after acquiring an additional 3,570 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invst LLC lifted its holdings in Altria Group by 252.0% in the first quarter. Invst LLC now owns 16,188 shares of the companys stock valued at $972,000 after acquiring an additional 11,589 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Trading Up 2.9% Shares of NYSE:MO opened at $57.54 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $58.01 and a 200 day moving average of $61.49. The company has a market cap of $96.59 billion, a PE ratio of 10.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.19 and a beta of 0.47. Altria Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $50.08 and a 12-month high of $68.60. Altria Group Announces Dividend Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.45 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.01. Altria Group had a net margin of 37.89% and a negative return on equity of 319.43%. The company had revenue of $5.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.31 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.38 EPS. The firms revenue was down 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Altria Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.370-5.45 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Friday, December 26th were paid a dividend of $1.06 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.4%. Altria Groups payout ratio is 80.92%. Altria Group announced that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Thursday, October 30th that allows the company to buyback $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the company to purchase up to 1.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group raised shares of Altria Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $61.00 to $63.00 in a report on Friday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $62.56. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on MO About Altria Group (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the companys operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country. Altrias principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd grew its holdings in Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report) by 5.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 211,197 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 10,812 shares during the quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltds holdings in Truist Financial were worth $9,656,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Aspect Partners LLC grew its holdings in Truist Financial by 71.5% during the 2nd quarter. Aspect Partners LLC now owns 643 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 268 shares during the last quarter. Darwin Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Truist Financial by 631.6% during the third quarter. Darwin Wealth Management LLC now owns 695 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares in the last quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Truist Financial during the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 1,189.5% in the second quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 735 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 678 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ramirez Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 60.0% in the second quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. now owns 800 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. 71.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Truist Financial alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Truist Financial In other news, Director K. David Jr. Boyer sold 5,160 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.45, for a total value of $239,682.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 10,153 shares of the companys stock, valued at $471,606.85. The trade was a 33.70% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.17% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have issued reports on TFC shares. Raymond James Financial upped their price objective on Truist Financial from $50.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday. UBS Group set a $55.00 price target on Truist Financial in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Evercore ISI upgraded Truist Financial from a hold rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $49.00 to $58.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Truist Financial from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Truist Financial in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $52.80. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Truist Financial Truist Financial Price Performance Shares of TFC opened at $50.62 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $64.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.89. Truist Financial Corporation has a 1 year low of $33.56 and a 1 year high of $51.51. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $47.70 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $45.77. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. 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, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by $0.05. Truist Financial had a net margin of 16.84% and a return on equity of 8.73%. The business had revenue of $5.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.20 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.97 EPS. Truist Financials revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Truist Financial Corporation will post 4 earnings per share for the current year. Truist Financial declared that its board has initiated a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, December 16th that allows the company to repurchase $10.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the insurance provider to purchase up to 15.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are usually an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Truist Financial Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.1%. Truist Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 55.91%. Truist Financial Company Profile (Free Report) 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Truist Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Truist Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Parnassus Investments LLC raised its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 16.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 450,355 shares of the restaurant operators stock after buying an additional 65,218 shares during the quarter. Parnassus Investments LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $17,649,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of CMG. Operose Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the third quarter worth approximately $26,000. 1248 Management LLC purchased a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the first quarter worth approximately $27,000. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, Lavaca Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.30% of the companys stock. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Monday, January 5th. Stephens dropped their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $48.00 to $35.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $48.00 to $44.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 13th. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $40.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $44.00 to $40.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have assigned a Buy rating and thirteen have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Chipotle Mexican Grill has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $50.00. Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Performance CMG stock opened at $40.10 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $53.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.97. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 1 year low of $29.75 and a 1 year high of $59.57. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $34.57 and a 200-day simple moving average of $40.96. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.29. The firm had revenue of $3 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.06 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 45.39% and a net margin of 13.04%.During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.27 EPS. Chipotle Mexican Grills revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current year. More Chipotle Mexican Grill News Here are the key news stories impacting Chipotle Mexican Grill this week: Positive Sentiment: Telsey Advisory Group initiated coverage with an Outperform rating and a $50 price target a fresh analyst endorsement that signals confidence in Chipotles growth story and likely helped buying interest. Telsey Initiation Telsey Advisory Group initiated coverage with an rating and a $50 price target a fresh analyst endorsement that signals confidence in Chipotles growth story and likely helped buying interest. Positive Sentiment: Truist raised its price target to $50 and kept a Buy view, another firm pushing upside expectations that supports the rally. Truist PT Raise Truist raised its price target to $50 and kept a Buy view, another firm pushing upside expectations that supports the rally. Positive Sentiment: Analysts are highlighting Chipotles strong earnings?surprise history and the companys setup to beat again, which bolsters confidence ahead of future reports. Zacks Earnings Beat Thesis Analysts are highlighting Chipotles strong earnings?surprise history and the companys setup to beat again, which bolsters confidence ahead of future reports. Positive Sentiment: Product strategy: Chipotles push of higher?protein menu options aimed at GLP?1 users is being viewed by analysts as a demand catalyst and potential market share win among health?focused consumers. Benzinga High?Protein Push Product strategy: Chipotles push of higher?protein menu options aimed at GLP?1 users is being viewed by analysts as a demand catalyst and potential market share win among health?focused consumers. Positive Sentiment: Barclays and other brokers are publicly forecasting upside, adding to the positive analyst tone supporting the stock. Barclays Note Barclays and other brokers are publicly forecasting upside, adding to the positive analyst tone supporting the stock. Neutral Sentiment: Bernstein reiterated an Outperform rating but cut its price target to $40 a mixed signal that keeps medium?term conviction but reduces near?term upside. Bernstein Note Bernstein reiterated an Outperform rating but cut its price target to $40 a mixed signal that keeps medium?term conviction but reduces near?term upside. Neutral Sentiment: Mizuho nudged its target to $38 with a Neutral rating, reflecting more cautious positioning by some sell?side desks amid recent gains. Mizuho Note Mizuho nudged its target to $38 with a Neutral rating, reflecting more cautious positioning by some sell?side desks amid recent gains. Negative Sentiment: Valuation and momentum concerns: several pieces question whether the recent rebound has stretched pricing relative to fundamentals (P/E near decade lows versus past but still elevated vs. peers) this commentary can cap upside and prompt profit?taking. Yahoo: Pricing Stretched? Valuation and momentum concerns: several pieces question whether the recent rebound has stretched pricing relative to fundamentals (P/E near decade lows versus past but still elevated vs. peers) this commentary can cap upside and prompt profit?taking. Negative Sentiment: Macro/consumer risk: opinion pieces label Chipotle as a possible value trap if same?store sales weakness persists; new federal nutrition guidelines also introduce uncertainty about dining?out behavior. Fool: Value Trap Analysis CNBC: Nutrition Guidelines About Chipotle Mexican Grill (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant company known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, the chain emphasizes fresh, customizable meals made from a limited menu of core ingredients and a focus on ingredient quality. Chipotle operates primarily company-owned restaurants and offers dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery through its own digital platforms and third-party partners. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and traces its roots to Denver, Colorado. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund increased its holdings in Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL Free Report) by 32.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 27,823 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 6,770 shares during the quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Xylem were worth $4,104,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Xylem in the 2nd quarter worth $338,232,000. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. purchased a new stake in Xylem in the second quarter worth about $208,226,000. Swedbank AB raised its stake in shares of Xylem by 19.0% in the third quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 5,197,753 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $766,669,000 after buying an additional 830,821 shares during the period. Amundi lifted its position in shares of Xylem by 17.0% during the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 5,714,576 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $730,717,000 after buying an additional 830,337 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Voya Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Xylem by 544.0% during the 3rd quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 868,755 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $128,141,000 after acquiring an additional 733,860 shares during the period. 87.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Xylem alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets XYL has been the topic of several analyst reports. TD Cowen lifted their price target on shares of Xylem from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Mizuho decreased their price objective on shares of Xylem from $160.00 to $150.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Xylem from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Barclays decreased their price target on Xylem from $172.00 to $166.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Xylem in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $165.80. Insider Buying and Selling at Xylem In related news, Director Victoria D. Harker sold 1,700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $148.14, for a total transaction of $251,838.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 16,875 shares in the company, valued at $2,499,862.50. This trade represents a 9.15% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Claudia S. Toussaint sold 10,421 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $152.64, for a total transaction of $1,590,661.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 31,250 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,770,000. The trade was a 25.01% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock. Xylem Stock Performance Shares of Xylem stock opened at $139.62 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $33.99 billion, a PE ratio of 35.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a quick ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 1.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. Xylem Inc. has a 52 week low of $100.47 and a 52 week high of $154.27. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $141.08 and its 200-day simple moving average is $140.73. Xylem (NYSE:XYL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $1.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.23 by $0.14. Xylem had a net margin of 10.66% and a return on equity of 10.77%. The firm had revenue of $2.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.22 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.11 EPS. Xylems revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. Xylem has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.030-5.080 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Xylem Inc. will post 4.65 earnings per share for the current year. Xylem Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th were given a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. Xylems payout ratio is presently 41.13%. About Xylem (Free Report) Xylem Inc (NYSE: XYL) is a global water technology company that designs, manufactures and services engineered systems and equipment for the transport, treatment, testing and efficient use of water. Its product portfolio spans pumps and pumping systems, valves, filtration and disinfection equipment, sensors and analytical instruments, and digital solutions for monitoring and control of water infrastructure. Xylem serves the full water cycle with offerings for water and wastewater utilities, industrial customers, commercial and residential buildings, and agricultural applications. The company was established as an independent publicly traded company in 2011 following a corporate spin-off from ITT Corporation and is headquartered in Rye Brook, New York. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XYL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Xylem Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xylem and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Philip James Wealth Mangement LLC lowered its position in shares of Organon & Co. (NYSE:OGN Free Report) by 49.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 444,172 shares of the companys stock after selling 433,665 shares during the quarter. Philip James Wealth Mangement LLC owned approximately 0.17% of Organon & Co. worth $4,744,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Hanson & Doremus Investment Management purchased a new stake in shares of Organon & Co. during the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in Organon & Co. by 293.8% during the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,674 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 1,995 shares during the last quarter. SouthState Corp grew its holdings in shares of Organon & Co. by 1,857.0% during the second quarter. SouthState Corp now owns 3,914 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 3,714 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP raised its position in shares of Organon & Co. by 65.9% in the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 4,501 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 1,788 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ridgewood Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Organon & Co. in the second quarter valued at about $48,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.43% of the companys stock. Get Organon & Co. alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth OGN has been the subject of several research reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of Organon & Co. in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Organon & Co. from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Organon & Co. from $14.00 to $12.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Piper Sandler lowered Organon & Co. from an overweight rating to an underweight rating and set a $5.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Barclays began coverage on Organon & Co. in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. They issued an underweight rating and a $7.50 target price for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Organon & Co. presently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $8.38. Organon & Co. Trading Down 1.3% OGN opened at $8.03 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.09 billion, a PE ratio of 4.18, a P/E/G ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.58. Organon & Co. has a one year low of $6.18 and a one year high of $17.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.69, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 1.75. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $7.29 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.83. Organon & Co. (NYSE:OGN Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported $1.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.08. Organon & Co. had a return on equity of 143.47% and a net margin of 7.95%.The company had revenue of $1.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.57 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.38 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Organon & Co. will post 3.68 EPS for the current year. Organon & Co. Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 11th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 20th were issued a $0.02 dividend. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 20th. Organon & Co.s payout ratio is 4.17%. Organon & Co. Company Profile (Free Report) Organon & Co is a global healthcare company that was established as an independent, publicly traded entity following its spin-off from Merck & Co in June 2021. Headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, Organon focuses on delivering therapeutic solutions across womens health, biosimilars, and established brands. The companys creation reflected a strategic effort to concentrate on specialty pharmaceuticals and legacy products with proven patient impact. In womens health, Organon provides a broad portfolio of products addressing reproductive and gynecological conditions, including fertility treatments, contraception, and hormone replacement therapies. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Organon & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Organon & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eurofins Scient (OTCMKTS:ERFSF Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Hold from the eight research firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Eurofins Scient in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Eurofins Scient in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, BNP Paribas upgraded Eurofins Scient to an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Get Eurofins Scient alerts: View Our Latest Report on ERFSF Eurofins Scient Price Performance About Eurofins Scient Shares of ERFSF opened at $80.77 on Friday. Eurofins Scient has a twelve month low of $46.37 and a twelve month high of $83.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a current ratio of 1.26. The firms 50-day moving average is $70.86 and its two-hundred day moving average is $73.17. (Get Free Report) 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eurofins Scient Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eurofins Scient and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Agilon Health, Inc. (NYSE:AGL Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Hold from the eighteen brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $2.7083. AGL has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. BTIG Research reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Agilon Health in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of Agilon Health from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Agilon Health from $1.50 to $1.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (e+) rating on shares of Agilon Health in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Agilon Health from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Get Agilon Health alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Agilon Health Key Stories Impacting Agilon Health Hedge Funds Weigh In On Agilon Health Here are the key news stories impacting Agilon Health this week: A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of AGL. Amundi boosted its position in Agilon Health by 49.2% during the first quarter. Amundi now owns 1,484,709 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,939,000 after buying an additional 489,414 shares during the period. Caxton Associates LLP purchased a new position in shares of Agilon Health in the first quarter worth about $1,529,000. Signaturefd LLC lifted its stake in shares of Agilon Health by 65.1% in the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 30,479 shares of the companys stock valued at $70,000 after acquiring an additional 12,018 shares during the last quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. boosted its holdings in Agilon Health by 1,028.9% during the 2nd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 789,703 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,816,000 after acquiring an additional 719,751 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Agilon Health by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 7,156,466 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,462,000 after acquiring an additional 178,477 shares during the period. Agilon Health Stock Performance Shares of AGL stock opened at $0.99 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $410.43 million, a PE ratio of -1.32 and a beta of 0.05. Agilon Health has a 52-week low of $0.51 and a 52-week high of $6.08. The businesss fifty day moving average is $0.68 and its 200 day moving average is $1.16. Agilon Health (NYSE:AGL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported ($0.27) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.18) by ($0.09). Agilon Health had a negative return on equity of 75.92% and a negative net margin of 5.24%.The business had revenue of $1.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.43 billion. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Agilon Health will post -0.59 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Agilon Health (Get Free Report) Agilon Health (NYSE: AGL) is a healthcare company that partners with independent primary care physicians to deliver value-based care for Medicare beneficiaries. Through risk-sharing arrangements, Agilon assumes financial responsibility for patient populations, enabling physicians to focus on preventive and proactive health management. The company provides the administrative, clinical and operational infrastructure needed to support comprehensive care delivery. Agilons platform encompasses data analytics, care management, patient engagement tools and population health programs. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Agilon Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agilon Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Forum Financial Management LP lifted its holdings in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 47.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 117,904 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 37,820 shares during the quarter. Forum Financial Management LPs holdings in Pfizer were worth $3,004,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Curio Wealth LLC grew its holdings in Pfizer by 36,600.0% during the 2nd quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 1,101 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 1,098 shares during the period. Bayforest Capital Ltd bought a new position in shares of Pfizer in the 1st quarter worth $28,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter worth $29,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new stake in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Darwin Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at about $32,000. 68.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have issued reports on PFE shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Scotiabank began coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They set a sector outperform rating and a $30.00 price objective on the stock. UBS Group began coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Tuesday. They issued a neutral rating and a $25.00 target price for the company. BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, December 30th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $27.88. Trending Headlines about Pfizer Here are the key news stories impacting Pfizer this week: Pfizer Trading Up 0.7% Shares of NYSE:PFE opened at $25.48 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $144.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.81 and a beta of 0.47. Pfizer Inc. has a 12 month low of $20.92 and a 12 month high of $27.69. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $25.26 and its 200 day simple moving average is $24.95. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.08. Pfizer had a net margin of 15.65% and a return on equity of 20.17%. The firm had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.94 billion. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd will be given a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 100.00%. Pfizer Profile (Free Report) 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trilogy Capital Inc. lowered its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (NYSEARCA:SPHQ Free Report) by 37.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 107,136 shares of the companys stock after selling 63,870 shares during the period. Trilogy Capital Inc. owned about 0.05% of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF worth $7,852,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in SPHQ. Berkshire Money Management Inc. bought a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky bought a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. Bogart Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF by 19.2% in the 2nd quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 964 shares of the companys stock worth $69,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares during the period. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $72,000. Finally, Adirondack Trust Co. bought a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $77,000. Get Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Stock Up 1.2% Shares of NYSEARCA:SPHQ opened at $77.35 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $15.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.36 and a beta of 0.92. Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF has a 52 week low of $57.67 and a 52 week high of $77.46. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $74.77 and a 200 day moving average of $73.31. Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Profile The Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large-cap stocks selected by return on equity, changes in net operating assets and financial leverage. Stocks are weighted by these quality factors, scaled by market cap. SPHQ was launched on Dec 6, 2005 and is managed by Invesco. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nationwide Fund Advisors lowered its stake in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:IEMG Free Report) by 8.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,196,747 shares of the companys stock after selling 303,122 shares during the quarter. iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF comprises about 11.6% of Nationwide Fund Advisors portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. Nationwide Fund Advisors holdings in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF were worth $210,730,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. S.A. Mason LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $44,000. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Kentucky Trust Co increased its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 68.8% during the second quarter. Kentucky Trust Co now owns 908 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,000 after acquiring an additional 370 shares during the period. Painted Porch Advisors LLC bought a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $61,000. Finally, MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the second quarter worth approximately $62,000. Get iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA IEMG opened at $70.04 on Friday. iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a 1 year low of $47.29 and a 1 year high of $70.38. The firm has a market cap of $126.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.65 and a beta of 0.65. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $67.37 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $64.81. 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:IEMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eighteen research firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $31.7333. MOS has been the subject of several analyst reports. UBS Group decreased their price objective on Mosaic from $40.00 to $38.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. HSBC decreased their price target on Mosaic from $35.00 to $26.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on Mosaic in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. They set an equal weight rating and a $28.00 price objective on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on Mosaic from $37.00 to $33.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Mosaic from $35.00 to $31.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Get Mosaic alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Mosaic Mosaic Price Performance NYSE MOS opened at $25.96 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $24.72 and its 200-day moving average is $30.53. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The company has a market capitalization of $8.24 billion, a PE ratio of 6.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 0.94. Mosaic has a 12-month low of $22.36 and a 12-month high of $38.23. Mosaic (NYSE:MOS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The basic materials company reported $1.04 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.01. Mosaic had a net margin of 10.33% and a return on equity of 6.46%. The business had revenue of $3.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.87 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.34 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 22.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Mosaic will post 2.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Mosaic Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 9th will be issued a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 9th. Mosaics dividend payout ratio is presently 22.80%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mosaic Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Mosaic by 0.4% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 38,661,647 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,340,786,000 after buying an additional 160,953 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its stake in Mosaic by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 13,056,284 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $476,293,000 after acquiring an additional 251,496 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in Mosaic by 11.4% during the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 12,576,151 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $436,140,000 after purchasing an additional 1,285,883 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its position in Mosaic by 3.7% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 9,186,429 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $318,585,000 after purchasing an additional 331,739 shares during the period. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Mosaic by 632.6% during the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 8,447,324 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $291,348,000 after purchasing an additional 7,294,205 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.54% of the companys stock. Mosaic Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mosaic Co is one of the worlds leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. The companys primary business activities center on the extraction, processing and distribution of phosphate rock, phosphate-based fertilizers and potash products. These core nutrients are essential components in modern agriculture, supporting crop yields and soil health across a range of farming applications. In its phosphate segment, Mosaic operates mining and production facilities that convert phosphate rock into concentrated phosphates, finished phosphate fertilizers and feed phosphates for animal nutrition. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Mosaic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mosaic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deltec Asset Management LLC reduced its position in Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report) by 14.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 180,708 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after selling 29,450 shares during the quarter. Uber Technologies comprises approximately 2.9% of Deltec Asset Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest holding. Deltec Asset Management LLCs holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $17,704,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Kilter Group LLC acquired a new position in Uber Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Westend Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Uber Technologies in the third quarter worth about $27,000. West Oak Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Uber Technologies in the second quarter worth about $28,000. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH purchased a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies during the second quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Nova Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 41.0% during the first quarter. Nova Wealth Management Inc. now owns 430 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. 80.24% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Key Stories Impacting Uber Technologies Here are the key news stories impacting Uber Technologies this week: Uber Technologies Trading Down 2.4% NYSE UBER opened at $85.46 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $86.55 and a 200 day moving average of $91.35. The company has a market capitalization of $177.58 billion, a PE ratio of 10.98 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 1.15. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $60.63 and a 1 year high of $101.99. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) last released 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. The business had revenue of $13.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.25 billion. Uber Technologies had a return on equity of 68.17% and a net margin of 33.54%.The companys revenue was up 20.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.20 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 2.54 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Tony West sold 3,125 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction 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 completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 175,423 shares in the company, valued at $14,096,992.28. The trade was a 1.75% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah sold 5,500 shares of the stock in a transaction 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 sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 20,330 shares in the company, valued at $1,919,355.30. This trade represents a 21.29% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 14,875 shares of company stock valued at $1,348,818 over the last three months. 3.84% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently commented on UBER shares. Melius Research set a $73.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. DA Davidson raised their price target on shares of Uber Technologies from $102.00 to $108.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Piper Sandler set a $107.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Susquehanna reissued a positive rating and issued a $110.00 target price on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-one have given a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $107.14. Get Our Latest Report on Uber Technologies About Uber Technologies (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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UBER? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System lowered its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 1.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,310,281 shares of the companys stock after selling 18,134 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned 0.08% of Philip Morris International worth $212,528,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. WCM Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Philip Morris International by 24,968.0% during the 2nd quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 11,275,606 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,041,223,000 after acquiring an additional 11,230,626 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.6% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 142,857,055 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,018,555,000 after purchasing an additional 2,235,380 shares during the period. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 69.0% during the second quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 4,512,311 shares of the companys stock worth $821,826,000 after purchasing an additional 1,842,754 shares during the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 88.9% during the second quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 2,138,118 shares of the companys stock worth $389,415,000 after purchasing an additional 1,006,014 shares during the period. Finally, Panagora Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Philip Morris International by 142.2% in the 2nd quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,512,514 shares of the companys stock valued at $275,474,000 after buying an additional 888,148 shares during the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have commented on PM. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wall Street Zen downgraded Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Barclays dropped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 17th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Philip Morris International has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $189.00. Philip Morris International Stock Performance PM opened at $162.61 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $253.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.46, a PEG ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 0.40. Philip Morris International Inc. has a one year low of $116.12 and a one year high of $186.69. The businesss fifty day moving average is $155.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is $162.13. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. The business had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. On average, analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be paid a dividend of $1.47 per share. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 26th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 106.52%. Philip Morris International 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System trimmed its holdings in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 2.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,528,812 shares of the companys stock after selling 31,360 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned approximately 0.08% of Citigroup worth $155,174,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Citigroup by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 165,851,890 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,117,313,000 after purchasing an additional 1,148,451 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Citigroup by 1.0% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 42,957,190 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,645,084,000 after acquiring an additional 411,894 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its stake in Citigroup by 2.2% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 32,290,532 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,748,571,000 after acquiring an additional 679,967 shares in the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Citigroup by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 32,161,457 shares of the companys stock worth $2,737,583,000 after acquiring an additional 988,152 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Citigroup in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,455,929,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.72% of the companys stock. Get Citigroup alerts: Citigroup Stock Performance NYSE:C opened at $121.33 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $217.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.04, a PEG ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.18. The business has a 50 day moving average of $109.15 and a 200 day moving average of $100.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62, a current ratio of 0.99 and a quick ratio of 0.99. Citigroup Inc. has a 1-year low of $55.51 and a 1-year high of $124.17. Citigroup Dividend Announcement Citigroup ( NYSE:C Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The company reported $2.24 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.89 by $0.35. The business had revenue of $22.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.92 billion. Citigroup had a net margin of 8.73% and a return on equity of 7.91%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.51 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 3rd were paid a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 3rd. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. Citigroups payout ratio is currently 33.71%. Citigroup News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently weighed in on C shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Citigroup in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating on shares of Citigroup in a research report on Friday. Bank of America raised their price target on Citigroup from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of Citigroup in a report on Wednesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Citigroup from $113.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Fourteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Citigroup currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $118.94. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Citigroup Citigroup Profile (Free Report) Citigroup Inc is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City with roots tracing back to the City Bank of New York, founded in 1812. The modern Citigroup was created through the 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group and has since operated as a diversified bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments and institutions worldwide. Citis principal businesses include retail and commercial banking, credit card and consumer lending products, wealth management and private banking, and a full suite of institutional services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IRON Financial LLC lowered its stake in shares of Hartford Total Return Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:HTRB Free Report) by 11.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 273,779 shares of the companys stock after selling 35,565 shares during the period. Hartford Total Return Bond ETF makes up 4.5% of IRON Financial LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 6th biggest position. IRON Financial LLC owned approximately 0.46% of Hartford Total Return Bond ETF worth $9,388,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Hartford Funds Management Co LLC boosted its stake in Hartford Total Return Bond ETF by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Hartford Funds Management Co LLC now owns 13,845,655 shares of the companys stock worth $468,952,000 after acquiring an additional 203,270 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its holdings in Hartford Total Return Bond ETF by 116.7% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 2,144,802 shares of the companys stock worth $72,644,000 after purchasing an additional 1,155,083 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of Hartford Total Return Bond ETF by 5.1% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,774,144 shares of the companys stock worth $60,090,000 after purchasing an additional 85,463 shares in the last quarter. Mountain Capital Investment Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Hartford Total Return Bond ETF by 12.1% in the 2nd quarter. Mountain Capital Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 1,103,642 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,369,000 after buying an additional 119,563 shares during the period. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans acquired a new position in shares of Hartford Total Return Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $34,915,000. Get Hartford Total Return Bond ETF alerts: Hartford Total Return Bond ETF Stock Up 0.2% Shares of Hartford Total Return Bond ETF stock opened at $34.24 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $34.36 and its 200 day simple moving average is $34.21. Hartford Total Return Bond ETF has a 12 month low of $32.88 and a 12 month high of $34.82. About Hartford Total Return Bond ETF The Hartford Total Return Bond ETF (HTRB) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond index. The fund is an actively managed fund that invests in a wide array of global fixed income instruments considered attractive from a total-return perspective, with current income as a secondary goal. HTRB was launched on Sep 27, 2017 and is managed by Hartford. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hartford Total Return Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hartford Total Return Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System decreased its stake in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report) by 4.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 817,776 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 41,955 shares during the quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned about 0.07% of TJX Companies worth $118,201,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Valley National Advisers Inc. grew its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 2.3% during the third quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. now owns 3,271 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $472,000 after buying an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Webster Bank N. A. lifted its position in shares of TJX Companies by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. Webster Bank N. A. now owns 4,574 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $661,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the period. Ignite Planners LLC raised its stake in TJX Companies by 3.8% in the second quarter. Ignite Planners LLC now owns 2,130 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $260,000 after buying an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Banco de Sabadell S.A increased its holdings in shares of TJX Companies by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Banco de Sabadell S.A now owns 20,951 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $2,587,000 after acquiring an additional 77 shares during the period. Finally, Carr Financial Group Corp lifted its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. Carr Financial Group Corp now owns 3,180 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $460,000 after purchasing an additional 77 shares during the last quarter. 91.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get TJX Companies alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 24,363 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.31, for a total transaction of $3,686,365.53. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 510,780 shares in the company, valued at $77,286,121.80. The trade was a 4.55% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Amy B. Lane sold 500 shares of TJX Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.40, for a total value of $75,700.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 22,212 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,362,896.80. The trade was a 2.20% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 54,863 shares of company stock valued at $8,226,366 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms recently commented on TJX. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and set a $170.00 target price on shares of TJX Companies in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $150.00 to $168.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $150.00 to $154.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and set a $162.00 price objective (up from $159.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-four have assigned a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $163.86. Read Our Latest Research Report on TJX Companies TJX Companies Stock Down 0.2% TJX stock opened at $157.88 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $175.32 billion, a PE ratio of 34.85, a P/E/G ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 0.75. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $112.10 and a one year high of $159.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 1.09. The firms fifty day moving average is $151.67 and its 200 day moving average is $140.67. TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $15.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.80 billion. TJX Companies had a return on equity of 58.30% and a net margin of 8.68%.The businesss revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.14 EPS. TJX Companies has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.330-1.360 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 4.630-4.660 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 EPS for the current year. TJX Companies Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 5th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 12th will be paid a $0.425 dividend. This represents a $1.70 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 12th. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio is currently 37.53%. TJX Companies Profile (Free Report) TJX Companies, Inc is a leading off-price retailer of apparel, footwear, home fashions and other consumer goods. The company operates multiple retail concepts that offer discounted brand-name and designer merchandise, including well-known banners such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls in the United States, HomeGoods for home furnishings, TK Maxx in parts of Europe, and Winners and Homesense in Canada. Merchandise categories span womens, mens and childrens apparel, accessories, beauty, home decor, kitchenware and small furniture, with frequent changes in assortment that create a treasure-hunt shopping experience for consumers. The companys business model centers on opportunistic buying, purchasing excess, irregular or out-of-season inventory from manufacturers, department stores and other suppliers, and passing savings to customers through lower prices. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TJX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TJX Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TJX Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System decreased its holdings in shares of Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET Free Report) by 0.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 835,613 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 5,157 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned about 0.07% of Arista Networks worth $121,757,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Warwick Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in Arista Networks during the third quarter worth $239,000. Solidarity Wealth LLC increased its position in shares of Arista Networks by 2.1% during the 3rd quarter. Solidarity Wealth LLC now owns 3,861 shares of the technology companys stock worth $563,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Trilogy Capital Inc. increased its position in shares of Arista Networks by 7.8% during the 3rd quarter. Trilogy Capital Inc. now owns 37,018 shares of the technology companys stock worth $5,394,000 after purchasing an additional 2,681 shares in the last quarter. Hemington Wealth Management lifted its holdings in Arista Networks by 18.1% during the 3rd quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 542 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $78,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Philip James Wealth Mangement LLC acquired a new position in Arista Networks in the third quarter valued at about $383,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.47% of the companys stock. Get Arista Networks alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. BNP Paribas Exane raised shares of Arista Networks from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $172.00 price objective for the company in a report on Thursday, September 25th. Rosenblatt Securities restated a neutral rating and set a $140.00 price target on shares of Arista Networks in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Arista Networks from $171.00 to $159.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Barclays reissued an overweight rating and issued a $183.00 price objective (up previously from $179.00) on shares of Arista Networks in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Zacks Research cut Arista Networks from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Eighteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Arista Networks presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $164.44. Arista Networks Stock Performance NYSE ANET opened at $123.05 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $154.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 46.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 1.41. Arista Networks, Inc. has a 52 week low of $59.43 and a 52 week high of $164.94. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $130.43 and a 200-day moving average of $131.91. Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.03. Arista Networks had a net margin of 39.73% and a return on equity of 30.28%. The company had revenue of $2.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.26 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.40 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 27.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 2.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Arista Networks In other news, CEO Jayshree Ullal sold 24,042 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $124.55, for a total transaction of $2,994,431.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 9,917 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,235,162.35. The trade was a 70.80% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Kenneth Duda sold 30,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $123.16, for a total value of $3,694,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 12,976 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,598,124.16. This trade represents a 69.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 216,464 shares of company stock worth $28,488,988 in the last three months. Insiders own 3.39% of the companys stock. Arista Networks Company Profile (Free Report) 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ANET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Arista Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arista Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System lessened its position in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 0.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 5,377,691 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 43,099 shares during the period. Bank of America makes up 0.5% of New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings, making the stock its 25th largest position. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned about 0.07% of Bank of America worth $277,435,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Nova Wealth Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 75.2% in the 2nd quarter. Nova Wealth Management Inc. now owns 529 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 227 shares in the last quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Bank of America by 246.5% in the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 523 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 880 shares during the last quarter. RMG Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Bank of America in the second quarter valued at $28,000. Steph & Co. lifted its position in shares of Bank of America by 224.3% during the 3rd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 548 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 379 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CGC Financial Services LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 585.4% during the 2nd quarter. CGC Financial Services LLC now owns 610 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 521 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.71% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have recently commented on BAC. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Bank of America from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Truist Financial upped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $58.00 to $62.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Phillip Securities lifted their target price on shares of Bank of America from $50.00 to $56.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Bank of America from $59.00 to $71.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective 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. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $59.82. Key Headlines Impacting Bank of America Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: Bank of America Trading Down 0.7% NYSE BAC opened at $55.81 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $407.52 billion, a PE ratio of 15.21 and a beta of 1.29. Bank of America Corporation has a 1-year low of $33.06 and a 1-year high of $57.55. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $54.14 and its 200-day simple moving average is $51.01. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $5.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27.05 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 10.76% and a net margin of 15.70%.The businesss revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.81 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bank of America Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed 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 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.52%. About Bank of America (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 Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE:FNB Get Free Report) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $16.15 and traded as high as $17.80. F.N.B. shares last traded at $17.5550, with a volume of 4,927,019 shares changing hands. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Piper Sandler began coverage on shares of F.N.B. in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. They set an overweight rating and a $19.00 target price on the stock. DA Davidson lowered shares of F.N.B. from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Truist Financial upped their price objective on F.N.B. from $18.00 to $18.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of F.N.B. in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, F.N.B. currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $19.00. Get F.N.B. alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on F.N.B. F.N.B. Price Performance The stock has a market cap of $6.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.63, a P/E/G ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a current ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The companys fifty day moving average is $16.82 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.16. F.N.B. (NYSE:FNB Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 20th. The bank reported $0.40 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $419.30 million during the quarter. F.N.B. had a return on equity of 8.22% and a net margin of 19.23%. As a group, research analysts predict that F.N.B. Corporation will post 1.45 earnings per share for the current year. F.N.B. Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. F.N.B.s dividend payout ratio is currently 34.53%. Insider Buying and Selling In other F.N.B. news, insider James L. Dutey sold 40,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.75, for a total value of $670,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 49,936 shares in the company, valued at $836,428. The trade was a 44.48% 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. Also, insider Gary L. Guerrieri sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.67, for a total value of $265,050.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 279,883 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,945,532.61. The trade was a 5.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 1.37% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On F.N.B. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of FNB. Congress Asset Management Co. lifted its holdings in F.N.B. by 2.6% during the 4th quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. now owns 466,393 shares of the banks stock worth $7,975,000 after buying an additional 11,841 shares during the last quarter. Park National Corp OH acquired a new stake in shares of F.N.B. during the 4th quarter worth about $188,000. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its position in shares of F.N.B. by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 15,745 shares of the banks stock worth $269,000 after acquiring an additional 649 shares in the last quarter. Triumph Capital Management purchased a new stake in F.N.B. during the third quarter worth approximately $55,000. Finally, Danske Bank A S purchased a new position in F.N.B. in the third quarter valued at approximately $85,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.25% of the companys stock. F.N.B. Company Profile (Get Free Report) F.N.B. Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Through its principal subsidiary, FNB Bank, the company provides a broad range of commercial and consumer financial services. Founded in 1864 as the First National Bank of Pennsylvania, F.N.B. has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions to become a regional banking franchise. The companys main business activities include traditional deposit-taking and lending services, such as checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lines of credit, and consumer and commercial loans. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for F.N.B. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for F.N.B. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE:CBU Get Free Report) shares crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $57.81 and traded as high as $61.78. Community Financial System shares last traded at $61.3070, with a volume of 189,450 shares traded. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages recently issued reports on CBU. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Community Financial System in a report on Monday, December 29th. Piper Sandler assumed coverage on Community Financial System in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $62.00 price target for the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reissued a market perform rating and issued a $66.00 price objective (down previously from $67.00) on shares of Community Financial System in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Community Financial System from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, December 27th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Community Financial System currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $64.00. Get Community Financial System alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Community Financial System Community Financial System Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.76. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $58.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $57.82. The company has a market capitalization of $3.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.80 and a beta of 0.79. Community Financial System (NYSE:CBU Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The bank reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.06. Community Financial System had a net margin of 20.72% and a return on equity of 11.09%. The business had revenue of $206.82 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $206.85 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.88 earnings per share. Community Financial Systems revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that Community Financial System, Inc. will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Community Financial System Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 12th. Investors of record on Friday, December 12th will be given a $0.47 dividend. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 12th. Community Financial Systems dividend payout ratio is 48.45%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Community Financial System Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Community Financial System by 177.0% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 781 shares of the banks stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 499 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC raised its holdings in shares of Community Financial System by 56.1% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 899 shares of the banks stock valued at $53,000 after buying an additional 323 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its position in Community Financial System by 841.6% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,403 shares of the banks stock worth $80,000 after buying an additional 1,254 shares in the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC increased its position in Community Financial System by 14.9% in the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 1,456 shares of the banks stock valued at $86,000 after acquiring an additional 189 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd raised its stake in shares of Community Financial System by 110.7% in the third quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,479 shares of the banks stock worth $87,000 after acquiring an additional 777 shares during the last quarter. 73.79% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Community Financial System Company Profile (Get Free Report) Community Financial System (NYSE: CBU) is the bank holding company for Community Bank, National Association, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in DeWitt, New York. Through its principal subsidiary, the company offers a range of banking and financial services designed to meet the needs of both consumer and business clients. Its organizational structure centers on community-based banking operations supported by centralized technology, risk management and administrative functions. The companys product offerings include deposit accounts, residential and commercial mortgage loans, commercial and consumer lending, treasury and cash management services, and electronic banking. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Community Financial System Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Financial System and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Reaves Utility Income Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:UTG Get Free Report) passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $37.73 and traded as low as $36.58. Reaves Utility Income Fund shares last traded at $36.58, with a volume of 389,884 shares. Reaves Utility Income Fund Stock Up 0.6% The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $37.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of $37.74. Get Reaves Utility Income Fund alerts: Reaves Utility Income Fund Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 18th will be given a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 18th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 6.6%. Insider Buying and Selling Hedge Funds Weigh In On Reaves Utility Income Fund In other Reaves Utility Income Fund news, insider Joseph Burns Rhame III acquired 2,700 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 23rd. The shares were purchased at an average price of $37.80 per share, for a total transaction of $102,060.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider owned 13,559 shares in the company, valued at approximately $512,530.20. This represents a 24.86% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Quest 10 Wealth Builders Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Reaves Utility Income Fund in the third quarter valued at about $27,000. Caldwell Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of Reaves Utility Income Fund in the second quarter valued at $30,000. American National Bank & Trust bought a new position in shares of Reaves Utility Income Fund during the 3rd quarter worth $34,000. CX Institutional purchased a new stake in Reaves Utility Income Fund in the 3rd quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, AdvisorNet Financial Inc raised its stake in Reaves Utility Income Fund by 73.9% in the 2nd quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 1,461 shares of the closed-end funds stock valued at $53,000 after acquiring an additional 621 shares during the period. About Reaves Utility Income Fund (Get Free Report) Reaves Utility Income Fund (NYSE American: UTG) is a closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust. Since commencing operations in 1994, the funds primary objective has been to provide its shareholders with a high level of current income and the potential for capital appreciation. It does so by investing in a diversified portfolio of income-producing securities within the utilities sector. The fund typically allocates its assets across common stocks, preferred stocks, corporate debt securities, convertible securities, rights, warrants and depositary receipts of regulated utility companies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Reaves Utility Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reaves Utility Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. VR Resources Ltd. (CVE:VRR Get Free Report)s share price rose 33.3% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02. Approximately 4,068,259 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 394% from the average daily volume of 824,070 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.02. VR Resources News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting VR Resources this week: Get VR Resources alerts: Positive Sentiment: Company upsized a brokered private placement to US$2.75 million, led by a placement agent, and positioned it ahead of a planned share consolidation this provides near?term funding for exploration/operations and may support the share?count restructuring. VR Resources Upsizes Brokered Private Placement to $2.75 Million Ahead of Share Consolidation Company upsized a brokered private placement to US$2.75 million, led by a placement agent, and positioned it ahead of a planned share consolidation this provides near?term funding for exploration/operations and may support the share?count restructuring. Positive Sentiment: Heavy media coverage (multiple headlines noting a sharp intraday rise) has drawn attention from traders and retail investors, contributing to elevated volume and the price increase. VR Resources (CVE:VRR) Stock Price Up 33.3% Heres Why Heavy media coverage (multiple headlines noting a sharp intraday rise) has drawn attention from traders and retail investors, contributing to elevated volume and the price increase. Neutral Sentiment: Trading metrics show a large spike in volume versus the average and the stock is near its 50? and 200?day simple moving averages technicals could keep activity elevated but dont yet indicate a sustained trend. Trading metrics show a large spike in volume versus the average and the stock is near its 50? and 200?day simple moving averages technicals could keep activity elevated but dont yet indicate a sustained trend. Negative Sentiment: Small market cap, very low share price and negative earnings (PE negative) imply high risk and volatility; the private placement and any share consolidation can still result in dilution or unpredictable post?deal trading behavior for existing shareholders. VR Resources Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of C$2.67 million, a P/E ratio of -2.00 and a beta of -1.29. The companys 50 day moving average price is C$0.02 and its 200 day moving average price is C$0.02. VR Resources Company Profile VR Resources Ltd., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, evaluation, and exploration of mineral exploration properties in the United States and Canada. It primarily explores for rare earth metals, copper, silver, gold, and diamond deposits. The company's principal properties include 100% owned Northway property consisting of 284 claims; and Hecla-Kilmer REE critical metals comprising 224 mineral claims in one contiguous block covering an area of 4,618 hectares located in northern Ontario, Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for VR Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VR Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 compare to its competitors? We will compare CoastalSouth Bancshares to related companies based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, institutional ownership, valuation, risk and earnings. Profitability This table compares CoastalSouth Bancshares and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get CoastalSouth Bancshares alerts: 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% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current recommendations for CoastalSouth Bancshares and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CoastalSouth Bancshares 0 1 1 0 2.50 CoastalSouth Bancshares Competitors 29 167 197 19 2.50 Insider and Institutional Ownership As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 5.58%. Given CoastalSouth Bancshares competitors higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe CoastalSouth Bancshares has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. 72.2% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are owned by institutional investors. 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, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation This table compares CoastalSouth Bancshares and its competitors revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio CoastalSouth Bancshares N/A N/A 20.85 CoastalSouth Bancshares Competitors $610.10 million $95.99 million 39.72 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. Summary CoastalSouth Bancshares competitors beat CoastalSouth Bancshares on 9 of the 10 factors compared. About CoastalSouth Bancshares (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. Receive News & Ratings for CoastalSouth Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CoastalSouth Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Petroteq Energy (OTCMKTS:PQEFF Get Free Report) and SandRidge Energy (NYSE:SD Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, dividends, analyst recommendations and risk. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Petroteq Energy and SandRidge Energys top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Petroteq Energy alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Petroteq Energy N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A SandRidge Energy $125.29 million 4.02 $62.99 million $1.78 7.70 Analyst Ratings SandRidge Energy has higher revenue and earnings than Petroteq Energy. This is a summary of current ratings for Petroteq Energy and SandRidge Energy, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Petroteq Energy 0 0 0 0 0.00 SandRidge Energy 0 1 0 0 2.00 Risk & Volatility Petroteq Energy has a beta of 407.95, suggesting that its share price is 40,695% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, SandRidge Energy has a beta of 0.52, suggesting that its share price is 48% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Petroteq Energy and SandRidge Energys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Petroteq Energy N/A N/A N/A SandRidge Energy 42.42% 11.58% 9.19% Institutional & Insider Ownership 0.0% of Petroteq Energy shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 61.8% of SandRidge Energy shares are held by institutional investors. 0.9% of Petroteq Energy shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.5% of SandRidge Energy shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary SandRidge Energy beats Petroteq Energy on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Petroteq Energy (Get Free Report) Petroteq Energy Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the oil sands mining and processing operations in the United States. It holds rights to mine, extract, and produce oil and associated hydrocarbons and minerals from oil sands containing heavy oil and bitumen under mineral leases covering approximately 1,671,91 acres in the Asphalt Ridge area of Utah, including 320 acres held under the TMC Mineral Lease and an additional 1,351.91 acres held under three Temple Mountain State of Utah's School and Institutional Trust Land Administration Leases. The company also operates rights under five leases covering lands consisting of approximately 5,960 acres situated in Uintah, Wayne, and Garfield Counties, Utah. In addition, it is developing a blockchain-powered supply chain management platform for the oil and gas industry. The company was formerly known as MCW Energy Group Limited and changed its name to Petroteq Energy Inc. in May 2017. Petroteq Energy Inc. was founded in 2010 and is based in Sherman Oaks, California. About SandRidge Energy (Get Free Report) SandRidge Energy, Inc. engages in the acquisition, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States Mid-Continent. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Receive News & Ratings for Petroteq Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Petroteq Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Klarna Group (NYSE:KLAR Get Free Report) is one of 253 public companies in the INTERNET SOFTWARE industry, but how does it compare to its peers? We will compare Klarna Group to similar businesses based on the strength of its earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability and risk. Insider and Institutional Ownership 60.4% of shares of all INTERNET SOFTWARE companies are held by institutional investors. 17.4% of shares of all INTERNET SOFTWARE companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get Klarna Group alerts: Earnings and Valuation This table compares Klarna Group and its peers revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Klarna Group $2.81 billion $9.00 million -48.36 Klarna Group Competitors $2.26 billion $341.17 million -29.89 Analyst Ratings Klarna Group has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its peers. Klarna Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Klarna Group and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Klarna Group 1 8 11 0 2.50 Klarna Group Competitors 2338 11016 21330 619 2.57 Klarna Group currently has a consensus price target of $46.60, suggesting a potential upside of 48.23%. As a group, INTERNET SOFTWARE companies have a potential upside of 31.38%. Given Klarna Groups higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Klarna Group is more favorable than its peers. Profitability This table compares Klarna Group and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Klarna Group -6.98% -8.55% -1.20% Klarna Group Competitors -223.10% -18.01% -6.18% Summary Klarna Group peers beat Klarna Group on 7 of the 12 factors compared. About Klarna Group (Get Free Report) Our mission is to reimagine how consumers spend and save in their daily lives. We help people save time, money and put them in control of their finances. Our vision is a world where Klarna empowers everyone, everywhere, through seamless commerce experiences-as a personalized, trusted assistant making financial empowerment effortless. We are a technology company building the next-generation commerce network. We have built one of the largest commerce networks in the world, measured by the number of consumers and merchants, serving approximately 111 million active Klarna consumers and approximately 790,000 merchants in 26 countries as of June 30, 2025, and facilitating $112 billion of GMV in the last twelve months ended June 30, 2025. Our flexible and personalized products, trusted consumer brand, global distribution and proprietary scalable infrastructure are the foundations enabling us to become our consumers everyday spending and saving partner, available everywhere and for everything. Through our history, we have consistently innovated and challenged the status quo, evolving our network from a consumer-focused payments tool to a global commerce network that enables merchant success. Klarna was built to address the manifold pain points in commerce today, including inefficiency, lack of trust, prevalence of fraud, impersonal relationships between consumers and merchants and high interest and credit-related fees that are harmful to consumers, merchants and society at large. We began by pioneering a new approach to online payments, designed to bridge uncertainty in the transactions between consumers and merchants by providing short-term flexible credit that is predominantly interest-free and accelerating growth for merchants. Our approach leverages differentiated underwriting capabilities, utilizes bank deposits and other low-cost funding sources and is monetized primarily by driving increased GMV for merchants on our network rather than from only charging interest to consumers. In the last twelve months ended June 30, 2025, 98% of transactions conducted on our network were interest-free. This results in lower fees, which we believe drives consumers and, in turn, our merchants, to shift more of their commerce activity onto our network, aligning the financial success of our consumers and merchants with our long-term ambition of durable growth. We have also built a unique advertising solution, connecting engaged consumers to advertisers in a personalized, commerce-centric environment. Consumers come to Klarna to pay flexibly and securely, to find goods, services and experiences that are relevant to them, and to manage their purchases and savings, all in a trusted environment. We designed our network to provide consumers with more control and flexibility over their payments, to save them time and money and to effortlessly put them in control of their finances. This allows us to become an important growth partner for merchants of all sizes, enabling them to grow their businesses and acquire new customers, convert more transactions with higher AOVs and retain customers with increased loyalty, all while establishing and fostering personal relationships with their customers. Just as card networks revolutionized the way merchants and consumers received and made payments decades ago, we have created a new type of network built upon fairness, sustainability and innovation, while removing intermediaries, complexity and fees along the way. We accelerate commerce by connecting consumers and merchants with comprehensive payment and tailored advertising solutions, both online and offline. Our payment options provide consumers with the choice to pay however they prefer: Pay in Full settles transactions instantly, Pay Later allows consumers to complete a purchase today while deferring payment to a later date or into installments and Fair Financing allows consumers to settle payments over a longer period of time. We offer the benefits of both open and closed networks. We open our network to a broad consumer and merchant ecosystem, similar to Visa, MasterCard and Amex, but also benefit from our proprietary closed-loop network where we issue, fund, process and settle the entire payment, while retaining a direct relationship with our consumers. Payment options are facilitated across numerous channels, including directly at our merchants online or in-store checkouts, in the Klarna app, with the Klarna card or using Apple Pay or Google Pay. We have achieved global consumer and merchant scale. Our 111 million active Klarna consumers are diversefrom a wide range of income levels and educational backgroundsand representative of the broader population. In Sweden, our most mature market, approximately 83% of adults were active Klarna consumers as of June 30, 2025, according to our estimates. Our consumers are financially responsible, tooin the last twelve months ended June 30, 2025, 99% of the consumer loans that we extended were paid on time. Merchants view Klarna as an important growth partner because of our consumer scale and global reach. Our approximately 790,000 merchants include some of the largest global brandson average, 48% of the top 100 merchants in each of the major markets we serve, which include the United States, the U.K., the Nordics, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland (based on data from eCommDB and Digital Commerce 360) used Klarna in the last twelve months ended July 31, 2025 to facilitate payments, while an even greater percentage (66%) advertised on our network during the same period. Our broad adoption across merchants contributes to our GMV diversification, with no single merchant representing more than 10% of our GMV in any of our major markets in the last twelve months ended June 30, 2025. Through both our payment and advertising solutions, we help our merchants attract new customers, drive higher AOV with higher purchase frequency and offer frictionless commerce and higher conversion rates. We do all of this while allowing merchants to seamlessly integrate Klarna into their existing operations and infrastructure, retaining full control over their brands. Klarna sits at the center of a global ecosystem. We connect an array of different financial services and commerce organizations, from PSPs, traditional banks, card networks and open banking providers, to commerce enablers, technology partners, in-store payments providers and shipping and return logistics providers, to improve the commerce experience for our consumers and merchants through a unique global network. We continue to grow our network across verticals and geographies to better serve consumers and merchants. We believe that our credit underwriting capabilities, enabled by our proprietary data from approximately 3.0 million transactions made on average per day on our network from 111 million active Klarna consumers in the last twelve months ended June 30, 2025, differentiate us from other networks. We are able to make underwriting decisions in seconds with our fully automated processes and underwrite every transaction in real time. We also provide a small spending capacity that gradually increases as consumers responsibly spend more with Klarna, and clear and transparent repayment terms that encourage borrowers to repay on time. All of this distinguishes our financing solutions from market alternatives. In the last twelve months ended June 30, 2025, our average balance per active Klarna consumer was $80 (Pay in Full: $0; Pay Later: $88; Fair Financing: $408) (compared to an average balance per credit card of approximately $6,730 in the United States in 2024, according to Experian), and average loan duration was approximately 40 days (38 days for Pay Later and 180 days for Fair Financing) (compared to a typical loan duration of more than five years at a typical Nordic bank in 2024, according to publicly available information, and an average of 2.9 years of a typical U.S. personal bank loan in 2022, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve). This allows us to quickly react to market changes and efficiently manage credit risk. Our underwriting process results in credit losses that are generally lower than the industry average: for example, our provision for credit losses represented 0.52% of GMV in the last twelve months ended June 30, 2025, while the loan losses as a share of total loans averaged 2.6% for our main competitors in Sweden in 2024, based on publicly available information of Swedish banks and payment solutions providers, and 2.92% for commercial banks in the United States in 2024, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. In addition to lower credit losses, we believe that our underwriting process provides more value to consumers and merchants than alternative payment methods, which helps drive our financial performance. We have been a constant pioneer in our industry. In 2005, when online shopping was still nascent and marked by distrust, we launched Pay Later products to guarantee consumers would pay only after they had received goods, while also pioneering a new approach to credit. In 2010, we launched our Pay in Full product to give consumers more choice and control over how they pay. In 2017, we started building a disruptive brand to help people streamline their financial lives. As we learned that consumers wanted to use Klarna everywhere, we launched the Klarna card in 2018. That same year, we launched the Klarna app, which enables our consumers to track all their purchases in one place, track their shipments, assist with errands and much more. While we began with payments innovation, in 2019, we started to meaningfully scale our advertising solutions, which personalize the commerce experience for our consumers by using our vast proprietary data set, including data they entrust to us. In 2023, we developed an AI assistant powered by OpenAI, which meaningfully streamlines the commerce experience, and in 2024, introduced Klarna balance, which makes commerce even more effortless by allowing consumers to Pay in Full or Pay Later without connecting to a bank account or card. In 2025, we continued to expand and introduce more digital finance products to help our consumers save time and money and effortlessly put them in control of their finances. For example, we enhanced the Klarna card with real-time transfer and deposit features to create smarter wallet features, and we have begun its roll-out in the United States. This upgrade builds on the success of Klarna balance and our savings accounts, underscoring our growing role in everyday financial management. At the same time, we continued reshaping access to credit through the expansion of our Fair Financing offeringa transparent, non-revolving alternative to traditional creditnow available at a broader merchant network, including major partners like Walmart. These innovations are all built on our AI-enabled, cloud-native and global technology platform to which merchants can connect via a single API. Every product we bring to market can be launched globally, allowing merchants to reach millions of consumers worldwide almost instantly once connected to our network. We began operations in Sweden in 2005, and rapidly expanded through the rest of the Nordics. By 2010, we operated in the Nordics, Germany and the Netherlands. By 2016, we were established in nine markets, including Austria (2012), Switzerland (2014) and the U.K. (2014). Since inception, we have strived to maintain a deliberate balance of growth and profitability. We remained profitable for the first 14 years as we scaled our operations in Europe. In 2019, we strategically decided to expand our successful operating model into additional geographies, with a particular focus on the United States, and in the following three years expanded into 12 additional markets. While our expansion in the United States has contributed to an increase in our GMV, it has also led to net losses in recent periods. In 2023, our operating loss started to decline and we began generating positive transaction margin dollars in the United States, while continuing to grow our GMV and the number of active Klarna consumers and merchants worldwide. Our registered office is located in London, United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Klarna Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Klarna Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Another giveaway ruckus on local streets . . . Here are the basics: "Kansas City police arrested two volunteers with Kansas City Food Not Bombs on Sunday for trespassing in a parking lot where the group has long served meals, the group said. "Two people were charged in Kansas City Municipal Court on Monday with trespassing for alleged violations at the address where the group serves meals, according to court records." The statement from the group as they continue fundraising: "For over 13 years, Food Not Bombs KC has been sharing 60 - 100 hot meals, groceries, and other supplies freely in the same public area on the sidewalk. Last Sunday was the first time we were unable to do so. Despite police disruption, we distributed what food and supplies we could at another location, though many of our neighbors were shooed away by police presence and were unable to find us. "We intend to continue sharing with the community, as dozens of our neighbors rely on the food we share every week. Food is a human right. We have the right to public spaces, and the right to demonstration. We have covered the bond for our volunteers who were arrested during our meal share. "Any support you can share will help us cover any additional fines, legal costs, or more bonds paid should KCPD continue to escalate." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . KC police arrest volunteers serving free meals in Kansas City parking lot. Why? Kansas City Food Not Bombs said it has been serving a free meal at a parking lot off Independence Avenue for 13 years. Skip the paywall and read by way of Internet archive or public library card. Walking home tonight we heard a spate of gunfire in the distance and determined that local violence remains a top concern for residents in KC Proper. Accordingly . . . In this compilation we check police action, court cases, ALLEGED misdeeds and, as always, community outreach. Check TKC news gathering . . . 3 homicides in 24 hours in Kansas City Police on the scene of the shooting in the 6600 Block of Monroe-Photo Sheriff Daryl Biker gang member pleads guilty in Blue Springs assault of rival gang member A Tennessee motorcycle gang member pleaded guilty to assault and firearm charges for a Sept. 2022 shooting and attack on U.S. Highway 40 in Blue Springs, Missouri. 'Subject of interest' released from custody after deadly US 71 shooting in Kansas City A person who turned themselves in to Kansas City police after a deadly shooting on U.S. 71 highway has since been released from custody. Search underway for domestic violence suspect who rammed into 2 Shawnee police cars, another person's car Shawnee police said Thursday night they are trying to find a domestic violence suspect who used his vehicle to ram into two of their patrol cars and another person's car. Case dismissed against man who faced charge in death of Gardner 2-year-old A Johnson County criminal case filed in the 2023 death of Alice Carrell-Bennett, a 2-year-old girl in Gardner, Kansas, has been dismissed. Independence man arrested on incest, rape charges after victim reports years of abuse An Independence man is behind bars on incest and rape charges after his victim reported years of abuse. KC-area mom & cannabis influencer killed by alleged drunk driver was 'an angel,' family says Friends and family in Kansas City are mourning a cannabis community leader killed in an Independence DWI wreck; the accused driver had a high BAC, now faces DWI death and assault charges. Man sentenced after pulling gun on worker when asked to stop urinating Charges have been filed against a man who pulled a rifle on a local worker after he was asked to stop urinating and then left it within arm's reach of two children. Audit prompts Independence PD to work on internal changes, including vehicle pursuit policy According to a spokesperson for the City of Independence, Interim Police Chief Douglas Brinkley has been working on internal changes to the city's police department since joining in September 2025. New Orleans-area suspect in KC reporter's Super Bowl death rejects plea deal Danette Colbert rejected plea as co-defendants await hearings; prosecutors allege a long-running scheme to drug, rob victims in New Orleans. Road rage victim identified, subject of interest in police custody A subject of interest has turned himself in to police. Mattie Rhodes Expands Violence Prevention Outreach to Independence Plaza with City Investment - Northeast News Mattie Rhodes Center is expanding its community-based violence prevention efforts deeper into Historic Northeast Kansas City, announcing this month that its ParateXPaz program will now serve the Independence Plaza neighborhood. Developing . . . BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. Condition of person injured in mine explosion in Aghdara disclosed, Trend reports citing the Barda Central District Hospital. It is reported that following a mine incident that occurred in the territory of the village of Gyzyloba in the Aghdara district, liberated from occupation, a man born in 1988 was hospitalized on January 11, 2026, at around 14:40 in the emergency department of the Barda Central District Hospital. The patient was diagnosed with blast trauma and a traumatic amputation of the lower third of the right leg. He is currently undergoing surgery, and his condition is assessed as stable. 14:54 (GMT+4) On January 11, a mine exploded in the territory of the village of Gyzyloba in the Aghdara district, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA). An employee of a non-governmental organization involved in humanitarian demining operations, Elvin Karimov, born in 1988, was injured after triggering an anti-personnel mine while performing his official duties. As a result of the incident, the victims right leg was amputated at the ankle. Elvin Karimov was evacuated to the central district hospital. His condition is assessed as satisfactory. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. On January 10, 2026, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Yalchin Rafiyev took part in an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) dedicated to the situation in Somalia, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. The purpose of the extraordinary meeting, held at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was to express support for Somalias sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to attempts to recognize the Somaliland region as an independent state, as well as to discuss possible joint steps in this direction. Speaking at the meeting, Y. Rafiyev expressed the support of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The deputy minister noted that Azerbaijan, as an active member of the OIC Contact Group on Somalia, will support the collective efforts of the international community, including OIC member states, on this issue. Emphasizing the countrys commitment to the norms and principles of international law, the international community was urged to act responsibly within the framework of international law in order to ensure peace, stability, and security in various regions. Following the 22nd extraordinary meeting of OIC foreign ministers, the member states adopted a resolution expressing clear and resolute support for Somalia and its territorial integrity. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. Starting January 12, 2026, Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), part of AZCON Holding, will launch regular daily passenger services on the GanjaGabalaGanja route for the first time, aiming to enhance passenger convenience and regional connectivity, Trend reports. This will be ADYs second intraregional passenger route, following the GanjaMingachevirGanja line. The new service will be operated by modern electric trains with seating accommodation, covering 139 km in 1 hour 50 minutes. Trains will depart daily at 10:10 from Ganja to Gabala and at 18:00 from Gabala to Ganja, with stops at Goran, Yevlakh, Laki, and Agdash. Passengers will be able to travel in Standard, Standard+, Business, and First Class. Ticket prices start from AZN 4.30 on the GanjaGabala route and AZN 1.70 on the LakiGabala segment. The new route will also enable daily travel between Baku and Gabala via convenient connections at Laki station. Tickets will be available on ADYs official website and via the ADY Mobile application. The launch is expected to enhance transport accessibility between western and north-western regions of Azerbaijan and support the development of domestic tourism. Azerbaijan calculates non-oil exports to Kazakhstan in 11M2025 Azerbaijan's non-oil exports to Kazakhstan have seen a decline from January to November 2025 compared to the previous year. This decrease reflects a drop in the overall value of exports to the country during the period. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 11. About 7 million Uzbek citizens traveled abroad for tourism purposes in the period from January through November 2025. Data obtained by Trend from the National Statistics Committee shows that this figure rose by nearly 1.3 million people, or 23 %, compared to the same period last year. The top ten destinations most frequently visited by Uzbek citizens over the first eleven months of 2025 were as follows: Kyrgyz Republic 3.1 million people Kazakhstan 1.3 million people Tajikistan 1.2 million people Russia 399,000 people Saudi Arabia 296,400 people Turkiye 251,100 people United Arab Emirates 126,300 people Egypt 61,000 people China 46,000 people Vietnam 35,600 people BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. Azerbaijan has dispatched the next batch of petroleum products to Armenia, Trend reports. Today a train consisting of 18 railcars loaded with 979 tons of RON-92 grade motor gasoline was dispatched from the Bilajari station to Armenia. The railcars carrying petroleum products will be transported from Azerbaijan to Armenia in transit through Georgia. On January 9, 2026, a total of 2,698 tons of cargo (48 railcars) was sent from the Bilajari station to Armenia, including 1,742 tons of RON-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel fuel. Earlier, on December 18, 1,220 tons of RON-95 grade motor fuel were also shipped to Armenia. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 8. Iran does not and will not accept any foreign mercenary, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said during a meeting with the residents of Qom, Trend reports. He said that the Islamic Republic in Iran came to power at the cost of the blood of hundreds of thousands of people and will never retreat in the face of provocateurs. Khamenei emphasized that on this basis, Iranian citizens and the Islamic Republic do not accept foreign mercenaries. The Supreme Leader of Iran noted that Iranian citizens, during the victory of the Islamic Revolution, organized consecutive uprisings to overthrow and destroy the Pahlavi regime, which at that time was the worst government of the modern era. Khamenei added that today Iran is stronger and more prepared in every respect. Currently, Iran cannot be compared to the Pahlavi era in terms of strength, as it is now even more powerful. Iran, relying on the support of its citizens, has protected its wealth and resources from Western countries. This issue concerns those countries, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 12. The Iranian government has declared three days of national mourning in memory of those killed during recent unrest, the announcement was broadcast on state television and radio, Trend reports. According to the statement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will attend the official mourning ceremony. Citizens were also called upon to take part in a nationwide march scheduled for January 12. Latest reports indicate that at least 38 Iranian law enforcement officers have been killed as a result of actions carried out by rioters in various parts of the country. Ukrainian defense forces are conducting search and strike operations in Myrnohrad, Donetsk region, to prevent the advance of Russian troops, who have increased their efforts to infiltrate the central part of the city. According to Ukrinform, the East military group reported this on Facebook. Defense Forces units in the Eastern Operational Command's area of responsibility are holding back the Russian offensive and have repelled 55 assaults since the beginning of the day. Ukrainian units continue to be active in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration. In the Pokrovsk direction, since the beginning of the day, Russian troops have made 25 attempts to dislodge Ukrainian defenders from their positions in the areas of the settlements of Nykanorivka, Rodynske, Sukhetske, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Filiia, and in the direction of Ivanivka and Novopavlivka. Defense forces are holding back the offensive and have already repelled 21 attacks. The military emphasized that they continue to control the northern part of Pokrovsk. All movements are detected in a timely manner, and the enemy is being fired upon. The situation in Myrnohrad remains difficult. The Russians continue to build up their forces in the south and northeast outskirts. Read also: Assault troops show how interceptor drones protect logistics routes in Pokrovsk sector The enemy has increased its efforts to infiltrate the central part of the city. To prevent the further advance of Russian troops, the Defense Forces are continuing search and strike operations in Myrnohrad and on the approaches to the city. As reported by Ukrinform, there have been 68 combat clashes between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops since the beginning of the day. The invaders continue to focus most of their efforts on the Pokrovsk direction. Ukrinform photos can be purchased here. On Saturday, January 10, Finland officially withdrew from the Ottawa Convention prohibiting anti-personnel landmines. That is according to Yle, Ukrinform reports. The Finnish government formally renounced the treaty on July 10, 2025, following similar moves by countries such as Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. Under the terms of the convention, a withdrawal takes effect six months after the United Nations secretary-general has received the instrument of denunciation. Finland justified its decision on defense grounds, citing the deterioration of the security environment. Leaving the treaty allows Finland to reintroduce anti-personnel landmines into its military toolkit. As reported, the Ottawa Convention was adopted in Oslo on September 18, 1997, and entered into force in 1999. More than 160 countries, including most Western states, have joined it. China, Russia, the United States, India, and Pakistan have not signed the convention. On December 27 last year, Latvia and Lithuania also officially withdrew from the Ottawa Convention. Latvian authorities explained the decision by the changing security situation in the Baltic region. Photo: Unsplash/aboodi vesakaran Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Macklin Goods killing sparks protests at over 1,000 places in United States The brutal daylight killing of Renee Nicole Macklin Good in Minneapolis has sparked protests at more than 1,000 places in United States (USA). The brutal daylight killing of Renee Nicole Macklin Good in Minneapolis has sparked protests at more than 1,000 places in United States (USA). Renee Nicole Macklin Good, 37-year-old mother of 3, was shot dead by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on Thursday January 08, 2026 in south Minneapolis, Minnesota. The ICE officer shot Macklin Good at point blank during an anti-immigration operation when she was inside her car. The killing sparked massive outrage across the United States. The protest started soon after Macklin Goods killing surged on Saturday and continued today i.e. Sunday January 11, 2026. As per Axios, large scale protests that are ongoing are being reported from more than 1,000 places of the United States including Minneapolis, Washington DC, New York, Austin, Pennsylvania, Chicago and Portland. Protests are spreading nationwide after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota, MS NOW News reported. From DC to Philly to L.A. and New York, people are demanding answers. Many of these cities are led by Democrats and have already been targets of ICE operations themselves, it added. Hundreds of people are gathered at Pershing Square to protest against ICE, and Trumps war against Venezuela, Abraham Marquez, a local reporter who is a member of National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), said. Around 160 Congress members have written a letter to Kristi Noem, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, demanding accountability for ICE's indefensible actions resulting in the killing of a woman in South Minneapolis, Rep. Ilhan Omar said. "Minnesotans deserve answers. That must include an unbiased, thorough investigation", she said. In San Francisco, a message was found written on the beach with the bodies of hundreds of people: A murder has been committed. Police (ICE) get out. At other sites, protesters were seen shouting anti-ICE slogans and carrying placards reading ICE Out of Our Communities, Indigenous Not Illegal and We are Native to This Land. Fuck ICE graffiti was also seen written on walls near U.S. government offices. While many protests remain peaceful, some have seen arrests and heavy police presence, reflecting growing national anger over ICEs role and use of force. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home US may lose its voting right in United Nations The United States (USA) is at the risk of losing its voting right in the United Nations (UN) because of non-payment of its dues United Nations: The United States (USA) is at the risk of losing its voting right in the United Nations (UN) because of non-payment of its dues. The U.S. is the United Nations biggest contributor, sharing around 22% or more than $820 million of the approved $3.72 billion total of the world bodys regular budget. It is, however, not paying its dues, currently owing the UN around $1.5 billion. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has categorically told Donald Trump that the United States has a legal obligation to pay its contribution committed to the UN and its agencies. Well, the (UN) Charter is clear ... about what happens when a country doesn't pay its dues for a certain number of years, said Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, in response to questions about the implications if a UN member state does not pay its dues to the United Nations. It's Article 19. So, it's not a decision of the Secretary-General. It's in the Charter, and it implies that at some point a country may lose its vote in the General Assembly, he said. The spokesperson confirmed that the United States has not paid its dues to the United Nations in 2025. As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States, he added. The statement came days after U.S. President Trump announced withdrawal from around 66 global organizations, including 31 U.N. agencies. Stephane Dujarric said that despite the U.S. withdrawal, the UN entities affected will keep doing their work. The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us, he said. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that the US is gradually turning away from certain allies and breaking free from international rules. Speaking in his annual address to French ambassadors, Macron said the time has come to fully reinvest in the United Nations (UN), adding that its largest shareholder, the United States, no longer believes in the institution. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic A man who is known for grabbing Nancy Pelosi's podium during the U.S. Capitol riot is running for a county office in Florida Tom Tuite A married couple were "traumatised" after being assaulted, stabbed and receiving death threats during a violent car hijacking on Dublin's South Great George's Street, a court heard. Anthony Cooney, 37, of no fixed abode but recently using hostel accommodation on Lord Edward Street, Dublin 2, was charged with robbery and two counts of assault causing harm to the couple in their 40s on Thursday evening. Bail was denied when he appeared before Judge Brendan Toale at Dublin District Court on Saturday. Kevin Street Garda Shane McConkey objected to the accused being released, citing the seriousness of the case, and explained the couple could not attend the bail hearing because they were traumatised. However, they have given statements. Evidence He said the evidence showed the couple were in their 2018 Volvo when a man got into the back seat. The woman tried to leave the car but was allegedly told, "Get back into the car, or I will kill your husband." He allegedly told her husband to drive the vehicle. The court heard the male demanded cash, telling the husband he would kill his wife. It was said that he had a metal fork and stabbed the man several times in the left upper arm. He then allegedly grabbed the woman by the back of her neck and held a fork to her neck. The husband was told, "Keep driving." After a while, he was told to pull over, and the man demanded the keys as the husband "pleaded" that his wife be let out, and the couple managed to leave the car. They got a bus, and the husband sought medical attention. It was alleged that the man then drove from the city centre and crashed into a Mercedes van at the Kylemore Road Naas Road junction and left on foot. The car was written off. Gardai stopped the accused, who allegedly matched the description, and it was claimed he had the car key. Mr Cooney, in a navy tracksuit and runners, did not address the court, "made no reply" when charged and has not yet entered a plea. CCTV He was remanded in custody to appear in court again on Thursday for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Garda McConkey said he would be seeking further charges, including false imprisonment. The court heard that there was also CCTV evidence, but the prosecution's evidence could be challenged during the trial. Defence counsel Kevin McCrave pleaded for bail with conditions and submitted that the garda evidence had relied on hearsay; neither the couple nor the garda who arrested his client testified at the bail hearing. The case is likely to be sent to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers, and Mr McCrave submitted that Mr Cooney, who has the presumption of innocence, could spend a lengthy period in custody until his trial concluded. However, the judge refused bail and ordered that Mr Cooney receive medical attention in custody. Legal aid was granted. James Cox Taoiseach Micheal Martin "takes zero notice of what Fianna Fail backbenchers say", according to a TD. In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Cork East TD James O'Connor said: "Micheal Martin takes zero notice of what Fianna Fail backbenchers say, that is my personal position, he knows I think that." One of the youngest TDs in government at 28, Mr O'Connor is not afraid of criticising party leadership and he said "my own personal view is that Fianna Fail needs to change how it does business". While the review into Jim Gavin's disastrous presidential campaign is now done and dusted, Mr O'Connor said there is still "dismay" within the party about how it played out. Looking forward, he described a frustration among backbench TDs at how the party leadership currently conducts its business. Micheal Martin takes zero notice of what Fianna Fail backbenchers say. "My own personal view is Fianna Fail needs to change how it does business. There's a level of difference between the Taoiseach's Office and the team around him; you also have a team in Fianna Fail headquarters in Mount Street... then you have the backbenchers. "That's not a triangle that's working properly. A big focus for this year needs to be around how the decision makers at a Cabinet level in Fianna Fail actually view their backbenchers and take what they say with a lot more gravity and seriousness. "If we don't do that, Fianna Fail is going to be in serious trouble at the next general election. "Micheal Martin takes zero notice of what Fianna Fail backbenchers say; that is my personal position, he knows I think that." Referring to Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary's recent criticism of the Taoiseach over the Dublin Airport passenger cap, Mr O'Connor cited comments by Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien as an example of how civil servants "have become the real decision makers". Mr O'Brien expressed his view that there should be no cap on passengers at the airport at all, adding that the proposals to scrap the passenger cap have been opposed by senior civil servants. "Departmental officials are not supposed to do that; it's a democratically elected Dail, which in turn elects the Taoiseach, who then appoints the Cabinet of the country. They are supposed to be the decision makers... not secretary generals, assistant secretary generals, or principal officers in departments. Unfortunately, that's not what's happening. "The power accumulated in the civil service and state agencies needs to be looked at; these are all consequences of the Moriarty Tribunal and how we needed to clean up politics in Ireland, but in a lot of cases, what's happened is it has become completely counterintuitive. "Irish Water is a calamity in terms of its output. The water outages in my constituency have been dreadful, and there's nobody within Irish Water to engage with TDs in a meaningful way. "In Ireland, if you do not like your TD, every four or five years a general election occurs, and our names go before the public. But those who go into state agencies, senior civil servants, a lot do very well for themselves with no performance. "The accountability standards for politicians are not being met in the public service." Mr O'Connor insisted he has no "ill will" towards the Taoiseach, but reiterated his view that backbench TDs have seen their influence "marginalised". "Micheal Martin's leadership of Fianna Fail is cemented. I do not bear any ill will to the Taoiseach. We are from the same county. I started my career in Micheal Martin's office. He's the reason I joined Fianna Fail. "However, I have distinct concerns as a member of the Oireachtas about how our input is accounted for: it's being marginalised all of the time. As far as I'm concerned, for the duration of the time he has served as leader, which is second only to Eamon de Valera, the power of Oireachtas members has shrunk. "The problem with that is members of the public expect their TDs and senators to be able to deliver for them on the issues of the day, concerns they come to us with." 'Substantial political reform' Mr O'Connor said "substantial political reform" is needed in how ministerial departments work. "I think how ministerial offices are viewed by senior civil servants is at a crisis point," he added. "I think that the Taoiseach's inertia around the seepage from the Cabinet's executive authority vs that of state agencies is flawed." Mr O'Connor, who is chairman of the Oireachtas Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Committee, also said he would like to see fewer Oireachtas committees. "A lot of the issues in government are structural when you look at them, and there's a need for that to be changed. If you're a voter sitting at home looking at record-high energy bills, the cost of putting your children through higher education, and trying to become a homeowner. "These issues haven't stacked up on each other for one reason, but a lot of it is down to the political problem in Ireland, where the civil service has grown into something that, quite frankly, is undemocratic. What happened with Darragh O'Brien compounds this; it's just fact." He said there is a "very talented group" of new Fianna Fail TDs in the Dail, naming Ryan O'Meara, Albert Dolan, Peter Cleere and Erin McGreehan. James O'Connor (second from left back row) is one of the younger TDs in govrnment at 28. "The parliamentary party I joined in 2020 had 38 TDs. We've grown that to 48, and I think the backbenchers feel there is a capacity to tackle issues, but there is a real frustration. "I think the Cabinet as a collective, including Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and our Coalition partners, need to come to terms with the fact that they are not collectively performing and that needs to be addressed urgently. "There are some really good voices in Cabinet, I am really impressed with Jim O'Callaghan, with Dara Calleary, how helpful and approachable the two of them are. "Looking at Fine Gael, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is doing great work in the Department of Health, Peter Burke in Enterprise." He suggested a delivery unit could be used in the Department of the Taoiseach, adding that "delivery is what we need, I'm sick of reviews". "As far as I'm concerned, the Taoiseach's time would be best served by bringing in people from departments on a regular basis, focusing on delivery. "Micheal Martin needs to focus on legacy now, I think. To be Taoiseach is a privilege and an honour, but only lasts so long, so he needs to make his time count." The community in Lisduggan are asking for support for the Jubilee Clock at St. Pauls Church. The project is now at the stage of gathering resources and raising funds to meet the requirements of bringing the Jubilee Clock Project to completion. They said that when completed, this clock will stand as a witness to the hours weve shared, the laughter, the labour and the legacy of fifty years. An updated information leaflet is available at the church. Envelopes are also available for those who would like to make a contribution. The community is inviting support from all who would like to play a part in bringing this unique landmark into being, in any way, great or small. Donations can be made at the Church or online through the parish website www.stpaulsbutlerstown.ie. Please select Donate to Parish Funds, under Donor Information/Add a Message please type Jubilee Clock. Like all churches throughout the diocese, our parish churches were packed for the Christmas Eve Masses. We scheduled a special Mass for children at 5.00pm on Christmas Eve. We had to ask parishioners to book on the Eventbrite platform, there was such a demand for places. The Mass was booked out in 20 minutes, faster than a Taylor Swift concert! Our childrens liturgy committee ensured that the service was really child-friendly, involving as it did the children in a nativity play. They felt really engaged. I always find the Christmas liturgies to be so uplifting, so full of joy and hope. The Christmas services afford us an oasis of peace and calm in the midst of such violent upheavals and threats of war in an increasingly turbulent world. However, I must admit that I felt very disappointed coming up to Christmas. The second Commission established by the Vatican to examine the possibility of female deacons issued a report in December. It concluded that the Church cannot currently move forward towards admitting women to the diaconate... "(I)n light of Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and ecclesiastical teaching, this assessment is strong, although it does not allow for a definitive judgment to be formulated at this time. The report, therefore, does not rule out women deacons but states that more study is necessary. I'm upset because so many women, deeply committed to their faith, and who give so generously of their time and talent to serve the mission, really felt betrayed. Inputs to the Synod on Synodality in 2023 from all over the world named womens role in the Church as an urgent consideration. Over 70 per cent of these syntheses included womens ordination to the diaconate as a way of including women in leadership positions in the church. Indeed the failure of the Church to include women in significant leadership roles, such as the Order of the Diaconate, seriously undermines its credibility in the culture of today. There is little tolerance in Western culture for institutions which do not support the equality of women or that seem to condone patriarchy. I was heartened to read passages that were more nuanced in the report. It was published in Italian. Our parish pastoral administrator is an Italian native, and she helped me translate some of the more nuanced arguments, which many commentators failed to pick up on. The press only highlighted the more negative conclusions. The report stated that because Jesus was male, only male deacons can sacramentally represent Christ. The masculinity of those who are ordained deacons is not accidental but an integral part of sacramental identity (because Jesus was male) preserving the divine order of salvation in Christ. Quite a mouthful! Feminist theologian Elizabeth Johnson warns that exclusively male imagery for God and Christ functions to privilege male rule and undercuts women's spiritual power. It risks justifying the patriarchal family, which is so strategically central to the fascist state. In Nazi Germany, for example, it was state policy that the role of woman was to be a mother. Her duty was to raise children for her people. Patriarchal gender roles are championed by the ultra-right wing Christian Nationalism in the United States. Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, resigned from her law firm in 2024 to focus on their family. This seems to be a prerequisite for wives of Christian Nationalists such as Vance. Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban touts the virtues of a patriarchal society and warns that the state must be protected from the encroachment of liberalism. He claims that the source of such hierarchy reaches all the way back to its Christian roots established by St Stephen in the second century, which, of course, is a total aberration. However, the Commission recognises the difficulties arising from the claim that only males can sacramentally represent Christ in Holy Orders. It goes on to nuance this rather dubious claim. The report acknowledges that there is a tension here with central teachings in the Tradition. For example, the creation narrative in the book of Genesis states unequivocally that male and female are created in the image and likeness of God. The traditional stance against the ordination of women deacons is also in tension with the teaching of St Paul in the Letter to the Galatians, which states, In Christ Jesus there is no more distinction between male and female as all are one in Christ. The report also acknowledges that, throughout history, the title of deacon referring to women was recognised, although the meaning of this role was not univocal. But the Commission concludes that a purely historical perspective does not allow us to reach definitive certainty. Ultimately, the question must be decided on the doctrinal level. There has been no definitive declaration as of yet on the issue of women deacons. Therefore, it is still an open question. The wording in the report suggests that there may be a possibility of doctrinal development here. I believe such a development would significantly enhance the life and mission of the Church and its credibility today. Advertisement NationalReal life Opinion My love letter to ye olde postie Will he mind if I email it? Jo Pybus Writer January 10, 2026 10:30am January 10, 2026 10:30am 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 In a world first, a seal has broken on one of the pillars of public life. Denmarks PostNord, the Danish equivalent of Australia Post, has ceased delivery of letters, handing over a 400-year tradition to a private company. I had a Kermit the Frog moment when I heard this, wanting to run around yelling Ahhh! with my skinny green arms waving erratically above my head. What if I want to take up letter writing and have a pen pal in Denmark? Can a private letter delivery business be trusted with my handwritten pages as one would expect from a royal, imperial or government postal service? And what is it going to cost? Will I need to sell a kidney to post a letter to Denmark? Thats so last monarch a 4 stamp with Queen Elizabeths portrait in 1971. Today we pay $1.70 for a regular postage stamp. This news broke at the same time people were lining up at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, hoping to be the recipient of the first coin minted for 2026. I instantly drew a comparison, wondering how long before another institution, perhaps the Royal Danish Mint, is dropped or outsourced, and everyone has to use cashless payments. How long before we follow? And then the universe sent me a message. I took my rarely used wallet from my bag and a $1 coin, escaping the cobwebs and rusted-on zip, landed on the floor. I picked it up and marvelled at seeing King Charles head embossed on one side. I couldnt recall seeing coins with the reigning monarchs image and clearly didnt pay attention when this one was placed in my purse. Advertisement As I catastrophised about writing letters to Denmark, I got a stark reminder that I am clinging on to things I rarely use coins, for instance. At least our King has gained some currency. King Charles has adorned our coins for more than two years, but this being the first time Id noticed highlighted how infrequently I use cash these days. I couldnt tell you the last time I put a stamp on a standard envelope either, so much so I nearly fell off my chair when out of curiosity I looked up the cost of a regular stamp: $1.70! Once I would have known the price. Still, that uneasiness that comes with age and change enveloped me pun intended. General post offices in capital cities are often architectural marvels and civic hubs, marking the centre of a city. I recall how jarring it was in 2005 when Melbournes stunning GPO building on the corner of Elizabeth and Bourke streets became a retail hub. To see that elegant building labelled with hedonistic branding seems wrong. My thoughts in this regard werent just emotionally driven either as Id always believed a citys GPO was a landmark like no other, being point zero for maps and directions. Melbourne has now installed a brass survey marker at the site of the old GPO from which all distances from Melbourne are measured a physical marker to which the past can be moored without risk of being digitised. Advertisement Talking extinction, how many music albums, vinyl, cassette or CD, have you bought in the past 10 years? Once these were proudly displayed in a dedicated cabinet or stand next to a multi-stacked hi-fi system. Do you still have a multi-stacked hi-fi? When did you last buy a watch, the type you might pass on as an heirloom? I am one of the many converts to smartwatches that integrate with their even smarter phone. I was so proud as a kid to get my first wristwatch. My kids, however, had no interest in wearing a watch until they became an appendage of their phones. And therein lies the culprit. My smartphone can send a letter, make payments, play music, schedule my week, tell me the time, take photos, and pinpoint with accuracy a location five kilometres from the old GPO building in Melbourne. I even occasionally use it to make a phone call. For someone who wont leave a room without her smartphone, being aghast at Denmarks bold, historical move to stop delivering letters via its main postal service was a wee bit dramatic. I buy bags and clothing with features that accommodate my phone. Even my cooking aprons must have front pockets. Advertisement I feel for those who still need to go about their days in a more analogue way and I sincerely hope they are accommodated. Also, a shout-out to the philatelists and numismatists, whose collections may not flourish as we move away from printing stamps and minting coins. As for my future Danish pen pal: text me. Jo Pybus is a freelance writer and host of Alex the Seal podcast. Advertisement NationalWACrime Firebombings no deterrent as Perth tobacco shops keep selling illicit cigarettes Rebecca Peppiatt January 12, 2026 2:00am 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 The tiny, grimy-looking shopfront would look largely innocuous to anyone pulling into the car park at the small shopping strip in Perths north. Passersby would likely never think it had been targeted multiple times allegedly by a crime mob hell-bent on pressuring the owners with violence over the sale of cheap, illegally imported cigarettes. Being set on fire, allegedly by organised crime employees over illegal tobacco products, hasnt stopped convenience stores around Perth from carrying on their illicit trade. Rebecca Peppiatt But four times last year twice with fire and twice with bullets the store was attacked in incidents police believe were related to WAs lucrative illegal tobacco industry. A month after it was last peppered with bullets, this masthead visited the store to find it back up and running and openly selling black market cigarettes. Advertisement Western Australias laws relating to the sale of illegal tobacco products pale in comparison to the rest of Australia, with fines minimal in the face of profits made from selling cigarettes at less than half the price of a legitimate pack. And the store in Perths north is not alone. This masthead visited almost a dozen shops that have been subjected to arson, ram raids or shootings in the last year, and discovered nearly all were back up and running and still offering black market products to walk-in customers. Firebombs, shots fired at storefronts, stolen cars driven into buildings and just plain arson are the methods criminal gangs have allegedly used to get their message across, echoing similar tobacco wars attacks in Melbourne that at one point claimed the life of an innocent woman last year when the wrong house was targeted. Advertisement No one has been convicted since the first West Australian incident in Midland in October 2024, however so far six arrests have been made and those cases are progressing through the courts. Following that initial incident, shops in Orelia, Cannington, Bunbury, York, Maddington, Baldivis, Huntingdale and Beechboro have also received the same treatment. A few shut down, but for many, it appears to be business as usual. An escalating issue Between October 2024 and October 2025, six stores across the state were attacked in what are believed to be illegal tobacco-related incidents. Advertisement However, seven attacks occurred across the state between November 2025 and January 2026, revealing a sharp escalation. It comes as WA Police set up a taskforce to address the problem, and those who are alleged to be some of the main players running the operation behind bars on a suite of charges. Legislative change on the agenda when parliament returns WA only has to look east to see how other states handled and stamped out similar crime. While New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland have shut-down laws that allow for convenience stores found selling illicit tobacco products to be closed, WA lacks anything similar. Advertisement And while in Victoria, tough penalties of up to $1.7 million in fines and/or 15 years in jail are in store for people there now involved in the trade, WAs fines are a fraction of that, which the opposition says is not doing enough to deter criminals. Related Article Updated Tobacco Pressure grows over WA tobacco shop laws in wake of Bunbury firebombing In the last eight months, Queensland Health had seized something like 15 million cigarettes and compare that to WA, I think just over a year it sees less than a million cigarettes, opposition police spokesman Adam Hort told this masthead. You look at South Australia, they introduced their store closure legislation in June, July, and it was like something like, within three months, they closed 50. Adding to the challenge is the publics apparent support of cheaper cigarettes and vapes. Advertisement A 20 packet of legitimate cigarettes costs between $37 and $62 due to federal government policy that continues to increase the tobacco excise rate in a bid to get smokers to quit. As of September last year, smokers pay about $1.50 per cigarette in tobacco excise. However, now illegally imported cigarettes are readily available throughout the city for as little as $15 a packet. Illegal vapes set smokers back more but last far longer. The WA Department of Healths latest annual report revealed smoking rates in the state had increase over the past two years to 12 per cent of the population. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch has publicly sought harsher penalties and more powers to tackle illegal tobacco and shut down criminally linked stores. Advertisement Last week, Health Minister Meredith Hammat said updated tobacco control legislation was in the works, putting it high on the agenda when parliament returns in February. However, there is no firm timeline in place for when the police commissioner may finally get his wish. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalBiosecurity Complacency crept in: Australia defenceless against feral rabbit boom Mike Foley January 11, 2026 2:00am 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 Rabbit numbers are booming, but unlike three previous plagues of the marauding pests since the 1950s, Australia does not have a virus it can release to rein in the exploding numbers, a leading cause of environmental damage and agricultural losses. Steady rainfall over the past two years has fuelled growth of the vegetation rabbits need to breed their litters. Rabbit populations are booming in rural and urban areas. Rabbits can birth litters as often as once a month, and as those surviving kits mature and start breeding, it triggers the kind of exponential growth that creates populations so vast and widespread that experts warn devastating ecological damage is inevitable. Rabbits change entire landscapes by eating all the green vegetation and outcompeting native animals for food, digging burrows that cause soil erosion and damage waterways. The federal government has calculated rabbits cause about $250 million in lost agricultural production a year. Advertisement Since 1950, Australia has deployed three viruses deadly to rabbits, known as a biocontrol, to quickly cut rabbit numbers. It typically takes the rabbit population about 10 years to adapt to the disease and after that, numbers start to rise once more. Related Article Biodiversity Its gruesome work, but on Kangaroo Island, its one of the best things an animal lover can do The most recent biocontrol, a strain of calicivirus, was released in 2017. Centre for Invasive Species Solutions national rabbit coordinator Heidi Kleinert says: We are seeing a boom in populations in locations spread across the country. She says rabbits are flourishing in farming areas and outer suburban areas as well. Advertisement Their population growth is being driven by the food available, given rabbits are triggered to breed by regular growth of green vegetation that has been available for some time now, Kleinert says. Australias top science agency the CSIRO released the worlds first vertebrate pest biocontrol in 1950, in a desperate bid to quell the rabbit plague. That virus, known as myxomatosis or myxo, was extremely effective and killed around 99.8 per cent of infected rabbits and it took until the 1990s for rabbits to adapt and breed again in plague-like proportions. Since then, two strains of the calicivirus have been released into the wild, in 1995 and 2017, both of which cut rabbit numbers dramatically. But each time rabbits bounced back. Now, due to lack of funding, there is no deadly virus ready to release into the wild and scientists say that there is not enough funding to develop the next biocontrol for rabbits. Advertisement Invasive Species Council chief executive Jack Gough says funding a new rabbit virus must be a national priority. Related Article Extreme weather Antarctic phenomenon blamed for baking start to summer The government will be judged on what they funded today, when they know this is about to get worse. Were concerned that some complacency has crept into decision-making because rabbit numbers have been low, Gough says. Biocontrols take years or decades to develop and funding for the programs that developed them for rabbits, the Rabbit Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy, ceased in 2022 and the Investment in Genetic Biocontrol of Vertebrate Pests ran out of money in 2025. The Albanese government has committed $1.5 million to extend biocontrol research, but this will be exhausted by June next year and there is no prospect of a new biocontrol without more funding to extend the work for many years to come. Advertisement We dont have a good model nationally in terms of how to fund biocontrol. It requires long-term investment, which needs a long-term commitment, says Centre for Invasive Species Solutions director of research and development John Virtue. He says hes been alarmed at the proliferation of rabbits in the Riverland irrigation district in his home state South Australia, despite recent dry conditions. The lack of long-term funding for biocontrol is a critical risk for Australia. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins did not respond directly to questions about federal government funding shortfalls, but emphasised development of new biocontrols was a joint responsibility with states and says the Albanese government has committed $1.2 million to control measures like digging up rabbit warrens as well as fencing, shooting and trapping. The Australian government will continue working with state and territory governments, which are primarily responsible for on-ground management of invasive species, to help protect Australias environment and agriculture, Collins says. Advertisement CSIRO senior principal research scientist in rabbit biocontrol Tanja Strive says it would be an absolute disaster if Australia was unable to release another biocontrol targeting rabbits. Related Article Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos. Explainer Biodiversity Why is Australia a global leader in wildlife extinctions? We need the next virus right about now because the last successful one was 10 years ago, Strive says. The last virus has been really good at keeping numbers relatively low for about the last 10 years. For eight of those years we actually have data that show that its kept them quite stable. It knocked rabbits down by 60 per cent and held them there for at least eight years. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalCabinet paper release Confidential advice undercooked climate change to Howard government Mike Foley January 11, 2026 2:00am 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 A previously unreleased briefing on global warming to the Howard government issued a stark climate change warning two decades ago, but even this frank advice failed to anticipate the extreme heat and catastrophic bushfire conditions that swept the eastern seaboard during the week. Newly released cabinet papers, prepared by the federal public service and experts at the Bureau of Meteorology, were largely ignored by the Howard government, despite telling ministers that the global average temperature rise was unprecedented in human history. A previously confidential briefing to the Howard government in 2005 warned of climate change, but did not anticipate the scale and severity of the impacts now playing out. Rob Carew Australian National University professor of climate science Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick commended the briefing for incorporating contemporary scientific advice from the Bureau of Meteorology, but said even this undercooked the alarming rise of Australian heatwaves in the past 20 years. The briefing said global warming would spur increasing heatwaves, droughts, fires and sea-level rise, which was a result of rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that were in part attributable to human activities. Advertisement Related Article Cabinet paper release Cabinet papers reveal Howard warned of disaster risk before rejecting Kyoto Protocol There is a very close link between increasing global temperature, the increasing regional temperature and the rise in the intensity, frequency, and duration of heat waves, Perkins-Kirkpatrick said. Its happened at a faster speed than what climate scientists would have thought originally. Each decade has been significantly warmer than the decade prior. The bulk of the briefing was prepared by government departments, but included a seven-page primer on climate change science by the Bureau of Meteorology. This said that the global average temperature had risen 0.6 degrees compared to that of the period 1900-1920, but since 2005, warming has accelerated and the global average temperature rise now sits at about 1.2 degrees, a rate of change not anticipated by the briefing. Weve seen changes in heat waves here in Australia and globally that I never thought we would see so quickly, Perkins-Kirkpatrick said. Advertisement The briefing said more intense and frequent bushfires were projected for Australia due to climate change, but noted that gaps remain in the knowledge of the timing, location and magnitude of such impacts. The CSIRO has found that extreme fire weather days have increased in Australia by 56 per cent over the past four decades. Emeritus Professor Mark Howden of the Australian National University said the briefing underestimated some impacts of global warming and the rate of greenhouse gas pollution. Greenhouse gas emissions have actually gone up faster than that projection indicated. So has sea-level rise, melting sea ice, temperatures and other changes [such as heatwaves], said Howden, who serves as a vice chair of the United Nations chief climate body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Advertisement Australia signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1998 but ultimately chose not to ratify it under the coalition government led by John Howard, citing potential economic disadvantage compared with major emitters such as the United States and China. It was ratified on December 3, 2007, the day the Rudd government was sworn in to succeed Howard. Cabinet received the briefing as Australia was in the midst of the Millennium Drought, which ran from 1996 to 2010. Howden said the Howard government was sufficiently informed on the science of climate change at the time. The science was sufficiently robust to make good decisions on climate change in 2005, Howden said. It was clearly in Australias interest to foster global action on climate change. Advertisement Related Article Extreme weather Antarctic phenomenon blamed for baking start to summer The State of the Climate report by the CSIRO in 2024 found that Australias warmest year on record was 2019, and eight of the nine warmest years on record have occurred since 2013. University of NSW climate scientist Professor Matthew England was critical of the Howard governments lack of response to the briefing, with no new policies put in place to drive down greenhouse emissions. As something of an omen to the catastrophic bushfires of 2009 and 2019 -2020, the cabinet papers flagged the risk of more frequent and intense bushfires, yet the Howard government pushed those risks aside and chose not to act on climate change, England said. The briefing was issued a decade before 195 nations signed up to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. It noted that the United States and developing nations were unwilling to commit to emissions reduction targets. Advertisement Former chief climate diplomat Professor Howard Bamsey, who led Australias negotiations over a global emissions reduction treaty for two years in the lead-up to the Paris deal, said the briefing identified the key sticking point that was ultimately subverted by multilateral co-operation. The Americans thought they were stopping everything, he said. But it had the opposite effect really, because it caused countries to think about the issues in a way that wasnt confrontational, through this long-term dialogue. Bamsey said that in international climate talks, in the years leading up to the Paris Agreement, Australia began proposing that nations would propose their own emissions goals, rather than a blanket global target, which was ultimately the key tool to allowing the Paris Agreement. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalAUKUS High probability of failure: Former top officials dire AUKUS warning Matthew Knott January 12, 2026 2:06am 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 Plans to develop a new class of nuclear-powered submarine for Australia and the United Kingdom under the AUKUS pact are likely to collapse because of the shambolic state of the UKs submarine service, a former top British defence official has warned. Under the optimal pathway for AUKUS announced by the Albanese government in March 2023, the British and Australian navies would introduce a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarines known as the SSN-AUKUS from the late 2030s, with at least five to be built in South Australia. Retired rear admiral Philip Mathias, a former director of nuclear policy with the UK Ministry of Defence, said he feared Australians were not adequately informed about how the troubles plaguing the British navy could sink both nations AUKUS ambitions. The new SSN-AUKUS class of submarine is set to replace Britains Astute-class attack submarines. Royal Navy Mathias said British politicians had enthusiastically embraced the industrial and economic opportunities of AUKUS and wanted to expand the UKs military presence in the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement But policy and money dont build nuclear submarines. People do that and there are not enough of them with the right level of skills and experience, Mathias, an ex-nuclear submarine commanding officer, told this masthead. Whilst the United States may sell some [nuclear-powered submarines] to Australia, there is a high probability that the UK element of AUKUS will fail, making the international row in 2021 over the cancellation of the plan for Australia to build French-designed submarines look like a non-event. Mathias, who led a 2010 review of the UK Trident nuclear-weapons system, said: It is clear that Australia has shown a great deal of naivety and did not conduct sufficient due diligence on the parlous state of the UKs nuclear submarine program before signing up to AUKUS and parting with billions of dollars, which it has already started to do. In the last four years there have been plenty of announcements and political grandstanding, plus numerous international visits, forums and discussions but very little substantive progress on actually developing the industrial base needed to build and support nuclear-powered submarines. The US is slated to sell Australia three second-hand Virginia-class submarines under the AUKUS pact, while the UK and Australia are to separately develop the SSN-AUKUS, a replacement for the British navys retiring Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine. Advertisement The SSN-AUKUS, currently under design, is intended to enter service with the UK in the late 2030s and Australia in the early 2040s. Related Article Analysis World politics The new world disorder where might is right Mathias said key organisations overseeing the British program are beset by a lack of leaders with any meaningful nuclear submarine experience or expertise, straining the UKs ability to support Australias nuclear-powered submarine plans. Even if SSN-AUKUS is delivered, Mathias warned that the boat is likely to be much bigger and less agile than previous classes of British nuclear-powered submarines, necessitating trade-offs in capability and operations. He described as shockingly low the number of British nuclear-powered submarines available to counter the Russian threat in the North Atlantic or to escort carrier strike groups operating in the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement A lack of available boats means the UKs ballistic missile submarines are now required to conduct patrols lasting more than 200 days, up from about 70 days during the Cold War, he said. A spokesperson for the Australian Submarine Agency, which is in charge of delivering AUKUS, said: The government has always been clear that this is an ambitious program, and we acknowledged the challenges involved when the optimal pathway was announced in 2023. Working closely with our partners, we are meeting key milestones and AUKUS remains full steam ahead. We remain confident in the ability of all three nations to work collectively to deliver this program. Each AUKUS partner is investing significantly in their industrial bases to meet AUKUS commitments on time. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles (left) and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey enjoy a beer in Geelong after signing the Geelong Treaty for co-operation on SSN-AUKUS last July. Justin McManus Advertisement Mathias made headlines in December when he told the UK Daily Telegraph that Britain is no longer capable of managing a nuclear submarine program and that performance across all aspects of the program continues to get worse in every dimension. This is an unprecedented situation in the nuclear submarine age, he said. It is a catastrophic failure of succession and leadership planning. Mathias, who oversaw UK nuclear defence policy from 2005 to 2008, stressed he was not relying on any classified information in making his assessments. In a democracy the public should be aware of the gross mismanagement of this hugely expensive and important program, he told this masthead. Our adversaries certainly will be, not least by counting our submarines alongside using satellite imagery and reading audit reports already in the public domain. UK defence publication Navy Lookout reported last year that there have been several recent periods when the British navy has not had any nuclear-powered submarines at sea. Advertisement Currently, only one of the six boats in commission is operational, and four of them are at very low readiness, the publication reported. Related Article Opinion Trump diplomacy Why our US alliance is under threat in 2026 from Trump Bruce Wolpe Senior fellow at the US Studies Centre and former political staffer The Starmer government announced as part of a sweeping defence review in June that it would build up to 12 SSN-AUKUS attack submarines and affirmed its commitment to double down on both pillars of the AUKUS agreement (referring to nuclear-powered submarines and other advanced technologies). A month later, the Australian and UK governments signed the Geelong Treaty to enable co-operation on the design, build, operation, sustainment and disposal of SSN-AUKUS submarines. Jennifer Parker, a maritime security expert at UNSW, said she respected Mathias expertise and acknowledged there were huge problems with the current UK submarine service. Advertisement However, she said the investment into AUKUS was more likely to improve the UKs submarine performance rather than diminish it. Having more than one country design and operate the new submarines should help address any problems, not hinder, she said. Parker said the UK was unlikely to relinquish its nuclear-powered submarine capability given the rising geostrategic tensions in Europe, adding that underwater drones could not perform all of the roles of crewed submarines. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Analysis WorldEuropeGreenland Greenlanders tell absolutely insane Trump what they really think David Crowe January 11, 2026 2:00am 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 Nuuk: The people of Greenland have a simple message for Donald Trump: no deal. On the streets of their capital, Greenlanders dismiss the US presidents idea of turning their land into an American territory even if he offers cash. Ruth Sholm, a retail worker in Nuuk, Greenland, says Donald Trump is insane with his talk of taking over Greenland. David Crowe Hes insane, absolutely insane, says Ruth Sholm, 65, a retail worker in Nuuk. We dont belong to America. We are Inuit. We dont want to be Americans. Advertisement Trump is trying to blast through every obstacle to achieve his dream of adding the vast Arctic territory to the US, spurning objections from Europe and letting speculation run about using force to get his way. Related Article Updated Trump diplomacy Military is always an option: White House escalates Greenland clash with NATO allies We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not, he said on Friday. Because if we dont do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and were not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour. In the latest move, White House officials are said to be discussing a payment of up to $US100,000 in cash (about $150,000) to every resident to seal the deal. In Nuuk, however, derision of the president is palpable. A group of boys walking in the snow say just three words to this reporter: We hate Trump. One makes the shape of a gun with his hand and pulls the trigger. Advertisement Try as he might, Trump is failing to win the hearts and minds he needs to have any lasting success in Greenland. This former Danish colony, proud of its Inuit heritage, has its own parliament and government. Its people want their say when world leaders argue over their land. Sholm, speaking to this masthead at a bus stop, says Trump seems to want the land but does not care about the people. He should take care of his own people, she says. There are so many homeless and so many poor people in America. So why Greenland? Around the corner, outside one of the supermarkets, a giant screen displays world news, including the latest remarks on Greenland. This is a remote community, but not an isolated one. Some are worried about the idea that Trump might use force. Advertisement I hate Trump with my whole being, says Aviaq Fontain Markussen, 18, a grocery store worker. We all hate this. We dont want him to buy Greenland or be our president. Grocery store worker Aviaq Fontain Markussen, 18, in Nuuk. David Crowe We want Greenland to be Greenland, and not be bought. Our life was peaceful. We want it to be simple and peaceful, just like how it is. The resistance is so strong that money alone seems unlikely to clinch an agreement. Advertisement Many people wont agree. I wont, says Carl Petersen, a retiree in Nuuk. Even if you offer $500,000 each, or $1 million, we dont want their money. We want to be free. Related Article Trump diplomacy Trump wants Greenland. And Europe finally believes him Money can change minds, of course. There are about 57,000 people in Greenland. Reuters reported on Thursday that White House officials were canvassing an offer worth anywhere from $US10,000 to $US100,000 a person to gain control. At the top end of that range, the bill would come to $US5.7 billion (about $8.5 billion). The idea of the US controlling Greenland is not new. America discussed buying it from Denmark in 1867 and made a secret offer in 1946, revealed decades later. Trump, however, has turned the issue into a signature cause. He complained last week that Russian and Chinese ships were all over the place around Greenland. In his first term as president, he emphasised the commercial gain from buying it. Advertisement Essentially, its a large real estate deal, he said in 2019. White House officials have talked about gaining access to Greenlands critical minerals, which the US needs for technology and defence. Then there is the populist appeal of gaining space on a map. If Trump added Greenland to the US, he would expand the country by 2.16 million square kilometres. This would narrowly surpass the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which added about 2.14 million square kilometres, and the purchase of Alaska in 1867 at 1.7 million square kilometres. Loading In the 1800s, of course, national leaders traded land without regard to their people. Native Americans had no say when France gave up its claims in America, nor the Inuit and others of Alaska when the Russian tsar needed money. So what do Greenlanders want? When they were asked a year ago, 85 per cent opposed joining the US. The poll, funded by Danish and Greenlandic newspapers, found only 6 per cent were in favour. Advertisement Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen both repudiate Trumps ambitions, knowing popular will is on their side. Talks continue, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to meet Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen in Washington in the coming days, but there is no sign this will lead to American control of the territory. Susan Bech hopes Greenland will one day be independent. David Crowe The people of Nuuk do not believe Greenlands future is for others to decide. Were trying to be independent, says Susan Bech, another resident, speaking to this masthead on one of the main streets. Advertisement I hope well be independent one day. The five political parties in the Greenland parliament all convey that message. In a rare joint statement, issued on Friday night in Nuuk (about 9am on Saturday, AEDT) they commit to cooperating with the US and western nations, but they ask the US to end its disrespect for their country. They say their future is for the Greenlandic people to decide: We will not be Americans, we will not be Danes, we are Greenlanders. 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. Advertisement Updated WorldMiddle EastMiddle East tensions Fashion student shot in back of the head among hundreds killed in Iran Jon Gambrell Updated January 12, 2026 3:18pm ,first published January 11, 2026 2:14pm 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 Dubai: US President Donald Trump says the Iranian government had called him to negotiate and he has been in touch with the countrys opposition leaders, amid an escalating war of words between the United States and the Tehran regime. Iran has threatened to target US military bases if Trump carries out his renewed threats to intervene on behalf of protesters, while Trump has reportedly been briefed on military strikes and other interventions the US could enact against the country. Loading The military is looking at it, and were looking at some very strong options, Trump told reporters travelling on Air Force One on Sunday night. He also said the leaders of Iran wanted to negotiate. I think theyre tired of being beat up by the United States. Iran wants to negotiate with us. Advertisement Irans parliament speaker on Sunday (Monday AEDT) said the US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if the US were to strike the Islamic Republic over the ongoing protests roiling the country. Later on Monday, Irans foreign minister told foreign diplomats the situation has come under total control after the bloody crackdown on protests, but offered no evidence to support the statement. This screen grab from footage circulating on social media from Iran shows protesters once again taking to the streets of Tehran despite an intensifying crackdown by authorities. AP Abbas Araghchi also said that the protests turned violent and bloody to give an excuse for Trump to intervene. At least 544 people have died in violence surrounding the demonstrations, according to the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency, but there are fears the death toll is far higher. Advertisement The dead include 23-year-old Rubina Aminian, a Kurdish student who was shot at close range in the back of the head on Thursday after she had left her college in Tehran to join the protests, according to the group Iran Human Rights. Sources close to Rubina Aminian described her to Iran Human Rights as a young woman full of joy for life. Sources close to the Aminian family told the Norway-based group her parents had been taken to a location near their daughters college to try to identify her, and were confronted with the bodies of hundreds of young people killed during the protests. It wasnt just my daughter; I saw hundreds of bodies with my own eyes, her mother said, according to a statement provided to the human rights group. Demonstrators again flooded the streets of the Iranian capital, Tehran, and the second-largest city at the weekend, marking two weeks of unrest and nationwide protests challenging Irans theocracy, during which more than 10,000 people have been detained, according to HRANA. The group uses supporters inside Iran to cross-check information and has provided accurate accounts of previous unrest. Advertisement One protester told The New York Times: Either we die, or we get out of these terrible conditions we are living under. There is no way these protests calm down. There is no way, this time, that they can stop us, 40-year-old Ali told the paper by phone. Loading With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult, amid fears the information blackout is emboldening hardliners within the security services to launch a bloody crackdown. Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! Advertisement The president and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses, including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the US or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions who were not authorised to comment publicly and who spoke on condition of anonymity. Related Article Analysis Middle East tensions Iran has brutally crushed protests before. This time could be different Asked about Irans threats of retaliation, Trump said: If they do that, we will hit them at levels that theyve never been hit before. Separately, the State Department in Washington said: Do not play games with President Trump. When he says hell do something, he means it. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian government stood with the people of Iran, who are standing up for their human rights, standing up for their dignity, standing up for a change that is required. Advertisement This is a regime that has oppressed its own people, Albanese said. This is an oppressive regime that has played a bad role, not only for its people, but a bad role internationally, which is why I stood in this very courtyard and expelled the Iranian ambassador for the involvement of their agencies in attacks here on Australian soil. The BBC said it had verified videos appearing to show the Iranian government stepping up its response to the protests that have spread to more than 100 cities and towns. Protesters dancing and cheering as they take to the streets in Tehran on Friday. AP Staff at two hospitals told the broadcaster that more than 100 bodies had been brought in over a two-day period. Most international news organisations are banned from operating in Iran, making it difficult to confirm information. Advertisement Footage posted on social media on Saturday shows large crowds marching along a Tehran street at night, clapping and chanting. The crowd has no end nor beginning, a man is heard saying. Related Article Middle East tensions Iran hospital raid fuels protest anger as crackdown kills 29 In footage from the north-eastern city of Mashhad, smoke can be seen billowing into the night sky from fires in the street amid masked protesters and a road strewn with debris. Explosions can be heard. Iranian state TV is reporting on security force casualties while portraying control over the nation, without discussing dead demonstrators, whom it increasingly refers to as terrorists. However, it also acknowledged the latest demonstrations in Tehran and Mashhad. The protests, which began in Tehran late last month over a currency crisis and spiralling inflation, have escalated into demands for an end to the theocratic regime under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Advertisement Khamenei has dismissed demonstrators as a bunch of vandals seeking to please Trump, while Irans attorney-general said anyone protesting would be considered an enemy of God an offence that carries the death penalty. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told state TV that Israel and the US were masterminding the unrest and said Irans enemies had brought in terrorists who set mosques on fire attack banks, and public properties. On Monday, Iran declared three days of national mourning in honour of martyrs killed in resistance against the United States and the Zionist regime. Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi last week called on demonstrators to take to the streets and urged them to carry the countrys old lion and sun flag and other national symbols used during the shahs reign. State television and news agencies have shown video of purported protesters shooting at security forces, chanting Death to Khamenei! and stabbing security guards. Advertisement BATON ROUGE Former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony charges connected to the disappearance of an ancient cypress board that is considered a state artifact. Schexnayder was indicted and arrested in November after the board was last seen in his Gonzales legislative office. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of felony theft over $25,000 and felony malfeasance in office. Schexnayder did not answer questions after his Thursday court appearance. The indictment, filed by the Louisiana Attorney Generals Office, spans just one page and offers limited detail about how or why prosecutors believe Schexnayder stole the state-owned artifact. The board, which once hung inside the State Capitol, holds both historical and cultural significance. The state received the board as a donation in the 1950s from Walter Stebbins. According to family members, the wood came from one of the last cypress trees harvested in Livingston Parish during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The board measures roughly 20 feet in length. Legal analyst and retired LSU professor Robert Mann said the indictment lacks specificity about the alleged crime. This indictment doesn't really give you any indication of the nature of the crime, Mann said. Mann also questions the timeline laid out in the charging documents. Prosecutors allege the crime occurred sometime between 2012 and 2025 a range Mann says creates potential legal issues. So it's kind of odd that they would file charges for a crime which, if it happened in the early part of that time range, would no longer be indictable, Mann said. Beyond the timeline, Mann says the case appears to lack evidence of a thorough investigation, making it unusual by legal standards. There doesn't appear to be much evidence that there was a real investigation of this crime, he said. Experts say the case stands out when compared to past indictments involving former state House speakers. Then there's this one, stealing a piece of wood, and it just doesn't fit with the rest, Mann added. Schexnayder is scheduled to return to court on February 4. The Attorney Generals Office, which is assisting with the case, declined to comment Wednesday, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. ## Sarah Slater The chief of MetroLink has assured that work on the multi-million euro rail project will hit the ground running" this year. In a letter to public representatives, the programme director Sean Sweeney on Friday said that he is committed" to delivering lasting benefits for communities, passengers, and the wider economy with the project. MetroLink is a 19km mostly underground rail line for Dublin, stretching from Swords to Ranelagh. Stops include Swords, Dublin Airport, Ballymun, Glasnevin, OConnell Street, St Stephens Green and ending at the Charlemont Luas stop. The project was first proposed over a quarter of a century ago and is expected to cost north of 10 billion. A trip from the city centre to the airport will take 20 minutes, and the service is expected to be operational by the mid-2030s. Dartmouth Square residents who took judicial review proceedings against the transport project are to accept an offer from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to buy their homes. The project, set to be the largest infrastructure project in the State, was facing years of delay if the court action went ahead. An Coimisiun Pleanala last October had approved TIIs application to build the line from Swords, in north Dublin, to Charlemont, close to Ranelagh in south Dublin. The houses at Dartmouth Square West back onto the Charlemont terminus of the line. Some of the residents in up to 10 houses had sought an order quashing the planning permission, but the proposal to purchase the homes arose during mediation talks late last month. Mr Sweeney explained that with the legal issues now resolved, focus turns to progressing enabling works and advancing procurement, with contract notices for the main civil works packages to be issued in the first quarter of this year. He continued: I can assure you that we will hit the ground running. As you know, just before Christmas, we received the very welcome news that the residents of Dartmouth Square West had decided to withdraw their judicial review following a period of constructive mediation. As MetroLink programme director, I greatly welcome this withdrawal of legal proceedings, which now provides greater clarity for us and for the market at a crucial juncture in the development of this critical piece of infrastructure. Mr Sweeney outlined that the rail project now has a clean planning decision which will give them the certainty they need to go forward and take the next steps. The Government has committed dedicated funding toward the project and is committed to establishing a dedicated delivery body to oversee the projects construction, while next year (2027) will see the first steps taken in relation to procurement. The National Transport Authority has welcomed the withdrawal of the legal proceedings, saying it provides the certainty needed to keep MetroLink moving forward, noted Mr Sweeney. The news was also welcomed by Lorcan OConnor, CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), who said he had met with the residents and greatly appreciated their constructive approach, which ultimately led to agreements that work for all sides. MetroLink is a once-in-a-generation investment in Irelands public transport network, noted Mr Sweeney, saying that he will continue to keep public representatives in the loop throughout this important year that sees the work on MetroLink progress at pace. Following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 in an imperialist-backed regime change war, the Damascus government led by Al-Qaeda-rooted Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has escalated its crackdown on the Alawites, estimated to make up 10 percent of the population. HTS, which has the support of Turkiye and the Gulf states, is simultaneously moving towards a security agreement with Israel under US auspices. The Islamist regime of former Al-Qaeda leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was hosted in Ankara last year and later at the White House, is completely incapable of resolving fundamental democratic and social issues and resorts to violent repression to consolidate its power. Ahmed al-Sharaa and Donald Trump in the White House, November 10, 2025. [Photo: Donald Trump] At the same time, the bourgeois leaderships of various minorities are trying to secure a place within the new Syria through demands for autonomy. Druze forces, concentrated in the south, have significant support from Israel. Kurdish forces in the north and east (Syrian Democratic Forces, SDF) rely on the military and political power they have gained as the main proxy of the US in the country. HTS is simultaneously conducting integration talks with the SDF and carrying out military operations against its forces. The Arab Alawite population, concentrated along the countrys western coastline and in major cities, finds itself defenseless against the new regimes naked violence. Integrated into the state during the Assad regime, they did not develop their own autonomous armed forces during the civil war. Now they face murders, bomb attacks, arbitrary arrests, and forced displacement. Amid the Alawite populations growing concerns for their safety, large numbers participated in the peaceful human wave protests on December 28 called by Sheikh Ghazel Ghazal, head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and the Diaspora. Demonstrations in Alawite-majority regions such as Latakia, Tartus, Homs, Hama, and the Ghab Plain featured demands to stop the killings, and for justice, and federalism. Protests which began peacefully quickly turned into violent clashes after attacks by pro-regime groups and security forces. According to official figures, at least three people were killed and dozens injured. Following the events, regime forces imposed a curfew in Latakia and deployed military units to the city center. The direct trigger for the protests was a bomb attack on the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Alawite-populated Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs on December 26, 2025. The attack, which took place during Friday prayers, was claimed by Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, which split from HTS in February 2025. According to information reported in the international press, at least eight people were killed and 18 wounded. The terrorist organization, which attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus on June 22, killing at least 25 people, advocates the elimination or expulsion of all non-Sunni in Syria. After the fall of the Assad regime, Alawites, branded the social base of the old regime, became the target of systematic attacks backed by the regime. Attacks by the new regimes security apparatus and sectarian militias became intertwined. In March 2025, large-scale massacres were carried out against Alawites in the provinces of Latakia, Tartus, and Hama. According to an extensive investigation by Reuters, approximately 1,500 Alawite civilians were killed in over 40 settlements in just a few days. A significant portion of the killings took place when armed groups entered villages and neighborhoods, going door to door, questioning people about their identity and sect, and then executing them. Women, children, and the elderly were not spared. Relatives and neighbours attend the funeral procession for four Syrian security force members killed in clashes with loyalists of ousted President Bashar Assad in coastal Syria, in the village of Al-Janoudiya, west of Idlib, March 8, 2025 [AP Photo/Omar Albam] Reports published by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights revealed that these murders were targeted. According to witness statements, the attackers killed civilians after asking them, Are you Alawite? Homes were looted, vehicles were set on fire, and villages emptied. Amnesty International and United Nations agencies have explicitly defined these actions as war crimes. These massacres were accompanied by a comprehensive campaign of repression aimed at crippling the Alawite population economically and socially. Tens of thousands of Alawite workers employed in the public sector, the army, and state-owned enterprises during the Assad period were dismissed by the new regime. These mass purges in key ministries such as defense, interior, and education were carried out without any legal process. Alawites also faced mass evictions. According to reports, numerous Alawite families in Latakia, Homs, and Damascus were thrown from their homes by armed groups: their property was confiscated and their houses were effectively seized. Tens of thousands sought refuge in Lebanon and other neighboring countries; those who remained in coastal areas were condemned to live under threat of unemployment, food insecurity, and constant violence. Official statements following murders and mass attacks aim not to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable, but to shift the regimes responsibility onto vaguely named illegal elements or uncontrolled groups. Following the mass killings in coastal areas in March 2025, investigative commissions were established. Despite hundreds of witness statements and detailed documentation from international human rights organizations, they systematically ignored the role of security forces and did not touch high-level political and military officials. The policy of impunity not only covered up past crimes but also served as an open encouragement for new attacks. Responsibility for the persecution of Alawites in Syria also lies with US-NATO imperialism and its regional allies, including Turkiye, which have supported Al-Qaeda-linked militias since 2011 and brought them to power in 2024. Seeking to establish complete hegemony in the Middle East and eliminate the influence of Iran, Russia, and China, the US has carried out numerous military interventions in the region since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, encouraging sectarianism and provoking civil wars. The genocide launched in Gaza in October 2023, the war waged against Hezbollah in Lebanon, regime change in Syria, the bombing of Yemen, and the imperialist-Zionist attack on Iran last June are part of the US drive to establish a new Middle East together with Israel. The HTS regimes attack on the Alawites and the competition for power and influence in Syria, which has brought the regime to the brink of all-out war with the SDF, are a consequence of this broader imperialist war. Workers of countless nationalities, religions, and sects across Syria and the Middle East can only resist this imperialist aggression by uniting internationally on a class basis. Democratic rights, safety, job security, lasting prosperity, and social equality can only be achieved through the rule of the working class and the abolition of the imperialist-capitalist system. This means fighting for a Socialist Federation of the Middle East under the leadership of the International Committee of the Fourth International. > < 23:10 Nine booked in Telangana over killing of 300 stray dogs The police on Sunday said a case was registered against nine people after around 300 stray dogs were allegedly killed in Hanamkonda. In a complaint filed on January 9, animal welfare activists Adulapuram Goutham and Farzana Begum alleged that 300 stray dogs were killed in Shayampet and... Read more > 22:39 Vijay to appear before CBI on Monday over Karur case, party seeks security TVK chief Vijay will appear before the CBI in Delhi on January 12 in connection with the Karur stampede case and the party has requested police in the national capital to ensure security for its founder-leader, party sources said in Chennai on Sunday. Complying with the summons issued to... Read more > 22:36 Bag near minister's bungalow in Mumbai triggers panic An abandoned bag found near a minister's bungalow in south Mumbai triggered panic on Sunday until police determined that it had been left by a US citizen who wanted to give away his clothes and shoes, officials said. The incident came to light around 9.30 am, when security personnel posted... Read more > 22:32 Woman killed in leopard attack in Nainital, third incident in two weeks A woman was mauled to death by a leopard attack in Dhari block of Uttarakhand's Nainital district on Sunday, officials said. This is the third incident such incident in the district in a fortnight. The officials said the incident occurred around noon in Dhanachuli area of Khutiyakhal when... Read more > 22:16 Indian students in Iran safe, situation under close watch: AIMSA The All India Medical Students Association and the Federation of All India Medical Associations on Sunday said that all Indian students currently studying in Iran are safe, urging families and the public not to panic.Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, vice-president of AIMSA and FAIMA Doctors Association,... Read more > 22:06 Suspected Pak drones seen over areas along LoC, IB Security forces picked up movement of suspected drones in several forward areas along the International Border and Line of Control in Samba, Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday evening, officials said. All the flying objects came from the Pakistan side, and returned... Read more > 21:56 Sabarimala tantri discharged from hospital, returns to jail Kandararu Rajeevaru, tantri (chief priest) of Sabarimala, who was in judicial custody in connection with the temple gold theft case, was discharged from the Government Medical College Hospital on Sunday, the police said.The tantri was discharged from the hospital in the afternoon and shifted back... Read more > 21:05 Man killed over parking fee dispute in Haridwar, 2 from Haryana arrested Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com Two men from Haryana allegedly ran over a 55-year-old parking manager with their car after a dispute over fee near Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar in Haridwar, resulting in his death, the police said on Sunday. The two men, Vishal (22) and Suraj (34), both residents of Sonipat, had fled the scene... Read more > 20:49 Shutdown in Assam over rape of mentally-challenged woman Normal life was disrupted on Sunday in Assam's Kokrajhar district, where a bandh was called to protest the alleged rape of a mentally-challenged woman.Markets and business establishments remained shut, and public transport stayed off the roads as a result of the bandh called by the World Hindu... Read more > 20:46 First India-funded Bailey Bridge opens for traffic in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka File image The first Bailey Bridge built with India's assistance package to Sri Lanka has been opened for traffic in the cyclone-hit island nation, the Indian mission in Colombo said on Sunday. The 100-ft Bailey bridge was constructed by the Indian Army, restoring a vital road link between the Central... Read more > 20:38 Kerala: Seven-year-old dies after window frame falls on him A seven-year-old boy died after a window frame fell on him at his residence in Pathanamthitta on Sunday, the police said. The deceased has been identified as Drupath, son of Thanoj Kumar, a resident of Ezhamkulam near Adoor. According to the FIR, the incident occurred around 9 am when a... Read more > 20:36 Modi inaugurates remaining phase 2 stretch of metro service in Gandhinagar File image Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday evening inaugurated the remaining stretch of phase 2 of the Ahmedabad metro, completing a key transport link between the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The remaining phase connects Sector 10A of Gandhinagar to the Mahatma Mandir convention... Read more > 19:23 Simplified Income Tax Act comes into force on April 1 Beginning April 1, the Income Tax Act, 2025, will come into force replacing the six-decade old tax law and the changes made in tax laws in 2026-27 Budget will be incorporated in the new legislation. The 2025 I-T law is revenue neutral with no change in tax rates. It has only made direct... Read more > 19:20 Always and forever: Nupur Sanon shares wedding pictures with Stebin Ben Actor and singer Nupur Sanon shared a series of pictures on her social media on Sunday as she tied the knot to Sahiba fame Stebin Ben. Nupur opted for a white lace off-shoulder gown for her wedding. Stebin wore matching formals. The couple uploaded pictures on their respective Instagram... Read more > 18:32 10 people arrested in connection with communal violence in Tripura Ten people were arrested in connection with the communal clashes in Tripura's Unakoti district, the police said on Sunday. The violence happened on Saturday in Saidarpar in the Kumarghat sub-division over the collection of 'chanda' or subscription for a local temple, they... Read more > 17:52 UP plans regular Tamil classes in Varanasi schools, colleges File image Regular Tamil language classes are likely to be introduced in schools and colleges of Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi as part of efforts to deepen cultural and linguistic exchanges, officials said.The initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. The prime... Read more > 17:30 Amit Shah warns of emerging threats in Kerala, questions role of SDPI, Jamaat Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday warned that Kerala's law and order situation may look calm now, but several threats are slowly emerging that could become dangerous in the future. Speaking at a conclave organised by Kerala Kaumudi, a leading Malayalam newspaper in Thiruvananthapuram,... Read more > 17:16 UP: Five arrested for operating illegal slaughterhouse in Mathura Five persons, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the animal hides and remains found in a 30-foot-deep pit at a scrap warehouses' compound located in a colony here, police said on Sunday.Superintendent of police (City) Rajeev Kumar Singh said Ilyas was arrested on Friday... Read more > 16:48 MHA seeks report on attack over Suvendu's convoy in Bengal The ministry of home affairs has sought a report from the office of West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari over the alleged attack on his convoy in Paschim Medinipur, a BJP leader said on Sunday. According to him, Adhikari's office is preparing to submit video footage of the... Read more > 16:34 Sonu Sood donates Rs 22 lakh to cow shelter in Gujarat Actor Sonu Sood extended Rs 22 lakh support to a cow shelter in Varahi, Gujarat, which is a home to nearly 7000 cows. The shelter provides care, protection and dignity to abandoned, injured, and rescued animals, operating at a scale that requires constant resources and sustained support,... Read more > 16:03 'Indian Idol 3' winner and actor Prashant Tamang dies at 43 File image Prashant Tamang, who rose to fame as the winner of Indian Idol 3 and was praised for his turn as a cold-blooded assassin in Paatal Lok 2, died in New Delhi on Sunday following a cardiac arrest. He was 43. Tamang's close friend, singer Mahesh Sewa, told PTI that the singer-actor died at... Read more > 15:59 HR manager loses Rs 36 lakh in online investment fraud An HR manager was cheated of Rs 36.74 lakh in an online investment fraud, a Navi Mumbai police official said on Sunday. The victim was contacted by a woman claiming she represented a SEBI-registered firm and was added to a Whatsapp group with the promise of high returns in share... Read more > 15:29 BLO found hanging, family alleges SIR work pressure A both level officer was found hanging inside a primary school in Murshidabad district, with his family alleging that excessive SIR work pressure led him to take his own life, the police said on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Hamimul Islam (47), a primary school teacher at... Read more > 15:25 Navi Mumbai cops nab several foreigners staying illegally; two house owners booked The Navi Mumbai police's Anti Narcotics Cell has targeted multiple locations to identify foreign nationals residing illegally in the city, an official said on Sunday. The raids began at 7am on Friday in Kharghar police station limits, he added. Residences in Sector 35F and Sector 30... Read more > 15:07 Odisha aircraft mishap: 2 passengers airlifted to Mumbai, one in ventilator support Two passengers injured in the emergency crash landing of a small aircraft near Rourkela in Odisha were airlifted to Mumbai for treatment, while another injured person is under ventilator support, a senior official said on Sunday. At least six people, including two pilots, were injured when a... Read more > 14:48 Man held for 'indecent acts' at temple in Hyderabad; BJP, Hindu outfits protest A 26-year-old man was arrested for allegedly unlawfully entering the Katta Maisamma temple premises in Safilguda in Hyderabad and committing indecent acts in front of the idol, the police said on Sunday. The BJP, pro-Hindu organisations and devotees held a protest condemning the incident,... Read more > 14:21 Sabarimala gold theft case: Amit Shah seeks probe by neutral agency Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the gold loss at Sabarimala temple and demanded a probe by a neutral investigation agency. Addressing the newly elected BJP representatives of local bodies and inaugurated the party's Mission 2026 programme... Read more > 13:55 I-PAC raids: ED moves SC against CM Mamata Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee/ANI Photo The Enforcement Directorate has approached the Supreme Court alleging interference and obstruction by the West Bengal government, including by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in its probe and search operation at the I-PAC office and premises of its director Pratik Jain in connection with the coal... Read more > 13:51 Woman killed in wild animal attack in UP's Lakhimpur Kheri A 35-year-old woman was killed by a wild animal in the Nighasan range of the Dudhwa Buffer Zone, forest officials said on Sunday.The incident occurred near Mahrajnagar village.The partially eaten body of the woman, who was identified as Usha Devi, was recovered from a sugarcane field on Sunday... Read more > 13:04 Jurel replaces injured Pant in India's ODI squad for NZ series Dhruv Jurel Dhruv Jurel on Sunday replaced an injured Rishabh Pant in India's ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand. Jurel, who has been in stellar form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, has joined the squad for the series beginning Vadodara on Sunday. Pant suffered a side... Read more > 12:53 Two arrested in Rs 100 cr cryptocurrency fraud in UP Two alleged masterminds of a cryptocurrency fraud worth Rs 100 crore have been arrested in Agra, the police said on Sunday. According to the police, the accused cheated several thousands of people across four states. The accused, Vinod, from Baghpat and Vinay, hailing from Lucknow,... Read more > 12:26 Thackeray loyalist ex-MLA joins Shinde Sena ahead of Mumbai civic polls Ex-MLA Dagdu Sakpal/Image courtesy Facebook In a jolt to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-UBT ahead of the Mumbai civic body polls, former MLA and loyalist Dagdu Sakpal joined the Eknath Shinde-headed Shiv Sena on Sunday. Sakpal had served as an MLA multiple times from Mumbai's Lalbaug-Parel-Sewree belt, the stronghold of the... Read more > 11:57 Grok obscene content: X deletes 600 accounts Microblogging site X has accepted its mistake and assured it will comply with Indian laws after the IT Ministry warned the Elon Musk-led social media platform on the Grok AI obscene content issue, government sources said on Sunday.Around 3,500 pieces of content have been blocked, and over 600... Read more > 11:54 Hindu farmer shot dead by landlord in Pakistan A 23-year-old Hindu farmer has been shot dead in Pakistan's Sindh province allegedly by his landlord for building a shelter on his land, leading to widespread protests by the Hindu community.The police arrested the landlord Sarfaraz Nizamani, and his facilitator, Zafarullah Khan, from Hyderabad... Read more > 11:47 Rubio to meet Danish officials to 'discuss Greenland' United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he expects to hold talks with Danish officials next week about Greenland, as European governments respond to renewed pressure from the Trump administration over the Arctic island's future.Greenland is a self-governing territory under Danish... Read more > 10:31 Modi leads Shaurya Yatra in Somnath Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led 'Shaurya Yatra', a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district.The yatra, being organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, featured a procession of 108... Read more > 10:24 Six, including child, pastor killed in Mississippi shooting Six people were killed, including a seven-year-old girl and a pastor, in Mississippi, the New York Post reported, citing the police.As per the New York Post, this was the biggest mass shooting to rock Mississippi in almost a decade, the police said Saturday.It reported that the 24-year-oldThe... Read more > 09:50 Indonesia blocks Grok over AI-generated sexualised images Indonesia has become the first country to completely suspend access to Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk's company xAI, amid growing global concerns over the misuse of AI to create sexualised images without consent, CBS News reported.The decision comes after reports... Read more > 09:42 Trump briefed on military options in Iran: Report According to a report in the New York Times, United States President Donald Trump has been briefed in recent days on a range of military options targeting Iran.According to the report, the options presented to Trump include targeted strikes on select sites in Tehran, including non-military... Read more > 09:26 Indian envoy meets BNP chairman Tarique Rahman in Dhaka Tarique Rahman Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Saturday met Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman, a day after the party officially elected him to the position ahead of the scheduled February 12 elections.The meeting lasted for some 40 minutes, BNP media cell spokesman... Read more > 09:22 NRI doctor detained at Mumbai airport for 'spreading false information' about BJP London-based doctor and popular YouTuber Sangram Patil was detained at Mumbai international airport on Saturday morning in connection with a defamation case filed by a Bharatiya Janata Party functionary, a police official said.Crime branch officials questioned him for hours and allowed him to go... Read more > 09:20 UP deputy CM's car hits cow in Bareilly Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Saturday had a narrow escape after his car collided with a cow on the Pilibhit Bypass Road here, officials said.The incident occurred near a roadside eatery when Maurya's convoy was heading to the Bareilly airport.The front portion of... Read more > 09:00 Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil taken into custody in sexual assault case Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was taken into custody in connection with a sexual assault case from Palakkad around Saturday midnight, police sources on Sunday said.He was shifted to a police camp here on Sunday morning, officials added.According to police, a third sexual assault case... Read more > An arrest warrant has been issued for actor-director Timothy Busfield in Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to court documents obtained by KOAT, which detail allegations of sexual contact with a minor. The warrant includes two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and an open count of child abuse. The allegations involve a child under the age of 13. Busfield is known for his roles in the film Field of Dreams and the television series thirtysomething. He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, known for Little House on the Prairie. Advertisement Advertisement Albuquerque police launched an investigation in November 2024 following a response at the University of New Mexico Hospital, according to KOAT. Court documents state that hospital staff told police it appeared the children had been groomed. Busfield faces charges but has not been convicted, and the allegations have not been proven in court, Parade reports. Read the original article on cleveland.com. A Bay Area celebrity chef is facing federal charges after allegedly robbing three banks in San Francisco last year. Valentino Luchin, 62, is accused of using notes to demand cash back on September 2025. Prosecutors say he was successful in two instances and took about $ 2,800. A third attempt was unsuccessful. RELATED: Celebrity chef arrested for allegedly robbing 3 San Francisco banks on same day Luchin was arrested in September and has plead not guilty to charges in San Francisco, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. Advertisement Advertisement It's not the first time the former executive chef of Italian North Beach-based restaurant Rose Pistola faced similar accusations. RELATED: From jail, celebrity chef claims he robbed Orinda bank Luchin was previously convicted in a 2018 bank robbery in Orinda in which he got away with more than $15,000. ABC7's Leslie Brinkley spoke to him at the time and he blamed his desperation for money after his former restaurant, Ottavio, closed down in 2016. BAFTA North Americas annual tea party returned to Los Angeles on Saturday, transforming the Four Seasons Hotel on Doheny Drive into a lively hub of awards-season energy. Timed with the announcement of the EE BAFTA Film Awards longlist and held on the eve of the Golden Globes the gathering emphasized BAFTAs role in bridging the U.K. and U.S. film communities during Hollywoods busiest stretch. More from WWD Kate Hudson The afternoon drew a mix of established actors and rising talent, with guests including Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Gwyneth Paltrow, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Hudson, Kristen Stewart, Imogen Poots and Ryan Coogler mingling alongside breakthrough artists. Inside, the atmosphere was celebratory as the crowd enjoyed Champagne and very British mini sandwiches and scones. Gwyneth Paltrow BAFTA is so kind to me, said Jessie Buckley, sharing her affection for the organization with reporters on the red carpet. Advertisement Advertisement The Irish actress nominated for Leading Actress for Chloe Zhaos Hamnet at the BAFTA Film Awards, taking place on Feb. 22, and Best Actress in a drama at the Globes recalled how BAFTAs support led to her first meeting with Emma Watson. Shes a fan. Its hugely special, Buckley went on, of attending the event. I feel like Im on home turf. Jessie Buckley Adam Sandler, up for Best Supporting Actor at the BAFTAs and the Globes for Jay Kelly, waved to reporters with a casual, Hi everybody, before heading inside. Many quickly posed for photographers before dashing into the ballroom. Im getting to meet so many new incredible artists, said Chase Infiniti, the breakout actress of One Battle After Another nominated for Best Film. Shes up for Leading Actress at the BAFTAs and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the Globes. Advertisement Advertisement The 25-year-old described the joy of being honored for the project. Im just happy to be recognized. Chase Infiniti Australian actor Joel Edgerton, in town from London with his nominated project Train Dreams, summed up the room as a nice gang, adding, Its nice to see these amazing people here. Michael B. Jordan He deepened the character so much, the films director, Clint Bentley, said of Edgerton whos nominated for Leading Actor at the BAFTAs and Best Actor at the Globes. Its such a beautiful, nuanced performance. Thats the thing that everybody can see. The thing thats not as clear, if you dont know him, is that hes a wonderful person, and was so thoughtful about taking care of the crew. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Melania Trump does not believe she will have to sit through a deposition conducted by my lawyers and answer questions about Jeffrey Epstein. Her lawyers, to the extent that they discuss anything with her, have undoubtedly assured her of that: It wont happen, because, well, it cant happen. But if it did no, neither her lawyers, nor White House staff, nor the first lady, nor the president can begin to imagine what that would entail. A photo illustration of Melania Trump. / Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty My lawsuitin response to their threat of a lawsuit to keep me from talking about the first ladys relationship with Epsteinhardly even rises to an inconvenience. Still, having been forced now to pay attention, her lawyers have geared up to divert it into a procedural sea of mud in which, they figure, it will sink. Their legal stonewalling is well tested over time. Advertisement Advertisement Their ability to navigate and steer the court is obviously greater than mine. Their resources are infinite, while mine, even with the generosity of tens of thousands, are ultimately fixed. But the race is long and the question clear and important: What can Melania Trump tell us about her and her husbands relationship with Epstein, and what does that say about the kind of people they are? Click through to read more about the latest developments in Michael Wolffs legal battle with the White House. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Peter Nicholls - WPA Pool / Getty Images Prince William is reportedly extremely protective when it comes to his wife, Princess Kate. As reported by Cosmopolitan, Prince William's protective nature was explored in royal author Robert Jobson's book Catherine, the Princess of Wales. When French magazine Closer published nude photographs of the Princess of Wales during a private vacation in Provence, France in 2012, Prince William "could barely contain his fury," Jobson explained. Advertisement Advertisement Horrified by what Cosmopolitan described as a "shocking breach of privacy," Jobson shared that William "believes that if anyone oversteps the mark regarding Catherine...it is his duty to step in and protect her." Per the author, William's "stance was clear from the start of their relationship: he would not tolerate the media crossing the line." William's "stance was clear from the start of their relationship: he would not tolerate the media crossing the line." | Credit: Getty Images 'Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen' View Deal Princess Kate was eventually awarded 100,000 [approximately $116,000] for the intrusion of privacy. During the trial, Prince William said in a written statement, per the BBC, "My wife and I thought that we could go to France for a few days in a secluded villa owned by a member of my family, and thus enjoy our privacy. We know France and the French, and we know that they are, in principle, respectful of private life, including that of their guests. The clandestine way in which these photographs were taken was particularly shocking to us as it breached our privacy." William "believes that if anyone oversteps the mark regarding Catherine...it is his duty to step in and protect her." | Credit: Getty Images 'The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal, and Survival' Advertisement Advertisement View Deal The Prince of Wales also noted that the media intrusion was "all the more painful" due to his mother Princess Diana's death in Paris in 1997. Tragically, Diana was involved in a fatal car crash while she was being chased by paparazzi photographers. As a result, William appears to have dedicated himself to ensuring his wife's safety, wherever they are in the world. Patrick Dempseys McDreamy days are done, but hes still making lots of money on TV with a new show premiering soon. Handsome Dempsey, best known for his role as Dr. Derek (McDreamy) Shepherd on ABC's medical drama Grey's Anatomy, will next be seen on the FOX thriller Memory of a Killer, in which he plays a hitman who develops early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Fans can tune in to the two-night premiere on Sunday, Jan. 25, and Monday, Jan. 26. As FOX has described, Dempseys character Angelo lives a double life as both a New York City hitman and an upstate photocopier salesman and father. But losing his memory will complicate Angelos plans to continue juggling his two worlds. SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox Now 59, Dempsey is playing a dark role after mostly standing out in heartthrob parts in Greys and such movies as Cant Buy Me Love, Enchanted, and Bridget Joness Baby. The actor has raked in the Hollywood cash with a career that began more than four decades ago. And hes been just as successful in love, recently celebrating his 26-year wedding anniversary! MEMORY OF A KILLER: Patrick Dempsey 2026 Fox Media LLC. CR: Jan Thijs/FOX. How did Dempsey begin acting, who are his wife and kids, what is his net worth, and how does he spend his money? Read on to find out more! What is Patrick Dempseys net worth? According to Celebrity Net Worth, the actors net worth is $85 million. Dempseys bank account is healthy due to the medical drama. The Hollywood Reporter reported that by the end of his time on Greys Anatomy, Dempsey made roughly $400,000 an episode about $9.6 million for a 24-episode season. What was Patrick Dempseys early life like? Patrick Dempsey was born Patrick Galen Dempsey on January 13, 1966, in Lewiston, Maine. He was raised by insurance salesman father William and school secretary mother Amanda; Dempsey has two sisters and a half-brother. I came from a rural community, not a lot of opportunity, you know, hard-working, middle-class people, he told The Independent. Young Patrick suffered from dyslexia. He dropped out of high school as a senior and only received his diploma after becoming famous. How did Patrick Dempsey become an actor? The future Greys Anatomy star started out as a juggler! Stage acting soon followed and he appeared in touring productions of Harvey Fiersteins Torch Song Trilogy and Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs. Roles in movies followed, including Heaven Help Us (1985), A Fighting Choice (1986), and Meatballs III: Summer Job (1986). Advertisement Advertisement Dempseys breakthrough was in 1987's romantic comedyCan't Buy Me Love. He followed that up with big roles in In the Mood (1987), Some Girls (1988), Loverboy (1989), and Happy Together (1989). Other key roles were in Scream 3 (2000), Sweet Home Alabama (2002), The Emperor's Club (2002), and Iron Jawed Angels (2004). Who did Patrick Dempsey play on Grey's Anatomy? McDreamy, of course! From 2005-2015, fans went crazy for gorgeous Dempsey as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy. As Greys Anatomy Universe Wiki explained his character arc, Derek was a renowned neurosurgeon and board director at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. He married Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and they had two daughters and a son. After being hit by a truck, Derek died from his injuries in season 11, stunning longtime viewers. But from 2020-21, Dempsey appeared on episodes of the show in dream sequences while Meredith battled COVID-19. I thought it was a beautiful way to close it, Dempsey told Variety about the iconic TV couple. Patrick Dempsey 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images) Related: Patrick Dempsey, 59, Looks More Handsome Than Ever in New Photo Has Patrick Dempsey been married? Dempsey shocked fans at age 21 in 1987 when he married his much older manager, Rochelle Rocky Parker, 48. They divorced in 1994 and she died in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement The star told ABCs Barbara Walters in 2006 about the 26-year age gap, "I think I needed a mother. There were a lot of negative things that I'm still undoing from it. She had a son one year older than me." But an age-appropriate second marriage followed. Dempsey walked down the aisle with makeup and hair stylist Jillian Fink on July 31, 1999. They share daughter Talula, born on February 20, 2002, and twin sons Darby and Sullivan, who came into the world on February 1, 2007. In January 2015, Dempsey and Jillian, now 59, announced they were separating. But the next year, they confirmed they were back together. Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Fink (Photo by Tyler Boye/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images) Dempsey told People, "Our marriage was not something I was prepared to let go of. I didn't feel like we had done all the work. And we both wanted to do that work. That's where it started." Advertisement Advertisement Now, a decade later, they couldnt be closer. Fans were thrilled when Dempsey took to Instagram last July to share a gorgeous photo from their wedding day and gush in the caption, 26 years ago today. I cant imagine life without you. Related: Who Is Patrick Dempsey's Wife? All About McDreamy's Spouse Jillian Dempsey How has Patrick Dempsey spent his money? Accomplished race car driver Dempsey, who has competed in such events as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, splurges on vintage cars. Real estate is another interest. Dempsey and his wife purchased a 5,547 square foot Malibu house in 2009 for $7 million and sold it for $15 million. The Dempseys bought a $3.1 million home in 2006 and sold it for $2.571 million in 2009. In 2014, they spent $1.925 million for a home in Venice Beach. Two years later, they bought a 4,415-square-foot mansion in Malibu for $6.4 million. Advertisement Advertisement The actor explained to virginradio.co.uk, We've always been good with real estate and property, like I started off very early, investing in a small home, and fixing it up doing a lot of the work myself, and then flipping it to a bigger home. So I feel really comfortable with that. However, philanthropy is most important to him. After his mother was diagnosed with cancer in 1997 (she passed away in 2014), Patrick founded the Dempsey Center at Central Maine Medical Center which provides free support for those impacted by cancer. Thats what life is about, he told The Independent about his work. Being altruistic and giving back. Everything else is a distraction. Related: Patrick Dempsey on the Roles He's Recognized for Most This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Landmark Media/Lionsgate/Summit Entertainment/Alamy Sometimes you just want car chases, explosions and a hero who walks away from it all. There's nothing quite like a good action movie where you can turn your brain off and watch the good guys beat up the bad guys. Or throw them off trains. Whatever you're into. For big dumb fun, slick spy thrillers, 80s throwbacks and modern stunt-heavy blockbusters, the Roku Channel should be one of your first stops. Its one of the best free streaming services out there, with a surprisingly deep library of action movies that cover everything from cheesy comfort watches to great, high-impact thrillers. Advertisement Advertisement So if youre trying to scratch that itch for bonkers and violence and explosions, you can queue up plenty without spending a dime. Here are some of the best action movies you can watch right now on the Roku Channel all for free. 'Sisu' Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila) is a former commando turned gold prospector. He keeps to himself and spends time with his dog near the tail end of World War II. When he strikes gold and heads toward the nearest town to cash in, he crosses paths with a retreating Nazi unit that decides to steal his haul and leave him for dead. They think hes just some old man with a shovel. But they couldn't be more wrong. In one long, bloody payback trip. Aatami hunts the Nazis across minefields, burning towns, and empty backroads, picking them off with whatever he can get his hands on and refusing to stay down no matter what they throw at him. If you like your action super violent and gory, this revenge flick is more than worth the 90-minute runtime. Watch on the Roku Channel 'John Wick 4' Four movies deep, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is still on the run from the High Table and still very hard to kill. After surviving the fallout from the last movie, he finally gets a real shot at taking down the organization instead of just running from it. That means he has to challenge Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgard), a High Table member who requests that John win the pair's duel or die. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, nothing about getting to that duel is simple. The Marquis sends wave after wave of assassins, hikes up the bounty on Johns head, and forces old friends like Caine (Donnie Yen) to fight John. The action never stops in this fourth installment, and guess what there's another movie after this one in the works. Watch on the Roku Channel 'Platoon' Take it all the way back to the '80s with this classic. Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) is a college dropout who volunteers for Vietnam. He has no idea what he's in for when he gets there and finds he can't hack it inside his own platoon. Two sergeants act as a kind of beacon for his success: Elias (Willem Dafoe), who still tries to hang on to some kind of humanity, and Barnes (Tom Berenger), whos hardened by battle as the group trudges its way through Vietnam. But if war weren't enough to complicate things, the platoon itself begins to break down, divided and torn apart by different beliefs and arguments as well as the horrors they're witnessing. By the end, Chris is a completely different person from the kid who first stepped off the helicopter. That's just one of the ways war can affect someone their whole life, and even though this action flick is heavy on explosions, it can take a mental toll, too. Advertisement Advertisement Watch on the Roku Channel Google News Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. "First Blood" remains one of the best action movies ever made, partly because it has more depth than your standard actioner. It seems the original script had even more layers than the final film, too. According to star Sylvester Stallone, there was a scene where it's revealed Brian Dennehy's Sheriff William Teasle actually fought in the Korean War, which would have further motivated his clash with Vietnam vet John J. Rambo. Long before the days of John Wick and Jack Reacher there was John J. Rambo. The former green beret started out in the pages of David Morrell's 1972 novel "First Blood," where he was portrayed as a tortured Vietnam War vet haunted by his experiences abroad. Born out of two harrowing true stories about war veterans, Rambo was nothing like the uber macho action figure he'd become as Stallone's movie franchise took off. But he was quite similar to the very first big screen iteration of the character. In 1982's "First Blood," director Ted Kotcheff recreated the mix of action and social commentary that had characterized Morrell's book though much of that was down to Stallone himself. William Sackheim and Michael Kozoll wrote the original script which was then heavily edited by Sly, who took out all the killing as a way of making the protagonist more likable. Indeed, John J. remains uncharacteristically restrained throughout his first movie. While the body count ballooned with subsequent films in the franchise, Rambo didn't kill anyone intentionally in "First Blood," despite the fact he's almost overwhelmed by the Washington State Troopers, the local police force of Hope, Washington, and the National Guard. But there was one edit Sly didn't make, which he wishes would have stayed in the film. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Every Taylor Sheridan Movie, Ranked From Worst To Best The Sheriff in First Blood originally had a personal vendetta against Rambo Sylvester Stallone's John Rambo stands on a street talking to Brian Dennehy's Sheriff William Teasle in First Blood - Orion Pictures Rambo started out in a relatively peaceful way for a franchise known for bombastic action and outlandish kill counts. "First Blood" depicted an action hero with heart and a troubled soul, making the inaugural film all the more interesting and much better than the all-out chaos of the sequels ("First Blood" sits at the top of /Film's ranking of the Rambo movies). Still, Sylvester Stallone feels one aspect of the original script could have made the film even better. In an interview with GQ, the actor recalled how John J. Rambo was initially written as "a homicidal maniac with PTSD" a man who was "unmanageable" and who dies in the film's closing moments to atone for all the horror he's unleashed upon the world. But Sly didn't very much like that characterization. "This is not a very uplifting movie," he told GQ. "[...] so I said, why don't we give hope? That he tries to avoid fighting. He just wants to go away, let him go. And this sheriff, his ego is such that, I'm not gonna let this nobody get away. So it was all about this manifestation of false pride on the sheriff's part." But originally, Sheriff Will Teasle had even more motivation to take down Rambo. As Sly went on to explain, "They cut one thing out of the screenplay, I thought was a big mistake. The reason he hated Rambo so much, [is] because he had fought in the Korean War, and no one even thinks of the 35,000 people that died in the Korean War, almost much as Vietnam." It was his participation in this comparatively overlooked conflict that originally propelled the sheriff in his own personal war against Rambo. Rambo could have been a battle of the war vets Brian Dennehy's Sheriff William Teasle talks on a two-way radio in First Blood - Orion Pictures When Sylvester Stallone saw the first cut of "First Blood" he was convinced it would ruin his career. But the actor suggested changes that he felt would punch up the film, including cutting most of his dialogue. Today, his view of the movie is the exact opposite. As he told GQ, "I've considered it, like, the best action film I've ever done." Still, it's not perfect in the eyes of its star, who went on to explain how the Korean War aspect of Sheriff Will Teasle's character would have added an extra dimension to his pursuit of Rambo. "The Vietnam was [...] getting a lot of wrath and ridicule," he recalled. "So both [Rambo and Sheriff Teasle] had these complexes, but the sheriff was gonna fight his own war, the Korean War against Rambo. And so it was a personal weird vendetta and I wish they had kept that in. It was kind of interesting." Advertisement Advertisement In the final film, Sheriff Teasle merely assumes Rambo is a drifter and decides to escort him out of Hope, Washington. After the Vietnam vet ventures back into town, Teasle arrests him and leaves him to be abused by his sadistic deputies. After Rambo escapes, Teasle initiates a manhunt, making the feud between Sly's hero and the small town sheriff more about pride than anything else. Retaining the Korean war element would have undoubtedly made the movie better and preserved even more of the social commentary from the novel. Still, it's not as if removing that aspect hurt the movie, which kicked off one of the most legendary action franchises in film history. If you're looking for the easiest way to keep up with all the major movie and TV news, why not sign up to our free newsletter? You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashFilm. After five seasons and close to a decade, "Stranger Things" has ended and of course, there are spin-off plans in place. Netflix has figured out how to keep "Stranger Things" going forever if needed, courtesy of the upcoming animated series "Stranger Things: Tales from '85." Finn Wolfhard (who plays Mike Wheeler) has also divulged some details about what a "Stranger Things" spin-off would be about, hinting at David Lynch vibes and an anthology theme. Oh, and we also know for sure that the currently unannounced spin-off will absolutely not focus on the main cast, thanks to co-creator Matt Duffer's comments to The Hollywood Reporter: "Mike's closing the basement door. We're closing the door on the story. That's one reason we had the closing credits the way we did, because it was a way of saying: 'This is finite. This is the end of their story. It's the end of the story of Mike and Eleven [Millie Bobby Brown] and Joyce [Winona Ryder] and Hopper [David Harbour].' So, no, there's no plan or intention to tell the story because it's a coming-of age story. Ultimately, that's what it's supposed to be. That's what the show always was. When he closes the door to the basement, he's closing the door on his childhood and he's moving onto adulthood." Then again, if there's a property Netflix would really like to go all in on, it's probably "Stranger Things." The Duffer brothers might not be feeling it right now, but who knows? Let's assume that relentless pressure from the deep-pocketed streaming juggernaut will eventually convince them to Taylor Sheridan it up and open their world into spin-offs that directly expand on the original story. Should that happen, here are a few "Stranger Things" spin-off ideas that fans might very well be interested in. Read more: 5 Biggest Unanswered Questions After The Stranger Things Series Finale Hopper and Joyce go to Montauk David Harbour's Hopper and Winona Ryder's Joyce having a tender moment outdoors on Stranger Things - Netflix Let's start with the sneaky spin-off tease in the "Stranger Things" series finale, shall we? In the barrage of happy and bittersweet character endings, we discover that Hopper and Joyce are planning to get married and very understandably intend to move away from Hawkins. Their new home will be a town called Montauk, where Hop has been offered a better police chief gig. This is a very deliberate wink-and-nudge to the Duffer Brothers' planned proto-"Stranger Things" show "Montauk," which played with some of the same elements but was set in the titular New York town instead of Hawkins, Indiana. But what if it's also something bigger? Advertisement Advertisement Despite the comments that contradict the idea, it would make all sorts of sense for the Duffers to focus the spin-off on Winona Ryder and David Harbour's characters. Ryder, in particular, rarely got her flowers on the show after season 1, as Joyce was often relegated to hand-wringing and general anxiety while more interesting storylines swirled all around her. Ryder being a Golden Globe winner and a two-time Academy Award nominee, this always seemed like a strange decision and she might not be opposed to elevating the character in a spin-off. As for what this spin-off would be about, there's a chance that it could still involve elements of the "Montauk Project" conspiracy theory about secret government experiments. On the other hand, "Stranger Things" already drank from that well quite extensively, so maybe Hop and Joyce's version of "Montauk" would be something entirely different. Still, do such details really matter? Just bring back the version of Joyce who was happy to lop off Vecna's (Jamie Campbell Bower) head with an ax, and we're golden. Murray Bauman, government agent Brett Gelman's Murray Bauman looking up in a melted laboratory in Stranger Things - Netflix One of the many unanswered questions after the "Stranger Things" series finale is what Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman) got up to between the main characters' final confrontation with the military and the epilogue, where he's seen only briefly at the gang's graduation ceremony two years later. Perhaps he simply went back to everyday conspiracy theorizing and private investigating. Or perhaps, after seeing his skills in action (he exploded a military helicopter and repeatedly infiltrated Hawkins as the squad's smuggler), the government recruited him. Goofy as he may seem, Murray is a beast of a character, with tenacity and ability to spare. Apart from that helicopter explosion, he proves to be a massive asset to everyone around him time and time again, and is a crucial part in both rescuing Hopper from the Soviet prison camp and shutting off the Upside Down. In "Stranger Things" season 4, he even busts out some surprisingly effective martial arts moves against Yuri (Nikola uricko), a hardened criminal and military veteran. Oh, and he has plenty of field experience, not to mention knowledge about the Upside Down and the Abyss. Murray, in other words, is the exact kind of guy the powers that be might want to keep an eye on, and perhaps even recruit into the CIA or some even more shadowy agency. Advertisement Advertisement From a fan standpoint, watching Gelman Fox Mulder his way through various "Stranger Things"-adjacent scenarios as a shady government agent would be the perfect combination of hilarious and awesome. While Murray has an anti-authoritarian streak, it might even fit his character: As an ardent conspiracy theorist, he'd be tempted by a position where he can finally get some real answers. Stranger Things: the next generation Nell Fisher's Holly Wheeler wearing a hooded cloak on Stranger Things - Netflix One way that "Stranger Things" could have its Hawkins cake and eat it too was already set up in the series finale: Just hand the baton to the next generation. Nell Fisher's Holly Wheeler gets plenty of screen time in "Stranger Things" season 5, and eventually grows into the de facto leader of her own ragtag team of teens just like his older brother Mike before him. Only, this time, the kids are already old hands at dealing with the supernatural before they begin getting into Dungeons & Dragons. Holly's emergence as a major character doubles as a passing of the torch moment that allows Mike and the others to move on toward adulthood. Conveniently, it also ends the show with a pre-made new gang: Holly herself, the wonderfully profane Derek Turnbow (Jake Connelly), Debbie (Eden Stephens), Mary (Calista Craig), and Josh (Anthony B. Jenkins). It would be a shame if this is the last we see of this group of friends-slash-Vecna survivors, wouldn't it? After all, when the various spies and scientists inevitably return in Hawkins to pick up the pieces and search for artifacts related to the Abyss, it'll be up to them to clean up the mess. Bring in The First Shadow Jamie Campbell Bower's Henry Creel wearling an orderly's uniform on Stranger Things - Netflix Prequel shows can be very effective in the right hands just ask "Better Call Saul." As it happens, "Stranger Things" already has plenty of pre-existing and comparatively obscure prequel lore that the Duffer brothers could potentially adapt as a spin-off series. "Stranger Things: The First Shadow" is a stage play that explores the origins of Henry "Vecna" Creel and the Upside Down through the eyes of younger versions of several pre-existing characters ... as well as Patty Newby, the sister of "Stranger Things" season 2 MVP Bob Newby (Sean Astin) and Henry's girlfriend. Advertisement Advertisement As it happens, "Stranger Things" season 5 requires knowledge of this spin-off at many points, since it alludes to events that have only been described in "The First Shadow." This might be seen as a sign that something is indeed up. It would make a lot of sense for Netflix to adapt "The First Shadow" in one way or another, and a show that focuses on the early years of the main "Stranger Things" villain would certainly be an interesting direction for the live-action leg of the franchise. Eleven's later adventures Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven covering looking sad and serious on Stranger Things - Netflix It's hard to see the Duffer Brothers returning to the story of Eleven any time soon, given how ambiguous her ending is in the "Stranger Things" series finale. That's all right, though; they can sit on this one for quite some time and let El build a new life out there somewhere. However long it takes, a simple time skip will suffice to get the story up to speed. The thing is, there's still a lot to explore in Eleven's story. Assuming that the survival tale that Mike weaves is true which, in a spin-off scenario, it would obviously have to be she's the last known psychokinetic alive, wandering the Earth to keep her powers secret from the shadowy American and Soviet military forces that would like to jump-start another cycle of supernatural nonsense with her blood. Of course, El being heroic to a fault, she'd eventually end up in a situation that will require her to use her impressive array of powers, which would attract all sorts of military and supernatural forces once more. With projects like the "Enola Holmes" movies, Millie Bobby Brown has shown that she can shine in a starring role. With her character's ties now quite thoroughly cut from the rest of the "Stranger Things" folks, Brown could lead the franchise in a whole new direction once again. Advertisement Advertisement If you're looking for the easiest way to keep up with all the major movie and TV news, why not sign up to our free newsletter? You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashFilm. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Actor and director Timothy Busfield has been charged with child sex abuse after New Mexico authorities issued an arrest warrant Friday, according to media reports. An investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department filed a criminal complaint for a case involving two minors who were part of the series "The Cleaning Lady," which Busfield directed, the Associated Press and The New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Busfield is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The abuse allegedly occurred between late 2022 and early 2024, according to the criminal complaint. One child alleged that Busfield had touched his genitals several times. Both say Busfield touched them inappropriately. Alleged child sex abuse occurred on set of The Cleaning Lady The children's mother reported the incidents to Child Protective Services, The New York Times reported. According to the complaint, one child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, and feared disclosing the alleged abuse because of retaliation from Busfield. In 2024, University of New Mexico Hospital staff members requested an investigation because it appeared the boys were being groomed. Timothy Busfield faces new sexual abuse allegation Advertisement Advertisement According to the affidavit, Busfield acknowledged to police in a phone interview that the set was a playful environment and that he had probably tickled the boys. He suggested the allegations were revenge because the boys were fired from the show. Production assistants told the Albuquerque Police that Busfield was sometimes touchy or unprofessional, the affidavit said. Timothy Busfield is facing child sex abuse charges after a judge signed an arrest warrant in New Mexico. USA TODAY has reached out to the Albuquerque Police Department and representatives for Busfield for comment. The Cleaning Lady ran for four seasons from 2022 to 2025. It starred Elodie Young as a Cambodian doctor who comes to the U.S. for medical treatment to save her son and becomes a cleaning lady for organized crime. Busfield is married to Little House on the Prairie alum Melissa Gilbert. He is known for roles in The West Wing, Field of Dreams and Thirtysomething, for which he won an Emmy in 1991. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Actor Timothy Busfield accused of child sex abuse Timothy Busfield, an actor and director best known for his role as Danny Concannon on "The West Wing," is facing charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse, according to an arrest warrant out of New Mexico. Busfield is accused of inappropriately touching a child actor on the set of "The Cleaning Lady," a television series that Busfield directed and acted in, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ABC News. The actor faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, according to the arrest warrant issued Friday by the Albuquerque Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear if the actor is currently in custody. ABC News reached out to Busfield via his agent and did not immediately hear back. The actor denied the allegations when interviewed by investigators, the criminal complaint says. According to court documents, the parents of the boy reported that the alleged abuse began in 2022 when the child was 7 years old. Jason Kempin/Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this Jan. 19, 2010, file photo, Timothy Busfield attends a premiere in New York. The investigation began in November 2024, after a physician at University of New Mexico Hospital examined the child and notified police of suspected sexual abuse, according to the criminal complaint. An officer interviewed the childrens parents, who told investigators that the minor and his twin brother were child actors, the criminal complaint says. The children did not report sexual abuse at the time, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement The victim's mother later reported to child protective services that Busfield had allegedly sexually abused her son from around November 2022 to Spring 2024. Attorneys for Warner Bros., which produced "The Cleaning Lady," told police they previously conducted an independent investigation into the allegations but said they could not find evidence to support the claims at the time, according to the complaint. In a statement provided to ABC News by a company spokesperson, Warner Bros. Television said: "We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and have systems in place to promptly and thoroughly investigate, and when needed, take appropriate action. We are aware of the current charges against Mr. Busfield and have been and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement." Busfield is married to actress Melissa Gilbert. Court records for Busfield detailing an initial appearance or bond conditions were not immediately available. Authorities said the case remains under investigation. Winter is here, and so are the cold temperatures, but you're dreaming of a European summer, sitting along the Adriatic coast and sipping an Aperol Spritz without a care in the world. Summer is still months away, but that doesn't mean you can't travel to Europe now. Although there are surprisingly budget-friendly European cities to visit for a winter vacation, their temperatures aren't exactly high enough to leave your bulky coat behind. However, these five countries in Europe have mild winter temperatures to keep you warm and cozy during your much-needed winter vacation. There are plenty of beautiful European destinations to visit in December (and throughout the winter months), such as Germany, Iceland, and the Netherlands. However, you're not exactly guaranteed sun-drenched days without rain, snow, or cloudy skies. If you've saved your PTO days off for a winter getaway, and want to enjoy sunny skies, warm winter temperatures, and maybe even a cheeky dip in the sea (if you're brave), then visiting countries such as France, Greece, Portugal, Malta, and Spain might just be what you're looking for. While you won't find bathing suits and beach-lounging weather in Europe during the winter months, these countries boast some of the warmest winter temperatures in Europe, while offering fewer crowds, lower prices, and endless cultural gems to be discovered. The average January temperatures for these countries typically range from collective daytime highs of around 51 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. In the Canary Islands, the warmest place in Europe during the winter, travelers can expect January highs ranging anywhere from 60 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, which we'll take over snow, slush, and sleet any day! Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 10 Dangerous Cities You Should Never Visit Alone Malta A blue wooden boat in the water - Tosh Bene / Static Media Figuring out the best time to travel to Europe can be challenging, especially during winter, but in the Mediterranean, the tiny island country of Malta is a standout gem during the cooler months. South of Sicily, and north of Tunisia, Malta boasts mild winter temperatures that make exploration pleasant, even when wearing a light, long-sleeved shirt, and sometimes, a T-shirt during the day. I visited Malta at the beginning of February a few years ago to escape the cold Canadian winter. I could walk around in a T-shirt on some days, which warranted a few funny looks from locals wearing winter jackets. Malta is known for its vibrant capital city, Valletta, which is steeped in history, stunning architecture, colorful doorways, and streets made entirely of stairs. During the winter months, it makes for the perfect European destination, with temperatures ranging from 61 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit from January to March, and lows of 55 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. With approximately 300 days of sun throughout the year, exploring small villages and towns like the walled city of Mdina and the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk to watch the colorful luzzu boats floating on sparkling blue water is enjoyable with the sun on your face rather than dodging snow squalls. Portugal A view of orange rooftops in Europe - Tosh Bene / Static Media When you think of a European winter beach destination, you probably aren't considering the Atlantic coast. However, in Portugal, not only will you find one of Europe's best beaches with crystal-clear water and mountain views, but you'll also discover mild winter weather. With many direct flights from North America, Lisbon is one of the best places to enjoy a short getaway. Since its temperatures average highs of 59 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit from January to March, and lows range from 48 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll have perfect temperatures for climbing those famous Portuguese hills. Advertisement Advertisement While most tourists head to Lisbon when visiting Portugal, the warm weather of the Algarve region, located in the south of Portugal on the Atlantic Ocean, shouldn't be missed. It's also considered one of the warmest places in Europe, with temperatures in January to March reaching highs of 61 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and lows ranging from 43 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit. With dramatic rocky cliffs dotted with whitewashed villages and stunning beaches, visiting during the winter months will bless you with mild weather and fewer crowds. Former fishing villages such as Albufeira, Faro, Lagos, and Burgau along the Algarve coast are the perfect places to enjoy chilling on the beach, rather than experiencing the chill of winter. If you're looking for an active holiday with challenging hikes and beautiful landscapes, the Azores archipelago in the Atlantic or the island of Madeira, both part of Portugal, are great alternatives for warm winter weather. Spain A volcanic crater behind white buildings - Tosh Bene / Static Media There are many underrated destinations in Spain to add to your bucket list, especially to stay warm during winter. Cordoba, located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, makes winter months bearable and enjoyable, even while enjoying a drink on a patio. Famous for the beautiful Calleja de las Flores, a street filled with balconies adorned with colorful flowers, Cordoba makes for the perfect winter getaway. Temperatures from January to March range from highs of 59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lows span 39 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The Canary Islands, an archipelago that is part of Spain and located near Northern Africa, are a set of seven islands in Europe that are great for a warm-weather winter vacation. Gran Canaria's capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, makes for the perfect base for enjoying the beach and sunshine throughout the year. You can easily visit the neighboring islands of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Tenerife via a ferry and a short plane ride. As a Canadian motorcyclist, I spent some time riding in Gran Canaria during the cold Canadian months, which is a treat only riders in colder climates will truly appreciate. Temperatures on the island of Tenerife, from January to March, typically range from 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows starting at 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Advertisement Advertisement Other places that dissolve the winter blues faster than rock salt on icy roads and provide travelers with warm weather are Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca (for its beaches). Consider San Sebastian, too, located in the north of the country, for delectable pintxos and Michelin-star restaurants. France European hilltop town with boats in water - Xbrchx/Getty Images In the South of France, on the Cote d'Azur, the city of Nice is a great place to escape the blustery winter weather. With January to March temperatures ranging from 55 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit and lows from 41 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, exploring on foot is comfortable without bulky layers. Since 1873, Nice has held the Carnaval de Nice, an annual, epic event that runs for two weeks in February and comprises live music, colorful floats, and festive family fun. Along the Cote D'Azur, towns like Cannes, famous for film festivals and celebrity sightings, and vibrant Menton are worth a visit to soak in Southern France's mild winter temperatures. Marseille, France, is the perfect home base for exploring the French Riviera. From January to March, its winter temperatures range from 52 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and lows span between 37 and 43 degrees Fahrenheit. With such favorable conditions, climbing the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde for unforgettable views of the Mediterranean Sea and exploring the Old Port can be done at a leisurely pace. Travelers looking to experience charming hilltop French villages, Renaissance chateaux, and local markets should head to the Provence region in Southern France to places such as Gordes, Aix-en-Provence, Lourmarin, and Roussillon. Greece Boat floating in turquoise water - Vladimirs_gorelovs/Getty Images Known for being a hotspot for beach-loving summer vacations, Greece offers warm winter temperatures throughout the year on its many islands. Crete, the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, has January to March temperatures that hit inviting highs of 61 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit and lows ranging between 46 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes strolling on pink sand beaches at this European destination enjoyable, although you may run into some rainy days at the beginning of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Since Santorini sees an influx of tourists during peak season, those looking to visit Greece on a budget while enjoying mild weather should do so in winter. The island's tourism slows down significantly during wintertime, but the weather stays nice and mild. January to March sees temperatures ranging from 57 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 50 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit. While you may not be swimming in the Med during these time periods, the lack of tourist crowds, lower prices for flights and accommodations, as well as a more local feel, make it worth the visit. Keep in mind that most of Santorini tends to shut down until tourist season comes around again. Check out the common luxury on Greek beaches becoming absurdly expensive due to tourists. Methodology Couple smiling on a sunny beach - Marti Rossello/Shutterstock When researching countries that offer mild winter weather, we focused on winter months from January to March, with high temperatures ranging between 52 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. While many locations across Europe have mild winter weather, focusing on European countries, from west to south, that attract a higher number of tourists during peak seasons, helps our readers check out places they typically wouldn't visit for a winter vacation. These options during the colder winter months tend to come with mild winters, fewer crowds, cheaper flights, and affordable accommodations. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. Camping is booming in the United States. According to KOA's 2025 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, a record 58 million American households made the outdoors a focal point of their travels in 2022, while up to a quarter of all leisure trips are now camping-based. Many of those will be in the mountains, which now host some of the country's most unique campgrounds and backcountry camping destinations. That could be anything from California's highest drive-to campground just outside of Yosemite to the remote camping spots in the Great Smoky Mountains. And that's just in the United States. Mountain camping can be done all over the Alps, the Andes, the Himalayas the list goes on and on. If, like so many other Americans, you're tempted to pitch up and venture out to the peaks this year, then this guide is for you. It's a string of five essential tips for folks looking to get into the highlands with the canvas and the cooking gear. It's the product of research across leading camping blogs, bolstered by plenty of first-hand knowledge of camping in the mountains. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Here's How Much It Really Costs To Visit Antarctica Choose the right destination (and pack accordingly) The woods and granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada in California - Haveseen/Getty Images One of the most oft-mentioned tips of all is this: Choose the right place to go a-camping. It's a tip that applies long before you set off, long before you even assemble that gear and check all tent poles are present. The reason? Your destination and chosen campground will have a huge impact on what you pack, how you plan, and more. Let's take the United States as a case in point. Not all mountains in the stars and stripes are the same. Far from it. Out west, you have the Sierra Nevada, where giant sequoia trees spread along granitic ridges that can be covered in snow from November to May. In the east, there are the forested valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains, while the Pacific Northwest has glacier-topped volcanoes like Mount Rainier. Those present quite different terrains and come with quite different weather patterns, meaning your preparation will need to change accordingly. Take this as an example: Some folks on the r/norcalhiking subreddit say you can get away with a 40-degree-rated sleeping bag in the peak summer in the Sierra Nevada. Meanwhile, a post on SmokyMountainNationalPark.com says winter campers in the Smokies should get a bag with a rating of at least 10 degrees less than the lowest outside temperature they expect that could be under 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the depths of January! You'll need different equipment for different mountains and weather patterns, so picking the right spot is the first thing to consider. Once that's done, you can worry about the rest of your planning. Get to grips with the local wildlife A bear box in a campground near the Yellowstone National Park - StephanieFarrell/Shutterstock The mountains can make it seem like you're the only thing around for miles on end, but that's rarely the case. The highlands of the world are unique habitats for rare creatures that demand respect and attention from would-be campers. That's not simply because paying heed to the local inhabitants is one of the seven Leave No Trace principles a set of ethical guidelines the National Parks Service says can be applied to all recreation in the outdoors. It's also because being aware of the native fauna is an important part of staying safe when camping in the wild. Advertisement Advertisement Take bears. Often greatly feared by campers and hikers, these hulking ursine beasts are present from Texas to Alaska. But they don't have to pose a threat. Cris Hazzard, a professional hiking guide and author who writes the Hiking Guy blog, outlines a few key bear safety rules. The main one? Remove all scents and temptations from your campground, and keep your food tightly stored away. Everything from odor-proof bags to using on-site bear lockers can help with that. Of course, bears are just one in a multitude of animals that you'll need to pay attention to. The point is that knowing what's out there can help you prepare accordingly. You might want to avoid pitching a tent in rocky areas if you're camping in rattlesnake country, for example, or bring along plenty of mosquito spray for summertime camping trips to the Sierra Nevada, when the biters can come out in force. Know how to pick sheltered backcountry camping spots A tent is pitched in the snow high on a mountain ridge with stars above - Adventure_photo/Getty Images Calling all backpackers this one's for you. If you dream of ditching the rumble of the RV generators and really want to stray off the beaten path in the mountains, then it's likely you're planning a spot of backcountry camping. That comes with its own set of rules and challenges, not least of all selecting a place to actually pitch that tent each night. With no designated campsite plan, nor ranger to help you, the placement of your camp is all your responsibility, and it really, really matters. Kristen Bor, who runs the camping and hiking blog Bearfoot Theory, outlines a whole host of things you can do to choose a good backcountry campsite. This includes selecting a place that's flat and stable, ensuring you're far enough away from bodies of water not to contaminate them, and a great tip for cooler mountain climates pitching so as to get the first sun in the morning for added warmth. Advertisement Advertisement If you're nearing the peak or crest of a ridge, it's also a good idea to choose the leeward side of it to set up shop. That means going for the side that's not in the way of prevailing winds, where the air tends to be warmer and there's generally less rain. Meanwhile, on the r/backpacking subreddit, one past camper also highlights the importance of choosing a pitch on safety grounds: "I look for widow makers, poisonous plants, signs of animals like bears or other animals that I don't want in my campsite and areas that seem prone to flash flooding." Be weather alert A tent pitched on a grassy ridge with a storm brewing in the distance - Sergii Zysk/Getty Images They say that the mountains make their own weather. Lurching out of nowhere to create colossal walls of rock and ice that force clouds upwards and temperatures down, the highland regions of the world have some seriously unpredictable weather patterns. They can impact everything, from local wind patterns to snowfall levels, and conditions can change suddenly. The U.S. also happens to be home to peaks that have notoriously bad weather, such as Mount Washington, the beautiful but deadly mountain they call America's Everest it might only be 6,288 feet tall, but the folks at the Mount Washington Observatory give it the dubious honor of having the "world's worst weather." Then there are whole mountain chains, such as the Sierra Nevada in California, which have climate patterns that are sure to influence your choice of where, when, and with what gear you go camping, especially since many of the campgrounds only open as the snows recede around April and May. You should also be alert to the weather once you've pitched up, since things can go from sunny and pleasant to downright dangerous in a matter of minutes up in the mountains. On threads on the r/backpacking and r/camping subreddits, regular campers recommend using a mix of mobile phone services, apps, and satellite imagery to keep abreast of unexpected changes, while I personally like to remain highly flexible in my plans, always ready to pack up should the weather demand. Remember the little gadgets A man sits on a campchair beside the water - Mikhail Blavatskiy/Getty Images Reams and tomes have been written about the best backpacking tents, or what backpack to go for if you're a thru-hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail or the like. What doesn't get so much attention are the little things. And it's the little things, in my humble opinion, that will elevate a camping trip from basic to brilliant. Advertisement Advertisement I'm talking about things like an extendable washing line, so you're not laying wet swimming gear out on camp chairs beside the fire pit. I mean a good headlamp, so you're not tripping over rocks and sticks when you head to the toilet in the pitch black. For camping in the mountains specifically, there's a trio of nifty gadgets I wouldn't be caught without. First is a trusty blanket. It's a versatile addition to any camping setup, which can be used to lie on during the day, to add thickness to your bed at night, or as a wrap-around when the temperatures start to drop. Second is a decent food cooler, which is a doozy for campground camping when you want ice-cold drinks or good food preservation. Third is a water filter. No matter how tempting it can be to imbibe straight from a clear highland stream, it's never a good idea. The NPS even recommends a good filter, purification tablets, and boiling as a precaution for backpackers in the wild. Methodology A tent sits beside a mountain lake - ORIONF/Shutterstock This list of the most essential mountain camping tips is the product of research across leading camping blogs and camping guides, combined with several years of hands-on mountain camping experience I've camped in multiple spots in the United States, along with the European Alps, the Peruvian Andes, and the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, to name just a few. I trawled through publications and lists of camping tips to form a shortlist of pointers for would-be campers in the highlands, and then whittled that down to just five of the most important using my own personal expertise. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. Shopping for a car on Social Security means every dollar counts. I asked ChatGPT which vehicles make sense for retirees living on fixed incomes and which ones drain budgets fast. The artificial intelligence focused on total cost of ownership instead of just sticker price. That means factoring in fuel economy, maintenance costs, insurance rates and reliability ratings alongside the purchase price. The Best New Cars for Social Security Budgets ChatGPT named the Honda Civic, with pricing around $25,000, as a top choice for retirees. The compact sedan delivers reliable performance, strong fuel economy and a comfortable ride for everyday driving. It holds resale value better than most competitors and maintenance stays affordable. Advertisement Advertisement The Toyota RAV4, priced around $33,000, earned high marks for retirees who need more space. This compact SUV offers a roomy interior and strong reliability reputation. Hybrid versions cut fuel costs even lower. The Hyundai Elantra made the list for its low purchase price of around $23,000 and excellent fuel economy. The sedan comes loaded with safety features and provides a smooth ride. ChatGPT also highlighted the Subaru Legacy for retirees in snowy climates. The midsize sedan includes standard all-wheel drive and balances price with long-term reliability. The Chevrolet Trailblazer appeared as a budget-friendly subcompact SUV option. The higher seat height makes getting in and out easier while the MSRP stays around or under $25,000. Advertisement Advertisement For retirees who drive moderate daily distances, ChatGPT suggested the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. No gas bills and simple maintenance make the EV appealing for fixed budgets. Find Out: 5 SUVs Retirees Should Avoid Plus the 6 Best SUVs To Own on Social Security Read Next: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster Smart Used Car Options ChatGPT recommended buying used or certified pre-owned when possible. A lightly used Civic or Corolla costs much less than new while delivering years of reliable service. The used Toyota RAV4 topped the list for reliable SUVs with spacious cabins and strong resale value. The Honda CR-V earned praise for easy entry and exit plus long-term reliability. Subaru Forester and Outback models offer good visibility, all-wheel drive and comfortable space. Advertisement Advertisement A used Honda Civic delivers compact size, lower insurance costs and great fuel efficiency. Cars That Drain Social Security Fast ChatGPT warned retirees away from luxury vehicles that look appealing but wreck budgets. High purchase prices combine with expensive repairs and steep insurance costs. The Infiniti QX55, Volvo XC90, Audi A6 and BMW X3 all landed on the avoid list. Large SUVs and trucks with poor fuel economy also made the warning list. The Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner and large pickup trucks cost more to buy new, burn through gas and rack up maintenance bills. Why These Recommendations Make Sense ChatGPT explained that total cost of ownership matters more than sticker price when living on Social Security. Reliability means fewer surprise repair bills. Good fuel economy cuts monthly expenses. Safety features become more important as drivers age. Easy entry and exit help aging joints and mobility. Low depreciation protects resale value. Advertisement Advertisement The recommended models consistently score well in reliability and owner satisfaction surveys, according to the AI. Key Shopping Tips ChatGPT advised shopping for vehicles with good safety ratings and modern driver-assist technology that helps aging drivers. Buyers should calculate total ownership costs including insurance and fuel instead of focusing only on purchase price. Certified pre-owned vehicles offer warranties and thorough inspections while costing thousands less than new. The Bottom Line The Honda Civic, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Trailblazer deliver the best combination of affordability, reliability and low operating costs for retirees on fixed incomes. Used versions of the RAV4, CR-V and Civic stretch budgets even further. Advertisement Advertisement Luxury SUVs like the Infiniti QX55 and large gas-guzzlers like the Ford Explorer drain Social Security checks through high maintenance, fuel and insurance costs. Retirees should prioritize total ownership expenses over brand names or features they wont use. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT What Car Retirees Should Buy on Social Security Heres What It Said Madi Ford is a 28-year-old tattoo artist in Missoula, Missouri. She has always been supported by her family to pursue tattooing as a career. She decided to give each family member a tattoo of their choosing. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Madi Ford. It has been edited for length and clarity. Growing up, I loved art and was what some might call an "alternative" type of teenager. Unlike other parents, my dad always encouraged me to take art classes and never dampened my desire to make art a career. Advertisement Advertisement At 16, I remember wanting to be a tattoo artist, but I didn't think it was a viable career. I was scared and nervous about making the jump, unsure of the path I needed to follow to make it happen. I even remember telling my dad that maybe I would attend cosmetology school to work on hair instead. He looked at me and said, "You don't want to do hair. You want to tattoo. Don't give up." I became an apprentice When I turned 18, I got my first tattoo, and my dad made a big deal about it when I showed him. He took a photo of it and posted it on Instagram. Whereas lots of kids hide tattoos from their parents, I had a dad who encouraged them because he knew how much I loved them. After going in to have my first tattoo, surrounded by a welcoming and creative environment, I decided to ask if I could be an apprentice to one of the artists in the same shop where I had my tattoo done. Three years later, once I had developed skills and felt ready, I asked my dad and stepmom if they'd like me to do tattoos for them. Dad had a daruma doll, a Japanese wooden doll, and my stepmom had a red-headed nurse to represent her years working as a nurse. Madi Ford tattooed her dad, which inspired to do the same for the rest of the family. Courtesy of Madi Ford To give them both something of myself, of my own artistic style, was incredibly meaningful, and it went on to inspire me to do it again for more of my family this past Christmas. I gifted my family tattoos While my partner and I typically travel three hours to see my family, we asked my dad, stepmom, stepsister, step-aunt, and her partner to come to us on December 26 instead, and spend a few days in Missoula with us. Advertisement Advertisement I asked them if they'd like me to give each of them a tattoo as a Christmas present, and each of them agreed, thinking in advance about what they'd like to have. They all shared their ideas for the tattoos they wanted and explained why they wanted them. It was a glimpse into who they were and what was important to them. Madi Ford opened her shop on December 26 to tattoo her family. Courtesy of Madi Ford On December 26, I opened the shop at 10 a.m., and we spent the day tattooing, taking only a brief break for lunch. It was special for me to get to know each of my family members at such a vulnerable point for them. It provides a great icebreaker for conversation and enables me to spend ample time getting to know someone. Although I know my dad and stepmom well, I don't see my other family members often, and this was the perfect opportunity for me to get to know them and for them to get to know me. It was one-on-one time that we wouldn't have had in a large, family gathering. It felt better than giving them a store-bought present Instead of giving them a generic Christmas present, I was able to give them a handmade, personalized gift, which was an extension of me. And it's a way to connect and get to know each other on a deeper level. Madi Ford says that tattooing her family brought her closer to them. Courtesy of Madi Ford Another thing I love about tattooing friends and family is inviting them into my shop, where they can see that tattoo shops are for everyone. They often carry a reputation as being for only the coolest and toughest people, but that's not true, at least not for all of them. Advertisement Advertisement After my family had their tattoos, they couldn't stop talking about how much they loved them, and my dad spoke endlessly of how proud he was of me. I'll definitely be offering the same in the future whenever family comes to visit. I think it might be the best gift I can give them. Read the original article on Business Insider 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 graphical representation of the action MR/GR homo- and heterodimers, and a microscopic image of a 3-day-old zebrafish larva. Credit: Faught, Aviles & Schaaf. Stress, the body's natural response to different types of challenges and daily problems, is an inherently harmless state experienced by most people worldwide. While short-term stress is a common experience and can even be beneficial, acute or prolonged stress responses are known to be linked with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders. A key contributor to stress responses in humans and most other vertebrates is cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands that regulates various physiological processes. This hormone binds to two proteins in the brain known as the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which typically act in pairs, forming units known as dimers. Dimers can be made up of two identical receptors (i.e., homodimers) or one MR and one GR (i.e., heterodimers). While neuroscientists had observed heterodimers in the past, their possible contribution to stress-related behavioral and brain changes so far remained poorly understood. Researchers at Leiden University in the Netherlands recently carried out a study aimed at shedding new light on how MR/GR heterodimers could influence both the behavior and brain of zebrafish that are under stress. Their findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, suggest that the formation of dimers comprised of one MR and one GR receptor prompts changes in brain function and behavior upon stress in zebrafish, and potentially also in other vertebrates. "The finding that inspired us to start this research was done by Erin Faught, when she was still a postdoc in the lab of Matt Vijayan (Univ. of Calgary)," Marcel JM Schaaf, senior author of the paper, told Medical Xpress. "She found, using zebrafish larvae from MR and GR knockout lines, that both MR and GR were required for certain cortisol-induced changes in behavior. In a subsequent Marie Curie postdoc fellowship, she tested in my group at Leiden University (The Netherlands), the hypothesis that this effect was a result of heterodimerization between these receptors." The effects of stress on the zebrafish brain As part of their study, Faught and Schaaf created genetically modified versions of stress hormone receptors that could form only homo- or heterodimers. This allowed them to genetically engineer zebrafish with specific combinations of MR and GR pairs, to then investigate how these combinations influenced their behavior and brain processes while under stress. Zebrafish are commonly studied by neuroscientists, because observing their brain and monitoring their behavior is fairly simple. In addition, they can be genetically engineered to observe specific brain processes or explore the role of specific receptors in isolation. "We managed to generate combinations of mutant MRs and GRs that were deficient in either homo- or heterodimerization," explained Schaaf. "We could express these receptors in zebrafish larvae and study the effect of cortisol on their behavior." Interestingly, the researchers found that cortisol only altered the behavior of zebrafish when MR and GR receptors formed heterodimers. These pairs of different receptors appeared to control genes that enable communication between different parts of the brain via the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. "We showed that the cortisol-induced effect on behavior was dependent on heterodimerization, which was the first time the physiological relevance of these heterodimers was demonstrated in an in vivo system," said Schaaf. "Furthermore, we found that the MR/GR heterodimers specifically modulated the transcription of genes involved in the glutamatergic system, which in turn affected other neurotransmitter systems such as the GABAergic and serotonergic systems." Deepening the understanding of mental health disorders The results of this recent study offer new insight into the biological processes via which stress might contribute to some mental health disorders, particularly anxiety disorders. Notably, the team also showed that disruption of a specific gene that encoded a specific glutamate receptor prevented the stress-induced change in zebrafish behavior. If validated in other vertebrates and eventually in humans, the team's observations could improve the present understanding of how stress drives the development of some psychiatric disorders or intensifies associated symptoms. In the future, they could potentially also help to devise alternative treatments for specific disorders that target human analogs of the stress signaling pathways identified by the researchers. "Our findings might explain certain stress-induced behavioral effects (e.g., anxiety-like behavior), and may therefore be helpful in development of therapies against stress-related mental disorders," added Schaaf. "We would now like to explore three distinct research directions. First, we plan to study the downstream effects of MR/GR heterodimer activation in the brain further. We also wish to investigate the role of heterodimers in other systems (e.g., the immune system), and see if other steroid receptors (e.g., AR) form similar heterodimers." Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Sadie Harley, 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 Erin Faught et al, Mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor heterodimers mediate cortisol-induced behavioural changes via modulation of glutamatergic signalling, Molecular Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-03389-z. Journal information: Molecular Psychiatry 2026 Science X Network Key Points Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays often means cheaper fares, thanks to lower demand compared to busy travel days. Booking early is still smartespecially for holidaysbut keep tracking prices since many airlines allow free changes if fares drop. Instead of watching for deals on a certain day, set price alerts and stay flexible to snag the best rates whenever they pop up. If youve ever waited until Tuesday afternoon to book a flight because someone at some point swore it was the cheapest day to buy airfare, youre not alone. For years, travelers have followed that advice like gospel. But according to todays top travel insiders, that rule is more a travel myth than a money-saving tipand it could even cost you the deal youre hoping for. So whats actually true in 2025? We asked frequent fliers, booking pros, and points experts to weigh in on what matters most when youre trying to score the lowest faresand it turns out, its less about when you book, and more about when you fly. Getty Images The Truth About Tuesday Flight Deals The idea that Tuesdays are the best day to book flights is a leftover myth from the early days of airline pricing, says Julian Kheel, founder and CEO of Points Path, a travel tech platform that tracks airfare trends. "That strategy may have made sense when fares were loaded into an airlines computers once a week, but thats not how ticketing systems work anymore. Advertisement Advertisement In todays world of dynamic pricing, airline fares shift constantlysometimes even several times a dayin response to demand, capacity, and even browsing history. Theres no single day to book when prices are magically lower, Kheel explains. Waiting for a specific day could easily mean missing out. Instead, he advises travelers to focus less on trying to time the booking perfectly and more on being strategic about when they actually plan to fly. The Best Days To Fly, Not Book While theres no magic window to purchase tickets anymore, travel experts agree that flying on certain days of the week is consistently cheaperparticularly if youre willing to avoid peak days. Flights departing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are 6 percent to 13 percent cheaper on average than weekend departures, Kheel says, based on Points Paths 2025 data. Advertisement Advertisement That tracks with what Rob DelliBovi, founder and CEO of RDB Hospitality Group, sees with his high-profile clients. The cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays and Saturdays, he says. Business travelers typically fly out on Mondays, and leisure travelers head out on Thursdays or Fridaysso Tuesday and Saturday flights tend to fall in a cheaper sweet spot. For travelers who want to maximize savings, that knowledge can be powerful. Plan accordingly, DelliBovi advises. Its a simple shift that can make a real difference in your budgetespecially for families or groups. What About Booking Tips And Tricks? DelliBovi says the old-school rules about booking in advance still hold upespecially if youre eyeing peak travel periods like holidays or school breaks. The rule of thumb is to book as far in advance as possible, he says. And even if youve already booked, dont stop monitoring prices. If you notice your flight got cheaper after booking, call the airline, he says. Theyll often adjust the priceespecially now that most tickets can be changed without penalties. Advertisement Advertisement That flexibility is one of the biggest advantages travelers have today. Smart travelers book the best deal they can find, then keep tracking fares, Kheel adds. If the price drops, they rebook. Set Price Alerts To Save Tiffany Funk, co-founder and president of the award-travel search tool point.me, agrees that travelers need to let go of the Tuesday myth and adopt a more proactive strategy. Theres no longer a best day of the week to book a flight, Funk says. Airlines now use advanced algorithms and pricing models, so fares can fluctuate even throughout the same day. Instead of stalking airline websites every Tuesday, Funk recommends setting price alerts and being flexible. Your best bet is to have flexibility on the day you actually travel, and set an alert to be notified when pricing drops, she says. To hone your approach, heres a summary of what our experts say is the best strategy for getting a great flight deal: Advertisement Advertisement Fly on less popular days . Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and even Saturdays tend to be cheaper. Book earlybut keep watching. Airfares change constantly. You might be able to rebook if prices drop. Set price alerts. Tools like Google Flights or point.me can notify you of changes in real time. Dont wait for Tuesday to book. Deals can appearand disappearany day of the week. Read the original article on Southern Living Greece enjoys a permanent place on bucket lists around the world. As one of the travel community's favorite holiday destinations, it has a long-held reputation as a summer paradise that is hard to beat. This preeminence is understandable, considering that Greece offers its travelers hundreds of dreamy islands to choose from. Unfortunately, in the thrum of excitement places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes have drummed up in recent years, tourists have been sleeping on several other Greek gems. While the beauty of these Instagram-famous islands cannot be debated, their peak season prices can make a classic Greek holiday feel out of reach. Fortunately, there are endless, more affordable options to choose from. We spoke to Alayna, the popular creator and travel blogger behind Alayna Abroad, a go-to travel channel for many on social media. Having traveled across the world, Alayna has her finger on the pulse of all that's hot in the world of travel, especially in Greece, where she has traveled extensively. Out of the 28 Greek islands she has visited, there are some she finds to be more budget-friendly than others. These underrated alternatives have all the postcard views that their famous island cousins do (often even better) without the inflated prices and with a lot more authentic local character. Alayna's well-informed insight, combined with our own research of first-hand stories from the online travel community at large, has helped us compile this list of the cheapest Greek islands to visit for an affordable beach vacation in 2026. Read more: 25 Gorgeous Islands For Vacationing That Won't Break The Bank Crete Boat floating on clear waters in Crete, Greece - Vladimirs_gorelovs/Getty Images Crete may hold the distinction of being Greece's largest island. However, what truly sets it apart from its Aegean counterparts is that it also happens to be one of the country's most idyllic, affordable getaways. Planning a vacation to Crete does not require the extensive budgeting one typically associates with a Mediterranean holiday. "Crete is one of those islands that makes you question how this much variety can exist on just one floating piece of land," Alayna says. "If you want a lot of experiences plus low stress budgeting, Crete is a great option." From exploring hidden villages like Agia Roumeli to lounging on the sparkling sapphire beaches of Elafonisi, Falassarna, and Matala, there is a lot to do in Crete without decimating the budget. Advertisement Advertisement Essential utilities like food, local transportation, and even stays come cheap here, without compromising on the quality of travel experiences. Alayna says a rental car can cost about 75 euros ($90) per day here, made even cheaper when shared with friends or fellow travelers. To go even easier on the pockets and simultaneously immerse themselves in Crete's local culture, holidayers can opt for public buses, which can cost as little as 2 euros ($2.35) per ride. Kos Monastery in Kos island, Greece - Nellmac/Getty Images Just off the coast of glitzy Bodrum, an affordable destination known as the "Mykonos of Turkey," lies the unassuming Greek island of Kos, where the waters are crystal, villages are charming, and prices are economical. It is a true jewel of the Aegean and wonderfully authentic in its character, offering everything a tourist would expect from a quintessential Greek holiday history, seaside charm, food, and culture at a fraction of the cost of other, more popular islands. As Alayna puts it, "Kos is one of those places that feels fun, social, very beach focused, and doesn't make my bank account cry after day two." Exploring Kos will not burn a hole in your pocket, since essentials like accommodation can go as low as 25 euros ($30) per night if you look in the right places and visit during the shoulder or off-season. Transportation is priced reasonably, not just on the island but also off it. Travelers who have the necessary visas and documents can make the most of their Mediterranean holiday by taking day trips to Turkey and other neighboring islands for just about 35 to 45 euros ($40 to $50). As for those who want to stay put in Kos, the island is lined with endless surreal beaches, each one more unique than the last. Just rent a scooter and follow the coast! Amorgos Whitewashed street in Amorgos, Greece - vivooo/Shutterstock Amorgos feels like a premium version of Greece that mainstream tourists haven't unlocked yet. And according to Alayna, it is nothing short of "a budget traveler's fantasy." Flung far on the easternmost side of the Cyclades, Amorgos has all the signature features of a quintessential Greek holiday think whitewashed houses, flower-lined streets, dramatic natural landscapes without the excessive footfall or prices that are typical of its more famous Aegean neighbors. The hotel Alayna stayed at here, for instance, offered premium views of the sea at a cost of only 30 euros ($35) a night. Even some of the other fancier accommodations rarely cross the 85 euros ($100) mark. Advertisement Advertisement The lack of an airport in Amorgos means that connectivity is limited only to ferries, which plays a welcome role in crowd control. Once there, the best way to explore this Mediterranean gem is by taking it one leisurely day at a time. Time feels unhurried everywhere in Amorgos, even in the capital, Chora, which is one of the island's most tourist-friendly and intriguing corners, with authentic Greek cafes and lots of history. As Alayna puts it, "Amorgos has this peaceful, cinematic, and uncrowded feel without the Cyclades markup that hits everywhere else near Santorini. It feels like a secret people haven't fully ruined yet." Astypalaia Querini castle at night in Astypalaia, Greece - Claffra/Getty Images Astypalaia is a little-known Greek paradise that continues to fly under the radar of most summertime tourists planning a Mediterranean vacation. But travelers who prefer a little peace and quiet not to mention, reasonable prices have no reason to complain, since it is this very exclusivity that lends this butterfly-shaped island its charm. Part of the Dodecanese cluster of islands, close to neighboring Turkey, Astypalaia has all the makings of a postcard-perfect Greek holiday: Think whitewashed aesthetics, blue domes, hidden beaches, and sweeping cliffside views. In Alayna's words, "This is Santorini energy without Santorini prices. You'll be paying 30% to 60% less than Santorini prices for stays, food, transportation and excursions. I think this is one of the most underrated island choices for people who want gorgeous Cyclades scenery but still want to eat three meals a day." The heart of the island is the main town, Chora, which is perched on a hill and promises spectacular sunsets. The iconic Querini castle is a major landmark, nestled right on top as the highest point in the town. The vibe in Astypalaia is versatile and there is plenty to do here, from hiking to soaking in history to just enjoying lazy days at the beach. Lefkada Waterside restaurant in Lefkada, Greece - Anetta Starowicz/Getty Images There is a lot that gives Lefkada its reputation as one of the most stunning islands dotting the Aegean, but what truly makes it unique, first and foremost, is that it has the rare advantage of being connected to mainland Greece by a bridge. This is an island travelers can literally just drive into from major hubs like Athens, without the usual hassle of ferry transfers that most Greek islands require. Right off the bat, you cut down transportation costs, especially if you take a local bus or already have a rental car at hand on the mainland. Advertisement Advertisement Lefkada offers many sightseeing opportunities for visitors looking to fill their itinerary with waterfalls, forts, cruises, and, of course, beaches. The island is home to the otherworldly Egremni Beach, undoubtedly one of the best secluded beaches in the Mediterranean, and (Alayna's personal favorite) Porto Katsiki Beach. "The beaches here are dramatic, unique, and wild in the best way you can imagine," she says. The main town is also a treat to walk around, with its colorful streets and waterside cafes, and while it is a must-visit, finding accommodations that are a bit off-center might save you some bucks. Skopelos Aerial view of Skopelos in Greece - Shansche/Getty Images Alayna is not alone in declaring Skopelos her favorite island in Greece. Dozens of other travelers, who also double as superfans of "Mamma Mia!," echo this sentiment, making a pilgrimage to this dreamy corner of the world where the iconic 2008 musical was shot. But the appeal of Skopelos extends far beyond its status as a bucket-list destination for "Mamma Mia!" fans, as it is home to some of Greece's most stunning mountain and beach landscapes. "Everything on this island looked like it was behind one of those vibrant Insta filters," Alayna says, in terms that might explain Skopelos' beauty best to the social media generation. That Skopelos' reputation as "the Mamma Mia island" precedes it, and means that prices don't always come cheap. Guided sightseeing tours and activities in the town center can resemble mainstream tourist costs typical of other popular Greek islands. But according to Alayna, it's not too difficult to circumvent the more commercialized bits of Skopelos for a more budget-friendly experience. "Accommodations can be as low as 30 euros ($35) a night if you stay off the beaten path and outside of the main town, and rentals for cars or scooters are also super reasonable," she says. Corfu Scenic beach in Corfu, Greece - Neirfy/Shutterstock Corfu is one of those versatile places that can cater to just about any visitor. From families traveling together to solo adventurers or couples seeking out a romantic nook, Corfu delivers extensively with a variety of travel experiences you won't be able to get enough of, and the best part is that it's possible to fit a comprehensive itinerary within a reasonable budget. To begin with, beach lovers (unsurprisingly) will be spoiled for choice in Corfu, with popular hangouts like Paleokastritsa and hidden gems such as Barbati Beach. Advertisement Advertisement History abounds in Corfu, reflected in the smattering of castles, fortresses, and museums across the island. It is also regarded as Greece's greenest island, offering lush natural views that frame the best of nature hills, forests, and the sea in divine panoramas. The old town is another major draw for travelers, who can stroll the charming streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site and soak in authentic Greek culture without being pressured into overspending. Here's a quick tip from Alayna: "I stayed inland in the village of Giannades at a local home rental which saved me a ton of money and gave me the kind of authentic small town Greek hospitality that you cannot buy." Aegina Church and fishing boats in Aegina, Greece - Zoom-zoom/Getty Images Just about an hour from Athens by ferry, Aegina is the budget reroute your itinerary won't mind. It is one of the easiest Greek islands to squeeze into a trip, whether you're looking for a quick break from the bustle of the capital or want a relaxed beach getaway without the high prices of Santorini. But the star of the show in Aegina is the simple, local life (and its famous pistachios, of course) that takes in every visitor with a warm embrace. "It's smaller and not jam packed with sites at every turn, but it makes a perfect budget beach escape," Alayna says. Aegina is as authentically Greek as it gets, replete with natural beauty, historic ruins like the Temple of Aphaia, and pretty narrow streets. Perhaps the biggest indicator of Aegina's credibility is that it enjoys a glowing stamp of approval from domestic Greek travelers, who love visiting this underrated island. It has the perfect balance of everyday local fare and visitor-friendly spots without ever feeling too touristy. Getting around the island is also an inexpensive affair, with a range of affordable transportation options available, including buses and scooters. Hydra Donkeys standing on the coast of Hydra, Greece - Edwardshtern/Getty Images Hydra is the kind of place that feels less like a travel destination and more like a time capsule. Life on this vehicle-free island in Greece moves at a donkey's pace, and not just metaphorically. Mules are one of the foremost modes of transportation in Hydra, besides the water taxis and boats that everyone uses to get around this small island. Alayna points out that it is this "simplicity that keeps it affordable because you're not paying for cabs, rental cars, gas, parking, or any of that. You can walk to several beaches for free or take a cheap water taxi to a nearby beach and still eat well without sticker shock." Advertisement Advertisement It's hardly surprising that Hydra also enjoys high status as Rick Steves' favorite Greek island, with the renowned travel writer gushing about "the terrain of donkeys, roosters, and cats" on his popular blog. Considering that it takes less than two hours by ferry to reach Hydra from Athens, one can expect to see tourist crowds here, though not nearly as many as on other mainstream Greek islands. Hydra's relative exclusivity, combined with its boutique, artsy reputation, gives it what Alayna accurately describes as "this old world, romantic energy that feels expensive even though it really isn't." Visit these affordable alternatives instead of Santorini and Mykonos Fishing boat in crystal clear waters in Naxos, Greece - Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock The idea of a picture-perfect summer getaway in Greece doesn't have to be the bank-breaker it is usually made out to be. While islands like Mykonos and Santorini may dominate our social media feeds as ultimate Greek vacation destinations, the real magic lies in islands that are less famous than their glitzier siblings. Paros and Naxos, for instance, are affordable alternatives to Santorini, where crowds have to scramble for those Insta-worthy sunset photos, according to Alayna. "Even with steadily rising crowds every year, they're still more affordable than Santorini. You'll still get the Cycladic architecture, great food, cute local towns, and better beaches. Plus they are way easier to get around without spending your savings on taxis or rental cars," she explains. As for Mykonos, the island is as notorious for its wild parties as it is for its outrageous prices. For travelers willing to shell out that kind of money, Mykonos can undoubtedly be a fun place, but those seeking out holiday revelry within a budget, islands like Ios can be better alternatives. As Alayna puts it, "You'll get nightlife, beach bars, dancing till morning, fun music venues, and cute little alley bars without dropping half your trip budget in 48 hours." What is the best time for a beach holiday in Greece? Traditional Greek houses lit up at sunset on Paros island - F9photos/Getty Images Timing plays a huge role in how much you will end up spending on your beach vacation in Greece, not to mention how enjoyable the experience will be. As the go-to summer destination for millions of tourists, June, July, and August are especially packed and pricey. "You'll pay sometimes two or three times more for literally the exact same room you could get in mid May-mid June and mid September-mid October for a lot less. Same goes for food, taxis, beach clubs, and excursions," Alayna says. Her preferred time to visit Greece is the shoulder season between September and October, when the weather is lovely, there are fewer tourists, and prices are lower. Advertisement Advertisement One travel period to be particularly mindful of is mid-August, which is when Greece celebrates Dekapentavgoustos, a national holiday also known as the Summer Easter. This is the time when locals take a well-deserved break and go out in droves to visit popular islands that are typically frequented by foreign vacationers. If you have a flexible schedule, it's best to plan for dates that aren't close to August 15. Flights are another major cost factor that can make or break your budget. Alayna suggests, "My biggest hack is to track prices early and watch them on Google Flights or Skyscanner. I set price alerts and then wait for the cost to dip before I book." She also suggests cashing in your credit card points, especially for last-minute bookings. More tips to enjoy a budget-friendly Greek island vacation Two glasses of aperol spritz against whitewashed Greek houses - Lichtwolke/Getty Images It only takes a bit of clever strategizing and foresight to significantly cut down costs in Greece. One of the easiest ways to save a few euros is to avoid online booking platforms and instead approach local operators upon arrival. While online apps do offer convenience while planning, they often come with hefty markups. Alayna has perfected visiting Greek islands on a budget and swears by this hack, telling us: "After visiting 28 Greek islands, I have saved a ton of money when I go to the port or a tourism office and book the same trips directly in person. In Paros this past summer, the Antiparos day cruise was 110 to 175 euros ($130 to $200) online. I booked it through a local office at the port for about 75 euros ($90) for the same itinerary, plus lunch and fewer people." For ferries, meanwhile, booking in advance with reliable platforms like more.com or Ferryhopper can get you the best rates. Greece is famous for its cuisine, but the most expensive meals aren't always the best. Skip the flashy waterfront restaurants and head where the locals are heading. "I usually look for local tavernas a few blocks off the main squares or along small side streets," Alayna says. She also suggests staying away from EuroNet ATMs (identified by their blue and yellow machines), which often charge high withdrawal fees and offer poor exchange rates. ATMs affiliated with Greek banks, such as Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, Eurobank, or the National Bank of Greece, are better choices. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. A new year often brings new travel plans. Many are likely planning to head to the beach, go on a road trip or visit family. But how are the ultra-wealthy traveling in 2026? GOBankingRates consulted travel experts about ways the ultra-wealthy are spending their time off. Here are four travel trends the ultra-wealthy are booking for 2026. Also see three true luxuries of the modern ultra-rich. Forever Travel Trips In 2026, the many of those who are ultra-wealthy are booking forever travel trips. Forever travel is about replacing speed with depth, said Mischa Mannix-Opie, director of client experience at Greener Pastures. Rather than sampling multiple destinations, families spend extended time in one place, living like a local, as though the move has already been made. Advertisement Advertisement For example, instead of going to a frantic, populated city, the ultra-wealthy are doing things like taking three-week test drives in New Zealand. These trips serve a dual purpose: to relax in a beautiful area and test out a potential Plan B life. They explore schools, neighborhoods, farmers markets, and daily routines, alongside moments of discovery and enjoyment. For globally mobile families, this kind of immersion is a more thoughtful way to assess their potential future than making long-term decisions based on a brief visit, Mannix-Opie said. An average day on a forever travel trip might look like a morning hike and a vineyard lunch, followed by the afternoon school run to see where the kids would go to school. After a long day, they might head back to a private villa in a specific neighborhood that is on their radar. Between leisure activities, they can plan out what life would look like if they were to make the destination their permanent home. Read More: 5 Trips Only the Rich Can Afford Check Out: 6 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money Yachts and Private Boat Tours The next type of travel trend the ultra-wealthy may be booking for 2026 is yacht or private boat tours. Instead of sailing on a crowded cruise ship, the ultra-wealthy are booking entire yachts or chartering private boats to destinations such as Italy, Greece, the French Riviera and the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Yacht charters continue to define the ultimate luxury experience, with our internal data highlighting that yacht trips are consistently among the most requested luxury services, said Thanasis Mougios, founder and managing director at Kinglike Concierge. For many guests, a yacht day is the highlight of their vacation, sailing between islands, enjoying fine food and drinks, and spending quality time together. Private yachts offer personalized luxury. A typical day might entail breakfast on the deck, followed by some type of relaxation activity, such as sunbathing, reading or using the spa. Other activities throughout the day may include water activities, visiting local towns and enjoying chef-prepared meals. Sustainability and Cultural Trips Many ultra-wealthy people are also booking sustainability and cultural trips. This type of travel often is an immersive cultural experience, filled with local cuisine and a community-focused approach. One of the goals of a sustainability trip is to minimize the travel impact and maximize the societal contribution. For example, travelers might use local transportation and support local businesses. The travel industry has changed a lot, as wealthy travelers are now becoming more selective with how they spend their time and not just their wealth, said Evelyn Duran, travel expert at Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders. Conservation and impact-transparent travel are big themes, as travelers are more interested in destinations where their money will go to protecting the environment. Advertisement Advertisement For many ultra-wealthy individuals, philanthropy and sustainability are core values. While these trips might not be the epitome of luxury, they balance personal enjoyment with care for the planet and community. Wellness and Longevity Trips Another travel trend emerging in 2026 is wellness and longevity trips. According to Elite Traveler, the global wellness economy is rapidly growing, and wellness tourism is one of the sectors growing the fastest. Citing research from the International Luxury Travel Market, Elite Traveler noted that over 90% of luxury travelers seek out wellness programs when making their travel plans. These trips typically focus on physical and mental well-being. While they may have an underlying purpose, they also have a luxury component. For example, Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland is known for its diagnostics and cellular health, while Palazzo Fiuggi in Italy offers a combination of ancient thermal waters and modern medicine. An average day might involve enjoying a meal prepared by a Michelin-starred chef, attending therapy or treatment and relaxing in a peaceful setting. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Luxury Travel Expert: 4 Trends the Ultra-Wealthy Are Booking for 2026 Sitting along Hawai'i's scenic Hamakua Coast, Honoka'a stands out as a coastal gem where historical charm meets contemporary community life. Just 40 miles north of Hilo and a 20-minute drive south of Waimea via the Mamalahoa (Highway 19), this town provides a peaceful base that feels both inviting and timeless thanks to its ocean views and lush, tropical backdrop. Let's go back to the late 19th century, when Honoka'a blossomed as the second-largest town on Hawai'i's Big island, founded amid the sugarcane boom. Cane cultivation began in 1873, with the labor of indentured servants (chattel slavery was outlawed in the Kingdom of Hawai'i in 1852) on W.H. Rickard's plantation. This eventually evolved into the famed Hamakua Sugar Company. Many of Honoka'a's landmark buildings on the historic Mamane Street date back to the 1920s and '30s, erected by Chinese and Japanese immigrants who transitioned from plantation laborers to local entrepreneurs. Strolling Mamane Street feels like stepping into a living postcard. Quaint shops, cozy cafes, and the Art Deco Honoka'a People's Theater, built in 1930, invite you to linger, listen to live music, or catch a film. By the time your trip ends, you'll envy the people who call this place home year-round. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Secret Cruise Etiquette Rules You May Not Know About Why Honoka'a is one of the best towns to live in Hawai'i Boutique shop interior in Honoka'a, Hawai'i - Lonely Planet/Getty Images Honoka'a's strengths lie in its history, community, affordability, and quality of life. Though no longer buoyed by sugar, the town has embraced other forms of agriculture from tea and tropical fruit farms to macadamia and coffee cultivation sustaining both local economy and rural character. According to data from Local Observer Daily, the median household income in Honoka'a hovers around $65,882, and the average home is valued near $350,900 about 53% above the national average reflecting an admirable balance between rural tranquility and approachable cost of living. Unemployment rates remain lower than U.S. averages, and poverty runs modestly lower, too, painting a picture of a stable, family-friendly community. Beyond numbers, Honoka'a's vibrant spirit shines through in community gatherings. The weekly Hamakua Harvest Farmer's Market (which runs on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and the First Friday events along Mamane Street that showcase local produce, music, and eateries all foster a sense of connection you won't find in big cities. If you're looking for a similar experience close to Maui, explore Hana, a historic Hawaiian town with scenic hiking. What to explore in Honoka'a and when to go Waterfall in 'Akaka Falls State Park, Hawai'i - Matt Anderson Photography/Getty Images Honoka'a isn't just a great place to live it's a must-see if you're visiting the Big Island. Start with a stroll along Mamane Street around sunset, when boutiques and cafes glow with island warmth. Then head just minutes northeast on the Honoka'a-Waipi'o Road to the Waipi'o Valley Lookout, often called "the Valley of the Kings," for sweeping views of dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Advertisement Advertisement Another great spot: 'Akaka Falls State Park, located about 45 minutes south of Honoka'a near Honomu. Its 442-foot waterfall and lush loop trail make for a memorable hike and will give you plenty of photos to frame in your home. When visiting, summer through early fall offers the driest, clearest vantage points for valleys, waterfalls, and coastal views. Bring your best hiking shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and a camera to capture the memories. Why not keep chasing waterfalls in O'ahu and discover the iconic Manoa Falls? For overnight stays, visitors commonly choose from charming B&Bs or guesthouses near downtown Honoka'a or in nearby Waimea. These offer both comfort and access to local flavor and usually cost around $100 to $250 per night. Honoka'a isn't a flashy beach resort, so you won't find high-end restaurants and spas. It does, however, provide a more authentic, down-to-earth Hawaiian experience that makes it worth adding to your post-COVID bucket list. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. Nowhere in the world does castles quite like Europe. From the gilded, decadent luxury of France's riverbank chateaux and the soaring fairytale turrets of Sintra in Portugal to the grim, looming majesty of England's Norman fortifications, the sheer variety of castles in Europe is astonishing. Fans of Gothic horror trek into the wilds of the Romanian countryside for an immersive, spine-tingling visit to Dracula's Bran Castle, while aspiring Disney princes and princesses gaze in awe at the picturesque mountaintop beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Whether you are after crumbling hulks or storybook perfection, Europe's ancient castles and fortresses will provide. Germany has a truly excellent selection of palaces and beautiful fortifications. European travel guru Rick Steves is a particular fan of the castles on the Rhine. He says that "one of Europe's great thrills is zipping along the Rhine River on a fast train, or gliding slowly on a relaxing old steamer boat ... [exploring] the fabled Germany of hill-topping castles, rugged cliffs, half-timbered towns, and half-remembered myths swirling in the river's mists." One of his favorite spots is the town of Oberwesel, overlooked by the rugged, dramatic beauty of the Schonburg, the town's castle, which now doubles as a restaurant and hotel. Oberwesel sits on the banks of the River Rhine, about 30 miles south of Koblenz and around 30 miles north-west of Mainz. The nearest major airport is Frankfurt International, just over 50 miles away, reachable by car or train in a little over an hour. Frankfurt-Hahn Airport is closer, just a 40-minute drive, but it only serves a limited number of European routes. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The Biggest Tourist Traps In Europe, According To Rick Steves Towers, city walls, and medieval charm Oberwesel Castle and church appearing out of green trees - LouieLea/Shutterstock Rick Steves likes to arrive in Oberwesel by boat for the most dramatic and atmospheric entrance. He says, "From the river, you can see its ship's masts rising from terra firma a memorial to the generations of riverboat captains and sailors for whom this town is famous." The river is at the heart of the town's history, and it is what makes Oberwesel such a fantastic base for exploring along this storied watercourse. Steves suggests starting your visit in the "charming main square" before taking time to "explore its museum with the best collection of historic Rhine artifacts I've found within the Rhine gorge." The wonderfully preserved city walls add a touch of glorious medieval flavor to the experience, and the beautiful half-timbered houses in the old center are as impressive and picturesque as you'll find anywhere else in the country. The other main highlight of the town is its 16 fortified defensive towers, spread evenly around the city walls. One of these is currently a private home, with some charming if potentially apocryphal stories attached, including one where partying teens pulled up the drawbridge to prevent their fun from being shut down by the local police! While the Schonburg that overlooks the town might not be quite as dramatic as some of the other must-visit castles in Germany, it is still a stunning example of German Imperial medieval architecture. It is definitely one of the most beautiful castles in the country that you can actually stay in, and a night perched high above the town, watching out over the Rhine from a tower room or the atmospheric bistro restaurant, is a glorious adventure. Vineyards and hilltop castles Vineyards overlooking the Rhine River - Trabantos/Getty Images Oberwesel is a small place, and if you plan to stay for any length of time, chances are you will be heading further afield to explore the Rhine Valley in more depth. Rick Steves describes the river as "a major transportation route since Roman times, when the river marked the northern end of the empire. In the Middle Ages, the stretch from Bingen to Koblenz was home to no fewer than 16 greedy dukes and lords robber barons running small-time dukedoms, living in hilltop castles and collecting tolls from merchant vessels passing by in the river below." These days, the Rhine is home to more winemakers than feudal lords, and no tour of the region is complete without a tasting at one of its excellent vineyards. Advertisement Advertisement Steves describes how "visitors have been captivated by the Rhine Valley's past glory and rich legend for centuries" and how "with a little imagination, it's easy to rekindle the Europe of old in Germany's Rhineland." With so many incredible castles to choose from (one every few miles along the river, per Rick Steves), choosing which ones to visit is an art. If you are staying in the opulent surroundings of Oberwesel's Hotel Schonburg, then it might be worth looking for something a little different, like Rick Steves' favorite, Rheinfels. Steves describes it as "the biggest and mightiest castle on the Rhine" and says, "While now a gutted shell, this castle offers your single most convenient and evocative hands-on castle experience on the river." Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. Building tiny backyard homes can be expensive. The units can range in cost from under $100,000 to over $300,000. Three states will help with the cost by providing homeowners with grant money. Here are the programs, how much homeowners can receive, and who is eligible to apply. If you've looked into building a tiny home in your backyard, you've probably discovered what many have: While they may save you money in the long run, they can be expensive to build. These backyard homes, called accessory dwelling units , or ADUs, are small housing units ranging from 150 square feet to 1,200 square feet, depending on where you live. Advertisement Advertisement The average cost of a unit can range from $100,000 to $300,000, not to mention the permit cost, and securing a loan to build an ADU can be challenging. In California, where most backyard homes are being built, ADU building permits cost anywhere from $450 to $15,000 even before construction starts, Backyard Unlimited, a company that builds ADUs, said. That's not all: Other costs could include site preparation, which includes anything from inspections to running utility lines. To put it another way, if you don't have cash available or the ability to access financing for the project, it can be cost-prohibitive, making it harder for middle- and low-income homeowners to actually build one, studies have shown. Advertisement Advertisement To combat this disparity, promote equity, and ultimately propel the construction of much-needed housing, some states as well as nonprofits in select cities have established grant programs to provide assistance. The deadlines for these programs vary from state to state. Those interested in building an ADU should be prepared for next year's application cycles, as they often experience high demand. Here are the ADU programs available nationwide. California: Up to $40,000 per grantee Previously, the state provided $40,000 to Californians for pre-construction ADU costs, including design, permitting, and soil inspections. However, as of 2026, no money had been allocated for the program, a spokesperson with the California Housing Finance Agency told Business Insider. an aerial view of Joyce Higashi's ADU Courtesy of Abodu Who can apply? As of now, the application window is closed. In the past, Californians who fell in the range of low- to moderate-income limits were eligible. Advertisement Advertisement Total funding available: $100 million was allocated in 2021, but by 2023, the money had been fully distributed. The program's funds were supplemented with $25 million in grant funding for the 2023-2024 period, but by 2026, the program had no remaining funds. When are applications open? The program is no longer accepting applications. Previous requirements: Homeowners do not need to live in the primary home or the ADU they build. For single-family lots, you can be approved for one ADU (attached or detached) up to 1,200 square feet and one Junior ADU up to 500 square feet. For multi-family lots, you can build multiple ADUs attached to existing structures and up to two detached ADUs on the property. Homeowners can build an ADU at least 800 square feet, up to 16 feet high, and must be set back 4 feet from side and rear yards. Advertisement Advertisement Agency or Department in charge of distribution: California Housing Finance Agency Julie Fornasero and her husband Tim Logan. Courtesy of Julie Fornasero New York: Up to $125,000 per grantee The Plus One ADU Program provides eligible New Yorkers up to $125,000 to build or convert an ADU on their property. The program is a part of Gov. Kathy Hochul's five-year housing plan, which aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable housing units. A residential neighborhood in Monroe, New York in the Hudson Valley Kelsey Neubauer/Insider Who can apply? Any municipality can apply through the competitive funding round, and nonprofit housing organizations may also seek ADU funding in partnership with local governments. Homeowners apply directly through the nonprofits, and households earning up to 120% of the area median income are eligible. Advertisement Advertisement Total funding available: In 2026, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) plans to roll out a fourth funding round, committing the remaining funds authorized under the $85 million, five-year housing plan. HCR says nearly $74 million has already been allocated to 85 municipalities statewide, which is expected to support the construction of more than 550 ADUs. When are applications open? Applications are not yet open; HCR will post them on its website once they become available. Requirements: Applicants must confirm that local zoning explicitly allows ADUs, preferably through an adopted local resolution. For homeowners: The ADU can be within the existing home, such as a basement or attic apartment, an in-law suite, or a completely independent and detached structure. A 10-year restrictive covenant is in place to ensure the home remains the owner's primary residence and that the ADU is kept in a livable condition. The ADU must be occupied by a tenant or a family member, and it cannot be rented out on a short-term basis. Advertisement Advertisement Agency or Department in charge of distribution: New York State's Homes and Community Renewal A welcome sign to Boxwill's town. Courtesy of Helen Boxwill Vermont: Up to $50,000 per grantee This program allows Vermonters to receive up to $50,000 to build an ADU on their property. Both landlords and owner-occupied homes with plans to rent are eligible. A residential neighborhood in Burlington, Vermont. Kelsey Neubauer/Insider Who can apply? Any Vermont homeowner can apply through these five regional organizations: RuralEdge, Champlain Housing Trust, NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, Downstreet Housing and Community Development, and Windham and Windsor Housing Trust. These organizations review applications and oversee projects. Total funding available: As of 2023, Vermont had a $15 million budget. Advertisement Advertisement When are applications open? Open now, on a rolling basis. Requirements: Those who receive a grant must abide by certain stipulations, such as complying with local ordinances, maintaining HUD Fair Market rent, and matching at least 20% of the grant funds. The project must be completed within 18 months of signing the grant agreement. Those using their ADU as a rental property must sign a rental covenant or a forgivable loan agreement, committing to charge rent at or below the Fair Market Rent for the entire duration of the agreement. Agency or Department in charge of distribution: Vermont Housing Improvement Program Marni Leiken got a $20,000 grant and a $10,000 no-interest loan to build an apartment over the carriage barn in her backyard. She rents out the apartment, visible in the far right of this photo, to help pay her mortgage. Courtesy of Marni Leiken Colorado: A new grant program is still rolling out In 2024, Colorado passed HB24-1152 to assist homeowners in building ADUs. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) works directly with local governments as they implement regulatory changes to comply with HB24-1152. Advertisement Advertisement DOLA also runs the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program (ADUG), which provides $5 million to jurisdictions that bring their codes into compliance and support ADUs. Who can apply? For ADUG, jurisdictions can apply for funding to provide technical assistance to low- and moderate-income homeowners. The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) is also establishing programs that directly support homeowners. Total funding available: The state has set aside $5 million for ADUG. The primary homeowner-directed effort channels $8 million into CHFA's ADU Finance Programs, providing lender support through loans, credit enhancements, and interest-rate buydowns to help homeowners. Advertisement Advertisement When are applications open? Applications for the second round of funding will open on Monday, February 2, 2026. Requirements: Local governments including those not covered by HB24-1152 must be certified by DOLA as an ADU Supportive Jurisdiction under the legislation. Agency or Department in charge of distribution: The Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Maui, Hawaii. Brandon Colbert Photography/Getty Images Hawaii: A couple of counties provide grants or incentives for ADU construction To help expand the supply of workforce housing, Maui County launched the Ohana Assistance program to aid homeowners in building attached or detached ADUs on their properties. The County of Kaua'i also offers financial assistance for homeowners who build a second unit on their property through the Affordable Additional Rental Unit (ARU) program. Who can apply? Owner-occupants with qualified residentially zoned property are eligible to apply for both the Ohana Assistance program and the Kaua'i Affordable Additional Rental Unit program. Total funding available: The Ohana Assistance Pilot Project provides grants of up to $100,000 for qualifying homeowners. Kaua'i's ARU program waives certain county development and permitting fees for homeowners who agree to keep the unit affordable to households earning up to 90% of the area median income for at least five years. Kaua'i's website states that the combined fee waivers and subsidies for an ARU certified through the program can total nearly $20,000. When are applications open? Applicants should consult Maui's Department of Housing and Human Concerns for the Ohana Assistance program. Kaua'i accepts applications year-round. Requirements: The Ohana Assistance program: Grant recipients must set ADU rents in line with the county's workforce housing requirements. The ADU must also be rented to full-time residents of Maui County for a minimum of 10 years. Kaua'i's Affordable Additional Rental Unit program: Homeowners must own property in a zoning district that allows ARUs. The ARU must be no larger than 800 square feet, and one additional parking space is generally required, subject to zoning and County standards. The ARU cannot be used as a short-term rental and must be rented for long-term residential use. Agency or Department in charge of distribution: Have you built an ADU on your property? We want to hear from you. Email the reporter, Alcynna Lloyd, at alloyd@businessinsider.com to share your story. Read the original article on Business Insider Traveling to new places often comes with a few surprises, especially in terms of cultural differences. Sometimes, differentiating between visitors and locals comes down to the manner of dressing. In Europe, clothing isn't always just a matter of fashion, as some specific garments are rooted in culture and tradition. Something as simple as putting on beach flip-flops in some places, for instance, could attract more attention than you might expect, and this reinforces why tourists need to be mindful of the clothing they pack on a trip to Europe. Germany is not an exception. Speaking of standing out and getting weird stares as a tourist in Germany, donning the Trachtenmode will surely get you in that situation. Whether you're a man in crisp lederhosen or a woman in a dirndl, you might be making a major tourist mistake that reveals you as an outsider. This is especially true if you're wearing this cultural dress outside of Bavaria, or in a way that trivializes the people's culture. Historically, each area of Germany used to have its own version of Trachtenmode, but the tradition has largely survived only in Bavaria, where lederhosen and dirndls are the most famous. While this clothing is commonly worn by both locals and tourists during festivals like Oktoberfest in Munich, it only lasts till the music fades, as it's not daily attire in most places. In Bavaria, you might find locals running errands in Tracht, but in other areas, like the northern and western parts of the country, Germans rarely wear these traditional outfits. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Avoid These Embarrassing Bathroom Mistakes When Visiting Different Countries How to sport Tracht in Germany in a culturally respectful way Two smiling people in traditional Oktoberfest costumes - Tristar Media/Getty Images To wear this traditional German clothing as respectfully as possible, start by learning all you can about it. Trachtenmode isn't one-size-fits-all; Bavarian lederhosen and dirndls are just the most globally recognized versions due to the popularity of Oktoberfest. So, it's worth doing some research about where different styles of Tracht come from, what the designs mean, and when it's appropriate to wear them. For instance, how you tie your dirndl apron bow can signify your relationship status. The left side means single, the right means taken, the center front means virgin, and the center back means widow or waitress. Imagine the wrong signals you'd be unintentionally sending if you didn't learn something like this. Furthermore, it's essential to avoid mistaking novelty costumes for genuine tradition. In other words, stay away from cheap, neon-colored dirndls or tacky beer-logo aprons that are usually sold as souvenirs or in costume shops. Dressing in these garish knock-offs can make it seem like you're not taking German cultural heritage seriously. Instead, go for well-made ones, which could be silk, cotton, linen, or loden. The better the quality, the more culturally respectful you appear. Still, context is key. While you may acceptably wear Trachten at weddings, festivals, cultural events, or even themed beer halls as a non-German, you might risk attracting puzzled looks if you do so on a random sightseeing tour through a place like Hamburg or Berlin. Blending in perfectly as a tourist in Germany friend taking group pictures in front of Berlin cathedral - Luis Alvarez/Getty Images How to blend in anywhere as a tourist is one of the top ways to stay safe and enjoy your visit. You can have a swell time in Germany without feeling awkward when you understand that awareness and balance are key. A general rule of thumb is to save specific clothing for the right occasion, taking cues from how the locals dress. You know that, in Bavaria, you'll be warmly welcomed in Tracht, especially during festival periods. You may even want to ask the locals for advice, as they'd most likely be happy to share tips on how to wear your dirndl or lederhosen correctly and may also be able to tell you the best places to get authentic outfits from. Advertisement Advertisement Outside Bavaria, it's better to blend in by going for everyday fashion. The German style of dressing is typically practical and minimalist, with a preference for well-fitted basics in neutral colors. That means putting on head-to-toe flashy clothing would easily mark you as a tourist. You can still incorporate tradition and a bit of pizazz in subtle ways, like buying a small accessory such as a hat or a scarf that reflects what's common in a particular region. This way, you get to experience the culture without going overboard. That said, it's beneficial to brush up on why you should be cautious when packing for a trip to Germany. Comfortable shoes and layers are well-suited to exploring the nation's vibrant towns and cities. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. Peter Mandelson has declined to apologise to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein for remaining friends with the paedophile financier after he was convicted. Lord Mandelson lost his job as UK ambassador to the US over his ties to Epstein, who was found dead in his prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. Keir Starmer was forced to sack Mandelson after emails emerged showing he sent supportive messages to Epstein while he faced first jail for sex offences in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement It followed the publication of messages Mandelson wrote to Epstein, calling him his "best pal," in a 2003 "50th birthday book" for the financier. Speaking on Sunday (11 January) in his first broadcast interview since being sacked, Lord Mandelson told the BBC he had paid a "calamitous" price over his association with "evil monster" Epstein. Watch: Mandelson challenged over Epstein links in October He apologised for a system which meant Epstein's victims were not listened to, but declined to say sorry for his association with the sex offender, which continued after Epstein's first conviction. Advertisement Advertisement In 2008, Epstein admitted charges of soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor, but Lord Mandelson said he believed his excuses and continued to support him. Speaking to Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Lord Mandelson described this as "misplaced loyalty" and "a most terrible mistake on my part". He insisted he was "at the edge of" Epstein's life and "not knowledgeable for what he was doing". "I never saw anything in his life when I was with him, when I was in his homes, that would give me any reason to suspect what this evil monster was doing in preying on these young women," Lord Mandelson said. He added: "I think the issue is that because I was a gay man in his circle, I was kept separate from what he was doing in the sexual side of his life." Advertisement Advertisement Responding to the interview, transport secretary Heidi Alexander accused Lord Mandelson of displaying "deep naivety", adding: "I think it would have gone a long way for the women who were subjected to the most appalling treatment at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein for Peter to have apologised and taken that opportunity," she said. Why was Peter Mandelson sacked? While Mandelson's association with Epstein has been known about for some time, September's revelations made his position untenable. Senior Democrats in the US released images of Epstein's '50th birthday book' from 2003, which contained messages from former acquaintances and friends. These included a series of bizarre messages in which Mandelson described the financier as his "best pal". (HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE) (HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE) (HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE) (HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE) (HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE) The messages Peter Mandelson wrote to Jeffrey Epstein in a '50t hbirthday book' dating to 2003. 1 of 5 (HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE) It reads: "Once upon a time, an intelligent, sharp-witted man they call 'mysterious' parachuted into my life you would spend many hours just waiting for him to turn up And often, no sooner were you used to having him around, you would suddenly be alone again Leaving you with some interesting friends to entertain instead Or just some dogs to keep you company (he wasnt always so keen on them) But then he would parachute back in Very occasionally, taking you by surprise in some far off places Or in one of his glorious homes he likes to share with his friends (yum yum) but wherever he is in the world he remains my best pal." Advertisement Advertisement Mandelson, who has strongly denied having any knowledge of Epstein's crimes, subsequently described the words he used in his birthday message as "very embarrassing to see and read". Starmer had backed Mandelson during an appearance at Prime Minister's Questions, saying he had "full confidence" in him. But Bloomberg News and The Sun published emails later that day, which showed Mandelson's relationship with Epstein continued after his crimes had been revealed. The cache of emails showed that on the day before Epstein reported to jail in June 2008, Lord Mandelson told him "your friends stay with you and love you". The Foreign Office said the emails showed the "depth and extent of Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was materially different from that known at the time of his appointment". What did Mandelson say about Jeffrey Epstein? Mandelson wrote emails to Epstein expressing support for him, despite the financier having pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor and being sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement He is reported to have written to Epstein that "your friends stay with you and love you", and that he should "fight for early release" shortly before his prison sentence. The day before Epstein began his sentence, Mandelson is reported to have told him: "I think the world of you." According to an internal report by the bank JPMorgan, Mandelson stayed at Epstein's Manhattan apartment while the paedophile was serving his sentence. Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty told MPs in September that this information had not been known when Lord Mandelson was picked to be the ambassador. Doughty told MPs: "In particular, Lord Mandelson's suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein's first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information. Advertisement Advertisement "And in light of that, and mindful, as we all are, of the victims of Epstein's appalling crimes, he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect." Sky News reported in the aftermath of Mandelson's resignation that the security services flagged concerns about him taking up the role of ambassador, but Number 10 did not judge these to be enough to halt the appointment. It is unclear if all of the details were shared with the PM, according to Sky's report. How many times has Peter Mandelson been sacked or quit? Mandelson was a key figure in Labour's revival in the 1990s, when the party swept back into power under Tony Blair after more than a decade in opposition. Advertisement Advertisement He wielded great influence behind the scenes as a trusted adviser to Blair, leading to him being known as the "Prince of Darkness". But his political career has been dogged by controversy, having twice been forced to resign as a minister. He quit as trade secretary in 1998 after it emerged he had received a 373,000 home loan from the paymaster general. Mandelson was a key figure in the New Labour project under Tony Blair. (AP) (Peter Morrison, Associated Press) Mandelson came back as Northern Ireland secretary in 1999, but he was forced to resign again in 2001 after he was accused of helping one of the Indian billionaire Hinduja brothers obtain a British passport in return for a 1m donation to the Millennium Dome. An inquiry cleared him of impropriety, but his career at Westminster appeared finished and he went off to Brussels to become a European commissioner. Advertisement Advertisement However, he made a shock return to British politics in 2008 when then-PM Gordon Brown made him business secretary. He relinquished the role in 2010 when Labour lost that year's general election. Mandelson was named Starmer's ambassador to the US in December 2024, ahead of the start of Donald Trump's second term. What was Epstein accused of? Epstein was a US financier who became influential in New York and wider high society in the early 2000s. He cultivated an elite social circle and often flew high-profile people to his Caribbean private island. However, Epstein had a dark side unknown to the wider world. Over a period of years, he groomed many women and children that he and his associates sexually abused. Advertisement Advertisement Epstein was initially arrested in 2005 after a parent accused him of sexually abusing their 14-year-old daughter. In 2008 under a non-prosecution agreement, Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges in Florida of solicitation of prostitution involving a minor and another similar prostitution charge. Jeffrey Epstein died in his prison cell in 2019. (AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) That allowed him to avoid federal prosecution and a possible life sentence, instead serving 13 months in a work-release program. He was required to make payments to victims and register as a sex offender. The plea deal was controversial at the time, with even the judge of the trial and the head of Palm Beach police criticising its leniency. In 2019 federal prosecutors in New York charged Epstein with sex trafficking and conspiracy after investigative reporting by The Miami Herald stirred outrage over the 2008 plea bargain. They accused him of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls. At the time of Epstein's arrest, prosecutors said they found a trove of pictures of nude and semi-nude young women and girls at his Manhattan mansion. A conviction could have put him in prison for 45 years. However, he never stood trial after he was found dead in his cell in August 2019 aged 66. His death sparked an outcry across the world and fuelled conspiracy theories. The California condor story is a quintessential feel-good tale of an extraordinary species that was at the doorstep of extinction in 1982 when just 22 of the enormous scavengers largest land birds in the U.S. and direct descendants of theropod dinosaurs remained in the wild. But 44 years later, a bold and successful captive breeding program has resulted in 300-plus condors flying free in California, Arizona, Utah, Oregon and Mexico. Of those birds, 116 are currently soaring the Central California skies (Big Sur, San Simeon and Pinnacles National Park), according to the Ventana Wildlife Society. Advertisement Advertisement That is up from 112 birds that were in the Central California flock at the start of 2025. Indeed, 116 is the highest number of the critically endangered condors which can fly 150 miles in a day and reach 10,000 feet on 9-1/2-foot wingspans to grace Central California skies since the California Condor Recovery Program was launched in 1979. Helping beef up those Central California numbers, seven juvenile condors (six females and a male) were released on Oct. 25 from the huge holding pen in the mountains high above San Simeon. A California condor flies free in the wild. The enormous, critically endangered birds are at risk of contracting highly pathogenic avian influenza. (US Fish & Wildlife) Four juveniles also were released from Pinnacles around the same time. Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, 10 wild nesting condor pairs in 2025 produced 11 eggs and six chicks. Of those six chicks, up until recently four have fledged and are included in the flock of 116. In another source of loss, a pair of condors that were missing in 2024 are now announced as deceased, 236 Tiny and 729 Ninja. Tiny, a 24-year old female, was released in Big Sur in 2009 and raised eight chicks (four surviving); Ninja was an 11-year-old wild-fledged male who sired two offspring. Pigwidgeon nurtures his condor chick in a hollowed-out redwood tree nest in Big Sur. The chick was one of eight to fledge in the wild in 2024. (Meredith Evans/Ventana Wildlife Society) Lead poisoning and mortality Lead poisoning the unrelenting archenemy of condors reared its ugly head again in 2025, taking the lives of four Central California condors. Advertisement Advertisement Two other birds in the flock died in 2025. One necropsy is pending and the other birds mortality is undetermined, the VWS reports. Condors are scavengers and feed on dead animals (carrion). When a squirrel or deer is shot with lead ammunition, the feeding condor can become ill and may die. Lead poisoning continues to be the main cause of death for condors, said Joe Burnett, Condor Recovery Program manager and lead biologist for VWS. Four deaths (in 2025), and maybe six from lead, is definitely lower than we have had in recent years, he said. We had eight and 10 deaths per year in the last few years; obviously any condor death from lead poisoning is unacceptable, but seeing that number in single digits is always good, Burnett explained. Advertisement Advertisement There were 151 condor deaths by lead poisoning between 1992 and 2024, Burnett reported. That includes condor flocks in California and Arizona. Hence, Burnett continues, lead poisoning is responsible for 50% of 303 condor deaths with a known cause and 28% percent of 539 total condor deaths in California and Arizona. This lead bullet was ingested by condor #318, Benito, a reproductive male, after he consumed carrion. Benito died from lead poisoning on Nov. 30, 2012. (Ventana Wildlife Society) Mitigating lead poisoning threat Given the knowledge that lead ammunition presents potential death to wildlife, Assembly Bill 711 was signed into law on July 1, 2019, requiring the use of nonlead ammunition when taking any wildlife with a firearm in California, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While that legislation was a bold move intended to mitigate the lead poisoning problem, the scarcity of certain calibers of nonlead ammo has been an ongoing problem in California. Advertisement Advertisement For its part, VWS has provided 16,615 boxes of free nonlead ammo of several calibers to hunters and ranchers; though the availability of the .22 LR (long rifle) ammunition among the most popular calibers has remained inconsistent years after the ban was enacted, VWS notes on its website. With the poor availability of the .22 Long Rifle (which is) not on the shelves and state law (Safety for All Act) preventing online sales, we continue to see high lead mortality in Central California, VWS executive director Kelly Sorenson explained. The issue is about lack of manufacturing, poor availability of key products and nonlead barriers to access more than attitudes or (public) acceptance at this point, Sorenson stated. Meanwhile, a lawsuit by six-time Olympic medal winner Kimberly Rhode (three golds in double trap and skeet shooting) asserting that Californias law requiring background checks for all ammunition purchases violates the Second Amendment has frozen the sale of nonlead ammunition in California. Advertisement Advertisement In 2025, a three-judge panel with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the California law was indeed unconstitutional, but the implementation of the courts ruling was stayed pending further appeals. In a letter to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Sorenson urged the court to Issue its mandate in Rhode v. Bonita without further delay. Every day the mandate remains pending, hunters and ranchers in California remain unable to purchase nonlead ammunition online a condition that continues to harm wildlife, particularly the endangered California condor, Sorenson continued. On behalf of responsible hunters, ranchers and all who care about wildlife conservation, I respectfully urge the Ninth Circuit to pass down its mandate without further delay. Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Amy Wells gives a juvenile condor its booster shot on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, in the holding pen above San Simeon. Darren Wells holds the bird. Isiah Woodard is a volunteer. Protecting condors From HPAI Over the last few years, the virulent bird flu highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has killed an estimated 166 million birds in the U.S. chickens, geese, songbirds and others. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, after 21 California condors in the Arizona-Utah flock suddenly succumbed to HPAI, the California Condor Recovery Program in Central California using black vultures as test subjects produced a vaccine uniquely appropriate and safe to protect condors. Positive news for the Central California flock was announced by VWS at the end of 2025: 82 condors (71%) have now been fully vaccinated (two shots) against HPAI; and 103 have been partially vaccinated (one shot). For Central California condor flock information, how to contact the U.S. Court of Appeals, how to contribute to the Save the Condor Campaign, and issues related to lead poisoning, visit ventanaws.org. A 15-year-old boy accused of shooting and killing his 12-year-old brother turned himself in on Saturday afternoon in Canton. The Canton Police Department said the teen is accused of killing his brother Friday night at around 10:40 p.m., according to our CBS news affiliate, WOIO. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Police responded to the 3600 block of Ellis Avenue to a reported shooting. When police arrived on the scene, they found a 12-year-old boy with a gunshot wound inside the home. Canton Fire Medics transported the boy to the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, where he later died. Officers identified the shooting suspect as the victims brother. A neighbor in the area said that they used to see the 12-year-old boy playing outside. Its heartbreaking because Ive got a 12-year-old as well, said the neighbor. Police said the teen will be charged with reckless homicide and will go through juvenile court. It is unclear if he will eventually be tried as an adult. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] As Mumbai heads into the long-delayed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections of 2026, a quiet but telling shift is underway on the campaign trail. For the first time, a clutch of Gen Z candidates are asking voters to look beyond age and legacy, and instead vote on urgency. Their pitch is raw, local and sharply focused: choking air, unsafe toilets, missing ambulances, failing hospitals, inaccessible education, and a political culture that, they argue, has normalised neglect. At just 22, Sejal Bhopi, the CPI(M) candidate from Ward 121, is among the youngest in the fray. A first-time candidate, Bhopi says her political journey began not in party offices but on the ground during the Aarey protests. Environment holds a special place in my heart, she told Mumbai Mirror. I took part in the Aarey protests earlier, and now I plan to conserve the part of Aarey that falls in Powai. We also need to plant more trees to improve air quality. For Bhopi, environmental concerns are inseparable from everyday survival. She flags the dire condition of public washrooms and chronic water scarcity in Powai as civic failures with direct consequences for women. We struggle to get clean and functional toilets. There is no water in my area. These are issues major politicians ignored for years, she said. When there are no proper washrooms, womens safety is the first thing that goes for a toss. Aware of scepticism around young candidates, Bhopi says she addresses it head-on while campaigning. I know voters have doubts about voting for young candidates, she said. But I ask them to vote for development. Older generations got many chances. We youngsters deserve one too. Hospitals before hoardings From Vikhroli, 28-year-old Khushbu Gupta is contesting with a sharp focus on healthcare gaps that she says have been normalised for too long. Womens health is often ignored, Gupta said. There is no hospital in Vikhroli with proper infrastructure. Citizens are forced to rush all the way to Sion Hospital for treatment. She said the lack of ambulances only worsens emergencies. Apart from hospitals, there are no ambulances. I plan to ensure ambulances for the area, she said, adding that strengthening local healthcare infrastructure is central to her campaign. Air quality, she added, is the other silent crisis. Major cities are facing an AQI crisis. Due to poor air quality, people are suffering from asthma and other health issues, she said. The Congress plans to address this for Mumbai and work towards improving AQI. For Gupta, the Gen Z argument is not about rebellion, but perspective. People often ask why they should vote for Gen Z, she said. I tell them we have a modern vision and an integrated approach. We deserve a chance. Law, learning and connectivity In Bandra West, advocate Sonam Tiwari (28), an AAP candidate, has anchored her campaign around education, legal access and digital infrastructure. Education is my top priority, Tiwari said. We want to bring Delhis AAP model to Mumbai. Quality education for citizens is non-negotiable. A practising lawyer, Tiwari frames her candidacy as an extension of her legal work. When people ask why they should vote for me, I tell them my parents made me an LLM, now you make me your corporator, she said. I will fight injustice in courts and ensure legal aid for those who need it. She has also promised free Wi-Fi in Bandra West, linking connectivity directly to opportunity. The area needs free Wi-Fi so youngsters can access better education and resources, she said. Like the other Gen Z candidates, Tiwari places air quality high on her agenda. The city is suffering because of poor AQI. Citizens are facing serious health concerns, she said. We plan to solve this. Other Gen Z candidates in the fray include 23-year-old Sudhanshu Dunable, an MNS candidate from Chembur; Tanvi Rao, a UBT candidate from Ward 50; and 25-year-old Jay Kudalkar from Ward 169, who is contesting against two-time corporator Pravina Morajkar. Two men were killed in an avalanche in central Washington state while backcountry snowmobiling, authorities said on Jan. 10. Four men were recreating in backcountry snow near the Longs Pass trail in the mountains of northern Kittitas County when they were caught in an avalanche at around 4 p.m. local time on Jan. 9, according to the Kittitas County Sheriffs Office. Kittitas County is about 71 miles east of King County, which includes Seattle. Paul Markoff, 38, of North Bend, and Erik Henne, 43, of Snoqualmie Pass, were killed in the incident, the sheriff's office said. The survivors, identified as Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie, were able to send a distress call using a Garmin satellite device, a portable communicator for areas with limited or no cell service. Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff's deputies, along with the Kittitas County Search and Rescue volunteers, responded and reached the remote area using snowmobiles and winter backcountry equipment, according to the sheriff's office. The two survivors were rescued that evening. "Due to hazardous conditions, a nighttime recovery operation for the deceased was not conducted," the sheriff's office said in a statement. On the morning of Jan. 10, teams returned with three trained avalanche search police dogs but later had to request air support due to the rugged and remote terrain, according to the sheriff's office. A helicopter from King County airlifted the two deceased men to a search base, and the ground team was able to recover the four men's personal belongings, including two snowmobiles. South Boston residents dig their cars out of the snow on Farragut Road on Jan. 22, 1978, following a massive storm over the previous weekend. Two men using jump leads in an attempt to start a car after heavy snow fell on New York City, New York, on Nov. 7, 1978. A dinosaur sculpted from snow is pictured in Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, following the "Blizzard of 78" on Feb. 11, 1978. The shattered roof of an auditorium at the C.W. Post Center of Long Island University in Greenvale, New York, lies in ruins, Jan. 21, 1978, after the weight of a heavy snow and ice storm caved in the roof. No injuries were reported. A would-be motorist has his work cut out for him on Hallam Street in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on March 4, 1978, following a storm that dropped 9.2 inches of snow on top of the remains of February's blizzard. A squirrel watches the snow fall from a tree near Fresh Pond in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Nov. 21, 1978. Red Cross workers search for victims buried in cars following snowfall during the Blizzard of 1977. Only about 12 inches of new snow fell during this event but high winds coupled with existing snow in western New York and accumulated snow on the surface of frozen Lake Erie combined to cause major difficulties. A man and a woman digging out their car after it was buried under snow during a blizzard in Chicago, Illinois, on Jan. 14, 1979. New Yorkers navigate their way as the snow falls on Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, New York, on Feb. 7, 1979. An early winter morning overlooking New York City in 1978. Let it snow! Revisit one of the coldest decades in the US. 1 of 10 South Boston residents dig their cars out of the snow on Farragut Road on Jan. 22, 1978, following a massive storm over the previous weekend. Cause of avalanche not immediately known Representatives from the Northwest Avalanche Center also responded to the scene to assist in analyzing the incident, according to the sheriff's office. Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately known what caused the avalanche, but the Northwest Avalanche Center had reported that the four backcountry tourers were caught and carried in the avalanche in the "upper Teanaway River drainage of the East Central zone." "One tourer was not buried, one was partially buried and injured, one was fully buried and killed, and one was fully buried and is presumed dead," the Northwest Avalanche Center said in a statement on Jan. 10. "Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and community of those involved in this accident." Before the incident, heavy mountain snow had been impacting Washington state through the week, according to the National Weather Service's field office in Seattle. On Jan. 8, the weather service reported that 34 inches of snow were recorded on Mount Baker, 25 inches of snow at Stevens Pass, and 27 inches at Snoqualmie Pass. On Jan. 10, the weather service warned that high snow levels and additional rain were expected across the region into the week, especially in the Olympic and northern Cascade Mountains. Flooding was also forecast along the Skokomish River. Advertisement Advertisement 'It was his calling': Young ski patroller who 'felt most alive' in the mountains is killed in avalanche Latest avalanche fatality in the United States Each winter, 25 to 30 people die in avalanches in the United States, according to the National Avalanche Center. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has noted that the majority of incidents involve backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers. As of Jan. 11, five people have been killed across the country by avalanches for the 2025 to 2026 winter season, according to data from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. For the 2024 to 2025 winter season, a total of 22 people were killed in avalanches. Several incidents have made national headlines over the last year, including two separate avalanches in Oregon and California in February 2025 that killed three skiers. In March 2025, another skier was found dead after being caught in an avalanche in Utah's Uinta mountains, and three heli-skiers and a teenager were killed in separate avalanches in Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement In December 2025, a ski patroller was killed in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain resort in central California while conducting avalanche mitigation work. Earlier this month, a snowmobiler was killed in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range after an avalanche buried him in snow. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Avalanche in central Washington state kills 2 men and injures 2 others Selecting the right place to seek higher education is a very important decision. For women, finding an institution that prioritizes leadership opportunities, equitable pay practices, campus safety and meaningful pathways to success should empower incoming students, and according to a Newsweek study, there are some great ones.. To find those colleges, Newsweek, the premier news magazine and website, and Gender Fair teamed up to release the first America's Best Colleges for Women 2026 list. Advertisement Advertisement The list includes over 751 colleges with ranking that evaluates U.S. colleges across four categories: leadership, pay and policies, safety and opportunity from federally reported data. providing a new dimension of insight that complements existing college rankings. In addition, the results also included information on state-level reproductive health policies, sourced from the Center for Reproductive Rights, so students can consider how local laws may impact their health care access the report stated. There are 27 colleges from New Jersey on the list, with two of the making the top 50. Felician University, in Bergen County, came in at No. 30, and Georgian Court University, in Ocean County, ranks at No. 46. Advertisement Advertisement Below are the results from the study: Felician University Leadership Score: 75 Pay and Policy Score: 86 Safety Score: 94 Opportunity Score: 48 Georgian Court University Leadership Score: 87 Pay and Policy Score: 64 Safety Score: 95 Opportunity Score: 44 America's Best Colleges for Women Spelman College Thomas Jefferson University St. Catherine University Herzing University-Madison Alverno College America's Best Colleges for Women in New Jersey Felician University Georgian Court University New Jersey City University Montclair State University Saint Elizabeth University Kean University Ramapo College of New Jersey Drew University Centenary University Bloomfield College Caldwell University Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus Saint Peter's University Stockton University The College of New Jersey William Paterson University of New Jersey Monmouth University Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Rider University Rutgers University-Camden Rutgers University-Newark Seton Hall University New Jersey Institute of Technology Princeton University Rowan University Rutgers University-New Brunswick Stevens Institute of Technology This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: America's Best colleges for women 2026 includes 27 from New Jersey A crash involving a semitruck rolling on I-10 East near Redd Road in West El Paso resulted in four people being injured and causing the highway to remain shut down for several hours, authorities said. The crash happened about 8:40 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, on Interstate 10 East and Redd Road, Texas Department of Transportation and El Paso Police Department officials said in social media posts on X. A crash involving a semitruck occurred about 8:40 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2025, causing I-10 East near Redd Road to be shut down for several hours. Four people reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash. No further information has been released. Advertisement Advertisement The crash caused traffic to be backed up on I-10 East well passed Transmountain Road. All lanes of I-10 East were closed at Artcraft Road and remain closed as of 5:30 p.m. No time has been given on when that section of I-10 East could reopen to traffic. This story will be updated. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 4 people hurt in crash involving rolled-over semitruck in West El Paso A massive solar panel array in China is expected to crack 7,000 megawatts of power generation in 2026, according to EnergiesMedia. The Three Gorges Kubuqi Solar Park has been under construction since 2022, blanketing an Inner Mongolian desert in panels. It already has over five gigawatts of capacity installed. "Sandy and mostly devoid of life, the Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia once had a reputation for being a 'sea of death.' More recently, its dune fields have become a sea of photovoltaic possibility, transformed by a surge of newly installed solar panels," NASA said of the project. "The construction is part of China's multiyear plan to build a 'solar great wall' designed to generate enough energy to power Beijing." Advertisement Advertisement Doing so has the potential to displace China's heavy reliance on coal power. This energy source generates some of the highest levels of pollution in the world, contributing to more destructive weather patterns and steep health costs for locals. The Three Gorges Kubuqi Solar Park, due to be completed in 2030, will be 250 miles long, three miles wide, and will be able to generate 100 gigawatts of clean energy. Locals are also enjoying the unexpected benefits of the project. "These projects shield us from wind and sand, allowing our village to cultivate over 10,000 mu (600 hectares) of high-standard farmland this year. If leased out, the land can bring villagers 900 yuan ($128) per mu each year," said local farmer Han Rongkuan, per Xinhua. Smart upgrades that slash monthly energy bills Large-scale solar is an important step to displacing polluting fuels, like coal, gas, and oil, but home solar does its part, too. Advertisement Advertisement EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 on installations by curating competitive bids from local installers Not ready to spend up front? Palmetto's $0-down LightReach solar leasing program can lower your utility rate by up to 20% TCD's Solar Explorer makes it easy to access exclusive offers from preferred partners You can get even more out of home solar upgrades by using TCD's HVAC Explorer. It can help save on monthly utility bills with smart heating and cooling solutions. Likewise, the Palmetto Home app can unlock up to $5,000 worth of home upgrades as you take simple daily actions. 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. Two women have been sentenced to prison time after pleading guilty to cruelly abusing young children in their care at the Happy Hearts Christian Academy daycare center in Alabama. Kailey Gilley and Magan Koker were taken into custody and booked at Dale County Jail on multiple charges on October 10, 2024. At the time, Gilley was charged with two counts of torture/willful abuse of a child that was not in her family, and nine counts of aggravated child abuse, while Gilley faced four counts of torture/willful abuse and eight counts of aggravated child abuse. According to Alabama state law, the first charge is a Class C felony defined as a responsible person who shall torture, willfully abuse, willfully mistreat, cruelly beat, or otherwise willfully maltreat any child under the age of 18 years, on conviction. Aggravated child abuse is listed as a Class B felony. Advertisement Advertisement Daycare Accidentally Served Bleach Solution to Kids Months After Employees Were Charged With Alleged Abuse On Monday, January 5, the victims family members testified in court about Gilley and Koker's harmful behavior. Witnesses claimed that some of the children who had been mistreated were too young to speak and could not tell anyone about what they had been experiencing, according to reports from WTVY. One child who has not been publicly named by authorities was said to have received the majority of the abuse. During testimonies, a mother additionally told the court that she watched video footage of the women taking turns hitting her child. The child then experienced bruising and swelling from the attacks and was referred to the hospital. This led to the local police investigation into the alleged abuse. Advertisement Advertisement "Officers met with the child's parents, who reported that the injuries were discovered after picking the child up from the daycare," Police Chief John Crawford said at the time. "The parents said the bruises were not there earlier that day." Other parents said their kids are still emotionally affected by the abuse, experiencing symptoms including night terrors and struggling with feeling comfortable in new daycare environments. Video Allegedly Shows Texas Day Care Worker Arrested for Dragging, Throwing 3-Year-Old Boy Both Koker and Gilley took a blind plea agreement meaning there was no prearranged sentencing deal worked into the agreement and Judge William Filmore ordered each woman to serve five years behind bars and an additional three years of probation. Neither woman will be eligible for parole or early release. Advertisement Advertisement Happy Hearts Christian Academy Daycare has reportedly been closed since Gilley and Koker's arrests. The Alabama Department of Public Health reports that child abuse cases increased over a three-year period. Back in 2015, there were 8,466 child maltreatment victims, and by 2018, the number tragically grew to 12,158. As of 2019, the total number of child maltreatment victims was listed as 10.7 per 1,000 children, with child fatalities listed as 3.1 per 100,000 children. However, in 2023, the numbers dipped slightly from 2018 with Child Welfare Outcomes reporting that there were 11,636 minors in Alabama who were victims of maltreatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. Low-cost airline Allegiant will acquire Sun Country Airlines in a deal valued at about $1.5 billion, including debt, the companies said on Jan. 11. As part of the agreement, Sun Country shareholders will receive 0.1557 Allegiant shares and $4.10 in cash for each share, valuing the stock at $18.89, representing a premium of about 19.8% to its Friday close of $15.77. 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. If the Trump administration approves the merger, the combined airline will operate under the Allegiant brand. It will have around 195 aircraft in its fleet and expects to serve about 175 cities across more than 650 routes, according to a press release from Allegiant. Advertisement Advertisement This combination is an exciting next chapter in Allegiant and Sun Country's shared mission in providing affordable, reliable, and convenient service from underserved communities to premier leisure destinations, Gregory C. Anderson, Allegiant CEO, said in a statement. Together, our complementary networks will expand our reach to more vacation destinations including international locations. The combined company, which will be headquartered in Las Vegas, is expected to generate $140 million in annual synergies by the third year after closing, and the transaction will be accretive to earnings per share in the first year. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Upon closing, Allegiant shareholders will own about 67% of the combined company, and Sun Country shareholders will own about 33%. Anderson will lead the combined company as chief executive officer, while Robert Neal will serve as president and chief financial officer. Sun Country CEO Jude Bricker will join the board of directors. Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Allegiant's $1.5B Sun Country deal means for flyers By Michael Martina, Trevor Hunnicutt and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Among the many goals of last week's U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was to send China a message: stay away from the Americas. For at least two decades, Beijing has sought to build influence in Latin America, not only to pursue economic opportunities but to gain a strategic foothold on the doorstep of its top geopolitical rival. Advertisement Advertisement China's progress - from satellite tracking stations in Argentina and a port in Peru to economic support for Venezuela - has been an irritant for successive U.S. administrations, including that of Donald Trump. Several Trump administration officials told Reuters the U.S. president's move against Maduro was intended in part to counter China's ambitions, and Beijing's days of leveraging debt to get cheap oil from Venezuela were "over." 'WE DON'T WANT YOU THERE' Trump made the message explicit on Friday, expressing discomfort with China and Russia as a "next-door neighbor," in a meeting with oil executives. Advertisement Advertisement I told China and I told Russia, 'We get along with you very well, we like you very much, we dont want you there, youre not gonna be there,'" Trump said. Now, he said, he will tell China that we are open for business and that they can buy all the oil they want from us there or in the United States. The success of the January 3 early morning raid, in which U.S. commandos swept into Caracas and grabbed the Venezuelan president and his wife, was a blow to China's interests and prestige. The air defenses that U.S. forces quickly disabled had been supplied by China and Russia, and Trump said 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil under sanctions, much of it previously bound for Chinese ports, will now be sent to the U.S. Analysts say Maduro's capture exposed Beijing's limited ability to exert its will in the Americas. Advertisement Advertisement The attack exposed the gulf between China's "great-power rhetoric and its real reach" in the Western Hemisphere, said Craig Singleton, a China expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. "Beijing can protest diplomatically, but it cannot protect partners or assets once Washington decides to apply direct pressure," he said. In a statement to Reuters, the Chinese embassy in Washington said it rejected what it called the United States' "unilateral, illegal, and bullying acts." "China and Latin American and Caribbean countries maintain friendly exchanges and cooperation. No matter how the situation may evolve, we will continue to be a friend and partner," said Liu Pengyu, the embassy's spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not respond to a request for comment. But one administration official said "China should be concerned about their position in the Western Hemisphere," adding that their partners in the region increasingly realize China cannot protect them. TRUMP'S UNCLEAR CHINA POLICY The Trump administration's policy toward Beijing appears contradictory, with concessions aimed at calming a trade war on one hand and more assertive U.S. support for Taiwan on the other. The Venezuela operation appeared to tilt U.S. policy in a more hawkish direction. Indeed, the timing of the U.S. attack amplified Beijing's embarrassment. Advertisement Advertisement Just hours before being toppled, Maduro met China's special envoy for Latin America, Qiu Xiaoqi, in Caracas, his last public appearance before becoming a U.S. captive. The meeting, staged on camera even as U.S. military forces were secretly poised to launch their operation, suggested Beijing was blindsided, said another U.S. official. "If they knew, they wouldn't have gone so publicly," the U.S. official told Reuters. For years, Beijing poured money into Venezuela's oil refineries and infrastructure, providing an economic lifeline after the U.S. and its allies tightened sanctions from 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Along with Russia, China has also provided funding and equipment for Venezuela's military, including radar arrays recently billed as able to detect advanced U.S. military aircraft. Those systems did little to impede a raid U.S. officials boasted had been conducted without any losses. "Any nation around the world with Chinese defense equipment is checking their air defenses and wondering how safe they actually are from the United States," said Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute think tank. "They are also noticing how China's diplomatic assurances to Iran and Venezuela resulted in zero meaningful protection when the U.S. military arrived." China is now studying what went wrong with those defenses so they can shore up their own systems, according to a person briefed on intelligence about their response. Advertisement Advertisement CHINA FACES OTHER REGIONAL RISKS China may soon be under pressure elsewhere in the region. It has sought to increase its influence in Cuba, and the U.S. suspects Beijing runs an intelligence-gathering operation there. China denies this, but last year pledged better intelligence sharing with Cuba. In the days after the Venezuela operation, Trump said U.S. military intervention in Cuba, which has suffered from the loss of Venezuelan oil, was likely unnecessary because it appeared ready to fall on its own. The Trump administration also continues to push Chinese companies away from port operations around the Panama Canal, the critical waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Advertisement Advertisement A State Department official said the U.S. "remains concerned" about Chinese influence near the canal, but appreciates Panama's actions to curb this, including by exiting Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative and auditing the Panama ports concession under contract to Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. While China may be on the back foot in the region, analysts caution that extended U.S. military involvement in Venezuela or deterioration in the security situation there could open a door for Beijing to reassert itself. Daniel Russel, a former senior State Department official now with the Asia Society, said the dramatic shift in Washington under Trump from a rule-of-law posture to a spheres-of-influence logic focused on the Western Hemisphere could play into Chinas hands. Beijing wants Washington to accept that Asia is in Chinas sphere, and no doubt hopes that the U.S. will get bogged down in Venezuela, he said. (Reporting by Michael Martina, Trevor Hunnicutt and David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Steve Holland and Bo Erickson; Editing by Don Durfee and Rod Nickel) Another victim has died after a New Year's Eve fire in a Manchester apartment building. A 5-year-old girl, found by firefighters in a fourth-floor bedroom, died Wednesday at a hospital in Boston, according to a Saturday news release from the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office. The girl's death follows that of Thomas Casey, 70, who died from smoke inhalation, the state Department of Safety announced Jan. 2. Advertisement Advertisement The fire occurred at a 32-unit apartment building on Union Street at 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1. The Department of Safety announced at the time that as many as 50 people were displaced. An autopsy on the 5-year-old girl was completed Friday by the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and results remain pending, according to the New Hampshire fire marshal. All other victims who suffered injuries as a result of the fire have been discharged, the release said. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. A sign for Renee Nicole Good in Lincoln on Jan. 10, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Protesters gathered around the downtown federal building in Nebraskas capital city to demonstrate for justice after the shooting death of a Minnesota woman by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Several hundred protesters gathered at Centennial Mall. Some chanted, Immigrants are welcome here. Others held anti-ICE signs as cars honked. In addition to the protest in Lincoln, organizers said there was one demonstration in Omaha and three others across the state, part of national protests organized by Indivisible, a political and social organization that says it works to resist the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement The protests in Nebraska came after an ICE agent shot and killed a Minnesota woman and federal agents shot two people in Oregon this week. Anti-ICE protesters in Lincoln on Jan. 10, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) Karen Burchard, a 53-year-old Lincoln resident, said she showed up to let people know that we are living under authoritarian rule. If [ICE] is bold enough to do that on the street, then what are they doing to our neighbors and friends that are detained? Burchard asked. Another protester, a Lincoln resident who didnt wish to disclose a name for fear of losing a job with the government, said people went to protest to keep searching for the truth and accountability from the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement I believe in this country, the protester said. I believe were going the wrong way. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX President Donald Trump and other federal officials have said the Minnesota agent had acted in self-defense, while Minnesota state officials have questioned federal accounts of the shooting as propaganda and blamed stepped-up immigration enforcement, expanded hiring and lax training. Minnesota investigators say they have been excluded from the investigation. A New York Times analysis of videos from three different angles shows the woman, 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, turning her SUV away from the ICE agent, who has been identified as Jonathan Ross, and that he was not in the path of her vehicle when he fired three shots at close range. Advertisement Advertisement Another video from the cellphone held by the agent who fatally shot Good appears to show him just to the side of the vehicle when he fires, according to footage published by Alpha News, a conservative news outlet. It was not immediately clear whether the SUV made contact with the officer or where the agent was standing when he fired the shots. A protester holding a sign in Lincoln on Jan. 10, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) Another discussion point for protesters on Saturday was the shooting in Portland involving two people shot by federal agents a day after Good was shot and killed. Portland Police said the two people shot were tied to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The Department of Homeland Security claimed Luis David Nico Moncada, one of the two people shot, weaponized the vehicle against officers who shot in self-defense. Nebraska saw protests against federal immigration agents last year after an ICE raid on Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha sent people to a North Platte jail. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican serving Nebraskas Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District, said this week that its very important that we get the facts. We should take a deep breath, Bacon told reporters. Lets investigate and let the judicial system work. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Hundreds of protesters came out in Cranston on Jan. 10 to mourn the shooting death of a woman in Minnesota by a federal immigration agent and to rally against the Trump administration. More than 200 people lined the intersection of Warwick Avenue, Broad Street and Norwood Avenue to call for an end to the federal government's nationwide immigration crackdown and the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The protest was one of many that has been held across the country in the days since an ICE officer in Minneapolis shot and killed 37-year-old mother of three Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7. Good was driving an SUV at the time, and while officials with the Department of Homeland Security say she was trying to run over the officer, elected leaders in Minnesota say that video evidence does not support that narrative. At a Jan. 10 protest against the Trump administration in Cranston, Bob McKenna holds a portrait of Renee Nicole Good, the woman who was fatally shot in Minneapolis by a federal immigration officer on Jan. 7. The protest in Cranston was organized by the neighborhood groups Cranston Forward and Edgewood Rising. Advertisement Advertisement "That horrible thing with Renee Nicole Good happened in a neighborhood," said Jeneane Lunn, of Cranston Forward. "This is our neighborhood, and we don't want that to happen here or anywhere." She said the event aimed to bring people opposed to the government's actions together and give them hope for change. Jessica Rosner stood nearby holding up one end of a flag that read, "Loyalty to the Constitution, not the President." She said that what happened in Minneapolis is symptomatic of an administration that she described as authoritarian. "I think this is a rolling coup," the Cranston resident said. "I have felt this way since January." Protesters in Cranston rally on Jan. 10 against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in the wake of the shooting death of a woman in Minnesota by an immigration officer. Sandy Pliskin, another member of Cranston Forward who helped organize the protest, compared the government's tactics to those of Nazi Germany. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm here because I am appalled by what's going on in our country," he said. "People's rights are being taken away." Kristen Lancaster led the crowd in chants of "ICE out now" and "The people united will never be defeated." She recently retired from the Social Security Administration because she said she didn't want to work for the federal government under a president she described as a fascist. "I personally couldn't work under this administration," she said. More than 200 people protest Jan. 10 in Cranston against the Trump government's immigration crackdown. Susan Razza, of Newport, said it was important to come out and spread the word about what ICE is doing. Advertisement Advertisement "We need to get people informed and abolish ICE," she said. Lisa Franchetti, of Warwick, came out with Ken Pariseau, of Providence. "Our streets are becoming militarized," Pariseau said. "ICE is ripping families apart. It's ripping communities apart." Bob McKenna, of Cranston, held up a portrait of Good that he said another person at the protest had painted. "Murdered by ICE," it said. "I want people to understand there's a problem in this country," he said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Anti-ICE rally in Cranston RI draws 200 after Minneapolis shooting Byculla knows the Gawli name instinctively. It carries through the narrow lanes around Dagdi Chawl, the cluster of low-rise tenements that once doubled as both fortress and family home for Arun Daddy Gawli. For decades, the chawl was shorthand for power, protection, and a certain feared authority. Today, the name is back in circulation for different reasons. With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections approaching, it is Gawlis daughters who are carrying the surname onto ballot papers. When Geeta and Yogita meet us this January afternoon, the campaign noise around them briefly recedes. The loudspeakers, the crowds, the choreography of door-to-door canvassing all pause. In the soft glare of the sun, the sisters sit side by side, visibly relieved to be away from the performance of politics. They giggle easily. Yogita half-jokes about not smiling too much for photographs because she fears her face still looks round after childbirth. It is a small, human moment. Less than three weeks earlier, she had returned to the campaign trail just 17 days after delivering her daughter, Shridha. Both sisters are contesting the elections on an Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABS) ticket, the party their father founded in 1997. This is what inheritance looks like for the women who call themselves Daddys daughters. Gully girls Though separated by five years, the sisters were shaped by the same early constraints. Geeta, now 41, was the first to be pulled into the familys political orbit, she says. She entered public life in 2007, winning the BMC corporator seat from Ward 212, soon after completing her HSC examinations. It was never really up for debate, she says. It was assumed that as the eldest, I would represent the party. That assumption changed the course of both their lives. With Geeta stepping forward and later marrying developer Ajay Hirenwar in 2007, Yogita was quietly granted freedoms neither sister had known before. Their childhood had been tightly policed by circumstance. Arun Gawlis enemies were many, and the fear of retaliation shaped domestic life. Our mother was all alone, Yogita recalls. There were no relatives or friends who could step in. She made sure we came straight home from school and stayed indoors. St Agnes High School in Byculla was the extent of their world. Movie theatres were forbidden. Even the lane across the chawl remained unexplored territory. We had never seen it, Yogita laughs. With no external social circle, the sisters became each others anchor, confidants bound by routine and restriction. Taking flight Everything loosened in 2007. With Geeta married and politically settled, their mother Asha allowed the rules to soften. I remember taking a scooter and just roaming these streets, Yogita says. Once, we even got lost in our own neighbourhood. It felt like freedom. That release spilled into education and work. Yogita completed her masters degree in political science from Mumbai University and went on to intern with SAARC in Kathmandu, where she worked on poverty alleviation programmes. Back in India, she founded the Kara Foundation in 2016, focusing on education, employment, and health through the implementation of government schemes. My academic background helped, she says, but it was only when I worked with people on the ground that I understood what impact actually looks like. Politics, she admits, always hovered in the background. There was an unspoken expectation that I would eventually join the party, she says. But I wanted to take my time. That time included a detour into cinema. Alongside her husband, actor Akshay Waghmare, she produced two Marathi films, before returning decisively to public life. For the people, of the people Despite the public fixation on their father, both sisters insist that it was their mother who shaped their interests most deeply. Our mother taught us to trust God, Yogita says. That faith carried us through the toughest years, especially when our father was in prison. Arun Gawlis long absences were normalised early. Maybe we were innocent, Yogita reflects. Maybe it was the way people spoke about him. But we always believed he would come back. Geeta admits that separating the man from the myth took time. We learned that he belonged to the people more than he belonged to us, Geeta says quietly. He was always meant for something larger. Legacy under pressure As politicians, the sisters now straddle that inheritance carefully. Geeta is the mother of a four-and-a-half-year-old son, Namesh. Yogitas older daughter, Arna, is the same age. The vocabulary they use around leadership is deliberate: Community work, womens safety, education, civic accountability. Their immediate concern is more urgent. Bycullas large-scale chawl redevelopment, which, they say, has left many long-term residents without fair compensation, delayed rentals, or legal clarity. This is what we are fighting for right now, Geeta says. People who have lived here for generations are being pushed aside. Knocking on doors As our interview draws to a close, the sisters prepare to get right back to work on the campaign trail. There is still door-to-door canvassing to do. Right now, we are the only party actually knocking on doors and introducing ourselves, Geeta says. Most people do not even expect that anymore. One encounter still amuses her. A neighbour panicked when he opened the door, she laughs. He thought he was being kidnapped. Even so, the Gawli sisters will keep walking Bycullas lanes, surname in tow, determined to prove that legacy can move forward without looping back on itself. They are not about to step away or slow down anytime soon. They are only getting started. PROVIDENCE Outrage and grief led to anti-ICE marches and protests in cities across the nation including Providence on the Sunday after U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good was killed in Minneapolis and two other people injured in shootings in Portland this past week by President Donald Trump's masked immigration agents. Over a thousand protesters gathered in front of the Rhode Island State House on Jan. 11 ahead of a planned march through downtown Providence. Packed in the marble terrace, they carried signs saying "From Providence to Minneapolis STOP ICE TERROR;" "Justice for Renee Nicole Good;" "Ice Out For Good;" "F--- ICE;" and the last known words of Good before she was shot by ICE agents: "That's fine dude. I am not mad at you." Advertisement Advertisement Indivisible, the national advocacy group that organized the Rhode Island "ICE Out for Good" protest, described it as "a response to the escalation of ICE violence in our communities, the killing of Good, a 37-year-old wife and mother of three, and the months-long pattern of unchecked violence and abuse in communities across Rhode Island and America." Protesters ask 'When is enough?' "So I have a question ... When is enough?'' activist Katherine Kat Sochacka asked rhetorically of lawmakers at all levels of government who remain silent. "After all of this in-your-face abuse and death with hired untrained thugs running around our streets acting on power trips and hate, while those in power defend them with lies, despite mounting evidence you see with your own eyes, when is enough enough for you?" she asked to cheers from the crowd. The crowd of protesters who gathered in front of the State House on Jan. 11 listen to speakers ahead of a planned march through downtown Providence. Rep. Morales vows to shut down Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls State Rep. David Morales, a Providence mayoral candidate, led the crowd in a chant that began: "Say it loud and say it clear. Immigrants are welcomed here." Advertisement Advertisement "For the fascists that are occupying our state, let's make sure they hear us because we're going to say it loud and say it clear. Immigrants are welcome here," Morales chanted. Morales and several of the speakers who followed him characterized the aggressive ICE tactics by armed and masked "thugs" as "fascism," against which citizens remain silent at their own peril, as evidenced by the fatal shooting of Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who was in her SUV at the time of the shooting. "For too long we have watched as ICE has had a growing presence all across our state," Morales said. "From the downtown courthouse in Providence to Central Falls, all the way down to the East Bay and Warren, we have watched as they have harassed and kidnapped and detained and deported our neighbors." Protesters on Jan. 11, 2026, hold a sign with a photo of Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis woman recently killed by ICE agents. A rally at the RI State House drew hundreds to speak out against the agency. "We need decision makers across every level of government to be vocal, to be loud, and to demand that ICE get out of Rhode Island. So this year at the State House, we are pushing to end every local and state contract with ICE. We're going to shut down the Wyatt," Morales vowed. Advertisement Advertisement "We need to go to our city halls, our town halls, and let every leader in government know that we cannot afford to be silent in the face of fascism," he said. "We're going to demand that ICE not be present near our schools, near our libraries, near our facilities, near anywhere for our community congregates." Central High School student says Renee Good's death a 'wake-up call' Central High School student Christopher Garcia Diaz told the crowd that "if you thought you were safe, this is a wake-up call," while up at the mic. "Renee Nicole's death isn't just a tragedy. It is the result of a system where [law] enforcement believes it cannot be questioned, where power is protected more than people, where fear is used as a governing tool," Diaz said. Protesters arriving for anti-ICE, anti-Trump protest state House. pic.twitter.com/erHrK0cFpN katherine gregg (@kathyprojo) January 11, 2026 Comparing what Americans are seeing now to Nazi-era Germany, he said: "This isn't much different than the events in 1940 caused by an evil man. Just this time, the evil man is our president ... Our silence could be our downfall, so make your voices heard. What we're seeing is not democracy. This is dictatorship." Advertisement Advertisement "Democracy cannot survive when leaders act like dictators and agencies behave like they are above the law," he continued. "When investigations come only after public outrage. When families are left grieving while power protects itself, we cannot accept this. I refuse to accept this." "Remember, they aren't only coming after us," he finished. A quieter voice followed. "I just want to take a moment and let it sink in," said Miriam Weizenbaum. "What I know all of you are feeling. People are being kidnapped, illegally and arbitrarily wrenched from their families, murdered with impunity, whether in a fishing boat in the Caribbean or a young mother in Minneapolis." Advertisement Advertisement As the former civil division chief in the attorney general's office, co-founder of the Rhode Island Center for Justice and co-founder of the Lawyers Committee for Rhode Island which has filed multiple lawsuits in an effort to block potentially harmful Trump administration actions Weizenbaum said laws matter. "Right now, where laws are ignored, mocked by this administration, we as lawyers are going to insist that our laws are respected and enforced," and legislation is drafted to "hold actors like the one who murdered Renee Nicole Good ... accountable." How did we get here? Good was driving an SUV at the time, and while officials with the Department of Homeland Security describe her as a "domestic terrorist" who was trying to run over the officer who shot her, elected leaders in Minnesota and others say that video evidence does not support that narrative. They say Good was turning her car away from, not toward, the agent who shot her. Advertisement Advertisement Im the Mayor of Minneapolis. Trump is lying to you," wrote Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in a guest editorial in the New York Times The shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon, have sparked fierce debates across the nation. White House officials defended the agents actions, saying officers used their firearms in self-defense; prominent Democratic leaders have blasted the administration for its militarized deployment of immigration authorities and said they will move to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over the shooting of Renee Nicole Good. A weekend of ICE Out for Good protests in Rhode Island Over 1,000 protests were planned for Saturday and Sunday in cities and towns across the country in response to Trumps polarizing domestic agenda. An anti-ICE protest a day earlier drew an estimated 200 people in Cranston on Saturday, Jan. 10 to publicly call for an end to the federal government's nationwide immigration crackdown and the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and to rally against the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Jessica Rosner stood nearby holding up one end of a flag that read, "Loyalty to the Constitution, not the President." She said that what happened in Minneapolis is symptomatic of an administration that she described as authoritarian. "I think this is a rolling coup," the Cranston resident said. "I have felt this way since January." Protests were also planned in Tiverton on Saturday, and Jamestown on Sunday. Reports from Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner This story has been updated with new information. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Thousands march in Providence after ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good Protests against ICE are happened across the country Saturday. People are voicing their outrage over the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The White House says the agent was acting in self defense. Hundreds of people gathered outside the federal building in Minneapolis on Saturday, demanding ICE leave their city. Protests are also happening in other major cities, including across the Chicago area. Peaceful demonstrators once again took to the streets around the Chicago area, this time to protest the killing of Good by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement continued Saturday as a part of an "ICE Out For Food" weekend of action following the death of the Minneapolis mother of three. "I know we're all out here now, but there should be more people," Berwyn resident Jim Topczewski said. "Somebody got killed by our government... I'm old enough to remember Kent State, and I think that was our Kent State moment." It's just so frustrating what is happening and it's fascism. Close to 100 people ignored the cold and winter weather to line a portion of Roosevelt Road for the midday rally in west suburban Forest Park. Advertisement Advertisement "To see Trump warning, the Iranian government not to shoot peaceful protesters yet his own agents are doing that here in America. It's beyond appalling," Forest Park resident Louise Brueggemann said. The Saturday morning demonstration was organized by the anti-postal service privatization group, The People's Post Alliance Indivisible, national day of protest against ICE. It's our country, our democracy, and we have to be out here to defend it and fight for it" organizer Walter Mitchell Jr. said. Saturday's outrage comes just days after Good was killed, and more than a week after 43-year old Keith Porter Jr., a Black father of two, died at the hands of an off-duty ICE on New Year's Eve in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security alleges the agent was responding to an "active shooter" when he shot Porter, and that Good was trying to use her car as a weapon. Those accounts have been disputed by others. RELATED | Minneapolis ICE shooting: Gov. Pritzker calls for DHS Sec. Noem to resign, Chicago groups speak out "It's just not about immigrants anymore, undocumented people," west suburban resident Liz Miranda said. "It's about everybody right now." One woman dressed in a penguin costume donned a sign about democracy to make a point. "It's just so frustrating what is happening and it's fascism," she said. "Honestly, we shouldn't have to live with this. People shouldn't have to live in fear." Advertisement Advertisement A coalition of groups held similar demonstrations in Chicago and other suburbs, like South Elgin and North Chicago. "I want when we look back, I wanna be a person that tried to do something at least stick with others and boost our spirits," Forest Park resident Barbara Etchingham said. Organizers say their efforts won't stop here. They say it's important that the community continue to fight back against what they say is the climate of fear, lawlessness and cruelty created by ICE. Israeli company, Navitas Petroleum, has recently announced that it will undertake activities near the Falkland Islands, a project the Argentinian government decried as "unilateral and illegitimate." Argentina is reportedly delaying moving its embassy to Jerusalem due to bilateral tensions relating to an Israeli companys plans to drill oil from a field near the Falkland Islands. This was first reported by N12 on Sunday. Both Argentina and the United Kingdom consider the Falkland Islands to be their sovereign territory, and the matter remains disputed. Advertisement Advertisement The opening of Argentinas new embassy in Jerusalem was scheduled to take place on Independence Day 2026 but has allegedly been suspended. The ties between the two countries have become very strong under President Javier Milei. The Argentinian leader is considered one of Israels strongest allies in South America. However, the new contretemps may lead to a cooling of relations. The tension is said to concern an Israeli company named Navitas Petroleum, which announced recently that its British subsidiary, Navitas Petroleum Development and Production, will undertake activity in the South Atlantic Ocean. Navitas said it would partner with British company Rockhopper Exploration, which focuses on the Falkland Islands. However, between January 2 and 7, 2026, a series of filings with the London Stock Exchange showed that more than 18% of Rockhoppers shares are now held by three funds in Tel Aviv and Herzliya. Navitas plans to extract oil at a rate of 50,000 barrels per day by 2028 from the offshore oil field, known as Sea Lion. The Falklands government has already permitted the project, which is valued at $1.8 billion. Argentina's President Javier Milei speaks after the La Libertad Avanza party won the midterm election, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 26, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Cristina Sille) Argentinian Foreign Ministry declares Navitas plan 'unilateral and illegitimate' However, the Argentinian government has vehemently rejected the project. Its foreign ministry released a statement on December 11 saying the companies had not obtained permits from the relevant Argentine authority and that the plans are unilateral and illegitimate. Advertisement Advertisement The statement pointed out that any unilateral exploration and exploitation of renewable and non-renewable natural resources in areas subject to sovereignty disputes is contrary to the provisions of the United Nations General Assembly and the Special Committee on Decolonization. Additionally, according to Argentinian law, hydrocarbon exploration and/or exploitation activities may not be carried out in the entire Argentine continental shelf without due authorization from the Argentinian authority. The ministry then warned of potentially irreversible future consequences, such as legal and judicial measures, should the plan proceed. Both Rockhopper and Navitas are banned in Argentina for drilling without authorization. Argentinian sources told N12 that they consider the oil drilling to be the theft of a natural resource that belongs to them. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar addressed the matter directly in late December 2025, noting that Navitas plans to operate in an area where sovereignty is disputed between Argentina and the United Kingdom and that although this concerns a private company and not an activity in which the Government of Israel is involved in any way, we regret the difficult feelings this has caused in Argentina in this context. Advertisement Advertisement Israel has special relations with Argentina under the leadership of President Dr. Javier Milei that are held in deep esteem by the people of Israel, Saar said, adding that he hopes that the dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom will be resolved through dialogue. Falklands dispute The UK has exercised de facto sovereignty over the Falkland Islands since 1833, but the British claim over the territory dates back to 1690. Argentinas continual rejection of British sovereignty prompted its invasion of the islands in 1982, which led to the Falklands War. The UK won the war and in 1983 passed a law granting the islanders full British citizenship under the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983. Falkland Islanders overwhelmingly wish to remain a British Overseas Territory. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% voted to maintain their current status, a choice reinforced by their governments consistent assertion of their right to self-determination, a principle enshrined in their constitution. The Argentinian Republic, however, claims sovereignty over the Falklands, as well as South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The Jerusalem Post reached out to the Argentinian embassy, Israels Foreign Ministry, and Navitas for comment A Guernsey politician has proposed making economic growth a "golden thread" throughout the States priorities during the next four years. Deputy Haley Camp is set to lodge an amendment to force a focus on developing the economy in the government work plan. Policy and Resource's (P&R) proposed government work plan was criticised for not including the creation of economic growth as a "super priority". Advertisement Advertisement Chief Minister Lindsay de Sausmarez said the entire government work plan was focused on developing the economy. However, Camp said she would propose the development of the economy was high on the States agenda until 2029. "My professional background dictates if something isn't written down, it just doesn't happen, it doesn't exist," she said. "Therefore, what I want to do is really bring the idea that economic growth must be as important a consideration as other things and should really sit within the government work plan as a golden thread." Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez is set to present the government work plan for debate later this month [BBC] P&R's proposed five "super priorities" for this political term include: Advertisement Advertisement Decide and deliver tax reform Clear and commence site development at Leale's Yard Agree and advance a sustainable health and care system Shape and strengthen the focus on early years and families Determine and design future harbours infrastructure Economic Development (ED) President Sasha Kazantseva-Miller told BBC Guernsey P&R had "missed a trick" by not including economic growth in the list. Camp, who also sits on the ED committee, said she wants to do something to ensure all of the States committees consider economic growth in their policy-making Advertisement Advertisement "It isn't appropriate that only ED considers economic resilience, economic growth, economic strength," she said. "It should be something that sits across all committees and should be when anything is being considered, especially big, cost-heavy, resource-heavy projects. "One of those key questions should be, what is this doing for the economy? Are we helping it by creating productivity? My worry is that we just don't have that mindset." The Committee for Economic Development is set to bring a strategy on growing the economy to the States during this political term, while an independent report on a new strategy for the finance industry is due next month. Advertisement Advertisement It has been written by consultants Oliver Wyman at a cost of more than 500,000, with the States contributing 350,000 towards it and industry paying the rest. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Monday that three people were indicted on charges related to human trafficking missing teenagers. The Attorney Generals Office said there were two alleged people trying to sell a teenager and a third individual charged for allegedly trying to buy one. The office said the charges and suspects are from two separate cases and both involve the trafficking of underage females who were previously reported as missing before being recovered by members of law enforcement. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement This is exactly why we expanded our Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit to the Augusta region, and were fighting each day to keep Georgians safe, Carr said in a statement. With each new case, were sending a message that human trafficking wont be tolerated anywhere in this state, and both buyers and sellers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Were grateful to all of our partners who worked with us to recover these two missing children, and were committed to ensuring that justice is served. The three individuals charged were: Sean Feutral, 29 of Grovetown : accused of buying and transporting a 16-year-old to his home for commercial sex. The victim was reported missing out of Richmond County before being recovered in September 2025. He faces charges of unlawfully soliciting a minor for sexual servitude, unlawfully transporting a minor for sexual servitude and unlawfully harboring a minor for sexual servitude. Monica Daughtery, 41 of Augusta : Accused of selling a 16-year-old reported missing in Clayton County and recovered in October 2025, working with Keshawn Bennett to do so. Daughtery was charged with seven counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude, driving without proof of insurance and driving with a suspended license. Keshawn Bennett, 19 of Augusta: Accused of selling a 16-year-old reported missing in Clayton County and recovered in October 2025, working with Monica Daughtery to do so. Bennett was charged with five counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SYDNEY, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Human remains were found in Australia's southeast where bushfires raging for days have razed buildings, cut power to thousands of homes and burned swathes of bushland, police said on Sunday. The blazes, burning out of control during a summer heatwave, have torn through more than 350,000 hectares (860,000 acres) of bushland in Victoria state since the middle of the week, destroying more than 300 structures, including homes, and leaving thousands without power. Authorities have said the fires are the worst to hit the southeast since the 2019-2020 Black Summer blazes that destroyed an area the size of Turkey and killed 33 people. Advertisement Advertisement The human remains were found by a vehicle near the town of Longwood, some 110 km (70 miles) north of the state capital Melbourne, Victoria police said in a statement, adding that the victim was not yet identified. That fire, one of the largest burning on Sunday, has already destroyed properties, vineyards and agricultural land. Victoria's premier, Jacinta Allan, said more than 30 fires were burning across the state. In neighbouring New South Wales, which includes Sydney, several fires close to the Victorian border were burning at the highest danger rating, the state's Rural Fire Service said. The chief fire officer of Forest Fire Management Victoria, Chris Hardman, said it would likely take firefighters weeks to get the upper hand on the fires. Advertisement Advertisement "These fires will not be contained before it gets hot, dry and windy again," Hardman told Australian Broadcasting Corporation television. Allan posted on X that a total fire ban was in place for Victoria as thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft battled the blazes. "Bushfire smoke is impacting air quality in many areas across Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne," she said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government would offer emergency funding to bushfire-hit residents as well as to farmers, who had the "extraordinary cost of undertaking immediate and emergency livestock fodder distribution". Advertisement Advertisement "It's estimated that thousands of head of cattle are likely to have been impacted," Albanese said in televised remarks. (Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Andrea Ricci and William Mallard) SYDNEY, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Thousands of people in Australia's northeast state of Queensland were without power on Sunday after a tropical cyclone crossed the coast bringing heavy rain and destructive winds. Koji, a category one cyclone, made landfall between the towns of Ayr and Bowen, about 500 km (310 miles) north of state capital Brisbane, before weakening to a tropical low, the nation's weather forecaster said. The storm, with wind gusts of up to 95 kph (59 mph) and heavy rain, hit coastal towns including Mackay, a tourist hub and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Queensland state Premier David Crisafulli said around 15,000 properties had lost power due to Koji, which had also damaged property and boats, and closed roads. Koji brought rainfall of up to 200 mm (7.8 inches) to some areas overnight and was expected to result in heavy downpours over the next 24 to 48 hours, Crisafulli said. "There's the prospect of flooding, Queenslanders will handle that," he said in televised remarks from Brisbane. Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described flash flooding as a "major risk" across a large stretch of Queensland's coast. Advertisement Advertisement The weather forecaster said the severe weather would likely persist through Sunday before possibly easing on Monday. Koji comes after the state was hit in March by Alfred, a downgraded tropical cyclone, brought damaging winds and heavy rains, cutting power to hundreds of thousands. (Reporting by Sam McKeith in SydneyEditing by Rod Nickel and Michael Perry) A bartender in San Francisco who tripped an angry woman who had been attacking his coworkers in a video that went viral has been fired. Miguel Marchese, 25, was fired on Saturday just weeks after video of the altercation between him and the belligerent customer went viral on social media, according to the New York Post. The incident that led to his termination occurred at Hazie's on December 13. Video from the incident shows an angry, intoxicated woman identified by police as Shireen Afkari, a Strava fitness app employee yelling at staff for cutting off her drinks. A man accompanying her follows her around the bar as she records the incident on her phone. Advertisement Advertisement The video shows Afkari slapping people who are recording her in the restaurant, which leads a Hazie's worker to slam her to the ground. At that point Afkari becomes enraged, and her male companion tries to intervene. More staff and customers become involved in the altercation, which results in two men grabbing and dragging the man out of the restaurant. Marchese carries Afkari out as well. A woman, identified by police as Shireen Afkari, films former Hazies bartender Miguel Marchese, left, before allegedly assaulting members of the staff after they refused to serve her drinks (Tiktok/Miss_little_ranter) The incident continued outside. Video shows Afkari grabbing Marchese's hair and refusing to let go. Marchese throws her phone into the street and tries to retreat back into the restaurant. After that, Afkari tries to run after him, but Marchese sticks his foot out and trips her, sending her crashing to the pavement. Advertisement Advertisement In an Instagram post Marchese made after the fight, he says Afkari tripped over him while she was running. "I initially was patient with her hoping she'd let go but in the end I had to kick her in the vagina, chuck her phone across the street, to which she chases after and accidentally trips over my leg," he wrote. According to NBC Bay Area, Afkari was arrested and detained for public intoxication after the incident. She was also fired from her job at Strava. Strava issued a post after the incident, saying in part that "we don't condone violence of any kind and this does not reflect the standards we expect of our team." Advertisement Advertisement According to the Gazetteer SF, Marchese was fired via email on Saturday because he was ruled an "insurance risk." He was reportedly offered a $5,000 severance package on the condition that he sign a non-disclosure agreement and promise not to sue the restaurant. The Independent has requested comment from Hazie's and Afkari. Demonstrators gathered in Boston on Saturday to protest the killing of a Minnesota woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. One protest took place at the Massachusetts State House around noon, according to The Boston Globe, while another happened at the John F. Kennedy Federal Building near City Hall Plaza. Boston Common was filled with protesters, according to the Globe, as demonstrators chanted and displayed signs denouncing the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Good was unarmed at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Protests have been happening in Boston throughout the week in response to Goods death. Protesters gathered in Worcester on Thursday night. The Department of Homeland Security has condemned Good as a domestic terrorist, while video of the incident taken by a bystander appears to show the ICE agent shooting and killing Good as she tried to drive away. Boston protesters demanded that Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey take action to sever any ties between local law enforcement and ICE, according to WCVB. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. New Delhi, India Joint naval drills involving several members of the BRICS bloc, including China, Russia and Iran, have kicked off near South Africas coast with South Africa describing the manoeuvres as a vital response to rising maritime tensions globally. The weeklong Will for Peace 2026 exercises, which started on Saturday, are being led by China in Simons Town, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean. They will include drills on rescue and maritime strike operations and technical exchanges, Chinas Ministry of National Defence said. The drills involving warships from the participating countries come amid frayed ties between South Africa and the United States. Washington sees the bloc as an economic threat. Advertisement Advertisement The BRICS acronym is derived from the initial letters of the founding member countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa with South Africa serving as the current chair. India and Brazil, however, opted out of the drills. So why do the drills matter, and what is their aim? And why are some founding members not participating? From left, the Chinese guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122), the Russian corvette Stoikiy, the Iranian IRIS Naghdi and the South African SAS Amatola (F145) in Simons Town harbour near Cape Town on January 9, 2026 [Rodger Bosch/AFP] Who is participating in the drills? China and Iran sent destroyers, Russia and the United Arab Emirates sent corvettes and South Africa deployed a mid-sized frigate. Chinese officials leading the opening ceremony on Saturday south of Cape Town said Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia and Ethiopia were joining the drills as observers. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at the ceremony, South Africas joint task force commander, Captain Nndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha, said the drills were more than a military exercise and a statement of intent among the BRICS group of nations. The host country described this as a BRICS Plus operation aimed at ensuring the safety of shipping and maritime economic activities. BRICS Plus is an expansion that enables the geopolitical bloc to engage with and court additional countries beyond its core members. South African officials said all members of the bloc were invited to the drills. Iran joined the group in 2024. The bloc was simultaneously expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Naval officers march along the quay in Simons Town harbour on January 10, 2026, the day the exercises involving BRICS Plus countries began. [Rodger Bosch/AFP] Why do the drills matter? South Africa has previously carried out naval drills with China and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement It is a demonstration of our collective resolve to work together, Thamaha said. In an increasingly complex maritime environment, cooperation such as this is not an option. It is essential. The South African Department of Defence said in a statement that this years exercise reflects the collective commitment of all participating navies to safeguard maritime trade routes, enhance shared operational procedures and deepen cooperation in support of peaceful maritime security initiatives. The ongoing exercises come amid heightened geopolitical tensions. They started just three days after the United States seized a Venezuela-linked Russian oil tanker in the North Atlantic, saying it had violated Western sanctions. The seizure followed a US military operation that abducted President Nicolas Maduro from the capital, Caracas, with his wife, Cilia Flores and a pledge from US President Donald Trump to run Venezuela and exploit its vast oil reserves. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has also threatened military action against countries such as Cuba, Colombia and Iran and the semiautonomous Danish territory Greenland. US President Donald Trump, right, meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House on May 21, 2025, in Washington, DC [Evan Vucci/AP Photo] How does Trump see BRICS? Trump has accused some BRICS members of pursuing anti-American policies. While Washingtons relations continue to be sour with China and Russia, Trump has attacked Iran and imposed punishing tariffs on India, which it has accused of funding Russias war against Ukraine by buying Russian oil. After taking office in January 2025, Trump had threatened all the BRICS members with an additional 10 percent tariff. When I heard about this group from BRICS, six countries, basically, I hit them very, very hard. And if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly, Trump said in July before the annual summit of the developing nations. We can never let anyone play games with us. Advertisement Advertisement In their joint statement from July, the BRICS leaders took a defiant tone and called out global concern over a rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures without naming the US and condemned the military strikes on Iran. A group of pro-Ukraine protesters demonstrate against the Russian navys presence in Simons Town on January 9, 2026 [Rodger Bosch/AFP] Who opted out of the joint drills and why? Two of the founding members of the BRICS alliance, India and Brazil, are not participating in the naval drills. While Brasilia joined the exercises as an observer, New Delhi stayed away. Since Trump returned to the White House, New Delhi has seen its stock crash in Washington. Indias purchase of Russian oil is among the biggest flashpoints in their bilateral ties with a trade deal hanging in the balance. Trump has imposed 50 percent tariff on Indian goods the highest in the world. According to media reports, Trump has okayed a new bill that will hike the tariff to up to 500 percent. And last week, the US withdrew from the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA). Advertisement Advertisement For New Delhi, opting out of the drills is about balancing ties with the US, said Harsh Pant, a geopolitical analyst at the New Delhi-based think tank Observer Research Foundation. But these so-called wargames are also not the BRICS mandate. BRICS essentially is not a military alliance but an intergovernmental partnership of developing nations focused on economic cooperation and trade aimed at breaking an overreliance on the West. Pant told Al Jazeera that for China, Russia, Iran and to some extent South Africa, the joint military exercise helps [a narrative] about positioning themselves vis-a-vis the US at this juncture. India would prefer not to be tagged in the BRICS wargames, Pant said, adding that New Delhi would also not be comfortable with the gradual evolution of BRICSs foundational nature. This is not really something that India can take forward, both pragmatically and normatively. Advertisement Advertisement On top of that, Pant argued, there are key differences between countries in BRICS Plus like the UAE and Iran, or Egypt and Iran for the bloc to become a formidable military alliance. A Russian vessel arrives at Naval Base Simons Town before the BRICS Plus naval exercises [Esa Alexander/Reuters] When did South Africa last host joint drills? South Africa conducted Exercise Mosi, as it was previously called, twice with Russia and China. The first Exercise Mosi, which means smoke in the Sesotho language, took place in November 2019. The second iteration, Exercise Mosi II, was held in February 2023, coinciding with the first anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine. South Africa had faced heat from the West for hosting the joint drills then. A third edition was scheduled for late 2025, but it overlapped with a Group of 20 summit that was held in South Africa in November. Washington did not send any delegates. The ongoing Will for Peace 2026, now rebranded, is the third edition of the drills. Whats at stake for South Africa? The exercises in South African waters will likely further raise tensions with Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Since Trump took office again, South Africa-US ties have deteriorated over a range of issues, and Trump has imposed 30 percent tariffs on South African goods. A part of the fallout is also rooted in the South African governments decision to bring a genocide case against Israel, a top US ally, before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. It accuses the Israeli government of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In a preliminary ruling, the world court found it plausible that Israeli actions amounted to genocide. When South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House in May, hoping to mend ties, Trump falsely claimed that white South African farmers were facing systematic killings. Ramaphosa rejected the claims. None of South Africas political parties says there is a white genocide happening in the country as the Trump administration claims. Advertisement Advertisement Hosting the wargames at a time of global geopolitical upheaval has its own risks, given that the US sees some of the participants as a military threat. Ramaphosas government also faces criticism from one of its largest coalition partners, the liberal Democratic Alliance (DA). A DA spokesperson, Chris Hattingh, said in a statement that the bloc has no defensive role or shared military plans to warrant such exercises. The party said BRICS had rendered South Africa a pawn in the power games being waged by rogue states on the international stage. When Sugandha Patels footwear brand Cherry Twirls was rejected by Design One in 2024, the disappointment lasted exactly one day. For a moment, I felt maybe we werent ready yet, recalls Patel, a former advertising professional who launched her embroidered sneaker line in July 2024. But the very next day, we decided to reapply and move forward. That resilience matters in Mumbais exhibition circuit, where getting past the gatekeepers can determine whether a brand survives its first year or fades into obscurity. The economics are brutal. Stall fees alone range from Rs 25,000 to Rs 3.5 lakh. Add logistics, decor, travel and accommodation, and the investment becomes substantial. Yet, the biggest question appears to be: how does one get in. The legacy platform To understand this world, one must look at its roots. The IMC Ladies Wing Women Entrepreneurs Exhibition, launched in 1987, is probably the oldest platform of its kind in India. Born from the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industrya body that has championed Indian business since 1907the Ladies Wing created this exhibition when opportunities for women-led businesses were almost non-existent. President Rajyalakshmi Rao explains that the show began with just 24 stalls. Today, it hosts over 280 entrepreneurs from 31 cities. Unlike commercial shows, IMC maintains strict protocol. Stall allotment is done through transparent lottery draw. Visibility and credibility come first, says Rao. The loyal audience comes ready to shop because they trust the IMC seal of approval, she saysand this loyal audience has grown over the years. An estimated 24,000 people shopped at the IMC exhibition, across two days, in 2025. The next edit is set to take place on August 25 and 26. Then theres Design One, launched in 2009 by Sahachari Foundation, which has supported nearly 48 NGOs through exhibition proceeds. Some 12,000 to 15,000 attendees shopped here over two days last year. Gauri Pohoomul, one of the founders, shares that their process of onboarding brands involves multiple filters: quality, originality and finish. They receive over 1,000 applications but select only 100 to 150. We examine the products in person and take a call, she says, emphasising that lookbooks arent enough to seal the deal. What brands actually pay At Pink by Piya, which will take place on February 5, food brands pay Rs 35,000 while lifestyle brands invest between Rs 75,000 and Rs1.5 lakh per table. At The Polkaa Dots, by Pooja Dhakad, which will take place on March 11, stalls are priced between Rs 25,000 to Rs 80,000 depending on stall size. ByTara operates on a different scale, associated as it is with premium products and an endless stream of shoppers. Stalls here are priced from Rs 30,000 to Rs 3.5 lakh. The base price includes a fully constructed stall with tables, chairs, signage and lighting, explains Nayntara Thacker, founder of ByTara, the next edition of which is on January 15, at Mahalaxmi Race Course. Decor and racks cost extra, she shares. Nisha Khiani Savara, marketing and branding consultant, is blunt about the reality. Depending on the exhibition, location and size, prices of stalls can vary at exhibitions and typically, production and decor cost more than the rental. So, every show is not a fit for every brand. Customer profiles at these events can vary as much as the footfall. Some brands cannot justify the costs; others are there purely to create brand awareness. Bhumika Talreja, founder of luxury stationery brand Be Stories, agrees. Being a young brand, cost influences our decision to a large extent, but its always weighed against the potential exposure and audience value, says the 39-year-old resident of Tardeo. The selection machine Physical product inspection is often a must before brands are allowed to participate. Design One requires it; The Polkaa Dots requests outfits for physical screening. ByTaras team reviews each product in person, says Thacker, whose selection criteria is deceptively simple. I ask myself if I would wear or use the brand personally. If the answer is yes, then its mostly accepted. Piya Ramsinghani of Pink by Piya applies similar logic. Our curation is centred on quality products, brand aesthetics and affordable price points. At IMC Ladies Wing, applications, were told, must be completed personally by the entrepreneur herself. Proxies are not permitted. Meanwhile, Dhakad maintains strict category limits. We limit the number of designers within the same category to ensure diversity, originality and a premium experience. The application itself matters, too. Your applicationwhether an email or a formis the first point of contact, so it has to be creative and well-presented, says Patel, speaking from personal experience. According to her how your template looks and what you share about your brand is crucial. Why applications fail When brands are rejected, its not always because the product quality or finish doesnt match up. Sometimes, the category can be over-saturated, the pricing may be misaligned with perceived value, or the screening team may think the product shows a lack of originality. If products are knock-offs or dont suit our aesthetic, thats an immediate no, says Thacker. Dhakad adds: Lack of creativity or design imitation are immediate deal-breakers. While it seems fair enough, as stationery brand owner Talreja explains, the whole process can be frustrating for brands. Exhibition managers often dont cite a reason for rejection, or we just dont hear back from them. The silence may not be deliberate. After all, with thousands of applications and limited slots, organisers cannot provide individual feedback. The exclusivity game The not knowing however also makes it difficult to decide where to participate. And it doesnt help that once you have signed up to participate in one exhibition, you may not be able to showcase your products at another. Design One, for instance, enforces a strict two-month exclusivity policy. Brands cannot exhibit elsewhere in Mumbai for two months before or after the event. We want to showcase the newest collections without dilution, explains Pohoomul. The next Design One upcoming exhibition will take place on February 16 and 17, but applications usually open three to four months earlier. Brands should expect physical inspections, catalogue submissions and potentially multiple rounds of review. Patel has reapplied to Design One for her sneaker brand, and is now hoping to exhibit in the next edition. IMC, Design One and Crescent Moon are major stepping stones, she says, while Talreja identifies The Lil Flea, Christmas Bazaar at Selah, and Green Co-op at Jio World as important for other reasons. They helped us test our product mix, pricing and presentation. Why pay lakhs for two days Savara is clear about the value. Exhibitions are a great sales channel for emerging brands to directly interact with audiences, get feedback on products and create awareness. Sales are one of the goals of course, but this dialogue and marketing are the key reasons I recommend emerging brands to participate. The two-way interaction is instantaneous and allows for young brands to pivot and implement feedback often at the sampling stage itself. For Talreja, Online presence is not enough. You need to put your products into peoples hands and hearts. Having done ten shows, she understands the resilience required. Managing my own expectations has been the hardest part. Patel learned that stall design matters, too. If the visuals arent right, you lose customers. Return rates reveal quality But something must be working for these brands, for all that. At ByTara, nearly all exhibitors have returned for every edition, except those who eventually opened their own retail stores, says Thacker. Meanwhile, over 50 per cent of Pink by Piyas exhibitors return each year. So much so, that IMC Ladies Wing mandates screening for all exhibitors, including veterans. Even returning exhibitors are subject to the same screening process, says Rao. Clearly, these exhibitions are able to deliver value. What buyers actually do Plus, as Ramsinghani reports, 65 to 70 per cent of visitors arrive with clear buying intent. The Polkaa Dots claims everyone leaves with a shopping bag. As a brand-owner, Patel takes a portfolio approach. I aim to participate in two big and one or two smaller exhibitions annually. I research footfall history, speak to past exhibitors, and maintain a data chart. The strategic calculus involves balancing investment against audience quality. Smaller exhibitions cost less and offer lower-risk testing grounds. Larger exhibitions demand higher investment but also deliver greater visibility. For Patel, breaking in means visibility first. Sales are important, but in the first two to three years, brand visibility and recall matter more. Talreja, on the other hand, prioritises cumulative brand value. In a purely business sense, breaking in initially meant recovering costs. But over time, its really about visibility, credibility and customer trust. Ramsinghani, however, is confident: Brands consistently report strong sales, meaningful customer interactions and long-term leads. Consider the event a marketing expense versus only a sales-focused activity. Sales will happenespecially if youre a very young brandbut this is also a great way to introduce yourself to the city, shares Thacker. Talreja agrees. Dont be afraid to start, is her advice to other entrepreneurs. Treat exhibitions as a space to experiment, learn and refine your brand in real time. To this, Patel adds: But, also be clear about what kind of exhibitions you want to participate in, your budget and your goals. What the economics reveal Ultimately, the citys exhibition economy operates as a system where curation, cost and credibility determine access. The payoff is visibility, credibility and access to serious buyers. After her initial rejections, Patel of Cherry Twirls had exhibited twice, built a customer database, and established her brand in Mumbais competitive footwear market.In Mumbais exhibition circuit, the brands that succeed are the ones that treat rejection as data rather than a verdict, and use each show to refine their approach for the next one. Its a rare site to see the U.S. Drought Monitor Map show California without a drought, or even abnormally dry conditions. That hasnt happened for a quarter-century. A growing snowpack and above-average rainfall is credited for lifting the state out of the dreaded drought status. The last time the drought map showed no drought was December, 2000. Perhaps no other state in the nation has been more impacted by drought than California. Dry conditions have resulted in devastating wildfires and caused billions of dollars in losses to San Joaquin Valley farmers and their surrounding communities. Advertisement Advertisement To know its been 25 years since no part of the state shows any symptoms of a drought is pretty remarkable, said Ryan Jacobsen, chief executive officer of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. And while that may be a relief, Jacobsen also sees the bigger picture. By no means is this a reflection of things to come, said Jacobsen, an almond and wine grape grower. The drought monitor is really looking at just localized conditions, you know, then and there. State Climatologist Michael Anderson said the state doesnt use the U.S. Drought Monitor as an indicator, and its not an official drought-free declaration. Advertisement Advertisement Anderson called it a snapshot in time of current conditions. As weve seen in past years, California can go quickly from wet to dry conditions, and we are expecting dry conditions to return through the rest of January. This will have an impact on statewide rain and snowfall averages, which are expected to decrease, Anderson said. Brian A. Fuchs, geoscientist/climatologist with the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska, explained that the map is a weekly assessment of drought conditions for the entire country. Scientists working with several agencies, including the University of Nebraska, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, review drought conditions and assign a severity to it. Advertisement Advertisement As a farmer, Jacobsen said he is more concerned about the states snowpack, as it is crucial to the states water supply. Currently, Californias statewide snowpack is 89% of normal for this date, according to the California Department of Water Resources. We are in okay shape right now, Jacobsen said. But we are only about halfway through the snowpack season, and we still need a lot more significant precipitation to put us in a position to be okay for this upcoming year. Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday will begin a state visit to China, the first in eight years for a Canadian leader, with aims to talk trade and rebuild ties after years of diplomatic tensions. Chinese President Xi Jinping invited Carney last October during a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which Carney described as a "turning point" in the two nations' strained relationship. The January 13-17 trip seeks to "strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade, energy, agriculture and international security," a Carney spokeswoman told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement "It's a huge step forward," said Gordon Houlden, a former Canadian diplomat and director of the University of Alberta's China Institute. Houlden told AFP that if "some of the commercial problems that are affecting our exports had a political origin, then solving the political origin may, or should, have some positive effect on the trade." The last Canadian leader to visit China was Justin Trudeau, in December 2017. Ties withered in 2018 after the arrest of a senior executive from Chinese tech giant Huawei on a US warrant in Vancouver and China's retaliatory detention of two Canadians on espionage charges. Advertisement Advertisement China has also been accused of interfering in Canadian elections in recent years. - 'The elephant in the room' - Carney will meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and business leaders for the trade negotiations, which will focus on efforts to attract new investors and secure strategic partnerships. In the face of protectionism and attacks from US President Donald Trump, he also will seek to develop new markets in order to lessen Canada's economic dependence on its neighbor to the south. China is currently Canada's second-largest trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching $118.7 billion Canadian dollars ($85.3 billion) in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement "This visit is important because China is obviously an inescapable superpower," Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada's ambassador to China from 2012-2016, told AFP. He said a deal on Chinese energy supplies and electric vehicles were possible outcomes from the talks. But "the elephant in the room," he mentioned, is the thorny issue of tariffs. Since the summer of 2024, Ottawa and Beijing have clashed on trade, with Canada imposing tariffs on electric vehicles and Chinese steel, while Beijing has retaliated with levies on agricultural products including canola. "Whatever agreements Canada has with China will be scrutinized in Washington and might have implications" for three-way talks with Washington and Mexico on a free trade agreement, set to be renegotiated this year, said Vina Nadjibulla, vice president of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Carney's challenge is "going to be to advance economic objectives while not sacrificing our national security and economic security priorities," she added. After his trip to Beijing, Carney is scheduled to travel to Qatar for a bilateral visit and then head to Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos. gen/tib/jgc/sst A Miami-based nonprofit that recovers organs for transplantation was ordered shut months ago after a federal investigation found years of unsafe practices and other problems. Now, federal health officials have tapped a Las Vegas-based group to take over organ recovery across South Florida and the Bahamas. Not-for-profit Nevada Donor Network was selected this week by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to service a population of more than 7 million people across six South Florida counties Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, Collier and St. Lucie and the commonwealth of the Bahamas. Advertisement Advertisement It will now be tasked with helping to gather organs and tissues for South Florida hospitals that offer heart, lung, kidney and other organ transplants and will become one of four organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the state. The decision comes months after federal regulators moved to decertify the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency, which was founded in 1978 and is a division of the University of Miami Health System, following an investigation that they say uncovered years of unsafe practices, poor training, chronic underperformance, understaffing, and paperwork errors. It was the first time in history that regulators decertified an organ procurement organization mid-cycle. Life Alliance did not appeal the decision. Its replacement, the Nevada Donor Network, was founded in 1987 and is rated as a Tier 1 OPO, which means it ranks in the top 25% of OPOs nationally for donation and transplantation rates based on the federal agencys performance metrics. The not-for-profit organ procurement organization, which collects organ, eye and tissue donations, recently reported record results in 2025. This map shows the hospitals that were in the service area of the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency. (Screenshot of Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency website) The Nevada Donor Network was selected following a competitive selection process and meets all federal requirements for participation as an OPO and has demonstrated the operational capacity, clinical expertise, and quality infrastructure necessary to serve donor families, hospitals, and patients waiting for lifesaving transplants within the new donation service area, the federal agency said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Joseph Ferreira, president and CEO of the Nevada Donor Network, celebrated the decision, describing it as the culmination of the transformation-evolving work the organization has done over the past decade to go from a historically underperforming OPO into one of the countrys strongest performers. Our mission has always been about honoring heroic donors and saving and healing as many lives as possible, Ferreira said in a statement. That mission does not stop at state lines. We are ready to serve Southern Florida with the same urgency, respect, and excellence that have defined Nevada Donor Networks success. Federal health officials say that Life Alliance, under Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oversight, will continue to provide organ procurement services in the region during the transition period to ensure uninterrupted coverage until the Nevada Donor Network sets up its operations in the region. In September, when Life Alliances decertification was announced, U.S. Health and Human Services described it as being part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedys plan to reform the nations organ transplant system, which is under scrutiny over concerns about patient safety and lack of transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Federal regulators havent elaborated much on the findings of its investigations into the Miami-based not-for-profit, though Kennedy has previously said the groups consistent staffing shortages across the years may have caused as many as eight missed organ recoveries each week, roughly one life lost each day. In a September statement, the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency said its top priority has always been safe, respectful, and compliant organ donation practices. We hope that other OPOs follow suit in putting patients first, the Miami organization said in a written statement. A Chicago man accused of squatting in homes in the south suburbs has pleaded guilty to residential burglary. Chicago police said they caught Lashawn Rankine moving into a home in Evergreen Park that was on the market to be sold. Officials also said Rankine knowingly made a fraudulent lease agreement for that same Evergreen Park property with the intent to defraud the property owner, and he was arrested and charged. Advertisement Advertisement The I-Team has been covering squatting cases for years, and Rankine is a name that has come up in three alleged squatting cases. READ MORE | Man connected to alleged south suburban squatting charged with burglary, forgery in Evergreen Park Rankin pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years of probation last week. He was ordered to pay restitution of $624. He must get permission to leave Illinois and cannot possess a firearm. The victim in this case told ABC7 he was not happy with the outcome. He said in part "he only gets a slap on the wrist." Sam is on your side. If you have something you want Samantha Chatman and the ABC7 Consumer I-Team to look into, call her at 312-750-7TIP. I-TEAM | Squatting in Illinois: A Statewide Fight China has unveiled an extremely powerful hypergravity machine that can generate forces almost two thousand times stronger than Earths regular gravity. The futuristic-looking machine, called CHIEF1900, was constructed at Chinas Centrifugal Hypergravity and Interdisciplinary Experiment Facility (CHIEF) at Zheijang University in Eastern China, and allows researchers to study how extreme forces affect various materials, plants, cells, or other structures, as the South China Morning Post reports. It can effectively compress space and time, allowing researchers to recreate the conditions during catastrophic events, from dam failures to earthquakes. For instance, it can analyze the structural stability of an almost 1,000-feet-tall dam by spinning a ten-foot model at 100 Gs, meaning 100 times the Earths regular gravity. Advertisement Advertisement It could also be used to study the resonance frequencies of high-speed rail tracks, or how pollutants seep into soil over thousands of years. The machine officially dethroned its predecessor, CHIEF1300, which became the worlds most powerful centrifuge a mere four months ago. The previous record holder was the centrifuge at the Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg, Mississippi, which can generate 1,200 g-tonnes, a metric that combines gravitational acceleration (G) and a mass measured in tonnes (2,200 pounds), of force. To generate these forces, CHIEF1900 spins a payload inside a beefy centrifuge, not unlike those being used by the US Air Force to simulate high G-forces during pilot training. Advertisement Advertisement Except that the forces are orders of magnitude stronger. It can generate 1,900 g-tonnes of force, or 1,900 times the Earths gravity. To put that into perspective, a washing machine only reaches about two g-tonnes. Engineers had to overcome some significant challenges in getting CHIEF1900 up to that mighty force. For one, spinning at such high speeds generates an enormous amount of heat. To dissipate all of it, the engineers came up with a vacuum-based temperature control system, as the SCMP reports, which uses coolant and forced-air ventilation to keep things cool enough. We aim to create experimental environments that span milliseconds to tens of thousands of years, and atomic to [kilometre] scales under normal or extreme conditions of temperature and pressure, Zhejiang University professor and CHIEFs chief scientist Chen Yunmin told the SCMP. It gives us the chance to discover entirely new phenomena or theories, he added. More on centrifuges: NASA Tests System to Fling Satellites Into Sky Using Huge Centrifuge New footage suggests that China might be close to mass-producing advanced stealth fighter jets, not just prototyping them as previously believed. What's more, this appears to mean China's latest fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-35, rather than its older, more well-known J-20. This has been prompted by the release of images and videos of the J-35 sporting a green coating. According to analysts, the color means that the jets are newly built and are still being tested. These aircraft havent received their final paint because the design may still change, and its cheaper and easier to inspect in primer. Therefore, seeing multiple green aircraft together strongly suggests serial (repeat) production, not one-off prototypes. Advertisement Advertisement To this end, it would appear that China's J-35 could well be ready for mass production and is no longer to be considered experimental. Mass-producing stealth Developed by China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the company has also pledged to double its overall warplane production over the next three to five years. The SAC is the product of over 8.6 billion yuan ($1.2bn) by Beijing, and the factory alone covers a reported area of 1.62 square miles (4.2 square-kilometers). According to reports, the SAC will be part of a much larger Shenyang Aerospace City spanning ~79 km (roughly Hong Kong Island). The fact that China's desire to rapidly increase capacity mirrors that of the US with its F-35 production has also not gone unnoticed. Advertisement Advertisement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiBelQDC0js&pp=ygUKQ2hpbmEgSi0zNQ%3D%3D Another interesting point is that the J-35 isnt just an air force jet. It has a naval version designed for carriers and so is likely destined to operate from China's most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian. This ship is Chinas first entirely domestically-produced carrier and comes, it is claimed, with working electromagnetic catapults, like US supercarriers. Interestingly, prototypes of the J-35 have already taken off via catapult and performed arrested landings on the carrier. That means its operationally credible, not theoretical, and gives China a stealth carrier air wing, something only the US Navy currently fields at scale. A warning to the West It is also important to note that China typically keeps advanced war machine production under wraps. Showing off jets on runways and multiple units together in one place appears to be intentional messaging from Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Looking at the bigger picture, China appears to want the world to know that it can now (it claims) match the US in terms of aircraft development and production. This, it would appear, is intentionally to show the US that a future war between them would be determined not just by who has the best kit. But also, which side can absorb and replace losses the fastest. For Taiwan, this is also potentially bad news as the jhe J-35 is optimized for regional power projection. Carrier-based stealth jets, like the J-35, could complicate Taiwans air-defence planning This pairs with increasing PLA drills and pressure operations In short, China isnt just building a stealth fighter anymore. Its demonstrating that it can mass-produce fifth-generation jets and sustain a modern air war, especially at sea. By Giulio Piovaccari BRUSSELS, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Premium Chinese electric vehicle maker Zeekr will expand into more European markets in 2026, including France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain and is considering launching extended-range plug-in hybrids in the region, an executive said on Friday. "When we look at the European consumer demand, the plug-in hybrid segment still ... has a high share," Lothar Schupet, Zeekr's acting head of European operations told Reuters at the Brussels car show. Advertisement Advertisement Schupet added that the unit of China's Geely is investigating consumer demand for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and will reach a decision in a few months. Selling PHEV models would help Zeekr avoid European Union tariffs on Chinese-made fully-electric cars. In December, the EU backed off its effective 2035 ban on fossil-fuel cars, which means PHEVs - which have a combustion engine but can drive some distance on battery power - can be sold in Europe for longer than previously expected. Zeekr currently sells in 12 European markets and launched in Germany in December - and in some markets sells directly to consumers. As well as adding new major markets, Zeekr will also more than triple its European dealer network to around 100 dealers this year from 30 now, Schupet said. Geely took Zeekr private last year. In China Zeekr is often viewed as Geely's best asset because of its high premium EV sales. The company has already launched plug-in hybrid versions of some models in the Chinese market, the world's largest. Advertisement Advertisement The brand launched in Europe just over two years ago and so far has had modest sales, but Schupet said Zeekr aims to grow and become "a major player in the premium segment for sustainable mobility." (Reporting By Giulio Piovaccari, writing by Nick Carey, Editing by Louise Heavens) KANSAS CITY, Mo. A 35-year-old Chinese national was charged this week with taking pictures of B-2 bombers and other vital military installations at Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) back in December, according to federal court documents. On Wednesday, Jan. 7, U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price of the Western District of Missouri filed a criminal complaint against Qilin Wu. The complaint claims that on Tuesday, Dec. 2, patrolmen with the Whiteman AFB Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) were called to investigate a suspicious minivan with a Massachusetts license plate sitting outside the perimeter of the Knob Noster military base. Advertisement Advertisement ICE protestors rally at Mill Creek Park in KCMO Saturday Court documents claim the patrolmen approached the minivan and found Wu, who told the investigators he was observing the B-2 Spirit aircraft. The patrolmen told Wu that he was not allowed to take photos or videos of the bomber. The following day, Wednesday, Dec. 3, AFOSI was informed that Wu had returned and was sitting outside the base in the same minivan. According to court documents, Wu admitted to investigators that he had taken photos and videos of the B-2 bomber, as well as Whitemans perimeter fencing, gate and military equipment. He then showed investigators his phone and the photos he had taken. Advertisement Advertisement In total, court documents claim Wu had taken approximately 18 photos and videos of the military installation and equipment. The complaint also alleges that Wu admitted to having previously taken photos of a different U.S. Air Force base and its military aircraft. Further in the court documents, Wu is described as a Chinese national who illegally entered the country on June 22, 2023, near Nogales, Arizona. It alleges that he was arrested by immigration authorities, but due to a lack of space in detention facilities, Wu was released on his own recognizance. He had a scheduled immigration removal proceeding on Feb. 9, 2027. Advertisement Advertisement However, after the Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 incident at Whiteman AFB, Wu was rearrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was subsequently charged on Wednesday. Following news of Wus charges, U.S. Rep. Mark Alford took to social media to share his thoughts. Alford represents Missouris 4th Congressional District, which covers the region of Whiteman AFB. SUV involved in Minneapolis ICE shooting registered in Kansas City, Missouri: DOR Weve been very concerned about Chinese nationals getting near our base and spying on the B-2 stealth bomber of course, part of our nuclear triad, Rep. Alford shared in a video reel on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement This story came out in the Daily Caller a couple of months ago about a trailer park near [Whiteman AFB] that was owned by some Chinese nationals. Weve been looking into that. We met with the Treasury Department recently. The Daily Caller story Alford is referring to is an investigative piece published by Philip Lenczycki in November 2025. The piece claims Whiteman Air Force Base shares a fence with a foreign-owned trailer park linked to a convicted fraudster with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intelligence ties. To read the article, click here. Since this report was published, many have asked the federal government to launch an investigation into the trailer park, called Knob Noster Trailer Park. Advertisement Advertisement The article even cites a former CIA operations officer, Bryan Dean Wright, who reportedly said, The FBI and Department of War should be on this case immediately. In Alfords video, he continued with this plea, while crediting President Donald Trump and the Trump Administration with doing the right thing and arresting Wu. He also blamed the Biden Administration for Wus original release. My point is that Trump is doing something about it to protect our national security, to protect our B-2 fleet, which did decimate the nuclear capabilities of Iran this past summer and made world headlines. Alford continued, Look, weve got to protect our assets. Whiteman Air Force Base in the 4th Congressional District of the great state of Missouri is one of the key components of our strength. Weve got to protect them. Thank God President Trump is doing something about it. Advertisement Advertisement He added that there will be more updates in the case and that he will work to ensure the safety and security of Whiteman AFB and its nuclear assets. Wu is facing one count of taking photographs of a vital military installation and military equipment without authorization. Kansas City fast food employee threatened over refund demand According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, all allegations in the complaint are accusations and not evidence of guilt. Wu is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, he could face time in a federal prison. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson with assistance from Trial Attorney Brendan P. Geary of the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Advertisement Advertisement The case was also investigated by the AFOSI, the FBI, the U.S. Air Forces Security Forces and ICE. 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. CNN anchor Abby Phillip slammed President Donald Trump for, as she put it, declaring himself King of the World. Phillip unpacked the presidents busy start to the new year on CNN Saturday Morning Table for Five. Just 10 days into the new year, Donald Trump seems to be channeling his inner Leonardo DiCaprio and declaring himself the king of the world!She stated, before pointing to the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro as well as threats to take over Cuba, Colombia and Greenland as proof of the chaos. Advertisement Advertisement If its not clear yet, Trump says that the only thing limiting his powers on the world stage is, quote, his own morality, Phillip said. And to top it all off, he says the U.S. doesnt need international law. That is a whole lot of the Don-roe doctrine, as he would put it. Where does that leave us if the president doesnt think that hes accountable to anyone but himself? Trump met with oil and gas executives on Friday to try to pressure them to comply with his plans for Venezuela's oil. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images The anchor kicked off her Saturday morning broadcast by discussing Trumps Donroe Doctrine with her panel of guests. The president has been carrying out his foreign policy agenda to assert dominance in the Western Hemisphere, including by attacking Venezuela, under the cover of the Monroe Doctrine. The 19th-century policy, formulated by President James Monroe, was originally drafted to keep European forces out of the Western Hemisphere, which was considered the U.S. sphere of influence. Trump has colloquially renamed the policy after himself and expanded the reach of the doctrine, saying his administration superseded it by a lot. (Although, the Monroe Doctrines rebrand was not his original idea.) American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again, Trump said during a press conference following the operation in Venezuela. Host Abby Phillip and New York Post correspondent Lydia Moynihan debate the Lydia Moynihan, a correspondent for the New York Post, kicked off the panel discussion on CNN Saturday Morning Table for Five, asserting that Trump was operating within the limits of the Monroe Doctrine. Advertisement Advertisement What hes saying is in line with what the Monroe Doctrine has stated for hundreds of years that we have a responsibility and the ability to have sovereignty in this hemisphere, Moynihan said. So I dont think that anything hes done has been out of line with the Monroe Doctrine thats governed foreign policy for hundreds of years now in the U.S. Phillip pushed back, suggesting that the Founding Fathers would likely agree that the president should be accountable to the people rather than his own interests. Trump promised to run Venezuela and take control of its oil, a move that drew widespread criticism across the world. Even his supporters were skeptical of the intervention because it countered the presidents campaign promise to put America first. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as US 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, 2026. / JIM WATSON / AFP via Getty Images Despite the backlash, the president has pushed forward with threats to execute similar military operations in Cuba, Mexico, and Colombia. Trump was most explicit in his remarks against Colombian President Gustavo Petro during an appearance on Fox News. Advertisement Advertisement I stick by my first statement. Hes making cocaine, Trump said.. Theyre sending it into the United States, so he does have to watch his a--. Trump has also threatened to seize Greenland, which is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark is an ally of the United States, a fact that the Danish Ambassador to the U.S. Jesper Moeller Soerensen reminded Americans of. We expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, he said on X. By Parisa Hafezi, Rami Ayyub and Maayan Lubell DUBAI/JERUSALEM, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Unrest in Iran has killed more than 500 people, a rights group said on Sunday, as Tehran threatened to target U.S. military bases if President Donald Trump carries out threats to intervene on behalf of protesters. With the Islamic Republic's clerical establishment facing the biggest demonstrations since 2022, Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene if force is used on protesters. Advertisement Advertisement According to its latest figures - from activists inside and outside Iran - U.S.-based rights group HRANA said it had verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, with more than 10,600 people arrested in two weeks of unrest. Iran has not given an official toll and Reuters was unable to independently verify the tolls. Trump was to be briefed by his officials on Tuesday on options over Iran including military strikes, using secret cyber weapons, widening sanctions and providing online help to anti-government sources, the Wall Street Journal said on Sunday. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Washington against "a miscalculation". Advertisement Advertisement "Let us be clear: in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all U.S. bases and ships will be our legitimate target," said Qalibaf, a former commander in Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. AUTHORITIES INTENSIFY CRACKDOWN The protests began on December 28 in response to soaring prices, before turning against the clerical rulers who have governed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian authorities accuse the U.S. and Israel of fomenting trouble and called for a nationwide rally on Monday to condemn "terrorist actions led by the United States and Israel" in Iran, state media reported. Advertisement Advertisement The flow of information from Iran has been hampered by an internet blackout since Thursday. Footage posted on social media on Saturday from Tehran showed large crowds marching along a street at night, clapping and chanting. The crowd "has no end nor beginning," a man is heard saying. In footage from the northeastern city of Mashhad, smoke can be seen billowing into the night sky from fires in the street, masked protesters, and a road strewn with debris, another video posted on Saturday showed. Explosions could be heard. Reuters verified the locations. State TV showed dozens of body bags on the ground at the Tehran coroner's office, saying the dead were victims of events caused by "armed terrorists", as well as footage of loved ones gathered outside the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Centre in Tehran waiting to identify bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Three Israeli sources, who were present for Israeli security consultations over the weekend, said Israel was on a high-alert footing for the possibility of any U.S. intervention. An Israeli military official said the protests were an internal Iranian matter, but Israel's military was monitoring developments and was ready to respond "with power if need be". Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June last year, which the United States briefly joined by attacking key nuclear installations. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at Israel and an American air base in Qatar. IRAN DENOUNCES 'RIOTERS AND TERRORISTS' Advertisement Advertisement While the Iranian authorities have weathered previous protests, the latest have unfolded with Tehran still recovering from last year's war and with its regional position weakened by blows to allies such as Lebanon's Hezbollah since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks against Israel. Iran's unrest comes as Trump flexes U.S. muscles on the world stage, having ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and floating the possibility of acquiring Greenland by purchase or military force. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a TV interview, said Israel and the U.S. were masterminding destabilisation and that Iran's enemies had brought in "terrorists ... who set mosques on fire .... attack banks, and public properties". "Families, I ask you: do not allow your young children to join rioters and terrorists who behead people and kill others," he said, adding that the government was ready to listen to the people and to resolve economic problems. Advertisement Advertisement Alan Eyre, a former U.S. diplomat and Iran expert, thought it unlikely the protests would topple the establishment. "I think it more likely that it puts these protests down eventually, but emerges from the process far weaker," he told Reuters, noting that Iran's elite still appeared cohesive and there was no organised opposition. Iranian state TV broadcast funeral processions in western cities such as Gachsaran and Yasuj for security personnel killed in protests. State TV said 30 members of the security forces would be buried in the central city of Isfahan and that six more were killed by "rioters" in Kermanshah in the west. Advertisement Advertisement US READY TO HELP, SAYS TRUMP Trump, posting on social media on Saturday, said: "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" In a phone call on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention in Iran, according to an Israeli source present for the conversation. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah and a prominent voice in the fragmented opposition, said Trump had observed Iranians' "indescribable bravery". "Do not abandon the streets," Pahlavi, who is based in the U.S., wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, a Paris-based Iranian opposition group, wrote on X that people in Iran had "asserted control of public spaces and reshaped Iran's political landscape". Her group, also known as Mujahideen-e-Khalq (MEK), joined the 1979 revolution but later broke from the ruling clerics and fought them during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. Netanyahu, speaking during a cabinet meeting, said Israel was closely monitoring developments. "We all hope that the Persian nation will soon be freed from the yoke of tyranny," he said. (Additional reporting by Elwely Elwelly in Dubai. Rami Ayyub, Maayan Lubell and Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem; Video verification by Mahezabin Syed, Eleanor Whalley and Marine Delrue; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Michael Perry, Helen Popper, Louise Heavens) State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said he was blindsided by Gov. Gavin Newsoms proposal Thursday to curtail the superintendents duties and he disagrees with it, although its unclear what he can do to stop it. Tony Thurmond is proud and grateful to work with Gov. Newsom. Theyre both champions of public education, said Elizabeth Sanders, spokeswoman for the California Department of Education, which Thurmond heads. Sanders was speaking on behalf of the superintendent. Unfortunately, on this particular issue they are not aligned. In his State of the State address on Thursday, Newsom proposed shifting oversight of the Department of Education, a 2,000-employee state agency, from the superintendent to the State Board of Education. The move would concentrate more power over K-12 schools with the governor, who appoints the school board. The superintendent would remain an elected position, but with diminished and less defined duties. Referencing a December report from Policy Analysis for California Education, Newsoms aim is to simplify Californias convoluted system of K-12 school governance. Currently, education leadership comes from the governor, the Legislature, the State Board of Education, the superintendent and the Department of Education who may or may not have the same vision for how to best run schools and teach children. At the local level, school boards and county offices of education also have a good deal of power over budgets and day-to-day school operations. The result of the many-headed leadership structure is that schools often dont know which policies to follow, according to the PACE report. Guidelines can be contradictory, redundant or just plain incoherent, researchers found. A slew of education advocacy groups have supported Newsoms proposal, saying it will clarify a system thats been confusing and inefficient for a century. California is one of only a handful of states with such an education governance model. Unnecessary disruption Thurmonds staff had a few hints that an announcement might be forthcoming, but otherwise was caught off guard by Newsoms proposal, Sanders said. They also hadnt talked to PACE researchers about their report, although PACE staff said they reached out to the department prior to the reports publication. Thurmond questions the point of the change, Sanders said. Its unclear how this would benefit students and families, Sanders said. Its an unnecessary disruption. We should be staying focused on creating results for students. If the governor really wanted to help schools, he should pour more money into K-12 education. The Department of Education has been underfunded for years, she noted, and schools could use more funds for initiatives like tutoring and mandatory kindergarten. John Affeldt, managing attorney at Public Advocates, a nonprofit law firm focused on education, also questioned the value of Newsoms proposal. It would take power away from the voters and give it to the governor, which might be great if the governor supports public education but may backfire if a governor doesnt, he said. It might improve the governance structure a bit, but Im not sure its worth the tradeoff, Affeldt said. It might be a lot of political theater for not much real change. ___ This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By CAROLYN JONES/CalMatters CalMatters In response to a Minnesota woman being fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer this week, more than 1,000 rallies are planned this weekend across the country, including some in Connecticut, as part of ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action. Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three children, was seen on video being fatally shot by an ICE officer Wednesday as she tried to drive away when confronted by several agents in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security on Friday shared cellphone video taken by the officer who shot Good that appears to show the 37-year-old woman's SUV may have hit the agent as she tried to drive away. Advertisement Advertisement The incident has led to demonstrations across the country in recent days, including in Connecticut, where officials say a confrontation between protesters and federal employees that occurred Thursday night near a Hartford vigil for Good is under investigation. The rallies continued Saturday, with demonstrations planned in Fairfield, Brookfield, East Lyme, Guilford, Middletown, New London, Ridgefield, Salisbury, Stonington, Torrington and Windham, according to Indivisible, a progressive group helping to organize the protests. Most events began late Saturday morning and continue into the afternoon. Here is what happened during Saturday's protests in Connecticut: Middletown Mayor Eugene Nocera decried ICE's presence at the courthouse across from City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement "The sad thing is they know when suspects are here." Nocera said. "It's like a mafia in black cars and they have no accountability. It's ugly." In Middletown, the crowd stayed peaceful during the march despite the size and angry chants of "defund ICE" and "Donald Trump has got to go." "We're older and we were told to stay peaceful," said Rose Weed. State Sen. Matt Lesser told the crowd he was sad and angry over the death of Renee Good, but not surprised. "It is the job of any government to protect the people and this administration is not doing it," said Lesser, a Democrat whose district includes Middletown. Advertisement Advertisement Lesser said when the government fails to protect its people, it's up to the people of Middletown and the state to protect each other. Lesser said he will appeal to Gov. Ned Lamont to strengthen protections for state residents to ensure what happened in Minnesota doesn't occur in Connecticut. "I don't know how we get out of this but there is no statute of limitations on murder" the state senator said. "We will keep our community safe and we will do the work." At the Fairfield protest, Tom Zowine, a town resident, said he worries about his wife and 11-year-old son, following the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement "I have a son that needs to grow up in this country, and what I really hope to happen is that we come to a peaceful understanding, that we need to come back to one another. My hopes is that we have at least a bit of the America that I grew up in and do away with this separation and go away with this feeling of civil war that's about to happen," he said. Renee Nicole Good 'represents us,' protester says Activist Sean Hannon, from Bridgeport, holds up a portrait of Renee Nicole Good during a protest in Fairfield Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 (Shaniece Brown/Hearst Connecticut Media) At Fairfield's protest, activist Sean Hannon, from Bridgeport, held up a portrait of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer Wednesday in Minneapolis. When asked about the portrait, he said, "I see a person who represents so many people of all colors of warmth, of compassion. I mean, she's a mother of three, and she was willing to go out of her regular routine to protect what she values about America. And that's what we're doing. She represents us. This is our face." 'We're angry and we're energized' Bridgeport activist says Almost 200 people joined the protest Saturday outside of Home Depot on Grasmere Avenue in Fairfield. It was organized by grassroots nonprofit Bridgeport Resists. Advertisement Advertisement "We're raising awareness of what's happening in our country," said Meg Doyle, a member of Bridgeport Resists. "People can follow their own hearts about how they respond to it, but this is about showing up in the community, our beloved community, and letting people know we care about them, and that we're angry, and we're energized and we're going to make change." Middletown protester: President 'should be a role model' Demonstrators marched in downtown Middletown Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in protest of the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota. The protest was part of the ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action. (Mary Ellen Godin/Hearst Connecticut Media) In Middletown, about 250 people turned out to the city's downtown to march to City Hall for a rally. Megan Busath came out with her four children and mother carrying home made signs. Busath's sign contained a checklist with the ways she was similar to Good, and ended with the phrase "Am I next?" Advertisement Advertisement "Our country should be a safe place." Buseth said. "Our children should grow up in a safe place with a president who should be a role model." Protesters have arrived in Middletown A little before 11:30 a.m., when the protest in Middletown was slated to begin, the four corners of the city's busiest intersection were filled with marchers. Demonstrators carried signs, while passing cars honked in support. The protest is slated to have marchers gather at Washington and Main streets, then head to city hall along deKoven Drive. More than 100 protest in Ridgefield In Ridgefield, more than 100 protesters converged on Route 7 at the Branchville Road intersection. They stood on the sidewalks and bridge along both sides of the road. A group of them held a banner that proclaimed, "This is not normal." Advertisement Advertisement Others held signs that read "ICE kills" and "ICE out for good." Another stated simply, "Bring back sanity." Drivers who passed by honked their horns. "It's nice to see other like-minded people expressing their desire for true democracy," said Robert Markowitz of Ridgefield. Celeste Cobb of Redding, founder of a protest group called REBs, was pleased with the turnout. Good's death at the hand of ICE officers is just one of numerous killings carried out by the agency, Cobb said. "I think it's important to recognize that 45 have died in ICE custody just in the last month. So while Renee Good was a very visible and very sad incident, this is not isolated in any shape and form," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Ed Federman, leader of a group called Ridgefield Resistance, agreed. He described the present as a "crisis moment." "We see that this administration is following the classic authoritarian playbook. They're knocking out all the methods of accountability. They've fired the inspector general. They've taken over the Justice Department," Federman said, describing an administration he believes is headed toward fascism. "We're just trying to protect democracy." Federman said the administration's actions are "manifesting in an unauthorized and illegal war. We've had extrajudicial killings." The death of Renee Nicole Good and a second ICE shooting in Portland, Ore. that injured two people Thursday has sparked national protests and in some cases confrontations, including in Connecticut, according to local officials and the Associated Press. The shooting in Portland, Oregon, took place outside a hospital Thursday afternoon, according to the AP. A man and woman were shot inside a vehicle, and their conditions were not immediately known. The FBI and the Oregon Department of Justice were investigating, the AP said. Advertisement Advertisement Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and the city council called on ICE to end all operations in the city until a full investigation is completed. Hundreds protested Thursday night at the ICE building. Early Friday, Portland police reported that a handful of arrests were made after officers asked protesters to move to the sidewalk, as traffic remained open in the area, the AP said. The Connecticut confrontation occurred Thursday night in Hartford during a vigil for Good outside of a federal immigration courthouse. But it is unclear if ICE agents were actually involved, reports said. Hartford police are now investigating the incident and trying to determine if a van that was blocked from exiting the courthouse "made contact" with any of the protesters. "It is imperative that anyone protesting do so peacefully and safely," Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said in a press release. "We cannot give this (Trump) administration the chaos it craves. But let no one mistake the cause of tonight's conflict: federal agents have acted with impunity and a clear intent to antagonize local communities across our country. When you govern by brutality, you incite unrest." Saturday: 11:00 a.m. Boston Street and Whitfield Street, Guilford 11:00 a.m. Federal Road and Candlewood Lake Road, Brookfield 11:00 a.m. Home Depot, 330 Grasmere Ave., Fairfield 11 a.m. 15 Main St., in front of the White Hart Inn, Salisbury 11:30 a.m. March from Washington Street and Main Street to Middletown City Hall on deKoven Drive, Middletown 2:00 p.m. Routes 102 and 7, Ridgefield 3:00 p.m. Jillson Square, 533 Main St., Windham Sunday: 10:00 a.m. Coe Memorial Park, Torrington 12:00 p.m. Latham Park, Stamford 12:00 p.m. Parade Plaza, S. Water Street, New London 2:00 p.m. Broadway across from the Norwich Free Academy, Norwich 3:00 p.m. New Haven Green, New Haven The first half of the day likely will stay dry, with mostly cloudy skies and light winds as temperatures gradually warm into the low to mid 40s, CT Insider Dan Amarante reported. But a frontal system to the south will slowly push north during the day, bringing pockets of moderate to heavy rainfall into southern New England by the afternoon. How much rain Connecticut sees will mostly depend on the location of the front. Southern portions of the state could see up to an inch of rain, while northern Connecticut likely will end up with lesser amounts of around a half-inch of rainfall this weekend. More than 1,000 demonstrations are planned across the U.S. this weekend in response to the ICE shooting death of Good on Wednesday. The groups organizing the rallies include Indivisible, MoveOn Civic Action, the American Civil Liberties Union, Voto Latino, United We Dream, 50501 and the Disappeared in America Campaign of the Not Above the Law coalition. "The mobilization comes in response to the escalation of ICE violence in our communities, the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old wife and mother of three, and the months-long pattern of unchecked violence and abuse in marginalized communities across America," a statement from the organizing committees reads. "Across the country, communities will gather in nonviolent, lawful, and community-led actions to honor the life lost, demand accountability, and make visible the human cost of ICE's actions." A new, 47-second video that was published online by a Minnesota-based conservative news site, Alpha News, and later reposted on social media by the Department of Homeland Security shows the shooting from the perspective of ICE officer Jonathan Ross, who fired the shots. The video shows Ross approach and circle Good's vehicle in the middle of the road while apparently filming on his cellphone. At the same time, Good's wife also was recording the encounter and can be seen walking around the vehicle and approaching the officer. A series of exchanges occurred: "That's fine, I'm not mad at you," Good said as the officer passed by her door. She has one hand on the steering wheel and the other outside the open driver side window. "U.S. citizen, former f---ing veteran," her wife said, standing outside the passenger side of the SUV holding up her phone. "You wanna come at us, you wanna come at us, I say go get yourself some lunch big boy." Other officers are then seen approaching the driver's side of the car at about the same time and one said: "Get out of the car, get out of the f---ing car." Ross was now at the front driver side of the vehicle. Good reversed briefly, then accelerated forward and the vehicle appears to hit Ross as he opened fire, according to the footage. - The Associated Press Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in posts on X that the new video backs their contention that the officer fired in self-defense. "Many of you have been told this law enforcement officer wasn't hit by a car, wasn't being harassed, and murdered an innocent woman," Vance said. "The reality is that his life was endangered and he fired in self defense." Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has said any self-defense argument is "garbage." Policing experts said the video didn't change their thoughts on the use-of-force but did raise additional questions about the officer's training. "Now that we can see he's holding a gun in one hand and a cellphone in the other filming, I want to see the officer training that permits that," said Geoff Alpert, a criminology professor at the University of South Carolina. - The Associated Press Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, said in a news conference in New Haven Friday that the state "mainly had a peaceful vigil" Thursday night in Hartford, but "there was an altercation behind the immigration courthouse." Lamont said the state is "looking into that to see what that was, but I don't want that to distract from the pain and the violence you saw in Minneapolis." When asked whether state troopers and prosecutors should be investigating the Hartford incident, Lamont said, "I hope they do." Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said "our duty is to discover the truth" and she said Connecticut residents should always feel free to protest "but please do it in a peaceful way." When asked again about Hartford, after about five minutes of questioning, Lamont said, "I think it's a distraction" and it was "a small incident behind the courthouse in Hartford." "We should be focused on the violence in Minneapolis and what happened to Renee Good," he said. One day after Good's death, Connecticut protesters gathered in Hartford, New Haven and New London on Thursday. During a vigil in Hartford, a confrontation occurred nearby outside the federal immigration courthouse. Video shows a man in a mask pepper-spraying some of the protesters. Another video taken by CT Insider shows two vehicles then leaving the courthouse garage coming in contact with protesters who were trying to block them from driving away. The video then shows one of the protesters throwing an object that smashed the back window of one of the vehicles as it drove away. During a news conference Friday, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said city police were investigating the van hitting the demonstrators, the pepper-spraying and the demonstrator breaking the van's window. He called the latter a case of "property destruction" and noted the van was believed to have been a federal vehicle. Arulampalam said the violence in Hartford "was the direct result of the lawlessness and recklessness of the Trump administration that has occurred over the past year." A New Haven police spokesperson said ICE made three arrests in the downtown area Thursday. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment on the incidents. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut's senior member of the Senate, on Friday sent a letter to Homeland Security, requesting information on the training provided to ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. The letter also demanded details of the agency's documentation of use-of-force incidents. "The shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota is simply the latest and gravest example of DHS's escalating and indefensible use of force against the American public," Blumenthal wrote in the letter. The letter also asks for information on the officer who shot Good, including when he was hired, what training he received, any discipline against him in the past and if he had been placed on leave or other restricted duty after the shooting. Staff Writers Shaniece Holmes-Brown and Mary Ellen Godin contributed reporting Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the protest in Stamford is scheduled for Sunday. This article originally published at People across Connecticut hold ICE protests Saturday in response to Renee Good shooting death. A few days before Christmas in Perez Zeledon, a city in Costa Rica, Greidy Mata stared at two photographs of her late brother. In one image, Randall Gamboa Esquivel flashed a smile prior to his immigration to the United States a year before. In the second, he was lying in a hospital bed in a vegetative state, after being deported back home. Dinner was served, but Mata seemed indifferent. She kept switching between one photograph and the other until she suddenly recounted that a year ago, in what would become the last family reunion, Gamboa announced he would be leaving for New Jersey. He had previously lived undocumented in the US from 2002 to 2013. But the US was a different country now, his relatives had warned him. A Democratic administration was transitioning out of the White House after losing the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump, who promised to launch an immigration crackdown of unprecedented proportions. Advertisement Advertisement But Gamboa was determined to seek work in the US, stay for a number of years, save some money and eventually return to Perez Zeledon, his home town three hours south of the nations capital, San Jose, to buy a home, according to Mata. In December of 2024, Gamboa crossed the US-Mexico border but was swiftly detained by US immigration authorities for re-entering American soil unlawfully, which is considered a felony. Gamboa was held at two different detention facilities in south Texas. Nearly 10 months later, in September 2025, the US government flew the 52-year-old back to Costa Rica on an air ambulance in a vegetative state and a few weeks later he died. While Gamboa did not die in US custody, he was detained and deported during a time when the second Trump administration has aggressively expanded detention and deportation levels. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was holding more than 68,000 detainees last month, a record high for the agency, amid widespread complaints over conditions in detention and lack of official oversight. Related: 2025 was ICEs deadliest year in two decades. Here are the 32 people who died in custody Advertisement Advertisement Much of what happened to Gamboa over his last weeks in federal custody in Texas remains a mystery to his family, Mata said. When the US government flew him back to Costa Rica, he was non-responsive, as detailed in US medical records shared with the Guardian. When I saw my brother at the airport, I thought he had been tortured in some type of way because he was ill-nourished, had skin ulcers and dried blood on his body and had a strong odor, Mata said in Spanish, pausing to take deep breaths. Have you ever smelled a cadaver? Thats how my brother smelled when he was deported, she said. The Guardian approached the Department of Homeland Security about Matas comment about torture but did not receive a response. Advertisement Advertisement Mata said that Gamboa at first spoke frequently with various family members while in ICE custody. But communication stopped abruptly on 12 June. That would be the last conversation between Gamboa and his family, although they didnt know it at the time. Mata showed the Guardian a video recording of that last conversation. His firm voice and message still echo to his loved ones. Family, how are you? I love you all very much. Blessings to everyone, I miss you all. Soon I will be out of here, with faith in God, everything is going to be OK. Bye, the message said. Gamboa looked cheerful and sounded optimistic. Then, as weeks went by and Mata didnt receive any more calls, she grew worried and decided to contact the Costa Rican consulate in Houston, Texas. In less than two weeks from that last call, Gamboas health evidently deteriorated. Medical records show that Gamboa was transferred from the Port Isabel detention facility to the Valley Baptist medical center in Harlingen, south Texas, on 23 June. Advertisement Advertisement But relatives were in the dark. Mata said the Costa Rican consulate in Houston was able to get hold of ICE, and she said an unnamed consulate staffer told her that ICE had said Gamboa didnt want to speak with his family. Mata added that in her opinion her government had been reluctant to intervene or seek answers from the US government about her brother. Costa Ricas Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined an interview request from the Guardian to discuss Gamboas case. It also didnt answer a series of questions including whether any of their consular officers visited Gamboa during his hospitalization in Texas. The Guardian also requested an interview with Catalina Crespo-Sancho, the Costa Rican ambassador to the US, but her office did not respond. Asked about Gamboas detention and plight, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of ICE, said: While in custody, medical professionals diagnosed him with unspecified psychosis and hospitalized him at Valley Baptist Hospital so he could get proper mental health and medical care. McLaughlin did not address questions about any communication between her agency and Costa Rican officials or Gamboas family regarding his health. The Guardian also asked DHS whether Gamboa had received other medical diagnoses while in custody and whether the agency had any records of him consenting to medical treatments. DHS did not respond to those inquiries. Advertisement Advertisement On a recent December afternoon in San Jose, the Costa Rican capital, the Guardian met with Omar Guevara, who was detained in early 2025 by ICE after being pulled over on his way to work in Punta Gorda, in south-west Florida, where he was then living. He says he was stopped for speeding, and court records show he was held for driving without a valid license. Guevara, a Nicaraguan-born man with Costa Rican citizenship, was transferred to several US detention facilities until he ended up in ICEs Webb county detention facility in south Texas in May 2025. There, Guevara met Gamboa. On some of their recreational breaks, they spoke about San Jose, Perez Zeledon, their families missing them and gallo pinto, the Costa Rican rice-and-beans breakfast staple, Guevara said. Advertisement Advertisement The first time I met him, he looked like he had lost some weight on his face, but he walked and exercised a bit. The last I knew of him was that he had been taken to the hospital due to an infection, said Guevara, 47, who was deported to Nicaragua last November. Then when I came back to Costa Rica, I saw the news about Randall and I was surprised to know that the authorities said he refused to speak with his family. I think thats a lie because he spoke about how much he loved his family, he said. On 30 June, six days after he was admitted into Valley Baptist medical center, Gamboa was seen resting comfortably, quietly in bed, with [an] immigration detention officer at bedside, and in no acute distress, according to his medical records. Psychiatric consultation notes from the hospital also said that Gamboa answered in one, two word brief responses and was more likely to engage in conversation when spoken to in Spanish. Gamboa had denied having suicidal ideation, homicidal thoughts or hallucinations, according to the medical notes. Advertisement Advertisement But by 7 July, Gamboa had been diagnosed with at least 10 conditions, medical documents show, including sepsis. Other conditions outlined in the records include protein malnutrition and toxic encephalopathy. A lawyer whom we asked for help located him and called us saying: I found him in a bed, he follows you with his eyes, but cant talk, he is in a vegetative state, Mata said. According to the medical reports, a doctor who visited Gamboa on 2 August wrote: The patient appears to be in a hospital catatonic state. He doesnt move or respond. The Guardian recently also spoke with the lawyer whom the family tasked with finding Gamboa, Cathy Potter, whose law firm is based in Harlingen. She confirmed she visited Gamboa on 9 August. Advertisement Advertisement Me and my assistant, who spoke Spanish, tried to ask some questions, but he was incommunicative, there was no way there was going to be a [court] hearing. We went on with the removal proceedings and ICE took responsibility for paying for the air ambulance, Potter said. On 26 August, at an immigration court in Los Fresnos, Texas, the judge, Paul Hable, ordered Gamboas deportation to Costa Rica, according to a document seen by the Guardian. Omer Badilla, the director of the Costa Rican governments migration agency, said his office was notified that Gamboa was being deported, but didnt receive any details regarding his health. I am convinced that the precarious conditions under which my brother was detained worsened his health and no one will change my mind about that, said Mata, speaking at her familys home in Perez Zeledon. Advertisement Advertisement DHSs McLaughlin has spoken of quality healthcare provided to all ICE detainees, including screenings, access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. Gamboa died on 26 October surrounded by his family at a hospital in Perez Zeledon. The cause of Gamboas death has not been disclosed yet. The Guardian reviewed his Costa Rican death certificate, on which the cause of death was left blank. The day he died, Mata received a note from the Costa Rican authorities that said: The causes of death are still under investigation. Confusion remains, Mata said, as she walked in the cemetery where her older brother is buried. The forensic investigation into Mr Gamboas death requires the results of a series of related studies such as a histological study, a neuropathological study and a review and summary of the medical records associated with his hospitalization, all of which are currently under way, said a spokesperson from the Judicial Investigation Department of Costa Rica. The spokesperson said forensic investigations must be completed within 120 days of a body entering the morgue. It was the brightest hour of the morning when Mata kneeled and said a prayer in front of Gamboas tombstone. She was accompanied by her son and aunt. In a cemetery that overlooked the Talamanca mountains and lush rainforests, silence felt heavy, almost unbearable. Just then, Donald Sanchez, who has been a groundskeeper for more than two decades at the cemetery, approached. He had known Gamboa a little. Sanchez paid his condolences to the family and stressed that Gamboa had seemed happy and healthy when he last saw him shortly before he left for the US in December 2024. On the Day of the Dead [2 November], at least 100 people came to the cemetery and asked where Randall was [buried]. You could tell people loved him and that Perez Zeledon was shaken by his death, he said. Sanchez added: I once had a dream of going to the US, but after what happened to him, I dont think so. And I know of others that wouldnt either. Its like theres hate toward immigrants in the US. Cincinnati City Council is expected on Jan. 12 to meet with the city administration behind closed doors to discuss the city's negotiations with the family of 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, who was fatally shot by Cincinnati police. Two city council members confirmed that the executive session will take place on Monday at the City Council's Budget, Finance, and Governance Committee meeting at 1 p.m. News of a possible settlement in the case sparked strong reactions from police, the public and some council members. Advertisement Advertisement City Manager Sheryl Long said in a statement that the city has not reached a settlement agreement. What is the Hinton case? Police on May 1 fatally shot Hinton as they responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from which the occupants fled. Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich the next month declined to take the shooting to the grand jury, saying the officer who shot Hinton was "legally justified." Just a day after the shooting, Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson was fatally struck by a vehicle while working a traffic detail near the University of Cincinnati. Police and prosecutors say Rodney Hinton Jr., Ryan Hinton's father, ran over the deputy intentionally after seeing the body camera footage of his son being killed. Ryan Hinton, 18, was shot by Cincinnati police during a stolen car investigation on May 1. How did a possible settlement come to light? According to Cincinnati Police Union president Ken Kober, the city manager was "quietly negotiating a massive settlement" with the Hinton family. In a statement he released on the afternoon of Jan. 8, Kober described the settlement talks as a rushed "backroom deal" that could potentially hand over millions of dollars in taxpayer money to the family. Advertisement Advertisement "This is an absolute outrage crime literally pays in Cincinnati under this city manager," Kober's statement said. "It's a slap in the face to every law enforcement officer risking their lives, a betrayal of the public trust and a disgusting message that targeting cops has no consequences." Long, in a statement she released after Kober, said that discussions are not being rushed or secret. "I speak regularly with Mr. Kober and we have had no prior conversations about this matter or his baseless allegations," Long said in her statement. "Reckless, speculative, and highly inflammatory statements like these only do further harm to both our police officers and the wider Cincinnati community. Rodney Hinton Jr., 39, who is accused of killing a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy by intentionally driving a car into him, appears in court for a hearing in Cincinnati on Dec. 10. What do we know about the negotiations with the Hinton family? The city manager hasn't released any information beyond the statement regarding the negotiations with the Hinton family. Advertisement Advertisement The Hintons have not filed a lawsuit against the city. Fanon Rucker, an attorney for the Hinton family, said they have had conversations with the city since last summer. He wouldn't detail the nature of the conversations but has previously said the family doesn't believe the shooting was justified and would seek justice with a civil suit. Kober's statement that the city was negotiating a "massive settlement" surprised him, Rucker said. "When I was told that the city is negotiating a massive settlement with millions of dollars, my first statement was, well, that's news to me," Rucker said. Where does council stand? At least two city council members have come out publicly opposing a settlement with the Hintons. Advertisement Advertisement Councilman Jeff Cramerding, chair of the Budget, Finance and Governance Committee, said he does not support a settlement with the Hinton family. "I think the city's position is that the officer has not done anything wrong," Cramerding said. "I see nothing in the video contrary to that. I do not feel a settlement is warranted. I think that would send the wrong message to the Cincinnati police." Councilman Seth Walsh called the situation "abhorrent" in a statement to The Enquirer and said Cincinnatians are owed an explanation about why a settlement with the Hinton family is on the table and why it was deliberated behind closed doors. "It is a tremendous disrespect to the families involved and to make a public spectacle out of a tragedy," Walsh said. "I think it is unconscionable for the City of Cincinnati to be considering a settlement without the full deliberation of council. The tragedy that unfolded in May devastated our community, and it is our responsibility to heal the wreckage, not to create more division." Advertisement Advertisement Councilmen Ryan James and Evan Nolan declined comment. Councilman Mark Jeffreys said he was unavailable for an interview on Jan. 9. All other council members and Mayor Aftab Pureval did not return messages seeking comment. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Council to meet Jan. 12 about talks with the family of Ryan Hinton Major demonstrations began on December 28, when Tehran's bazaar merchants closed their shops and took to the streets in anger over the country's growing financial difficulties. As the protests in Iran stretch into their third week, the crackdown by the regime has intensified considerably. Accompanied by a nationwide Internet shutdown during nighttime hours, the death toll over the weekend is estimated to be in the thousands after the Islamic Republics security forces indiscriminately fired into crowds of demonstrators. Major demonstrations began on December 28, when Tehrans bazaar merchants closed their shops and took to the streets in anger over the growing financial difficulties in the country. Before then, sporadic anti-regime protests had been seen in such places as Mashhad, during the memorial ceremony for human rights lawyer Khosro Alikordi, who was found dead hours after a visit from Islamic Republic security forces in December. Advertisement Advertisement One element of the unrest has begun to distinguish it from earlier waves, however. The presence of leadership attempting to direct the protesters. Over the past few weeks, Irans Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has taken a series of steps in a transition from moral supporter of protests to a leader attempting to guide their course. His calls for sustained demonstrations between Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., followed by appeals for nationwide strikes over the weekend, are part of his effort to shape momentum rather than merely comment on it from afar. Crown Prince's plan results in protests This evolution should not be too surprising. The crown prince has long articulated a structured vision for political change, principally through his five-pillar framework outlining national unity, civil resistance, international pressure, economic disruption, and preparation for a democratic transition ideas he outlined at several conferences throughout 2025. Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Kermanshah, Iran on January 8, 2026. (credit: Kamran / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images) Until now, that plan had largely functioned as a road map in waiting. What distinguishes the moment is that conditions on the ground appear to have caught up with it. The scale and persistence of protests, coupled with the resurgence of chants of Javid shah, have transformed what was once theoretical into something operational, giving Pahlavi both a constituency and a stage around which to act. Advertisement Advertisement Crowds have also been heard chanting for weeks, This is the final battle! Pahlavi will return, and The shah will return to the homeland, and Zahhak [despot] will be overthrown, invoking the mythological tyrant of Persian lore. It is a sign of support for the Pahlavi dynasty that has not been seen on the streets of Iran since the 1970s. In previous protest cycles, such as 2009, 2019, and 2022, opposition figures often issued frequent appeals that outpaced public capacity to respond. That pattern tended to dilute any credibility and reduce momentum. There was also the issue of the lack of a single, cohesive figurehead for the opposition to rally around. By the time he called for strikes, reports were already circulating of security personnel failing to report for duty or refusing to carry out orders. Months ago, Pahlavi set up a direct and secure line of transmission for security officials who wanted to defect from the regime. While such current reports of numbers are difficult to verify independently due to secrecy and a lack of transparency coming out of Iran, they are part of the message that The Jerusalem Post has been receiving from within the country since the demonstrations started. The regimes enforcement capacity is under strain. Advertisement Advertisement Persian-language commentary over the past week has focused on the way Pahlavi has treated the unrest as something that needs to unfold step by step, rather than as a single burst of anger. In his recent messages, he has spoken about moving the struggle forward in stages, learning the lessons of the past that protests in Iran have often failed when they relied on momentum alone. That thinking was visible in the order of his calls. He first urged people to remain in the streets and show their numbers, then later called for nationwide strikes. Pahlavi has also given unusually practical guidance. He urged protesters to stay together, remain on main streets, avoid isolated side roads, and move as part of larger crowds. These were concrete instructions, not slogans, and show an awareness of what the people on Irans streets are experiencing. The most consequential moment in Pahlavis recent statements came with his declaration of readiness to return to Iran. On Saturday, he said, I too am preparing to return to the homeland so that at the time of our national revolutions victory, I can be beside you, the great nation of Iran. I believe that day is very near. Advertisement Advertisement Preparing to return to a country he has not seen in over four decades carries significant personal and political risk. For many Iranians, this statement addressed a long-standing tension surrounding exile leadership. Calling on people to strike, protest, and confront repression while remaining abroad has often weakened trust. Signaling a willingness to share that risk alters the relationship. This is central to the question of Pahlavis legitimacy. Leadership, in Iranians view, requires more than issuing directives from the comfort of abroad; it must be a visible acceptance of responsibility and consequence. For many Iranians, this is not their first time in the streets. Past protest movements have often ended without real political change, leaving people exhausted and disillusioned. That is why the sense that someone is thinking beyond the protests themselves has struck a chord, and why the chant Javid shah has become so prominent. The idea that sacrifice is being directed toward a clear purpose, in this case, the end of the Islamic Republic, is helping to sustain momentum. This does not solve the deep disagreements within Irans opposition over what should come next, or what kind of political system should replace the current one. Those debates remain open, and the outcome is far from certain. The Islamic Republic still has powerful tools of repression, and it is unclear how long strikes and protests can be maintained. What can be said, though, is how Pahlavi has conducted himself over the past week. He has moved carefully as events have unfolded and the violence has increased, and he is no longer a bystander but is helping to direct the events on the streets. Jan. 10Bajun Mavalwalla II, one of the nine people arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy following the June 11 anti-ICE protest in Spokane and one of four who have not entered a guilty plea, made his first public statement on Saturday at the congressional campaign launch party of his father, also named Bajun Mavalwalla. Immigration protests erupted in Spokane on June 11, sparking a massive police response and 30 arrests, in response to the surprise detention of asylum seekers Cesar Alexander Alvarez Perez and Joswar Slater Rodriguez Torres during a mandatory immigration hearing. Mavalwalla II was one of nine people arrested weeks later by federal law enforcement on charges of conspiracy against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Two face additional charges of assaulting a federal officer. Advertisement Advertisement Mavalwalla II has previously maintained that he attended the protest independently and was not otherwise affiliated with protest organizers or the others arrested on federal conspiracy charges. In his first public statement Saturday, Mavalwalla II declined to speak on the specifics of the case on the advice, he said, of his lawyer. But he did discuss his personal relationship with refugee resettlement and his disdain for the sweeping immigration actions of the Trump administration. Both Mavalwalla and his father served in Afghanistan, and after that country fell to the Taliban in 2021, he and his father were personally involved in helping Afghans he worked with during his deployment seek asylum in the United States. "Eventually, over 40 of them were able to escape Afghanistan entirely," Mavalwalla II said. "Half of those were children. Sadly, three of the adults recently received notices to appear from ICE and...fitted with ankle monitors." Advertisement Advertisement "Helping these people consumed my life for over a year, so I'm pretty pissed off that the few who did manage to escape now are facing the threat of being deported back to Afghanistan," he continued. Mavalwalla II argued briefly that he was arrested for exercising his First Amendment rights before demurring on the specifics of his case, which is scheduled for trial in May. "But I can talk about other things," he continued, arguing the White House, empowered by "feckless senators and representatives," has attacked the U.S. Constitution, diminished the economic well-being of Americans, and weaponized military personnel against protesters. He also argued his father would be a bulwark against what he described as federal overreach. Advertisement Advertisement "I can't predict the future, but I can see the past, and I know that we can't go back, we can only go forward," Mavalwalla II said. "And so without further ado, forward we go." Shortly after the older Bajun Mavalwalla's campaign speech ended, the father and son left the Spokane Women's Club and headed toward an anti-ICE protest also taking place Saturday afternoon in response to the killing of Renee Good by federal immigration officials in Minneapolis on Jan. 7. Buenos Aires, Argentina, is often celebrated as a standout destination thanks to its dynamic culture, where tango music and unique European-inspired architecture give the streets eclectic energy. Yet not every neighborhood in the South American capital is safe for visitors. One of the most dangerous areas of the city is Villa 31, and newcomers may want to avoid it. Located near the Retiro bus and train stations, this sprawling neighborhood is one of the city's largest informal settlements, with a history of crime and poverty that has made it notorious among locals and travelers alike. In recent years, Villa 31, also known as Barrio Padre Carlos Mugica, has undergone some redevelopment efforts, but it still carries a large amount of risk, especially for outsiders who are unfamiliar with the area. Petty theft, muggings, and opportunistic crime are more common here than in the city's main tourist districts, so if you do venture out here, be extremely vigilant. Unlike the safer barrios of Palermo, Recoleta, or Belgrano, wandering into Villa 31 without a clear reason, especially at night, is strongly discouraged. If your travel plans bring you near Retiro, be sure to stick to well-lit main roads and avoid cutting through side streets that lead into the villa. Read more: Most Dangerous Vacation Destinations Why Villa 31 is considered risky for travelers Highway road surrounded by colorful houses - Sobrevolando Patagonia/Shutterstock For visitors, the challenge of Villa 31 lies in its geography and social dynamics. It borders central Buenos Aires and sits directly adjacent to the Retiro transportation hub, which makes it easy for unsuspecting visitors to accidentally enter the neighborhood. Residents warn that even locals need to be cautious in and around the villa, where crime can happen quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Tourists often stick out here, which makes them more vulnerable targets for theft. To avoid standing out too much in the city in general, tourists need to be cautious of the clothing they pack on a trip to Argentina. Crimes in Villa 31 mostly include the likes of pickpocketing, but homicide , gang activity, and drug-related crimes are problems in Villa 31 as well. While travelers are less likely to get caught up in gang-related incidents, the risk level is still high enough that even taxis and buses typically do not serve the area. For those needing to head to Retiro Station to catch long-distance buses or trains, the safest way to go about this is to arrive during daylight hours and use official taxis or rideshare apps for transfers rather than walking or looking for public transport. Safe alternatives to Villa 31 when visiting Buenos Aires Colorful buildings and stone streets in Palermo, Buenos Aires - oliverdelahaye/Shutterstock Buenos Aires offers many safe neighborhoods where travelers and tourists can comfortably explore the city without worrying about being a target for petty crime. Areas like Palermo, with trendy cafes and nightlife, or Recoleta, home to a famous cemetery and many cultural sights, are much more welcoming for visitors. San Telmo is another great option, where visitors can find historic charm through various markets and free tango shows. Buenos Aires is one of the places you should visit when the crowds have left, and it's also a beautiful South American destination to visit in January, but even in a safer barrio, it's important to ensure you're keeping your personal well-being in mind. You can do this by avoiding the use of flashy or expensive electronics, carrying only what you need, and remaining alert and aware in crowded spaces. It's also a good idea to use registered taxis and rideshare apps instead of hailing cars off the street, especially when trying to get around at night. By sticking to well-traveled neighborhoods and steering clear of known dangerous areas like Villa 31, you'll be able to experience the very best of Argentina's capital. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its bloody crackdown targeting demonstrators there, a move coming as activists said the death toll in protests rose to at least 544. Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the U.S. or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The military is looking at it, and were looking at some very strong options, Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night. Asked about Irans threats of retaliation, he said: If they do that, we will hit them at levels that theyve never been hit before. Advertisement Advertisement Trump said that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports of the death toll in Iran mount and the government continues to arrest protesters. I think theyre tired of being beat up by the United States, Trump said. Iran wants to negotiate. He added: The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of whats happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate. There was no immediate acknowledgment from Iran of the offering for a meeting. The massive ongoing U.S. military deployment to the Caribbean is a factor that the Pentagon and Trumps national security planners must consider. Tehran also warned that the U.S. military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America uses force to protect demonstrators. Trump meanwhile said the Islamic Republic reached out and proposed negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement More than 10,600 people also have been detained over the two weeks of protests, said the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous unrest in recent years and gave the death toll. It relies on supporters in Iran crosschecking information. It said 496 of the dead were protesters and 48 were with security forces. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll. Iran's government has not offered overall casualty figures. Those abroad fear the information blackout is emboldening hard-liners within Irans security services to launch a bloody crackdown. Protesters flooded the streets in the countrys capital and its second-largest city on Saturday night into Sunday morning. Online videos purported to show more demonstrations Sunday night into Monday, with a Tehran official acknowledging them in state media. Defiance in parliament Advertisement Advertisement The threat to strike the U.S. military and Israel came during a parliamentary speech by Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf, the hard-liner speaker of the body who has run for the presidency in the past. He directly threatened Israel, calling it the occupied territory." In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Qalibaf said. We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. Lawmakers rushed the dais in parliament, shouting: Death to America! Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after its air defenses were destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Any decision to go to war would rest with Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The U.S. military has said in the Mideast it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and U.S. interests. Iran targeted U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June, while the U.S. Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet is stationed in the island kingdom of Bahrain. Israel, meanwhile, is watching closely the situation between the U.S. and Iran, said an Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to speak to journalists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio overnight on topics including Iran, the official added. The people of Israel, the entire world, are in awe of the tremendous heroism of the citizens of Iran, said Netanyahu, a longtime Iran hawk. Advertisement Advertisement At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV mentioned Iran as a place where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives," adding that I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society." Demonstrations were held in some international capitals in support of the protesters. A spokesperson said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was shocked" by reports of violence against protesters resulting in scores of deaths and called on Iranian authorities to use maximum restraint and restore communications. Protests in Tehran and Mashhad Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehran's Punak neighborhood. There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. Advertisement Advertisement In Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city some 725 kilometers (450 miles) northeast of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Protests also appeared to happen in Kerman, 800 kilometers (500 miles) southeast of Tehran. Iranian state television on Sunday morning had correspondents appear on the streets in several cities to show calm areas, with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. The demonstrations began Dec. 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear program. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. ___ Nikhinson reported from aboard Air Force One. Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani and Michelle Price in Washington, and Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. The post Deep-Sea Ghost: How Scientists Finally Caught the Whale No One Had Ever Seen appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take Achieving the first live photographs of a ginkgo-toothed beaked whale ended a 66-year mystery since the species was first described in 1958. The 43-kilohertz signal led to a 60-year identification challenge for biologists tracking unknown cetaceans . New acoustic data reveals a habitat shift, demonstrating that these whales are year-round residents in the deep-water canyons of California and Baja California, Mexico. Recovering the DNA sample involved distracting a curious albatross to recover the biopsy sample. For more than 60 years, the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens) was one of the oceans greatest mysteries. Although identified in 1958, our basic understanding of this rare whale was limited to the forensic evidence of weathered carcasses that occasionally washed ashore. No scientist had ever photographed or filmed one of these mysterious animals alive in the wild. However, that all changed in June 2024 when an international research team off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, documented the first live sighting and photographs of the elusive ginkgo-toothed beaked whale. For 66 years, it was a phantom of the deep. Now, groundbreaking research, acoustic clues, and an unexpected albatross intervention finally reveal the secrets of the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale. A-Z Animals Decoding a Deep-Sea Ghost For years, marine biologists were puzzled by a recurring, high-frequency echolocation click in their audio recordings, known simply as BW43. While scientists knew the sound belonged to a beaked whale, they couldnt put a face to the name. Advertisement Advertisement The signal was a distinctive upsweep pulse peaking at 43 kilohertz. When slowed down for human ears, it sounds like a fingernail dragging across the teeth of a plastic comb. For decades, the prime suspect was Perrins beaked whale another species never before seen alive. Studies show that beaked whales are carrying more toxins in their blubber than they used to. Zen HP/Shutterstock.com (Zen HP/Shutterstock.com) To protect deep-sea life, scientists need to link specific underwater sounds to the species making them. This is especially true for beaked whales, which are rarely seen at the surface and are often known only by their unique acoustic signals. Without the ability to identify which whale produces which sound, it is nearly impossible to track their migrations, map their habitats, or estimate their population sizes. In 2020, Dr. Elizabeth Henderson and her team began launching annual expeditions to northwestern Baja California. Their vessel, Pacific Storm, towed a 492-foot cable with hydrophones (underwater microphones) to triangulate clicking whales in real-time. Once a sound was localized, observers on deck used high-powered binoculars to scan the horizon for the brief moments when the whales surfaced for air. The Great Biopsy Rescue Finally, in June 2024, the team recorded the BW43 pulses just seconds before a small group of whales surfaced close to the research vessel. As the crew captured the first-ever live images, researcher Robert Pitman fired a biopsy dart to collect a skin sample, while the hydrophones confirmed the whales were indeed the source of the BW43 pulses. Male ginkgo-toothed beaked whales have one set of teeth that fan out in a ginkgo-leaf shape. Jorg Mazur / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons Original / License (Jorg Mazur / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons) However, the skin sample was nearly lost when a curious albatross swooped down and began pecking at it. In a frantic effort to save the priceless genetic data, the crew started shouting and throwing their breakfast rolls into the water to lure the bird away. Advertisement Advertisement The carb-heavy distraction worked, allowing researchers to recover the sample. Subsequent DNA analysis confirmed that the mysterious BW43 signal belongs to the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale. This breakthrough has closed a 60-year gap in marine biology, turning a biological ghost into a recognized, living part of the oceans ecosystem. A Specialized Deep-Sea Hunter The data collected by the Pacific Storm expedition confirms that the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale is much more than a rarity it is a highly successful, specialized predator. The species is robust and powerful, allowing it to withstand the immense pressure of the deep ocean. Adults reach approximately 17 feet long and weigh roughly 4,056 pounds. They have sturdy bodies with small, pointed flippers and a wide, curved dorsal fin with a rounded tip. One of the most exciting findings is the color of the whales. Because whale skin darkens quickly after death, the striking color differences between male and female whales had previously been unknown. Males are primarily dark blue-black with white blotches on their bellies. Adult males typically have white rake marks or scars from fighting other males. Females, in contrast, are primarily a muted mid-grey color with a lighter-colored belly and lack the males rake marks. In ginkgo-toothed beaked whales, only males have erupted teeth, while females teeth are permanently buried under the gum tissue. OpenCage / CC BY-SA 2.5 / Wikimedia Commons Original / License (OpenCage / CC BY-SA 2.5 / Wikimedia Commons) The ginkgo-toothed beaked whales most iconic feature is its head and jaw structure, which gives the species its name. Its smoothly sloping forehead leads into a medium-length beak. It also has a noticeably arched lower jaw, creating a distinct side profile. Adult males have a single pair of teeth that erupts from the middle of the lower jaw. These teeth are broad and fan-like, mimicking the shape of a Japanese ginkgo tree leaf. Unlike other beaked whales with long tusks, these teeth are mostly hidden by skin flaps, exposing only their sharp tips. Life in the Abyss The ginkgo-toothed beaked whale is a master of the midnight zone, a world of crushing pressure and absolute darkness. Its ghostly reputation comes from its extreme lifestyle, as it spends 99 percent of its life hidden deep beneath the waves. Advertisement Advertisement Built for endurance and power, these whales typically dive to depths greater than 3,000 feet to forage. A single dive can last more than an hour. When the whales surface to breathe, they stay for only a few fleeting minutes, often appearing as nothing more than a dark, log-like shape before vanishing into the depths below. Interestingly, these whales do not use their iconic ginkgo-shaped teeth for chewing; instead, they are suction feeders. They use powerful throat muscles to create a vacuum, pulling deep-sea fish, squid, and crustaceans directly into their mouths. Beaked whales have blubber that contains a high proportion of wax esters sometimes as high as 94 percent which is higher than in most other whales. Jorg Mazur / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons Original / License (Jorg Mazur / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons) While much of the whales social life remains a mystery, the rake marks and scars on males suggest they engage in physical combat to compete for mates or dominance. Circular scars from cookiecutter sharks also indicate that these whales are constantly navigating a complex and dangerous deep-sea food web. Redrawing the Global Map Recent expeditions in 2024 and 2025 have fundamentally changed our understanding of where ginkgo-toothed beaked whales live. Previously, scientists assumed the whales were rare visitors to North America since their carcasses were frequently found in Japan. However, the consistent BW43 acoustic signals prove that these whales are likely year-round residents of the deep-water canyons off California and Northern Baja. The species is now recognized as a likely year-round resident of the Eastern Pacific, rather than merely a rare visitor from the West. Conservation and Safeguarding the Silent Deep Beaked whales are among the most acoustically sensitive creatures on Earth. Modern naval activity specifically Mid-Frequency Active Sonar (MFAS) can be catastrophic for them. High-frequency noise can frighten whales away from vital feeding grounds for days or weeks. Panic caused by sonar can also force whales to surface too quickly. Much like human divers, a rapid ascent causes nitrogen bubbles to form in the whales blood, leading to fatal decompression sickness. As deep-sea fishing expands into deeper waters, beaked whales are getting caught in large fishing nets more often. Neil Bowman/Shutterstock.com (Neil Bowman/Shutterstock.com) Beaked whales are particularly vulnerable because of their intense deep-diving habits. They spend most of their lives performing long, deep dives to hunt for food, followed by only very brief breaks at the surface to breathe. This extreme lifestyle leaves them with very little physical margin to handle additional stress. Advertisement Advertisement Finally linking the BW43 signal to a specific species allows researchers to help protect these whales without ever having to see them. By reviewing years of underwater recordings, researchers can now map out where these whales live year-round. With this map, conservationists can work with navies and shipping companies to reroute exercises and vessels away from high-density whale hotspots. The post Deep-Sea Ghost: How Scientists Finally Caught the Whale No One Had Ever Seen appeared first on A-Z Animals. Jan 9 (Reuters) - Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is expected to launch its next-generation AI model V4, featuring strong coding capabilities, in mid-February, The Information reported on Friday citing people familiar with the matter. Internal tests by DeepSeek employees suggested V4 could outperform rivals such as Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's GPT series in coding tasks, the report said. The latest V4 model has also made breakthroughs in handling and processing extremely long coding prompts, a potential advantage for developers working on complex software projects, the Information added. Advertisement Advertisement Reuters could not immediately verify the report. DeepSeek did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Hangzhou-based startup DeepSeek has emerged as a key player in China's push to build its own AI ecosystem and bolster the domestic chip sector, drawing global attention after Silicon Valley executives praised its DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1 models. Reuters previously reported that the Chinese artificial intelligence startup, which said in January it had built a low-cost rival to ChatGPT, has faced scrutiny in some countries over its security and privacy practices. (Reporting by Mihika Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri) SAN FRANCISCO DE YARE, Venezuela (AP) As Diogenes Angulo was freed Saturday from a Venezuelan prison after a year and five months, he, his mother and his aunt trembled and struggled for words. Nearby, at least a dozen other families hoped for similar reunions. Angulos release came on the third day that families had gathered outside prisons in the capital, Caracas, and other communities hoping to see loved ones walk out after Venezuelas government pledged to free what it described as a significant number of prisoners. Members of Venezuelas political opposition, activists, journalists and soldiers were among the detainees that families hoped would be released. Angulo was detained two days before the 2024 presidential election after he posted a video of an opposition demonstration in Barinas, the home state of the late President Hugo Chavez. He was 17 at the time. Thank God, Im going to enjoy my family again, he told The Associated Press, adding that others still detained are well and have high hopes of being released soon. His faith, he said, gave him the strength to keep going during his detention. Minutes after he was freed, the now 19-year-old learned former President Nicolas Maduro had been captured by U.S. forces Jan. 3 in a nighttime raid in Caracas. Venezuelas government on Thursday pledged to free a significant number of prisoners in what it described as a gesture to seek peace. Officials have not identified or given a number of prisoners being considered for release, leaving rights groups scouring for hints of information and families to watch the hours tick by with no word. U.S. President Donald Trump said the release of people detained for political reasons came at Washingtons request. Venezuela has started the process, in a BIG WAY, of releasing their political prisoners, Trump wrote Saturday on his Truth Social platform. Thank you! I hope those prisoners will remember how lucky they got that the USA came along and did what had to be done. Trump added that should prisoners forget, it will not be good for them. As of Saturday night, only 16 people imprisoned for political reasons had been released, according to Foro Penal, a Venezuelan advocacy group for prisoners. Eight hundred and four remained imprisoned, the group said. A brother of human rights attorney Rocio San Miguel, one of the first to be released and who immediately relocated to Spain, said in a statement that her release is not full freedom, but rather a precautionary measure substituting deprivation of liberty. The conditions of her release ban her from speaking to the media. This situation does not constitute exile, nor a waiver of her rights, but is part of the humanitarian and diplomatic agreements reached to facilitate her release, Jose Manuel San Miguel said of his sisters move to Spain. Among the prominent members of the countrys political opposition who were detained after the 2024 presidential elections and remain in prison are former lawmaker Freddy Superlano and Perkins Rocha, lawyer for opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Juan Pablo Guanipa, a former governor and one of Machados closest allies, and Rafael Tudares, the son-in-law of opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, also remain imprisoned. One week after the U.S. military intervention in Caracas, Venezuelans aligned with the government marched in several cities across the country demanding the return of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The pair were captured and transferred to the U.S., where they face charges including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism. Both pleaded not guilty. In Caracas, many demonstrators waved Venezuelan flags and chanted, Maduro, keep on going, the people are rising. Acting president Delcy Rodriguez, speaking at a public social-sector event in Caracas, again condemned the U.S. military action on Saturday. There is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro, and I have the responsibility to take charge while his kidnapping lasts We will not stop condemning the criminal aggression, she said, referring to Maduros ousting. After the shocking military action that overthrew Maduro, Trump stated the U.S. would run the South American country and demanded access to oil resources, which he promised to use to benefit the people of both nations. I love the Venezuelan people and I am already making Venezuela prosperous and safe again, Trump said in his Saturday post. The U.S. and Venezuelan governments on Friday announced they are evaluating the restoration of diplomatic relations, broken since 2019, and the reopening of their respective diplomatic missions. A U.S. delegation visited Venezuela for several hours Friday. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil responded to Pope Leo XIVs statement Friday calling for maintaining peace and respecting the will of the Venezuelan people. With respect for the Holy Father and his spiritual authority, Venezuela reaffirms that it is a country that builds, works, and defends its sovereignty with peace and dignity, Gil said in a social media post, inviting the pontiff to get to know this reality more closely. By REGINA GARCIA CANO Associated Press Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed on Sunday that her Foreign Minister, Lars Lkke Rasmussen, will meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for talks on Greenland next week, as the United States pushes to bring the vast Arctic island under its control. "We are at a crossroads," Frederiksen said during a party conference, according to the Ritzau news agency. She did not specify a location or exact time for the meeting. Rubio had previously said he planned to meet Danish representatives next week after Denmark and Greenland requested talks with the top US diplomat. Advertisement Advertisement Greenland, home to fewer than 57,000 people and about four-fifths covered by ice, is largely autonomous but formally part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO member. Frederiksen has warned that if the US turns its back on NATO cooperation by threatening an ally, then "everything stops." US President Donald Trump has reiterated his long-held desire to "own" Greenland in recent days, and his administration has not ruled out using military force to gain control, citing security interests and a perceived threat from China and Russia in the region. Deputies are investigating an apparent murder-suicide of two Ohio men. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Portage County Sheriffs Deputies were called out just after 10 p.m. Thursday to Blitz Road on reports of a fight involving a gun, CBS affiliate WOIO-19 reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Two minutes later, a 911 caller reported that three shots were fired inside a home. Upon arrival, deputies found two men shot dead on the floor, WOIO-19 reported. The two men were identified as 40-year-old Bradley Goldner and 31-year-old Andrew Carney. Their deaths are being investigated as a murder-suicide, WOIO-19 reported. The circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A driver who was speeding down an Everett street was cited Sunday after losing control and hitting multiple homes, police say. The driver was allegedly speeding down Glendale Street around 7:30 when they hit a raised sidewalk, causing them to lose control of the car, hitting a couple of houses and rolling over, Everett police chief Paul Strong told Boston 25 News. Eliza Brennan-Pratt, a resident of Glendale Street, says it was a big shock Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Theres this loud boom, said Brennan-Pratt. I opened the curtain and looked outside and saw the car up on the neighbors yard facing the wrong direction, and there was debris all over the street. So, it was definitely a big shock and surprise to wake up like that. New video obtained by Boston 25 shows the moment when the vehicle loses control, crashing, and ejecting the driver. There were no reported injuries as a result of the crash; however, several people are out of their homes tonight. Ed Miley, whose stairs to his home were destroyed as a result of the crash, described the incident. [The car] literally tumbled in this area. And the guy got right out of the car like it was nothing, said Milley. Just out of control, bouncing off the sidewalks, up and over the front yard, taking off my railings. Advertisement Advertisement As emergency management workers replaced Mileys front steps, several residents next door were also out of their homes as the car smashed the side of the building. Busting the electrical meters and cutting power to the multi-family. Neighbors are grateful and astonished no one was hurt, but disappointed by what they consider disregard for the families who live here. The driver was cited for operating to endanger. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A Ukrainian drone strike killed one person and wounded three others in the Russian city of Voronezh, local officials said Sunday. Meanwhile, thousands of residents were still without power in Kyiv, following an intense Russian bombardment. A young woman died overnight in a hospital intensive care unit after debris from a drone fell on a house during the attack on Saturday, Voronezh regional Gov. Alexander Gusev said on Telegram. Three other people were wounded and more than 10 apartment buildings, private houses and a high school were damaged, he said, adding that air defenses shot down 17 drones over Voronezh. The city is home to just over 1 million people and lies some 250 kilometers (155 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's General Staff said Sunday said its forces hit three drilling platforms operated by Russian oil giant Lukoil in the waters of the Caspian Sea. Ukraines long-range drone strikes on Russian energy sites aim to deprive Moscow of the oil export revenue it needs to pursue its full-scale invasion. The attacks came after Russia bombarded Ukraine with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles overnight into Friday, killing at least four people in the capital Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials. For only the second time in the nearly four-year war, Russia used a powerful new hypersonic missile that struck western Ukraine in a clear warning to Kyiv and NATO. Ukraines largest private energy supplier, DTEK, said Sunday that 30,000 people in Kyiv were still without power following the attack. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said Friday around half the apartment buildings nearly 6,000 in snowy Kyiv were left without heat in daytime temperatures of about minus 8 degrees Celsius (17.6 Fahrenheit). The intense barrage and the launch of the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile followed reports of major progress in talks between Ukraine and its allies on how to defend the country from further aggression by Moscow if a U.S.-led peace deal is struck. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday in his nightly address that Ukrainian negotiators continue to communicate with the American side. Chief negotiator Rustem Umerov was in contact with U.S. partners on Saturday, he said. Separately, Ukraines General Staff said Russia targeted Ukraine with 154 drones overnight into Sunday and 125 were shot down. The Ukrainian Defense Ministrys main intelligence directorate said Sunday that Russia this month deployed the new jet-powered Geran-5 strike drone against Ukraine for the first time. The Geran is a Russian variant of the Iranian-designed Shahed. Advertisement Advertisement According to the directorate, the drone can carry a 90-kilogram (200-pound) warhead and has a range of nearly 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine The ex-husband of a woman found shot to death with her current husband Dec. 30 in Columbus' Weinland Park neighborhood has been charged with murder in the deaths. Michael David McKee, 39, of Chicago, faces two counts of murder, according to Franklin County Municipal Court documents. According to online court records, a warrant was issued Jan. 10 for McKee's arrest. Winnebago County (Illinois) Sheriff's Office records indicate he was booked into jail there shortly before noon local time. He will remain there until authorities extradite him back to Franklin County. Advertisement Advertisement Winnebago County court records show McKee is scheduled for a hearing there on Jan. 12, likely an extradition hearing to begin the process of his return to Ohio. Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, died Dec. 30, just after their five-year wedding anniversary, after being found shot inside their home on the 1400 block of North 4th Street in Weinland Park. The couple's two young children, both under the age of 5, were found physically unhurt inside the home. Columbus homicide detectives identified McKee through neighborhood video surveillance, police alleged in court documents. They tracked the suspect "to a vehicle which arrived just prior to the homicides and left shortly after." They found the vehicle in Rockford, Illinois, and found evidence that McKee had the vehicle before and after the killings. Columbus police have not publicly identified a potential motive in the couple's deaths. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement released after McKee's arrest, the Tepe family thanked Columbus police for their "tireless" work to find the suspect. "Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon," the Tepe family said. "We thank the community for the continued support, prayers and compassion shown throughout this tragedy. As the case proceeds, we trust the justice system to hold the person responsible fully accountable. "Monique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts, and we carry forward their love as we surround and protect the two children they leave behind," the statement said. "We will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought into this world." McKee and Monique married in 2015, according to Franklin County Domestic Court records. She filed for divorce in May 2017 with the formal divorce decree being issued about a month later. Court filings indicate the divorce was amicable. Monique did not share any children with McKee, whom the divorce filings identify as living in Virginia at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Around 9 a.m. on Dec. 30, coworkers of Spencer's from the dentistry office where he worked in Athens called Columbus police after Spencer did not show up for work and no one could reach Spencer or Monique by phone. An officer went to do a well-being check but went to a home on Summit Street instead of the Tepe home, according to Columbus police body camera video. About 40 minutes after that check, friends of the Tepes found them dead in their home. Police have focused the investigation on the window of time between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Dec. 30, which is when they believe the couple was killed. On Jan. 5, detectives released video from a security camera showing a person walking in an alley near the Tepes' home during that time frame, calling the person a "person of interest." That person is now believed to be McKee. Advertisement Advertisement Medical licensure databases show McKee has active licenses in both Illinois and California. He is identified as working as a vascular surgeon in a practice in the Rockford area, the same area where his vehicle was found. McKee went to medical school at Ohio State University and has family in the Zanesville area, according to publicly available information. A public visitation for the Tepes will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Schoedinger Northwest funeral home on Zollinger Road in Upper Arlington. An additional gathering for a celebration of life will occur from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Due Amici in Columbus. Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Tepe murder case update: Ex-husband booked in Illinois jail By Aditya Kalra and Munsif Vengattil NEW DELHI, Jan 11 (Reuters) - India proposes requiring smartphone makers to share source code with the government and make several software changes as part of a raft of security measures, prompting behind-the-scenes opposition from giants like Apple and Samsung. The tech companies have countered that the package of 83 security standards, which would also include a requirement to alert the government to major software updates, lacks any global precedent and risks revealing proprietary details, according to four people familiar with the discussions and a Reuters review of confidential government and industry documents. Advertisement Advertisement The plan is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to boost security of user data as online fraud and data breaches increase in the world's second-largest smartphone market, with nearly 750 million phones. IT Secretary S. Krishnan told Reuters that "any legitimate concerns of the industry will be addressed with an open mind", adding it was "premature to read more into it". A ministry spokesperson said it could not comment further due to ongoing consultation with tech companies on the proposals. ONGOING TUG OF WAR OVER GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS Apple, South Korea's Samsung, Google, China's Xiaomi and MAIT, the Indian industry group that represents the firms, did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Indian government requirements have irked technology firms before. Last month it revoked an order mandating a state-run cyber safety app on phones amid concerns over surveillance. But the government brushed aside lobbying last year and required rigorous testing for security cameras over fears of Chinese spying. Xiaomi and Samsung - whose phones use Google's Android operating system - hold 19% and 15%, respectively, of India's market share and Apple 5%, Counterpoint Research estimates. Among the most sensitive requirements in the new Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements is access to source code - the underlying programming instructions that make phones work. This would be analysed and possibly tested at designated Indian labs, the documents show. The Indian proposals also require companies to make software changes to allow pre-installed apps to be uninstalled and to block apps from using cameras and microphones in the background to "avoid malicious usage". Advertisement Advertisement "Industry raised concerns that globally security requirement have not been mandated by any country," said a December IT ministry document detailing meetings that officials held with Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi. The security standards, drafted in 2023, are in the spotlight now as the government is considering imposing them legally. IT ministry and tech executives are due to meet on Tuesday for more discussions, sources said. COMPANIES SAY SOURCE CODE REVIEW, ANALYSIS 'NOT POSSIBLE' Smartphone makers closely guard their source code. Apple declined China's request for source code between 2014 and 2016, and U.S. law enforcement has also tried and failed to get it. Advertisement Advertisement India's proposals for "vulnerability analysis" and "source code review" would require smartphone makers to perform a "complete security assessment", after which test labs in India could check their claims through source code review and analysis. "This is not possible ... due to secrecy and privacy," MAIT said in a confidential document drafted in response to the government proposal, and seen by Reuters. "Major countries in the EU, North America, Australia and Africa do not mandate these requirements." MAIT asked the ministry last week to drop the proposal, a source with direct knowledge said. The Indian proposals would mandate automatic and periodic malware scanning on phones. Device makers would also have to inform the National Centre for Communication Security about major software updates and security patches before releasing them to users, and the centre would have the right to test them. Advertisement Advertisement MAIT's document says regular malware scanning significantly drains a phone's battery and seeking government approval for software updates is "impractical" as they need to be issued promptly. India also wants the phone's logs - digital records of its system activity - to be stored for at least 12 months on the device. "There is not enough room on device to store 1-year log events," MAIT said in the document. (Reporting by Aditya Kalra and Munsif Vengattil) Australian farmers have seen their livelihoods threatened by an invasive weed species, and are asking for help in managing it, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. What's happening? Roughly 100 years ago, African lovegrass was introduced to the Australian state of New South Wales to help stabilize road signs. Instead, it has taken over parts of the region and destroyed many local farms. Ross Sherlock, a sheep and cattle farmer, told ABC News that he spends about $100,000 annually spraying African lovegrass to control its spread on his 4,200-acre farm, and has one employee who does little else other than spraying the weed. Advertisement Advertisement "Anywhere that there's the slightest chance of bare ground, it's there," Sherlock said. The annual cost of spraying an acre of land is about 10 times higher than the profits he makes from the merino sheep on that same land, he explained. Moreover, the dry, straw-like weed catches fire easily, and NSW fire officials said these fires spread easily. "There's nothing to love about African lovegrass," Rural Fire Service inspector Langdon Gould told ABC. Why is African lovegrass concerning? African lovegrass is a perfect example of the impact of invasive species. Whether animal or plant, invasive species quickly spread when introduced to a new location, outcompeting native plants and animals for vital resources such as light, water, and food. Invasive species can upend the balance of their new ecosystem and cause health or financial risks to the people who live there, much like the financial toll African lovegrass has taken on NSW farmers. Advertisement Advertisement This problem isn't limited to African lovegrass, Australia, or farmers. Governments and homeowners worldwide deal with invasive species every day, and several instances have made headlines just in the past few months. In Wisconsin, conservationists fear the spread of Japanese stiltgrass could lead to more severe wildfires. An invasive grass called cheatgrass is rapidly shrinking the habitat of Wyoming mule deer, and in the southeastern United States, cogongrass has enabled lone star ticks to survive longer, increasing the risk of tick-borne illness. What's being done about African lovegrass? Some NSW governments have funded pilot programs to try and stop the spread of African lovegrass, but the results have been mixed, at best. Advertisement Advertisement Landowners in the region are also limited in the actions they can take to control the weed's spread, as native grasses there are considered endangered. This means that controlled burns and other large-scale control methods are outlawed unless African lovegrass occupies more than 50% of the affected area. But conservationists say that if laws don't change soon to allow that type of controlled burn or boom spraying, the invasive weed may end up taking over all native grasses anyway. "We will have to lose some native grass area [in the short term] to save what's really valuable," activist Narelle Davis told ABC News. 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. Claim: An image authentically shows Renee Nicole Good's car aimed toward the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who fatally shot her on Jan. 7, 2026. Rating: Rating: Fake After a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, 37, in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, 2026, social media users shared an image appearing to show Good's car aimed toward and about to hit the officer. The image spread on social media platforms such as Reddit and X. "Any questions?" one Facebook user posted, apparently assuming the image was authentic. Advertisement Advertisement https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=25595019616820826&set=gm.2047641755820988&idorvanity=466544733930706 However, the image was fake. Using reverse image search tools, we traced it to a post from X user @ScummyMummy511, who acknowledged using artificial intelligence to create it. The AI-generated depiction also did not match the scene shown in multiple credible videos and photos of the shooting, further proving it wasn't authentic. Multiple credible analyses of videos from the shooting contradicted claims that Good was attempting to run over the officer and found that the wheels of her vehicle were turned away from him right before the shooting. (After a Minnesota news outlet released the agent's own cellphone video on Jan. 9, Vice President JD Vance was among officials who said the footage showed he had fired his gun in self-defense.) Tracking down origin of image In many versions of the image circulating online, text on the left-hand side says "mmy511." A reverse image search via Google Images returned multiple results for the full picture, which included the watermark "@ScummyMummy511." Advertisement Advertisement That led us to @ScummyMummy511's X post, which included the image alongside a defense of the officer who shot Good. In a reply to the original post, @ScummyMummy511 wrote: Omg how'd you get that picture of the shooting? How did you know to fly a drone at this moment over this situation? I didn't, this is a AI generated image of the scene just so r*****s can see why the Agent fired his weapon. How to tell image is AI-generated Even without the creator's acknowledgment, the image showed clear signs of being created with artificial intelligence. For example, videos of the shooting posted by credible journalists and news outlets showed that the passenger side door was not open, like it is in the fake image. One of the officers in the picture also appears to have a distorted leg. In the left image, there are yellow circles pointing out issues with the image indicating the use of AI, including an officer with a visually distorted leg and the passenger side door of the car being open, which does not match video of the incident. The right image shows a screenshot of the car taken from a credible video of the incident, in which the passenger door was closed. The left image shows issues with the AI image, such as the open passenger door which was not reflected in the right image, a screenshot taken from a credible video of the shooting. (X user @ScummyMummy511/Max Nesterak/Snopes Illustration ) Finally, the shooting happened near the intersection of 34th Street East and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis. According to Google Street View and the reputable videos of the shooting that intersection has a one-way street with white dotted lines and a neighborhood street with no lines, as opposed to the double yellow lines indicating a two-way street in the AI-generated image. Advertisement Advertisement Snopes previously debunked another AI-generated image claiming to show the full face of the officer who killed Good. Multiple credible news outlets have identified that agent as Jonathan Ross, though Snopes has not independently verified that. Sources: @MaxNesterak. "A Witness Shared This Video with Me Showing an ICE Officer Shooting a Driver in an SUV in South Minneapolis. DHS Says the Woman Is Dead." X (Formerly Twitter), 7 Jan. 2026, x.com/maxnesterak/status/2008961959731859757?s=20. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026. @ScummyMummy511. "Minnesota Statutes 609.066 If a Driver Accelerates toward an Officer Standing in Front of the Vehicle, This Creates an Immediate, Life-Threatening Danger. The Officer Doesn't Need to Wait until Impact; They Can Act Based on the Apparent Intent and Proximity. #Minnesota #IceAgent." X.com, 7 Jan. 2026, x.com/ScummyMummy511/status/2009028672158928964. ---. "Omg How'd You Get That Picture of the Shooting? How Did You Know to Fly a Drone at This Moment over This Situation? I Didn't, This Is a AI Generated Image of the Scene Just so Retards Can See Why the Agent Fired His Weapon." X (Formerly Twitter), 7 Jan. 2026, x.com/ScummyMummy511/status/2009029209935802481. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement City of Minneapolis. "Minneapolis Responds to Fatal Shooting of Woman by Federal Agent." Minneapolismn.gov, 7 Jan. 2026, www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2026/january/fatal-shooting-response/. Google. "Google Images." Google.com, www.google.com/imghp?hl=en. Google Maps. "Google Maps." Google Maps, www.google.com/maps/@44.9413792. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026. Lum, Devon, et al. "Videos Contradict Trump Administration Account of ICE Shooting in Minneapolis." Nytimes.com, The New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026, www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000010631041/minneapolis-ice-shooting-video.html. Winter, Emery. "ICE Agent Who Shot Renee Good Isn't Named Steve Grove." Snopes, Snopes.com, 9 Jan. 2026, www.snopes.com/fact-check/renee-good-ice-agent-name/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026. A parent readies her child for drop off at Circulo de Amigos Child Care Center on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Minnesota Reformer) A viral video posted just after Christmas spurred an avalanche of news coverage, changes from the Trump administration, and congressional hearings that appeared to indicate that a massive trove of child care fraud was just uncovered in Minnesota. Much of it has been misleading. Advertisement Advertisement The video by right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley posted Dec. 26 purports to show that various Minneapolis day cares run by Somali Americans are not providing services to children despite receiving public funding. Although the video has already been debunked by investigators, the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have seized on it. Vice President JD Vance said Shirley has done far more useful journalism than any of the winners of the 2024 [Pulitzer Prizes]. The fallout has been massive. In the past week, the Trump administration has frozen child care payments to five Democratic-run states and ramped up reporting requirements for all states receiving child care funds to cover services for the lowest-income kids. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, has suspended his reelection campaign over it. But the real story behind child care fraud in Minnesota is far less nefarious. Heres what we actually know about child care fraud in Minnesota and elsewhere, and how day cares and families may be impacted by the new changes. What does Nick Shirley uncover in his video? Nothing conclusive. The video shows Shirley visiting day cares run by Somali Americans, sometimes under the false pretense of trying to enroll a child. In a couple of instances, workers do open the door but seem immediately suspicious when its clear Shirley is recording them and refuse to let him in or give him more information. Advertisement Advertisement Because some of the sites appear closed and Shirley doesnt see any children, he declares this as proof of fraud at these facilities. Most child care centers are locked and have obscured doors or windows for childrens safety. Children are also kept in classrooms and would not likely be visible from a reception area. One of the day cares in the video told several news outlets that it did not grant Shirley entrance because he showed up with a handful of masked men, which raised suspicions that the men were agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. At least one of the centers was closed at the time Shirley arrived because it opens later in the day to serve the children of second-shift workers. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Is there a history of child care fraud in the state? Yes, but its not as widespread as Shirley claims. Advertisement Advertisement The federal government sends money to states to subsidize the cost of care for very low-income children, and some states put additional funds into that system. In Minnesota, its known as the Child Care Assistance Program, or CCAP. Centers that accept children on subsidies will bill the state for the cost of caring for those kids. In 2019, a state investigation found that there was probably several million dollars in child care fraud taking place within that system, where centers were billing for children they were not providing services for. Investigators believed the level of child care fraud in the state was more than the $5 million to $6 million prosecutors had been able to prove until that point. By 2019, state prosecutors had charged at least a dozen Minnesotans and centers with defrauding the states child care program in the prior five years. After the 2019 report was issued, the state tightened oversight, including creating the Department of Children, Youth and Families to take over child care licensing, oversight and auditing. Last year, Minnesota passed a law to criminalize kickbacks for child care program enrollment referrals. Advertisement Advertisement A 2025 report by the federal Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General found that issues with overpayments continue in the state. The inspector general sampled 1,155 child care centers and found that 11 percent of the payments made to those centers in 2023 had errors. But that doesnt necessarily mean there was fraud. Improper payments is an umbrella term that could include fraud. For example, an improper payment is a child was present for 40 hours and somehow the state paid only for 30 hours. Fraud is when youre charging for kids that were never enrolled, explained Danielle Ewen, a national child care expert. An 11 percent rate puts Minnesota above the permissible 10% threshold established by the federal government, Ewen said. On average nationwide, the rate is 4%. Advertisement Advertisement So while child care fraud is something Minnesota has been working to reduce in recent years, these are not new issues, but they are being repackaged and they are being promoted in ways to make it seem like there is an epidemic, said Elliot Haspel, a national child care expert, on a call with reporters this week. Minnesota state Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn denounces the Trump administrations freeze of child care funding to the state at a Dec. 31, 2025, news conference. (Photo by Alyssa Chen/Minnesota Reformer) Is there evidence of large-scale child care fraud nationwide? No. According to a 2020 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, only seven states since 2013 have had errors in more than 10 percent of their child care fund payments. That also does not mean there is necessarily fraud, but rather errors in overbilling. The federal Office of Child Care did not respond to questions about The 19th about which states are above the threshold. What did state investigators find when they investigated the day cares in the videos? State investigators conducted unannounced visits at the day cares in the viral video over the past six months as part of the typical licensing and auditing process, according to Tikki Brown, the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families. An analysis of publicly available inspection records by The 19th found that most of the centers had unannounced inspections as recently as October, November or December. Advertisement Advertisement After the video was posted, investigators from the state Office of Inspector General conducted compliance visits to nine of the 10 centers in the video (one of the centers in the video has been closed for several years and has not received funds in that time). They found normal operations and children at all but one, which had not yet opened for the day. Further investigations are being conducted into four of the nine facilities, but the state has not said what exactly its investigating. Most of the centers in the video did have numerous state licensing violations against them regarding cleanliness, staff supervision and some recordkeeping around immunizations and allergies. But none of the violations against the centers were regarding fraud, according to state enforcement records. Quality Learning Center, the center most prominently featured in the video because one of its signs misspelled learning, closed this week. Another center in the video, Mako Childcare Center, has been closed since 2022, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families said. There is evidence of one of the day cares in the video having a connection to prior fraud investigations. Fowsiya Hassan, the CEO of Minnesota Best Childcare Center, previously owned another day care called Sunshine Child Care Center that was raided in 2022 as part of an overbilling fraud investigation. No charges were brought. Advertisement Advertisement Hassan sued the state last year over the raid, which led to the closure of Sunshine, claiming licensing and fraud investigations in Minnesota have long been disproportionately targeted against Somalis. How can I check if my childs day care has been inspected and audited? Every state is federally mandated to publicly report the results of inspections at licensed child care centers (including the dates of the inspections), and day cares are required to undergo at least one unannounced inspection a year. In Minnesota, that information can be found at the states Licensing Information Lookup tool. To find information on your state, visit The 19ths child care safety dashboard which has a link to each states dashboard of child care providers. Why was the Somali community targeted? David Hoch, the lobbyist and former right-wing candidate for Minnesota attorney general who serves as the main source in Shirleys video, received information on the centers from Republican staffers in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Hoch has had a particular focus on the Somali community and fraud for some time. In a now-deleted Instagram account, Hoch posted almost exclusively about the Somali community, according to reporting in The Intercept. EVERY Somali in MN is engaged in fraud. ALL of them, Hoch posted. Even the Blacks have had enough of the demon Muslims, he said in November. Over the years, whistleblowers alleged that the fraud money in Minnesotas child care system was being used to fund the Somali terrorist organization al-Shabab. The 2019 Office of the Legislative Auditor investigation found those claims to be unsubstantiated. The Somali community has been a particular target of President Donald Trump, who has claimed that much of the Minnesota Fraud, up to 90%, is caused by people that came into our Country, illegally, from Somalia. Advertisement Advertisement The president last month called Somali immigrants garbage who he doesnt want in the country. Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the United States, and child care has historically been an industry that employs large numbers of immigrants. About 1 in 5 child care workers are immigrant women. Since Shirleys video, there have been numerous reports of people harassing Somali-run day cares and businesses either through in-person visits demanding to see children, or through threatening phone calls. At least one center was broken into. Day cares in Minnesota have reported concerns for children and staff safety, particularly as ICE activity in the state has ramped up. Dawn Uribe, the owner of four Spanish-immersion preschools in Minnesota, said she really cant overstate how afraid her all-immigrant staff is since the video was posted even though all have work authorization and most are citizens or permanent residents. We are really preparing for the next couple of weeks for people to be calling off [work] and not coming, Uribe said. What is the child care funding freeze and who is impacted by it? After the video was released, the Trump administration announced a funding freeze to five Democratic-run states: Minnesota, California, Colorado, New York and Illinois. The freeze would stop federal child care funds from flowing to states to cover care for low-income children. It was also pausing $7.3 billion in funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which supports low-income families, in those five states. The five states impacted sued the administration over the freeze arguing that withholding the funds from low-income and vulnerable families would cause immediate and devastating impacts. On Friday, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release the funds while the case is pending. Officials had previously said funds would be released only when states prove they are being spent legitimately. In Minnesota, state officials had until Friday to provide additional documentation, including Social Security numbers for all of the estimated 23,000 children who receive child care funds in the state, to the federal Department of Health and Human Services. The state has informed providers that it has several months of reserves to cover care for those children should federal funds be frozen, so child care centers and families have not been impacted directly. Its unclear what evidence the Trump administration had to justify freezing funds to California, Colorado, New York and Illinois. In a letter to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Alex Adams, the assistant secretary for the Administration for Children and Families, said the Trump administration was concerned by the potential for extensive and systemic fraud in Illinois and added that it has reason to believe the state is illicitly providing illegal aliens with CCDF benefits intended for American citizens and lawful permanent residents. Nationally, every state will also now have to submit additional documentation to access child care dollars, a process that could slow payments to centers and increase the risk of day cares cutting staff or limiting operations. Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, declined to comment on any of the questions from The 19th. For too long, Democrat-led states and Governors have been complicit in allowing massive amounts of fraud to occur under their watch, he said in a statement. Under the Trump Administration, we are ensuring that federal taxpayer dollars are being used for legitimate purposes. Are there other impacts from the freeze? National child care experts said there is a lot of confusion around exactly what data the federal government is requiring states to submit, and whether its even data states have on hand to provide. For providers and families, there is a lot of uncertainty on what happens next and whether a freeze could still occur. Freezing child care funding can lead day cares to cut staff, close classrooms or close entirely because many dont have reserves to continue operations. During the government shutdown at the end of 2025, for example, numerous Head Start child care programs that rely on federal funding closed in at least 13 states. Kylie Cooper, a director of a child care center in the Twin Cities, said that the families who face the most uncertainty are those with the fewest resources if their child care options fall through. These are the families who absolutely need [it], she said. They likely dont have PTO or benefits in place with their employers if they have to take a day off work for child care. Theres not a support system. About 95 percent of the families who receive assistance in her program are headed by single mothers. If that freeze were to go into effect there are a whole lot of centers that run on a very thin margin and most of their kids are CCAP, Cooper said. They would last less than a month before theyre closing their doors. This story was originally reported by Chabeli Carrazana of The 19th. Meet Chabeli and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE FALL RIVER Columbia Street, known for its Old World cobbles, Portuguese bakeries, restaurants, marketplaces, and Santo Christo Parish, may see some roadwork and renewal this year. The park across from the Santo Christo Parish is the subject of a $400,000 Community Preservation Committee proposal, seeking restore the city-owned space, update the lighting and seating, and install a plaque commemorating citizens contributions in the neighborhood. City engineer and Director of City Planning Daniel Aguiar said minimal work on the Columbia Street Construction Project will take place during winter months. Advertisement Advertisement According to the citys website, some work to remove trees, excavate and repave crosswalks, and sidewalk reconstruction from Broadway to Eagle Streets, was scheduled for the end of 2025. The Community Preservation grant proposes to bring updates to the park across from Santo Christo Church on Columbia Street in Fall River. Photo taken Jan. 10, 2026. As for the upcoming work scheduled to pick up in the spring, Aguiar said no interruption to typical traffic patterns or local businesses is expected. Base of a broken light post at the park on Columbia Street in Fall River Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Additional information, he said, will be provided once a more specific schedule is worked out with the contractor for the project, LAL Construction Co., an excavating firm based in Fall River. Heres whats on the schedule: Columbia Street in Fall River, seen Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, will undergo renovations this year. . Columbia Street construction will happen in phases in 2026 Between March 23 and April 28, paver removal and resetting will take place in the area where Canal and Columbia Streets intersect. Advertisement Advertisement From there, sidewalk reconstruction on the south side of the street will start at Eagle Street and continue to South Main Street between April 28 and June 23. June 23 until August 23 will see the sidewalks on the north side of Columbia Street between Eagle and South Main Streets reconstructed. Around mid-September top course paving will occur, and by September 29, pavement markings will be added. Project funded by state and local money Construction funding, said Aguiar, includes a municipal bond for streetscapes. The project is also eligible for Chapter 90 Program dollars, pertaining to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 34. Advertisement Advertisement The Chapter 90 Program provides funding to municipalities for capital and infrastructure improvements on public ways. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Construction planned in Fall River on historic Columbia Street MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Federal agents carrying out immigration arrests in Minnesotas Twin Cities region already shaken by the fatal shooting of a woman rammed the door of one home Sunday and pushed their way inside, part of what the Department of Homeland Security has called its largest enforcement operation ever. In a dramatic scene similar to those playing out across Minneapolis, agents captured a man in the home just minutes after pepper spraying protesters outside who had confronted the heavily armed federal agents. Along the residential street, protesters honked car horns, banged on drums and blew whistles in attempts to disrupt the operation. Video of the clash taken by The Associated Press showed some agents pushing back protesters while a distraught woman later emerged from the house with a document that federal agents presented to arrest the man. Signed by an immigration officer, the document unlike a warrant signed by a judge does not authorize forced entry into a private residence. A warrant signed by an immigration officer only authorizes arrest in a public area. Immigrant advocacy groups have conducted extensive know-your-rights campaigns urging people not to open their doors unless agents have a court order signed by a judge. But within minutes of ramming the door in a neighborhood filled with single-family homes, the handcuffed man was led away. More than 2,000 immigration arrests have been made in Minnesota since the enforcement operation began at the beginning of December, said Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News on Sunday that the administration would send additional federal agents to Minnesota to protect immigration officers and continue enforcement. Minneapolis still tense after Renee Good shooting The Twin Cities the latest target in President Donald Trumps immigration enforcement campaign is bracing for what is next after 37-year-old Renee Good was shot and killed by an immigration officer on Wednesday. Were seeing a lot of immigration enforcement across Minneapolis and across the state, federal agents just swarming around our neighborhoods, said Jason Chavez, a Minneapolis city councilmember. Theyve definitely been out here. Chavez, the son of Mexican immigrants who represents an area with a growing immigrant population, said he is closely monitoring information from chat groups about where residents are seeing agents operating. People holding whistles positioned themselves in freezing temperatures on street corners Sunday in the neighborhood where Good was killed, watching for any signs of federal agents. More than 20,000 people have taken part in a variety of trainings to become observers of enforcement activities in Minnesota since the 2024 election, said Luis Argueta, a spokesperson for Unidos MN, a local human rights organization . Its a role that people choose to take on voluntarily, because they choose to look out for their neighbors, Argueta said. The protests have been largely peaceful, but residents remained anxious. On Monday, Minneapolis public schools will start offering remote learning for the next month in response to concerns that children might feel unsafe venturing out while tensions remain high. Many schools closed last week after Goods shooting and the upheaval that followed. Questions about who should handle investigation While the enforcement activity continues, two of the states leading Democrats said that the investigation into Goods shooting death should not be overseen solely by the federal government. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith said in separate interviews Sunday that state authorities should be included in the investigation because the federal government has already made clear what it believes happened. How can we trust the federal government to do an objective, unbiased investigation, without prejudice, when at the beginning of that investigation they have already announced exactly what they saw what they think happened, Smith said on ABCs This Week. The Trump administration has defended the officer who shot Good in her car, saying he was protecting himself and fellow agents and that Good had weaponized her vehicle. Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, defended the officer on Fox News Channels The Sunday Briefing. That law enforcement officer had milliseconds, if not short time to make a decision to save his life and his other fellow agents, he said. Lyons also said the administrations enforcement operations in Minnesota wouldnt be needed if local jurisdictions worked with us to turn over these criminally illegal aliens once they are already considered a public safety threat by the locals. The killing of Good by an ICE officer and the shooting of two people by federal agents in Portland, Oregon, led to dozens of protests in cities across the country over the weekend, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and Oakland, California. ___ Contributing were Associated Press journalists Giovanna DellOrto in Minneapolis; Thomas Strong in Washington; Bill Barrow in Atlanta; Christopher Weber in Los Angeles; and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio. By REBECCA SANTANA, MIKE HOUSEHOLDER and MARK VANCLEAVE Associated Press The family of a former cop and FDNY lieutenant shot dead by NYPD officers during a bloody standoff at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital is looking for answers, saying he checked in two days before the standoff because he thought he was having a stroke and that he had no history of mental illness. Michael Lynch, 62, went to New York Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital on Wednesday with his wife, worried about pressure in his head and tingling in his hands, his distraught spouse told the Daily News. On Thursday, Lynch barricaded himself in an eighth-floor room at the hospital, cutting himself and taking an elderly man and a hospital security guard hostage, police said. After a minutes-long standoff in which Lynch refused dozens of commands to drop a broken piece of porcelain, and repeated efforts by cops to push into the room, officers shot and killed Lynch, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Shocked. Totally shocked. Everybody cant put their finger around this, Lynchs wife, Dolores Lynch, told The News. Like, what is happening here? She recalled how the tragic events unfolded, telling the News she took him to the hospital by cab Wednesday after waking her up in the middle of the night with bad numbness and head pain. He was admitted. They were doing what they usually do when someone is admitted. Somewhere between being admitted and this incident, something happened. What? We dont know, said the familys lawyer, Kenneth Montgomery. Lynchs wife said he was given an MRI on Thursday, and the family was hoping hed be discharged soon after. She thought he had simply gone to use the bathroom before the bloody standoff, she said. Montgomery said hell be looking for medical records, autopsy results and toxicology reports to shed some light on what happened. Advertisement Advertisement But the family was clear about the fact that Lynch had no psychiatric problems. Hes a retired policeman. Retired fire department. Retired bus driver. Father. Husband. From all accounts a great community member who had some medical issues that he thought he was having a stroke, Montgomery said. This is not someone who can be painted as some maniacal person of violence or history or even any history of mental health. Lynch served as an NYPD officer until the 1990s, when he was accepted into the FDNY, his family said. He rose to the rank of lieutenant, worked on the Sept. 11 recovery effort, and ultimately retired in 2008. My father was an honorable, caring family man, loved by everyone he knew. Losing him is impossible to comprehend. He went to a place of healing, seeking help, and never came home. Its devastating beyond words, his daughter, Dr. Bionqua S. Lynch Johnson, said. Advertisement Advertisement NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, addressing the incident, referred to Lynch as emotionally disturbed in a post on X.com Friday. Lynchs family disputed other, early accounts suggesting he might have had a history of emotional disturbance. An NYPD source said Sunday that police had no interactions with him as an emotionally disturbed person until the hospital standoff. Were referring questions to NYPD. Due to patient privacy, we cannot provide additional details, the hospital said Sunday. When cops arrived at the scene at about 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Park Slope hospital, they found the door, walls and floor around the room drenched in blood, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Lynch showed the bloody weapon, and for more than three minutes the officers stood outside the door and issued dozens of verbal commands to the subject to drop the weapon, said NYPD Assistant Chief Charlie Minch, the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. The subject refused to drop the weapon and forcefully tried to close the door to the room multiple times. The officers fired a taser and a gun, but didnt hit Lynch, and he again tried to close the door to prevent the cops from getting in, Minch said. For the next four minutes officers again tried to kick the door open and issued many verbal commands to the subject to drop the weapon, Minch said. (He) then advanced towards the officers again, still with the weapon in his hand. Officers again deployed Tasers but those deployments were not effective. Officers then discharged their weapons and the subject was struck. Advertisement Advertisement Montgomery wonders if it could have been handled differently. Hes a human being. He has no history of mental health and even beyond that, just because you have a history of mental health doesnt mean you should die in a hail of bullets either, he said. Lynch was born in London, and came to the U.S. at age 6, his wife said. Shes been with him since 1989, and they have two adult children and three grandchildren together. If I was to marry him again, I would marry him a hundred times over, she said. Wonderful husband, wonderful father, grandfather, friend to the community. He helps people, carries their bags, clean the snow. Neighbors they all know him. Hes like the mayor of the block. Advertisement Advertisement His son, Michael Fitzgerald Lynch Jr., recalled his patience when spending time with his 6-year-old autistic grandson. My dad was a very decorated man. He wore many hats and many shoes and hes lead me to be a great person with multiple talents, he said. Hes guided me to be very driven and to be very focused and to be a provider. The newest addition to Lynchs family came with the birth of his granddaughter on Christmas Eve. Im heartbroken that my father didnt get to meet his newest grandchild, Lynch Johnson said. We had plans for him to come visit us later this month and now that will never happen. He was a phenomenal grandfather. He never missed a beat when it came to family. He was always there for every holiday, every birthday, every major milestone. She added, His presence, charisma and humor made every family gathering that much more special. He was a one of kind man. My dad was my hero. With Thomas Tracy and Emma Seiwell FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Organizers say a protest is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 11 at 12 p.m. in front of the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices at 2887 N. Point Circle in Fayetteville. The demonstration, which community groups including Stop the Gestapo and the Arkansas Antiwar Alliance are promoting, aims to highlight concerns about ICE practices and broader U.S. domestic and foreign policy, according to a news release. These demonstrators are calling for the abolition of ICE and for broader protections of constitutional rights including privacy, habeas corpus and due process. Organizers also intend to link opposition to immigration enforcement with broader critiques of U.S. foreign policy, including military interventions and conflicts abroad. Advertisement Advertisement How Corporation for Public Broadcastings permanent closure impacts Fayettevilles KUAF Taken altogether, this is growing tyranny, and we are protesting to stop it, organizers said. According to event materials circulated by organizers, the protest will focus on allegations of tyranny by ICE, including alleged abuses such as racial profiling, harassment and fatal encounters with civilians. Organizers cite the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, a widely reported incident that has prompted demonstrations across the United States, as a prominent example of alleged agency misconduct. Goods death was one of two recent firearm incidents involving ICE officers in the last week, the other being a separate shooting in Portland, Oregon, in which two people were shot by federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement The murder of Renee Good this week was only the most recent, among many others, organizers stated. We are witnessing a deep erosion of our Constitutional rights and civil liberties Thus, we are protesting to Abolish ICE and to defend the U.S. Constitution. 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 KNWA FOX24. The Trump administration announced on Tuesday, Jan. 6, that it is freezing roughly $10 billion in federal fund grants for five states. All five states impacted by the freeze, California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York, are Democrat led. The grants in question help fund targeted child care and family assistance programs. For people in the affected states, this can quickly become a household budgetary issue that could further strain an already stretched budget. What Happened The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees the affected programs. Action was taken in light of the recent $9 billion child care fraud scandal in Minnesota, according to CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement In response, HHS said, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today froze access to certain federal child care and family assistance funds for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York following serious concerns about widespread fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars in state-administered programs. However, the Trump administration is offering scant details about its fraud allegations in the other four states, according to the New York Times. Read More: I Asked ChatGPT How To Build Wealth for the Rest of Trumps Term: Heres Its Plan Find Out: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires and How You Can, Too What Programs Are Involved and What Is Frozen The federal funding freeze affects three specific programs that offer child care and family assistance programs to lower-income Americans. Advertisement Advertisement According to HHS, those programs and associated cuts are: Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF): nearly $2.4 billion Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): $7.35 billion Social Services Block Grant (SSBG): $869 million The agency says it notified the affected states to advise them that funding is currently restricted pending further review. How This Could Affect Families For Americans already living on the financial edge, any reduction in assistance can be significant. Families that previously relied on these programs may now face uncertainty. [HHS] will now require these five states to submit a justification and receipt documentation before any federal payment is released, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Impacts will vary by state, but families can expect to encounter challenges in three primary ways: increased out-of-pocket costs, administrative delays and reduced service availability. Knowing how each of the three impacted programs helps Americans is key. According to the AP, CCDF subsidizes day care for low-income families so parents can go to work, TANF is commonly viewed as welfare and provides cash assistance and job training so households in poverty can meet their basic needs and SSBG helps various social service programs. Losing access to any one of these programs could put many families at risk. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker concurs. Rather than making it more affordable for families, Trump is stripping away child care from those just trying to go to work. Thousands depend on these programs, and now their livelihoods are at risk, said Pritzker in a recent post on X. What Happens Next Barring evidentiary support that funds are being allocated properly, assistance will come to a halt. Families who depend on cash flow should consult their local child care assistance and TANF portal for updates. Dont overlook contacting your caseworker to learn of any important changes. Advertisement Advertisement As with some of Trumps actions, its fair to expect legal challenges that could affect the funding halt. Trump is threatening to freeze $10 billion in child care funding in blue states to make life harder and more expensive for kids and families. Its vindictive. Its cruel. And well fight it with every fiber of our being, said Kathy Hochul, governor of New York, in a post on X. It remains to be seen how successful possible legal action will be or how long it will take. Social assistance programs provide a safety net for many Americans. Sudden loss can quickly impact the budgets of those affected. Stay up to date with your local programs to learn when cash flow will return. Need a little extra breathing room in your budget? MoneyLion, a sister company of GOBankingRates, is giving away $2,000 a day through Jan. 24, 2026. Sign up here and see if a cash boost is in your future. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Federal Funding Freeze: What Trumps $10B Halt Means for Families in Blue States The first Taliban-appointed diplomat to be posted to India since the groups return to power has arrived in Delhi to take charge of the Afghanistan embassy in the national capital. Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, a senior member of the Taliban, has assumed the role of Charge dAffaires at the Afghan mission in Delhi, according to reports. He arrived in India earlier this week and is expected to formally take up his duties following internal briefings at the embassy. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Noor previously served as director general of the first political department at Afghanistans foreign ministry. He was also part of the delegation accompanying Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during a week-long visit to India in October 2025. It was the first such trip to India by a Taliban leader since 2021. The Independent has reached out to the Afghanistan embassy in India for a comment. India does not officially recognise the Taliban government that took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, but has in recent years pursued limited engagement with Kabul, including humanitarian assistance and diplomatic contacts. India has permitted Taliban envoys to staff Afghan diplomatic missions such as the consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad. Advertisement Advertisement The Afghan embassy in Delhi has continued to function under interim arrangements amid uncertainty over its diplomatic status. Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor was also part of the delegation accompanying Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi (lef) during a week-long visit to India in October 2025 (Getty Images) After Mr Muttaqis October visit, India announced it would would reopen its embassy in Afghanistan. India closed its embassy in Kabul following the withdrawal of US-led Nato forces from war-torn Afghanistan four years ago, though it launched a small mission in 2022 to facilitate trade, medical support, and humanitarian aid. Indias announcement at the time prompted uncertainty over the future of Afghan employees at the embassy who were appointed under the previous government. According to The Hindu, some staff members fear they could be dismissed or pressured to return to Afghanistan, where they are concerned about reprisals and the safety of their families. Officials familiar with the matter told the outlet that existing employees would continue at the mission and that the red, green, and black tricolour flag of the former Afghan republic would remain flying at the embassy on Shantipath in Delhi. The Taliban delegation installs the Taliban's flag at a press conference in October 2025 in New Delhi, India (Getty Images) However, they indicated that these arrangements could be reviewed once the Taliban-appointed envoy formally assumes control of the mission, expected in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Muttaqis visit had to be specially approved by the UN Security Council, as he is one of a number of Taliban leaders facing UN sanctions that include travel bans and asset freezes. He was first sanctioned by the UN in 2001 over the abuses committed by the Taliban in Afghanistan during the hardline Islamist groups previous rule in the 1990s. The UN General Assembly has not recognised the legitimacy of the Talibans administration in Afghanistan, but around a dozen countries have embassies operating in Kabul, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. Only Russia has formally recognised the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan. Western diplomats have said the main roadblock on the Talibans path to recognition is its misogynistic policies towards Afghan women, barring them from secondary schools, higher education, and most workplaces, and severely limiting their freedoms in public. These policies were during the delegations October visit to India, with female journalists high-profile Indian TV correspondents and a reporter for The Independent among them barred from a press conference given by Mr Muttaqi. (The Center Square) - Voters from 36 states across the country will return to the polls to elect their next governors in 2026. Several governors races are expected to see fierce competition between parties as they battle for control of their states. In other states, like California, primary challenges are likely to determine who will be elected to state leadership. Out of 36 governors races in 2026, the Cook Political Report ranks five as toss ups where either party has a good chance of winning. Advertisement Advertisement Here are those races. Arizona Incumbent Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs is seeking reelection in a race that appears to be hotly contested. Karrin Robson, a former candidate for Arizona governor, and Arizona U.S. Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert will face off in a three-way primary election for the Republican nomination. Both Biggs and Robson received endorsements from President Donald Trump in the race for governor. Robson has run on implementing principles of Trumps Department of Government Efficiency to reduce government spending in Arizona. While Katie Hobbs misplaces hundreds of millions of taxpayer funds and grows the government, Karrin will shrink it, Robsons website reads. She will streamline operations, prioritize responsible spending, and hold every agency accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Biggs has focused on border security throughout his campaign so far, with a focus on implementing Trumps immigration agenda. Hobbs has made affordability a focus of her campaign, touting her record over the past four years of reducing budget deficits in the state and providing tax cuts to middle class families. She also highlighted her work to order National Guard troops to the southern border. Arizonas primary election to determine who Hobbs will face off against in the general election is set for Aug. 4. Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and a crowded group looks to succeed her. Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrest, are looking to win the Democratic nomination for the Great Lakes State. They are joined by Democrats Marni Sawicki, former mayor of Cape Coral, Fla., and Chris Swanson, sheriff of Genesee County. U.S. Rep. John James, former Michigan attorney general Mike Cox and Tom Leonard, former speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, are vying for the Republican nomination to be Michigans governor. Benson, seen as a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination according to recent polling data, has focused her campaign on highlighting past achievements as the secretary of state. She has highlighted past achievements in voter security, reducing government bureaucracy, and reducing costs. As Secretary of State, Jocelyn has overseen the highest turnout, most secure elections in Michigans history by making it easier to vote and harder to cheat, Bensons campaign website reads. Advertisement Advertisement As frontrunner for the Republican nomination, James has focused his campaign on lowering taxes and healthcare expenses. John will audit wasteful DEI programs, eliminate foreign influence in our institutions, and rebuild trust in government, James website reads. Michigan will hold its primary election on Aug. 4. Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announced in July he is retiring from politics. Evers retirement has left a field open for others hoping to fill his post. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former lieutenant Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Rep. Francesca Hong and Milwaukee County executive David Crowley are among a crowded field seeking the Democratic nomination. Advertisement Advertisement In a less crowded race, Republicans in Wisconsin are looking to take back the governors mansion as U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, Washington County executive Josh Schoemann and Andy Manske have declared campaigns for candidacy. Barnes has highlighted past issues from his campaign that he plans to focus on as governor. He focused on using public funding to lower energy costs in the state and expanded voting opportunities. As Republicans look to retake the Wisconsin governorship, frontrunner Tiffany has touted his past legislative experience and pushed for an end to sanctuary jurisdiction laws in Wisconsin. Wisconsin will hold its partisan primary elections on Aug. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp will end his two-term run as the governor of Georgia and hand the reins off to another candidate in the Peach State. On the federal level, Georgia is considered a swing state with two Democratic U.S. senators and the states preferring Joe Biden in 2020 but Trump in 2024. However, on the state level, Republicans have consistently had the advantage. Several members of Kemps cabinet have declared their candidacy for the seat. Attorney General Chris Carr, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger are each vying for the Republican nomination. President Donald Trump offered Jones his Complete and Total Endorsement for governor in August 2025, giving a boost to the lieutenant governors bid. Advertisement Advertisement Were fighting for election integrity, lower taxes, and to secure Georgia values, Jones wrote in a post on social media. Democrats in Georgia are hopeful to capitalize on their wins in the U.S. Senate by flipping the governors mansion. Former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, former mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mike Thurmond have all declared candidacy for the Democratic governor nomination. Lance Bottoms has focused on expanding Medicaid as a key component of her campaign for governor. Keisha will work to eliminate income taxes for teachers, crack down on corporate landlords that are buying up houses and making it harder for families to buy a home or afford rent, and she will invest in education so our children have better pathways to success through career training or college, Lance Bottoms website reads. Advertisement Advertisement Georgias primary election is set for May 19. Nevada Incumbent Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo is running for a second term in Nevada. With less competition compared to other battleground states, Attorney General Aaron Ford looks to be the Democrat poised to take on Lombardo. In 2024, Trump won Nevada as the first Republican president to do so since 2004. Ford has received endorsements from both Democrat U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen in his bid for governor. Trump has endorsed Lombardo is his reelection campaign. "As governor, he is fighting tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Ensure NO TAX ON TIPS, Advance MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE," Trump wrote on social media. "Joe Lombardo is SMART, STRONG, AND TOUGH." Flooding has closed a residence hall for the upcoming semester at The Ohio State University. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Taylor Tower experienced a pipe failure early Saturday in Columbus. It led to flooding on several floors, according to our news partner WBNS TV in Columbus. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The 13-story building was going to house over 760 people, including students and staff, according to a university spokesperson. All Taylor Tower residents have been reportedly contacted, as well as their emergency contacts, WBNS said. Residents have two options. They can either relocate to other available spaces within OSUs housing inventory or cancel their spring semester contract, the spokesperson stated. WBNS reports that all residents will receive a $400 credit on their university account, and $75 on their BuckID to help with unexpected expenses related to the reassignment process. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Editor's note: Read the updated story about the 70 people evacuated from Sodalis Stuart, published Jan. 12. An assisted living facility's residents were evacuated due to mechanical issues with the air conditioning system, according to a Stuart Police Department Facebook post about 9:45 p.m. Jan. 10. The Police Department was helping with the residents' temporary relocation from an assisted living facility on Southeast Central Parkway in Stuart. Advertisement Advertisement The post did not provide anymore information, including the name of the facility, how many residents were moved, where they were moved to, what time the evacuations began and ended, what was wrong with the air conditioning system, or what the conditions inside the facility were. "For the health, safety and comfort of the residents, the decision was made to relocate them until the issue is resolved," the post says. "Facility staff will be reaching out to families directly with updates. Please allow adequate time for information to be provided." This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Assisted living facility residents evacuated in Stuart Former Gov. and state Sen. Richard J. Codey, the longest-serving legislator in New Jersey history, who took over the top job when the state was in the midst of a tumultuous scandal, died on Jan. 11 after a brief illness. He was 79. His family members announced his death Sunday on social media. Our family has lost a beloved husband, father and grandfather and New Jersey lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives of all who knew him, they wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Codey died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, they said. New Jersey Acting Governor Richard J. Codey, speaking to the media at the Statehouse in Trenton on Nov. 16, 2004, died on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 after a brief illness, his family posted on social media. He lived his life with humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to others, they wrote. He spoke the truth when others wouldn't and fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey during his record-setting 50 years in the Legislature. He made friends as easily with Presidents as he did with strangers in all-night diners. The colorful Democrat from Roseland first took office as a state assemblyman when he was 27. He became a state senator in 1982 and Senate president in 2002. After Gov. James E. McGreeveys resignation in November 2004, Codey served as New Jerseys governor from November 2004 to January 2006 before returning to his position as Senate president. When Codey announced his decision to retire from the state Senate in 2023, he wrote on his website: "I've fought for who and what I believe in, even when it wasnt easy. Ive made lifelong friends and lifelong enemies and Im proud of both lists!" Advertisement Advertisement Codey was born in 1946 and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a bachelors degree in education. He was a licensed funeral director and insurance broker and ran his family's funeral home business Codey Funeral Home in Caldwell and Codey & Mackey Funeral Home in Boonton. As acting governor, Codey championed the state's ban on indoor smoking, created the state's first inspector general post, and signed laws restricting "pay to play" contributions from businesses that sought state contracts. He and his wife also campaigned to boost awareness of mental health in a series of public service announcements. "I think we concentrated on issues that people could relate to, and I think they could relate to me," he told The Record and NorthJersey.com when he announced his retirement. "One of my best memories of being governor is when you went to the movies, or you went to a restaurant or a diner, people stood up and applauded. That's pretty cool." Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Phil Murphy said Codey "embodied our proud New Jersey values." "He proved that every single day of his life. Whether as Governor or as the longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey history, Dick built a safer, healthier future for all of us," Murphy said in a statement. "From championing funding for mental health care and stem cell research to advancing smoke-free indoor spaces in New Jersey, Dick protected every one of our communities and sought to cultivate the potential of every one of our neighbors. Governor Dick Codey distinguished himself as the consummate public servant, working alongside New Jerseyans of all beliefs and backgrounds to chart a brighter path forward. Tammy and I are sending our love and deepest condolences to Dick's wife, their two sons, and the entire pic.twitter.com/Bw4cnCd5Mg Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) January 11, 2026 Codeys legacy of service extends well beyond his work in the Statehouse, Murphy said. As a coach for youth basketball teams, he inspired young New Jerseyans to strive for greatness on and off the court, Murphy said. As a funeral director, he consoled our families during their darkest moments and guided them through grief and loss. And as a dear, personal friend, Dick was there for Tammy and me, back when it was cold, dark, and lonely. Advertisement Advertisement Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill called Codey a mentor and a friend who supported her throughout her political career. Today, our state lost a leader and a great public servant in Governor Dick Codey. As governor, in the assembly, and in the state senate, he used his power to expand mental health resources, implement stronger gun safety laws to protect communities, and bolster substance abuse pic.twitter.com/YNZmyW54jg Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) January 11, 2026 He was there from the beginning when I decided to run for Congress, and again when I decided to run for governor, and I will always carry with me his deep belief that the future of our state is worth fighting for, she said in a statement. She lauded his work to expand mental health resources, implement stronger gun safety laws to protect communities, and bolster substance abuse treatment and prevention programs. He truly cared about the people he served, she said. Former Gov. Richard Codey at Books and Greetings in Northvale, NJ 7/27/11 signing copies of his book 'Me, Governor?'. Codey talked about his life, including his time as an assistant coach for Seton Hall University men's basketball team and their trip to the Final Four. He wears the team ring from that 1989 season. When he assumed the role of acting governor, Codey, despite being Senate president, the second-most-powerful post in state politics, was largely unknown to most New Jersey residents outside of his district. But voters took to Codeys down-to-earth, relatable approach. He refused to move into the governor's mansion in Princeton and continued to coach youth basketball despite his new position leading the state. Advertisement Advertisement The South Mountain Arena ice rink in West Orange, the practice facility of the New York Sirens of the Professional Women's Hockey League and former practice rink of the New Jersey Devils, was renamed in his honor in 2004. There was even a bobblehead made in his likeness, showing him standing wearing a suit with his arms crossed, when he served as governor. In 2005, a Star Ledger-Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics poll had Codey with a 76% approval rating among New Jersey voters. He published a book, Me, Governor?: My Life in the Rough-and-Tumble World of New Jersey Politics, in 2011, detailing his time in local and state government. New Jersey officials react to Codey's death 22361 East Rutherford; NJ 4/14/05 New Giants Stadium Presser. Gov. Codey signing agreement which will bring a new 80;000 seat stadium to the Meadowlands. Looking on are Giants owners Bob Tisch and Wellington Mara; NJSEA's Carl Goldberg; Steve Tisch and John Mara. Officials across the state expressed their condolences. Advertisement Advertisement "Dick Codey understood the importance of service, especially when it was unexpected," Sen. Andy Kim wrote in a post on X. "He was driven by his values and used that drive to make our state a better place." Former Gov. Jon Corzine, who served from 2006 through 2010, said Codey's death was a "sad loss of a good man who loved and served New Jersey with all he could give. His devotion to bettering the mental health of all New Jerseyans is a contribution to be long remembered and admired." Senate President Nick Scutari said the state lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives in meaningful ways of everyone who knew him. "In this time of sadness, we can take comfort in knowing of the countless people he helped, inspired and stood with over the years, Scutari said. New Jersey Acting Governor Richard J. Codey signs an Executive Order at the Statehouse in Trenton Tuesday Nov. 16, 2004 that would create a mental health task force. Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz called Codey a true legend and said she had been honored to serve alongside him as a member of the Essex County Senate delegation, where she witnessed firsthand his compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service. Advertisement Advertisement "The longest-serving state legislator in our history, no one did more to fight the stigma surrounding mental health or to champion the needs of those living with mental health challenges, she said in a statement. His leadership transformed how our state supports individuals and families affected by mental illness, and will continue to save lives for generations to come. State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said Codey was a stalwart in the Legislature and a steady hand in the Governors Office. He long represented the very best of public service, devoting his life to making government work for the people, the Democratic leader said. The state Chamber of Commerce also issued a statement mourning Codey's death. He worked closely with the organization throughout his career and "was a thoughtful and accessible leader who consistently listened to the business community and welcomed ideas focused on economic growth, job creation, and strengthening New Jerseys competitiveness," it said. Advertisement Advertisement Richard Codey was a prominent figure in Essex County and New Jersey for over a half century, serving as an Assemblyman, Senate President and Interim Governor," Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. said in a statement. I respected Dick for his ability to get things done and how he always was a staunch advocate for his constituents. I am glad that we dedicated Codey Arena in his honor in 2005 while he was alive so that he could see how much people appreciated him and the impact he had. Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris, said in a statement that he was heartbroken to hear the news of Codeys death. Former New Jersey Governors (l-r) Jon Corzine, Jim McGreevey and Richard Codey are shown before Governor Phil Murphy delivers his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature gathered in the Assembly Chamber at the Statehouse in Trenton Tuesday, january 9, 2024. Former Lt Governor Kim Guadagno is at left. We worked together on many important issues that helped move New Jersey forward, and I came to know him as a true friend and someone who led with humility, kindness, and humor, he said. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service and integrity that will be felt for generations. Codey, said his friend Raymond J. Lesniak, a former Democratic senator, was a black swan among politicians: the public servant with apparently no ego. Advertisement Advertisement He had what most public servants dont have, including maybe myself, Lesniak said. A deep humility about himself. And that followed through to how he dealt with every single person in his life. To me that was his greatest strength. Case in point was his championing of a marriage quality bill when he was Senate president. It was not something likely to cover him in glory. Just the opposite. When senator Weinberg and I asked him, as Senate president, to post marriage equality same-sex marriage he knew and we knew we didnt have the votes, Lesniak said. Senate presidents just dont do that. Its not done unless he felt so strongly on moving it forward and taking any step forward to have a vote. Thats unheard of. Politicians, Senate presidents, dont like to suffer defeat. By putting up a bill, that he co-sponsored as well that spoke volumes to me, about his commitment to his beliefs in human dignity. Not enough people know that about him. I found that remarkable. To the extent that Codey had an ego, Lesniak said, it was about his basketball game. I shattered it, he said. Parsippany, July 16, 2008 -- Michael Wojtyszyn, a Greystone resident, answers questions about the new hospital and moving day as Senate president Richard Codey stands by. Codey was on hand for moving day as Greystone patients moved into the new hospital. They stand on the steps of the new hospital. He thought so much of his basketball game, Lesniak said. I invited him to a three-on-three game in the early 90s, and I took him to school. I lit him up. And every year after that, I reminded him of it. Hed just shake his head. Otherwise, Codeys modesty was unassailable. He was, Lesniak said, the model of a public servant. Someone who truly serves the public, not himself. What can you say about anybodys passing? Lesniak said. "I hate to be trite, but New Jersey has lost a giant. Codey leaves behind his wife, Mary Jo, and two sons. Check back later for more on this developing story. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Former New Jersey governor and state senator Richard J. Codey dies The largest immigration detention center in the United States continues to grow and concerns over conditions in the facility continue to be raised. The Camp East Montana facility in El Paso is projected to hold 5,000 detainees for deportation. The facility has grown to a capacity of 3,250 people as of Dec. 19, but held 3,080 people, U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, said. U.S. taxpayers are paying $1.26 billion to the Henrico, Virginia-based Acquisition Logistics LLC to construct and operate the detention facility for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement The site continues to generate reports of inhumane conditions and human rights violations since it opened in August. The El Paso Times reported nearly 90 emergency 911 health calls coming from the facility in the first 15 weeks of operation, the Washington Post reported multiple violations during construction and the ACLU reported acts of physical violence against detainees and attempts to force detainees to self-deport. The facility reported its first death in December 2025. Francisco Gaspar Cristobal Andres died after being detained there for nearly three months. While acknowledging some improvement, Escobar concluded that the facility had opened prematurely and was not meeting the minimum federal standards for the care of human beings in its custody. Advertisement Advertisement The facility should have been completed before anyone was detained here and it is clear that they are not meeting federal standards," Escobar said. "Camp East Montana shouldn't be operational." The El Paso Times spoke with Escobar after her fourth oversight visit on Dec. 19. Her visit followed a court order that reversed a DHS policy that blocked congressional representatives from making unannounced oversight visits. Here is what she said about the facility: El Paso Times: You made your very first unannounced visit on Dec. 19. What did you see, and how was that visit different than your previous three other visits? Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Escobar: I was pleasantly surprised about a couple of things. First and foremost, the ICE agents and staff on site knew about the court ruling because there was no problem getting in. This was an unannounced visit, which by law we've always had the authority to conduct, but it was, you know, these unannounced visits were denied by Secretary (Kristi) Noem and the Trump administration unlawfully. So I was very pleasantly surprised that there was no issue getting in and I was grateful to the ICE agents on staff on site for their professionalism. The other thing that I was very pleasantly surprised by was that the facility, in general, was clean. It had been clean during my scheduled visits, but what I heard from a number of detainees was that it was dirty and not clean most of the time. And so I was relieved to see that there was significant cleanliness, that was obviously a relief. The Camp East Montana ICE immigration detention center is set to be one of the largest in the country. More: New Sentinel Tower in Juarez set to serve as security hub along US border El Paso Times: What stands out from your visit on Dec. 19? Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Escobar: There were a couple of issues that were very alarming to me. What is consistent in all of my visits is that there is always something that's alarming. That leads me to the conclusion that the facility is not functioning properly and should not be open until it is functioning properly. There are two things that were very alarming. The first was the food, again. As part of my unannounced visit, I told the staff that I wanted to go into one of the pods. The pods are these large rooms where detainees are held, where they basically live, they eat there, and they shower there; their entire existence pretty much is in that one shared room. More: US Rep. Escobar joins calls to improve conditions at ICE facilities Advertisement Advertisement I went into one of the women's pods and sat down with a group of women and began visiting with them about the conditions within the facility. And one of my first questions was about the food, because I consistently hear from male detainees and female detainees that the food is inedible. And so one of the female detainees I think we were there I think by about 9:00 a.m. and I think they received breakfast at around 7:30, if I'm not mistaken when I asked about the food, she said, "Let me show you. I actually still have my breakfast, and it's not edible." And she brought it to me they are very small, almost like frozen meal trays she showed it to me and I held it in my hands, and it was a partially frozen breakfast. It had not been warmed to the point that it was edible. So, I finally got to see evidence of what the detainees were talking about. When I've gone in the past and have been shown the kitchen and the operations of the kitchen it's not a full kitchen, it's just a place where the food warming happens everything has looked acceptable and good. But it was the unannounced visit and the fact that a detainee kept her breakfast, happened to keep her breakfast, that allowed me to see that their complaints are absolutely legitimate. More: 'Listen to them': Pope Leo backs US bishops message against Trump's immigration crackdown El Paso Times: When we spoke with Lucia Pedro Juan, the Guatemalan woman whose husband died on Dec. 3 and who was deported on Nov. 28, she mentioned that people in her pod were guarding food because they weren't receiving proper food portions. Did you hear anything about hoarding food? Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Escobar: I will tell you the portions were tiny. So, I can understand why they would hoard food. They were very small portions. And of those portions, again, it was half frozen. That breakfast was half frozen. A bus carrying immigrants leaves the Trump's administrations massive Camp East Montana immigration detention center on Jan. 7, 2026 More: Migrant caravans served as a lifeline, U.S. policy shut them down prior to Trump's re-election El Paso Times: What was the second thing that was alarming? Rep. Escobar: The second thing that was really alarming is nearly every person that I spoke to inside that pod, these were women who were begging to be deported. One woman broke down in tears and told me she had been shuffled from one detention facility to another over the course of the last few months inside the U.S., and she had asked to self-deport. She was eager to get out of America and get out of the hands of the Department of Homeland Security and return home, but she was given no information about her case or about her deportation. She was given no timeline. She said she consistently asks questions about when she will finally be allowed to leave and be sent home and gets no answers. And as she was telling me her story, a number of other women were nodding and telling me that they were experiencing the same issue. Advertisement Advertisement And so, you know, these are people who are ready to go to their home country, but are being detained in this private facility that's charging the American taxpayer by the day, by the person, for detention. A couple of the women there that I spoke to, actually more than a couple, had been waiting for over two months in this facility. I flagged that for ICE, and to their credit, the agent that I flagged it to immediately called for other ICE agents to come into the pod with their laptops so that they could try to begin processing some of these women out. Why that hadn't happened before, I do not know. Why this private corporation is holding people who are literally begging to be deported for not just days or weeks, but in some cases months, it leads me to believe that this is a profit-making exercise for this private corporation. And while the American public is being told there's no money for health care, there's no money for nutrition programs for you, American citizens, there seems to be plenty of money for a private corporation detaining people begging to be deported. A sign marks the entrance to the Camp East Montana ICE immigration detention facility in El Paso, Texas on Aug. 18, 2025. More: US Rep. Escobar renews call for national ICE mask ban after report highlights FBI concern El Paso Times: I'm sure you saw we published our story about the 911 calls. Were you able to learn anything more about those attempted suicides or the other emergencies that were being reported? What steps is the facility taking for any mental health crisis? Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Escobar: This was before your story was published. I explicitly asked about the 911 calls and asked to speak to the behavioral health professional on site, and I was a little taken aback initially by personnels response, which was fairly dismissive. In fact, one of the comments was "they sometimes do that to get attention." And I spoke to the behavioral health professional and asked what the steps were when someone either expresses suicidal ideation or actually seeks to actively take their own life. And they detailed a process. I did not get specific information on the number of people who that's happened to. I've gotten none of the information I've asked for. Nothing. I've been asking for months now for detailed statistics from ICE and other pieces of information, but this is the least transparent agency that we've had to deal with during the Trump administration. I will say that the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., is doing everything possible to keep members of Congress in the dark. And it's not just DHS, I mean, all the agencies, but DHS has been the worst. More: US bishops stand with migrants amid expanding ICE raids, decrying immigration crackdown El Paso Times: How confident are you that detainees are receiving timely attention for medical issues or mental health crises after your visit? Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Escobar: No, I'm not confident. El Paso Times: In the case of Pedro Juan, she said that she'd been begging her agents and guards to permit her to see her husband. Is there any policy in place that keeps them or why is it that ICE and DHS keep family members apart in these facilities like this, even when they're in the same facility? Rep. Escobar: There are very strict protocols this predates Donald Trump but the idea is that the populations should be kept separately, so the female population and the male population, for the safety of the detainees. During the first Trump administration, I discovered that even siblings were being separated and kept apart, which was inexplicable for very young children who are being kept apart, children who are traumatized by their detention. I think when we're talking about very young kids, it's one issue, but I totally understand the separate issue of adults. That doesn't mean, though, that they shouldn't be allowed to see each other and speak to one another. I mean, I would think that the personnel on site have the discretion to be able to allow spouses to speak to each other and check in on one another. El Paso Times: Especially at a time of a health emergency. Rep. Escobar: Oh, absolutely, without a doubt. That is some pretty fundamental compassion that should be exhibited within the staff's discretion. El Paso Times: What steps are there to hold the company running the site accountable? Rep. Escobar: I've had this very conversation with the chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee (Mark Amodei, R-Nevada). He and I have had a number of conversations about accountability. We were promised by ICE director (Todd) Lyons that we would get a copy of the contract for this facility, as well as a list of the vendors that the contractor has subcontracted with. That was the week before the Christmas holiday, that should have been delivered by the end of that week and it was not. I need help from my Republican colleagues, who are in the majority, to get the administration to give us the information that they have promised us. And to be perfectly candid, I think Republicans have been far too comfortable with giving the administration absolute free rein to do anything that it wants. More: 'Migrants are not passing anymore': the 'Devil's Train' sees few migrants riding north El Paso Times: In your opinion, is Camp East Montana a safe and healthy place to detain immigrants as they await deportation? Rep. Escobar: From the beginning, a facility like this should not be receiving any federal funding if they are not being held to federal standards. The facility should have been completed before anyone was detained here and it is clear that they are not meeting federal standards. Camp East Montana shouldn't be operational. El Paso Times: Is there anything else you want to comment on about your Dec. 19 visit or anything related to the site that I haven't asked? Rep. Escobar: I think it's so important. There are, unfortunately, far too many Americans who feel no compassion for fellow human beings who are in custody. So, for those folks who are perfectly comfortable with people who are being detained by the American government, being fed frozen food and living in conditions that are far below federal standards. Even if they don't care about fellow human beings, I hope they care about the fact that their tax dollars are being turned over to a private corporation that is unaccountable to the American public and seems to operate with impunity. 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: U.S. Rep. Escobar discusses ICE detention facility visit in El Paso Germany and Israel are expanding their security cooperation to increase protection against attacks on infrastructure and other threats, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said during a visit to Israel on Sunday. Dobrindt also signed a cyber and security pact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlining closer cooperation between the two countries' security authorities and deeper collaboration in cyber defence, artificial intelligence and counter-drone measures. He said Germany wanted to draw on Israel's experience and technologies and that there were ever more potential groups that could attack infrastructure facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Infrastructure security has become a renewed point of concern in Germany after tens of thousands of people in parts of Berlin were left without electricity, heating and mobile phone signal for days earlier this month after a power cable was targeted in an arson attack. However Germany's deeper security partnership comes as Israel's military methods have been under close international scrutiny in the wake of two years of attacks on Gaza killing tens of thousands. Rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Israel of using its defence technology to carry out war crimes on Palestinian populations, an accusation it denies. Netanyahu said cyberattacks were also among the biggest threats to internal security. He said the "comprehensive security partnership" between Germany and Israel concerned counterterrorism as well, and that Iran and its allies Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis threatened not only Israel but also regional stability and international security. Advertisement Advertisement Germany has long tied its own state security to that of Israel, and has remained the country's biggest military backer after the United States throughout Israel's widespread bombardment of Gaza. Dobrindt said Germany would for the first time join the leadership at the US-led Office of the Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (OSC) in Jerusalem. He said the role would be taken by Olaf Lindner, the former head of Germany's police special forces. Germany has supported the police in the Palestinian territories for many years to help stabilize the situation there. Dobrindt said Germany wanted to help guarantee Israel's security. Netanyahu said the signed declaration underlined Germany's strong commitment to Israel's security. The German interior minister had earlier also met Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar. Cultural & Historical Significance Asianne holds profound cultural significance in Muslim tradition, primarily through its connection to Asiya bint Muzahim, the wife of Pharaoh who is revered in Islam for her faith and protection of the infant Moses. Her story represents the ultimate triumph of faith over tyranny and serves as an exemplary model of righteousness. The name also functions as a variant of Aisha, one of the most important female figures in Islamic history as Prophet Muhammad's wife and a major transmitter of Islamic knowledge. This dual heritage makes Asianne a name that embodies both protective maternal qualities and intellectual/spiritual leadership. Furthermore, the continental reference connects the name to the rich cultural tapestry of Asian Muslim civilizations, from the Ottoman Empire to the Mughal courts and Southeast Asian sultanates, creating a name that honors both religious tradition and cultural heritage. Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords spoke to a group of hikers and community members in front of an image of a smiling, bearded young man who was killed 15 years ago in a mass shooting that almost took Giffords' life. The man, Gabe Zimmerman, was one of the six people killed when a lone gunman opened fire at a group waiting to speak to Giffords. She was one of 13 people injured that day. In memory of Zimmerman, a permanent memorial was erected at the start of a trail called the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead. Giffords and her husband, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, spoke to the hiking group on Jan. 10, two days after the 15th anniversary of the shooting. Zimmerman had worked as Giffords' outreach and constituent services director. Advertisement Advertisement I just love Gabe, and Gabe embodied everything that was right and good about public service, Kelly said, noting that Giffords thought of Zimmerman as a younger brother. "Gabe gave his life in service of our country, and he'll always be remembered for that. 'Our lives changed so quickly' The shooting rampage began at 10:10 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2011, when a gunman opened fire on a group of people waiting to speak to Giffords at a Congress on Your Corner event she organized to hear from constituents. The gunman, Jared Loughner, held a grudge against Giffords, whom he had met two years earlier, according to former U.S. Rep. Ron Barber, who also survived the shooting. Barber said the man didn't like the answer Giffords had given him. Survivors recalled him aiming for peoples heads. He was stopped by people at the event who tackled him to the ground and prevented him from reloading his gun. Advertisement Advertisement The gunman was later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for the massacre. Since she was shot, Giffords said she has worked hard to heal and relearn how to walk and talk. Our lives changed so quickly. Mine did when I was shot. But I never gave up hope, Giffords said. Her healing has been long and difficult. Despite setbacks, she said she keeps moving forward, focusing on the small joys playing the French horn, riding her bike, going to the gym, and laughing with friends. She and her husband also started an advocacy organization called Giffords, which aims to prevent gun violence. Ross Zimmerman speaks with former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords at a remembrance event in Vail for his son, Gabe Zimmerman, who died during a mass shooting in 2011. The Tucson-area shooting killed six and injured 13 others, including Giffords. Giffords and Kelly addressed a group of hikers, along with Zimmermans family and friends, ahead of an annual memorial hike organized by Beyond, a nonprofit founded by Zimmermans father, Ross Zimmerman, in his sons memory. Advertisement Advertisement Ross Zimmerman said the trailhead named after his son is in a remarkable riparian area where the Sonoran Desert and the Chiricahua desert meet. It is also a wildlife corridor between the mountains and near remnants of the original Southern Pacific Railroad that used to go through the area. Gee, could there be a better place where everything meets to name in Gabe's honor? Zimmerman said. Gabe was his best friend, Ross Zimmerman said. And following a challenging year after the death of his son, he knew he had to continue moving forward in his life somehow. If there was something I could do to change it, I would, but you can't change the past. All you can do is think about your relationship to the past and the future and move forward in ways that you think are worthwhile, that Gabe maybe would think is worthwhile, which is why we started Beyond. Advertisement Advertisement What we know: 15 years after Giffords shooting, Democrats call for gun measures Sarah Lapidus covers southern Arizona politics and issues for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Giffords and Kelly visit memorial near Tucson 15 years since shooting Jan. 10GRAND FORKS Changes in state law placing the responsibility of student attendance solely on schools make it difficult, if not impossible, to charge students with truancy, according to some Grand Forks Public Schools leaders. In 2021, the North Dakota Legislature passed H.B. 1035 , which directed truancy cases to social services rather than juvenile courts. District leaders said the law had good intentions, but led to unintended consequences and took away schools' resources to tackle cases of chronic absenteeism. Advertisement Advertisement "Resources that we used to rely upon were no longer available. So essentially, there is no such thing as truancy today," Central High School Principal Jon Strandell said at the Grand Forks District Breakfast and Community Report event in November. "There's no response to it. The response to it really comes from the school itself, and as a school, we don't have enough tools in our tool belt to manage homes and situations where kids are not coming to school." Last school year, more than 23% of students at Grand Forks Public Schools were considered chronically absent , meaning they missed 18 days of school or more. Grand Forks district leaders made it a priority over the last year to tackle chronic absenteeism with the creation of their Advertisement Advertisement Attendance Matters campaign and are looking to community and state leaders for additional help. Rep. Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said that while attendance is a big issue both across the state and nationally since the COVID-19 pandemic the purpose of H.B. 1035 was to modernize the juvenile justice system to "match data driven best practices." "We don't want to unnecessarily divert children into the criminal justice system. We hear a lot about that school-to-prison pipeline, and we don't want to do that for things that are bad like truancy but not violent, not putting people's lives in danger," he said. "I understand why school officials might perceive that the Legislature took away one of the tools in their toolkit ... but I don't think going back to a system or using the criminal justice system for juveniles is a solution either." Advertisement Advertisement While Ista and school officials might have different reactions to the bill itself, they both agree that the Children in Need of Services Department (CHINS) now meant to handle truancy cases is ineffective. CHINS was established as part of H.B. 1035 to take the cases once directed to juvenile courts, including truancy, regularly disobeying guardians, running away and using tobacco related products. "CHINS, I think, is probably the biggest disappointment from a policy outcome perspective," Ista said. "It's understaffed, underbudgeted and overworked, and just doesn't have the resources to keep up." Advertisement Advertisement Strandell mirrored these concerns in an interview with the Herald in early December. "It's not effective," he said. "I think there's one person for all referrals for the entire northeast corner of the state." According to Strandell, because CHINS is not equipped to deal with the number of truancy cases they are receiving, the responsibility to address student absenteeism is placed entirely on the district. "Our job is to create an environment that's warm, welcoming, to have teachers that work hard to create engaging lessons. ... We hope that kids feel so good when they come to school, they want to come back," he said. "But sometimes that's not enough." Advertisement Advertisement Strandell said he would like to see changes to the policy, giving schools back some of the state resources they lost after H.B. 1035 went into practice. According to Ista, no changes are currently being drafted and he doubts the topic will be covered in the special legislative session in January. However, he did note that Gov. Kelly Armstrong is looking to prioritize North Dakota's Health and Human Services Department in his second legislative session, so some attention on the issue could be on the horizon. Police say a gunman killed six people, including a seven-year-old girl, in a shooting spree that spanned three locations in Mississippi late Friday. Daricka Moore, 24, has been charged with first-degree murder, which will be upgraded here shortly to capital murder, Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said at a Saturday press conference. Additional murder charges are forthcoming, he noted. Scott said the alleged spree began in Cedar Bluff, where Moore is accused of fatally shooting three family members: his father, 67-year-old Glen Moore; his brother, 33-year-old Quintin Moore; and his uncle, 55-year-old Willie Guines. Advertisement Advertisement Moore is then accused of stealing his brothers truck and driving to another home, where police first received a 911 call. At the home, Moore shot and killed a seven-year-old girl he was related to, Scott alleged. Moore is also accused of attempting to commit a sexual battery while armed with a handgun at the scene. Daricka Moore, 24, is accused of killing six people, including a seven-year-old in Mississippi (Clay County Sheriff's Office/WTVA 9 News) Scott said Moore then travelled to a third location, where police received another 911 call. There, Moore is accused of fatally shooting two adult men from Columbus: Barry Bradley and Samuel Bradley. One of them was a pastor, Scott said. Moore was later arrested without incident in western Clay County, according to Scott. Investigators believe Moore was the sole shooter, though the motive is still unclear. Personally, I don't know what kind of motive you could have to kill a seven-year-old, Scott told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday. Its unclear if Moore has retained an attorney. The Independent was unable to identify his attorney for comment. Moores surviving family members are experiencing overwhelming grief, Scott said. Just to be there looking at these family members trying to, first of all, grieve the loss of their loved one and then finding out who it was that committed this, another family member I mean, it was overwhelming to everybody, he told reporters. The sheriff called this case one of the toughest to work in his 30-year career. Scott first shared news of the shooting spree around midnight. Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately tonight we have dealt with tragedy in our community. Multiple innocent lives lost due to violence, he wrote on Facebook. I ask that you lift our victims and their families in your prayers, he added. CAIRO (AP) Hamas said Sunday it will dissolve its existing government in Gaza once a Palestinian technocratic leadership committee takes over the territory, as mandated under the U.S.-brokered peace plan. But the group gave no specifics on when the change will occur. Hamas and the rival Palestinian Authority, the Palestinians internationally recognized representative, have not announced the names of the technocrats, who are not supposed to be politically affiliated, and it remains unclear if they will be cleared by Israel and the U.S. The Board of Peace, an international body led by Trump, is supposed to oversee the government and other aspects of the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, including disarming Hamas and deploying an international security force. The board's members have not been announced. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the post-ceasefire death toll continued to rise in Gaza, with Israeli gunfire killing three Palestinians, according to Palestinian hospital officials. The ceasefire began with a halt in fighting and the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for thousands of Palestinians held by Israel. The deal is still in its first phase as efforts continue to recover the remains of the final hostage left in Gaza. An Egyptian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door information, said Hamas was sending a delegation to talks with Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish officials about moving to the second phase. Future Gaza governance in flux Advertisement Advertisement In comments posted on his Telegram channel Sunday, Hazem Kassem, a Hamas spokesperson, called for speeding up the establishment of the technocratic committee. The Egyptian official said Hamas will meet with other Palestinian factions this week to finalize the committee's formation. The Hamas delegation will be chaired by top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, the official said. Trump has said the Board of Peace " will monitor the committee and handle the disarmament of Hamas, the deployment of an international security force, additional pullbacks of Israeli troops and Gaza's reconstruction. The U.S. has reported little progress on any of these fronts, though the members of the board are expected to be announced this week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov has been selected as the boards director-general. Mladenov is a former Bulgarian defense and foreign minister who served as U.N. envoy to Iraq before being appointed as the U.N. Mideast peace envoy from 2015 to 2020. During that time, he had good working relations with Israel and frequently worked to ease Israel-Hamas tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Also Sunday, Israels Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met in Jerusalem with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Saar said Israel was committed to enforcing Trumps plan, while Motegi expressed Japans willingness to play an active role in the ceasefire. According to Japan's Foreign Ministry, Motegi visited the Civil-Military Coordination Center, where the ceasefire is being monitored. He was also set to meet Netanyahu and Palestinian officials in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Violence in Gaza continues In Gaza, two men were shot dead in the southern town of Bani Suhaila, according to Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies. Earlier Sunday, a man was killed by Israeli gunfire in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, according to Al-Ahly hospital, which received the body. Advertisement Advertisement In response to questions about the Tuffah incident, Israels military said it had fired at and hit a terrorist in northern Gaza who had approached troops. In a later statement, the military said it had killed a terrorist in southern Gaza who approached troops. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Continued Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed more than 400 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The Israeli military says any actions since the ceasefire began have been in response to violations of the agreement. Israeli police detain top official Israeli police said Sunday they were questioning a top official from Netanyahu's office over possible obstruction of an investigation into last year's leak of classified military information to a German tabloid. Advertisement Advertisement Israeli media identified the official as Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahus chief of staff, who is expected to start as the next ambassador to the United Kingdom in the coming months. Hes the latest official to be caught up in the scandal, in which Netanyahus inner circle is accused of leaking confidential information to German tabloid Bild to improve public perception of the prime minister following the killing of six hostages in Gaza in 2024. It comes after an explosive interview by Kan News with former Netanyahu spokesperson Eli Feldstein, who described a clandestine meeting with Braverman in an underground parking lot in the middle of the night in connection with the leak. Feldstein, who has been indicted, said Braverman offered to shut down the probe into the leaked information. Opposition leader Yair Lapid immediately called for the suspension of Braverman as ambassador. It is unacceptable that a person suspected of involvement in obstructing a serious security investigation should be the face of Israel in one of Europes most important countries, Lapid wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement In response, Saar defended Bravermans appointment and said he would not be removed from it until formally charged or tried. ___ Frankel reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. ___ This version corrects to say the six hostages were killed in 2024. ___ Find more of APs Israel-Hamas coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Just over a week ago, millions of expatriate Venezuelans around the world woke up to the news that the country's president, Nicolas Maduro, had been seized by US forces in a dramatic operation. It was an after-dark military mission which lasted just over two hours and took the world by complete surprise, and for many it has changed everything. About eight million Venezuelans have moved away from their home country since 2015 amid an ongoing economic and political crisis there. Advertisement Advertisement Some of them now living in Greater Manchester told the BBC what it was like watching from afar - and how they feel about the future. Adolfo Marquez, 36, who is originally from Caracas, had to leave because he was a criminal barrister who had a legal case against Maduro and feared for his safety. He has lived in Salford since 2016, settling here with his wife and going on to have two daughters. 'We can see a light' He said he brought his father over to join the family "just to keep him alive", as he had been forced to "spend days without eating proper food". "That is what people in Venezuela are suffering," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Adolfo said when he heard the news of Maduro's extraction he went on an "emotional rollercoaster". "We've been waiting for this moment for so long and it's finally happening so I felt shock at first, then scared for the people still living there," he said. There have been scenes of joy and celebration around the world, like here in Panama [Gabriel Rodriguez/EPA/Shutterstock] In the last few days, Adolfo said his friends in Venezuela had messaged him saying there had been an increase in people being stopped in the street by police and phones being examined to find out if they supported the US operation. If any evidence is found the choice is to pay a huge ransom or go to jail, he said. Advertisement Advertisement But "change is happening", he said, referring to the release of detainees considered political prisoners, one of whom was his friend's dad. US President Donald Trump has said his administration would be "taking oil" from Venezuela, which has the world's largest proven reserves, but he also promised to rebuild the country "in a profitable way". Adolfo said: "We understand Trump wants oil - but it's a price we're willing to pay so not a single Venezuelan is killed or starving again. "We can see a light - before it was just darkness." Protests over Maduro's government had been held in Manchester before the US operation [Adolfo Marquez] Adolfo said he finally felt hope that one day he could return to his home country and take his daughters to see where he grew up. Advertisement Advertisement "It feels sad, a part of you is missing," he said. "We talk about Venezuela, we buy books, tell stories, but it is hard to explain to the kids we can't go because it is dangerous." 'I feel happy but this is just the beginning' Helena Diez, 55, is from the Venezuelan Andes and now lives in Salford. She said Venezuelans were living in poverty, with little food and electricity being cut off for hours a day. "It is not a way of life. It is stressful 24/7," she said. A basic basket of food for a family per month is about 375, she said, with salaries of 120 per month if you get bonuses. "It is impossible to live like that. I know people who have died from not having enough to eat or not being able to get medicine," she added. Helena Diez says it will take time for change to come but there is now hope [Helena Diez] The huge Venezuelan diaspora around the world tried to help their families back home, she said, sending aid and speaking to MPs, but "international support is really needed". Advertisement Advertisement In the UK, Helena, who is a scientist, said she felt "free, but also safe, just feeling safe is a big deal" and she could now imagine a future like this in Venezuela. "We feel relief, we feel happy, but we are conscious this is just the beginning," she said. "This is the small light, the small possibility. "If they take Maduro out and do nothing, nothing will change. "But over the last week it feels like things are going well, but it will be a process to dismantle the grab of power of the country. "It will take time." 'It was one of the happiest moments of my life' Roger Munoz, who lives in Castlefield with his boyfriend and two dogs, works as a mechanical engineer after moving to Manchester in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement He said he left Venezuela because of the "repressive government" which would "take fingerprints" when you bought milk and bread, with rations on how much you could buy and you could not take part in protests. He said he and his family, who are from a small town, El Guayabo in the Yaracuy region, lived in "constant fear" because "you could go to jail for what you think". Roger Munoz says he finally has hope for a better future in Venezuela [Roger Munoz] "My dad died because the hospital didn't have antibiotics," he added. Roger said he had not been back to Venezuela for 11 years and he missed his family. When he heard of Maduro being being taken to the US he said he felt relief, adding: "It was one of the most happiest moments of my life. Advertisement Advertisement "It gives you hope. There is hope I could go home and feel safe." Millions of Venezuelans have moved away from their homeland amid economic and political turmoil [Reuters] "I've not seen any Venezuelan that is not happy about it," Roger said. But demonstrations have been held around the world against the US military action, with some suggesting it was an "act of aggression". The Stop The War Coalition, CND and Solidarity with Venezuela groups held a protest in Manchester and London, holding up placards reading: "Hands off Venezuela" and condemning what it called a "war crime". Roger said: "I don't want another country to control my country, we want to be free" but he said he felt some demonstrators were using the situation to fit their own anti-Trump agenda. Advertisement Advertisement "The UN found there had been crimes against humanity in Venezuela, but they didn't say anything then," he added. Adolfo agreed: "We are open to changes. We had an election, we won, but it never happened. "This is not the ideal scenario we had in mind but it is what we have, and we are hopeful for the future." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Related news stories What was making news in our area during this week in years past? The History Museum offers these South Bend Tribune newspaper excerpts to give you an idea. Jan. 11, 1904: The steamer, Ben Hamilton, which has caused its owner, Capt. M.A. Shuey, many sleepless nights has at last been disposed of. D. L. Curtis, of 327 South Michigan street, has purchased the boat and a force of men are now employed in transferring the boiler to the farm of Mr. Curtis in Clay township where he will engage in a new experiment for this locality. The extreme north, winter vegetables are grown by means of artificial heat and Mr. Curits will try the experiment in this county using the boilers of the old river steamer to furnish heat. Jan. 12, 1914: The prize for the most artistic home built in South Bend during 1912 was formally awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Bryan at the annual banquet of the South Bend Architectural club held at the Oliver hotel last Saturday night. The award consisted of an artistically engraved bronze tablet bearing the inscription, South Bend Architectural Club, 1913 Award. The names of the architects of the prize winning residence, Ennis R. Autin and N. R. Shambleau, are engraved on the bottom of the plate. The Bryan home is located at 1325 East Jefferson boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Jan. 13, 1920: With the purpose of endeavoring to keep the cost of the coming presidential election at a minimum at which the women of the county will be privileged to vote for presidential electors, efforts are now being made by the county commissioners and the chairmen of the political parties of the city to secure the appointment of a special election board, which will confine its work entirely to the voting of women. Jan. 14, 1933: LaPorte and Culver were added today to the growing list of northern Indiana cities desirous of cooperating with South Bend in the establishment of a police radio network for this region as a means of combating crime. Jan. 15, 1946: Because of the lack of necessary materials for the improvement and remodeling of the E. M. Morris school for use as a school for underprivileged children, the South Bend board of education late Monday notified the South Bend chapter of the American Red Cross that the latters use of the building for headquarters will not be terminated by the board on Feb. 1 as previously anticipated. Jan. 16, 1950: Congressman Thurman C. Crook, of South Bend, today notified The Tribune from Washington that he has put the University of Notre Dame on a list of schools eligible to receive federal funds for aviation wind-tunnel research. Advertisement Advertisement Jan. 17, 1962: Dr. Bernard J. Dolezal, a South Bend general practitioner, has shattered obstetrical odds by delivering two sets of triplets within 5 years, a feat that should take 147 years, according to the record books. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: 1962: Dr. Bernard Dolezai delivers two sets of triplets in 5 1/2 years The United States Department of Justice says Michael Dwayne Banks and Victor Valente-Reynoso have each been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and possessing firearms to further their trafficking operation. Banks received a sentence of 13 years and eight months, while Valente-Reynoso was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Federal officials said the sentencing was part of a significant federal case where both defendants were charged with possessing drugs, including fentanyl and other controlled substances, with the intent to distribute. Advertisement Advertisement Fentanyl is one of the most lethal drugs our country has ever faced, Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, said in a statement. When traffickers choose to deal this poison while carrying firearms, they amplify the threat to our neighborhoods and to law enforcement. This federal sentence removes a dangerous individual from our streets. TRENDING STORIES: According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On Aug. 23, 2022, Valente-Reynoso, an illegal migrant from Mexico, sold 536 fentanyl pills outside a gas station in Clayton County, Ga. Advertisement Advertisement Following this deal, members of law enforcement said they stopped his attempt to sell 5,000 fentanyl pills at a church parking lot, during which they arrested Valente-Reynoso. He was found with 4,000 fentanyl pills and 1,000 counterfeit Xanax pills, as well as Banks, who was armed with a loaded handgun. A search of Banks home led investigators to more fake Xanax pills, blue fentanyl pills, oxycodone, cocaine and several large bags of marijuana. Agents also found another loaded handgun and three rifles, including a short-barreled machine gun. Banks pleaded guilty on Oct. 9, 2025. In addition to his 13 years, eight month sentence, he will also serve four years of supervised release upon release from federal prison. Valente-Reynoso pleaded guilty prior to his conviction on Jan. 31, 2023. His sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The potential cooperation between the two countries and Eliyahu's visit will emphasize "shared values and respect for religious and cultural heritage." Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu (Otzma Yehudit) will visit North Macedonia as part of his efforts to strengthen international diplomatic ties through interfaith dialogue, heritage, and culture. The invitation came at the tail end of Eliyahu's meeting earlier this week with North Macedonia's ambassador to Israel, Mr. Shpend Sadiku, at the Knesset to discuss potential cooperation between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the meeting, Eliyahu accepted Sadiku's invitation to visit North Macedonia as an official guest of the government. The potential cooperation between the two countries and Eliyahu's visit will emphasize "shared values and respect for religious and cultural heritage." Israel and North Macedonia established diplomatic relations on December 7, 1995, and have maintained strong ties since. The flags of North Macedonia and Israel; (Illustrative) (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK) Israel sends medical delegation to North Macedonia after deadly fire In March 2025, a medical delegation from Sheba Medical Center traveled to North Macedonia after 59 people were killed in a nightclub fire. The delegation included doctors, nurses, burn and orthopedic specialists, and Israels non-resident ambassador to North Macedonia, Simona Frankel. Advertisement Advertisement Israel stands with the Macedonian people in these difficult moments following the nightclub fire disaster, said Frankel. The departing medical delegation will do its utmost to assist local medical teams in treating the injured and mitigating the severe impact on the local healthcare system as it deals with a mass casualty event. Reuters and The Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. Jan. 10MORGANTOWN There are major changes coming to Hazel's House of Hope the hotel-turned social services hub at 20 Scott Ave. Some of them are already there. Physically, more than $1.6 million in congressionally directed tax dollars will be tapped to finance two major facility improvements slated to wrap up this summer. Earlier this week, March-Westin got to work on a complete overhaul of the building's main entrance, transforming an old hotel lobby into a proper welcoming center complete with an elevator lift to the second floor ballroom. Advertisement Advertisement Other components included in this phase of work which is being supported through a $1, 194, 000 earmark from Sen. Shelley Moore Capito's office will include a generator, new paint and windows for the building's exterior and resurfaced parking and drive lanes surrounding the 100, 000-plus square-foot facility. Additionally, Morgantown Community Resources, the nonprofit that owns the former Ramada Inn and 10-acre campus, is initiating the bid process for an expansion of the building's footprint to house more robust day room offerings. A $500, 000 earmark secured by former Sen. Joe Manchin is supporting that work. "After June, this place is going to look entirely different, " Hazel's House of Hope Director of Operations Jessica Thompson said. Beyond the bricks and mortar, Thompson's title represents a seachange in how the facility is being managed day to day. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties issued a press release explaining it had entered into a contract with MCR to assume daily management of Hazel's House of Hope (H3). The same announcement explained Thompson had been hired to run the facility. In addition to 20 years in criminal justice, and as part of five years in the nonprofit housing sector, Thompson previously worked for Catholic Charities West Virginia. When CCWV took over operations of the H3 emergency shelter from Bartlett House in late 2024, Thompson was tapped to be the shelter's director. She left that position in July, While the agreement between United Way and MCR was officially announced on Jan. 7, it's been in place since October. Thompson's first day was Oct. 20. According to the press release, MCR will remain actively involved in capital improvement projects and fundraising efforts, "but saw the need to have actual 'boots on the ground' to develop and manage towards long-term strategic goals of this one-of-a-kind facility ..." As for what MCR is paying the United Way for these services, that's currently being hidden behind a confidentiality clause in the contract signed by the nonprofits. Advertisement Advertisement The Dominion Post was not able to obtain that information in time for this report. Thompson explained her new role is all encompassing and includes everything from acting as a liaison between MCR and the service provider tenants, to managing the on-site transitional housing units, to working with outside vendors, to attracting additional agencies and finalizing occupancy agreements for the remaining project-ready space within the building. "I am looking at bringing more agencies in. I have a whole second floor that just got demoed down to the studs, so it's ready for a buildout for anybody that would want to move their offices or their programs, or have a satellite office up here. We can do that, " Thompson said. "We are getting ready to also offer some of the rooms up here (4th floor) as studio apartments, transitional apartments, for those working their way into a permanent residence." She said the vision of Hazel's House of Hope is to be a one-stop resource center. Advertisement Advertisement On that front, there's still work to do. "It is and it isn't. We're not complete. There's definitely some other components of social services that I would love to be able to get up here, " Thompson said. "Even if it's not a permanent site for them. I want to incorporate things like legal aid, potentially having somebody from DMV, DHHR, Workforce West Virginia, the Fairmont Morgantown Housing Authority to be on site specific days, even if it's one day per month. I want to give them access to the building to meet with clients. I think it would be very beneficial not only just for the clients, but staff and the organizations too, to develop that line of communication." Thompson said a full-time facilities maintenance employee has been brought on board. Further, she said 24 /7 security has been on site since late August. As was reported, MCR hired a private security firm in response to increased foot and vehicle traffic as well as concerns over possible drug activity on and around the H3 campus. Advertisement Advertisement "I believe that's been taken care of. The campus is pretty calm now. They do patrols around, random patrols around the property to make sure everything is on par and we don't have things like people staying in the pavilion at night ...They are in the building. We've had requests, especially at nighttime, 'Can you walk me to my car ?' They will do that if someone doesn't feel comfortable, " she said. "We haven't had any issues since I've been here, and it's nice to be able to look out and not see tents popping up and different things like that." Asked if a plan first floated in late 2024 to potentially build as many as 30 tiny warming shelters on H3 property was still being considered, Thompson said it is. At the time, MCR was working with Mills Group, which donated a preliminary site plan envisioning the structures on property MCR would provide to the project's coordinator presumably the city "at virtually no cost." "That is still in discussion. I actually had a meeting with the city this week and that was part of our discussion as far as a future, strategic five-year plan, " Thompson said. Humpback whales occasionally swim to boats as if curious about their human occupants. It's a behavior described as mugging. But on Saturday off San Diego, a humpback whale seemed more curious about a furry rescue dog named Fin and vice versa. Fin enjoying visit by curious whale. The accompanying footage, captured by Gone Whale Watching San Diego, shows Fin enthusiastically greeting a humpback whale that surfaced just feet from the vessels bow. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Footage shows gray whale passing within feet of astonished surfers Dominic Biagini, owner of the company, stated via Instagram: Watching my dog fall in love with whales has been one of the great joys of my life! The heartwarming interaction occurred after Jess Aubry, a Gone Whale Watching San Diego captain, encountered a large pod of humpback whales during a five-hour excursion. Biagini traveled to the location with his partner, Erica Sackrison, and Fin. Sackrison commented via Instagram: Whos watching who? Aubury remarked: That tail is going a mile a minute. One follower observed that Fin seems to be the boat's only occupant. Advertisement Advertisement Fin, a mixed yellow lab/golden retriever, was rescued by Biagini near the U.S.-San Diego border. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Rescue dog greeted by whale in heartwarming encounter off San Diego Individuals named Avshalom are often perceived as charismatic and compelling, with natural leadership qualities that draw others to them. They tend to possess a strong sense of justice and may be driven by deep convictions, though this can sometimes manifest as stubbornness or an unwillingness to compromise when they believe they are right. The name carries an inherent tension between its peaceful meaning and the biblical figure's rebellious nature, suggesting someone who values harmony but may struggle with authority or established systems they perceive as unjust. These individuals often exhibit magnetic personalities with a blend of idealism and practical ambition, capable of inspiring loyalty in followers while sometimes creating conflict with those in positions of power. Their complexity makes them fascinating figures who often leave significant impacts on their communities and relationships. The name suggests a person who is both peace-loving and potentially revolutionarysomeone who seeks to create better systems but may challenge existing structures in the process. This duality can make Avshaloms both admired and controversial figures in their social and professional circles. At least 300 demonstrators gathered to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Trump administration at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Pearl Street on Jan. 10. The Eugene demonstration was one of more than 1,000 anti-ICE protests this weekend, following the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7. Two more individuals were shot by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents in Portland on Jan. 8. The two injured in Portland were suspected members of the Tren de Aragua Venezuelan gang, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Protester gather near the Federal Building in Eugene against ICE activities in the United States on Jan. 10, 2026. Eugene residents who attended were outraged by Good's death and the response from the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Glenn Mittermann, a lawyer and former professor at UO, said Good's death was one more instance that demonstrated the Trump administration's disregard for legality. "As a lawyer, I find it all repulsive," Mittermann said. "That's not the way law enforcement should act. For the most part, the police in Eugene, we have really good police officers here. They understand that, they behave in a responsible way. We need them. But the way ICE is behaving, it's not at all in line with decent police practice." Jonathan Ross has been identified as the ICE agent who shot Good, according to USA TODAY reporting. Ross was involved with an incident in June when he was dragged 100 yards down the street after punching through the rear window of a car while attempting to apprehend a Mexican citizen driving the vehicle. Vice President JD Vance said Ross is "a little sensitive about being rammed by an automobile" after that incident. Mittermann argued he shouldn't have been on the street in January. Advertisement Advertisement "He has a gun, and he has the (power) to kill people, and with that comes incredible responsibility," Kelby Alloway, another protester, said. "If the administration can justify and defend killing a white, middle-class, liberal woman, they can defend killing anyone. This sets a precedent that if you are in a vehicle around ICE, it's a matter of chance, whether that officer had a bad day decides whether you go home or not." Alloway called for city and state officials to take action to protect residents. He said "monitoring the situation closely" and "strongly condemning" are synonymous with doing nothing. "Val Hoyle is complicit in this. Ron Wyden is complicit in this. Tina Kotek is complicit in this, as well as all the ones that came before them," Alloway said. "Democrats need to come out and actually say what's happening. At this point, (ICE) is a terrorist organization. They are genuinely inflicting terror on my neighbors, sending them to God knows where, holding facilities in Tacoma and in California." In Oregon, more than 1,000 people were detained by ICE from July to the end of 2025, according to the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition. In Lane County, there's been documentation of detentions in Eugene, Springfield and Cottage Grove. Advertisement Advertisement "ICE Out for Good" in Eugene drew attendees from across Lane County and the state. Sine Gaylord, who lives in Newport, was in town visiting friends and decided to join Saturday's protest. Gaylord donned a vibrant, inflatable unicorn costume and hoisted a surfboard painted with the words "What can we build together?" Gaylord was happy to see the turnout in Eugene on Saturday. They said they regularly participate demonstrations at Newport, sometimes protesting on their own. "Being silent is the greatest assistance we can give to the oppressors," Gaylord said. "To me, speaking out and being there is important. It let's people who are driving by know that they're not alone." Advertisement Advertisement This story was updated to meet our standards. Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on X @mirandabcyr. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Hundreds gather for anti-ICE protest in downtown Eugene Ryan Kriegshauser appears at a June 21, 2024, meeting of the State Objections Board to defend Kyler Sweely from concerns about his residency in a state House race. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) What happened after a judge expressed displeasure with the presence of ICE agents in her municipal courtroom last month was yet another sign that our democracy is fraying. But it wasnt the judge at fault. It was the heavy-handed response from the states top federal prosecutor, who accused the judge of improper conduct and warned city employees not to interfere with or even disparage federal immigration officers. Advertisement Advertisement You may have missed this story from Manhattan, Kansas, because it broke on New Years Eve, when many of us were celebrating the death of 2025. Barely three days later, we sobered up to the news that our military had struck Venezuela to snatch an alleged drug criminal and his wife and import them to the United States. But the judicial dustup that began at the Municipal Court building on Colorado Street in the Little Apple may say more about American democracy at ground level than the Maduro affair. On Dec. 4, Magistrate Judge Sarah Smith Barr paused her opening remarks in a hearing against a woman accused of DUI and leaving the scene of an accident to look at the ICE agents and tell them they should not be there. Thats according to reporting by the Manhattan Mercury, which quoted a letter to the city from Ryan Kriegshauser, the U.S. attorney for Kansas. From the reporting, it was unclear how Barr knew the pair were with ICE. Advertisement Advertisement The plainclothes agents followed the woman out of the courtroom and arrested her in a hallway after the hearing, the letter said. Barr identified the pair as ICE agents to the 20 to 25 people remaining in the courtroom. Kriegshausers letter accused Barr of improperly injecting political overtones into the proceeding and said her remarks were inappropriate and potentially dangerous, according to the newspaper. Suggesting ICE agents had no business attending municipal court hearings was improper, the letter said. It was within the discretion of agents to attend public court hearings in seeking lawful arrests and removal of illegal aliens. The letter did not name the woman whom the ICE agents arrested. The Mercury noted there was no record of what was said in the courtroom at the time of the hearing and that Barr declined comment. The paper also examined the court docket for Dec. 4. It listed 53 individuals, but none was a woman charged with drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Neither the court nor Kriegshausers office would identity the woman, the newspaper said. Advertisement Advertisement Barr did not respond to a message from me asking about the hearing. But assuming Kriegshausers letter is accurate, Barrs action falls short of what judges in other states have been disciplined for. A Wisconsin judge who had helped a Mexican migrant dodge ICE agents by allowing her to slip out through a side door was found guilty of obstruction last month. A Massachusetts judge who was accused of helping a migrant evade ICE in 2018 was the subject of a federal indictment and a state ethics complaint. Federal prosecution of state or local judges is rare, and when it does happen its typically been associated with bribery. A bribery scandal rocked the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 1965, for example, set off by a confession from the former chief justice, imprisoned for tax evasion, that he and others had taken bribes amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars for the past 25 years. In the era of Trump, attention has been redirected to activist judges, especially in states where sanctuary laws are in tension with federal immigration policies. But Kansas is not a sanctuary state. In 2022, a law aimed by the Legislature at the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas Citys Safe and Welcoming City Act went into effect, banning sanctuary cities statewide. During the first Trump administration, immigration agents started making arrests at courthouses, which had been long recognized, along with churches and other sacred areas, as protected spaces. Courthouse arrests were again prohibited under the Biden administration, but after Trump took office for his second term, in January 2025, Department of Homeland Security policy on courthouses was steadily rolled back, although a federal injunction kept some restrictions on places of worship. Local ICE field offices may now use their discretion to conduct immigration enforcement in and around courthouses. Advertisement Advertisement Thus, many ICE arrests are made at immigration courts across the country, including in Kansas City, Missouri, where individuals are detained and then deported after showing up for what they believe is a routine immigration hearing. Although migrants are guaranteed due process by the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to conduct lightning deportations largely unfettered by concerns about rights or racial profiling. With a budget of $28 billion, ICE is now the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the U.S. government. The weight of this massive immigration enforcement machine was felt in Judge Barrs municipal courtroom in December when the pair of ICE agents appeared. The agency is fond of courthouse captures because the location of their targets is known with a high degree of confidence and, because of security at courthouses, few are likely to carry weapons. The problem is that courtrooms are meant to be safe and impartial places. The presence of ICE agents at a hearing they are not a part of introduces the very element of political overtones for which Kriegshauser criticized Barr. It would spark a range of emotions, from approval to fear, likely to disrupt the decorum of the court, if not derail the intended purpose of the proceeding. For that reason alone, Barr was correct in objecting. The judge apparently did not obstruct agents by attempting to hustle the defendant out a side door or otherwise interfere with the arrest. To note ones professional and ethical displeasure, as Barr did, is not disparagement. The message Kriegshauser sent with his letter was a warning to shut up or else. Advertisement Advertisement The question of justice in a free society is, by necessity, eternally unanswered. To ask the nature of justice is to admit that there is still injustice to be addressed. Attempting to define justice is the realm of philosophers who have devoted careers to exploring the weave of democracy, justice and free societies. If a just society requires a strong sense of community, Michael J. Sandel writes in his 2009 book about justice, it must find a way to cultivate into citizens a concern for the whole, a dedication to the common good. What has eroded in the 17 years since Sandels Justice: Whats the Right Thing to Do? is this concern for the common good. I suspect it has to do with our increasing inability to grasp the important but abstract ideas that have driven American cultural life and domestic policy since the end of World War II. Thinking about justice is hard work. Just try to imagine justice. Advertisement Advertisement No, seriously. Take a moment, close your eyes, and attempt to imagine what justice looks like. If youre of a creative bent you might explore whether justice has a sound or a texture. Taste or smell? Sure, why not. But no cheating. Youre not allowed to recall a symbol for justice, such as the famous blindfolded lady with a scale in one hand and a sword in the other. Can you do it? Thinking about abstract nouns can give you the equivalent of an ice cream headache. Yet justice is so essential to democracy that its something we all should be thinking about right now. The life work of political philosopher John Rawls was linking justice to fairness in a free society, and while we might not have a clear idea about justice, we all know in our gut when something is fair. As a country, we are now engaged in a great struggle over fairness at nearly every level of the public arena. When I try to imagine justice and fairness I get a feeling. Advertisement Advertisement Its the feeling I get every time I enter a courthouse as a journalist to witness a proceeding. It could be a criminal case where somebodys on trial for their life, a civil matter where a marriage or a fortune will be decided, or a minor action involving a speeding ticket. Its not that Im naive enough to believe that courts are perfectly just or that institutions are infallible. No, that feeling of civic reverence that stirs within me is a recognition of the constitutional principles upon which our judicial system is founded, the attempt by imperfect people judges and lawyers and juries to aspire to a perfect ideal. I have watched plenty of trials in which justice was more or less served, a few in which it was denied, and just one or two in which I thought the result could not have been more fair. Thats about as close to true justice as we can get in the real world. Perhaps the most difficult part of believing in a fair and just America is reconciling the aspiration with the reality. People are fallible. Reason and mercy sometimes fail us. Bad laws are passed and oppressive policies enacted. But there is always hope for a correction, as long as there are people willing to speak up and take action. It took guts for Barr to say what she did. Advertisement Advertisement Courtrooms should not serve as part of the mass deportation machine. But theres another reason to keep ICE out of our courtrooms, and thats the chilling effect that agents might have on the willingness of individuals to report crimes or agree to be witnesses. If youre an undocumented migrant and youre being beaten by your partner, wouldnt you think twice about calling the police if you know deportation awaits at the courthouse door? Barr, who graduated from the Washburn University School of Law at Topeka and whose grandfather was attorney general of Kansas and on the Kansas Supreme Court, could make a better argument for the sanctity of courtrooms. I suspect she will when the time is right. Kriegshauser, a Trump nominee who has been U.S. attorney for Kansas since July and confirmed by the Senate on Dec. 19, sent his warning letter to Manhattans city manager and commissioners. He said his office is investigating to determine whether Manhattan is a sanctuary jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake, my office will take all necessary steps to enforce federal law as needed, his letter said. But equal access to the courts is a fundamental principle. Allowing ICE agents to troll courthouses even municipal courthouses which hear the most minor of offenses creates a situation in which access is denied entire classes of people. Yes, courtrooms must remain open to the public. But the agents, unlike journalists and other audience members, were not there as observers. They were there as government actors. The courtroom is the civil cathedral of American government. It should be a place of reverence and a sanctuary from injustice. Of all of our institutions, it must avoid the taint of political influence to keep the trust of the people, for the power of the courts in a free society comes from the trust of the governed. Our trust has been tested time and again in the past year by high court decisions that appear contrary to the ideal of the common good. We must steel ourselves to frustration and keep the flame of a just America burning in our hearts. The sanctity of American courtrooms must be preserved as a matter not only of justice, but of fairness. The notion that judges should not disparage federal immigration agents for shattering the sanctity of our most sacred civic space is dangerous to a functioning democracy. Max McCoy is an award-winning author and journalist. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. After a federal immigration officer fatally shot a Minneapolis woman who appeared to be trying to drive past the officer in her car, questions have arisen about the rights of people who are being increasingly confronted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on city streets. Renee Nicole Good, 37, was shot blocks from her home Wednesday when ICE officers told to get out of her car. She refused and was starting to drive away when an officer near the front of her vehicle fired gunshots into it at point-blank range. Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Good "attacked" the officer and was engaged in "domestic terrorism" but provided no evidence. President Donald Trump said Good "viciously ran over the ICE officer," a claim contradicted by video footage. Since the Supreme Court's Dec. 23 ruling that barred Trump from sending National Guard troops to Chicago, the president has halted his deployments of federal forces to Los Angeles, Portland, Ore., and other cities. But he says they'll be back, which raises questions about the rights and obligations of everyday people who encounter federal officers. Here is a look at the laws guiding how immigration agents are allowed to interact with the public, and those they suspect of immigration law violations. Can you be arrested for protesting ICE? Not for peaceful protests that do not interfere with immigration enforcement. Protesters can be arrested for violence against government officers, destruction of property or acts of obstruction, such as blocking the path of an officer's vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement While law enforcement officers are entitled to use force when necessary, they are not immune from prosecution for unjustified acts of force. In September, before Trump backed off from his previously announced "surge" of federal forces in San Francisco, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said she was prepared to bring criminal charges under state law against any ICE agent or federal officer who used excessive force. "If the agents cross the bounds of the law then I have an obligation as the district attorney to ensure that they're held accountable," Jenkins told the Chronicle. Can you legally film ICE agents on the street? Yes, according to every federal appeals court that has considered the issue. The First Amendment is generally understood to protect people's rights to film in public. And a 2015 California law prohibits police from charging people with obstruction for filming officers' activity that takes place in public. Advertisement Advertisement "Some of the videos can be effective in showing abuses," said Kevin Johnson, an immigration law professor at UC Davis. But Noem, whose agency oversees ICE officers in the Trump administration, says filming the officers is both illegal and dangerous. "Videotaping them where they're at when they're out on operations" is "encouraging other people to come and to throw things, rocks, bottles," Noem told reporters in July. A month earlier, ICE agents had grabbed and tackled a man who was using his phone to film an immigration raid in Los Angeles. He was released the next day and has sued the government. Does ICE have authority over U.S. citizens? "Once they know you are a citizen, they have no authority over you," said Bill Hing, a University of San Francisco immigration law professor. But "if a citizen interferes with ICE work, then the citizen needs to follow orders to get out of the way" to avoid being charged with obstructing law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement In multiple cities where the federal government has conducted aggressive immigration enforcement operations, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., prosecutors have accused people of assaulting or hindering federal officers, only to see those cases crumble under scrutiny or be dismissed. Many of those cases also revealed that federal officers lied about the circumstances that led to protestors' arrests. Can immigration agents stop and question people based on how they look and speak and where they're seen working? That's not completely clear, despite a Supreme Court ruling in September that allowed ICE agents in Los Angeles to arrest people they suspected of being undocumented immigrants because they looked Hispanic, were heard speaking Spanish or English with a Spanish accent, and were spotted working at low-paying jobs like car washes. The only member of the court's 6-3 majority to expressly endorse those standards was Justice Brett Kavanaugh, while the other five simply allowed the arrests to resume while a racial-profiling lawsuit was being heard in lower courts. And Kavanaugh, in last month's ruling in the Chicago case, said immigration officers stationed away from the border can't stop someone solely because of their "race or ethnicity" but must have grounds for "reasonable suspicion of illegal presence." Conduct that creates a "reasonable suspicion of illegal presence" might consist of presenting a false ID, running away when agents approach or associating with known smugglers of undocumented immigrants. Noncitizens in the United States have constitutional rights, however, and, according to most judicial rulings, cannot be arrested solely because of their appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Still, said Pratheepan Gulasekaram, an immigration law professor at the University of Colorado, "millions of citizens share the characteristics of the stereotypical unlawfully present person that ICE agents have in their mind," and many have been detained under the current policy. What can you do if an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent stops you on the street or knocks on your door? You can ask for identification, which an officer must show upon request. If none is provided, you can walk away. Otherwise, you still have the right to remain silent. And you can ask for an attorney, and refuse to speak until legal counsel is provided. If you answer the officer's questions, anything you say could later be used against you in court. The American Civil Liberties Union, in its "Know Your Rights" primer, advises people to stay calm. Don't run, argue, resist or obstruct an officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated, and keep your hands where the officer can see them. If you are a noncitizen, can you protect yourself in advance of being stopped? If you are 18 or older, you can carry your immigration papers with you at all times, and show them to an agent who asks to see them. If you are asked for your papers and don't have them with you, you can tell the officer you want to remain silent or consult a lawyer before answering any questions. Advertisement Advertisement You cannot be searched unless you consent, or unless the officer has a basis for concluding that a search will produce evidence of illegal presence or criminal activity. What can you do if ICE officers come to your home? You don't have to let them in unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. Otherwise you can close the door and walk away. And it must be a judicial warrant. ICE agents have been known to present papers that are labeled warrants but are actually administrative documents, such as an I-200 "Arrest of Alien" warrant or an I-205 "Warrant of Removal/Deportation," which are produced by the agency and do not entitle the agent to enter your home. Do ICE officers need a warrant to stop and question you outside your home? Not if they have reasonable grounds to believe you are undocumented - for example, if you try to flee when the officer approaches you in a public place such as a street, park or store. But you can then ask the agent if you are free to leave, and, if not, can refuse to answer any questions without speaking to a lawyer. Can immigration agents conceal their identities with masks and face coverings? A new state law, Senate Bill 627 by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, which took effect Jan. 1, prohibits local and federal law enforcement officers in California, including ICE agents, from wearing masks on the job, with exceptions for undercover operations. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has sued to overturn the law, arguing that it violates federal authority over immigration enforcement. And Trump himself has publicly encouraged ICE officers to continue wearing masks to conceal their identities, regardless of state laws. In the wake of Wednesday's fatal shooting in Minnesota, Wiener has proposed new legislation, SB747, that would allow Californians to seek damages in state courts against federal officers who violate their constitutional rights. "If federal officers can shoot a woman in broad daylight and face no accountability, our rights are doing little to protect us" in federal courts, he said. In the meantime, said USF's Hing, "You should ask, Show me your identification'" if approached by someone claiming to be an immigration agent. "However, the best thing is to remain silent and calm." If ICE agents come to your workplace looking for you, will they be allowed in? Your employer could refuse to let them in without a warrant. Advertisement Advertisement As Gulasekaram of the University of Colorado told the Chronicle, "Employers who want to protect their employees - regardless of immigration status - should be demanding their full spectrum of Fourth Amendment rights (against unreasonable searches and seizures) before cooperating with federal agents. They are under no obligation to cooperate or make ICE's job easier." This article originally published at Can ICE arrest you? What the law says about agents' actions and protester rights. Right after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot Renee Good in her car in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning, people became internet sleuths to suss out the federal agents identity. In the social media videos of the shooting, ICE agents did not have their masks off, but people online spread images of a bare face. We need his name, one viral X post reads, along with an apparent image of an unmasked federal agents face. Tech: This Overlooked iPhone Setting Is Alarming People. Here's What Security Experts Want You To Do. There was just one big problem many of these photos of the agents face were being altered by artificial intelligence tools. Advertisement Advertisement The ICE agent who shot Good has now been identified by multipleoutlets as Jonathan Ross, but in the immediate aftermath, he looked like many different men, thanks to AI images flooding social media that reconstructed what he might look like unmasked. AIs job is to predict the most likely outcome, which will just be the most average outcome, said Jeremy Carrasco, a video expert who debunks AI videos on social media. So a lot of [the unmasked agent images] look just like different versions of a generic man without a beard. Thats by design. Even when computer scientists run facial recognition experiments under better testing conditions, AI reconstruction tools remain unreliable. In one study on forensic facial recognition tools, celebrities no longer looked like themselves when AI attempted to enhance and clarify their images. Read: When Having Your Face Recognized Is A Treacherous Liability AI-powered enhancement tools hallucinate facial details leading to an enhanced image that may be visually clear, but that may also be devoid of reality, said Hany Farid, a co-author of that AI enhancement study and a professor of computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. Advertisement Advertisement In this situation where half of the face [on the ICE agent] is obscured, AI or any other technique is not, in my opinion, able to accurately reconstruct the facial identity, Farid said. Be skeptical of posts from random social media accounts. Too many people shared unmasked images of a federal agent's face, even though they were AI-generated. Illustration: HuffPost; Photos: Getty And yet, so many people continue to use AI-generated image tools because it takes seconds to do so. Solomon Messing, an associate professor at New York University in the Center for Social Media and Politics, prompted Grok, the AI chatbot created by Elon Musk, to generate two images of the apparent federal agent without a mask, and got images of two different white men. Doing so did not even require signing in to access this service. These models are simply generating an image that makes sense in light of the images in its training data, they arent designed to identify someone, Messing said. Life: These Viral ICE Videos Are Actually AI And Thats Not Even the Most Disturbing Part AI keeps improving, but there are still telltale signs that youre looking at an altered image. In this case, Messing noted that in an AI image of the unmasked agent circulating on X, the skin looks a bit too smooth. The light, shading, and color all look a bit off. Advertisement Advertisement In one viral AI image of the agent on X, what stands out to me, first of all, is that [the AI version] opens his eyes wider, compared to how the agent looks in an eyewitness video, Carrasco said. And so it changed more than just whats below the mask. It also changed his eyebrows and below his eyes. Videos and photos can be powerful evidence of wrongdoing, but sharing AI-altered versions of incidents has long-term harmful repercussions. Researchers and journalists atBellingcat andThe New York Times have verification teams that know how to assess eyewitness videos and images coming from the Minnesota shooting, for example. These outlets have done the analysis to prove how these videos appear to contradict the Trump administrations allegations that Good attempted to run ICE agents over and commit domestic terrorism. Tech: Elon Musk's AI Is Generating ****** Images Of Women And Girls. Here's What To Do If It Happens To You. You really do need accredited news organizations who have verification departments to comb through this, because theyre going to go through the work of finding the original source, getting the original file, interviewing the person who took the video to make sure they were there, Carrasco said. Advertisement Advertisement But when people create and share AI-altered images of the shooting for their own personal investigations, it spreads misinformation and confusion, not truth. On Thursday, the Minnesota Star Tribune released a statement after people on social media incorrectly claimed that Goods shooter was the papers CEO and publisher: To be clear, the ICE agent has no known affiliation with the Star Tribune. To avoid sowing confusion in already stressful times, be skeptical of wild claims without sources. If youre watching a video of a police incident, listen for the AI accent because people in AI-altered videos will sound unnaturally rushed. Trust reputable news outlets over random social media accounts, and be careful about what you share. Or as the Star Tribune put it in its statement on the disinformation campaign against its publisher: We encourage people looking for factual information reported and written by trained journalists, not bots. Related... Read the original on HuffPost The IDF has begun a manhunt for the terrorist. An IDF soldier was moderately wounded as a result of terrorist gunfire during an operation in Nablus in the West Bank, the IDF announced on Sunday morning. The IDF has begun a manhunt for the terrorist. The soldier was taken to the hospital for medical care, and his family was notified. West Bank terrorist violence against the IDF has been a current reality in the territories. IDF troops shoot terrorist who tried to carry out ramming near Hebron A terrorist attempted to ram Nahal Brigade soldiers who were on patrol in the Harat al-Sheikh area of the West Bank, near Hebron, on Saturday. Israeli soldiers inspect the Shavei Shomron checkpoint after a Palestinian was killed near Deir Sharaf, west of the West Bank city of Nablus, November 12, 2024. (credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90) The soldiers responded with gunfire and killed him at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement No injuries to IDF troops were reported. The IDF said the details are still under investigation, and that "no clear data has been found to indicate that this was a deliberate terror attack." West Bank extremists burn Palestinian cars Israeli security forces detained three suspects at Shavei Shomron junction in Samaria in the West Bank on Thursday on suspicion of setting fire to four Palestinian vehicles with Molotov cocktails, the IDF reported. The suspects were among dozens of masked settlers who were said to have vandalized property in the area, it said. The IDF stated that a report was received of an attempted ramming attack against soldiers in the West Bank. A terrorist attempted to ram Nahal Brigade soldiers who were on patrol in the Harat al-Sheikh area of the West Bank, near Hebron, on Saturday. The soldiers responded with gunfire and killed him at the scene. No injuries to IDF troops were reported. The IDF said the details are still under investigation, and that "no clear data has been found to indicate that this was a deliberate terror attack." People examine cars damaged and vandalized by attackers in the Arab village of Ein Rafa, near Jerusalem, January 8, 2026 (credit: JAMAL AWAD/FLASH90) West Bank extremists burn Palestinian cars Israeli security forces detained three suspects at Shavei Shomron junction in Samaria in the West Bank on Thursday on suspicion of setting fire to four Palestinian vehicles with Molotov cocktails, the IDF reported. Advertisement Advertisement The suspects were among dozens of masked settlers who were said to have vandalized property in the area, it said. Two Palestinians were inside one of the vehicles when it was set alight. One managed to escape but was beaten with clubs by the settlers. They were evacuated for medical treatment and were in moderate condition, Israeli media outlets reported. Whenever I see convention visitors to Indianapolis, with shiny badges and telltale lanyards around their necks, I wonder how they view our city. These days, I am sure, they do not enjoy navigating sidewalks that are fenced off due to projects or traipsing through the dusty rubble that construction sites can produce. Gaping construction holes may be eyesores for visitors, but to those of us who live and work in Central Indiana these chasms represent our future projects that will infuse Indianapolis with new life. So each year IndyStar takes a look ahead to what projects will be opening in the next 12 months. As business reporter Alysa Guffey details in this Sundays print edition, many of the highest-profile developments coming to Indy this year will be hotels, including Indianapoliss first Kimpton property. And more are on the way; just a few hours after Alysas story posted online Wednesday, ground was broken for Indianapolis first-ever Ritz-Carlton, to be located across from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Advertisement Advertisement Alysa closely follows development not just downtown but throughout Central Indiana. Last month she profiled Keystone Group CEO Ersal Ozdemir, who has spearheaded multiple residential and hotel projects both downtown and in Hamilton County. Developers like Ozdemir are betting that Indianapolis will continue to be a convention powerhouse, especially with the new Signia Hotel that will open the door to hosting two conventions at once. Shari Rudavsky Local residents could shrug their shoulders and ask why should I care, but spend an afternoon or evening downtown when a convention or major sporting competition is in town and you can feel the energy on the streets increase. Alysa is well aware that Indianapolis is more than the Mile Square. A few months ago, she wrote a story about Reis Nichols building a new flagship store near the Fashion Mall at Keystone, a construction site that had piqued her curiosity as a resident. Based on the number of people who read the story, she wasn't the only one who was curious about the construction site. So the next time you see a business open or close or drive past a construction crane and wonder what it's about, please reach out to Alysa or me and invite us to explore. Advertisement Advertisement You can reach IndyStar local news editor Shari Rudavsky at srudavsky@gannett.com. Contact business reporter Alysa Guffey at amguffey@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyStar chronicles how development is changing Indianapolis A 51-year-old inmate was found dead this weekend at a Cumberland prison, marking the fifth death in Maryland custody since Dec. 1, authorities said. Maryland State Police are investigating the death of Larry Horton, an inmate at the North Branch Correctional Institution in Allegany County. Horton was found unresponsive in his cell shortly before 11:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and was pronounced dead by emergency medical services personnel at the prison, police said. State Police officials said Sunday that a suspect, also an inmate, has been identified but has not been publicly named pending charges. Advertisement Advertisement The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation after being notified by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit. State police crime scene technicians were also on scene Sunday, collecting evidence. This is the second death reported at North Branch within the last month, as another inmate was found unresponsive on Dec. 21. State officials said an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore will determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation into this latest inmate death remains active and once finished will be presented to the Allegany County States Attorneys Office for review. Have a news tip? Contact Emerging News Editor Brian Carlton at bcarlton@baltsun.com. BERLIN, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The principles of international law apply to everyone, including the United States, German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said on Sunday, in reference to President Donald Trump's threats to seize Greenland. "It is solely up to Denmark and Greenland to decide about Greenland's future. Territorial sovereignty and integrity must be respected," Klingbeil said ahead of his departure to Washington for a meeting of finance ministers from the Group of Seven advanced economies. A U.S. military seizure of the mineral-rich Arctic island from Denmark, a long-time ally, would send shockwaves through NATO and deepen the divide between Trump and European leaders. Advertisement Advertisement "We increase security in the Arctic together as NATO allies, not in opposition to one another," Klingbeil said. ACCESS TO CRITICAL MINERALS WILL BE G7 FOCUS Monday's G7 meeting will focus on access to critical minerals as Western countries seek to reduce their dependence on China given moves by Beijing to impose strict export controls on rare earths. Klingbeil said Germany has a strong interest in expanding international cooperation in this area in order to strengthen security of supply, reduce dependencies and ensure reliable economic framework conditions. "That is why it is important that we consult with our international partners and - wherever possible - act together," he said. Advertisement Advertisement China dominates the critical minerals supply chain, refining between 47% and 87% of copper, lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earths, according to the International Energy Agency. (Reporting by Maria Martinez, Editing by Miranda Murray) Investing.com -- Senior Iranian officials warned on Sunday that the national government would retaliate against U.S. military bases across the Middle East and Israel if Washington were to strike first. The warning came from Irans parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, after U.S. officials said the Trump administration was examining preliminary scenarios for striking Iranian military sites. Ghalibaf said Iran would respond not only by targeting American bases in the region, but also by hitting key Middle Eastern shipping lanes and Israel. The United States maintains major air and naval installations in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar, making them potential flashpoints in any escalation. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has previously demonstrated its willingness to strike U.S. facilities in the region, including an attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar last June following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Ghalibaf also raised the possibility of a pre-emptive Iranian strike, echoing remarks made by other senior officials in recent days. As parliamentary speaker, he ranks among Irans most powerful figures, behind only the supreme leader and the president. A former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, he retains close ties to the paramilitary force, lending additional weight to his warnings as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high. Ghalibafs comments came after the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. has been reviewing military options in response to President Donald Trumps repeated threats to intervene if Iran carries out a violent crackdown on protesters. Advertisement Advertisement According to officials cited by the WSJ, the discussions are preliminary and part of standard contingency planning, with no decision taken and no immediate action expected. Those conversations have included potential targets inside Iran. One option under consideration involves a broad aerial campaign against multiple Iranian military sites, according to one U.S. official. Another official emphasized that there is no consensus within the administration on a course of action and that no military assets or personnel have been repositioned in preparation for a strike. Trump reinforced his rhetoric over the weekend in a social media post, saying Iran was looking at freedom, perhaps like never before, and adding that the United States stands ready to help. The demonstrations, which have increasingly taken on the tone of a broader challenge to the Islamic Republic, turned deadlier over the weekend. The human rights group Human Rights Activists in Iran said at least 116 people have been killed so far, a figure that could rise as information continues to emerge despite restrictions on communication. Advertisement Advertisement Related articles Iran warns it will hit U.S. bases after report Trump is considering strikes These 2 stocks are best positioned to benefit from higher uranium prices: analyst JPMorgan outlines ten strategic themes that could shape the outlook for 2026 In contemporary Ireland, Baibre remains an exceptionally rare choice, typically selected by parents seeking a name that is both authentically Irish and distinctly uncommon. Its usage has seen a minor resurgence among families interested in reviving obscure Gaelic names, particularly in Irish-speaking communities and among diaspora populations seeking to reconnect with specific regional heritage. The name appears occasionally in birth registrations in Gaeltacht areas and among academic families with strong interests in Celtic studies. Its rarity makes it a statement of cultural commitment rather than a fashionable choice, and it's more likely to be encountered in artistic or scholarly circles than in general population. There are no significant popularity trends to report, as the name has never reached mainstream usage and remains a niche selection for those with specific cultural or linguistic motivations. Protests in Iran continued in the Islamic Republic, online videos purported to show, despite threats from the country's theocracy to crack down on demonstrators after shutting down the internet and cutting telephone lines off to the world. An external rights group that relies on information from contacts inside Iran said Saturday that at least 116 people have been killed in the protests, which began in Tehran in late December as anger over Iran's ailing economy, but quickly spread and morphed into the most significant challenge to the government in years. The protesters appeared to be taking encouragement from repeated declarations of support by the Trump administration, and by the country's exiled crown prince, who called on them to try and overwhelm security forces and seize towns and cities. Advertisement Advertisement Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused President Trump of having hands "stained with the blood of Iranians" in remarks aired Friday on Iranian state TV, as supporters gathered before him shouted "Death to America!" Protesters are "ruining their own streets ... in order to please the president of the United States," the 86-year-old Khamenei said to the crowd at his compound in Tehran. "Because he said that he would come to their aid. He should pay attention to the state of his own country instead." Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei comments on nationwide protests, on Iranian State Television in the capital Tehran, Jan. 9, 2026 / Credit: IRIB/Handout/Anadolu/Getty Iranian state TV is reporting on security force casualties while portraying control over the nation, without discussing dead demonstrators, whom it increasingly refers to as "terrorists." However, it also acknowledged protests went on into Sunday morning, with demonstrations in Tehran and in the holy city of Mashhad to the northeast. Khamenei has signaled a coming clampdown, despite U.S. warnings. Tehran escalated its threats Saturday, with the Iran's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warning that anyone taking part in protests will be considered an "enemy of God," a death-penalty charge. The statement carried by Iranian state television said even those who "helped rioters" would face the charge. Advertisement Advertisement "Prosecutors must carefully and without delay, by issuing indictments, prepare the grounds for the trial and decisive confrontation with those who, by betraying the nation and creating insecurity, seek foreign domination over the country," the statement read. "Proceedings must be conducted without leniency, compassion or indulgence." Trump issues fresh warnings to Iran's leaders Mr. Trump has repeatedly pledged to strike Iran if protesters are killed, a threat that has taken on greater significance after the U.S. military raid that seized Venezuela's former President Nicolas Maduro. He issued a message of support to protestors on Saturday afternoon. "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP," he wrote on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement A day earlier, Mr. Trump said that any possible American strike wouldn't "mean boots on the ground but that means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts." "Iran's in big trouble," Mr. Trump said. "It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago." He added, "I tell the Iranian leaders you better not start shooting because we'll start shooting too." In a brief social media post published in the very early hours of Saturday morning in Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said "the United States supports the brave people of Iran." Advertisement Advertisement Iranian regime warns protesters will be punished "without any legal leniency" Iran's judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei separately vowed that punishment for protesters "will be decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency." According to the Washington D.C.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which was founded by anti-regime activists, as of Saturday, the 14th day of unrest in Iran, at least 116 people had been killed, including at least 37 members of the security forces. More than 2,600 people had been arrested, and protests were recorded in at least 185 cities. The agency found that those who were killed died by live ammunition or pellet gunfire, predominantly from close range. Protesters are seen near burning vehicles amid evolving anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in a screengrab obtained from a social media video released on Jan. 9, 2026. / Credit: Social media via REUTERS (Social media via REUTERS) Iranian authorities shut down the internet on Thursday night as protests escalated sharply, seemingly as people heeded a call by the exiled crown prince, a vocal opposition figure, for Iranians to raise their voices against the regime. Iranian state media has shown only pro-government demonstrations. But the few social media videos that have made it through the internet blockade tell a different story. Advertisement Advertisement According to an update posted online Sunday morning local time by the monitoring organization NetBlocks, stated that the blackout "is now past the 60 hour mark as national connectivity levels continue to flatline around 1% of ordinary levels. The censorship measure presents a direct threat to the safety and wellbeing of Iranians at a key moment for the country's future." That communications blackout has made it incredibly difficult to gain a clear picture of the scale of the protests overall and the Iranian authorities' response to it. Some other reports put the death toll from unrest much higher, with TIME citing a doctor in Tehran as saying at least 217 people had been killed, for instance. Staff at three Iranian hospitals told CBS News partner BBC News that their facilities were overwhelmed by the number of dead and injured patients. BBC Persian verified that about 70 bodies were brought to Poursina Hospital in Rasht Friday night local time, but because the morgue was at full capacity, the bodies had to be taken away. Advertisement Advertisement A hospital worker in Tehran told BBC News there were so many wounded patients brought in that staff did not have time to perform CPR. Iranian authorities have acknowledged a few deaths, but usually only those of security forces. A doctor and medic at two hospitals in Iran told CBS News partner BBC News that their facilities were overwhelmed with injuries. The doctor said a Tehran eye hospital had gone into crisis mode, while the BBC also obtained a message from a medic in another hospital who said the facility did not have enough surgeons to handle the influx of patients. The medic claimed many of the wounded had gunshot injuries to the head and eyes. Asked by CBS News how seriously he believes Iran's autocratic rulers are taking the warnings from Mr. Trump not to kill protesters, Maziar Bahari, editor of the IranWire news website, said he was certain it had "really scared many Iranian officials, and may have affected their actions in terms of how to confront the protestors." Advertisement Advertisement "But at the same time ... it has inspired many protesters to come out, because they know that the leader of the world's main superpower is supporting their cause," said Bahari, who spent months in Iranian prisons after being arrested during a previous round of massive unrest in 2009. "Many people have called what is happening in Iran right now a revolution," Bahari told CBS News' Haley Ott. "And we can see different signs of revolution in Iran at the movement. But a revolution usually needs a leader for the revolution. But we don't have that leader." But while decades of draconian control over the media and the deliberate sidelining of dissident voices in the country have deprived Iran of a clear opposition figurehead inside the country's borders, many in the vast Iranian diaspora hope the nation's ousted royal family could stage a comeback. Online videos contradict state media Advertisement Advertisement Saturday marks the start of the work week in Iran, but many schools and universities reportedly held online classes, Iranian state TV reported. Internal Iranian government websites are believed to be functioning. State TV repeatedly played a driving, martial orchestral arrangement from the "Epic of Khorramshahr" by Iranian composer Majid Entezami, while showing pro-government demonstrations. The song, aired repeatedly during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran last year, honors Iran's 1982 liberation of the city of Khorramshahr during the Iran-Iraq war. It has been used in videos of protesting women cutting away their hair to protest the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini as well. Meanwhile, state television reported that "peace prevailed in most cities of the country" overnight, with "no news of any gathering or chaos in Tehran and most provinces." That was directly contradicted by an online video verified by the Associated Press that showed demonstrations in Tehran's Saadat Abad area. Thousands gathered in the street, and one man could be heard chanting "Death to Khamenei!" In this frame grab from video taken by an individual not employed by The Associated Press and obtained by the AP outside Iran shows people during a protest in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. / Credit: UGC via AP The semiofficial Fars news agency, believed to be close to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and one of the few media outlets able to publish to the outside world, released surveillance camera footage of what it said came from demonstrations in Isfahan. In it, a protester appeared to fire a long gun, while others set fires and threw gasoline bombs at what appeared to be a government compound. Advertisement Advertisement The Young Journalists' Club, associated with state TV, reported that protesters killed three members of the Guard's all-volunteer Basij force in the city of Gachsaran. It also reported a security official was stabbed to death in Hamadan province, a police officer was killed in the port city of Bandar Abbas, and another in Gilan, as well as one person was slain in Mashhad. State television also aired footage of a funeral service attended by hundreds in Qom, a Shiite seminary city just south of Tehran. Iran's theocracy cut off the nation from the internet and international telephone calls on Thursday, though it allowed some state-owned and semiofficial media to publish. Qatar's state-funded Al Jazeera news network reported live from Iran, but they appeared to be the only major foreign outlet able to work. Head of Iran's exiled royal family predicts his return is "very near" Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has been seen by many analysts as a galvanizing force behind the momentum of this round of protests. On Saturday, he called on Iranians not only to continue coming out into the streets, but to try to seize control of towns and cities from the authorities by overwhelming them. "Our goal is no longer just to take to the streets. The goal is to prepare to seize and hold city centers," Pahlavi said in his latest video message posted on social media, calling for more demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday." Striking an optimistic tone, Pahlavi declared that he was "preparing to return to my homeland," suggesting the day on which he would be able to do so was "very near." A protester holds a placard of Iranian opposition leader and son of the last Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, during a demonstration against the Iranian regime's crackdown on protests in central Paris, France, Jan. 4, 2026. / Credit: Blanca CRUZ/AFP/Getty But Pahlavi has lived in exile for nearly 50 years, and while he has long sought to position himself as a leader-in-waiting, it's far from clear how much real support he has inside the country. His father, Iran's Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was widely despised inside Iran when he fled into exile himself amid street protests in 1979, as the Islamic Revolution that brought the current regime to power took hold. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah in some protests, but it isn't clear whether that's support for Pahlavi himself or a desire to return to a time before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Video shows ICE officer's point of view, Renee Good's last words before being shot People mocked his mangled truck, until one man stepped up to help Senate votes to hang Jan. 6 plaque after yearslong stalemate TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Israel is closely monitoring the fallout from widespread Iranian protests, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, as U.S. President Donald Trumps threats to attack Iran could escalate the protests within the borders of the Islamic Republic into a regional war. The people of Israel, the entire world, are in awe of the tremendous heroism of the citizens of Iran, Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting. He condemned the killing of civilians and said he hoped to rebuild relations between Israel and Iran once the country was freed from the yoke of tyranny. Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke overnight Saturday about a number of issues, including Iran, according to an Israeli official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Advertisement Advertisement But Israels military said there are no new guidelines for civilians to stay close to bomb shelters due to concerns about an attack of Iranian missiles, as there have been in the past when there were concrete threats. The Israeli military said the protests in Iran are an internal Iranian matter, but that the military will be equipped to respond with power if need be. A former Israeli intelligence official said Israel is unlikely to instigate an attack against Iran, even though Israel could have an easy target as Iranian leadership is weakened and distracted by the protests roiling the country. From an Iranian standpoint, the last thing Iran wants to see is diverting their attention towards Israel, said Danny Citrinowicz, who once headed research on Iran in one of the Israeli military's intelligence branches and is now a senior researcher with the Israeli defense think tank the Institute for National Security Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Their priority, first and foremost, is to retrieve the calmness and stability in Iran." Neither side has an appetite for another war The current situation in Iran is so uncertain that Israel is likely to wait and see what will happen next, Citrinowicz said. He added that neither side has an appetite to start a new round of the 12-day war this past summer. The war began with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, saying it could not allow Tehran to develop atomic weapons and that it feared the Islamic Republic was close. Iran has long maintained that its program is peaceful. Israeli strikes on Iran killed 1,190 people and wounded another 4,475, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Irans missile barrages killed almost 30 people in Israel and wounded 1,000. Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Irans parliament speaker warned the U.S. military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes the Islamic Republic. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made the threat as lawmakers rushed the dais in the Iranian parliament, shouting: Death to America! Trump, who has posted a number of times on social media about Iran over the weekend, has a history of following through on threats to attack. Do not play games with President Trump. When he says hell do something, he means it, the State Department warned on Saturday. Citrinowicz said that an attack, either American or Israeli, could have the opposite impact on the protests, possibly even weakening the protests by fostering a sense of patriotism and uniting against a common enemy. The U.S. both brokered the ceasefire and assisted Israel during the Israel-Iran war this past summer, by dropping bunker-buster bombs on multiple Iranian nuclear sites a move that was crucial for Netanyahu to declare to the Israeli public that Israel had achieved its objectives against Irans nuclear program and accept Trump's truce. Advertisement Advertisement Israel doesnt want to meddle with an internal Iranian affair What Israel is really concerned with is ballistic missiles, and stuff like that, not what kind of regime is going to be in Iran, said Menahem Merhavy, an expert on Iran from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Unless theres something really dramatic happening with missiles, I dont see Israel stepping into this." And an Iranian attack against Israel would be a suicide note for the regime, Merhavy said, because there will be little outcry if Israel responds strongly against the Iranian leadership given the outcry over their hardhanded response to the protests. There are few tears that will be shed if, say, Israel kills the minister of foreign affairs, Merhavy said. Advertisement Advertisement He noted that Israel could help on the margins, like enabling internet access to certain individuals or leaders, but said even that is doubtful. Israel doesnt want to meddle with this. Its internally an Iranian matter, Merhavy said. Rubina Aminian, a 23-year-old student in Tehran, joined street protests against the Iranian regime after a day of classes on the textiles programme at Shariati College. If her social media profile is anything to go by, she did so full of optimism and joy. Videos show a young Kurdish woman in love with life: trying on jewellery and lipstick, blowing kisses to the camera. After joining the crowds straight from college on Thursday, she never made it home. By the weekend, her family was forced to bury her beside a deserted road. Advertisement Advertisement According to Iran Human Rights, she was shot at close range in the back of the head. When her parents travelled from their home in Kermanshah to Tehran to identify her body, they saw many other young people killed in similar ways, the group said. As Donald Trump continues to threaten military action if the regime kills protesters, evidence is mounting despite an internet blackout that it has been doing exactly that for days, with increasing determination and lethality since Thursday. This weekend, IranWire reported accounts from doctors and activists suggesting a hardening of policy by the regime in the middle of last week, marked by protesters being shot in the head and neck on Thursday and Friday nights. Advertisement Advertisement The report also cited an increase in accounts of security forces firing down at protesters from rooftops. Following a protest in the Qala Hassan Khan area of Tehran on Thursday, a single surgeon treated six patients shot in the head. None survived. Graphic footage circulated on social media on Sunday showed a family member holding the crushed metal fragments of a bullet extracted from the head of a loved one. Medics have described hospitals as overwhelmed with dead and wounded patients, and an eye hospital forced into crisis mode because of the number of people who had lost one or both eyes. Security forces are said to be firing pellets as well as live ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Footage also emerged on Sunday showing dozens body bags dumped on the roads outside the coroners office in Tehran. People were forced to identify their relatives outside, while others crowded around government screens showing the bloodied faces of those killed. The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) said on Sunday that unverified reports suggest more than 2,000 people may have been killed. It denounced the regimes sweeping crackdown as a mass killing and a major international crime against the people of Iran. Credit: Vahid/X At the same time, the regimes language has hardened, shifting its description of demonstrators from rioters to terrorists. Advertisement Advertisement The countrys attorney general has described the protests as an offence against God, which carries the death penalty in Iran. According to the Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, the regime is now treating the protests increasingly as a military problem rather than a law enforcement issue. This followed a statement issued on Saturday by the Artesh, Irans conventional army, vowing to protect national interests, strategic infrastructure and public property. Sporadic reporting from inside Iran suggests the intensity of repression in small towns and cities has been at least as severe if not more so than in major urban centres such as Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement The regime does not appear to be sparing young people. After one shooting at a demonstration in Najafabad, parents rushed to a nearby hospital to find the bodies of their children, according to a medical source. They took their children and buried them in the same clothes, the source said. They said they were martyrs and did not need a bath or shroud. Despite evidence of a sharp escalation in violence towards protesters, large crowds turned out in Tehran on Saturday night - MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images Protesters reportedly took control of some towns until a heavy military presence stifled demonstrations. According to BBC Persian, the army sent heavy reinforcements into the town of Lushan, posting sentries on every street and alleyway, making movement impossible and inspecting all passers-by. Advertisement Advertisement The same situation was reported in Chalus, which had seen large protests but has been under martial law since Saturday with a 6pm curfew. Security forces with machine guns have been stationed in all the streets, the report said. Despite evidence of a sharp escalation in violence towards protesters, huge crowds still turned out on Saturday night. On Sunday, Reza Pahlavi, Irans crown prince in exile, urged Iranians to continue, suggesting the regime was losing both the manpower and the will to sustain the crackdown. For the third consecutive night, you have severely weakened Khameneis repressive apparatus and his regime, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Reliable reports indicate the Islamic Republic is facing a severe shortage of mercenaries to confront the millions in the streets, and that many armed and security forces have abandoned their posts or disobeyed orders. Reza Pahlavi, Irans crown prince in exile, has urged Iranians to continue protests He called for another night of protests on Sunday, beginning at 6pm local time, but urged demonstrators to remain in large groups. Do not separate from one another or from the crowds; and do not take side streets that could endanger your lives. Evidence suggests the repression continues even after death. When Rubina Aminians parents reached Tehran, they were initially told they would not be permitted to take their daughters body home, according to Iran Human Rights. Advertisement Advertisement They eventually persuaded authorities to release her body, but on returning to the far west of the country found their house surrounded by intelligence agents. When they approached mosques to request a burial ceremony, they were told such services had been forbidden. Rubina was eventually buried beside a road between Kermanshah and Kamyaran. A source close to the family described her as a young woman full of joy for life and passionate about fashion and clothing design, whose dreams were buried by the violent repression of the Islamic Republic. 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. It is possible that the current regime falls and is replaced by one led by the Revolutionary Guards, he said. The more unrest intensifies inIran, the harder it will be for the regime to launch missiles toward Israel, former Israeli Navy chief, V.-Adm. (res.) Eliezer Marom told 103 FM on Sunday. Most of their missiles use liquid fuel, and you cannot launch them from underground depots, he said. They have to move into the field, and that requires a fairly large convoy, including launchers and significant quantities of fuel. Advertisement Advertisement He added that movement on Irans roads is challenging, particularly amid internal conflict. It is hard to move without encountering flashpoints, he said. It then becomes difficult to launch from open areas. This makes it easier for the Americans to act on the matter. US targets may be a higher priority than Israel According to Marom, Israel may not be Irans primary focus in the event of a missile attack. Eliezer (Eli) Marom (''Chayni'') attends a joint meeting of the State Control Committee and the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on July 29, 2024 (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90) Not necessarily Israel, he said. They will certainly want to launch toward US military bases in the Middle East. Asked how the United States should support Iranian protesters, Marom said the most significant concern should be Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Advertisement Advertisement It is possible that the current regime falls and is replaced by one led by the Revolutionary Guards, he said. After a regime collapse, there is always chaos, especially when no single leader unites the rebels. The crown prince is not exactly the leader of this revolution. Its not like with Khomeini, when power was immediately transferred to him. That is not happening. Potential for Syria-like scenario Marom warned that the aftermath of a regime collapse in Iran could mirror the situation in Syria. Consider how much weaponry and how many capabilities Iran has that endanger us, he said. Im not sure were heading toward a regime that is all sweetness and light; a full democracy, and so on. Its not clear whether the regime will fall, but if it does, it may resemble Syria. We need to ensure that large quantities of weapons dont fall into the hands of those who might emerge as the sole rulers. Skepticism over US intentions Marom expressed doubt regarding US threats and declarations about confronting Iran. Advertisement Advertisement I dont think action is imminent, he said. We know Trump. He threatened Hamas, and nothing happened. In Venezuela, too, the situation remains unresolved. He moved Maduro from his place, but not a single American is in Venezuela right now. Israel should prioritize Lebanon, not Iran Turning to Israel, Marom cautioned against rushing into conflict with Iran and said there were more urgent threats closer to home. Israel will not allow any monster to develop beyond its borders, he said. Thats how we operate in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. In the broader context, if we are to confront Iran, it would be better to first deal with Lebanon, and only afterward with Iran. At the same time, Marom pointed to a global issue that he believes is being overlooked. Advertisement Advertisement Behind the scenes, a storm is raging that no one is paying attention to, that is, the global struggle over oil, he said. What happened in Caracas is part of that battle. It started in Venezuela and continued with Irans shadow fleet. The Americans are increasingly seizing tankers flying the Russian flag. He warned that the situation carries enormous explosive potential and noted that it intersects with tensions over artificial intelligence between the US and China. Jan 11 (Reuters) - Israel is on high alert for the possibility of any U.S. intervention in Iran as authorities there confront the biggest anti-government protests in years, according to three Israeli sources with knowledge of the matter. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in recent days and warned Irans rulers against using force against demonstrators. On Saturday, Trump said the U.S. stands ready to help. The sources, who were present for Israeli security consultations over the weekend, did not elaborate on what Israels high-alert footing meant in practice. Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June, in which the U.S. joined Israel in launching airstrikes. Advertisement Advertisement In a phone call on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention in Iran, according to an Israeli source who was present for the conversation. A U.S. official confirmed the two men spoke but did not say what topics they discussed. Israel has not signalled a desire to intervene in Iran as protests grip the country, with tensions between the two arch-foes high over Israeli concerns about Irans nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. In an interview with the Economist published on Friday, Netanyahu said there would be horrible consequences for Iran if it were to attack Israel. Alluding to the protests, he said: Everything else, I think we should see what is happening inside Iran." (Reporting by Rami Ayyub and Maayan Lubell; Editing by William Mallard) Police began their investigation after the suspect made a post on social media featuring the slogan "This is jihad - victory or martyrdom." A dentist from east Jerusalem was arrested on Thursday for social media posts praising Hamas and inciting violence, Israel Police announced. Police began their investigation after the suspect made a post on social media featuring the slogan "This is jihad - victory or martyrdom." Over the course of their investigation, they discovered other materials supporting terrorism and inciting violence, shared by the suspect on social media or saved on his mobile phone. Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, age 45, was arrested by police detectives on Thursday and brought to the station. He was then taken to the Magistrate's Court in Jerusalem on Friday, where his detention was extended until January 12 for continued investigation. Knesset Health Committee chair: 'This is not a new phenomenon' "The shocking reports about the doctor who was arrested today after identifying with and expressing support for terrorism are a painful reminder of a reality that we must not accept," Knesset Health Committee chair Limor Son Har-Melech stated about the arrest. "Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon or isolated cases, but a deep blemish that has infiltrated our health care system under the cover of silence and inclusion." Har-Melech said that she convened a discussion on doctors within the Israeli health system who support terrorism. "We will demand clear answers: how did we reach this situation, and how does the State of Israel intend to act to permanently remove anyone who undermines our existence?" NEW YORK When Mayor Zohran Mamdani tapped Kamar Samuels to lead New York Citys public schools, the chancellor couldve expected his new gig would involve putting out fires metaphorically. Intsead, two five-alarm fires broke out in the Bronx and Queens on the first couple of days of classes after the winter break. The blazes sent displaced families seeking shelter in nearby public schools, and thrust Samuels into the daunting task of comforting parents and their children on what may well have been the worst days of their lives. All on his first week on the job. In an exclusive interview with The New York Daily News as he shuttled between a Corona preschool and the Ridgewood school where families found refuge on Tuesday, Samuels reflected on his rise: his background, experience and the lessons he takes with him as the new leader of the nations largest school district. Advertisement Advertisement The Daily News caught up with Samuels at the Mosaic Pre-K Center at the New York Hall of Science, where he met with parents, teachers and local elected officials and toured an example of a leading early childhood program. But his visit was cut short when he was called on to visit 29 people, representing 10 families, sheltering in the auditorium of P.S. 239. Samuels speaks often about his two eldest children, who are enrolled in the citys school system. But hes also the dad of a 2-year-old, as Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mamdani start to expand universal child care programs to that age group. He hears from other parents with kids the same ages frequently. I talk to parents all the time who have two issues: Theyre leaving the city because they had their second child and they cant afford child care, and so they cant afford to live in the city anymore, the chancellor said after the tour. Another reason families are leaving the city, they tell me, is because they feel like they cant necessarily find the high-quality school in their neighborhood. And so, thats why we want to make schools that are safe, rigorous and truly integrated. Advertisement Advertisement Samuels has ideas about how to do that, many from his own experience as a local schools superintendent of two districts in Brooklyn and Manhattan, he told the Daily News. Before stepping into his role as chancellor, Samuels first made headlines at the helm of a number of gutsy school mergers to address low enrollment, such as P.S. 305 with the Academy of Arts and Letters in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Fort Greene, which the chancellor visited with Mamdani on Thursday, as well as West Side Collaborative with Lafayette Academy and P.S. 76 A. Philip Randolph with Mott Hall II in Harlem. Each time, local parents took their concerns to public hearings and the media, fearful of what the proposed changes would mean for the history and identity of their schools. And yet, in all three examples, education officials ultimately moved ahead with the mergers frequently combining schools with distinct student bodies in terms of race and class. The citys schools are some of the most segregated by race in the country. What we needed to do was to make sure both communities felt like they would be affirmed in the process and get something that was beneficial to all. That wasnt easy to do, Samuels said. We need to acknowledge that people are weary of integration efforts. In particular, some of our most historically marginalized families, many of them feel that they might have not gotten benefits of integration efforts in the past. Advertisement Advertisement There may be more school mergers in the years to come, especially in light of a law to lower class sizes. The new caps will require that the system make the most out of its available space, to avoid construction costs and controversial reforms, such as limiting enrollment at popular, but overflowing, schools. We want our kids to be in lower class sizes so that they can get the attention that they truly need, Samuels said. We have some places that are under-utilized, and some places that are over-utilized. Before we start talking about new buildings, we need to look at the buildings that we have and make sure that were using them appropriately. We want to avoid enrollment caps that is the truth as much as we can. Because when families dont get their first choice, they many times leave the system. As a local superintendent, Samuels was also involved in a community-led effort to phase out Gifted and Talented programs in Brooklyns District 13, and replace them with other types of rigorous programs. The chancellor said he plans to have conversations with Mamdani, a critic of so-called G&T in the early grades, about instruction for fast-learners. Advertisement Advertisement It was definitely not initiated by me, but I would say I helped in the process, Samuels said. I know that gets a lot of attention, but I think the question about G&T is all about, how do we provide access to accelerated programs? I believe we need to have accelerated programs in our city and we should think about how we do that, and thats what the mayor and I will be discussing. As he assumes the position of chancellor with leadership experience, Samuels will also rely on his own personal history a Jamaica-born immigrant and former elementary school math teacher in the Bronx as he confronts some of the largest challenges the system faces today. Despite large class sizes at some of the most in-demand schools, citywide enrollment has dropped dramatically since before the pandemic, fueled in part over the last year by a loss of families believed to be undocumented immigrants. I am an immigrant myself, said Samuels, who moved to New York from Jamaica when he was 15. I am working and fighting to make sure that they are integrating into a city that is an easier city to connect to, that they can work hard and accomplish the things that they want to, and that everyone deserves a school that will really be a place where they feel like they belong. Advertisement Advertisement And keeping with the key responsibility for any educational system leader, Samuels will also be held accountable for kids academic performance, as schools continue to adopt new reading and math curricula. The chancellor promised to keep those initiatives in place, as well as another program focused on career readiness. In the back of the car, Samuels had yet to unload a personal gift from his first school day as chancellor: A 3-foot-tall Welcome Chancellor Kamar Samuels sign, featuring both his professional headshot and a photo from his time as a teacher. It was given to him by the Bronx school, P.S. 194, where he started his career in education decades ago as a teaching fellow. Nobody sends their kid to a chancellor. They send their kid to a teacher or a school or a principal, Samuels quipped. The biggest, the most important initiatives are not only going to continue, but were going to bolster them and double down on them, he added. Between now and the end of the year, its going to be a seamless transition for schools. Advertisement Advertisement At P.S. 239, Samuels visited the temporary fire victims shelter in the school auditorium, shaking the hands of affected families and thanking staff for stepping up. In the back of the room, donations coats, shoes and undergarments continued to pile up throughout the morning, including two stuffed animals: a giraffe and Minnie Mouse. The school is here, Samuels assured a mom and her daughter. Jan. 10After over a decade in business, Kunes RV in Sterling is closed. Jennifer Myers, chief marketing officer for Kunes Group, said the Sterling location closed Jan. 1. "Customers will continue to be supported at our nearby RV locations in Janesville, Wisconsin, and Frankfort, Illinois," said Myers. Myers said those Kunes RV locations will continue to handle RV service and sales. Myers said employees at the Sterling RV location were offered similar opportunities at other Kunes RV locations in Frankfort and Janesville. Advertisement Advertisement "Nearly all chose to continue their careers with the Kunes family," said Myers. Myers thanked the local area for doing business with Kunes RV in Sterling for over a decade. "We are grateful to the Sterling community for their loyalty and support," she said. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Multiple law enforcement officers were seen serving a warrant Sunday morning, Jan. 11 in East El Paso. Around 11 a.m. on Jan. 11, officers served a warrant along the 3500 block of Nolan Richardson, according to the El Paso Police Department. Videos circulating on social media show multiple law enforcement vehicles and heavily armored officers surrounding the alleged area where the warrant was conducted. In the video, officers are blocking roadways and even one officer was seen with what appears to be a sniper on a rooftop, aiming in the direction of a residence involved in the warrant. Advertisement Advertisement KTSM has reached out to the El Paso Police Department. We will update you when we have learned more. 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 KTSM 9 News. FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) A Massachusetts lawmaker has introduced legislation in response to the brutal October stabbing of former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan. A press release by Flanagan said the bill, called Flanagans Law, intends to stop violent acts by those who suffer from mental illness and have a criminal history. The legislation was introduced by state Rep. Alan Silvia, a Fall River Democrat. BACKGROUND: You should be covering my funeral right now: Former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan details stabbing, urges change Advertisement Advertisement The morning after the stabbing, Fall River police arrested 31-year-old Coree Gonzalez, who current Mayor Paul Coogan previously told 12 News has severe mental issues. Surveillance video released by police showed a person approaching Flanagan from behind and stabbing him multiple times. The incident happened near Flanagans cannabis dispensary on Hartwell Street. READ MORE: Arrest made in stabbing of former Fall River mayor According to the release, this bill would bridge the gap in communication between state and local agencies, identify high risk people sooner and ensure proper treatment for those individuals. Advertisement Advertisement This is about common sense and public safety, Flanagan said. We already track sex offenders because we know the danger of letting known threats slip through the cracks. This law follows that same logic not to punish, but to protect and prevent. ALSO READ: Unprovoked attack: Will Flanagan recounts stabbing, gives update on condition Silvia said the bill will put public safety first while respecting civil rights and due process. This bill is about protecting working families, first responders, and everyday people who just want to live their lives safely, Silvia added. NEXT: Services announced for fallen Uxbridge Police Officer 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. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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 WPRI.com. Cultural & Historical Significance Beornet is an Old English name that emerged during the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England, combining ancient Germanic warrior traditions with emerging Christian values. The name reflects the transition period when Anglo-Saxon nobility were adopting Christianity while maintaining their cultural identity. As a Christian name, Beornet represents the ideal of the Christian warrior-leader, embodying both physical strength and spiritual devotion. During the medieval period, bearers of this name were often recorded as local leaders, abbots, or knights who played significant roles in defending Christian communities and establishing religious institutions. The name's persistence through the Norman Conquest demonstrates its deep roots in English Christian tradition and its association with leadership roles within both secular and ecclesiastical hierarchies. The cultural significance of Beornet extends beyond its literal meaning to represent a particular ideal of Christian masculinity and leadership. In Anglo-Saxon Christian society, names like Beornet symbolized the integration of traditional warrior virtues with Christian morality - strength tempered by compassion, courage guided by faith. This made the name particularly appropriate for those in positions of authority who were expected to protect both the physical and spiritual well-being of their communities. The name's rarity in modern times adds to its cultural weight as a connection to a specific historical moment when English Christian identity was being forged. Hundreds gathered in Nashville yet again to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement days after a shooting in Minneapolis that killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. At a Jan. 11 rally and march, the crowd chanted What do we want? Abolish ICE When do we want it? Now! and displayed signs such as Due process is a right!! Melt ICE! and Justice for Renee Nicole Good. Minneapolis officials and many others have decried Goods shooting as unjustified, though Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has continued to defend a statement from her department that accused Good of domestic terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement The Jan. 11 rally at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park followed other vigils for Good in Nashville earlier in the week, and coincided with similar events the same day across the U.S. But it was also an opportunity to denounce reports of new restrictive immigration laws that state legislators hope to bring forward. Demonstrators gather during the Music City Migra Watch, Minneapolis Solidarity Vigil at the DHS Field Office in Nashville on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. We need you to show up at the (state) Capitol, Ashley Warbington, a legal professional and member of Music City MigraWatch, said at the rally. Music City MigraWatch, a volunteer group that monitors ICE activity in Nashville, was one of the main organizers behind the Jan. 11 demonstration. Warbington alluded to a KnoxNews report that Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton has conversed with Stephen Miller, President Donald Trumps deputy chief of staff, and been inspired to bring forward new bills this session to mirror Trumps immigration crackdown. The session begins Jan. 13, and Sexton told KnoxNews he expects there will be eight or nine bills that fit this highly restrictive model. Metro Councilmembers Olivia Hill and Ginny Welsch, and state Sen. Heidi Campbell, D-Nashville and Rep. Jason Powell, D-Nashville, attended the rally. Advertisement Advertisement In three days, we are going to take office back up in the legislature and there are going to be several anti-immigrant bills that are going to come forward. We are going to fight against that legislation like our lives depend on it because they do, Campbell said to the crowd. If we are not good and if our neighbors are not good, then no one is good. We are all in this together. Related: Tennessee working with Stephen Miller to be a model on immigration laws This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Anti-ICE rally focuses on Rennee Nicole Good shooting, new state bills NEED TO KNOW A tourist boat sank following a collision with a fishing ship on Jan. 11 At least one person died and 21 others have been injured An 18-year-old female tourist has been identified as the deceased individual At least one person is dead and 21 others are injured after a tourist boat sank following a collision with a fishing ship. The incident occurred in the Andaman Sea near the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand at around 8:55 a.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 11, according to The Bangkok Post, TACC and Thairath Online, which cited the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office in Phuket. Advertisement Advertisement The tourist boat was carrying 52 passengers and three crew members. The person who died was initially in critical condition but later died, per the outlets. Phuket Tourist Police/Facebook Rescue workers assisting after speedboat crash in Thailand Rescue workers assisting after speedboat crash in Thailand That individual has since been identified as 18-year-old Elizaveta Starykh, a Russian tourist, Thairath Online reported. The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office did not immediately return PEOPLEs request for comment on Jan. 11. Phuket Tourist Police/Facebook Rescuers assisting injured person following speedboat crash in Thailand Rescuers assisting injured person following speedboat crash in Thailand Two rescue boats rushed to the scene and helped passengers and crew members to safety, per The Bangkok Post. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! "According to preliminary information, there were 33 Russian citizens on board the boat, as well as citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and several other countries, Yegor Ivanov, the Russian Consul General of the Thai island province, said in a statement to TACC. Advertisement Advertisement "Police in Phuket and Krabi are investigating the incident. Consulate General staff, in collaboration with medical personnel, Thai law enforcement agencies, and local authorities, are providing the necessary assistance," he added. 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. The tourist company that owned the tourist boat mainly caters to Russian tourists, a local source told TACC. Read the original article on People At least 490 demonstrators have been killed in the mass protests in Iran over the last 15 days, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) told US television station CNN on Sunday. Around 10,700 people have reportedly been detained, CNN reported. The information could not initially be independently verified. The actual death toll is likely to be higher, as Iranian authorities have almost completely blocked the population's access to the internet and phone lines. Advertisement Advertisement Communication with the outside world is only possible via the Starlink satellite system, provided the necessary terminals have been brought into the country illegally. The protests were triggered about two weeks ago by the country's crippling economic crisis, but quickly turned into political demonstrations against the apparatus of the Islamic Republic. People who want to keep skunks as pets are without a whiff of luck in Tennessee. There is a devoted group of people who love and care for the critters. See the 18,890-member Facebook group Skunk Lover. Owners say they can be cuddly, cute, human-friendly companions if bred to be domesticated. But they can also be vectors for disease. Can you own a skunk in Tennessee? A 1974 Tennessee law aimed at protecting people from rabies specifically prohibits the possession, importation or sale of skunks in the state. In 2024, skunks remained the most common reservoir of rabies in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Every couple decades or so, a lawmaker will make a push to legalize skunk ownership. After Rep. Doug Gunnels, R-Greenback, introduced legislation in 1993 to legalize owning the creatures, he quickly decided it stank and retreated, The Tennessean reported at the time. The law contains a carve out for people who take in skunks from the wild, rehabilitate and release them if they have a valid permit, said Ray McMillan, TWRA captive wildlife coordinator. Is it legal to own a raccoon in Tennessee? In this photo from 1962, John Wayne Case, 13, shares a moment with a pet raccoon named Tiny. John was the son of a state Game and Fish Commission employee. You might not think a creature that rummages through your trash would make a good roommate. And while they still might not be a suitable companion for most, studies show that city-dwelling raccoons are becoming increasingly domesticated. Tennesseans can keep raccoons as pets if they purchase the animals from a legal captive breeding source, since Tennessee outlaws taking in and keeping wild animals as pets, McMillan said. Advertisement Advertisement Before getting their raccoon, owners must also get a possession permit from TWRA, which costs $31 a year. If purchasing their raccoon from out of state, owners will also need an importation permit, which also costs $31. Is it legal to own a fox in Tennessee? This fox named Socks was a resident at the Ecotarium in Worcester, Massachusetts. Like raccoons, wild foxes can't be kept as pets in Tennessee. Foxes can be purchased from a legal captive breeding source and kept as pets in Tennessee, but owners must first be approved for the $31 possession permit and, if necessary, importation permit. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What does Tennessee law say about owning skunks, raccoons and foxes? Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda says remarks made by Russian opposition figure Leonid Volkov about Ukrainian soldiers and officials are reminiscent of the language used by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Source: Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT, as reported by European Pravda Details: Nauseda described the incident involving Volkov as "truly exceptional". "We have to be clear about who we consider leaders of the opposition, because when opposition leaders begin speaking in jargon similar to Putin's own, it raises the question: where is the government and where is the opposition?" the Lithuanian leader said. Advertisement Advertisement Nauseda added that it should also be acknowledged that the Kremlin has done everything in its power to destroy the opposition both physically and by other means, and that it is difficult for the state itself and its people to fully rid themselves of imperial ambitions and the philosophy of Russian messianism. He noted that when it comes to Russia, it is much more difficult to tell the difference between the Russian government's position and the opposition "than, for example, with Belarus". As a former associate of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Leonid Volkov has temporary residence in Lithuania. Lithuanian law provides that a temporary residence permit may be revoked if a foreign national's presence in Lithuania poses a threat to national security, public order or people's health. Advertisement Advertisement The leaked conversation with Volkov sparked outrage. A screenshot that spread online shows him rejoicing at the purported killing of Denis Kapustin, commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, a pro-Ukrainian paramilitary force. "A Nazi whose very existence was a gift to Kremlin propaganda is dead. Whose clown 'corps' carried out murky missions for the scummy yokel of a political technologist, Budanov," Volkov wrote. "I hope Kapustin's friends will follow him. [Andrii] Yermak will be imprisoned, [Mykhailo] Podoliak will be imprisoned, Budanov will be imprisoned, and all the other propagandists and hypocrites will be imprisoned. And then Ukraine will have a chance to win. But while it is being built on cabbage [Kapustin and his associates ed.], no one will look its way," he claimed. Lithuania's Migration Department has requested additional guidance from the State Security Department on whether this constitutes a threat to national security and asked it to assess Volkov's public statements. Advertisement Advertisement Remigijus Zemaitaitis, leader of the populist party Dawn of Nemunas, believes Volkov's Lithuanian residence permit should be revoked. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has said she hopes his Lithuanian residence permit will be annulled. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A popular Southwest Florida meteorologist known for his witty weather memes is out at WINK News. Matt Devitt announced Jan. 10 that he's no longer employed with the Fort Myers-based television station. People praised Devitt especially his work during Hurricane Ian in 2022, with many saying he kept them calm and informed as it made landfall in Lee County. "LIFE UPDATE: After 10 years, my time with WINK News has come to an end after being let go from my role as Chief Meteorologist on Thursday," he posted on Facebook and his other social media. Advertisement Advertisement "This decision was not one that I expected or agreed with and was not given the opportunity to say goodbye on-air. It was a complete shock to me, my family and fellow coworkers." WINK has not yet released a statement and TV station officials were unavailable for comment Jan. 11. Social media blows up after Devitt firing Devitt must be a bit overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support. His Facebook post announcing he was let go at WINK had more than 24,000 comments and 64,000-plus reactions as of noon Jan. 11. "We should all write to Wink.best damn weatherman in the land?" wrote Darlene Conard. "The entire viewing audience is livid and shocked! Wink will NEVER be the same," commented Sherry Habelow Ballou. "Your voice was literally the thing that kept us calm during Hurricane Ian. When we woke up the next morning and Wink was off the air my wife and I literally said 'Omg I hope Matt is okay,' " said Liz Affeldt-Bailey. Advertisement Advertisement "Im so appalled that this was handled this way. We wish you the best as youre a fantastic meteorologist who clearly loves his community." Someone even began a petition to keep him at WINK. "Matt Devitt's departure from Wink Weather has left a void that is hard to fill," the petition said at change.org. "His expertise and accessible communication style were unmatched qualities that made him a household name and the go-to person for weather forecasts in our community." Devitt shared funny weather memes His popularity extended beyond Southwest Florida, especially for his funny memes about Sunshine State weather. Devitt's Facebook page had more than 1.2 million followers, and his Instagram and X social media accounts were also highly popular. Advertisement Advertisement "Serving our Southwest Florida community for the past decade has been an honor and privilege, especially through Hurricanes Irma, Ian, Helene and Milton," Devitt wrote on Facebook. "I always gave you everything I had with one goal in mind: keeping you safe and informed without the hype. While this chapter ended differently than I hoped, I wish WINK News, along with my previous coworkers and weather team, the best. "I will still be providing weather updates on this page, it just wont be on TV anymore. My new Facebook name is being changed to Matt Devitt Weather, which youll see shortly. In addition to sending Facebook messages, you are always welcome to email me at MattDevittWX@gmail.com. "I'm taking a brief pause professionally to reset and be with my family. Ive missed them and Im looking forward to every minute. Ill keep you all updated on whats next. Advertisement Advertisement "Thank you to everyone who has reached out with support, it has meant more to me than you know." Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at dosborn@usatodayco.com and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Matt Devitt firing from Florida TV station blows up Facebook Long-distance rail services in northern Germany, which were partially suspended due to severe winter weather conditions, have resumed on all main routes, the rail operator Deutsche Bahn announced on Sunday morning. However, Deutsche Bahn said that only a reduced service is still possible and there may still be cancellations. The rail operator had temporarily completely halted long-distance services in northern Germany on Friday due to the effects of winter storm Elli. Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Deutsche Bahn said that it intended to gradually resume long-distance services in northern Germany. Rail services on the HamburgBremen-OsnabruckFrankfurt route have in fact been running again since Saturday afternoon, according to the rail operator. Since early Sunday, trains have also been running again on the route from Hamburg to southern Germany via the cities of Hanover and Kassel, also from Berlin to major cities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia via Hanover and the main HamburgBerlin route, although not yet with the full scheduled service. According to Deutsche Bahn, services to Denmark and the Netherlands, as well as to the coasts, are also expected to resume during the course of Sunday. There were still significant disruptions in local transport in the northern states of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement "Several routes cannot yet be operated," Deutsche Bahn explained. "Here, we expect gradual increases in the timetable offerings during the day following clearance work." Hamburg's S-Bahn commuter train network is already operating "largely as normal." Deutsche Bahn asked travellers to check the current traffic situation in the DB Navigator app or online before starting their journey. There is also a toll-free telephone hotline. Kevin Boydstun was 23 years old when he walked through the doors of Nichols Hills Fire Department for his first shift. On Dec. 19, 2025, he walked out for the last time after 23 years of service to the department, climbing the ranks all the way to chief. Its a perfect symmetry of service, having given back one year to Nichols Hills for each that he lived before answering the call. Boydstun knew he was destined to enter the service at an early age. Advertisement Advertisement In third grade, there was a parade, and you could dress up as what you wanted to be when you grew up, Boystun recalled to The Oklahoman last month. My uncle, a fireman for Midwest City, dressed me in his gear for the parade. That was what kind of drew me into wanting to be a fireman. More: Which is the best suburb to live in Oklahoma City? See how Niche ranked metro communities His family was supportive when he told them about his plan for when he grows up. When he was eligible, his family sent him to EMT school, the first step of training for reaching his goal. Fresh out of high school in 1997, he became a volunteer firefighter in Luther, eventually earning a paid position. Advertisement Advertisement The next stop for Boydstun was the Oklahoma City metro. He joined the Nichols Hills Fire Department in 2002. That move immediately put him under the tutelage of veterans who further shaped him into the firefighter he is today. Most of the department members seemed old in the eyes of a 23-year-old, Boydston said. But I looked up to these guys because of all the knowledge and experience that each one held. Chief Kevin Boydston is seen on Jan. 2 at the Nichols Hills Fire Department station in Nichols Hills. Among the more experienced firefighters Boydstun worked with was Keith Bryan, who had served as chief of the department since November 1991. Boydstun described Bryan as forward-thinking, a trait he thought was important for a fire department leader. He said Bryan was always looking at how to improve the department, whether that was through training or new technology. In the late 90s, Nichols Hills got its first thermal imaging camera. The bulky and now primitive camera still sits on display at the firehouse. Advertisement Advertisement Bryan, Boydstun and the rest of the department often ate together and rested in the same quarters during long shifts. Theres something about spending 24-hour shifts together, sharing meals, responding to 3 a.m. calls, celebrating successful efforts, encouraging fellow firefighters during challenging times, that turns coworkers into a family, which Boydstun attests to. We still sit around the station telling old stories about funny things that happened on a call or around the station, Boydstun said. Being on shift with these guys were some of my best memories as a firefighter. But in September 2011, the NFHD family had to grieve together. Among countless fire, EMS, and disaster responses, the most devastating moment for NHFD was the unexpected death of Bryan, who was shot in his Mustang home on Sept. 20 of that year. That was a tough time, Boydstun said. He was a really good chief, and he drove you to be the best firefighter you could be. Advertisement Advertisement Boydstun said the department is never prepared to handle situations of that nature, but Deputy Chief Terry Hamilton managed to stabilize department operations during that challenging time. Since then, the departments succession planning has been updated, in addition to personnel cross-training to be better prepared for unexpected transitions. A recruit helmet is seen on Jan. 2 at the Nichols Hills Fire Department station in Nichols Hills. Boydstun continues Bryans leadership style as Fire Chief of NHFD Four years later, Boydstun experienced his last transition at the department, going from Deputy Fire Chief, to Fire Chief in 2015. Boydstun saw the promotion as an opportunity to carry the torch in Bryans memory through his own efforts to strengthen and further modernize the department. With Boydstun at the helm, the department expanded specialized roles and developed its emergency medical care preparation with advanced training and upgraded equipment. In 2018, he and the department raised their Insurance Services Office rating from Class 4 to Class 2, just fractions of a point away from a perfect score, an achievement that helped area residents save money on insurance premiums. An ISO grades a communitys fire department and infrastructure, according to the Oklahoma Insurance Department. When Boydstun took over, firefighters had basic EMT certification. Fire departments are staffed with different levels of certification, including basic EMT, advanced EMT and paramedics. Chief Kevin Boydston, center, talks to firefighters on Jan. 2 at the Nichols Hills Fire Department station in Nichols Hills. Boydstun and NHFD worked with EMSA, their transport agency, to get the individual protocols for the advanced EMT, so theyre able to start IVs and other medical support measures to increase the survival rates of patients. Advertisement Advertisement As of the end of 2025, Boydstun said at least half the department is advanced EMT, and two firefighters have the paramedic certification. That was one of my goals, to have at least half of the department at an advanced EMT level or above, Boydstun said. I would say thats kind of unique. Some departments are just an EMT basic level. The firehouse also got some useful amenities under Boydstuns leadership. In 2021, they added new office space and classrooms. They now host statewide firefighter training. Three years later, a four-story fire training tower was added that allows for training opportunities on site. Before that, Boydstun said they had to build props for training. The addition of the tower adds an element of realism to training, including ventilating a roof and forcing doors open to conduct a search and rescue. His decision to retire didn't come easy, but Boydstun said the department is in a great position with an eager staff, including some younger guys who are in the earlier years of their career. Advertisement Advertisement He describes walking out of the firehouse on his last day as an odd feeling. It did take a little bit to finally set in, but I feel proud of what I was able to accomplish, Boydstun said. Chief Kevin Boydston is pictured at the Nichols Hills Fire Department station in Nichols Hills on Jan. 2. Boydstun is also proud of his fellow firefighters who go above and beyond daily. Those he worked with feel the same way about him. Chief Boydston will be remembered for his integrity, calm demeanor under pressure, and genuine compassion for both his crew and the residents he served, said Todd Mays, who is Boydstons successor and served as Deputy Fire Chief under Boydston. He was a mentor to many, always willing to share his knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement City leadership speaks just as highly of Boydston. City of Nichols Hills City manager Shane Pate said Boydstun served with a steadfast commitment to protecting the community. His leadership modernized the department, strengthened our emergency response capabilities and ensured our residents received the highest level of care, Pate said in a statement. Above all else, he led with integrity and heart. While Boydstun is leaving Nichols Hills, hes not quite ready to fully walk away from his career. Hes now helping the volunteer department in Luther. Outside of work, hes just enjoying being a family man. He said his wife Kelli Boydstun, and his daughters, Hannah Boydstun, Carter Boydstun and Jasie Boydstun play a big part in where he is today. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Nichols Hills Fire Chief retires after 23 years A 39-year-old man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriends new partner in 2017 has been extradited from Mexico and charged with murder following a years-long investigation. Humberto Rodriguez Martinez is accused of fatally stabbing 32-year-old Daniel Reyes in Anaheim, California, nine years ago, the Orange County District Attorneys Office said Friday. But prosecutors said he fled to Mexico following Reyes death, leading to a years-long search that ended in 2024. Martinez now faces one felony count of murder, one felony enhancement of special circumstance lying in wait, and one felony enhancement of personal use of a weapon, a knife, the district attorneys office said. Advertisement Advertisement This arrest does not undo the pain the victims family has endured, but it reinforces our commitment and promise to our community: we will never stop working until justice is served, Anaheim Police Chief Manny Cid said in a statement. Humberto Rodriguez Martinez is accused of killing his ex-girlfriends boyfriend in 2017 (Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer) Martinez pleaded not guilty Tuesday and is being held without bail. The Independent has contacted the defense attorneys listed on Martinezs public court records for comment. Prosecutors said the incident unfolded on October 17, 2017, when Martinez went to his ex-girlfriends apartment to watch their two children while she went to work. Martinez was accompanied by his friend, Adan Zapot-Leyva, according to prosecutors. Martinez and the woman had broken up several months earlier, but were still co-parenting, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement The two men left the apartment around 8:30 p.m., when the woman arrived back home, investigators said. Reyes, who was dating Martinezs ex-girlfriend at the time, then came to the apartment about 30 minutes later. Early the following morning, Anaheim police were called to a nearby intersection, where witnesses claimed two men were chasing Reyes, and one of them was stabbing him, prosecutors said. Responding officers found Reyes dead with multiple stab wounds. Prosecutors said Martinez fled to Mexico soon afterward, while Zapot-Leyva was arrested two days later. Zapot-Leyva pleaded guilty to one felony count of second-degree murder in 2023 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to the district attorneys office. A $2 million warrant was out for Martinezs arrest, and in 2024, he was located by Mexican authorities and arrested at the request of the United States, prosecutors said. He was extradited to California on December 4, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Martinez is a Mexican citizen who was in the U.S. illegally at the time of the murder, prosecutors said. The pursuit of justice will never be derailed by time or distance, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement. The long arm of Orange County law enforcement reaches to every corner of the earth to ensure the full weight of the law is felt by those who commit the most heinous acts of violence against other human beings. Yvette Hernandez has four grandchildren she wants to meet someday. But theyre halfway across the world. Hernandez came to the U.S. about a decade ago after fleeing Venezuelas authoritarian regime in search of a better future. She lives in Elgin, Illinois. Her daughter is in Venezuela, with Hernandezs grandchildren. I havent been able to hug them, I dont know them, said Hernandez, 54, who is seeking asylum after arriving in the U.S. with a visa. When the situation changes and I obtain my residency to travel back and forth I can go hug them. That is the hope all of us here have. Advertisement Advertisement Her path toward a reunion is uncertain. After the U.S. captured and imprisoned Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last week, many Venezuelans are left with conflicting emotions: hope for the prospect of democracy in their home country yet mistrust that President Donald Trump who has vowed to run Venezuela will have their best interests at heart. We dont want to live the same thing over again, Hernandez said. Meanwhile, some Venezuelans in the Chicago area who entered the country illegally or are without granted status have no protections from immigration enforcement under a second Trump administration even as they seek to stay in the U.S. through legal avenues, experts say. Many now feel up against a wall, safe neither here nor there. Advertisement Advertisement People are afraid to stay and people are afraid to return, said Ana Gil, founder of the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance. She said Maduros capture has further destabilized the country. Because of that instability, many Venezuelans in the Chicago area do not feel safe returning home, but also fear detention and deportation in the U.S. The uncertainty comes as the Trump administration has launched mass deportation actions across the country, including the falls Operation Midway Blitz in the Chicago area that saw more than 4,300 people arrested, with Venezuelans among those. On Wednesday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement shot and killed a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis as it expands increasingly dangerous enforcement across the country. And Thursday, Border Patrol officers shot and injured two people from Venezuela in Portland, Oregon, during a targeted operation. People have seen the way ICE has treated Venezuelan migrants, even if they have an asylum case. People are afraid of being tortured inside detention centers or of being deported to other countries, Gil said. Luciano Pedota, also a member of the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance, said that although he rejoiced when he heard about Maduros capture, he is concerned over his compatriots who recently lost temporary protected status, which provided a job permit and protection from deportation. Advertisement Advertisement After a back-and-forth under the Biden administration, which extended TPS to Venezuelans first in 2021 and again in 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court last year allowed the Trump administration to cancel TPS protections for roughly 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants. Some have likely applied for asylum, a yearslong process, but if the Trump administration can argue that conditions have improved in Venezuela, experts say it could set the stage for asylum cases to be rejected, putting them in line for deportation, something that was already happening during court check-ins and interview appointments. Angelika Charczuk, an attorney at ADC Immigration Law, called it the million-dollar question how conditions in Venezuela will affect the asylum cases of her clients from the country. Shes already bracing for the government arguing a fundamental change in country conditions, which she said would likely decrease the merits of someone deserving refuge in the United States. After more than five years in Chicago under TPS, Luis Jose Castro decided to return to Venezuela. Without protection and with little hope of obtaining asylum, he felt trapped. He also longed to see his two children and his parents who live there. Advertisement Advertisement More than anything, he said, he wants to see his ailing father. Its not worth it (staying here). I feel persecuted and I have never felt persecuted in my life, Castro said of immigration enforcement. After arriving in Chicago, Castro worked as a construction worker before becoming a paralegal, helping thousands of recently arrived migrants assess their legal cases and apply for asylum. On Jan. 27, Castro, an attorney by trade, plans to board a plane with a one-way ticket, hoping to take part in the creation of a new democracy in his country. Venezuela needs us more than ever, Castro said. Though there is uncertainty about who will lead, how change will come or when it will happen in Venezuela, he believes the U.S. and Venezuela will eventually establish a strong diplomatic relationship that will benefit those who remain in the U.S., those who return home and those already living there. Advertisement Advertisement After all, his wife and son have chosen to remain in Chicago. Mary Meg McCarthy, executive director of the National Immigrant Justice Center, said her team and other immigrant rights advocates are trying to gauge what the capture of Maduro, and the Trump administrations attempt to take over running the country, means for migrants access to protection in the United States. But the resulting chaos and Venezuelas governmental instability should strengthen existing claims for protection, despite the Trump administrations repeated attempts to railroad peoples access to asylum and other legal status, McCarthy said. It is apparent that the U.S. government has no plan to ensure human rights protections for Venezuelans who will be directly impacted by the fallout of the Trump administrations removal of President Maduro, she added. Advertisement Advertisement NIJC has provided immigration legal services to hundreds of Venezuelans who arrived in the Chicago area since August 2022, when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott started busing immigrants to Chicago. Carmen is one of about 50,000 Venezuelans who came to Chicago in those years. She and her family crossed the perilous Darien Gap, a strip of land dividing Colombia and Panama that has become a dangerous crossing point for migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. She declined to use her last name for the article because she feared immigration enforcement. Back home in Venezuela, her children were frequently denied school access because there were not enough teachers; they had fled the country, Carmen said. Some mothers would let their children sleep until noon because they could only afford to feed them once a day, she said. When she first heard about Maduros capture by the Trump administration in her native Venezuela last week, she ran to the bathroom. Her hands were shaking and she was overwhelmed with mixed feelings of anxiety and happiness. Advertisement Advertisement We felt it would be the end of so much suffering after so many years and so many things that only we, the Venezuelans who lived through it, know, said Carmen, 41, who lives on Chicagos South Side. Now, after Maduros capture, Carmen sees a light at the end of the tunnel for those in her home country. But a sense of unease overshadows it. Her husband was arrested in October while selling arepas, and after his release weeks later, the couple decided to stop selling out of fear of immigration enforcement activities. And as her asylum case remains pending, she fears deportation where she could face retaliation in her home country. Everything is mixed up right now, she said in Spanish. We came here, have freedom of expression and now theyre deporting us. Advertisement Advertisement Advocates are urging Congress to step in. They are calling for the immediate reinstatement of TPS to restore legal protection and work authorization for nearly 600,000 Venezuelans currently living in the United States. Until meaningful change happens in Venezuela, said Gil of the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance, protecting the Venezuelan diaspora is not just an immigration issue, it is a matter of safety and human rights. Gil arrived in Chicago about a decade ago. There were only two Venezuelan restaurants in the city, she recalled. At the time, a small but growing group slowly established a community on the North Side. They used to call it Buenazuela, Gil said. It was near West Buena Avenue and North Broadway. Advertisement Advertisement Those who first arrived came by plane with visas and eventually requested asylum, fleeing political persecution, she said. By 2017, more than 6,000 people attended a meeting that Gil organized to discuss their role in the elections in their home country. That was when she founded the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance, an organization created to provide humanitarian aid to those in need in their home country and that now provides guidance and resources to those who recently arrived. In Illinois, Venezuelan culture and its influence have now expanded to include a number of restaurants, food stands, artists and traditional celebrations across the city, Gil said. The population particularly skyrocketed after thousands of Venezuelan migrants arrived in the city during President Joe Bidens administration, most of them bused to the city in 2022. Many of them made a home on the citys South Side, where they were given housing through city and state programs after shelters were closed. Over the last year, nearly 20,000 babies were born to Venezuelan immigrants, according to the census. That means that the Venezuelan community and its culture will only keep growing in the city for years to come, Gil said. _____ Those bearing the name Conlaoch are often characterized by a combination of strength, honor, and underlying vulnerability. They typically possess natural leadership qualities and a strong moral compass, making them dependable in crises and respected by peers. Their determination can border on stubbornness, as they tend to commit fully to their chosen paths regardless of obstacles. This reflects the mythological Conlaoch's unwavering commitment to his quest despite the tragic outcome. There's often a contemplative depth to individuals with this name, suggesting someone who thinks carefully before acting but once committed, follows through with intense focus. They may struggle with balancing personal desires against perceived duties or obligations, mirroring the name's mythological themes of conflicting loyalties. Their strength is typically tempered by a capacity for deep emotional connection, making them both formidable and compassionate. The name suggests someone destined to face significant challenges but possessing the inner resources to meet them with dignity and courage. Since 2016, Donald Trump and his MAGA movement have driven a wedge between many personal relationships. Mandel Ngan / Getty Images That seems to be the case for this MAGA voter who is feeling "lost and confused" after being cut off by their friends of 20+ years because of their support of Trump. Nicholas Kamm / Getty Images In a now-viral post, this MAGA voter is seeking advice from other Trump voters who have lost friends due to politics. Here's the full post: Related: Older People Are Revealing Why They Were "Forced" Into Getting Married, And My Jaw Is Literally On The Ground "I'm not someone who lives and breathes political debates..." Advertisement Advertisement Gabriel Bouys / Getty Images "I kept trying to say, 'Can't we just respect each other's differences...who cares who we voted for?' But it didn't help..." Related: People Are Sharing The Most Toxic Thing A Family Member Has Done To Ruin The Holidays, And My Jaw Is On The Floor "Am I being unrealistic or lacking empathy?" "I'm really sad and confused right now..." Advertisement Advertisement In the thousands of comments, people aren't exactly sympathetic... Related: 25 Lazy Husbands Who Are The WORST Cases Of Weaponized Incompetence That I've Ever Seen "Votes affect the real world, so when you vote against other peoples interests, yeah, theyre going to be pissed and want nothing to do with you," one person said. Mandel Ngan / Getty Images "It was maybe true twenty years ago that you could vote for a Republican candidate while your best friend voted Democrat and it wouldnt be a big deal. Thats no longer the world we live in," another person said. Alex Wong / Getty Images Related: 27 Of The Strangest, Funniest, And Inexplicably Bizarre Things That People Witnessed Or Experienced "Tolerance is not a right, it's a social contract. It says, 'don't be a dick to me and I won't be a dick to you.' But they want to be dicks to people without consequences, and that voids the social contract. So, nobody needs to tolerate fascist, nazi-type shit," this person said. Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement "I had to cut off a good friend of mine after 2016 because of the incessant need for him to inject his newly discovered MAGA politics into everything," another person shared. "You'd be talking about some rando subject and next thing you'd hear is 'probably the damn libs' or 'sounds like something a Democrat would say' or some bullshit. He was absolutely pleasant to be around before 2016. We rode bicycles almost every weekend, 20+ mile rides. Never got political. When 2016 hit, everything got political. Suddenly, this nice guy was saying nasty things about immigrants. He couldn't leave it alone... So, I lost a friend. Jettisoned him when it became obvious that the nice, funny guy I used to hang out with, go to bars, took a buddies trip to Mexico with.....was gone. Changed. Hateful. Ugly. No longer funny. Punching down on others." What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below. Also in Internet Finds: 19 True Crime Cases That Were So Wild And Upsetting, The Truth Was Almost Unguessable Also in Internet Finds: "I've Worked In Various Prisons. I Will Take A Men's Over Women's Any Day Of The Week. Shit Is Scary": Former Female Inmates Are Sharing Their Most Disturbing Prison Experiences, And My Jaw Is Literally On The Floor Also in Internet Finds: These 26 Stories Where People Realize Their Incredibly Specific Family Dynamics Were Not "Normal" Are As Funny As They Are Heartwarming Read it on BuzzFeed.com Three of Maines public universities received failing grades in 2023 for one of the most critical things they do: prepare future educators to teach kids how to read. The National Council on Teacher Quality, a think tank based in Washington D.C., found that teacher preparation programs at the University of Maine in Orono, University of Southern Maine and University of Maine at Farmington were not adequately preparing teachers to help children learn to read, a finding that staff and faculty at the universities strongly refuted. The organization gave the three public universities in Maine an F as part of its review of elementary teacher preparation programs nationwide at a time when elementary and high school students reading test scores have been plummeting. Advertisement Advertisement We are not serving Maine students well when our teachers who teach in Maine are not prepared in line with our best science, said Heather Peske, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality. The organization rated 702 programs housed in 580 different institutions of higher education across the U.S. in 2023 based on whether and how they taught five pillars of effective reading instruction. The pillars are phonemic awareness, which is the ability to identify and use individual sounds within spoken words; phonics, which entails knowing the sounds the letters make and their relationships to other letters; fluency, or the ability to read quickly, accurately and with proper expression; vocabulary, which entails knowing the words and how they work; and comprehension, or understanding the meaning of texts. Maine programs did not respond to invitations from the National Council on Teacher Quality to openly review their course information, the council said. Advertisement Advertisement So the council reviewed syllabi and other documents that it obtained through public records requests, concluding that none of the programs adequately taught all five pillars of reading. The University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine at Farmington adequately addressed zero components of the five pillars of reading, the report found, and the remaining program, at UMaine in Orono, only sufficiently taught one pillar of reading comprehension. University of Maine System spokesperson Samantha Warren pushed back against these findings. Like many of the nations leading institutions and education researchers, the University of Maine System has historically rejected the NCTQs deeply misleading ratings, which ignore student and program outcomes; contain concerning methodological flaws; rely on a review of course syllabi rather than observations of actual teaching and learning; and have a well-documented history of data inaccuracies, she wrote in an email. Nationally, the report found that only 25 percent of programs suitably addressed all five pillars of reading. These pillars have been broadly used since being released in 2000 by the National Reading Panel, an agency created by Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Instructors from UMaine and the University of Southern Maine, which has campuses in Gorham and Portland, said that the grade was not an accurate reflection of their teaching programs. UMaine School of Learning and Teaching Director William Dee Nichols told The Maine Monitor that he is confident in his program's practices. He questioned the accuracy of the National Council on Teacher Quality report since UMaine did not fully participate in the data collection process for the analysis, as it was concerned that the data used for evaluating programs was too narrow. The University of Southern Maine, meanwhile, said it believes the National Council on Teacher Quality misunderstood its syllabi. The councils standard practice is to invite universities with teaching programs that graduate 10 or more students each year to submit their coursework for analysis, Peske said. Programs receive preliminary scores before reports are released and have the opportunity to give additional information to change them. Advertisement Advertisement If schools dont willingly provide documents, the council files public records requests instead to learn more, and will analyze documents no older than five years. The organization cannot rate programs, however, if the universities do not provide documents. (Private universities are not bound to respond to public records requests, and those that opted out of providing documents were not evaluated.) The University of Maine at Presque Isle, Husson University in Bangor and the University of New England in Biddeford received no rating because they did not provide documentation about course information. The council attempted to review six teacher preparation programs in Maine out of a total of 16 such programs recognized by the Maine Department of Education. While the University of Maine at Farmington did not say directly whether it refuted the F grade, the schools co-provost told The Monitor in an email that the university has an excellent reputation for teacher preparation. The University of Maine at Farmington takes a comprehensive approach to continuous improvement that is responsive to the changing needs of Maine teachers and students, wrote Katherine Yardley, who is also dean of the College of Education, Health and Rehabilitation. Advertisement Advertisement Students build a deep understanding of the five pillars of reading and reading instruction in their literacy coursework, and are prepared to teach and assess students, she wrote. The schools approach ensures that students understand the developmental progression of reading and writing; strategies for teaching multilingual learners; strategies for supporting struggling readers; the interconnectedness between reading, writing, the language arts and other areas of the curriculum; and quality childrens and young adult literature, Yardley wrote. Warren told The Monitor that the systems programs are fully approved by the state and are nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Though programs in Maine received an F grade, other reputable universities in the nation were also poorly graded, she said. Graduates of educator preparation programs in Maine are still often recognized as top teachers or leaders in the field, she said. Still grounded in research How schools should best teach children how to read has been debated for decades, and a variety of approaches have been promoted in schools. Advertisement Advertisement For instance, some approaches have not emphasized phonics or phonemic awareness. Instead they have centered on the idea that children can learn to read naturally the same way they learn to speak, or that students can learn to read through contextual cues such as semantics or pictures known as the cueing approach that is often found in books called leveled readers. Researchers and various high-profile education organizations, however, have asserted that reading is not a natural phenomenon among children and that phonics instruction and phonemic awareness, skills that are often referred to as decoding, are critical for young children to build a foundation in reading. This understanding of reading has influenced state laws for curricula across the country, according to Education Week reporting. Phonics-focused approaches have fueled a movement known as the science of reading. Yet schools in Maine commonly use methods that are considered ineffective for teaching children how to read, according to a 2024 study from the Maine Education Policy Research Institute. At the same time, both national and state-level test scores show that reading comprehension has been declining. Advertisement Advertisement Forty-four percent of Maine fourth graders and 35 percent of eighth graders could not demonstrate even a basic understanding of reading in 2024, results from the National Assessment of Education Progress showed. Reading methods have shifted often throughout history, said UMaine literacy instructors Michelle Kearney and Nichols, who is also the director of the School of Learning and Teaching. UMaine classes for future teachers aim to critically examine reading methods and help students understand the shifts in research, both she and Nichols said. Were trying to be really explicit with our students about how research does change, and we get new pieces of it, but it doesnt push it all the way back, Kearney said. I think thats been dangerous in our field, this sort of black and white, binary thinking of either/or, instead of working to see how all these things fit together in a comprehensive way thats still grounded in research. The pendulum will swing again On a Wednesday night in November, more than a dozen UMaine students huddled in opposite corners of a classroom in Orono, writing pros and cons on giant Post-it notes to stick on the wall. Advertisement Advertisement They were debating the use of books that encourage students to use context clues such as pictures to learn how to read called leveled readers versus books that build on phonics skills, called decodable texts. Michelle Kearney (left) explains to her class at the University of Maine in Orono on Nov. 19, 2025, why it is important to think about the benefits and drawbacks of different reading materials. Photo by Kristian Moravec. Their task: to understand and argue which method of literacy instruction is better, simulating real-life debates happening within the reading wars, as one student described it. Decodable texts, for instance, help children learn to process letters in a word and help children gain independence in their reading, one group of students wrote down. Meanwhile, leveled readers can encourage critical thinking while reading, and the books vary in difficulty, leaving more options for children to choose from. Advertisement Advertisement It is really important to think through the pros and the cons so that you are thinking clearly about your instructional decisionmaking in the classroom, Kearney told the class. After about an hour of discussion, Kearney and her students landed on a verdict: Each type of text can be useful and can serve a different purpose. Decodable readers, which often drill similar letter-sound patterns, are good for young children who are just learning to read, for instance, while older grades can benefit from leveled texts, which can be more challenging and help children practice the phonics skills they have already gained. Kearney referenced this graph in her class, which breaks down which reading materials are appropriate for each grade level. Graph courtesy Wiley Blevins. UMaine began updating how it was prepping future teachers for reading instruction several years ago, Nichols said. Hiring Kearney, for instance, who emphasizes science-based reading instruction and just completed her first semester as an instructor at UMaine, was part of the universitys effort to continue evolving how it teaches literacy education, he said. Nichols explained that students do field work in a variety of school districts that have adopted different reading curricula. While they are taught the best practices in reading, they are also taught to adapt to the working environment that they are in, he said. Instructors also need to constantly adapt to updated research, Nichols said. For instance, UMaine stopped participating in the Reading Recovery program several years ago, he said. The Reading Recovery program has asserted that it has always sufficiently incorporated phonics, though critics say it did so sparsely and ineffectively. Ive been doing this for 32 years, Nichols said. I guarantee the pendulum will swing again. Maine needs to look itself in the face The fact remains that student scores on reading have been falling, which suggests that Maine teachers arent prepared to effectively teach kids how to read, argued Peske, with the National Council on Teacher Quality. We have 50 years of research with thousands of studies across tens of thousands of kids that tell us how to teach reading, Peske said. Right now, Maine needs to look itself in the face and say, Why is it that 44 percent of fourth grade students in Maine scored below basic in the most recent test?" States that have improved reading test scores are relying on decades of scientific evidence to run their teacher preparation programs, Peske said. For example, the council named Mississippi as a top performer and credited comprehensive changes to how it addressed reading, including by reviewing teacher preparation, as reasons for its improvement. We have to start by saying, To what extent are you preparing your graduates to go into classrooms and use scientifically based reading instruction? Peske said. If programs cannot answer that question, or they don't provide us with the evidence, then we really need to ask, Why not? At the University of Southern Maine, literacy professors Andrea Stairs-Davenport and Melinda Butler said they have always taught evidence-based methods of reading and that the failing grade in 2023 was a surprise. The issue could have been that the National Council on Teacher Quality looked at a syllabus that was not clear, they said. I think we recognize that there's some work that we can do to make things more explicit in the syllabus, because certainly we're teaching all of the areas that are mentioned in NCTQ, Stairs-Davenport said. Butler said that the school was teaching the core basics of reading even before the five pillars of reading were released in 2000. Teachers cant teach reading without decoding words, Stairs-Davenport added. Whats more, the factors that influence reading outcomes are complex. We have work to do in all of our communities in higher ed, in our local schools, in our communities, in our homes to promote literacy from birth all the way through adulthood, Stairs-Davenport said. Knowing the pillars of reading and then much more about literacy that's key to what we do. But we're always updating because the research is always changing. Man accused of sexually assaulting woman in parking lot GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) A man is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a parking lot in the northeastern area of Grand Junction. The Grand Junction Police Department responded to the report on Jan. 3. Officers learned that a woman reported unwanted physical contact and advances. GJPD identified the suspect as 49-year-old Jose Martinez, who was arrested on Wednesday and booked for unlawful sexual contact without consent. Jose Martinez The police department stated it believes this was an isolated incident and no ongoing threat to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Martinez was in court on Thursday and given a $5,000 cash-only bond. The 21st Judicial District Attorneys Office argued Martinezs actions show real concern. He also has an extensive criminal history, including several convictions for sex assault and harassment. He is currently on bond for another case of harassing a person. The DAs Office described the alleged incident as a stereotype of someone coming out of the bushes and assaulting a woman. The prosecution also said it has not been able to get ahold of the victim. However, it was noted that the woman is reportedly disabled and was sitting by a walker and has muscular dystrophy, so she could not push him off. Another woman allegedly had to get involved. Advertisement Advertisement Martinezs defense argued that the allegations do not show the force necessary for the charge that is brought. It was also noted that he has no failure to appear charges in the last five years. His defense also said Martinez visits his mother, who has medical issues, once a month. He is due back in court on Jan. 14. 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. An Alabama mans death is under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation after a chase that started in Opelika, Ala. ended in Troup County. According the GBI, Justin Scott Roberts of Opelika fled what the Opelika Police Department said was a domestic incident on Friday. OPD said in a statement on Friday that their officers responded to a domestic dispute and welfare check after a mother said shew as worried for her childs safety after being assaulted by the childs father. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Opelika police said the father was identified as Roberts, saying he had taken the child and drove off in his truck, a black Nissan Titan. Advertisement Advertisement Roberts was wanted for felony assault on a police officer, stemming from a previous incident, and due to the presence of a juvenile in the vehicle and concerns for their immediate safety, officers continued the pursuit onto I-85 North, police said. Roberts would not stop driving when police tried to do a traffic stop, so officers from Alabama chased Roberts until he crossed the state line into Georgia. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia State Patrol was told that there was a potential non-custodial kidnapping involving Roberts truck, the GBI said. GBI said around 1:51 p.m., GSP and Troup County deputies found the truck and tried to perform a traffic stop, but Roberts refused and officers gave chase. A state trooper performed a PIT maneuver on Roberts truck to stop the chase, ending it on HWY 27 at Interstate 85 in Troup County. The GBI said when Roberts and law enforcement officers stopped driving after the PIT maneuver, deputies and troopers heard a single gunshot from inside of Roberts Nissan Titan truck. The troopers and deputies went to the truck and found Roberts with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and a three-month old child in the truck who did not appear harmed, according to GBI. Advertisement Advertisement Medical personnel were called to the scene to provide care for the infant and Roberts was pronounced dead. The GBI is investigating the incident and anyone with information is asked to call the Regional Investigative Office in Columbus at 706-565-7888. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A man was taken to the hospital after being shot while walking near the Wilkinsburg-Pittsburgh line on Saturday, police say. An initial ShotSpotter was detected at 11:26 p.m., according to Lt. Chris Duncan of the Wilkinsburg Police Department. First responders were requested to respond at 11:33 p.m. Reportedly, a man in his 20s was walking from a home in the 1900 block of Remington Drive when a vehicle drove up, and shots were fired at him. Advertisement Advertisement The man was hit twice, once in the chest and once in the torso, Duncan said. The man then left the area and went to another home in the 1300 block of Clark Street, where he was treated by medics. He was taken to a hospital in critical but stable condition. The man told investigators he did not know who shot him, Duncan said. Wilkinsburg and Allegheny County police are investigating. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW State representatives Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) are seeking Hoosier students interested in learning more about state government are invited to participate in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2026 legislative session. Manning said pages can watch the legislative process in person, tour the historic Statehouse building and interact with their state representative. The full-day program is available for students who are 13 to 18 years old. Pages are permitted by Indiana law to receive a one-day excused absence from school for their participation. The page program allows students to meet with House staff and lawmakers during the legislative session, Manning said. This experience gives them a better understanding of state government and how the legislative process works. Advertisement Advertisement VanNatter said the program begins in January with opportunities every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday until the end of the legislative session. Eligible students and their parents are encouraged to submit an application corresponding with the date they would like to page. Pages are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on their chosen day, and groups serve together on Wednesdays. To schedule a group, contact the page program director at 317-232-9410 or pageprogram@iga.in.gov. I encourage students from our community to consider applying to be a page this legislative session, VanNatter said. Its a meaningful experience that can teach an understanding of government and inspire future involvement in public service. Students are responsible for their own lunch and transportation to and from the Statehouse in Indianapolis. For more information and to apply, visit IndianaHouseRepublicans.com/PageProgram. A local communitys police officers will return to work, after council members previously voted to disband the department. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Future of local police department uncertain after council votes to disband it; reversal possible During a meeting Saturday, Masontown Borough Council voted unanimously to return all officers to work effective immediately The 2026 budget will continue to fund the department through fiscal year 2026, according to the motion. Any surplus in the police budget will carry over to next year. Advertisement Advertisement The vote also greenlit council to reopen negotiations with Teamsters Local 491 for renewal of the police contract. Applause and cheers broke out in the packed council chambers after the motion passed. Council had voted on Monday to disband the department immediately. Pennsylvania State Police covered calls in the borough until Saturdays vote. Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele issued a statement on Thursday, saying council intended to reverse its plan within days. Aubele told Channel 11 that councils initial action was a possible violation of Pennsylvanias Sunshine Act. I applaud council for their decision, Aubeles statement reads. It shows their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of their community, and their consideration of the will of their residents. We appreciate the communication weve had this week, and Im confident we will continue to discuss how to improve relations going forward. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from the community for our police. Advertisement Advertisement Masontown Police Chief Thomas OBarto addressed council after Saturdays vote. This was not about money. Dont delude yourself to say it was, because it was funded, we have a surplus, we were moving forward, OBarto said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Some Massachusetts residents joined in on nationwide protests against ICE on Saturday. The protests across the country come just a few days after a woman was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is a really rapid response to the killing of Renee Good, protestor Aleda Freeman said. Reaction continues to pour in following the shooting death of 37-year-old Renee Good during an encounter with ICE Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Good was a U.S. citizen. Secretary of State Kristi Noem has called the actions leading up to the shooting domestic terrorism. Outrage, shock, sadness, protestor Sue Herz said about how she was feeling following the shooting. Protestors with Indivisible Melrose, Wakefield, and Beyond were stationed on Main Street in Melrose Saturday. They said the protest was to take a non-violent stand against recent federal immigration enforcement in the midst of turmoil. Its not only the killings, but the detainment of people unnecessarily, Herz said. During the interview with Herz, a couple of counter protestors quickly walked by and shouted lets go Trump, lets go ICE! Advertisement Advertisement Immigration attorney Maria Muti said shes participating in the nationwide protests, coined ICE Out for Good, to make her voice heard locally. Its effecting all of us, not just immigrants, Muti said. According to ICE, 41,000 people either known or suspect of being in the country illegally have been arrested since President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown began. However, Muti said shes seeing clients with protected legal status or work authorization cards being detained. Are they legal in terms of do they have a green card? No but are they legal in terms of the U.S. government is aware that theyre here and has given them authorization to work so yes, Muti explained. Theres so many shades of grey and so much misunderstanding. Advertisement Advertisement Saturdays protest in Melrose was just one of 1,000 protests that were planned for this weekend across the country. Mass GOP Chair Amy Carnevale provided the following statement: The protests today remind us that freedom of speech and assembly are alive and well in Massachusetts, secured by law enforcement. Republicans in the Bay State continue to stand with the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our rights and safety every day. Mass GOP Chair Amy Carnevale 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 CUMBERLAND The process for Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties to leave Maryland and become part of West Virginia would involve more merger than acquisition, Gary Howell said. Howell, a West Virginia delegate, was the featured speaker at the Allegany County Republican Alliance meeting Thursday. Roughly 35 people were at the event, held in the Allegany Museum ballroom, to provide information about West Virginia state Sen. Chris Roses recent proposal for Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, plus several areas of Virginia, to join The Mountain State. Advertisement Advertisement We have not formally done an invitation, Howell said. Nothing has passed the Legislature. However, meetings have been held, and more are planned, for West Virginia officials to discuss the issue with representatives of western counties in Maryland and Virginia, he said. Howell said that because the proposal doesnt involve formation of a new state, hes unsure whether Congress would need to approve the counties move from their respective homes into West Virginia. This would be a border adjustment, he said. However, the home states have a say, Howell said. I dont see a downside (for) Maryland to do this, he said. Your (Western Maryland) Republican delegates would vote to release you. Advertisement Advertisement In that case, West Virginia could pay Maryland roughly $2 billion, Howell said, adding that some entities such as local colleges might have to be acquired separately. Depending on how the financials roll, West Virginia could use $3 billion bonded over 30 to 40 years to gain the Maryland territory as well as debt that comes with it, he said. West Virginia would raise pay for its state and county employees to meet those of transplanted Marylander government workers, Howell said, adding that marriage of the two states could blend the top qualities of each. Wed like to look at best practices, he said, adding that Marylands local government powers would be phased into West Virginia over time, perhaps for 10 to 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Were gonna learn from each other. Howell said the division between most Western Marylanders and leaders in Annapolis is not about Republicans against Democrats. Its rural versus urban, he said, equating the split of Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties from Maryland to join West Virginia to a divorce followed by a new marriage. Overall, Howell said hes cautiously optimistic the move could happen. I think its a long shot, he said, but I think its a possibility. Support Bernie Miltenberger supported the idea for Western Maryland to become part of West Virginia. This used to be a great area, he said. (Now) our economy is being controlled by a bunch of lunatics in Annapolis (and) we would just like to get the heck out. Advertisement Advertisement Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization President Ed Taylor, 62, said hes a lifelong resident of Allegany County. Were not doing better, he said, adding that Maryland taxes continue to increase. Take a look at the numbers, somethings got to change. David Biser said more folks need to know about the proposal and referred them to the Western Maryland Secession page on Facebook. We need to keep the momentum going, he said. States Michael Allen Mudge spoke of other areas of the country where secession has been discussed including the Greater Idaho Movement that calls for several Oregon counties to join The Gem State. Advertisement Advertisement Three representatives of League of Women Voters groups in Oregon last year penned a commentary on the subject. The movement appears to be a symptom of the divide within our country not the cause, but a result of people feeling isolated and with polarized views from their neighbors, even if the neighbor happens to be their state, they wrote for the Oregon Capital Chronicle. There may be a tendency to ridicule the proposal as a joke, but the concerns are not a joke. The Indiana Capital Chronicle in October reported on a commission formed to consider Indianas absorption of possibly dozens of Illinois counties. Advertisement Advertisement Since 2020, 33 Illinois counties have passed advisory referenda to secede with seven of those votes occurring in the 2024 elections, the news organization wrote. Opposition According to The Baltimore Sun in November, some Maryland GOP officials balked at the proposal to secede to West Virginia. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel, of Allegany County, said although Western Maryland residents are frustrated with their economic conditions and feel alienated by state governance, secession is an extremely difficult maneuver, the Sun reported. Theres little practical possibility in exploring these rather radical ideas that have been vetted before, Buckel texted the Sun. And given all the challenges Maryland and our Western Maryland region have in front of us, I dont envision expending any precious time or resources on this issue at this time. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, the only Republican in Marylands congressional delegation, said due to Gov. Wes Moores redistricting push that would eliminate the states only Republican congressional district, secession is a reasonable solution, the newspaper reported. Lets be clear: were not giving up a single county to West Virginia or anywhere else, Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey told the Sun. Each of Marylands counties is essential to who we are as a state. Their communities, histories and unique identities are part of what makes Maryland truly America in miniature. Jan. 10AIKEN We asked members of Aiken County's legislative delegation to share their priorities for the South Carolina General Assembly's 2026 session, which begins Jan. 13. Sen. Tom Young, Senate District 24 Thank you for the opportunity to serve Senate District 24 and Aiken County. As your state senator, my focus for the 2026 legislative session will be on keeping our state's economy stable and growing; keeping our state's tax climate competitive compared to neighboring states; ensuring the wise spending of our state tax dollars; reducing the tax burden on families and seniors in South Carolina; supporting policies that help to ease everyday financial pressures; continuing to improve our state's road, bridge, and energy infrastructure; assisting local governments with modernizing water and sewer infrastructure; improving K-12 education outcomes and supporting both teachers and parents; continuing to work with Governor McMaster on his priorities in his last year in office; ensuring public confidence in the state's judicial system; supporting South Carolina values; investing in workforce training initiatives especially in manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades; improving access to and affordability of a college education; finding ways to expand child care options in our state; supporting wise stewardship of our natural resources while managing the state's growth; supporting veterans and law enforcement; helping to meet South Carolina's future energy needs by ensuring the revitalization of the V.C. Summer nuclear facility and advancement of other nuclear energy initiatives in the state; ensuring that we continue to have secure elections in South Carolina; promoting prostate cancer awareness in South Carolina to improve prevention, early detection, and access to care; continuing to assist other elected officials and local governments in Aiken County and our region; continuing to help with state and regional economic development efforts; keeping constituents informed through periodic email newsletters; and providing excellent constituent service. Advertisement Advertisement By working together and through faith, determination, and hard work, we will make South Carolina the best place to live, to work, and to raise a family. Sen. Brad Hutto, Senate District 40 As South Carolina enters a new legislative session, our focus should be clear. We must invest in long-term economic growth, protect working families, and ensure that state policy is fair, transparent, and accountable. One immediate opportunity is the Equine Advancement Act, S. 344. South Carolina's equine industry already supports agriculture, tourism, and rural economies, yet it has never received the coordinated support it deserves. Done right, this legislation can create jobs, support small businesses, and strengthen rural communities while ensuring transparency and accountability in how public dollars are used. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, South Carolina must take a hard look at its tax code. Over the years, layers of exemptions, credits, and incentives have been added with little follow-up. Our tax system should be reviewed for fairness, efficiency, and return on investment. Every tax break represents public dollars that could otherwise support schools, infrastructure, or public safety. A comprehensive review would help ensure tax policy works for families, small businesses, and vulnerable communities, not just a select few. Infrastructure is another urgent priority. Roads and bridges are aging, broadband access remains uneven, and public transit has not kept pace with population growth. Strategic investments in transportation and digital infrastructure are essential for economic development, public safety, and quality of life. Waiting for failures to occur costs more than investing in sustainable, long-term solutions now. Finally, we must address childcare. For many families earning below the state median income of about $83,000 for a family of four, childcare costs are simply unaffordable. Expanding access, supporting providers, and strengthening the childcare workforce should be a shared priority. These issues are connected. Strong families, fair tax policy, reliable infrastructure, and smart economic development are how South Carolina builds a future that works for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Shane Massey, Senate District 25 Aiken Standard did not receive a statement of priorities from Sen. Massey. Rep.Charlie Hartz, House District 81 As we look ahead to 2026, my focus in the South Carolina House of Representatives remains simple: protect opportunity, improve public safety, and make government work better for the people it serves. First, I will continue working to eliminate state-mandated DEI programs and restore merit-based opportunity. Government should treat every South Carolinian equally. Hiring, promotions, and education decisions should be based on qualifications, performance, and hard work not political ideology. Advertisement Advertisement Public safety is another top priority, especially when it comes to juvenile crime. Our communities deserve to feel safe, and our kids deserve accountability that actually works. We must crack down on repeat juvenile offenders while strengthening early intervention efforts that prevent young people from entering the system in the first place. I am also committed to keeping intoxicating hemp products out of the hands of children. Loopholes in current law have allowed these products to be marketed to minors, and that is unacceptable. State law must catch up with reality to protect families and kids. As a small business owner, I know firsthand how overregulation hurts job creators. I will continue fighting to cut red tape, reform inefficient state agencies, and unleash South Carolina's small businesses so they can grow, hire, and compete. Finally, South Carolinians are tired of waiting on roads that never seem to get finished. With common-sense planning, streamlined approvals, and real accountability, we can accelerate road projects and deliver results faster. Cultural & Historical Significance Davidson emerged as a prominent Scottish clan surname during the 14th century, particularly associated with the Clan Davidson of the Scottish Highlands. The name originated as a patronymic identifier within the Clan Chattan confederation, where descendants of David Dubh (Black David) adopted the surname to denote their lineage. Throughout Scottish history, the Davidsons were known as fierce warriors who fought alongside other clans in major battles including the Battle of Invernahavon and the Battle of Harlaw. The name spread throughout Scotland and eventually to other parts of the world during the Highland Clearances and Scottish diaspora, becoming established in North America, Australia, and other former British colonies. The Davidson clan maintained strong traditions and played significant roles in Scottish society, with many members achieving prominence in military, political, and cultural spheres. Today, Davidson remains one of the most recognizable Scottish surnames globally, maintaining strong connections to Scottish heritage and clan traditions through organizations like the Clan Davidson Society. A third impeachment of President Trump could be on the agenda if Democrats win control of Congress in November and thats according to the commander in chief himself. You got to win the midterms, Trump told House Republicans at a retreat Tuesday. If we dont win the midterms theyll find a reason to impeach me. Ill get impeached. Trump is, of course, making this argument for his own political reasons. Advertisement Advertisement He hopes the specter of impeachment will bolster the determination of his party colleagues as they try to retain an extremely narrow House majority. He is also seeking to fire up the spirits of his Make America Great Again (MAGA) voters, who serve as a kind of electoral praetorian guard. MAGA voters have helped Trump win the presidency in two of the three elections he has contested. But when his name is absent from the ballot, they do not always materialize for the GOP. During Trumps first term, Democrats netted 41 House seats in the 2018 midterms despite the president urging his supporters to back his party. Democrats need only a fraction of that number this year to retake the House. Right now, the GOPs edge in the lower chamber is a mere five seats. Advertisement Advertisement In any event, nobody doubts that Democratic control of the House after the midterms would at the very least make another effort to impeach Trump more likely. He is already the only president in American history to have been impeached twice first for an effort that was cast as him blocking congressionally-mandated U.S. aid to Ukraine to try to force Kyiv to investigate his political foes; and later for his conduct relating to the Capitol insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021. There are already stirrings suggesting that Democrats will try again. Rep. Al Green (R-Texas), a frequent wielder of the weapon of threatened impeachment, filed a new resolution in December. Greens resolution proposes to impeach Trump as an abuser of presidential power who, if left in office, will continue to promote violence. Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, Green was reacting to Trumps implied suggestion last November that six Democratic lawmakers who had released a video encouraging troops to defy illegal orders should face the death penalty. In a social media post, Trump had alleged that the six were guilty of seditious behavior, punishable by death. There is, of course, no possibility at all of Greens impeachment effort, or any similar push, gaining steam while Democrats remain in the minority in the House. If the math changes when a new Congress is sworn in a year from now, its likely that the seditious conspiracy furor will be only the faintest of memories. Advertisement Advertisement But there are other, more legally substantive matters that could become part of a future impeachment effort even as Trump and his allies emphatically deny any wrongdoing. The legality of the recent raid on Venezuela is disputed at home and abroad. The actions of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have already drawn numerous civil lawsuits and that was before the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Its easy to imagine Democrats casting ICEs actions as a broader pattern of illegality directed by Trump. Questions also swirl around the legality of some of the sweeping cuts spearheaded by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency; whether the president has used his regularity powers to enrich himself as when a flimsy lawsuit centered on CBSs 60 Minutes was settled for $16 million as a merger awaited approval; whether he directed the Department of Justice to engage in vindictive prosecutions against enemies like James Comey and Letitia James; and even the degree to which the Trump familys wealth is reported to have skyrocketed during his first year back in power. Advertisement Advertisement But there is a flip side to all of this and it goes well beyond Trumps insistence that all the issues mentioned above are fully legal and above board. Specifically, Trump has often benefited politically from the idea that he is the victim of sprawling lawfare pushed by his political enemies. In 2024, there was an extraordinary list of apparent black marks against his name felony convictions for falsifying business records in a case centered on hush-money payments to a porn actor; three outstanding criminal cases, two of which pertained to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election; and the two impeachments. Trump beat former Vice President Kamala Harris handily regardless. Months before that, his conviction in the business records case led to his two highest fundraising days of his entire campaign up to that point. Advertisement Advertisement These dynamics as well as a belief that a purely anti-Trump campaign has electoral limitations persuade even some Democrats that the party should not put impeachment front and center on the trail this year. Give voters something to vote for rather than something to vote against, Democratic strategist Basil Smikle Jr. counseled his party colleagues. The more you talk about impeachment, the less time you spend talking about the voter. You focus on Trump, on what you think are impeachable offenses but thats a lot about process, and it takes away from talking about policies. Smikle, who is based in New York, cited New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdanis (D) campaign last year, praising the young democratic socialist for having a focus on the same things voters are focused on, which is affordability, which is housing, which is opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Other Democrats have been making similar arguments in the recent past, even as liberal rage at Trump remains high. For both Democrats and Republicans alike, the Trump Question is a complicated one. He energizes base voters on both sides, but a campaign focused upon him can seem increasingly backward-looking, especially when he cannot legally hold office beyond January 2029. But Trumps dominance of the political landscape, for good or bad, is so profound that he is nowhere near lame-duck status yet. His fate will surely hang over the midterms to some degree just as he has loomed over every election for the past decade. Advertisement Advertisement The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage. 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. LIMA, Peru (AP) Almost immediately after U.S. forces deposed Venezuelas president, officials from Washington to Lima, Peru, began encouraging some of the 8 million Venezuelans who have scattered themselves across the Americas over more than a decade to go home. But that idea had not even crossed the mind of Yanelis Torres. The 22-year-old graphic designer was too busy printing T-shirts with images of captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro overlaid with phrases like Game Over. Her clients in Limas largest textile market were snatching them up within hours of the news of Maduros downfall. Settled or undocumented, many of the millions of Venezuelans spread across Latin America received news of Maduros capture with joy but also caution, especially after hearing U.S. President Donald Trump say that he would work with Maduros vice president, now interim President Delcy Rodriguez, rather than the opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Despite leaders in Peru and Chile echoing U.S. suggestions to return to Venezuela, the diaspora does not appear ready to do so. Venezuelas economy remains a shambles and with the exception of Maduro and his wife, the government remains in place. I have a lot of things here, Torres said from her shop in a bustling Lima neighborhood, adding it would take time for things to change in Venezuela. Youve got to keep an eye on it, know whats going on, but not lose hope. Crisis scatters a people There are nearly 7 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Latin America. Colombia tops the list with 2.8 million, followed by Peru with 1.5 million. A further estimated 1 million are in the United States, according to the most recent data from R4V, a network tracking the diaspora and coordinated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration. Advertisement Advertisement They were driven out by compounding political and economic crises. An estimated 8 in 10 people in Venezuela live in poverty in a country that was once one of Latin Americas wealthiest, with the worlds largest proven oil reserves. Some have found work or started small businesses, while others tried to the reach the U.S. or bounced from country to country. Over the past year, thousands have been deported to Venezuela or third countries and many more could be near the end of their protected status in the U.S. Eduardo Constante, 36, left Venezuela in 2017 in the middle of a hunger crisis. Speaking from a migrant shelter in the northern Mexican city of Monterrey, he recalled his journey. He had spent three months in Colombia, a country overwhelmed by the numbers of arriving Venezuelans; three years in Peru, which he left during the pandemic because they wouldnt give him the vaccine; and then three more years in Chile, where he was unable to legalize his status. Advertisement Advertisement Finally he made the long trek through South America, the Darien jungle and up to the U.S. border just in time for Trump to close it to asylum seekers. I had plans in Europe, but if things settle down in Venezuela, Im going to Venezuela, he said. His joy at Maduros ouster was moderated by the worries of the family he still has there over food scarcity and security forces that search peoples cellphones for signs of opposition, he said. Maureen Meyer, vice president for programs at WOLA, a Washington-based human rights organization focused on Latin America, said were nowhere near where were going to have a country where people that fled feel that they could be comfortable returning. And if Venezuelans are forced to leave the countries where they are now, either under pressure or via deportation, they will be even more vulnerable to organized crime groups in the region seeking to exploit them now that the business of smuggling them north has dropped off. Advertisement Advertisement Yohanisleska de Nazareth Marquez, a 22-year-old Venezuelan, heard of Maduro's capture while riding across Mexico on a bus with her 3-year-old. They had left Venezuela in February 2024 and turned themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol that June. She was picked up by U.S. immigration agents in Pennsylvania last year and deported to Mexico with her son on Jan. 1. They were headed with other deportees to the southern state of Tabasco when she heard about Maduro. We all shouted with joy ... it was what we all wanted, she said. Still getting her bearings, Marquez planned to apply for asylum in Mexico and try to find work but she is worried. She doesn't know how long they will be allowed to stay in the shelter and she heard about kidnappings in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Im afraid of being out on the street with my son alone. It's a bit dangerous here," she said. Meyer said forces were building to create a perfect storm for Venezuelans like Marquez who found themselves outside their country and without legal status. Turning political tide Their prospects are not looking good. In Chile, ultra-conservative President-elect Jose Antonio Kast, who will take office in March, made deporting hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants central to his campaign. This week, Kast said they have 63 days left to leave our country and to have the possibility of returning with all of their papers in order. Advertisement Advertisement Peru and Colombia are also scheduled to elect new presidents this year, and immigration will be a focus. This week, Kast met with Perus interim President Jose Jeri, and among the ideas that both men have mentioned is creating some sort of humanitarian corridor passing through Chile, Peru and Ecuador to make it easier for Venezuelans to return home. Some of these big host countries, how they decide to respond to the population that are already in their countries and those that may come will be key, Meyer said. In Santiago, in the eight-block little Caracas, initial celebrations with car horns, shouts and reggaeton music, had calmed. Advertisement Advertisement Alexander Leal, 66, who arrived with his wife in 2018, expressed hope as he sold homemade ice cream in the southern hemisphere summer. His family is scattered across the globe, some in the United States, others in Europe and four siblings still in Venezuela. He dreams of returning one day. It wont be this year, but maybe it will be next year, he said. That is everyones aspiration, that the country is fixed. He said Trumps help would be necessary. Yessica Mendoza, a 27-year-old Uber driver and mother, knows that she is one of the thousands of undocumented immigrants in Kast's sights, but she plans stick it out. Returning is not an option. Moderating hope Advertisement Advertisement Venezuelas neighbor, Colombia, has received more Venezuelans than any other country and has largely been applauded for its efforts to help them settle, like an offer of 10-year residency permits. A close security ally of the United States, Colombia is navigating a tense moment in its relationship with the U.S. under President Gustavo Petro, who has sparred with Trump and at times been the target of his ire. Angel Bruges, a 54-year-old Venezuelan who has lived in Bogota for six years with his wife and daughter and runs an empanada business there, expressed gratitude for Colombias hospitality. He said he did not celebrate Maduros capture and is well aware of the fear his relatives still in Venezuela live with. Returning would be crazy, he said. Back in Peru, Torres, the graphic designer, was measuring her expectations. Advertisement Advertisement It has been four years since she left Venezuela. She hoped for the possibility of returning for long visits with her family there some day. But for now, she talks of how marvelous Peru is as she fields orders for more T-shirts featuring her countrys deposed president, telling people that if she does not have what they want, she will make it. ___ Verza reported from Mexico City and Batschke from Santiago, Chile. Gabriela Molina in Quito, Ecuador, contributed to this story. There will be no change in policy over the UK's decision to hand the Chagos Islands to the Maldives, a government minister has said. Seema Malhotra, a Foreign Office minister, told the Politics London programme that the deal was "about securing our future" and the UK's allies had approved the agreement. In May 2025 the British government agreed to give sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a key military base on the island of Diego Garcia for 101m a year. Advertisement Advertisement London-based Chagossians have protested against the plan, saying they are being shut out of decisions about the future of their homeland. Vanessa Mandarin said Chagossians wanted self-determination [BBC] The Chagos Islands are a group of more than 60 islands in the Indian Ocean that make up the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), about 300 miles (500km) south of the Maldives. Misley Mandarin, a BIOT citizen, told Politics London: "It seemed like the Labour government (want to) steam ahead with the treaty without considering the most important key component of that deal, which is the Chagossians. "And this makes us very angry. I'd rather die for my country than my country go to Mauritius. Advertisement Advertisement "This is the type of angriness in me right now, and it's shared with all the Chagossians right now." The UK bought the Chagos Islands for 3m in 1968 and forced the removal of Chagossians from the archipelago over the next five years to make way for a UK-US armed forces base. Many of them moved to Mauritius, the Seychelles and the UK. Vanessa Mandarin, also a BIOT citizen, told the programme: "We want the self-determination to dedicate the future of our homeland, what we want to do with our homeland. "And we want the Chagossians to be first. "We don't want another state to come and talk on our behalf. We will be challenging, we will not surrender. We will be challenging until the end." Seema Malhotra and Andrew Rosindell discussed the Chagos deal on Politics London [BBC] Malhotra, who is Labour MP for Feltham and Heston, said most of the negotiations between the UK and Mauritius took place under the previous Conservative government. Advertisement Advertisement She said there were "different views among the Chagossian community" and the deal was "about making sure we can secure the Diego Garcia base for our security". Andrew Rosindell, Conservative MP for Romford, told Politics London the deal was "absolutely outrageous". He added: "We had former colonies - every single one of them had the right to self-determination. "We are denying these good people the right to decide their own destiny. This goes against every human right imaginable. "Not only did we take them away from their homeland, forced them away from their ancestral homes, now we are saying we are going to give away their country to a foreign land." Advertisement Advertisement Under the agreement Mauritius will gain sovereignty of the islands from the UK, but allow the US and UK to continue operating a military base on one of the islands, Diego Garcia, for an initial period of 99 years. Watch the latest edition of BBC Politics London on BBC One at 10:30 on Sunday or on BBC iPlayer Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk Local and federal officials have failed to find common ground as the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman became a flashpoint in the national battle over immigration enforcement, instead accusing one another of escalating a tense standoff that has captured national attention. Just four days after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good in her car on Wednesday, Trump administration officials blitzed the Sunday shows to make clear that the White House would not back down from its position: that the shooting was justified and that Democratic leaders are responsible for a powder keg that has left three people shot one of whom was killed in standoffs with federal agents just this week. Minneapolis leaders, on the other hand, insisted that federal officials were demonizing immigrants and protesters, contributing to an inevitable escalation in violence. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota officials have also clashed with the Trump administration over the effort to investigate the incident, with local leaders saying theyve been iced out of the federal probe. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said Thursday that federal officials quickly reversed course and said the investigation would be led solely by the FBI after initially vowing to work with state officials. In a Sunday morning interview on NBCs Meet the Press, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, said there is deep mistrust between local and federal officials, accusing the Trump administration of being quick to jump on a narrative as opposed to the truth. Frey, who swiftly demanded that ICE get the fuck out of Minneapolis on the heels of the shooting, has been thrust into the national spotlight once again after leading the city during a wave of protests following the 2020 killing of George Floyd. But White House border Czar Tom Homan and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the decision not to partner with state and local officials, with Noem telling CNNs Jake Tapper on Sunday: We do work with locals when they work with us. In separate appearances on NBC and Fox News, Homan said the federal government has jurisdiction to lead investigations into shootings involving federal officers. The Trump administration officials also accused Democrats of intensifying tensions in the wake of the shooting, with Homan warning on Fox News, There will be more bloodshed unless we decrease the hateful rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Calls from Democrats for ICE to pull back from its aggressive immigration crackdown also grew louder after Customs and Border Protection agents shot two people in Portland on Thursday, with the citys mayor calling on the federal government to halt immigration enforcement actions in Portland until more information could come to light about the circumstances of the shooting. Speaking to ABCs Martha Raddatz during an appearance on This Week, Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) alleged the administration was attempting to cover up what happened in Minneapolis. I think they have just completely destroyed any credibility as they have so quickly rushed to judgement, Smith said of the federal governments investigation. Meanwhile, state officials from both Minnesota and Oregon said they would launch their own probes into the deadly shootings in their states this week amid the standoff with federal officials. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration also faces internal doubts regarding its response to the shooting, with current and former ICE officials worrying the White House could be undermining confidence in its own investigation into the incident. I dont know how we recover from this, one administration official told POLITICO. In a Sunday morning interview on CNNs State of the Union, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) criticized federal officials for saying Good committed an act of domestic terrorism, instead calling on them to let the investigation take place without jumping to conclusions. I think this is kind of an Orwellian circumstance, where we have got cities on edge all across America, Warner said. We wanted the border shut down, right? I agree with that. But sending ICE agents into community after community, where they're perhaps not fully trained, puts us in, again, uncharted territory and not something I think the vast majority of American people want. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), appearing on NBCs Meet the Press, suggested there would be no true effort at the federal level to look into the incident, telling host Kristen Welker that there's not going to be an investigation after Vice President JD Vance said Thursday the officer who killed Good is protected by absolute immunity. GOP officials, on the other hand, largely fell in line with the administrations position, with Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) telling CNNs Jake Tapper that law enforcement officials have the right to use lethal force, too, if theyre feeling threatened. Despite anti-ICE protests assembling across the country and state lawmakers attempting to rein in ICE following the shooting, the Trump administration doubled down on the surge of thousands of federal law enforcements to Minnesota, with Noem saying Sunday that hundreds more agents would be arriving in the state on Sunday and Monday. Noem also quietly took steps to restrict congressional visits to immigration detention facilities just a day after the shooting, potentially contributing to three Democratic House members being denied entry to a facility in Minneapolis on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Wednesday that he had issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota National Guard for a possible deployment in response to the ICE protests. Walz also called on demonstrators to remain peaceful, a plea echoed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a fellow Democrat, on Sunday. Violence is inappropriate in all of these situations, and, indeed, I have told the protesters, who are, in fact, a vast majority of peaceful protesters, Keep the violence out of it, Pritzker said in an interview with Tapper on CNN. Make sure you're peacefully protesting. Be loud for America but make sure you're not providing any excuse for the administration to try to send in National Guard, he continued his message to protesters. By Renee Hickman, Brad Brooks and Joseph Ax MINNEAPOLIS, Jan 9 (Reuters) - The White House on Friday reposted on social media a video taken from the cellphone of the U.S. Immigration officer who fatally shot a Minnesota woman in her car this week, adding to the documentation of an incident that has sparked days of nationwide protests. In the new video Renee Good, 37, appearing calm, is heard telling the officer, "That's fine, dude, I'm not mad at you" - some of the last words she ever speaks - moments before he opens fire as Good drives the car forward into the street. Advertisement Advertisement The 47-second clip was likely to further inflame tensions between state and local government leaders and members of President Donald Trump's administration, who have offered starkly different accounts of Wednesday's shooting in a Minneapolis residential neighborhood. Minnesota authorities on Friday said they were opening their own criminal investigation, after some state law enforcement officials said the FBI was refusing to cooperate with state investigators. The video, obtained by the website Alpha News and verified by Reuters, begins as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, Jonathan Ross, exits his car and walks toward Good's Honda SUV, which is partially blocking traffic, the front of the car pointing into the street. A black dog is briefly visible in the backseat of her car through an open rear window. As Ross approaches and begins to circle around the SUV, Good reverses for a few feet before speaking to Ross nonchalantly through her open window. Ross then continues around behind the vehicle, where he films the SUV's license plate and encounters Good's wife, Becca Good, in the street. Advertisement Advertisement She tells him, "We don't change our plates every morning, just so you know. It'll be the same plate when you come talk to us later. That's fine. U.S. citizen." Becca Good, who was filming the ICE agent with her own phone, then adds: "You want to come at us? I say go get yourself some lunch, big boy." At that point, another ICE agent approaches the Honda from the driver's side, to the left of Renee Good, and orders her to get out of the car. She can be seen reversing briefly, then putting the car into forward gear and turning the steering wheel to her right, apparently trying to drive away. As the car moves forward, Ross, who at that point has returned to the front left of her car, shouts "Whoa!" Shots can be heard, and the car briefly disappears from the frame of the video as the officer's hand holding the phone is jostled. Advertisement Advertisement The video then shows the car careening down the street, while someone can be heard muttering, "Fucking bitch." DIVERGENT ACCOUNTS Vice President JD Vance, who has accused Good of deliberately using her car as a weapon, reposted the video, saying it showed the officer's life was endangered. Other videos show Good steering the car's front wheels away from Ross as she drives forward, while he fires three shots while jumping backward from the front of the car. The final two shots appear to be aimed through the driver's side window, after the car's front bumper has already passed by the officer's legs. Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear whether Ross made any contact with the car, but videos show he stayed on his feet and walked calmly toward the car after the shooting. Officials from the Republican Trump administration have defended the shooting as self-defense and accused Good of an act of "domestic terrorism" - a narrative described by Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as "garbage" based on the video footage. Good was a mother of three, including a 6-year-old son. Becca Good issued a statement to Minnesota Public Radio on Friday, saying the two had "stopped to support our neighbors." "We had whistles," she wrote. "They had guns." Advertisement Advertisement "Renee lived by an overarching belief: there is kindness in the world and we need to do everything we can to find it where it resides and nurture it where it needs to grow," she said. "Renee was a Christian who knew that all religions teach the same essential truth: we are here to love each other, care for each other, and keep each other safe and whole." A GoFundMe page created to benefit Renee Good's wife and family had received more than $1.5 million in donations by mid-afternoon on Friday. A message on the page said that it was no longer accepting contributions and that the money would be placed in a trust for the family. SEPARATE INVESTIGATIONS Mary Moriarty, the top prosecutor for Minneapolis' Hennepin County, and the state's Democratic attorney general, Keith Ellison, said on Friday they were opening their own investigation of the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement The state's lead investigative agency, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said it would assist that inquiry. On Thursday, the BCA said the FBI was blocking access to evidence and witness interviews after first agreeing to cooperate in a joint probe with Minnesota authorities. Earlier on Friday, Frey accused the Trump administration of trying to predetermine findings by excluding state investigators. U.S. officials, including Vance, have dismissed the notion that a federal officer could face state criminal charges. But Moriarty said the decision was hers to make. "To be sure, there are complex legal issues involved when a federal law enforcement officer is involved. But the law is clear: we do have jurisdiction to make this decision," she said. Advertisement Advertisement The announcement underscored how the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Democratic-run cities has frayed the trust between local and federal officials. In Portland, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon, a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and wounded a man and woman in their car after an attempted vehicle stop. As in Minnesota, the Department of Homeland Security said the driver "weaponized" the car in an effort to run over the agent, who fired in self-defense. DHS on Friday identified the wounded driver and passenger as Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, describing both as suspected gang associates from Venezuela who were in the U.S. illegally. The agency said the woman had been involved in a prior shootout in Portland. No evidence of the allegations against the pair was provided. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, echoing Frey, said he could not be sure the government's account was grounded in fact without an independent investigation. Advertisement Advertisement The two shootings have drawn thousands of protesters in Minneapolis, Portland and other U.S. cities, with more demonstrations expected over the weekend. In both cases, Democratic mayors and governors have called for withdrawing federal agents, arguing that their presence was sowing chaos and needlessly creating tensions on the streets. (Reporting by Renee Hickman in Minneapolis and Brad Brooks in Colorado; Additional reporting by Ryan Jones in Toronto, Rich McKay in Atlanta and Maria Tsvetkova in New York; Writing by Joseph Ax and Steve Gorman; Editing by Donna Bryson and Matthew Lewis) Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey called on Sunday for the federal government to allow his state to become involved in the investigation of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, saying that the Trump administration had been so quick to jump on a narrative as opposed to the truth. Frey and others have expressed concerns about whether the Trump administrations investigation into Goods death would be fair and impartial because, among other reasons, the Department of Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem, immediately described Goods actions as domestic terrorism when significant questions remained about Goods intent while driving after an ICE officer attempted to remove her from her car. Noem later said that state-level prosecutors dont have any jurisdiction in this investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Leaders alarmed about fairness of FBI inquiry into Minneapolis ICE shooting JD Vance, the US vice-president, also said that the ICE officer is protected by absolute immunity. He was doing his job. On NBCs Meet the Press, Frey said the FBI should include Minnesotas bureau of criminal apprehension in its investigation. We need to be doing this transparently, and what I was pushing back on from the very beginning was a narrative that had jumped to that conclusion right from the get-go, Frey said, referring to Noems domestic terrorism depiction. When youve got a federal administration that is so quick to jump on a narrative as opposed to the truth, I think we all need to be speaking out. Advertisement Advertisement Noem labeled it terrorism before the release of footage from the officers cellphone in which Good calmly says Im not mad at you to an ICE agent seconds before she was shot. After, someone, who appears to be the officer who fired shots, called her a fucking bitch. Other video analyses determined that Good was turning away from the officer rather than trying to run him over, as Trump officials have claimed. Tina Smith, a Democratic US senator from Minnesota, also questioned the legitimacy of the Trump administrations investigation of Goods death. What I see, especially because they are blocking state investigators from participating in any way in this investigation [is] that they have a strategy of putting out what their version of events are, Smith said on Sunday on ABCs This Week. That is very dangerous, and I dont think people are going to buy it, particularly after you see these videos. Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the investigation and the domestic terrorism allegations, Noem and Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, have deflected to bashing the state and local governance. But when pushed about Noems allegation, Homan said on Sunday on Meet the Press: I dont know what Secretary Noem knows and what I know. I can tell you what they did is illegal. And if you look up this definition of terrorism, it could fall within that definition, if you look up the definition of terrorism. Before the Sunday interview, Frey sparked national headlines for saying during a press conference after the shooting: To ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. He also described the claim that the officer shot Good in self-defense as bullshit. Asked on Sunday by NBC host Kristen Welker whether he bore any responsibility for the political temperature, Frey said yes but also added: To those that are offended, Im sorry I offended their delicate ears. But as far as who inflamed the situation, you know, I dropped an F-bomb, and they killed somebody. I think the killing somebody is the inflammatory element here. Missing 12-year-old Ryan "RJ" Davis has been found safe, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. In a Facebook post on Sunday, Jan. 11, the OSBI said Davis was located in Chickasha. "The OSBI appreciates all our local law enforcement partners and search groups who assisted us throughout the week," the OSBI posted. "We will provide updates when they become available. Advertisement Advertisement The boy had been missing since Jan. 2. News9 reported Sunday afternoon that OSBI spokesman Hunter McKee said the United Cajun Navy made contact with RJ and took him back to a hotel, where authorities processed him and took him to the hospital. Authorities said RJ appears to be fine physically, according to News9 The United Cajun Navy is a nonprofit grassroots group out of Louisiana that assists in search and rescue efforts and disaster recovery. The boy's mother, Kimberly Kay Cole, and stepfather, George Franklin Cole Jr., were arrested earlier this week on suspicion of child abuse and as of Sunday were still listed as being in custody at the Caddo County Jail in Anadarko. It's not yet clear whether the charges are directly related to RJ's disappearance, but the arrests came after officers interviewed the parents and obtained evidence from search warrants. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Thursday, Jan. 8, that they believed RJ was still alive. Prior to Sunday, he was last seen Jan. 2 near the Chickasha Quality Inn. Searchers were targeting a vast rural area from Cement to Chickasha, which is within an hour's drive from Oklahoma City. The search included properties associated with the family. It was unclear from the OSBI's Facebook post where in Chickasha the boy was found. Ryan "RJ" Davis, 12, was reported missing from Chickasha on Jan. 2, 2026. This story was updated to add new information. Contributing: Staff writer Dale Denwalt This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Missing Oklahoma 12-year-old boy RJ Davis found safe in Chickasha NEED TO KNOW A mom and stepdad of a 14-year-old girl in Alabama were arrested and charged with child abuse and animal cruelty This comes after the teen was sent to the hospital after she was seen stumbling down the road near a Dollar General store Police executed a search warrant at her home and found the interior covered in urine, feces, roaches and trash and officers also found one dead dog and six more dogs there A mother and stepfather have been arrested after allegedly leaving their 14-year-old daughter to live alone with pets in a squalid home. Marchelle Lynn Pertilla and Eugene Medrano were arrested and charged with child abuse and animal cruelty, according to local outlets WALA, WKRG and KOLD, which cited the Mobile County Sheriffs Office. (MBSO) Mobile County Sheriffs Office The interior of the squalid Alabama home The interior of the squalid Alabama home PEOPLE reached out to the sheriffs office for comment on Saturday, Jan. 10, but did not receive an immediate response. Advertisement Advertisement The MCSO told the local outlets that their investigation into the case began on Jan. 4 after employees at a Dollar General filed a report about seeing a teenage girl stumbling down the road in front of the store. When officers arrived on the scene, they located the girl ,who told them that she had been experiencing dizziness and stomach pain, and she was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. At the hospital, detectives interviewed the teen, and she claimed that she had been living alone at her home with her dogs since about February of last year and that she had not seen her mother and stepfather since Oct. 31. She also alleged that they had moved to Pensacola, Fla., without her, per KOLD. She also told officers that her main communication with her parents was through the social media app Snapchat and that her mother would send food via DoorDash or Walmart deliveries, per the outlet. Mobile County Sheriffs Office The exterior of the Alabama mobile home The exterior of the Alabama mobile home The following day, officers in conjunction with Prichard Animal Control executed a search warrant at the teens mobile home in Eight Mile, which they said was covered in urine, feces, roaches and trash. They found one dog dead in a closet and six more dogs also living on the property, which were taken by Prichard Animal Control, per WALA and KOLD. Advertisement Advertisement Detectives said, per the outlets, that they also found a handwritten note from the teenager that was titled How many times mom tells me that she cant pick me up! and said that it had 87 tally marks on it. Officers located the teenagers parents and interrogated them about the incident. Pertilla allegedly told detectives that the teenager was left alone because she refused to leave her service animals, per KOLD. It was unclear if any of the dogs are service animals. Pertilla and Medrano were then reportedly detained and transported to Mobile County Metro Jail. Mobile County Metro Jail Marchelle Lynn Pertilla Marchelle Lynn Pertilla We are continuing to search for answers on why this young girl was living alone and whether or not others tried calling law enforcement, Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said in a statement to KOLD and WALA. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Mobile County Metro Jail Eugene Medrano Eugene Medrano Thank goodness for the employee with Dollar General who contacted the county, and we were able to respond. If you see something, say something. It could mean the difference between life or death, he added. Advertisement Advertisement If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People The University of Leeds has been part of a pioneering project teaching the Muslim practise of moonsighting. Moonsighters Academy is the first course of its kind in the UK, and will help educate 38 Muslim community leaders from across the country. Used for hundreds of years, moonsighting is a method of determining the Islamic calendar and marking significant events like Ramadan and Eid, but is not common practice in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Imad Ahmed, the Academy's project coordinator, said the course aims to "bring the moon back home and into our own eyesight". The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, with the start of each month marked by the sighting of the first crescent moon. Moonsighting requires specific astronomical conditions and visibility, which is why most mosques in the UK rely on the sightings from other countries, such as Saudi Arabia or Morocco. Imad Ahmed is aiming to inspire Muslims in the UK to sight the moon [University of Leeds/Mark Bickerdike] "When Muslims first came to the UK, they faced a problem that many people face in British astronomy - the cloudy weather," said Ahmed. "They settled on a solution to follow the moon of a different country." Advertisement Advertisement The reliance on other countries has led to disputes, or so-called "moon wars", between mosques in the UK depending on which country they follow, as different countries see the crescent moon on different days. It often means communities do not observe events like Ramadan or Eid at the same time. Ahmed added: "Growing up, something I and all Muslims faced in the UK is every single Ramadan or Eid, we didn't seem to know when we should be celebrating, and this has caused a lot of hurt in the community. "What we're trying to do here is train people in astronomy, not just because it's a contemporary problem, but because Muslims have a really strong history in astronomy. Advertisement Advertisement "Moonsighting is a national sport and we all need to work together. I want to go from moon fighting to moonsighting and moon uniting." The course, which started in December and will run for nine months, has been created alongside moonsighting organisation the New Crescent Society, of whom Ahmed is director, and the University of Cambridge. In includes use of the University of Leeds' rooftop observatory and their state-of-the-art 35cm telescopes. University of Leeds astronomer Dr Emma Alexander (centre) is project co-lead of Moonsighters Academy [University of Leeds/Mark Bickerdike] Dr Emma Alexander, an astronomer at the university and project co-lead, said: "One of my favourite aspects of working in astronomy is being able to share it with others, especially when I can help ignite sparks of curiosity about our universe and shake off stereotypes of who astronomers are. Advertisement Advertisement "The course has opened up much more of an interest in the interlink between astronomy and culture in general - how people within different communities, different faiths, interact with our night sky." The 38 participants include imams, school teachers, artists and business owners of varied ages. Aliyah Khan, who works as a science teacher and forest therapy practitioner, said she applied for the course in the hope of "educating the next generation" of Muslims in the UK. "Where I grew up, we have two major mosques and neither of them agree on the same date for Ramadan or Eid," she added. Advertisement Advertisement "So in school I was the only one doing Eid on a different day to my friends. It's quite isolating and splits the community. "We can see the moon from Britain, we don't need to have someone in another country looking at it for us. It's a way of bridging scientific knowledge and Islamic practise." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More on this story Related internet links PORTLAND. Ore. (KOIN) About 100-150 people were seen gathering outside the Portland ICE facility around 10 p.m. Saturday night after other protests were held around the Rose City throughout the day. Portland police officers, who are monitoring the situation on bicycles, also made two unrelated arrests at the demonstration earlier in the evening after Chief Bob Day promised to ramp up efforts to keep people safe during planned protests this weekend. This all comes in the wake of shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis and Portland earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement A blue line designates the property boundary of the ICE building on South Macadam Avenue, on which several protesters have been seen dancing, as observed by KOIN 6 News Reporter Ariel Salk. However, federal agents have, so far, not made their presence known. The crowd is a mixture of both protesters and some counter-protesters, who, on occasion, engaged in shouting matches with one another. Suspect in deadly Salem shooting gets life in prison Portland police monitor a protest outside the ICE facility on January 10, 2026 (KOIN). Portland police bicycle officers monitor a protest outside the ICE facility on January 10, 2026 (KOIN) Portland bike officers monitor a crowd of protesters outside the ICE facility on January 10, 2026 (KOIN). Portland police made several arrests during a protest outside the ICE facility on Saturday, Jaunary 10, 2026 (KOIN). Dozens gather outside the ICE facility in South Portland, Jan. 10, 2025. (KOIN) Earlier in the afternoon, the crowd outside the ICE facility was about 50 people. As part of a growing movement calling for more transparency, investigations into the shootings, and a halt to ICE activity, protests took place in multiple Portland locations and surrounding areas, as well as nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Crowds of people gathered at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park downtown, near the Oregon Battleship Memorial, with several hundred people holding signs protesting ICE and the policies of President Donald Trump. Hundreds of people also held a candlelight vigil at Terry Schrunk Plaza in downtown Portland to honor the victims of ICE and Border Patrol agents, organizers said. On Wednesday in Minneapolis, an ICE agent killed a U.S. citizen, Renee Good, according to the Associated Press. Then on Thursday, Border Patrol agents in Portland shot and injured a man and a woman, who were both sent to a hospital. The two individuals are suspected to be associated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, according to the Department of Homeland Security, a claim later backed up by Portland Police Chief Day. On Friday, Portland police arrested one person during a protest involving hundreds of people outside the ICE facility for allegedly pushing a bike officer. Six other people were also arrested on Thursday night during a similar protest at the same location, with charges that ranged from disorderly conduct and interfering with a peace officer to a few people facing riot charges. Advertisement Advertisement Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story. 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 KOIN.com. Women named Diandra are often perceived as possessing a blend of strength and grace, reflecting their namesake's mythological qualities. They tend to be independent, self-reliant individuals with a natural elegance and poise that draws others to them. Typically, Diandras exhibit strong intuition and emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate complex social situations with tact and sensitivity. Their personality often combines determination with compassionthey can be fiercely protective of those they care about while maintaining a gentle, nurturing side. Many display creative talents and an appreciation for beauty in various forms, from art and nature to human relationships. This combination of inner strength and external grace makes them natural leaders who inspire loyalty and admiration. They often possess a quiet confidence that doesn't need to assert itself loudly but is evident in their actions and decisions. Their connection to the name's mythological roots may manifest as a love for nature, animals, or outdoor activities, and they frequently demonstrate loyalty and protectiveness toward their inner circle. The name suggests someone who is both grounded and aspirational, practical yet dreamya balance that makes them particularly compelling individuals. More than 500 people have been killed in Iran amid protests that have been going on for more than two weeks now. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency reported that 490 protesters and 48 security personnel died in the unrest. More than 10,670 were detained as of Sunday as well. These are some of the largest demonstrations seen in the country in years, taking place in more than 100 municipalities across Iran. At first a response to rising prices and economic instability, people are now demanding an end to clerical rule. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian officials imposed an internet shutdown Thursday. Still, Human Rights Activist News Agency wrote that limited reports and images were still able to emerge of demonstrations. "The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure," HRANA wrote. "At the same time, reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control." A video verified by The Associated Press showed footage of thousands of protestors in northern Tehran's Saadat Abad area on Friday, with a man chanting "Death to (Iran Supreme Leader) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei!" On Saturday, footage posted on social media and verified by Reuters showed large crowds marching, clapping and chanting. The BBC authenticated videos showing the government cracking down on protests, with security officers shooting at groups of protesters in Tehran, in the western Kermanshah province and the southern Bushehr region. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed that Israel and the U.S. were masterminding destabilisation, and that Iran's enemies had brought in "terrorists." "Families, I ask you: do not allow your young children to join rioters and terrorists who behead people and kill others," he said in a state TV interview. Trump reportedly briefed on options in Iran Several news outlets citing an unnamed U.S. official, including The New York Times, CBS News, NBC News and CNN, reported that U.S. President Donald Trump was recently briefed on options for Iran - one of them being military strikes. The NYT wrote that Trump hasn't made a final decision, but officials said he was seriously considering authorizing a strike. Still, CNN wrote that there's concerns among the administration that these strikes could end up undermining protests, lead Iran to retaliate - or even get the Iranian people to support the government. The outlet added that some of the talks include options that do not directly involve U.S. military force. Advertisement Advertisement Trump is scheduled to be briefed again on Tuesday, The Wall Street Journal wrote. The president previously indicated the U.S. would intervene in the situation. During a meeting with oil executives last week, Trump said "I tell the Iranian leaders - you better not start shooting because we'll start shooting, too." "I've made the statement very strongly that if they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved," he said. "We'll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn't mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts." Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Washington against "a miscalculation" during a TV interview. Advertisement Advertisement "Let us be clear: in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all U.S. bases and ships will be our legitimate target," Reuters quoted Qalibaf as saying. The post More than 500 people killed in Iran as government cracks down on protests appeared first on Straight Arrow News. Related Links The Trump administration has said it will send "hundreds more" federal officers to Minneapolis, days after the death of a woman who was shot by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in the city. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News that "hundreds more" will be sent to the area "in order to allow our ICE and our Border Patrol individuals that are working in Minneapolis to do so safely". Protests against immigration enforcement have been held in cities across the US after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot in her car on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration says the agent acted in self-defence. Local officials insist the woman posed no danger. Noem said the officers will arrive "today and tomorrow" and warned action would be taken if people tried to obstruct their work. "If they conduct violent activities against law enforcement, if they impede our operations, that's a crime, and we will hold them accountable to those consequences," she said. Protesters gathered in Minneapolis on Saturday, with anti-ICE protests also taking place elsewhere in the US, including in Austin, Seattle, New York and Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Minneapolis police estimated "tens of thousands of people" attended the "ICE out of Minnesota" rally and march, which started in Powderhorn Park on Saturday. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the protest was "peaceful". Police said 31 people had been arrested after protests on Friday and Saturday. Minnesota has already seen a surge of federal law enforcement officials as the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement in the state. Federal law enforcement agents have been on patrol in Minneapolis [Bloomberg via Getty Images] Speaking to CNN, Noem also doubled down on her assessment that Good was committing an act of "domestic terrorism", saying she had "weaponised" her car" to attack ICE agents. Advertisement Advertisement In response to her comments, Frey told CNN: "Anybody can see that this victim is not a domestic terrorist", and he said her actions were of someone trying to do a three-point turn to escape the scene. The Minneapolis mayor added that the city's local law enforcement were "outnumbered by the number of ICE agents and beyond". On Sunday, Minnesota senator Tina Smith, a Democrat, accused the Trump administration of trying to cover up the shooting. "I think what we are seeing here is the federal government, Kristi Noem, Vice President Vance, Donald Trump, attempting to cover up what happened here," Smith told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think that people here and around the country are believing it," she added. In a statement, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson accused Smith of lying, saying: "Tina's lies only serve to further inflame tensions and incite violence against law enforcement officers." Anti-ICE protesters also gathered in New York City on Sunday [AFP via Getty Images] Videos of the incident show ICE agents approaching a car which is in the middle of the street, and telling the woman behind the wheel to get out of the SUV. One of the agents tugs at the driver's side door handle. As the vehicle attempts to drive off, one of the agents at the front of the car points their gun at the driver and several shots are heard. Advertisement Advertisement The car then continues to drive away from the officer and crashes into the side of the street. Good's wife told local media the pair had gone to the scene of immigration enforcement activity to support neighbours. The officer who fired on Good is Jonathan Ross, a veteran ICE agent who was previously injured in the line of duty when he was struck by a car. The FBI has said it will investigate the shooting. On Friday, Minnesota officials said they would open their own inquiry after saying they had been frozen out of the federal investigation. Previously, US Vice-President JD Vance said the investigation is a federal issue. Jan. 10North Dakota will be a beneficiary of grasslands work the Mule Deer Foundation will do after receiving a $744,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The MDF will use the money to implement on-the-ground habitat restoration across all states in the Northern Great Plains, including North Dakota. The Foundation said efforts will emphasize voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices that improve wildlife movement and promote sustainable agricultural operations. Much of the work in North Dakota will take place in the state's badlands region, where mule deer are most populous. Advertisement Advertisement "In North Dakota, the Mule Deer Foundation's efforts will focus on the West River grasslands of North Dakota, which happen to overlap with North Dakota's mule deer range," said Collin Smith, director of private land conservation with the MDF. "The badlands are an important area." In 2024, with support from the NFWF, the Foundation launched the Private Land Conservation Program and Great Plains Initiative as part of its conservation efforts to improve habitat conditions and enhance big game migration corridors. Through the initiative, MDF works in the Northern and Southern Plains regions to collaborate directly with private landowners, state and federal agencies, conservation organizations and local communities to design, fund and implement conservation projects that benefit mule deer and other wildlife species. The new grant will enhance projects that will take place across the landscape over the next three years. Working with landowners will be an important part of the projects, Smith said, noting successful conservation work requires a collaborative approach. Some of the work may include conifer reduction in grassland areas; invasive plant control; wildlife-friendly fencing; riparian restoration projects; grassland restoration (marginal cropland converted back to grassland; and grazing management and infrastructure improvements. "We work with landowners on an individual one-on-one, in-person basis to design and develop projects on their lands," Smith said. "We identify landowners through outreach we conduct, but also, we work with our many conservation agency/organization partners to identify opportunities and assist with landowner projects that they are already working on." The three-year grant will cover work through the summer of 2028. A high-profile court case more than three years in the making got underway on Monday in Orange County. The hearing started with the discussion of a rejected plea deal and more motions being filed ahead of jury selection. After rejecting a plea bargain offer by the prosecution on Monday, the murder trial of Issiah Ross, involving two Orange County teens, officially begins on Tuesday with jury selection expected to start. Issiah Ross is accused of killing two teens, Lyric Woods and Devin Clark, in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Although Ross was 17 years old at the time of the incident, he is being tried as an adult. He is facing two counts of first-degree murder, which could mean life without parole if convicted by a jury. The state offered a plea deal that would have dropped the charges to two counts of second-degree murder and avoided a life without parole sentence, but Ross rejected the state's offer and declined to make a counteroffer. The judge ensured Ross knowingly and voluntarily made the decision. "Right now, you understand your case, you got a chance to talk to your lawyer. You understand the plea that's being offered. You understand the potential for a counteroffer. Your decision means you don't want to do any of that," Judge Stephanie Reese said. Advertisement Advertisement "Yes, ma'am," Ross said. Prosecutor: "The offer to Mr. Ross was that the defendant would plead guilty to two counts of second degree murder, the B-1 felony that the defendant would receive two consecutive sentences of 240 to 300 months, and the State would submit, Mr. Ross, as a level one for sentencing purposes um, your Honor, in addition to that official offer, the defense and I have had some conversations about potentially resolving this at a lower amount of time, but there was not an official counter offer, nor did I extend another official reduced offer." Ross has been in custody since his arrest in 2022 and is being tried as an adult. Woods, who was 14 years old from Orange County, and 18-year-old Clark from Mebane, went missing in September of 2022. Devin Clark, Lyric Woods More motions filed Motions that were granted on Monday include joining the charges into one trial, excluding witnesses from the courtroom with some exceptions, and Ross pleading it was self-defense, although it was filed late, according to the prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Motions that were granted on Monday include joining the charges into one trial, excluding witnesses from the courtroom with some exceptions, and Ross pleading it was self-defense, although it was filed late, according to the prosecution. "I do believe the notice was provided outside the statutory timeline ... however, at this time I am not objecting to the filing," the prosecutor said. Some of the witnesses expected to be in the trial include the victims' family members, but they're limited in what they can say. "Just to the extent that I anticipate them explaining the last time they saw their children and sort of how they discovered that they were missing and filing that police report," the prosecutor said. Advertisement Advertisement New court filings show jurors may also hear from nine 'expert witnesses' that include an FBI special agent and a forensic scientist. The judge said the trial could last two weeks. The bailiff will begin handling seating arrangements to ensure the jury is separated from family members. How we got here Both their families had separately reported Woods and Clark missing. Law enforcement says they didn't know the two cases were connected until two men riding four-wheelers found their bodies with multiple gunshot wounds. The discovery shook the family, friends, and the community to the core. ABC11 spoke with Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood on Sunday, who remembers Woods as a teen whose life was taken too soon. Advertisement Advertisement "It's very, very difficult not to let your personal feelings wander into these types of instances, especially if you're a parent, whether you're a seasoned investigator or brand new on the job. It hits you and you realize the frailty of life," said Sheriff Blackwood. Evidence led law enforcement to Issiah Ross 2 weeks later, who had made his way to Delaware. The public learned that Ross and Clark attended the same high school, but details about a possible motive have been sealed. Prosecutors say evidence from a witness describes Ross confessing to killing and dumping Woods and Clark's bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors also claim Ross shot Woods and Clark as they were trying to run away. Both attorneys stated the gun used to kill the teenagers was a 9-millimeter owned by Clark's father. "Their memory will sustain. And I feel it's important for us to keep their memory alive. And it's important that their departure from our lives doesn't define who they were. And again, serves as a reminder of just how precious life is," said Sheriff Blackwood. Jan 11 (Reuters) - Voters in war-torn Myanmar cast ballots in the second stage of an election dominated so far by a party backed by the ruling military, as the junta sought to gloss over a low turnout in the initial round of a contest widely derided as a sham. Myanmar has been ravaged by conflict since the military staged a coup against a civilian government in 2021 and detained its leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, unleashing a civil war that engulfed swathes of the country of 51 million people. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party, winner of the last two elections in landslides, has been dissolved along with dozens of other anti-junta parties for failing to register, while rebel groups refused to take part. Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations, many Western countries and human rights groups say the election is a ploy to formalise junta rule through civilian proxies and the contest is neither free, fair nor credible without a meaningful opposition. 'VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE' The military insists the vote has public backing and is being conducted without coercion. It has sought to put a positive spin on the election after a first phase on December 28 had a turnout of just 52%. "This is not just a victory for the government, but a victory for the people, an achievement for those who desire democracy and peace," its spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told reporters on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has travelled widely to promote the election, hailing it a success and urging people to vote. He is expected to play a central role in the next administration but sidestepped a question recently about his political ambitions. A resident of Latha Township in the biggest city Yangon, who did not vote but witnessed activity at a local polling station, said many people turned out early, worried about repercussions if they did not vote and about being stigmatised if they did. "They are afraid something will happen if they dont vote, and if they vote, they are afraid others will find out," he said on condition of anonymity. ARMY PARTY MARCHING TOWARDS VICTORY Advertisement Advertisement The military-allied Union Solidarity and Development Party looks set to win big after securing 88% of lower house seats contested in the first phase. The party, created by the military back in 2010 to serve as its political vehicle, is stacked with retired soldiers. "The USDP is on track for a landslide victory, which is hardly a surprise given the extent to which the playing field was tilted in its favour. This included the removal of any serious rivals and a set of laws designed to stifle opposition to the polls," said Richard Horsey, Senior Myanmar Adviser for Crisis Group. A 42-year-old Yangon resident told Reuters he cast his ballot to avoid repercussions, but did not choose USDP. "I voted for another party. I don't even remember the name," he said. Advertisement Advertisement TRANSITION PROMISED A final voting round will take place on January 25. The military has said the election will bring political stability to Myanmar, which is facing among the most serious humanitarian crises in Asia with thousands killed in conflict and, according to the United Nations, 3.6 million displaced. However, analysts warn that the junta's attempt to form a stable administration amid raging conflict is fraught with risk and any military-controlled government is unlikely to gain broad international recognition. Junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said a new government would be formed in April that would be accepted overseas, leading to sanctions being eased and a return of foreign investment. Advertisement Advertisement "I believe after the election, restrictions will decrease, and international relations will become more open and visible," he said. (Reporting by Reuters Staff, Editing by Devjyot Ghoshal, Martin Petty and Michael Perry) On Jan. 11, 2026, I watched anxiously at the tightly controlled Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as an awe-inspiring SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried NASAs new exoplanet telescope, Pandora, into orbit. Exoplanets are worlds that orbit other stars. They are very difficult to observe because seen from Earth they appear as extremely faint dots right next to their host stars, which are millions to billions of times brighter and drown out the light reflected by the planets. The Pandora telescope will join and complement NASAs James Webb Space Telescope in studying these faraway planets and the stars they orbit. I am an astronomy professor at the University of Arizona who specializes in studies of planets around other stars and astrobiology. I am a co-investigator of Pandora and leading its exoplanet science working group. We built Pandora to shatter a barrier to understand and remove a source of noise in the data that limits our ability to study small exoplanets in detail and search for life on them. Observing exoplanets Astronomers have a trick to study exoplanet atmospheres. By observing the planets as they orbit in front of their host stars, we can study starlight that filters through their atmospheres. Advertisement Advertisement These planetary transit observations are similar to holding a glass of red wine up to a candle: The light filtering through will show fine details that reveal the quality of the wine. By analyzing starlight filtered through the planets atmospheres, astronomers can find evidence for water vapor, hydrogen, clouds and even search for evidence of life. Researchers improved transit observations in 2002, opening an exciting window to new worlds. For a while, it seemed to work perfectly. But, starting from 2007, astronomers noted that starspots cooler, active regions on the stars may disturb the transit measurements. In 2018 and 2019, then-Ph.D. student Benjamin V. Rackham, astrophysicist Mark Giampapa and I published a series of studies showing how darker starspots and brighter, magnetically active stellar regions can seriously mislead exoplanets measurements. We dubbed this problem the transit light source effect. Most stars are spotted, active and change continuously. Ben, Mark and I showed that these changes alter the signals from exoplanets. To make things worse, some stars also have water vapor in their upper layers often more prominent in starspots than outside of them. That and other gases can confuse astronomers, who may think that they found water vapor in the planet. Advertisement Advertisement In our papers published three years before the 2021 launch of the James Webb Space Telescope we predicted that the Webb cannot reach its full potential. We sounded the alarm bell. Astronomers realized that we were trying to judge our wine in light of flickering, unstable candles. The birth of Pandora For me, Pandora began with an intriguing email from NASA in 2018. Two prominent scientists from NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, Elisa Quintana and Tom Barclay, asked to chat. They had an unusual plan: They wanted to build a space telescope very quickly to help tackle stellar contamination in time to assist Webb. This was an exciting idea, but also very challenging. Space telescopes are very complex, and not something that you would normally want to put together in a rush. Pandora breaks with NASAs conventional model. We proposed and built Pandora faster and at a significantly lower cost than is typical for NASA missions. Our approach meant keeping the mission simple and accepting somewhat higher risks. What makes Pandora special? Pandora is smaller and cannot collect as much light as its bigger brother Webb. But Pandora will do what Webb cannot: It will be able to patiently observe stars to understand how their complex atmospheres change. Advertisement Advertisement By staring at a star for 24 hours with visible and infrared cameras, it will measure subtle changes in the stars brightness and colors. When active regions in the star rotate in and out of view, and starspots form, evolve and dissipate, Pandora will record them. While Webb very rarely returns to the same planet in the same instrument configuration and almost never monitors their host stars, Pandora will revisit its target stars 10 times over a year, spending over 200 hours on each of them. With that information, our Pandora team will be able to figure out how the changes in the stars affect the observed planetary transits. Like Webb, Pandora will observe the planetary transit events, too. By combining data from Pandora and Webb, our team will be able to understand what exoplanet atmospheres are made of in more detail than ever before. After the successful launch, Pandora is now circling Earth about every 90 minutes. Pandoras systems and functions are now being tested thoroughly by Blue Canyon Technologies, Pandoras primary builder. About a week after launch, control of the spacecraft will transition to the University of Arizonas Multi-Mission Operation Center in Tucson, Arizona. Then the work of our science teams begins in earnest and we will begin capturing starlight filtered through the atmospheres of other worlds and see them with a new, steady eye. Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Daniel Apai, University of Arizona Read more: Daniel Apai is a professor of astronomy, planetary sciences and optical science at the University of Arizona. He receives funding from NASA. ORLANDO, Fla. NASA could be sending a crew on the Orion spacecraft out past the moon in less than a month if everything falls into place. But first the agency has to get its rocket to the launch pad. That could as early as next Saturday when the mobile launcher topped with the Space Launch System rocket and Orion could make the 4-mile slow roll atop the crawler-transporter 2 from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, NASA announced in a press release late Friday. We are moving closer to Artemis II, with rollout just around the corner, said Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator for NASAs Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. We have important steps remaining on our path to launch and crew safety will remain our top priority at every turn, as we near humanitys return to the moon. Advertisement Advertisement The crawler was last used on Artemis I in 2022, and had to make several trips to the pad and back as teams worked through hardware issues and even the threat of Hurricane Ian. Once at the pad, more testing must be done before signing off on any launch attempt target date. The first potential launch date, though, is Feb. 6 with opportunities falling on Feb. 7, 8, 10 and 11. The next launch window would give options on March 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11. The last of the planned launch windows announced so far has options to fly on April 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Artemis II will be the first time humans fly on Orion, which had two previous uncrewed trips to space. The 10-day mission looks to send its crew out past the moon without landing, flying the farthest from Earth any human has ever flown, and venturing out of low-Earth orbit for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Advertisement Advertisement The crew is made up of NASA astronauts, commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. The crew announced this version of Orion has been named Integrity. The goal of the mission is to prove Orion can keep its crew safe, fly past the moon and return home. This could then set up Artemis III, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time in more than half a century. The SLS and Orion were fully stacked in the VAB in late October. Getting to the rollout has not been without hurdles, though, with teams continuing to work around the clock. NASA noted the rollout could delay if more time is needed for technical preparations or for weather concerns. Recent troubleshooting issues have included a cable bent out of specifications that was connected to the flight termination system that needed replacement. Testing of that is occurring this weekend. Also, a valve connected to Orions hatch pressurization had issues during last months countdown demonstration in the VAB. That valve was replaced and tested earlier this month. In addition, teams had to fix leaky ground support hardware used to load gaseous oxygen into Orion for its crew to breathe. Advertisement Advertisement Once at the pad, the mobile launcher will have its electrical, environmental control system ducts and cryogenic propellant feeds hooked up and powered on to make sure the rocket is ready to fly. The crew will then perform a final walkdown at the pad before NASA performs a wet dress rehearsal, which means filling the SLS and Orion with all the needed propellants but not igniting them. That will involve flowing in more than 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, all filled during a practice countdown, and then removing the propellants while the astronauts are safely away from the pad. The closeout crew that would during launch day secure the astronauts onboard Orion will be on site to practice their procedures, though. If issues arise, its possible NASA will need to roll the SLS back to the VAB. But if all goes well, the next step would be getting ready for launch. Advertisement Advertisement Wet dress rehearsal testing will be carved up into runs, with the first occurring 49 hours ahead of the target test T-0 time with teams getting called to their launch support stations running down to T-90 seconds. Then a planned three-minute hold will move onto a countdown resumption to T-33 seconds. This is the point when the SLSs automatic launch sequencer takes control. The rehearsal will then recycle the clock to T-10 minutes and hold, and then resume countdown down to T-30 seconds. While NASA has integrated lessons learned from Artemis I into the launch countdown procedures, the agency will pause to address any issues during the test or at any other point should technical challenges arise, NASA posted on its website. Engineers will have a close eye on propellant loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the rocket, after challenges encountered with liquid hydrogen loading during Artemis I wet dress rehearsals. Changes in the propellant load procedures made after the issues seen on Artemis I will be of particular interest, as well as recently updated procedures that will attempt to limit how much inert gaseous nitrogen accumulates in the space between Orions crew module and launch abort system hatches, something that could potentially cause problems for the closeout crew. NASA said it may need to perform more than one wet dress rehearsal depending on the initial runs results. Advertisement Advertisement But if all boxes get checked, NASA could move onto a flight readiness review to choose a target launch date. While each months launch window is about two weeks, the specific days carved out as launch options were based on keeping the crew safe. When it does launch, Orion wont be headed to the moon right away. Instead it will orbit Earth to let the crew and ground teams ensure the spacecrafts life support systems are good to go. Then it will align for a trans-lunar injection burn to set up the spacecrafts flyby and return trajectory. Some launch day options were taken off the board because they would cast Orion into the moons shadow for more than 90 minutes, which would limit the effectiveness of the spacecrafts solar array wings. Other issues with launch dates include Floridas tempestuous weather and the availability of the propellants, so if theres a scrub on one day, its hard to do a 24-hour turnaround. As a general rule, up to four launch attempts may be attempted within the approximate week of opportunities that exist within a launch period, NASA sated. The proposed course for a trail meant to connect Will County Forest Preserve District properties in rural Crete will require the removal of multiple oak trees that could be centuries old. Keith Nowakowski, an advocate for the protection of native plants who lives near the property, said he was horrified when he saw which trees had been marked for removal. I was really appalled at what I was seeing, because it seemed like the trail was heading right for the biggest, most majestic oaks, Nowakowski said. And there arent that many oaks that you cant avoid the biggest ones and still put in a trail. Advertisement Advertisement Nowakowskis parents bought the property adjoining the woodland 46 years ago, he said, and he has spent decades exploring it. I measured several of them, Nowakowski said. An oak with a caliper of 25 inches across at breast height, which is roughly 5 feet off the ground, which is where you measure a tree, that could be a 200-year-old oak. The purpose of the planned trail is to connect existing Forest Preserve holdings and expand the trail network, Colleen Novander, director of planning and land preservation at Forest Preserve District, said in an email. Upon completion, the project will eliminate a gap in the existing trail system, resulting in a continuous greenway trail connection between Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve and the Plum Valley Preserve Burville Road access, Novander said. Advertisement Advertisement The project plan also includes a bridge spanning Plum Creek. The trails course has been designed to minimize the impact on the surroundings, Novander said, including wetlands, vegetation and sensitive habitats. While the trail alignment has been designed to avoid these features to the greatest extent practicable, limited tree removal will be required to accommodate construction and ensure the safe operation of the trail, Novander said. Nowakowski said he wasnt opposed to the trail, and that he was in favor when he first heard about the plan, which has been in development for years. However, he said the planned course seemed unnecessarily destructive. Advertisement Advertisement It just seems very unnecessary and very heartbreaking, Nowakowski said. He would also like to see the Forest Preserve District dedicate more energy to the ecological restoration of the property, which he said has not been well-maintained and is plagued by invasive species such as Amur honeysuckle and multiflora rose. Theyve done no restoration on that property, Nowakowski said. If they were working on that, and then said oh, wed like to make a trail, that would be nice. But theyre just putting in a trail and Im not sure theyre going to do any restoration. Novander said the trail project will include restoration of areas disturbed by the project, including potentially replacing felled trees. Advertisement Advertisement To offset these impacts, ecological restoration of disturbed areas is included within the project scope and will be completed in accordance with guidance from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Novander said. The Forest Preserve District had to file for an incidental take permit with the state because the planned trail crosses through a Kirtlands snake habitat. Kirtlands snake is listed as a threatened species in Illinois. Theyre making the trail for the public, so the public can experience something thats nice, but to me, whats nice is whats marked in green to be removed, Nowakowski said, pointing at a trio of oaks marked for removal. Its like a cathedral. If the trees are felled, Nowakowski said, he plans to count the rings to determine their true ages, though hed much prefer to see them spared. Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, at that point, theyll be gone, Nowakowski said. Tree clearing is scheduled to begin this year, and construction on the trail is planned to be complete by the end of 2026, Forest Preserve public information officer Cindy Cain said. elewis@chicagotribune.com Tzachi Braverman, who was approved as an ambassadorial candidate to the UK, was detained by police for questioning on suspicion of obstruction of justice. Tzachi Braverman, chief of staff in the Prime Ministers Office and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus ambassador nominee to the United Kingdom, was detained for questioning by the Lahav 433 National Crime Unit on Sunday, police announced, following reports linking the questioning to the leaked documents (Bild) affair. The Likud said Bravermans interrogation is nothing more than a campaign of persecution and a phishing attempt against Netanyahu and his staff, and contrasted the choice to question Braverman against the prosecution and attorney-generals decision to treat former military advocate-general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi with kid gloves after she threw her phone into the ocean in the case of the Sde Teiman leak. Advertisement Advertisement It turns out everything depends on which side of the political map you are on, it said. Braverman was released from detention later on Sunday on condition of a 30-day ban on communicating with anyone involved in the affair, as well as a 15-day ban from the PMO, and a 30-day ban from leaving Israel, Ynet reported. This last ban is ordered despite Braverman being scheduled to fly to London to assume the role of Ambassador to the UK. Eli Feldstein, one of the suspects in the so-called Qatargate investigation arrives for a court hearing at the Tel Aviv District Court on July 15, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) In September 2024, a classified military intelligence document outlining Hamass stance on hostage negotiations was leaked to the German tabloid Bild, where it was published as evidence that Hamas was less interested in a ceasefire or hostage deal. Advertisement Advertisement The publication appeared to reinforce Netanyahus public argument that only further military pressure would secure the hostages release. Eli Feldstein, a former spokesman for the PMO, was arrested and indicted in the Bild leak scandal, charged with passing and holding classified information and obstruction of justice, along with other suspects, including a reservist military intelligence source who provided the document. Feldstein was called in for questioning as well on Sunday. In a lengthy interview aired on KAN News late last month, Feldstein provided new, more detailed allegations about the internal dynamics of the case. He said Netanyahu was fully aware of and supportive of efforts to use the classified document to shape public opinion, contradicting official denials that the prime minister learned of the leak only through the media. The Bild affair is one of two probes involving Netanyahus aides Feldstein described pressure from senior aides to suppress early scrutiny, including an incident where Braverman allegedly suggested that he could shut down the investigation into the leak allegations Braverman and the PMO strongly deny. Advertisement Advertisement Haaretz noted that Feldstein made similar claims in his interrogations and reported that his interrogator even made a note to investigate and try to corroborate Feldsteins claims. The former PMO spokesman told KAN that Braverman summoned him to a meeting in an underground parking lot at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv and asked him to leave his cell phone behind. According to Feldstein, during a conversation in a car, Braverman warned him that the IDFs information security unit had opened an investigation that extended to the PMO and named several individuals who later emerged as suspects. Feldsteins account has reignited public controversy and contributed to other criminal inquiries, including a separate police probe into whether Braverman tried to interfere with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Overlapping with the Bild leak case is the Qatargate scandal, which centers on allegations that senior Netanyahu aides including Feldstein and Yonatan Urich were paid by agents connected to Qatar to disseminate pro-Qatari messaging and influence media narratives during the Israel-Hamas War, at a time when Qatar was mediating hostage negotiations despite its links to Hamas. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and police have investigated suspected contact with a foreign agent, bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and money laundering. By now, the police have completed much of the probe and handed the file to the prosecution for review; court decisions have extended certain employment and detention restrictions on Urich. These two scandals intersect because Feldstein is also a suspect in the Qatargate case, and his recent extensive interview on KAN amplified elements of both. Per reports, authorities were set to orchestrate a police confrontation between the two. The PMO said it had no comment on the report. Following Bravermans questioning, the Movement for Quality Government called for the immediate suspension of his appointment as ambassador, arguing that anyone under investigation for suspected involvement in the leak of classified documents and for obstruction of justice cannot hold such a sensitive post that requires full public trust. Advertisement Advertisement Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid later echoed the sentiment, calling for the immediate suspension of Bravermans appointment, saying it was untenable for someone suspected of involvement in obstructing a serious security investigation to represent Israel in one of Europes most important countries. Democrats MK Gilad Kariv said anyone who believes Braverman would take any step without Netanyahus involvement is living in an illusion, adding that the person who should be questioned under caution over Qatars penetration of the Prime Ministers Office is, first and foremost, Netanyahu himself. Jan 11 (Reuters) - Nordic diplomats rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of Russian and Chinese vessels operating near Greenland, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. There have been no signs of Russian or Chinese ships or submarines around Greenland in recent years, the FT said, citing two senior Nordic diplomats with access to NATO intelligence briefings. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The White House and NATO did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement It is simply not true that the Chinese and Russians are there. I have seen the intelligence. There are no ships, no submarines, the FT quoted one senior diplomat as saying. Another Nordic diplomat said claims that waters around Greenland were crawling with Russian and Chinese vessels were unfounded, adding that such activity was on the Russian side of the Arctic. Trump has repeatedly said Russian and Chinese vessels are operating near Greenland, a claim Denmark disputes. He has not provided evidence to support it. Trump said on Friday the U.S. must own Greenland, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, to prevent Russia or China from occupying the strategically located and mineral-rich territory. Advertisement Advertisement "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," Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said earlier this week. Vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic and LSEG show no Chinese or Russian ship presence near Greenland. Greenland's assembly said late on Friday it would bring forward a meeting to discuss its response to U.S. threats to take control of the island. Trump's renewed push for Greenland, after U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, worries many of the island's 57,000 inhabitants, whose widely held goal is to eventually become an independent nation. (Reporting by Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru, Editing by Louise Heavens) Women named Galenka are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of spiritual depth and practical wisdom. They tend to be intuitive individuals with strong moral compasses, frequently displaying compassion and empathy toward others. Their inherent sense of responsibility and nurturing nature makes them natural caregivers and trusted confidantes, while their resilience enables them to overcome challenges with grace and determination. Galenkas typically exhibit a quiet strength and observational intelligence, preferring to listen and analyze before speaking or acting. They often have artistic inclinations and appreciate beauty in various forms, from nature to creative arts. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, lasting relationships and are known for their loyalty and unwavering support of loved ones. Their combination of spiritual awareness and practical problem-solving skills makes them valuable members of any community. These personality characteristics align with the name's meaning of 'God shall redeem,' suggesting individuals who embody hope, transformation, and the belief in positive outcomes even during difficult circumstances. Their presence often brings a sense of calm and reassurance to those around them, reflecting the redemptive quality inherent in their name's significance. The NYPD is looking for two suspects after a teenage boy was slashed in the neck and killed at 85th Avenue and 76th Street in Woodhaven, Queens on Friday afternoon. The attack was caught on surveillance video. Police are now identifying the victim as 17-year-old Josue Argudo, a Woodhaven resident. New images released by the NYPD show two young men wanted in connection with the slashing. Police are asking for the public's help in identifying their suspects. NYC Councilmember Joann Ariola posted on social media that there may have been an altercation at a nearby pizzeria that led to a fight. Advertisement Advertisement Argudo initially tried to run from his attacker, but was unable to get away. He and his assailant continued to exchange words, apparently after he had been wounded. Minutes later, Argudo was compelled to sit down on a neighbor's front wall and witness Sean K. found him slumped over. "Everyone was giving him CPR. Our neighbor. And there was blood all over his shirt. And unfortunately, he looked unresponsive," witness Sean K. said. Argudo was taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. "Seeing the victim on the floor -- it was heartbreaking. It was very sad," Sean K. said. Advertisement Advertisement "It brought tears to my eyes. I felt bad because his sister, and it seemed two people, were crying and holding him. It was a very emotional scene," another eyewitness said. Neighbors were heartbroken after hearing what had happened. "It makes you think, you know? Could be your kid one day getting in trouble, some way, somehow. Bad kids. Bad people following your son. I was upset," Woodhaven resident Isidro Mejia said. The suspect seen on surveillance video was wearing all black and was covered up from head to toe. Police said some sharp object was used to slash the boy. "How horrible it is -- I've lived here since 1989. I've seen lots of things happen on this block. Anything like this has never happened before," Sean K. said. Advertisement Advertisement The relationship between the suspect on video and Argudo is unclear. There are no arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing. * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * Follow us on YouTube * More local news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association is honoring retired Rhode Island State Police Colonel Steven ODonnell with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In a release, the organization said ODonnell is being recognized for his distinguished career marked by exceptional leadership, service, and lasting impact on public safety. ODonnell joined the state police in 1986. For over 30 years, he served in state, local, and federal law enforcement roles. Advertisement Advertisement His career highlights include national recognition as a Top Cop, groundbreaking undercover work, community-focused initiatives, mentorship of future leaders, and continued service in education, public safety consulting, and youth development, the release stated. ODonnell is also a contributor to 12 News as a law enforcement analyst. 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. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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 WPRI.com. Staying aware and keeping wildlife officials informed of out-of-place creatures is key to a safe environment for people and animals alike. A 13-foot, 1,100-pound saltwater crocodile was spotted swimming around the bay of Pulau Lubukan, Malaysia, prompting proactive measures to avoid conflict. What's happening? According to the Daily Express, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force received a report of the reptile from worried villagers. They collaborated with and gave the carefully captured croc over to the local wildlife department to assess next steps. Advertisement Advertisement Because of the quick actions of all involved parties, neither the animal nor any people were injured in the process. However, the concern remains why such a creature came so close to human civilization when crocodiles typically avoid it. Why is this important? As habitats shrink because of ecosystem changes attributed to rising global temperatures, human-wildlife conflict increases. While the situation in Malaysia was resolved without incident, other animals and people have not been so lucky. Oftentimes, when fauna finds itself thrust out of its natural routine, especially prompted by human actions such as spreading infrastructure, environmental destruction, and pollution, it is confused and frightened. Advertisement Advertisement Many animals that end up at odds with humans are not attacking out of hate, but rather, out of fear. When negative human-wildlife interactions occur, both sides suffer unfair consequences. 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. It is crucial to understand that wildlife is meant to be wild and should be left alone by the average person. Approaching wild animals is never a safe bet and can provoke retaliatory actions toward those involved. If wildlife is involved in an altercation, it is an unfortunate but common truth that it can be put down as a result, despite the issue being avoidable. What's being done about this? To mitigate human-wildlife conflict, people must be aware of why they shouldn't approach wild animals. Advertisement Advertisement Keeping both parties safe is imperative, as is avoiding problematic interactions. Whether it be something as seemingly innocuous as a chipmunk or as potentially intimidating as a crocodile, if someone ever sees a wild animal in a place it shouldn't be, the best thing to do is call the proper authorities. It also helps to be educated on critical climate issues that are causing habitat loss, which in turn leads to further contact between people and wildlife. By understanding the avenues humans pursue that push wild animals from their homes, the hope is that individuals can take small actions in their own environments to keep ecosystems habitable. 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. Gov. Phil Murphy on Sunday signed an executive order that will allow people with past criminal convictions to serve on juries in New Jersey, ending a lifetime ban that affected thousands of state residents. The order permits people with past convictions of indictable offenses to serve on juries. Today, as we restore the ability to serve on a jury to so many New Jerseyans, we do more than restore a right we restore trust, we restore dignity, and we restore faith in a system that must work with the people, not apart from them, Murphy said in an address to congregants at New Hope Baptist in East Orange. Advertisement Advertisement Current New Jersey law states that every person summoned as a juror shall not have been convicted of any indictable offense under the laws of this State, another state, or the United States. Murphy initially attempted to change the law through legislation. A bill was introduced in the state Assembly in February 2019 but languished in Trenton for six years without passage. Sources within the administration indicated they preferred the legislative route but decided to use executive action when it became clear the bill wouldnt pass in his final days of office. Itll likely be one of Murphys last major moves in office. The two-term Democrat who will leave office Jan. 20 when fellow Democrat, Mikie Sherrill, becomes New Jerseys 57th governor, called it an historic Executive Order expanding jury rights in New Jersey, stating that tens of thousands of New Jerseyans will finally be able to once again participate in our justice system. The executive order places New Jersey alongside states, including Maine, Indiana and North Dakota, where jury rights restoration for people with felony convictions is already law. Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans with criminal offense convictions have been barred for life from serving on a jury, Murphy said. They have been denied the opportunity to perform one of our most fundamental civic duties. And all of us have been denied the promise of being judged by a jury that truly reflects our communities. Murphy noted that those excluded from jury boxes are disproportionately Black and Latino, saying a justice system that does not look like the people it serves is not built to serve any of us. The order applies to convictions on or before Jan. 10 because clemency powers can only be exercised to grant relief for past conduct. People with disqualifying indictable convictions under federal law or in another state remain ineligible to serve on juries in New Jersey, as does anyone with a disqualifying conviction in a case of impeachment or treason. The ACLU of New Jersey called on the state legislature to address unjustifiable racial disparities in the criminal legal system' while applauding Murphy for his action. Advertisement Advertisement We believe people deserve second chances, and that includes being able to once again participate fully in civic life,' said Amol Sinha, executive director of the ACLU of New Jersey. Todays executive order will help repair some of the harms caused by excluding returning citizens from this vital civic duty, allowing for more representative juries and building a stronger democracy. 11 1/11 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy framed the order as part of broader criminal justice reforms. In 2024, Murphy launched a clemency initiative and has granted clemency to more than 300 individuals in under two years more than every administration over the last 30 years combined. He previously restored voting rights to more than 80,000 New Jerseyans on probation or parole. In his remarks at New Hope Baptist Church, Murphy shared the story of Dameon Stackhouse, who spent more than a decade in prison for robbery. Hes since dedicated himself to giving back to his community, Murphy noted. After nearly 12 years incarcerated and three more on parole, I understand how much civic participation matters,' Stackhouse said. Voting and jury service are not privileges -- they are markers of full belonging. This moment affirms what so many of us have long known: our voices matter, our contributions matter, and we belong in our democracy.' In November, Murphy announced a fourth round of clemency, granting 19 commutations and 29 pardons to 48 people and bringing his total to 200 clemency grants, the most by any governor in New Jersey history. Murphy said he considers clemency one of his keystone social justice accomplishments. Advertisement Advertisement Today, we widen the circle of justice and acknowledge that a system cannot call itself fair if it excludes people who have taken responsibility for their actions, rebuilt their lives, and earned their freedom, Murphy said. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. BRUSSELS, Jan 11 (Reuters) - It is now up to Russia to show it is interested in peace, after Kyiv and its allies agreed on a peace plan and security guarantees that would take effect following a ceasefire, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said. Speaking to reporters, she said the peace plan was the 20-point proposal that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump at the end of last year. She added that, alongside the plan, there were substantial, robust, and well-defined security guarantees for Kyiv from the United States and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement "Now, Russia has to show that they are interested in peace," von der Leyen said. She said the security guarantees would rely first on Ukraine's armed forces, which she said were well-trained and battle-experienced. It would be the task of the Europeans to make sure the Ukrainian army is also well equipped, she said. The second line of defence would be the so-called Coalition of the Willing -- 35 states including most EU countries as well as Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Turkey. "Here it is very good that the Americans are involved, specifically in the verification and the monitoring, but also with a backstop," von der Leyen said. Advertisement Advertisement She said that the EU was working on plans to ensure Ukraine's economic prosperity after a ceasefire, with ideas to be spelled out in a forthcoming "prosperity paper". The document would set out measures for the short-term and over the next decade to boost Ukraine's economy and support its recovery. (Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Ros Russell) (The Center Square) A multiagency law enforcement operation, Operation Salvo, was launched in New York after an off-duty Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer was shot in New York City last year by Trinitarios gang members. So far, 54 people have been arrested in New York through Operation Salvo; more than 60% have been deported, the Department of Homeland Security said. The violent gang was founded by Dominicans in New York City in 1993 but has since expanded throughout New York and Massachusetts, federal and state officials have found. Trinitarios gang members are involved in weapons trafficking, human smuggling, narcotics distribution, armed robberies, and violent attacks, DHS says. Advertisement Advertisement Operation Salvo is just the beginning of a broader and a much more sustained effort to go after not only transnational criminal organizations and networks, but also illegal criminal aliens throughout the country, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said. We are warning anyone if you think you can harm an individual, a citizen of the United States, or a law enforcement officer, we will find you and bring you to justice. If you lay a finger on one of our officers, we will catch you. We will prosecute you and you will feel the full extent of the law. In July, two Dominican nationals were arrested and charged with attempted robbery and attempted murder of a CBP officer in New York City after shooting the officer in the face and right forearm, The Center Square reported. He survived. His attackers were Trinitarios gang members in the country illegally who had extensive criminal records, authorities found. Miguel Mora Nunez has been charged in the shooting. He had prior charges for assault, contempt and robbery, DHS said. His current charges include attempted murder, assault, attempted robbery, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, and unlawful transport of firearms, DHS said. Advertisement Advertisement Cristhian Aybar Berroa has been charged as an accomplice with robbery, assault, attempted robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, and unlawful transport of firearms, DHS said. He has prior charges for reckless endangerment, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, reckless driving, and driving without a license, DHS said. CBP New York officers named the operation Operation Salvo because the CBP officer survived and because they wanted to unleash a salvo of justice upon those who seek to harm our community, DHS said. Operation Salvo involves federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including CBP, HSI, ICE, the NYPD and prosecutors from the Southern District of New York and New York County District Attorneys Office. DHS highlighted the extensive criminal history of just four Dominican Trinitarios gang members arrested: assault with intent to cause serious physical injury, robbery with physical injury displaying firearm, forcible theft armed with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal use of a firearm, menacing with weapon; act in manner to injure a child less than 17, assault, criminal possession of a controlled substance; felony grand larceny, felony assault, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest, menacing, and harassment; robbery, robbery cause physical injury, grand larceny and criminal sale of a controlled substance; and criminal possession of a weapon, assault with intent to cause physical injury, and harassment, among many others. Advertisement Advertisement Operation Salvo was launched in New York after a multi-agency operation led to several dozen Trinitarios members being federally charged in Massachusetts last February connected to six murders and 11 attempted murders. Two individuals were charged with murder by the Essex County District Attorneys Office. The charges stemmed from a multijurisdictional investigation that began after a series of murders and shootings occurred in Lynn, Mass., in 2023. They were committed, DHS alleges, by Trinitarios members operating in Lawrence, Lynn, Boston and Haverhill, The Center Square reported. Trinitarios have committed at least 10 homicides in Essex County and are believed to be responsible for numerous attempted murders, shootings, kidnappings and robberies. Sixteen members were charged with six murders; two occurred in Lawrence in 2017, two double murders occurred in Lynn in 2023, The Center Square reported. For well over a decade, Trinitarios gang members have engaged in brazen acts of murder, assault, and drug distribution instilling fear in the communities of Lynn and Lawrence in particular, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said. The multi-agency operation struck a significant blow against the leadership of the Trinitarios operating in Massachusetts virtually dismantling an organization responsible for years of bloodshed, drug trafficking, and lawlessness and ends the Trinitarios reign of terror in Massachusetts. Today, our communities are safer with the removal of these alleged violent offenders from our streets, and where appropriate, from our country. Investigations and arrests are ongoing, authorities say. Recently, Turkiye Today reported that Turkey is building a space port in Somalia. Two questions come to mind: Why a space port? And why Somalia? The official site for Turkeys space program lists a number of ambitious goals, all of which are designed to reduce its dependence on foreign sources for space activities. They include a lunar exploration program, the creation of a Turkish astronaut corps, the development of a satellite production industry and the establishment of a space port that will service Turkish space missions and commercial customers with excess capacity. Turkey is joining countries such as India, Japan and South Korea with its desire to establish its own indigenous space industry. By so doing, it means to assert its international standing and reduce dependence on foreign companies that is, on SpaceX. It should be noted that Turkey has so far declined to sign the Artemis Accords, preferring to align itself with the Chinese-Russian space axis. Advertisement Advertisement Geographically, Somalia seems ideal for a space port at first glance. It is close to the equator and faces the Indian Ocean. However, Somalia presents other problems for the establishment of a space port or, indeed, any large-scale facility. Somalia has been a failed state since it erupted into civil war in the early 90s. Its central government is unable to exert control or provide services to most of the country. Real power resides with a collection of warlords and clan chiefs. The Al Shabaab terrorist group is currently waging an insurgency against the Somali government. The Turkish space port is part of a wider program that lavishes military, economic and humanitarian aid meant to buttress the Somali governments authority. In return, Turkey gets a strategic position at the south end of the Red Sea and access to Somali natural resources. But Turkeys ability to establish some sort of order in Somalia is doubtful, at best. An American-led effort in the early 1990s ended with the Battle of Mogadishu and the Black Hawk Down incident. Troops were withdrawn after a few months, and the country was left to its own devices. No evidence exists that Turkey will be more successful than the U.S. was. Advertisement Advertisement Turkey also has to develop its own launch vehicles if it is to operate an independent space port. A private Turkish company named Fergani Space has already developed its own satellites and is working on a space tug to deploy satellites in orbit. Baykar, a drone manufacturer, is currently working on a 50-ton launch vehicle with a first test slated for 2026. Turkey is a long way from developing its own rockets capable of competing in the launch system market. The space port is a prerequisite for creating such launch vehicles. Even if Turkey establishes some kind of stability in Somalia and jumpstarts its own space agency, a recent development involving Somaliland and Israel, Turkeys main rival in the Middle East. Somaliland which is either its own country or the northwestern region of Somalia, depending on your perspective broke away from Somalia during the civil war and has since operated as a de facto independent country. Unlike Somalia, Somaliland has a functional democratic government that has imparted stability to the territory it controls. What it has lacked, until recently, has been international recognition. Advertisement Advertisement Israel has just recognized Somaliland as an independent nation, a move that has caused consternation in Africa and parts of the Middle East. What may follow including Somaliland joining the Abraham Accords, an Israeli presence in the country and recognition by other states is the subject of speculation. Turkey considers itself an opponent of Israel in the Middle East. Therefore, it is understandably disconcerted about the prospect of an Israeli presence next to a country where it is attempting to establish a sphere of influence. If the cold war between Israel and Turkey were ever to become hot, the space port in Somalia would surely be a target. The supply line between Turkey and Somalia, tenuous at best, would become untenable in the case of an Israeli-Turkish conflict. The Houthis across the Gulf of Aden have been troublesome enough, which is one reason Israel wants a presence in Somaliland. An Israeli blockade of Turkish shipping would swiftly end its space ambitions. Turkey could reverse course and attempt a rapprochement with Israel, even joining the Abraham Accords. Hostility toward the Jewish state does not serve its strategic interests. Cooperation between the two powers would serve both their interests, especially in the Horn of Africa. Israeli support of Turkish space ambitions would certainly be to the advantage of both countries and, at least indirectly, the Somali people. Advertisement Advertisement Mark R. Whittington, who writes frequently about space policy, has published a political study of space exploration entitled Why is It So Hard to Go Back to the Moon? as well as The Moon, Mars and Beyond and, most recently, Why is America Going Back to the Moon? He blogs at Curmudgeons Corner. 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. Outgoing Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum president Peter Feigin rebuffed calls to run for governor, ruling out the possibility as the 2026 election approaches. Feigin, who is stepping down after 12 seasons with the Bucks, was asked whether his future includes politics on WISN-TV's Sunday talk show "Upfront." "At this moment, I am declaring no, the fastest no you could have gotten," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Incoming president Josh Glessing, who was interviewed alongside Feigin, said the pair had several meetings last week where Feigin was asked whether he would enter the governor's race. Feigin acknowledged he could be a "good, middle-of-the-line person to get things done and change things." "I love the state of Wisconsin so much, but I think people should do background on me and understand I'd be counterintuitive to the political environment," he said. Feigin played a key role in securing $524 million of public-private financing for Fiserv Forum's opening in 2018. He is also credited with fostering a greater community presence by the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Campaign finance records show Feigin has donated mostly to Democrats over the years, including former Bucks executive Alex Lasry during his unsuccessful run for U.S. Senate in 2022. He gave a $1,000 contribution to one Republican in 2016: Then-state Senate Leader Scott Fitzgerald, who is now a congressman. More: Giannis Antetokounmpo, civic leaders react to Peter Feigin leaving Bucks The calls on Feigin to enter the race could indicate that major donors are not satisfied with the current frontrunners for governor. Congressman Tom Tiffany leads on the Republican side, with Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann also making a bid. Advertisement Advertisement On the Democratic side, former lieutenant governor and U.S. Senate candidate Mandela Barnes leads in name recognition. The crowded field includes other Milwaukeeans: County Executive David Crowley and Greater Milwaukee Committee president Joel Brennan. The primary election for the governor's race and other partisan offices is Aug. 11. The general election is Nov. 3. More: Who's running for governor in Wisconsin? These are the candidates More: In a crowded field for governor, the candidates offer their big ideas Molly Beck of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this story. Hope Karnopp can be reached at HKarnopp@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Outgoing Bucks president Peter Feigin won't run for Wisconsin governor Sean Hannity was left disappointed after his attempt to embarrass anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis completely derailed. During Friday nights episode of Hannity on Fox News, the MAGA host instructed reporter Garrett Tenney to speak with a protester on the scene of an anti-ICE march taking place in the streets of Minneapolis. Can you speak to anyone that is marching right now and ask them what they are marching about? Hannity said as his on-the-scene reporter paced down the sidewalk parallel to the demonstration. Widow and mother of three, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday. / Facebook The citys downtown filled with hundreds of protesters following Wednesdays fatal shooting of 37-year-old mother Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Advertisement Advertisement After Tenney described the demonstration as a DIY marching band going through the city with pots and pans, Hannity prompted the correspondent to speak with a protester on the ground to ask them why they were marching. Tenney asked the question to a protester in front of him, hoping to spark some tension, but was met with a straightforward answer. Im just here because I think its absolutely disgusting what ICE is doing here, the protester said. I think its absolutely abhorrent that theyre kidnapping people. Im disgusted that they murdered an innocent human being. The entire thing just absolutely abhors meit has to stop immediately." Garrett Tenney interviewing a Minneapolis anti-ICE protester on January 9. / Screenshot/Fox News Im glad that there are so many people out here trying to stop this, because its abhorrent, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Tenney, at Hannitys request, then asked the protester his thoughts on the videos that circulated of the shooting, parroting the administrations take that Good was intending to hit the officer with her car. When you saw this video that was out, Tenney asked. Did you have any concern that it looked like this woman may have been driving her vehicle at the officer? An onlooker holds a sign that reads Thats not what it looked like to me at all, the protester replied. And, I mean, even if you did assume that was the casewhich it absolutely is notwe are supposed to train officers to be responsible in these kinds of situations, and judge the situation objectively, look at it reasonably. Theres just absolutely no justification for this." Looking at the video from both anglesI know there was another video that came out earlier today from a different angleyou can very clearly tell that she is evacuating the scene," the protester, whose name Tenney did not get, continued. There is absolutely no evidence that theres any attempt to drive the vehicle into the officers. Over a thousand people marched through downtown Minneapolis during a protest against the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents January 9, 2026. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images Tenney thenagain prompted by an unsatisfied sounding Hannityasked the protester his opinion on people being in the country illegally, to which the person replied, They have the right to be here, frankly. Advertisement Advertisement Thats just my opinion, he added. A basic human right is freedom of movement. We recognize that in the United Nations Charter. The protester ended the interview with a smile and showed off his instrument of choice: a bell that he got from someone handing out free stuff. The scene of the aftermath of a shooting near Portland and 34th in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 7, 2026. / Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images Hannity cut back from the live footage to remark defeatedly, We are a nation of laws, and a constitutional republic. And if you want to come into the country, do so legally. Its not the first time the shows Trump-loving host has been embarrassed by a segment going off the rails. In November, Hannity spoke with liberal radio host Stephanie Miller in a segment intended to mock her over a viral edited photo of her kissing Texas Rep. Jasmine Crocketts shoes, but quickly found himself on the defensive as Miller blasted Fox News lack of coverage over the Epstein files. Advertisement Advertisement You know the funniest thing about this story is Trumps all over the Epstein files, and I wonder if theyre going to release that after the big bombshell! she said, following the House Oversight Committees release of over 20,000 documents related to the investigation into infamous sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. I didnt see anything about that on Fox News today. The two sparred back and forth, with Miller taking the upper hand as Hannity struggled to defend against her evidence of Trumps alleged mental decline. The Pennsylvania Farm Show has revealed this years Butter Sculpture. The 1,000-pound sculpture is titled A Toast to Our Nations 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers. Officials say it depicts symbols that helped create the United States, including the signing of the Constitution and the Liberty Bell. SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE SCULPTURE It honors the pivotal role that agriculture played in our nation and captures the historic moment in a way that blends both tradition and creativity and celebration, Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said. Advertisement Advertisement The sculpture was created by Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken over the course of several weeks. The sculptures theme matches that of the farm show, Growing a Nation, since it acts as the official kick-off for a year of America250PA commemorations. The farm show runs until Jan. 17 in Harrisburg. Once the show is over, the butter will be recycled at Reinford Farms in Juniata County and converted into renewable energy. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Women named Laurencia are typically perceived as possessing a natural elegance and dignified presence that commands respect. They often exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with intellectual curiosity and artistic sensitivity. The laurel crown symbolism seems to manifest in their personality through a drive for achievement and recognition in their chosen fields, whether professional, academic, or creative. Laurencias tend to be determined individuals who approach challenges with grace and perseverance, much like the enduring laurel tree itself. Their strength is often balanced with warmth and loyalty in personal relationships, making them both respected leaders and cherished friends. Many Laurencias display a refined taste and appreciation for beauty, often excelling in artistic pursuits or careers requiring aesthetic judgment. They typically value tradition and quality while also possessing the adaptability to navigate modern complexities. The combination of their inherent dignity and approachable nature allows them to inspire others naturally, often becoming mentors or role models in their communities without seeking the spotlight overtly. This balance of strength and grace makes Laurencias particularly effective in positions requiring both authority and empathy, such as education, healthcare, community leadership, or creative direction. A Pennsylvania mother was recently sentenced for handcuffing her 11-year-old son to a basement fuel tank in 2025. NBC News affiliate WGAL reports Chazzity Candelario, of Lebanon County, pleaded no contest to multiple charges, including child endangerment. On Wednesday, she was sentenced to between 16 months and five years in state prison. Police say Candelario handcuffed her son to the fuel tank as punishment for eating too many hot dogs. He freed himself after 17 hours and called 911. WGAL reports that this type of punishment was not unusual for the child. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Jan. 10North Dakota's fall pheasant season recently closed, with birds reportedly seen in many areas of the state, according to one wildlife official. "It should have been good. I know I did well," said Rodney Gross, upland game biologist with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. "It seemed like wherever you went there were a good number of birds." More pheasants were seen this season even in the Grand Forks region, which, due to habitat, is a bit unusual. Advertisement Advertisement "Sugar beet fields are not pheasant habitat. They're a grassland nesting bird," Gross said. "They need grass and small grains, like wheat and oats, and there just is not much of that in the northeast." However, Gross said bird counts from last year showed an increase of pheasants in the region, and he knows hunters who had success in the area. "This year you could actually go hunting for pheasants and expect to see pheasants in the northeast," he said. "If people are hunting pheasants in the northeast, that's pretty good because it's kind of outside the normal pheasant territory." Susan Ellis-Felege, biology professor at the University of North Dakota, said she takes part in an annual prairie grouse survey for Game and Fish and records other birds seen on the way to the leks. Advertisement Advertisement "When I started doing that in 2019, you'd see an occasional pheasant. There weren't many but there'd be a pheasant here and there, most likely release birds that escaped some shooter preserve effort, but not a high density of them," she said. "Now it's not uncommon on several mornings a week to see one or more and, in some cases, a half-dozen pheasants at a time." People don't come to Grand Forks County to fill their bag limits of pheasants, she said, but anymore hunters may see pheasants while out chasing sharptails or huns. "That's not a bit uncommon, and there are times when you'll see multiple birds in an area that, I would argue, was more of a rarity to see back in 2019 and 2020." Bag limits are most often filled in western North Dakota. The most popular place to hunt pheasants this past season, as it has been for the past few years, was in the southwest portion of the state. Every few years the birds seem to be throwing hunters for a loop, however, because three years prior the hot spot was the northwest corner. "The southwest part of the state probably had the best hunting," Gross said. "There were good numbers around Lake Sakakawea, decent numbers in the southwest, pretty much everywhere but the southeast." Advertisement Advertisement Gross said he feels optimistic about North Dakota's pheasant population, especially as Mother Nature cooperates. "We're up to a good winter start this year. That's kind of our limiting factor for pheasant population in North Dakota," he said. Although the birds can survive a rough winter, pheasants depend on having adequate winter habitat. Deep snow and lack of cover can pose challenges, but Gross said he's hopeful spring will bring a good breeding population. As for other upland game birds, sage grouse numbers have been down, partly because the birds didn't have good production rates, and much of that due to a wet period during the birds' peak hatch. But even adult bird numbers have been down, Gross said, and the department doesn't know why, although it suspects one culprit could be West Nile Virus. Advertisement Advertisement Partridge numbers seem fairly good, he said, but nothing like they were just a couple of years ago at the time, the state's 20-year partridge high. "But they are still good numbers," he said. Phoenix retailers are approaching a deadline to comply with a new ordinance aimed at preventing stray shopping carts. The ordinance, enacted by city leaders in September, requires retailers to equip their shopping carts with locking devices or privately hire a cart-retrieval company. The stores now need to complete an annual online certification by Jan. 15, confirming they are in compliance with the new rule. Phoenix leaders passed the ordinance in a unanimous vote, as residents voiced growing frustrations with blight and the eyesore caused by the stray carts. The city had also seen rising costs from retrieving lost carts that belonged to retailers. Advertisement Advertisement "These carts, often left behind without retailers having any meaningful retrieval plan, are not just annoyances," Councilmember Betty Guardado said at the September meeting. "They obstruct sidewalks, clutter public spaces and contribute to the deterioration of our community's appearance and quality of life." According to Phoenixs Neighborhood Services Department, 7,851 carts were collected from more than 640 stores during fiscal year 2024. The City Councils decision followed months of discussions over how to clamp down on retailers and bring down Phoenixs rising costs to collect carts. Under the new ordinance, which began on Oct. 17, stores must annually file a shopping cart certification that details, among other things, how many carts are provided to customers and whether they have an existing cart-retrieval contract. Advertisement Advertisement Stores that dont comply with the registry could face penalties ranging from $500 for a first violation, and $1,000 for the third violation within three years. Other Valley cities, including Avondale, Glendale, Maricopa and Peoria, have similar regulations. The city is encouraging residents to report abandoned shopping carts by calling 602-534-4444, emailing shopping.carts.nsd@phoenix.gov, or reporting them online at myPHX311. Republic reporter Shawn Raymundo contributed to this article. What we know: How to find Arizonas best bulk grocery deals in January This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix retailers approach deadline on new shopping cart rule A large sector of the eastern United States that has recently received an abnormally warm stretch of weather will get a temperature trend and wintertime pattern return closer to what is typical in mid-January. Some locations across the northern tier of the nation that previously had several inches of snow on the ground had most of it melt away or turn to slush over the last week. The remaining snowpack across portions of the Great Lakes, New York state and New England could still be at risk for melting over the upcoming days before true January cold returns. Feeling more like January again While there can be widespread highs in the 40s and 50s across major cities from Chicago and Detroit to Philadelphia and New York City on Tuesday, the week may end with temperatures plunging back into the 20s and 30s. AccuWeather.com The transition back to typical mid-January temperatures will be more noticeable later this week compared to the first few days. As the week progresses, however, the cold air mass will filter south and east, bringing even maximum daytime temperatures in the teens and 20s to parts of the Dakotas, eastern Montana, western Minnesota and the Midwest by late week. Advertisement Advertisement "This past Friday, Buffalo, New York, had a high of 61 degrees Fahrenheit, nearly 30 degrees F above their historical average high for the date and more in line of their typical high in late April," explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski. "However, a return to Arctic air will send high temperatures back down into the 20s later this week in cities such as Buffalo, a 40-degree F swing in less than a week's time." Winter weather impacts this week Aside from some intermittent snow and flurries that developed east of Lake Ontario and into New York state on Monday, the Midwest and the Northeast remained largely dry. On Tuesday, a bit more moisture will advance across the region as a storm plunging southeast across southern Ontario and Quebec, Canada, produces a swath of snow and rain from northern Minnesota into Michigan. AccuWeather.com Cold air will filter in behind this storm from Canada, but as moisture on the leading edge of the storm spreads across the Ohio Valley and interior Northeast, temperatures will still be able to support precipitation falling in the form of plain showers ahead of the cooler conditions arriving. Advertisement Advertisement By Tuesday night, additional periods of snow and snow showers will expand across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, while sporadic showers push south and east across the Ohio Valley. Monitoring potential impacts from mid- to late-week storm By Wednesday, the storm will swing east across southern Canada, ushering cold air into the Great Lakes region. As a result, accumulating snow will begin to spread across far northern Wisconsin, Michigan, northeastern Illinois, Indiana and into Ohio and surrounding regions. Plowable accumulations are expected with the risk for hefty lake-effect bands to set up along the southern and eastern shores of the Great Lakes. Forecasters warn that there may be a tight gradient in snowfall totals across northwestern Indiana due to the nature of the snow bands that could develop off Lake Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Visibility can be sharply reduced in the heaviest bands that develop off the lakes, leading to slower or near-impossible travel at times. AccuWeather.com As the storm tracks east, snow is forecast to spread across the Appalachians and the Northeast into Thursday night. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+ Cold and snow chances continue through mid-January The weather pattern setting up this week across the northern and eastern U.S. is likely to continue. The next round of snow for the Great Lakes is forecast on Thursday night and Friday, bringing a quick 1-3 inches of snow across much of the region. AccuWeather.com The heaviest snowfall totals are forecast across Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and downwind of the lakes in Michigan. Slippery travel is likely again with this storm. Advertisement Advertisement Much of the same is expected for the region into mid-January. "A southward dip in the jet stream will allow for rounds of cold air and multiple storms from Canada to move into the Great Lakes and Northeast through the middle of the month," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson. AccuWeather.com Anderson noted that this weather pattern does not favor moisture from the Gulf to be pulled up into the storms. This lack of moisture is likely to limit the potential for widespread blockbuster snow totals aside from the typical lake-effect areas. 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. FIRST ON FOX: The ex-husband of an Ohio dentist's wife killed in a double murder was arrested Saturday in the Chicago area, according to court records. Michael David McKee, 39, was arrested, police records show. Columbus, Ohio, officials said police responded to a Weinland Park home around 10 a.m. Dec. 30 and found Spencer Tepe, 37 and Monique Tepe , 39, both dead with gunshot wounds. McKee is Monique's ex-husband. Advertisement Advertisement 911 Call Near Slain Ohio Dentists Home Reported Door 'Banging' Days Before He And Wife Were Found Shot Dead McKee was booked at the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Illinois just before noon Saturday, records show. Hes being charged with two counts of murder in Ohio. Read On The Fox News App Detectives in Columbus believe the murders took place between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Dec. 30. Both of the couple's children were found safe inside the home when officers arrived. Police didn't find signs of forced entry, and a weapon was not recovered from the home, officials said. Ohio dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were shot and killed inside their home in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2025. Monique's ex-husband, Michael David McKee, left, has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder. (Fox News) According to charging documents, police were able to identify McKee by linking him to a car that arrived in the Tepes' neighborhood shortly before the murders and left just after the homicide. The car was then located in Rockford, Illinois, and police found evidence it belonged to McKee. Advertisement Advertisement The couple was killed just one month short of their five-year wedding anniversary, Rob Misleh, Spencer's brother-in-law, told Wsyx. Court records show McKees divorce with Monique was finalized in 2017. He has lived in various states, including Virginia, Nevada and Illinois, since 2020, according to public records. McKee and Monique got married in 2015. McKee is a vascular surgeon in the Rockford, Illinois, area. Police on Monday released surveillance video showing a "person of interest" walking in the alley near the Tepes' house in the early morning hours of Dec. 30. The video, released by the Columbus Division of Police, shows the man walking slowly in the alley in what appeared to be a dark coat and light-colored pants. Advertisement Advertisement At 10:03 a.m. Dec. 30, one of the Tepe's friends went to the couple's house and told a 911 operator he could see a body inside. "There's a body," the caller says. "Our friend wasn't answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here, and he appears dead. He's laying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood. I can't get closer to see more than that." Frantic 911 Calls Detail Moments Before Columbus Dentist And Wife Found Dead: 'There's A Body' Click Here To Download The Fox News App The couple's family said in a statement they are "heartbroken beyond words" and called the deaths "tragic and senseless." Advertisement Advertisement "They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others," the statement said. "Spencer, a graduate of The Ohio State University, was known as a devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met." This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Original article source: Police arrest surgeon ex-husband of Ohio woman slain alongside dentist husband in double murder, records show Police are searching for a missing 9-month-old baby girl after an alleged custodial interference in the Bronx. The incident happened around 6 p.m. on Friday at a home on Bryant Avenue near Crotona Park. According to the NYPD, Alexandria Quinones, 29, was visiting her 9-month-old when she fled the scene with her baby. Police say Quinones does not have custody of the 9-month-old. The 9-month-old is named Luveiya Williams, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement The missing child is described as a baby girl with brown eyes and a light complexion. Quinones, who has a medium complexion and black hair, was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Police say all tips are confidential. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More Manhattan news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. On Jan. 14, 1995, Mary Catherine Edwards, 31, a beloved elementary school teacher, was found dead in her townhouse in Beaumont, Texas. Her parents found her. It was a terrible scene: she was in her bathtub, handcuffed, and had been sexually assaulted. There were no signs of forced entry, which made investigators think she must know her killer. The police-grade Smith & Wesson handcuffs were always a big clue, but when detectives tried tracing the serial numbers, they came up empty. Early investigators questioned various law enforcement officers and came up with nothing either. The case went cold, but as Beaumont Police Det. Aaron Lewallen told "48 Hours contributor Natalie Morales, "Could it have been someone that we knew?... It was almost like a ghost story told around the camp fire " Morales reports on the search for answers in an encore of "Tracking the Killer of Mary Catherine Edwards," airing Saturday, Jan 10 at 9/8c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. On Jan. 14, 1995, Mary Catherine Edwards, 31, was found dead by her parents in her townhouse in Beaumont, Texas. She was in her bathtub, handcuffed, and had been sexually assaulted. There were no signs of forced entry, which made investigators think she must have known her killer. / Credit: Texas Department of Public Safety Thanks to carefully preserved DNA from the crime scene and the advent of genetic genealogy, Det. Aaron Lewallen, his wife Tina Lewallen, also a detective along with Brandon Bess, a Texas Ranger in the cold case division, and Shera LaPoint, a professional genealogist spent almost three months working together in a nonstop push to finally solve the case. Advertisement Advertisement After all the early leads and the suspicion that someone in law enforcement had been involved, the family tree they constructed revealed someone else. Their chief suspect turned out to be not a law enforcement officer, but a man who went to the same high school as Edwards: Clayton Foreman. And then they learned that Edwards and her identical twin sister Allison had been bridesmaids in Foreman's first wedding. The sisters were good friends with his first wife, Dianna Coe, who also went to the same high school. Coe remembers them fondly, telling Morales how kind they were to her when she moved to a new town and started a new school. "I was new to the area so, I knew no one. And they just started talking to me and asked me my name and we were friends from that point forward," Coe said. Advertisement Advertisement The sisters were the first people Coe thought of to be bridesmaids at her wedding. She and Foreman stayed married for 11 years. They were divorced by the time of the murder, but in hindsight, Coe began to see things in a different, darker, light. She remembered her ex-husband's fascination with the police officers and their tools of the trade, like handcuffs and billy clubs. As Coe told Morales, "He had a billy club that he keptby the bed. You know, said it was for protection. And I remember that he had ordered those handcuffs ... Well, he had them hung over the rearview mirror." Coe also remembered a disturbing conversation with her ex-husband when she heard Edwards had been murdered and called to talk about it. "I think I was, you know, crying and I said, 'oh, my God,' I said, 'somebody has murdered Catherine," Coe told "48 Hours." "And and he goes, 'Oh, really?' Just like no emotion, which I thought that was odd." The police-grade handcuffs found on Mary Catherine Edwards were later used to arrest her killer. / Credit: Jefferson County D.A.'s Office A DNA match quickly established that Foreman had indeed been at the crime scene. And when Det. Aaron Lewallen and Ranger Bess went to question Foreman, they had an arrest warrant. They also brought something with them something very symbolic. Advertisement Advertisement Together, they had taken the time to work out an arrangement with the prosecutors so they could use the handcuffs taken as evidence at the crime scene. When they arrested Foreman for the murder of Edwards, they did so with the very handcuffs that had bound her the night she died. He wasn't one of them, but in the course of the investigation, they learned Foreman had been falsely claiming to be a police officer. The handcuffs such a focus in the beginning came full circle at the end. Bess will never forget how it felt. As he told Morales, "It's a moment I'll never forget ... you feel like you got to do something for Catherine there ... You know, like physically got to do for her, is take those cuffs that bound her when she was murdered and put them back on the guy that murdered her ... It may seem small to some, but it was a really big deal to us, and it felt good." The jury in Foreman's murder trial deliberated for less than an hour before finding him guilty of the murder of Edwards. Foreman was sentenced to life in prison. Vance posts new video that shows Renee Good's last words and other angle of shooting Video shows ICE officer's point of view, Renee Good's last words before being shot People mocked his mangled truck, until one man stepped up to help FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (WWLP) Officials announced that child sexual abuse material was found in the home of a Princeton after-school program instructor, who reportedly died by suicide during the investigation. Massachusetts State Police stated that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children had received electronic tips related to 67-year-old John Buffington of Princeton. Buffington had been working at an after-school program through the Princeton Recreation Department, instructing classes in woodworking, kite-making, and primitive skills. National Day of Racial Healing observed at Elms College Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, January 8, members of the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit, the Massachusetts State Police S.T.O.P. Team, the U.S. Secret Service Cyber Task Force, and Princeton Police Department officers arrived at Buffingtons home to execute a search warrant. When police announced themselves at the door, Buffington was seen running into a garage and subsequently appeared to have committed suicide by firearm. He was pronounced deceased by Princeton and Sterling Fire and EMS. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the final cause of death. Law enforcement then entered Buffingtons home, where they found evidence of child sexual abuse material. They also located sexually explicit pictures of at least one child who was known to Buffington. Further investigation revealed that Buffington had previously worked at an after-school program in Lincoln until 2014. Officials stated that while the investigation is in its preliminary stages, there is currently no evidence that Buffington harmed any children he encountered. Advertisement Advertisement The Massachusetts State Police, Worcester District Attorneys Office, and Middlesex District Attorneys Office plan to work with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that all individuals affected by Buffington are identified and receive services. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand. 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 WWLP. Protesters in Fayette County joined others across the country, demonstrating after an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minnesota. Dozens of people gathered in Uniontowns George Marshall Plaza on Saturday, with many holding signs reading abolish or oust ICE. The reaction comes after the death of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said what led up to the shooting was an act of domestic terrorism, and that the agent acted in self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Channel 11 spoke with a mother at the Uniontown protest, Sara Paschke, who said she felt horror and outrage upon hearing about the shooting. America that we live in right now, what happened to her can happen to anyone, regardless whether or not you are an American citizen, Paschke said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Irans diplomatic moves, not calling for assistance or reaching out to its allies, seem to be intended to show that Tehran believes everything is going to turn out all right. Iran has faced almost two weeks of protests. Reports indicate that hundreds of protesters may have been killed. However, Tehran has sought to cut off all news about the unrest by shutting down the internet and suppressing information. Irans regime does not want to be viewed as being at a tipping point. At the same time, Tehran continues to do outreach abroad and hold meetings as if everything is normal at home. For instance, even as the protests were growing in strength, Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, went to Lebanon and met with Lebanese officials. Beirut is nonplussed with Irans meddling in Lebanon and by its support for Hezbollah. Lebanons President Joseph Aoun also met with Araghchi and spoke about non-interference. Advertisement Advertisement He said, Lebanon is ready to strengthen economic and trade relations and is keen to establish the best possible relations with Iran within a framework of mutual respect and non-interference in the affairs of both countries. In response, Araghchi emphasized that Iran supports Lebanons independence, unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and the visit is part of efforts to enhance and develop bilateral relations. Iran-Lebanon ties have been fraught with tension over the last year. Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi has been critical of Irans role. This has ruffled feathers in Tehran. Iran previously felt it had a kind of stranglehold over Lebanon via Hezbollah. However, these days it is Israel that has freedom of action in Lebanon. Iran also cant traffic weapons via Syria as it used to. Araghchi also met with Omans Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi in Tehran and warned other countries against tampering [with] Irans internal affairs. His warning appears to be related to statements made by the US but may also be directed at Israel. The Iranian diplomat reaffirmed Irans position that internal matters of sovereign nations should be decided solely by their own people and called for an end to external interference, Iranian state media reported on Saturday, according to reports. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi looks on during a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey, June 22, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/UMIT BEKTAS) He said No country has the right to meddle in the internal affairs of others, adding that regional conflicts, including the situation in Yemen, must be resolved through dialogue among local actors rather than outside influence, a report noted. Araghchi has also condemned Israels plots, which he says are designed to fragment countries. Tehran trying not to panic Irans diplomatic moves are designed to show that Tehran believes everything is going to turn out all right. Iran is not calling for assistance or reaching out to its allies, Russia or China, as it is trying to show that the regime is not panicking. Advertisement Advertisement Irans Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, is one of the few officials lashing out as Iran faces protests. He says that Iran will confront the fabricated terrorist war and that any external aggression against Iran will put US bases and occupied territories within our firing range, according to the pro-Iran Al Mayadeen media on January 11. One country that is very concerned about protests in Iran is Turkey. If the Iranian authoritarian theocratic regime falls, Ankara fears that people in Turkey may also protest. The media in Turkey tends to take the side of the Iranian government's narrative. At least six security members were killed, and dozens of protesters were detained as anti-government protests continued to roil Iran, fueled by worsening economic conditions, local media reported on Sunday, Anadolu in Turkey said. Irans Press TV said Iranian security forces have arrested 200 protest leaders. Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Irans enemies are seeking to sow chaos and instability and that the country will address economic problems amid the protests. Women named Lorayne are often perceived as sophisticated, intelligent, and possessing natural leadership qualities. They typically exhibit a blend of traditional values and modern thinking, combining grace with determination. Many Loraynes demonstrate strong organizational skills and an appreciation for beauty and culture, often excelling in creative or managerial roles. They tend to be diplomatic in their interactions, drawing on the name's historical associations with nobility and statesmanship. While maintaining an elegant exterior, they often possess inner strength and resilience, capable of navigating complex situations with poise and wisdom. Their multifaceted nature allows them to adapt to various social and professional environments while maintaining their distinctive identity. The name suggests someone who values quality over quantity in relationships and pursuits, often demonstrating loyalty to traditions while being open to innovation and progress when justified. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Red Line is experiencing disruptions Sunday afternoon after a train struck a person at the Takoma Metro station. In a post on the X platform at 11:20 a.m., Metro said trains were single tracking between Silver Spring and Takoma because of a trespasser struck by a train at the Takoma station. Court documents detail events leading to I-695 crash that killed DC officer Passengers could expect to experience delays in both directions as trains began to temporarily bypass Takoma because of the incident. However, Metro said it established shuttle buses to provide service to customers between the Takoma and Fort Totten stations. Advertisement Advertisement At this time, the status of the person who was struck by the train remains unclear. DC News Now reached out to Metro police for more information but has not yet heard back. For timely updates from Metro, click 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump's photo portrait display at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery has had references to his two impeachments removed, the latest apparent change at the collection of museums he has accused of bias as he asserts his influence over how official presentations document U.S. history. The wall text, which summarized Trump's first presidency and noted his 2024 comeback victory, was part of the museum's American Presidents exhibition. The description had been placed alongside a photograph of Trump taken during his first term. Now, a different photo appears without any accompanying text block, though the text was available online. Trump was the only president whose display in the gallery, as seen Sunday, did not include any extended text. The White House did not say whether it sought any changes. Nor did a Smithsonian statement in response to Associated Press questions. But Trump ordered in August that Smithsonian officials review all exhibits before the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. The Republican administration said the effort would ensure alignment with the presidents directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Trump's original portrait label," as the Smithsonian calls it, notes Trump's Supreme Court nominations and his administration's development of COVID-19 vaccines. That section concludes: Impeached twice, on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials. Then the text continues: After losing to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump mounted a historic comeback in the 2024 election. He is the only president aside from Grover Cleveland (1837 1908) to have won a nonconsecutive second term. Asked about the display, White House spokesman Davis Ingle celebrated the new photograph, which shows Trump, brow furrowed, leaning over his Oval Office desk. Ingle said it ensures Trump's unmatched aura ... will be felt throughout the halls of the National Portrait Gallery. The portrait was taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok, who is credited in the display that includes medallions noting Trump is the 45th and 47th president. Similar numerical medallions appear alongside other presidents' painted portraits that also include the more extended biographical summaries such as what had been part of Trump's display. Advertisement Advertisement Sitting presidents are represented by photographs until their official paintings are commissioned and completed. Ingle did not answer questions about whether Trump or a White House aide, on his behalf, asked for anything related to the portrait label. The gallery said in a statement that it had previously rotated two photographs of Trump from its collection before putting up Torok's work. The museum is beginning its planned update of the Americas Presidents gallery which will undergo a larger refresh this Spring, the gallery statement said. For some new exhibitions and displays, the museum has been exploring quotes or tombstone labels, which provide only general information, such as the artists name. Advertisement Advertisement For now, references to Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton being impeached in 1868 and 1998, respectively, remain as part of their portrait labels, as does President Richard Nixon's 1974 resignation as a result of the Watergate scandal. And, the gallery statement noted, The history of Presidential impeachments continues to be represented in our museums, including the National Museum of American History. Trump has made clear his intentions to shape how the federal government documents U.S. history and culture. He has offered an especially harsh assessment of how the Smithsonian and other museums have featured chattel slavery as a seminal variable in the nation's development but also taken steps to reshape how he and his contemporary rivals are depicted. In the months before his order for a Smithsonian review, he fired the head archivist of the National Archives and said he was firing the National Portrait Gallery's director, Kim Sajet, as part of his overhaul. Sajet maintained the backing of the Smithsonian's governing board, but she ultimately resigned. Advertisement Advertisement At the White House, Trump has designed a notably partisan and subjective Presidential Walk of Fame featuring gilded photographs of himself and his predecessors with the exception of Biden, who is represented by an autopen along with plaques describing their presidencies. The White House said at the time that Trump himself was a primary author of the plaques. Notably, Trump's two plaques praise the 45th and 47th president as a historically successful figure while those under Biden's autopen stand-in describe the 46th executive as by far, the worst President in American History who brought our Nation to the brink of destruction. ___ Barrow reported from Atlanta. Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar said on Jan. 10 she was denied access to inspect an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Minneapolis. The progressive Democrats visit came amid nationwide demonstrations against immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon, and the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good, 37, days earlier by an ICE officer. Omar, alongside House Democrats Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison, also of Minnesota, attempted to enter the federal Whipple Building. Members of Congress have a legal right and constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight where people are being detained, Omar said in an X post. The public deserves to know what is taking place in ICE facilities. People confront an agent in an ICE vehicle near the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis. Protests in the city continued Saturday after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed on January 7 by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis. Federal agents stage at a front gate as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN), and Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) attempt to enter the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis. U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN) (L), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) (C), and Rep. Angie Craig (R) hold a press conference outside of the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar and Annie Craig had their access to a federal detention facility revoked while touring the building in Minneapolis where the Department of Homeland Security has been headquartering operations in the state. People gather near were a 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good on January 10, 2026. People gather at a makeshift memorial for 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good on January 10, 2026. Federal agents stage at a front gate as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN), and Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) attempt to enter the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents move media members from the front gate outside the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis. See anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis after Renee Good's fatal shooting 1 of 7 People confront an agent in an ICE vehicle near the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis. Protests in the city continued Saturday after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed on January 7 by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis. News outlets reported the three U.S. representatives were escorted past a row of federal agents, who appeared mostly masked. Craig told MS Now that ICE officials said to her that the facility was funded by the Big Beautiful Bill, not congressional appropriations, so members of Congress couldnt enter the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, said the members of Congress were notified that their visit was improper and out of compliance with the agencys mandate, citing concerns on safety for detainees and staff. McLaughlin said existing court orders and policies require members of Congress to notify ICE at least seven days in advance of congressional visits. Because they were out of compliance with this mandate, Representative Omar and her colleagues were denied entry to the facility, McLaughlin said in a statement. Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar and Annie Craig had their access to a federal detention facility revoked while touring the building in Minneapolis. DHS didnt respond to follow-up questions on court orders or policies indicating such restrictions. Members of Congress can conduct unannounced inspections of ICE facilities under federal appropriations law. Funds made available to DHS cant be used to prevent members of Congress from entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security used to detain or otherwise house aliens, according to federal law. The statute also said, Nothing in this section may be construed to require a Member of Congress to provide prior notice of the intent to enter a facility. Advertisement Advertisement In mid-December, a federal judge blocked the Trump administrations policy requiring members of Congress to request access to inspect ICE detention facilities at least a week in advance. DHS policies, announced in June, likely are contrary to law and in excess of DHSs statutory authority, U.S. Judge Jia Cobb, of the District of Columbia, wrote in a Dec. 17 opinion. Federal agents stage at a front gate as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN), and Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) attempt to enter the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Legal experts previously told USA TODAY that oversight, especially to inspect conditions with no notice, is key to ensuring safe conditions in facilities. Its going to mean that theres going to be no guardrails to ensure safe conditions for people that are detained there, said Greg Chen, senior director for government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@usatoday.com or on Signal at emcuevas.01. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ICE denies Rep. Ilhan Omar entry to Minneapolis detention facility Lemurs are the world's most endangered group of mammals, according to the Lemur Conservation Network. With 98% of lemur species threatened with extinction, they should be left alone to recuperate and rebuild. Instead, people in Madagascar are still hunting for their meat. What's happening? A study published in Conservation Letters titled "Madagascar's Urban Lemur Meat Trade" interviewed 2,600 participants across 17 cities in the country over four years to perform a full-scale evaluation of the lemur meat industry. The trade is mostly concealed, with 95% of its sales happening between suppliers and trusted clients. Advertisement Advertisement With a bit more than 100 known lemur species, three of the original eight families are already extinct due to hunting or habitat loss. Despite over 60 years of legal protections against hunting, lemurs remain in high demand in restaurants and for home consumption, as they're considered a luxury meat in one of the world's least food-secure countries. Lemur meat can still be found both in public markets and through hidden supply chains and in one-third of the 17 cities in the study, with one in every 200 restaurants serving it. But since suppliers and traders said only 5.5% of their sales went to restaurants, it is estimated that the total trade is roughly 13,000 lemurs sold each year. "It's the most delicious of any food I've eaten," one buyer said, per Conservation Letters. "I would know it even with my eyes closed. Once you eat it, no one wants to stop." Why is the lemur trade important? As trade occurs faster than the animals can repopulate, hunting sites shift rapidly, impacting protected areas. Lemurs are also targeted during the times when they are fattest, which are the winter and birthing periods, which ultimately prevents the babies from maturing. Advertisement Advertisement While many people assume pollinators are only bees and hummingbirds, lemurs are important for forest diversity because they help disperse seeds throughout their forests. The more lemurs become endangered, the more flowering plants can meet the same fate. Worst of all, Madagascar is the only habitat for lemurs. If they go extinct in this country, they will be gone everywhere except in sanctuaries. What's being done about lemur hunting? Since the illegal trade is fueled mainly by affluent clientele, reducing hunting will require enforcing licenses, increasing hunting fees substantially, and imposing a penalty of weapons confiscation. Conservationists can also catch more hunters by installing more trail cameras, investing in sanctuaries, and exploring new scientific methods to preserve the lemur population. 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. UPDATE: A Rock Island woman was sentenced Jan. 20 in Scott County Court after police found marijuana leaves in an infants onesie, according to a Scott County sentencing order. After Kenya Parrow pleaded guilty to a charge of operating while under the influence first offense, and a charge of child endangerment, she was sentenced in Scott County Court, documents show. Court documents say she was ordered to serve 120 days in the Scott County Jail for the first charge. All but five days were suspended, and she was placed on probation. Additionally, she was sentenced to serve 240 days in the Scott County Jail for the second charge, but that sentence also was suspended and she was placed on probation. Remaining counts were dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Parrow was placed on unsupervised probation beginning from the date of the order for a term of one year. She was ordered to complete a substance abuse evaluation within 60 days and follow any recommended treatment, court documents say. EARLIER: A 31-year-old Rock Island woman was in custody Saturday after she faces charges in connection with OWI and having marijuana in a babys onesie, according to Scott County Court documents. Kenya Parrow faces a felony charge of neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, along with serious misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance marijuana first offense and operating while under the influence first offense, arrest affidavits show. Affidavits say that an Iowa state trooper saw a 2008 Saturn head east on Locust Street, Davenport, at a high rate of speed shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday, clocking the driver at 43 mph in a 35 mph zone. Kenya Parrow (Scott County Jail) While the vehicle went past I also noticed it had no registration plate on the rear of the vehicle or a temporary plate. I safely caught up to the vehicle in my fully marked ISP cruiser and initiated a traffic stop activating the emergency lights on my cruiser, the trooper says in affidavits. I made a drivers side approach to the vehicle and immediately smelled the odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Parrow, who was driving, had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, impaired dexterity, problems locating proper paperwork and an overall disheveled appearance, affidavits say. Another woman and a five-month old also were in the car. Parrows blood-alcohol content tested at .179 (the legal limit is .08.) She then was transported to Scott County Jail, where she was searched and jail staff found leaf marijuana wrapped up in an infants onesie (a one-piece garment for babies,) say affidavits. Parrow, who was being held Saturday night on a $3,000 bond in Scott County Jail, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan.16 in Scott County Court. 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. When Miss Barbara picked up the Magic Mirror, her little friends at home so desperately wanted to hear their names. Romper, bomper, stomper, boo. Tell me, tell me, tell me do. Barbara Plummer, the host of Romper Room on WEWS-TV (Channel 5), was one of the most beloved TV personalities in Northeast Ohio in the 1960s. Preschool children held her in awe. The 30-minute program aired live Monday through Friday on the ABC affiliate. Each morning, Miss Barbara, as she was known, welcomed a small group of children into her studio classroom to learn lessons, play games and sing songs. Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of thousands of kids followed along at home, watching the program on Admiral, General Electric, Magnavox, Philco, Sylvania, Westinghouse, Zenith and other television models. Romper Room teacher Barbara Plummer, known to Northeast Ohio children as Miss Barbara, plays with some of her little friends in 1967 at the WEWS-TV studio in Cleveland. Miss Barbara answered ad Plummer, a Norwalk native, was 28 when she landed the job in April 1958. A Wellesley College graduate and substitute teacher, she and her husband, Gordon, a data analyst for TRW, had just moved their family from Massachusetts after his job transferred to Ohio. They lived in South Euclid with their children, Kathy, 5, and Stephen, 4. One morning, Plummer overheard a public service announcement on Channel 5 for a Romper Room teacher. Her kids had loved that program in New England. At the very least, she thought it would be interesting to see the inside of a television studio, so she called WEWS. Advertisement Advertisement Just dont come home with a job, her husband told her. Cleveland would become the 57th city with a Romper Room franchise. Television producer Bert Claster and his wife, Nancy Claster, a kindergarten teacher, had originated the show in Baltimore in 1953. Franchise cities were locally produced and had local hosts. A syndicated show with a national host was available to regions without franchises. Romper Room on WEWS Plummer was among 90 applicants for the WEWS job. The station called her back for a second interview and asked her and six other finalists to pretend to play with young children. That was easy. She had two at home. Advertisement Advertisement When she informed a Romper Room executive that she would have to call her husband before accepting any position, the producer replied: Well, honey, youd better make that phone call because its you weve chosen. Plummer made it clear that her family always came first. She needed to get home in time to pick up her children and give them lunch each day. The station was happy to accommodate her. Romper Room teacher Barbara Plummer is featured in her official WEWS-TV portrait in the late 1950s. Miss Barbara was coming to TV! The Cleveland show premiered May 25, 1958. On-air pupils were selected from a waiting list of over 400 names. Plummer interviewed 15 to 20 children at a time before choosing a smaller group of five or six. She wanted to see how the kids reacted and whether they would take direction. Plummer thought 5 was the perfect age for the show; 4-year-olds were a little young and 6-year-olds got a little bored. Advertisement Advertisement The dark-haired, blue-eyed teacher was friendly but firm. Kids had to be in the studio at 8:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. show. Children took their seats about five minutes before airtime. I just remind them that they must raise their hands before they talk so they wont spoil the program for the children at home, Plummer told Beacon Journal reporter Lloyd Stoyer in a 1961 interview. They cooperate beautifully, though some children have to be reminded more often than others. Do Bee and Dont Bee The shows theme song was Pop Goes the Weasel played on a jack-in-the-box. The program began with the pupils and teacher reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. One child held the flag while the others placed their right hand over their heart. The children played games like Ring Around the Rosie, Follow the Leader and Simon Says. They rode stick horses, bopped punch balls, performed stretching exercises and pretended to drive in cardboard boxes. Advertisement Advertisement They learned etiquette lessons from the Do Bee and Dont Bee, the shows bumblebee characters. Do Bee a plate cleaner. Dont Bee a food fussy. Do Bee a put away. Dont Bee a misplacer. The teacher led the children in prayer before serving them milk and cookies. God is great, God is good, she said. Let us thank him for our food. Amen. Romper Room teacher Barbara Plummer, better known as Miss Barbara, takes a portrait inside the WEWS-TV studio in Cleveland in 1961. Magic Mirror sees all The Magic Mirror was always a highlight of Romper Room. Near the end of each show, Plummer raised a handheld mirror and covered her face. Romper, bomper, stomper, boo, she said. Tell me, tell me, tell me do. Magic Mirror, tell me today, did all my friends have fun at play? Advertisement Advertisement While the TV screen showed a spiraling kaleidoscope, she switched from a solid mirror to an empty frame. The teacher looked directly into the camera and recited the names of children from a long list that she maintained. I see Billy and Mary and Johnny and Connie. Theres Tina and Larry and Rosie and Gene. Oh, I see Susie and Tommy and Debbie and Ralph. And I see you, too. For kids watching at home, it felt like a bolt of electricity had hit them when Miss Barbara read their names. It seemed like she was speaking directly to them. On-air pupils appeared for two weeks before a new group took their place. The departing children received a Romper Room diploma. Advertisement Advertisement The shows run ended unexpectedly May 20, 1959, when the local program lost its sponsor after a year. The public outcry was so great that WEWS returned the program 10 months later on April 25, 1960. The show remained a local institution for over a decade. I love Romper Room, Plummer told a Cleveland reporter. Its part of me. I was crushed when it was off the air. It imbues children with enthusiasm for school. They play and work with other children, learn manners and initiative, and other facets of life. Public appearances in Akron Plummer made dozens of personal appearances in Summit County, giving away autographed photos to young fans at Montgomery Ward, Woolworths, Clarkins and Yeagers. She presented lectures in Greater Akron schools about The Challenge of TV and The Effect of TV on Children and Adults. Advertisement Advertisement Wherever she went, the kids were speechless. They looked up at her in amazement. Some wondered how she could possibly fit into their TV when she was so tall in real life. When I make a personal appearance and I see them by the hundreds with that look in their eyes I cant help it I get choked up, Plummer told the Beacon Journal. They remind you over and over again of your frightening responsibilities. When things went wrong Things didnt always go according to plan on live television, but Miss Barbara was unflappable. One morning, Plummer caught her heel in her slip and the garment ripped. She stepped behind a counter, yanked off the garment and nonchalantly tossed it to a cameraman while the focus was elsewhere. No one noticed. Advertisement Advertisement While doing a commercial spot for a sponsor, she prepared to fire a toy rocket at a wastebasket. But first she warned her TV audience to never, ever shoot at people only things. Just as she launched the projectile, a restless boy leaped in front of her. The rocket bounced harmlessly off his head. It broke up the camera crew, Plummer recalled. But at the time, I didnt think it was so funny. Another time, after a commercial for a food product, a child blurted out: I cant eat that. Im allergic. During the Pledge of Allegiance, a child recited ... and to the Republican for which it stands. One boy spilled chocolate milk all over the floor. Another left a different puddle under a chair. One morning, a child cried: I want my mother! Plummer led the youngster to the viewing room where moms stayed during the show. Upon the teachers return, a second child cried out: I want my mother! It was just one of those days. Romper Room teacher Barbara Plummer tries out the safety chief car in 1969 at WEWS-TV in Cleveland. The end of Romper Room Romper Room occasionally changed its starting time on Channel 5, but it remained a live production until the late 1960s. The crew began videotaping three segments on Mondays and two on Wednesdays. By the second or third cookie of the day, kids got a little groggy. Plummer also provided weather forecasts on WEWS, served as a fill-in host on The Paige Palmer Show and appeared on The Captain Penny Show. She led the Romper Room classroom until 1971 when WEWS prepared to launch The Morning Exchange. WUAB-TV (Channel 43) carried the syndicated version, which signed off in 1994. After her television career, Plummer remained active as a volunteer with the Cleveland Play House, Western Reserve Historical Society, Goodwill Industries, the Childrens Guild and other organizations. She often got recognized in public. Her former little friends, all grown up, still had that look of awe. Barbara Plummer was 80 years old when she passed away March 20, 2010, after a long struggle with pneumonia and cancer. Her obituary noted that middle-age baby boomers approached her in the grocery store to ask: Are you Miss Barbara? I loved Romper Room, but how come you never said my name? Romper, bomper, stomper, boo. Mark J. Price can be reached at mprice@thebeaconjournal.com Vintage photos: 50 memorable Cleveland TV personalities Vintage photos: 50 more Cleveland TV personalities This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Romper Room teacher Miss Barbara was a TV icon in Northeast Ohio Israel and Samoa deepen ties as Samoa plans embassy in Jerusalem, building on years of cooperation through MASHAV and UN support. Samoa will open an embassy in Jerusalem in 2026, Samoan Prime Minister Laoli Lauatea Schmidt told Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in a phone conversation, Israels Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday. Saar invited Schmidt to visit Israel to advance preparations for the new embassy. Saar also expressed appreciation for Samoas consistent support of Israel at the United Nations. Jerusalem and Apia have collaborated over the years through Israels Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), providing training and support in areas such as energy, and in 2023, the two countries ratified a mutual approval-exemption agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, seven countries the United States, Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay operate full embassies in Jerusalem. Additionally, Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel hailed the love and support she received during her first official visit to Fiji and the Pacific region in November, which she discussed exclusively with The Jerusalem Post on her return. Her trip came a month after Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officially inaugurated his countrys embassy in Jerusalem on September 17, 2025, making it the seventh country worldwide to establish an embassy there. DEPUTY FOREIGN Minister Sharren Haskel was effusive about the support she received during her first official visit to Fiji. Here, she meets with the islands Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka. (credit: Raju Media) During her visit, Haskel and Rabuka signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Digital Security and Cybersecurity between Fiji and the Israel National Cyber Directorate the first formal collaboration since Fijis embassy was established. Advertisement Advertisement Its a really interesting step in creating the dialogue between the two countries, Haskel said. She also met with the prime minister of Samoa, who was recently inaugurated. Israel and Samoa share 'a very special bond' We have a very special bond, and there are quite a few fields that we can cooperate on, whether its agriculture, womens empowerment, water technology, and mainly security around this region. I think theres great cooperation that we can do together. In the South Bay, police are asking for help to find the man who assaulted someone at a beloved bakery and made a mess of the place. Video of the incident has gone viral, but weeks have gone by with no leads. Customers are frustrated that the attacker still hasn't been found. Peters Bakery in San Jose is a community gem. For almost 90 years, it has been making desserts. San Jose resident Clarence Jackson was holding a cake for his daughter's 19th birthday. Advertisement Advertisement "I've been coming to Peters Bakery for about 60 years," Jackson said. RELATED: Beloved San Jose bakery releases video of unnamed assailant's attack on employees and customer San Jose police are looking for a man who caused a violent scene at the bakery last month, and they're hoping the public can help identify him. Peters Bakery posted surveillance video from Dec. 17 of a man who came in trying to sell cleaning wipes. When staff declined, he became belligerent and destroyed equipment. When a customer tried to record him, he came back and tackled her to the ground. Later in the video you can see he grabs her phone and smashes it to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Brenna Pratt said it's sad. "This is horrible, it's a disgrace," Pratt said. On Friday, San Jose police held a press conference urging the public to help identify the suspect. They say he is responsible for vandalism and assault. MORE: Knife-wielding thieves target beloved SJ bakery; surveillance footage details attack "It really goes to how we want to build strong relationships with our community. We always say the community are our eyes and ears and when it comes to crime. Once you report it, we want to work closely to make sure that we get it solved," said Stacie Shih, senior public information representative. Advertisement Advertisement The co-owner of Peters' Bakery sent us this statement: "Violence of any kind, directed at anyone, undermines the sense of security that binds our neighborhood together." Customers we spoke to are glad to see there's a continued to effort to find the man. Police say the suspect is known to frequent businesses in East San Jose. "I think that it's good they're doing that, because sometimes, you know, with everything going on, they just might slip through the cracks. So San Jose on top of it is great," Jose Lopez said. At Peters, they aren't letting the investigation slow down business for baking. "I mean, everybody knows about their burnt almond cake. This is what they specialize in," Pratt said. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live Portlanders gathered across the city to protest the Trump administration Saturday, following a pair of violent interactions involving federal immigration authorities that dominated the news this week. On Wednesday, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed Minneapolis motorist Renee Nicole Good during an immigration enforcement operation. A day later, two people in Portland were shot during a confrontation with U.S. Border Patrol agents. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has defended both shootings, saying the agents acted in self-defense. Federal officials have also accused the two Portlanders of being affiliated with Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Advertisement Advertisement Gatherings on Saturday, which included a last-minute town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter in Southeast Portland, strongly condemned the shootings and the Trump more administrations policies and actions more broadly. They were the latest in a series of protests held across the city in the last week, even as more events are planned over the weekend, including a vigil Saturday evening at Terry Shrunk Plaza in downtown Portland and a demonstration in Northeast Portland on Sunday. ICE OUT Protest January 10 2026 A march through downtown Portland Roughly 1,000 people showed up at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland on Saturday morning for a protest organized by Indivisible Oregon, a group that formed in 2017 in opposition to the first Trump administration, and the Democratic grassroots organization Swing Left. The protest drew people of all ages who spoke out against Renee Goods shooting and other grievances against the Trump administrations actions, including the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement Among the speakers was Washington County commissioner Nafisa Fai, who said she was there to give voice to the Afghan and Somali communities that have been targeted by federal officials. Fai was born in Somalia and fled the civil war with her family,, then spent several years in a Kenyan refugee camp before arriving in Oregon when Fai was a teenager. Now its us civilians who are being murdered in our own streets, Fai said to the crowd, referencing Goods shooting That is a declaration of war on us. The crowd of protesters included Rodalfo Troya, who showed up to the event dressed in an inflatable capybara costume with a poncho and jester hat. Troya said he moved to Portland from Ecuador six years ago and has watched as the citys immigrant community has grown afraid in the face of increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement. They are taking our rights, theyre abusing our people, Troya said. Now theyre getting more aggressive and killing people. Advertisement Advertisement Elizabeth Hawkins, who was dressed as the Statue of Liberty, said the Good shooting spurred her to show up to the protest. The Trump administration keeps ramping up and breaking more and more laws and trampling our rights, Hawkins said. They have become the domestic terrorists and Im not going to put up with it. Portland resident Tina Roe, who carried a sign that read stop taxpayer funded murder, said the mood at Saturdays protest was decidedly different from some of the other recent events she has attended, including protests at the ICE building in South Portland. At past protests its been really uplifting, Roe said. Today I feel a lot more just kind of sad and trying not to feel discouraged... some people are just getting worn down and starting to feel hopeless. Advertisement Advertisement But there are people here and were not going to give up, she added. We cant stop. Protesters criticize Legacy Emanuel Medical Center As protesters began to march through downtown Portland, another group lined the streets outside of North Portlands Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in a rally organized by immigrant rights group Portland Contra las Deportaciones. The group criticized the hospital for failing to protect the privacy, safety and medical rights of patients in federal immigration custody criticism against the hospital that had previously been voiced in a letter from the Oregon Nurses Association in December. We cannot allow these abuses in Portland, organizers said in a news release earlier this week. Legacy is ignoring patient rights and retaliating against employees who speak out. Advertisement Advertisement Legacy Emanuel has previously told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the hospital system does not have any policies specific to immigration agents presence or interaction with health care staff and that it treats immigration agents as it would any other law enforcement officers. A couple hundred people showed up to the protest outside Legacy Emanuel, according to reporting by OPB. Maxine Dexter town hall Maxine Dexter receives a standing ovation Amid the protests Saturday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter hosted a last-minute town hall at the East Portland Community Center to a standing-room only crowd of about 360 people. Dexter, an Oregon Democrat, teared up as she received a standing ovation after talking about her announcement Thursday that she would introduce articles of impeachment against U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Impeaching Kristi Noem feels like something that we can do, Dexter said. She is proving herself to be unserious, untrustworthy, and frankly a threat to the peace and security of our nation, so I very much hope she will be fired. Advertisement Advertisement In a question-and-answer segment, members of the crowd asked Dexter what could be done to curb the Trump administrations actions, particularly immigration enforcement. Dexter encouraged the audience to continue protesting, supporting their communities and reaching out to her. We have to show up and be stronger together, Dexter said. We do it in solidarity. We are peaceful, resistantly peaceful, persistently peaceful, ever peaceful. 15 1/15 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 500 people also attended a candlelight vigil Saturday evening in downtown Portlands Terry Schrunk Plaza. Attendees, some singing protest songs, overflowed out of the amphitheater and into the park. Local leaders and community advocates spoke at the bilingual gathering, their words translated into both English and Spanish. Other speakers shared stories from local immigrants who are fearful of ICE and wanted to remain anonymous. Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos, who represents east Portland and is the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, said these shootings feel personal. Were not waiting for Congress to suddenly find a conscience, she said. Our people right now are hurting and theyre hurting because of decades of delay, of cowardice and intentional inaction. Oregon Sen. Khanh Pham also spoke, adding that shes working to pass a bill in the Legislature to ban police from wearing masks. She encouraged attendees to build community and organize together as that will get us through these scary times. It is normal and understandable to feel afraid in this moment, she said. The dangers when we get stuck in that fear and hopelessness. Frog-costumed protesters perform dance of solidarity at ICE By 7 p.m., a crowd of about 250 people gathered outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building for what was billed as the world premier of a choreographed performance honoring the citys signature protest costume. Organizers with UpRisePDX and the Portland Frog Brigade danced for about three minutes to an AI-generated song titled, appropriately, Were the Frogs. One amphibian performer, who gave his name only as Slurmit the Frog, said the routine was planned a few weeks ago and was intended to be a dance of solidarity. The Portland Frog is an icon now for resistance against the fascist government, Slurmit said in an interview. Theres no wrong or right way to protest. 50 1/50 The ICE office itself appeared largely devoid of life, except for a few spotlights shining on the crowd. As of 9 p.m., traffic was moving freely in both directions. Portland police officers, some on bicycles or wearing riot gear, responded at one point to the South Portland protest to break up a shouting match involving counter-protesters and live streamers. Samantha Swindler and Zane Sparling contributed to this report. The latest Read the original article on oregonlive.com. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico and Speaker of the National Council Richard Rasi confirmed after a joint lunch on Saturday 10 January that they share a unified position on not providing military support to Ukraine. Source: Aktuality, as reported by European Pravda Details: At the meeting on Saturday 10 January, Pellegrini, Fico and Rasi discussed key issues relating to Slovakia's interests at home and abroad. Advertisement Advertisement According to Pellegrini, the meeting confirmed that the three highest constitutional officials are able to discuss all issues in a very open, constructive and pragmatic manner. He said the politicians agreed that Slovakia should have a representative at the talks of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine, while Slovakia's position remains unchanged: the country will not continue to provide military support to Ukraine, will not send any soldiers, and will not take part in the EU's loan guarantees amounting to 90 billion. Background: Recently, Robert Fico criticised the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris but said he could envisage Slovakia taking part in monitoring a peace agreement if one were reached. Members of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine and the US have signed a joint declaration on security guarantees for a stable and lasting peace in Ukraine. The Coalition of the Willing has also decided to establish a special coordination centre in Paris, operating in a USUkraineCoalition of the Willing format, which will be responsible for providing security guarantees to Ukraine from its Western allies. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Somalias Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has accused Israel of planning to forcibly displace Palestinians to the breakaway region of Somaliland, denouncing the alleged plan as a serious violation of international law. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday, Fiqi said Somalia has confirmed information that Israel has a plan to transfer Palestinians and to send them to [Somaliland]. His comments came against the backdrop of longstanding fears raised by Somali officials that Israel intended to forcibly expel Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland, reports that the self-governing region and Israel have denied. Advertisement Advertisement Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has never gained United Nations recognition. Israels December decision made it the first country to recognise Somaliland as independent. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told Israels Channel 14 last week that the forcible displacement of Palestinians to Somaliland was not part of our agreement. I think we have a lot of topics in the field of politics, security, development, and others that we will advance with Somaliland And I can say this is not part of our agreement, Saar said. He did not provide further details on what had been agreed, and neither Israeli nor Somaliland officials have disclosed specifics since the recognition announcement. A Somaliland source close to the government, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said the relocation of Palestinians was not a concession made by Somaliland officials, but did not give any more details. Advertisement Advertisement Somalias President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud previously told Al Jazeera that Somaliland had accepted Israels three conditions the resettlement of Palestinians, establishment of a military base on the coast of the Gulf of Aden and joining the Abraham Accords to normalise ties with Israel. Fiqi called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw his diplomatic recognition of the separatist region, describing the move, announced late last year, as a direct attack on Somalias sovereignty. Expanding on his criticism, Fiqi accused Israel of pursuing a strategy of fragmenting regional states, arguing that its recognition of Somaliland fit a larger pattern. Israel has long had goals and plans to divide countries maybe for 20 years and it wants to divide the map of the Middle East and control its countries. This is why they found this separatist group in northwestern Somalia, Fiqi told Al Jazeera. Israels military base in Gulf of Aden The Somali minister also accused Israel of seeking to establish a military base on the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, saying Israel wants to create a military base to destabilise the region. Advertisement Advertisement A Somaliland official said those discussions were taking place, contradicting an earlier denial from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Deqa Qasim, an official in the ministry, told Israels Channel 12 that an Israeli military base is on the table and being discussed, though its establishment depends on the terms. Houthi leaders have said they would consider any Israeli presence in Somaliland, just across from the Gulf of Aden, a threat and a possible military target. Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known locally as Cirro, sought to assuage fears among neighbouring countries, saying Israels recognition of Somaliland was not directed against anyone, during a speech welcoming the establishment of relations with Israel. When Saar visited Hargeisa, the capital of the breakaway region, last week, a Somaliland readout said security was among the topics discussed during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement The visit drew immediate condemnation from 22 countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in a joint statement that called Saars January 6 trip a clear violation of Somalias sovereignty and territorial integrity. Fiqis comments came amid continuing international outcry over Netanyahus decision in December to recognise Somaliland, a breakaway part of Somalia comprising the northwestern portion of what was once the British Protectorate. On Saturday, the 57-member OIC held an extraordinary summit in Saudi Arabia on Israels recognition of Somaliland, adopting two resolutions: one condemning Israels move and another expressing support for Palestine. Advertisement Advertisement Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in an interview with TRT Haber that Turkiye, together with several other Muslim countries, had coordinated efforts to prevent other states from recognising Somaliland, suggesting that additional countries had been considering the move. Amid claims by Somaliland officials that several countries would follow Israels lead, and rumours that India would follow, a spokesperson for Indias Ministry of External Affairs pushed back, dampening hopes of any such move. India has longstanding ties with Somalia. We continue to underline the importance of respecting the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity, the spokesperson said. On Friday, President Mohamud appealed via a national address to Somalilands leaders to engage in negotiations with Mogadishu and change course on ties with Israel. He said if the separation of Somalia were the direction they wanted to move in, wider recognition would not be possible without the consent of the Somali government and would leave them in diplomatic limbo. South Korea on Sunday announced it will investigate North Korea's claim that it violated Pyongyang's airspace with a drone but noted that it does not want to raise tensions between the two Koreas, according to reports. South Korea's Office for National Security said the government planned to review the latest drone incident with the military and police, and results would be reported immediately, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. ""The government once again confirms that it has no intention of provoking or irritating the North side," the office said, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, demanded a statement from Seoul, the North Korean state news agency KCNA reported. If South Korea again chose provocation against Pyongyang in the future, "it will never be able to deal with the terrible consequences" that would follow, she said, according to KCNA. Pyongyang had accused Seoul of violating North Korean sovereignty with a drone flight. A surveillance drone was said to have filmed key facilities in North Korea on January 4. North Korea's military shot down the drone within its own airspace, according to KCNA. The claims cannot be independently verified. North Korea also referred to a similar case in September last year. South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu Back denied army involvement in both cases. South Korea said there would be a thorough investigation of a civilian possibly having operated drones into North Korean airspace, making clear its stance of having no intention of provocation. This came as North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un, urged South Korea to investigate the recent drone incidents, in a statement carried by state media KCNA on Sunday. Ms Kim said she appreciated Seoul for making a wise decision to announce its official stance that it has no intention of provocation, warning that any provocations will result in terrible situations. Advertisement Advertisement Drones were flown from South Korea into North Korea earlier this month, after another intrusion in September, North Korea's military claimed on Saturday, which was soon followed by South Korea's response that they were not operated by the military. "Clear is just the fact that the drone from the ROK violated the airspace of our country," Ms Kim said. ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name. "No matter who is the perpetrator and whether it is a deed by any civilian organisation or individual, the authorities responsible for national security can never evade their responsibility for it," she said. South Korea's Office of National Security said on Sunday it would swiftly release results of its investigation into the drone incidents, as it reaffirmed the government's stance of having no intention to provoke North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement The administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is seeking to improve ties with North Korea and has proposed military talks. North Korea has not responded to any calls for dialogue with the South since leader Kim Jong Un defined the two Koreas as separate, "hostile" nations at the end of 2023. BAILEYTON, Tenn. (WJHL) The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) reports that a woman was seriously injured and charges are pending against her following a crash Sunday morning on Interstate 81 in Greene County. According to a preliminary crash report from the THP, the crash was reported Sunday at 10:05 a.m. on I-81 southbound near mile marker 41. The report said a 2026 Toyota Camry was traveling south on I-81 when it failed to keep in its proper lane and ran off the roadway on the right side. Advertisement Advertisement The Camry reportedly struck numerous standing trees before going off an embankment and coming to an uncontrolled rest in a creek approximately 30 feet off the roadway, the THP said. All photos: Fall Branch Volunteer Fire Department All photos: Fall Branch Volunteer Fire Department All photos: Fall Branch Volunteer Fire Department The driver of the vehicle, a 37-year-old woman, was seriously injured during the crash and was transported to the Johnson City Medical Center for treatment. She was wearing a seat belt, the report added. Charges are pending, according to the THP. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Greenhill Humane Society Splinter is available for adoption at the Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene. Say hello to Splinter! Hes 6 years old and weighs 55 pounds. This sweet terrier/pit bull mix has deep, soulful eyes that will melt your heart. He loves to curl up on his bed full of blankets, making him truly the ideal cuddling companion! If youre looking for a calm, quiet, snuggly fella, then Splinter may be the one for you. Splinter would prefer a calm doggie companion if you have another pup in the home, and older kids who can respect his handling sensitivities if you have children. He has not met cats before, so slow supervised introductions are recommended. He has a medical release that staff can discuss with you further. Splinter is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines prior to adoption. Greenhill Humane Society is open seven days a week, 11 am 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org . Oregon Coast Humane Society Sam is available for adoption at the Oregon Coast Humane Society in Florence. Sam is an Australian cattle dog-mix puppy whos just as good as he is cute. This smart, sweet boy came to OCHS after his previous owner could no longer provide the care he needed, and now hes ready for a fresh start with a family of his own. Advertisement Advertisement Sam is playful, curious, and eager to learn, true to his cattle dog roots. Hes looking for a home that will enjoy his puppy energy, help him grow with positive training, and give him all the love he deserves. If youre searching for a loyal companion with brains, heart, and adorable looks, Sam might be your perfect match! If you're interested in Sam, come meet him at 2840 Rhododendron Drive in Florence or complete an adoption application online at oregoncoasthumanesociety.org. Got questions? Call 541-997-4277. Cat Rescue and Adoption Network Gronk is available for adoption at the Cat Rescue and Adoption Network in Lane County. Gronk is a 5.5-year-old male who is not your average cat in fact, he doesnt consider himself to be a cat at all! Even though he has a weakness for treats and will chase toys around the room, he considers himself your equal. He prefers your company over any other, and does not like other cats or dogs. He wants to be your one and only! So if you need a supervisor while youre working or doing just about anything, Gronk is your guy. Hes looking for an adopter (or even possibly a foster to start out with) that has no other animal companions and who wants to hang out with a confident, opinionated, thoroughly entertaining dude. Advertisement Advertisement He has been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and is negative for FIV & FeLV. To meet Gronk, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org Felines Fairy Godmother Vixon is available for adoption at Felines Fairy Godmother in Veneta. Meet Vixon, a stunning calico kitty, who was surrendered to the rescue in May 2025 after being found in someone's barn. She has the softest fur and the most vibrant patchwork coat of black, orange and white. Vixon will sit on your lap and snuggle, especially when you talk to her softly and tell her how beautiful she is. She really likes scratches behind her ears. She enjoys wet and dry food, dry treats and of course, Churus. Vixon would probably prefer to be the only kitty in the home, although she does tolerate other cats at the rescue and might do well with a four-legged sibling. Vixon weighs about 8 pounds and we estimate her age to be about 3-4 years old. She is microchipped, spayed and up to date on vaccines. Adoption fee is $150. Advertisement Advertisement To meet Vixon or other kitties, visit our website Felinesfairygodmother.com or call 541-232-2679. Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: These Lane County pets are up for adoption Sir Keir Starmer is considering sending British troops to Greenland as Donald Trumps rhetoric over snatching the Danish territory continues to ratchet up. It comes just days after the prime minister committed to sending troops into Ukraine as the core of the coalition of the willing to guarantee the peace, with former senior military top brass questioning whether the UK has enough personnel. The revelation comes after former Obama assistant secretary of state Frank Rose told The Independent that Mr Trumps actions threaten to undermine US defence in the region and lead to allies turning on him. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has insisted he wants control over Greenland and has not ruled out the prospect of using military force to seize the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Keir Starmer could send UK troops to Greenland as tensions over the territorys future mount (Getty) Transport secretary Heidi Alexander insisted that discussions about securing the High North against Russia and China were part of Natos business as usual rather than a response to the US military threat. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch lambasted the discussions, warning that there is a danger the Nato alliance could collapse and arguing that Greenland is a second-order issue. She told the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg: Right now, what I am really concerned about is if there is going to be a Nato. We need to keep America on side. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, former UK ambassador to the US Lord Peter Mandelson insisted that he does not believe Mr Trump will send US troops to take control of Greenland, accusing critics of the US president of wanting to clutch at their pearls rather than face reality. However, the Labour peer was also critical of the prime minister, who sacked him as ambassador, for not producing the promised spending increase on defence. The Telegraph reported that military chiefs are drawing up plans for a possible Nato mission to Greenland, which could involve British soldiers, warships and planes being deployed to the island. Ms Alexander downplayed the suggestion, telling Ms Kuenssberg the report possibly reads something more into business as usual discussions amongst Nato allies than there actually are. It has been reported that military chiefs are drawing up plans for a possible Nato mission to Greenland (PA) She said the UK agreed with President Trump that the Arctic Circle is becoming an increasingly contested part of the world with the ambitions of [Vladimir] Putin and China. Advertisement Advertisement Whilst we havent seen the appalling consequences in that part of the world that weve seen in Ukraine, it is really important that we do everything that we can with all of our Nato allies to ensure that we have an effective deterrent in that part of the globe against Putin. Mr Trump has said he wants to get control over Greenland, which has a strategic location and natural resources, and if we dont do it the easy way, were going to do it the hard way. But Lord Mandelson said he did not believe Mr Trump would use the military against a Nato ally. President Trump is not going to land on Greenland, take Greenland by force, he said. Hes not a fool. Whats going to happen is theres going to be a lot of discussion, a lot of consultation, a lot of negotiation and at the end of the day, we are all going to have to wake up to the reality that the Arctic needs securing against China and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement And if you ask me who is going to lead in that effort to secure, we all know, dont we, that its going to be the United States. Donald Trump wants the US to take control of Greenland (AFP/Getty) He argued that Mr Trump believes we live in a world of conflicts and hard power and sometimes nettles need to be grasped. We have to understand that. He was also critical of Sir Keir over not matching his commitment with promised increases in defence spending. Im sorry, but the moneys got to follow, he said. I think the principle [of extra defence spending] is accepted. I think that the funding is embraced, but I havent seen the financial plans. Not for the future, not in the way that they need to build up and unfold in the years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Downing Street sources noted that the prime minister shares President Trumps view that Russias growing aggression in the High North must be deterred, and Euro-Atlantic security strengthened, and the UK takes the threats from Russia and China in the region extremely seriously. They confirmed that Nato discussions on reinforcing security in the region continue and we would never get ahead of those, but the UK is working with Nato allies to drive efforts to bolster Arctic deterrence and defence. Greenlands future is still in question after the US threats to act whether they like it or not (AP) Just last year, UK commandos took part in Exercise Joint Viking in Norway one of Natos biggest High North drills in sub-zero temperatures alongside 7,000 allied troops, Royal Navy patrol boats and RFA Lyme Bay. This year, 1,500 Royal Marines will deploy for Exercise Cold Response across Norway, Finland and Sweden, training with allies to defend key terrain and demonstrate Nato unity. Advertisement Advertisement But in the last week, senior retired military top brass have warned that the UK is overstretched even with Sir Keirs commitment to Ukraine. In a report for Policy Exchange, retired air marshal Edward Stringer warned that increased defence spending in the UK is being eaten up by the Ministry of Defence [MoD]s overdraft with the UKs military footprint shrinking at a critical moment. His report, entitled The Say-Do Gaps in Defence, notes that the British army now has just 14 howitzers in total; the Royal Navy has been unable to put more than one attack submarine to sea for a while; and the RAF had to send training unit pilots to sea to guarantee certification of the F35 Force on the carrier. Meanwhile, another Policy Exchange report earlier in the week from another retired air marshal, Lord Stirrup, outlined how the UK had become too reliant on possessing nuclear weapons for deterrence, which he warned was not scaring Vladimir Putin. It came as Sir Richard Shirreff, who served as Natos deputy supreme allied commander in Europe between 2011 and 2014, said allied forces would need at least 50,000 troops in Ukraine to deter an attack from Russia, while the army currently has less than 75,000 personnel. Downing Street is in talks with European allies about deploying a military force to Greenland that would guard the Arctic for Donald Trump. Military chiefs are drawing up plans for a possible Nato mission on the island, which the US president has threatened to seize for security reasons. British officials have met with counterparts from countries including Germany and France in recent days to start the preparations. Advertisement Advertisement The plans, still at an early stage, could involve British soldiers, warships and planes being deployed to protect Greenland from Russia and China. European nations hope that significantly stepping up their presence in the Arctic would persuade Mr Trump to abandon his ambition to annex the strategic island. It would allow him to claim a victory for American taxpayers by arguing that Europe was paying more of the cost of policing the Atlantic. Mr Trump has threatened to take ownership of Greenland through the use of force. It is a self-governed island but is territorially part of Denmark, a Nato member. Advertisement Advertisement He has cited concerns that Moscow or Beijing will seize the island if he does not, insisting that were not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour. Greenland is also rich in natural resources, including copper, nickel, and rare earth minerals crucial for powering modern technology. Government sources said Sir Keir Starmer took the threat from Russia and China in the area extremely seriously and agreed that action must be taken. Sir Keir Starmer agreed that action must be taken to protect Western interests in the Arctic, government sources said - Kin Cheung/Reuters We share President Trumps view Russias growing aggression in the High North must be deterred, and Euro-Atlantic security strengthened, one told The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Nato discussions on reinforcing security in the region continue, and we would never get ahead of those, but the UK is working with Nato allies to drive efforts to bolster Arctic deterrence and defence. The UK will continue to work with allies as we always have on operations in our national interest, protecting people back at home. Mr Trump has floated the idea of effectively buying the territory by offering each of its 30,000 citizens up to $100,000 to switch allegiance to the US. He has also not ruled out using military force to take the island, insisting that we are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not. Advertisement Advertisement His pursuit of the territory has plunged Nato into crisis and prompted speculation that the 75-year-old alliance could fall apart. b' ' European countries are hoping to pull Mr Trump back from the brink by offering to station a military force on the island. The idea was discussed at a meeting of Nato allies in Brussels on Thursday. Members instructed the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, the alliances military headquarters in Belgium, to determine what more could be done to secure the Arctic. Sources told The Telegraph that the potential operation was in the early planning stages. It could be a full-blown troop deployment or a combination of time-limited exercises, intelligence sharing, capability development and rerouted defence spending. Advertisement Advertisement Any operation would likely be carried out under Natos banner and would be separate from existing missions in the Baltic and Poland. British officials said the Armed Forces were already preparing for a greater role in Arctic security. Preparations include commandos and Royal Navy ships taking part in last years Exercise Joint Viking, a joint Nato drill in Norways sub-zero temperatures. This year, 1,500 Royal Marines will also deploy to Norway, Finland and Sweden for Exercise Cold Response, a training mission on defending frozen terrain. A Nato mission to Greenland could involve a full-blown troop deployment or time-limited exercises - Heathcliff O'Malley for the Telegraph The Telegraph also understands the European Union is drawing up plans for sanctions on US companies should Mr Trump reject the offer of a Nato deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Technology giants such as Meta, Google, Microsoft and X could be restricted from operating on the Continent, as could American banks and financial firms. A more extreme option could be to evict the US military from its bases in Europe, denying it a key staging post for operations in the Middle East and elsewhere. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, is set to meet his Danish counterpart next week, with European officials hoping he can act as a moderating influence on Mr Trump. Analysts said the presidents actions were typical of his negotiating strategy, which involves making maximalist demands to extract money from other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Examples include his threat to impose massive tariffs on European pharmaceuticals but exempting countries, including Britain, that agreed to pay more for US drugs. In recent months, the White House has also suggested that it wants Japan to pay more towards covering the cost of the 55,000 American troops based there. Donald Trump has said the US will take action on Greenland whether they like it or not - Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Justin Crump, the chief executive of risk analysis firm Sibylline, said Mr Trump was likely weighing the unity and resolve of European nations over Greenland. He said allies could call Trumps bluff by proposing a Nato force in Greenland, suggesting security wasnt the presidents real reason for wanting the island. Advertisement Advertisement It came as a former RAF chief cast doubt over Britains ability to protect the Arctic, saying the nations defences had become a flimsy facade. Air Marshal Edward Stringer said that the gap between the perception of the UKs military strength and its actual capabilities had become cavernous. Our defences are a facade In a report for Policy Exchange, he warned that not a single formation in the British military was currently sustainable in combat in its own right. He wrote: Now the USA is signalling strongly that it is putting America First and the rest of Nato will have to look after its own defences. This fundamentally challenges the model that we had semi-accidentally slipped into our national defences have been revealed to be a flimsy facade. Advertisement Advertisement The Say-Do gap between the image of ourselves we have come to believe, and the reality of the hard power we can project in practice, is stark. The first necessary step is to recognise that, and recognise that the methods that got us into this mess have to be discarded ruthlessly. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: The UK is committed to working with Nato allies to strengthen Natos Arctic deterrence and defence. 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. From even before the full-scale invasion that began in February 2022, the Mi-24 Hind series assault helicopter was established as a signature weapon of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with extensive combat use during the fight in Donbas. Since the full-scale invasion, both Russia and Ukraine have relied on the Mi-24 primarily as aerial artillery, but its also been used for special forces work and personnel recovery, and as a drone-killer. Of all the different versions used, perhaps the most unusual, however, is Ukraines Mi-24RKhR. This version of the Hind was developed during the Cold War for nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) reconnaissance, and first came to prominence in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The full version of the photo at the top of this story is an apparently relatively recent shot showing one of the tiny number likely two active Ukrainian Mi-24RKhR Hind-G1 helicopters: As of February 2022, Ukrainian Army Aviation was estimated to have around 34 Mi-24s in an operational status, part of an overall fleet of around 100 helicopters, the majority of them Mi-8 Hip series transports. Early losses after the full-scale invasion were heavy, with the total rotary-wing force reduced to around 40 aircraft by October 2022. Again, both active UkrAA Mi-24RKhR in one framehttps://t.co/wBOR3JKwvh Alex (@magictouch190) July 17, 2024 The Hind fleet with which Ukrainian Army Aviation started the conflict was dominated by the 30mm-cannon-armed Mi-24P Hind-F version, followed by the Mi-24V Hind-E, with its distinctive four-barrel 12.7mm machine gun in an under-nose turret. There were also much smaller numbers of the Mi-24VP, a sub-variant of the Hind-E with a harder-hitting twin 23mm cannon in a flexible nose mounting. A Ukrainian Mi-24P Hind-F during military exercises dubbed Perspekyiva-2012 (Perspective-2012) near the city of Ghytomyr, in September 2012. SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP/GettyImages SERGEI SUPINSKY Mi-24VP of the 12th AABr (pictured in 2004) pic.twitter.com/9l7fIBBoCs (@SlavAesthetics) July 29, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine also modernized some of its Mi-24Ps to the Mi-24PU1 standard. This features uprated engines, a new self-protection system to defend against infrared-guided missiles, plus a new target designator for improved firing precision at night. Additionally, the PU1 version adds a Garmin GPS navigation system, an improved cockpit radio, and Polish-made helmets with integrated night-vision devices. One of Ukraines upgraded Mi-24PU1 Hinds. Aviacon State Enterprise Most unusual of all, however, was the Mi-24RKhR, also known as the Mi-24R (for Razvedchik, Russian for reconnaissance), dubbed Hind-G1 by NATO. Developed during the Cold War, the Hind-G1 was a dedicated NBC reconnaissance version of the Mi-24, first flown in prototype form in 1978. Its main feature was the pincer-like sampling gear on the tips of the stub wings. These grabbing hands were used to retrieve ground materials for scientific analysis. This was an extremely important role during the Warsaw Pacts long standoff with NATO, during which troops were expected to fight on battlefields contaminated by the effects of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Advertisement Advertisement In this role, the Hind-G1 superseded the Mi-8VD that had been used for radiological reconnaissance missions since the mid-1970s, and the earlier Mi-2RKhR that was equipped for radiological and chemical reconnaissance. Many reports suggest that, as part of its modifications, the helicopter had its weapons systems deleted. This isnt quite the case. While it lost its ability to use the anti-tank guided missiles that were otherwise standard on the ends of the stub wings, the Hind-G1 retained the four-barrel 12.7mm machine gun in the nose and could still carry rocket pods and other unguided stores under the stub wings. As noted by @Chebik2 , this appears to be a Mi-24RKhR (originally an NBC reconnaissance version, but is not used for that anymore). This is the first time in several years that I see one in active UkrAA service https://t.co/lFSbUVYnqu Alex (@magictouch190) November 4, 2023 Most likely a UkrAA Mi-24RKhR https://t.co/JXHSDRrshq Alex (@magictouch190) April 29, 2024 For better protection in an NBC environment, the Hind-G1 had improved cabin seals and a filtration device for air entering the cabin. The crew was further protected from radiation by sheets of lead added to the fuselage. As standard, the four-man crew was provided with additional oxygen bottles, respirators, and protective suits. Other differences with standard Mi-24s included revised cabin windows, with a long, bulged observation window replacing the two smaller square windows in the right-hand cargo door. Advertisement Advertisement To make an NBC analysis, the Hind-G1 would touch down, and the grabbing hands would extend to the ground. Each of these consisted of three small probes placed on the end of an articulated mechanical arm, allowing six soil samples to be taken. A photo obtained by the United States Military Liaison Mission in East Germany in the 1980s shows the grabbing hands on the Hind-G1, while also highlighting the location of the self-defense countermeasures dispensers. USMLM Within the cargo compartment were two operator workstations. At one of these was a console used to process the data collected from the analysis and then transform the results into encoded messages. The second operator, the mission chief, transmitted the messages to the relevant command posts and ground troops. The process of actually analyzing the samples was complex and made use of a variety of equipment. This included a sensor that measured exposure to radioactive gamma rays; a system to detect chemicals and radiation; a gas detector; an air monitoring system with an automatic alarm that responded to toxic aerosols; and a semi-automated chemical recognition system to detect various toxins. Further equipment could be carried in a special pod under the left outer wing pylon. This contained a standard chemical recognition attache case to collect samples, a dosimeter, another bag to collect NBC material samples, a decontamination kit, chemical alert rockets, and smoke grenades. Intelligence gathered by the United States Military Liaison Mission in the 1980s shows the equipment pod on the Hind-G1, misidentified as an electronic support measures pod. USMLM Areas could also be marked as safe or contaminated using colored flares launched from a container below the end of the tail boom. Advertisement Advertisement 152 examples of the Hind-G1 version were built between 1983 and 1989. These are known to have been issued to Soviet units based in East Germany, immediately facing NATO forces. They were assigned to independent combat and control helicopter squadrons, which were in turn assigned to regiments or armies. Each squadron had a pair of Hind-G1s, as well as a pair of Mi-24K Hind-G2s, another specialist version of the helicopter, dedicated to artillery spotting. The Hind-G1 first came to public prominence during the operation in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, in April 1986. Here, the helicopter was used to measure radiation levels, but any examples used close to the devastated Reactor Number Four almost certainly ended up withdrawn from use, due to contamination. Mi-24RKhR NBC-reconnaissance helicopter preparing for another sortie during the Chernobyl cleanup, 1986. Note the mechanical extensions on the stub wings that allow for taking of soil samples. Many post-Soviet air forces operate this variant, although its usually mis-IDd. pic.twitter.com/P7KqmmPzEX David.Det (@DavidDetten) April 30, 2023 Nevertheless, some Hind-G1s survived into the post-Soviet era, used in both Russia and Ukraine, as well as in Armenia and Belarus. While they have long ceased to be used for NBC reconnaissance, the fact that they have a gun and provision for rocket armament, plus the cabin for up to eight troops, means they are still useful. Advertisement Advertisement This remains the case for Ukraine, which has lost at least 11 Hinds since the full-scale invasion. Since this figure is based on verifiable incidents, the likely number is actually higher. Meanwhile, Kyiv has been supplied with additional Hinds by the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, and Poland, although some of these have been used for spares, rather than being introduced to service. As you read about here, Ukrainian Mi-24s have also been adapted to fire U.S.-supplied 70mm Hydra rockets. Czech-supplied Mi-24V Hind helicopter gunship in Ukrainian service, sporting what appears to be at least 19 air-to-air drone kill marks on its cockpit. If genuine, would confirm that Ukrainian Hinds are heavily engaged in the air war, downing dozens of Russian drones. pic.twitter.com/lELvflQQty OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 13, 2025 Ukrainian airman loading American Hydra 70 unguided rockets into a rocket pod of the Czech-delivered Mil Mi-24V helicopter. pic.twitter.com/KxZm4zLqtw Status-6 (War & Military News) (@Archer83Able) August 1, 2023 Since 2022, at least two examples of the Hind-G1 have been noted in Ukrainian service. Bearing in mind the very small numbers that ever existed in the Ukrainian Army Aviation reportedly three as of 201415 that tally is already impressive. Very possibly, one or more of the active examples were returned to service after a longer period in storage. Btw this nice video confirms that Ukraine reactivated another example of rare Mi-24RKhR and now operates at least two different airframes of this version. 3 examples were operated during ATO in 2014, but were stored after. None was in service in 2022.https://t.co/nY5WTsB7tv pic.twitter.com/ZYj65Q05Ov Chebik (@Chebik2) April 4, 2024 Not one but TWO rare Mi-24RKhR helicopters (originally an NBC recce variant of the Mi-24V) in one video! In the couple of years leading up to the full-scale invasion, no RKhR remained active with UkrAA @Chebik2 https://t.co/crTKuENove Alex (@magictouch190) May 29, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement In service now, the Hind-G1 has its sampling gear removed, but, since Ukraine apparently makes no use of its Hinds anti-tank guided missile capability anyway, the end result offers much the same in the way of capability as the baseline Mi-24V. So, while Ukraines unique Hind-G1 may have lost its distinctive mechanical claws, its still very much a force to be reckoned with in its classic gunship role. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com On Jan. 10, Winter Park Police, along with the Orange County Sheriffs Office, arrested a suspect connected to a string of residential burglaries in the Winter Park community. The arrests originated from a string of burglaries along the Phelps corridor, prompting the Winter Park Police Street Crimes unit to start a surveillance operation. During this operation, officers heard two loud bangs, which prompted them to investigate the noise. Police report that when they arrived at the scene, they found Joel Rosario, 41, fleeing from an unoccupied house. Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement reports that Rosario tried to escape in a vehicle and collided with an unmarked officers car. Afterward, a BOLO (be on the lookout) alert was issued to nearby jurisdictions. The Orange County Sheriffs Office located the vehicle and engaged in a brief pursuit before the suspect exited the vehicle and tried to run away, but was later apprehended by deputies. Rosario faced charges of aggravated battery on an officer, burglary, criminal mischief, resisting arrest with violence, and fleeing law enforcement. Police confirm that no injuries were reported during the incident. He is suspected of committing three burglaries over five days, but there are no confirmed links to any victims. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The high mortality rate of penguins in South Africa has been narrowed down to a single shocking culprit. What's happening? In a study published in Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology via Taylor & Francis, researchers reported that when sardine populations dwindled to less than 25% of their maximum recorded abundance, penguins struggled to survive from 2004-11 because of starvation and malnutrition. In fact, 95% of the seabirds who bred during those years did not survive, likely because they weren't able to fatten up enough to moult, which is crucial for development and adapting to seasons. According to The Guardian, which cited the paper, the African penguin population has decreased almost 80% in the last 30 years and fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs are left. In 2024, African penguins were downgraded to critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Advertisement Advertisement Their mortality is directly related to the health and survival of sardines. Exploitation rates of sardines hit a high in 2006 at 80%, per the study. The disappearance of sardines has been linked to the changing climate and overfishing. The recovery of sardine biomass is crucial to penguin survival rates. Why are endangered species important? When a species becomes threatened, it's an indicator of a major imbalance in the ecosystem. The African penguin is considered a keystone species because it balances the food web. The animal's status is dependent on the health of the ocean and the health of smaller fish such as sardines and anchovies. If a void disrupts the circle of life, it comes with catastrophic repercussions that affect biodiversity, food supplies, and economies. What's being done about African penguin populations? Sustainable fishing management could prove to be vital while conservationists build artificial nests to shelter chicks and manage predators. Certain types of commercial fishing have been banned near breeding colonies in South Africa. Ship-to-ship transfers off the coast are also under tighter regulations to protect the beloved marine species. Lorien Pichegru, a marine biology professor at Nelson Mandela University, said the information was "extremely concerning." She told The Guardian, "The results of the study are only based on penguins' survival until 2011, but the situation has not improved over time." Advertisement Advertisement Pichegru also mentioned that tackling sardine scarcity is an urgent issue, not just for African penguins but for other local species that depend on these fish. 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. 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. ADEN, Yemen (AP) Thousands of Yemenis rallied Saturday in the southern city of Aden in a show of support for a separatist group backed by the United Arab Emirates, a day after it dissolved itself following clashes with forces of Yemens internationally recognized government. Supporters of the Southern Transitional Council assembled in their stronghold of Khor Maksar district, where Aden's international airport is located. Armed groups loyal to the STC secured the protest area, according to an Associated Press journalist in Khor Maksar. The protesters chanted slogans against Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni international government. They waved flags of southern Yemen, which was an independent state between 1967 and 1990. Some held posters showing the councils leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who fled Aden to the UAE earlier this month, according to footage aired by STC media. Advertisement Advertisement Fadl Mahomed, a protester, said he took part in the protest to show support for the STC, its leader, al-Zubaidi, and the re-establishment of an independent state in southern Yemen. We will remain in the squares until the restoration of the state of South Arabia, he said, referring to the Peoples Democratic Republic of Yemen, which was an independent state until its 1990 unification with northern Yemen. The protest organizers said in a statement that they rejected the dissolution of the STC and called for the establishment of an independent state in southern Yemen. Fromer Foreign Minister Abdel-Malek al-Mekhlafi, who serves as an adviser to the chairman of the presidential council, on Saturday called for dialogue to absorb those who were not involved in crimes into the military and security agencies on the basis of law and partnership, not exclusion. Advertisement Advertisement The page of the transitional council has been turned, he wrote on X, because of its mistakes, corruption, arrogance and its use of force against the state and people of the south. Yemen, located at the strategic southern entrance of the Red Sea, has been mired for more than a decade in a civil war that involves a complex interplay of sectarian and tribal grievances as well as regional powers. Tensions have risen recently between U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE as their yearslong partnership in the war in Yemen broke down. Established in April 2017, the STC was an umbrella organization for groups that seek to restore southern Yemen as an independent state, and received financial and military support from the UAE. Al-Zubaidi, who was also a member of the ruling Presidential Transitional Council, was smuggled to Abu Dhabi through Somalia, after he reportedly declined to attend de-escalation talks in Riyadh, according to Saudi Arabia. An STC delegation attended the talks last week and then announced the dissolution of the separatist body. Advertisement Advertisement Abdulrahman Jalal al-Sebaihi, secretary-general of the secessionist council, announced on Friday that the STC would shut down all of its bodies and offices inside and outside Yemen, citing internal disagreements and mounting regional pressure. However, Anwar al-Tamimi, a spokesman for the council, contested the decision, and wrote on X that only the full council, under its president, can take such steps highlighting the internal divisions within the separatist movement. Tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi exploded early last month, when UAE-backed forces took over the provinces of Hadramout, on the borders with Saudi Arabia, and Mahra, where they seized oil-rich areas and facilities. They also seized the presidential palace in Aden. After weeks of Saudi-led efforts to de-escalate, government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, forced the separatists out of Hadramout, the presidential palace in Aden and military camps in Mahra. Advertisement Advertisement The escalation in southern Yemen was the latest twist in the civil war that has gripped the county since 2014, when Houthi rebels backed by Iran descended from their northern stronghold and seized the capital, Sanaa, forcing the internationally recognized government to flee first southward, then into exile in Saudi Arabia. A Saudi-led coalition that included the UAE entered the Yemen war the following year in an attempt to restore the government. The war has remained at a stalemate in recent years, and the rebels reached a deal with Saudi Arabia that stopped their attacks on the kingdom in return for an end to Saudi-led strikes on their territories. ________ Magdy reported from Cairo. San Francisco police have arrested a suspect after 3 people were stabbed in the Mission District. Police responded to reports of multiple stab victims at 16th and Mission in San Francisco, right next to the BART station on Saturday. It happened just before 5 p.m. Police said all victims were taken to the hospital. Two of the victims have life-threatening injuries, and the third has non-life-threatening injuries. INTERACTIVE: Take a look at the ABC7 Neighborhood Safety Tracker Through the course of the investigation, police said officers located the suspect and developed probable cause to arrest him. Due to the active investigation, police did not release the suspect's identity or the arrest charges. Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with additional information is asked to contact SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Police arrested and charged a suspect in the arson fire of a synagogue in Jackson, Miss., Beth Israel Congregation, which torched the facility's library, spread smoke damage throughout the building and destroyed two Torahs. The fire was reported around 3:00 a.m. Saturday -- overnight Shabbat, the weekly Jewish day of rest -- and the temple has suspended services indefinitely due to the damage, according to Mississippi Today. The library and administrative offices were damaged in the fire, in addition to the two destroyed Torahs and five others that were damaged when the blaze erupted. A Torah that survived the Holocaust and is stored in a glass case was undamaged, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement "Acts of antisemitism, racism and religious hatred are attacks on Jackson as a whole and will be treated as acts of terror against residents' safety and feedom to worship," Jackson Mayor John Horn said in a statement on Sunday, WAPT-16 reported. The synagogue, which was founded in 1960, was the first to be founded in the state, and has been the subject of attacks several times in its history, The New York Times reported. In 1874, the temple, then built as a wood frame building, was lit on fire. In 1967, Beth Israel was also bombed by members of the local Ku Klux Klan after its rabbi had spoken out against racism and segregation. His support for civil rights resulted in his home being bombed by the same Klan group months later. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., on Sunday morning denounced the arson in a post on X, quoting the bible passage Isaiah 40:1, saying "comfort Ye my people, saith your God." "Our hearts are with the members of Beth Israel Congregation," Wicker and his wife, Gayle, said in the post. "We stand with them as we do all the caring people of Mississippi," they said. "We denounce violence and find attacks on places of worship especially despicable." Kristersson said in a speech on Sunday that the rules-based world order was under greater threat than for many decades. "We are highly critical of what the United States is now doing and has done in Venezuela, in regards to international law, and probably even more critical of the rhetoric that is being expressed against Greenland and Denmark," he said at an annual security conference in northern Sweden. "On the contrary, the United States should thank Denmark, which has been a very loyal ally over the years." Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US needs to own Greenland to prevent Russia or China from occupying it in the future. He has repeatedly said that Russian and Chinese vessels are operating near Greenland, something Nordic countries have rejected. 'American? No!' says Greenland after latest Trump threat Sweden to invest $1.6 billion in air defence systems Sweden will spend 15 billion Swedish crowns ($1.6 billion) on air defence aimed at primarily protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, the government said on Sunday. Sweden has, like most European countries, invested heavily in defence following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Sweden's vast territory has remained vulnerable to aerial threats. Advertisement Advertisement "The experience from the war in Ukraine clearly shows how crucial a robust and resilient air defence is," Defence Minister Pal Jonson told reporters at a security conference in northern Sweden. He said Sweden would buy short-range air defence systems to protect cities, bridges, power plants and other critical infrastructure. On Sunday Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticised the US administration's "threatening rhetoric" against Greenland and Denmark, saying the US should thank Denmark for being a loyal ally. French military chief backs Macron over possibility of sending troops to Ukraine 'International law applies to everyone' Meanwhile, German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said on Sunday that the principles of international law apply to everyone, including the United States, in reference to President Trump's threats to seize Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement "It is solely up to Denmark and Greenland to decide about Greenland's future. Territorial sovereignty and integrity must be respected," Klingbeil said ahead of his departure to Washington for a meeting of finance ministers from the Group of Seven advanced economies. Germany reiterated its support for Denmark and Greenland ahead of meetings in Washington on Monday. A US military seizure of the mineral-rich Arctic island from Denmark, a long-time ally, would send shockwaves through NATO and deepen the divide between Trump and European leaders. "We increase security in the Arctic together as NATO allies, not in opposition to one another," Klingbeil said. (Reuters) SALEN, Sweden, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Sweden will spend 15 billion Swedish crowns ($1.6 billion) on air defence aimed at primarily protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, the government said on Sunday. Sweden has, like most European countries, invested heavily in defence following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Sweden's vast territory has remained vulnerable to aerial threats. "The experience from the war in Ukraine clearly shows how crucial a robust and resilient air defence is," Defence Minister Pal Jonson told reporters at a security conference in northern Sweden. Advertisement Advertisement He said Sweden would buy short-range air defence systems to protect cities, bridges, power plants and other critical infrastructure. On Sunday Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticized the U.S. administration's "threatening rhetoric" against Greenland and Denmark, saying the U.S. should thank Denmark for being a loyal ally. ($1 = 9.1954 Swedish crowns) (Reporting by Johan AhlanderEditing by Tomasz Janowski) Earlier this month, Sharon Shumpert stopped at a gas station in Tacomas Hilltop neighborhood and decided to buy only a $1 lottery ticket. Shumpert, 68, said she became upset after learning that an electronic payment cost 50 cents extra and could be avoided by paying cash instead. She questioned: Was it OK for her to be charged more for a lottery ticket than what it costs? State law addresses the subject, and the answer is straight-forward. Advertisement Advertisement RCW 67.70.110 and WAC 315-06-060 prohibit the sale of lottery tickets for more than face value, Kristi Weeks, the director of Legal Services for Washingtons Lottery, said in an email. Its worth noting lottery and scratch tickets arent subject to retail sales tax in Washington, according to the states Department of Revenue. The News Tribune described Shumperts recent experience and asked the state Lottery to weigh in, including to clarify payment options available to retailers. Regarding payment, retailers can choose to accept cash, debit, and/or credit. We do not dictate that, Weeks said. If (retailers) do not want to pay a processing fee, they can decline to accept debit or credit for those purchases. Advertisement Advertisement Washington is one of 24 states in the country where you can buy lottery tickets with a credit card, according to a June analysis from the personal finance website, Bankrate.com. Washingtons Lottery directly sells tickets through vending machines, but they dont accept credit cards. The machines do take debit cards, and Washingtons Lottery absorbs those processing fees, Weeks said. There are 3,640 licensed retailers for lottery tickets in Washington. Occasionally, one will disregard the law and sell tickets for more than face value, whether intentionally or not, according to Weeks. The Lottery responds by providing technical assistance and reminding the retailer of the rule, which Weeks said is generally effective. After an effort to educate a retailer, the Lottery can send security staff undercover into an establishment to test compliance. Despite this attempt to help our retailers help themselves, our ultimate responsibility is to follow the law and not allow our players to be overcharged, Weeks said. We will revoke the license of any retailer who fails to comply despite our efforts to educate them. Advertisement Advertisement There are reasons why Washingtons Lottery doesnt immediately pursue revocation. Retailers perform an important role for the Lottery; they often have high staff turnover that could suggest issues might be related to employee training; and many mom and pop retailers might need extra technical assistance due to unfamiliarity with government regulations, according to Weeks. Since August 2022, Washingtons Lottery has revoked four licenses, but no revocations were related to selling tickets above face value, she said. After Shumpert purchased her ticket, she said she identified the applicable state statute and contacted the state Lottery. Shumpert said she was told that the Lottery would notify the gas station to cease charging extra for lottery tickets, but she suggested more was necessary perhaps a financial penalty. To Shumpert, a retired pediatric oncology social worker, the gas station was exploiting a historically Black community. Advertisement Advertisement This is the issue ... theyve been doing it all along, she said. To tell them just to stop is not good enough for me. In our Reality Check stories, The News Tribune journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? realitycheck@thenewstribune.com. Tennessee is now on the board. The states Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced this week that roughly 8,800 commercial drivers license holders will receive letters requiring them to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. Drivers who fail to respond by April 6, 2026, will have their CDL privileges stripped and their credentials downgraded to a standard non-commercial license. This is not about non-domiciled drivers or recent license issuances. Tennessee is reaching back into legacy files to target CDL holders who obtained their credentials before the current federal documentation requirements took effect. These are drivers who have been working legally under licenses valid when issued, but now do not meet the documentation standards that the Trump administration is demanding states enforce. Advertisement Advertisement The state has approximately 150,000 CDL holders. The 8,800 affected drivers represent just under 6% of that total, but for them, the consequences are immediate and serious. Lose your CDL, lose your job. Tennessees action did not happen in a vacuum. The U.S. Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean Duffy, has been systematically pressuring states to tighten CDL issuance and documentation practices, backing those demands with threats to withhold federal transportation funding. California has been the most visible target, with FMCSA ordering an immediate pause on all non-domiciled CLP and CDL processing back in September. That enforcement action remains in effect with no end date, and the Chinese American Truckers Association filed a federal lawsuit earlier this week challenging both the federal directive and the California DMVs implementation of it. California was never going to be the only state in the crosshairs. The administration has made clear that CDL compliance is a priority tied to broader immigration enforcement objectives. Tennessee officials explicitly referenced the presidential directive as the driver behind this records cleanup. Advertisement Advertisement Affected drivers will receive notification by mail. If you hold a Tennessee CDL and do not receive a letter, no action is required on your part. Those who do receive notice must appear in person at a state drivers services center and provide acceptable documentation. That means a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or other approved documents establishing citizenship or lawful presence. The deadline is April 6, 2026. There is no indication of any extension or alternative compliance pathway for drivers who cannot meet that date. Tennessee officials framed the action as a records modernization effort rather than an enforcement crackdown. The messaging emphasized that many affected drivers obtained their licenses before the current documentation rules were in place and simply need to update their files. Whether drivers on the receiving end of downgrade notices see it the same way remains to be seen. Advertisement Advertisement What we are watching unfold is a state-by-state compliance campaign with real consequences for working drivers. Californias non-domiciled program got hit first and hardest, with an indefinite processing freeze that has stranded thousands of qualified drivers. Tennessee is taking a different approach, giving existing CDL holders a deadline to prove their status rather than freezing all processing. Other states are almost certainly reviewing their own files and procedures right now, trying to get ahead of federal scrutiny before it arrives. The common thread is that drivers are bearing the operational burden of compliance disputes between federal and state agencies. A Tennessee driver who obtained a CDL fifteen years ago under the rules that existed at the time now has to take time off work, gather documentation, and visit a state office in person to keep the credential they have held for over a decade. For drivers with questions about the Tennessee requirements, the state has provided a contact email at cdl.division@tn.gov. Advertisement Advertisement The Duffy enforcement campaign is just getting started. Tennessee will not be the last state to feel the pressure. The post Tennessee Becomes Latest Target in Duffys CDL Compliance Crackdown appeared first on FreightWaves. Celeste chants "No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here" Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 alongside thousands of people as they march from Powderhorn Park to the site where an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good, protesting the killing and also the drastic surge in ICE agents deployed to the state in recent weeks. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Thousands peacefully protested in Minneapolis Saturday against the Trump administrations immigration crackdown following the shooting and killing of a woman by an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The marchers began at Powderhorn Park and passed by the site where Good was killed. The protest was part of over a 1,000 planned demonstrations against ICE across the nation this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Among the demonstrators was a group of Roosevelt High School students. Hours after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good, Border Patrol agents arrived at the high school and deployed tear gas as students were being dismissed. I want to be able to go to work and school without worrying that we are going to be attacked, said junior Maria DeLong, who said she burst into tears watching a video of her favorite teachers being tackled by federal agents. Thousands of people stand at the memorial site for Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent earlier in the week near 33rd Street and Portland Avenue. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Fahad Mo, 26, is a Somali-American who grew up in Cedar-Riverside, which has a large Somali community. Hes part of the Cedar-Riverside Protection Alliance, a newly formed group working to protect the Somali community in the neighborhood from immigration officers. I want Trump to know Somali-Americans are always going to be here, Mo said at the protest. Immigrants are always going to be here. Advertisement Advertisement The Minnesota Somali community has been the focus of a targeted deportation campaign by the Trump administration since late November, even though the vast majority are citizens or legal residents. Protests at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, which federal immigration agents use as a base, have been more confrontational. Federal agents fired pepper balls at a small group of protesters at the Whipple Building at the same time as the much larger Powderhorn protest, CNN reported. On Friday night, police arrested 30 people, who have since been released, for blocking streets and damaging property at a protest outside hotels in downtown Minneapolis where ICE agents are thought to be staying, the Star Tribune reported. The police said protesters caused about $6,000 in damage from broken windows and graffiti at the Depot Renaissance Hotel. Among the speakers at the Powderhorn protest was Isa Lopez, an activist who was charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding officers at a federal law enforcement action on Lake Street in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEW YORK (AP) Thousands of nurses at some of New York City's biggest hospitals could go on strike Monday during a severe flu season, three years after a similar walkout forced some of the same medical facilities to transfer some patients and divert ambulances. The looming strike could impact operations at several of the citys major private hospitals, including Mount Sinai in Manhattan, Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Nearly 15,000 nurses could walk off the job early Monday if a deal is not reached, amounting to the largest nurses strike in city history, according to Nancy Hagans, president of the New York State Nurses Association. As of Sunday morning, little progress had been made at the bargaining table, Hagans said. A vast majority of the union's nurses voted to authorize the strike last month. Advertisement Advertisement Like the 2023 labor fight, this year's dispute involves a complicated array of issues, claims, counterclaims and hospital-by-hospital particulars. Once again, staffing levels are a major flashpoint: Nurses say the big-budget medical centers are refusing to commit to or even backsliding on provisions for manageable, safe workloads. Safety concerns at issue This time, the nurses' union also wants guardrails on hospitals using artificial intelligence, plus more workplace security measures. A gunman strode into Mount Sinai in November, and a man with a sharp object barricaded himself in a Brooklyn hospital room this week; both men ultimately were killed by police. The private, nonprofit hospitals involved in the current negotiations say they've made strides in staffing since 2023. Some of them suggest the union's demands, taken as a whole, are far too expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Scores of nurses rallied Friday in Manhattan, insisting their primary concern was proper caregiving and accusing the medical centers whose top executives make millions of dollars a year of greed and intransigence. My hospital tries to cut corners on staffing every day, and then they try to fight historic gains we made three years ago, said Sophie Boland, a pediatric intensive care nurse in the NewYork-Presbyterian hospital system. The hospitals, meanwhile, have called the unions strike threat reckless. They vowed in a statement Thursday to do whatever is necessary to minimize disruptions. Hagans, the union president, has also stressed that patients should not delay care during a potential strike. Advertisement Advertisement Still, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed concern that a strike could affect patient care, urging both sides on Friday to stay at the table and get a deal done. Hospitals prepare for a walkout Mount Sinai has hired over 1,000 temporary nurses and held preparatory drills for a strike that could affect its 1,100-bed main hospital and two affiliates Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West with about 500 beds each. NewYork-Presbyterian said it also had arranged for temporary nurses but, if the strike happens, some patients might be moved to new rooms or advised to transfer to another facility. Montefiore posted a message assuring patients that appointments would be kept. Advertisement Advertisement The same union mounted a three-day strike at the Mount Sinai flagship facility and Montefiore in 2023, when nurses emphasized their sacrifices during the exhausting, frightening height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the national nurse staffing crisis that followed. The walkout prompted those hospitals to postpone non-emergency surgeries, tell many ambulances to go elsewhere and transfer some intensive-care infants and other patients. Temporary nurses and even administrators with clinical backgrounds were tapped to fill in, but some patients noticed longer waits and more sparsely staffed wards. The strike ended with an agreement on raises totaling 19% over three years and staffing improvements, including the possibility of extra pay if nurses had to work short-handed. Now, the union says, the hospitals are retreating from those guarantees and falling short on other promises. Advertisement Advertisement Montefiore, for example, agreed to make all reasonable efforts to stop keeping some emergency room patients in hallways while they wait for space to open up in other wards. Yet three years later, nurses still scramble to treat hallway patients, Montefiore intensive care nurse Michelle Gonzalez said Friday. Montefiore has suggested it's made some progress: The hospital told elected officials in a letter in October that there has been a 35% reduction in the time it takes from emergency admission to a clinical unit bed. Overall, the hospitals say they have greatly reduced nursing job vacancy rates in the last three years, and Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia Irving University Medical Center say they also have added hundreds of nursing positions. In recent days, several smaller hospitals including multiple Northwell Health facilities on Long Island averted potential walkouts by striking deals or making what the union viewed as adequate progress. (FOX40.COM) After months of failed contract negotiations between several Sacramento area school districts and teachers unions, teachers across the community are prepared to go on strike. On Saturday, they teamed up with parents and students for a strike-ready art build. We need to work together, Drucilla Ramirez, a Twin Rivers 3rd grade duel immersion teacher said. This is for our students. With the swipe of a paint brush and a unifying chant, teachers across the Sacramento area traded in pencils for paintbrushes Saturday. They geared up to take contract negotiations to the next level. Advertisement Advertisement Were currently still bargaining our contract from last year, Tessa Heavlin-Martinez, a Southport Elementary School science teacher said. We are currently without a contract. Twin Rivers, Natomas, Woodland and West Sacramento educators joined other California school districts in preparation for potential strikes. Ultimately, what were all fighting for is the same kind of outcome, Heavlin-Martinez said. We really want to provide whats going to be the best learning environment for our students, because its what they deserve and its what the communities deserve. Some districts are passing through a bargaining stage where they admit that theyre stuck and arent coming to an agreement any time soon. Others are soon entering a stage where a neutral third party gets involved. Therefore, a strike is not inevitable. Advertisement Advertisement Being strike ready is just a majority of our members are ready to go out on strike if thats what it takes, Natomas Teachers Association President, Nico Vaccaro, said. Teachers told FOX40 going on strike is generally a last-resort effort. A strike ultimately impacts everyone involved, including the students, Heavlin-Martinez said. Its something that we would like to avoid because our end goal is to keep as many kids in the classroom engaged and learning to the best of their ability. At Saturdays art build, teachers, students, parents and even renowned artist David Solnit united at the California Teachers Association building to swatch, staple and drill in their message. Teachers told FOX40 theyre fighting for safe and stable schools. Topics like class sizes, special education support, pay and other working conditions remain on the table. Advertisement Advertisement We want a credentialed teacher in every classroom, Ramirez said. Many negotiations have been going on for, at least, the better part of a year, so teachers said they cant wait any longer and theyre standing and painting in solidarity. These educators are adding fuel to the fire and paint to the canvas. Our students they matter and they deserve to have that future, Ramirez said. Were here and we advocate for them in every which way. Well do whatever it takes to make sure that they have what they need. FOX40 reached out to involved school systems for comment and received the following statement from Natomas Unified School District Superintendent Robyn Castillo, Ed. D. Advertisement Advertisement We all share the goal of supporting educators and staff, prioritizing students, and ensuring the long-term financial stability of Natomas Unified School District. While it is disappointing to learn about these activities, we are here and ready to collaborate with the Natomas Teachers Association on a productive path forward. We are optimistic we can find a resolution that doesnt result in the disruption of student learning or threaten the future of the districts finances. Previously, other districts echoed the same message. They said they want whats best for their students and they will continue discussions for fair contracts. 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 FOX40 News. White House border czar Tom Homan blamed Democratic leaders in Minnesota for escalating hateful rhetoric after an ICE officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The pleas from Homan and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to turn down the temperature come as Minnesota officials like Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Gov. Tim Walz have accused federal officials of escalating tensions by surging federal agents to the state and refusing to cooperate with state and local officials. The hateful rhetoric has caused a lot of this violence, Homan said in a Sunday interview on Fox News Sunday with host Jacqui Heinrich. So I said way back in March if the hateful rhetoric doesn't decrease, there will be bloodshed, and, unfortunately, I was right, and it's not over. There will be more bloodshed unless we decrease the hateful rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Homan added that I don't want to see anybody die, asking Minnesota leaders to work with us despite allegations from Frey and Walz that federal officials have not collaborated with them in investigating the incident. Noem, for her part, told Frey and Walz to grow up during a Sunday morning interview with CNNs Jake Tapper on State of the Union, alleging the two Democrats have inflamed the public and encouraged the kind of destruction and violence that weve seen in Minneapolis these last several days. She also accused Walz and Frey of using this as an opportunity to divide during an interview with Foxs Maria Bartiromo on her Sunday Morning Futures program. Responding to Noems remarks on CNN, Frey defended his rhetoric and criticized the federal government for not cooperating with local and state officials on its investigation into the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement I said this was a federal agent recklessly using power that ended up in somebody dying, because that was a federal agent recklessly using power that ended up in somebody dying is exactly what happened, Frey said. Frey also responded to a Thursday statement from the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association calling on leaders to stop the inflammatory language and respect the legal and investigative process. Speaking on CNN, Frey drew a distinction between federal immigration agents and local law enforcement, who he said deserve our full-throated support. The back-and-forth between Minnesota leaders and the Trump administration also comes after Noem swiftly accused Good of committing an act of domestic terrorism just hours after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed her. President Donald Trump also referred to her as a professional agitator on Wednesday, sparking condemnation from Democrats who accused the administration of prematurely characterizing the incident without a proper review. For every Spitfire and Hurricane, dozens of British fighter aircraft remain hidden in the shadows, neglected by popular history. Some of these were brilliant, some were terrible, and some were just unlucky. Of course, forgotten is a subjective term, and you may know some or even all of them. They are all fascinating designs that cast light on the whole dramatic story of the British fighter plane: 10: Bristol M.1 Monoplane Scout Bristol M.1 Monoplane Scout This excellent, exceptionally clean, monoplane fighter had its chance to fight curtailed by an overly cautious War Office, spooked by some pre-war crashes involving monoplanes. Monoplanes were banned, and even after the German Eindecker scout series had proved the effectiveness of the monoplane in 1915, it was still a struggle for the concept to gain acceptance. Advertisement Advertisement This didn't deter Frank Barnwell, a Scottish aeronautical engineer, from persisting with the M.1 monoplane. Heavy losses on the Western Front lent urgency to the development of an aircraft of superior performance. The M.1 proved capable, but the War Office was nervous of its high landing speed of 49 mph and monoplane configuration. 10: Bristol M.1 Monoplane Scout Bristol M.1 Monoplane Scout Royal Flying Corps pilots on the Western Front were impatient to receive the new aircraft, but things progressed more slowly than expected. Rumours abounded that another reason for its protracted delivery was an embarrassing crash by a senior officer of one of the prototypes, relating to the high landing speed. Only 125 aircraft were built and were relegated to training roles in England, as well as service in Palestine and the Balkans. No. 14 and No. 111 Squadrons based at Deir-el-Belah, Palestine, flew the aircraft from 1917. It survived a brief time in the new Royal Air Force before being retired in 1919. 9: Westland Whirlwind Westland Whirlwind In many ways an advanced and ingenious design, the sleek twin-engine Westland Whirlwind was one of the fastest and best-armed fighters of its generation. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Peregrine engines and armed with four nose-mounted 20-mm cannon, this compact fighter first flew in 1938. Advertisement Advertisement The extremely capable Teddy Petter designed the Whirlwind. However, the project was seemingly cursed. Early technical issues arose with the proposed Oerlikon guns, as well as with the replacement weapons, the 20-mm Hispano, which necessitated a redesign of the Whirlwind, and problems with engine deliveries. 9: Westland Whirlwind Westland Whirlwind As a light fighter-bomber armed with 250- or 500-lb bombs, the Whirlwind was effective, proving itself in sweeps of the Channel coast and France. Despite the design's great promise, only 114 were built, and it was withdrawn from service in 1943. There were several reasons the Whirlwind was not built in greater numbers. One reason was the discontinuation of its power plant, which led to a general concentration of effort and resources on the Merlin. Another reason was the availability of more manoeuvrable, easier-to-maintain single-engine fighters. The fact that the aircraft was too small to be easily converted into a radar-equipped two-seat night fighter also counted against this potentially world-beating fighter. 8: Sopwith Dragon Sopwith Dragon When the final Sopwith Snipe prototype was tried with a powerful 320-horsepower ABC Dragonfly I engine in 1918, the results were spectacular. Sopwith realised they were onto a winner and designed a Snipe to carry the even more powerful 360-horsepower Dragonfly IA. Advertisement Advertisement It first flew in 1919. The Dragon enjoyed a blistering top speed of 150mph at sea level. Even with full fuel and ammunition, it could also reach an impressive 25,000 feet. It was capable of a climb to 10,000 feet in seven and a half minutes, an astonishment climb rate for the time. 8: Sopwith Dragon Sopwith Dragon Armament was two synchronised .303 Vickers machine guns on the upper side of the nose. An order for 300 Snipes had been signed in October 1918 and was changed a month later to cover 300 Dragons. Everything was rather promising until it became apparent that the engine was a total disaster. Though much faith was put in the Dragonfly engine, it was unreliable, prone to overheating, vibration, and catastrophic mechanical failures. Perhaps two hundred Dragon airframes were built, but only around six aircraft had their engines fitted. The Sopwith Dragon never reached a Royal Air Force squadron. 7: Sopwith Salamander Sopwith Salamander The tough armoured Salamander was the A-10 Thunderbolt of its day. It was developed in 1918 as a ground-attack derivative of the successful Sopwith Snipe fighter; Sopwith Camel fighters had been used with great success as 'trench fighters' since late 1917, but losses, mainly to ground fire, had been heavy. Advertisement Advertisement The Salamander was therefore designed to survive sustained small-arms fire while attacking enemy trenches. Utilising the wings and tail of the Snipe, the Salamander featured an armoured box made from a steel plate between 6 mm and 11 mm thick, containing the pilot and forming an integral load-bearing part of the forward fuselage. 7: Sopwith Salamander Sopwith Salamander The armoured steel box itself weighed 275 kg, and steel accounted for more than 35% of the overall aircraft weightan extraordinarily high percentage for the era. At least one aircraft was fitted with a battery of eight downward-firing Lewis machine guns. Unfortunately, problems encountered due to armour becoming distorted during the hardening process delayed production and of the 1400 ordered, only 37 Salamanders had been built by the Armistice. Ultimately, a credible total of 497 examples were built, and some served into the early 1920s. 6: Saunders-Roe SR.A/1 Saunders-Roe SR.A/1 During the war, Japanese floatplane fighters proved that the idea could, to some degree, work - though mostly in the Pacifics more tranquil waters. Britains Saunders-Roe was more ambitious: it envisioned a seaplane that could shed its traditional speed limitations, powered not by propellers but by a jet engine. Advertisement Advertisement Creating an aircraft capable of 512mph with four 20-mm cannon would have proved an awesome, perhaps unbeatable, opponent to Japanese seaplanes and flying boats. Timing was against the aircraft; however, with the war winding down, the company looked away from this military project, instead devoting its resources to the huge, long-range, civilian flying boat, the Princess. This delayed the types first flight until 1947. 6: Saunders-Roe SR.A/1 Saunders-Roe SR.A/1 The aircraft proved impressive it had great handling, good agility and was pleasant to fly (notably, the prototypes were fitted with the first two examples of Martin-Baker production ejection seats). However, there wasnt much need for it by this time, and two months later, a carrier fighter that was faster still (the 600mph Sea Hawk) took to the air. The Royal Navy wasnt very interested in this eccentric design, believing in the conventional carrier concept. It was briefly revived in 1950 to assess its utility for the Korean War, but by then, technology had advanced, and it would have been no match for the latest fighters. The Squirt, as it was affectionately known by its creators, was not to be; three were built. 5: Gloster Javelin Gloster Javelin Compared to the beloved Hawker Hunter and hugely popular English Electric Lightning, the Gloster Javelin languishes in relative obscurity. This was not always the case; at the time of its operational debut in 1956, much was made of what was seen as an utterly modern design. Advertisement Advertisement Combining a tailed-delta design with guided missiles and a large radar, the Javelin appeared to offer a glimpse of the future. It was also imposing in size; it was a huge step up in size and weight compared to the Meteor and Venomit was really the RAFs first big twin-jet interceptor. 5: Gloster Javelin Gloster Javelin This large, heavily armed (albeit subsonic), day-night, all-weather fighter was the worlds first twin-jet delta-wing fighter; it was also the Royal Air Forces best interceptor of the 1950s. Unfortunately, the opposition moved the goalposts by developing air-launched stand-off missiles, requiring the sort of high-speed interceptor performance that simply could not be delivered by the Javelin. Development potential was hampered by an overly thick wing and a draggy rear fuselage, which limited top speed. The Javelin had a relatively short career and no export success; 436 were produced. 4: Blackburn Firebrand Blackburn Firebrand The story of the Firebrand torpedo fighter is a rotten one. The specification for the type was issued in 1939, but it wasnt until the closing weeks of the Second World War that it began to enter service. Despite a luxuriously long development, it was an utter pig in the air, with stability issues in all axes and a tendency to lethal stalls. Advertisement Advertisement There was a litany of restrictions to try to reduce the risks, including the banning of external tanks, but it still remained ineffective and dangerous to fly. Worse still, instead of trying to rectify the problems, the Royal Navys Fleet Air Arm (FAA) started a witch-hunt of those pilots who dared to speak the truth about the abysmal Firebrand. 4: Blackburn Firebrand Blackburn Firebrand Only two Firebrand squadrons formed, of which the flying complement was heavily, if not entirely, made up of qualified flying instructors, suggesting only the most experienced pilots could be trusted with this unforgiving monster. Despite many reports damning the Blackburn Firebrand, there are some, notably naval aviation historian Matthew Willis, who believe that the type was unfairly maligned. 3: Martin-Baker MB3 Martin-Baker MB3 Despite never entering service, the MB3 has been indirectly responsible for saving 7700 lives (and counting). Friends and partners, James Martin and Valentine Baker, had been designing unconventional monoplanes since the early 1930s. From the start, they believed that aircraft should be as simple as possible. Advertisement Advertisement The MB3 was their response to a wartime RAF requirement for a fast, heavily armed fighter. Formidably furnished with six 20-mm cannon, it was also designed for ease of maintenance and manufacture (unlike the Spitfire). 3: Martin-Baker MB3 Martin-Baker MB3 Test flights, which started on 31 August 1942, proved it was both highly manoeuvrable and easy to fly. Its top speed of 415mph was a touch faster than the contemporary Spitfire Mk VIII. The main load-bearing structures were constructed of heavy tubing (or built-up spars) so it would have been able to survive greater battle damage than an equivalent stressed skin aircraft. It was not to be, however: on a test flight on 12 September 1942, the engine failed soon after take-off, and the MB3 crashed in a field and killed its pilot, Valentine Baker. Though the team had been investigating the idea of escape seats since 1934, it was Bakers death that motivated James Martin to focus exclusively on ejection seats; today the company is the market leader in those systems. 2: Supermarine Spiteful Supermarine Spiteful Unfairly remembered today, if it is remembered at all, as little more than a not particularly satisfactory footnote to the Spitfire story, the Spiteful deserves better. Not only did it achieve the highest speed ever attained by an unmodified British piston-engine aircraft, it was also the fastest British piston-engined aircraft to enter production. Advertisement Advertisement With the Spiteful, Supermarine wanted to build a fighter that combined all the best characteristics of Reginald Mitchells Spitfire with the latest aerodynamic developments in wing design, specifically with regard to laminar flow, which simply put means that the airflow over the wing does not at any point break away from the surface into a turbulent flow, a major cause of aerodynamic drag on conventional wings. 2: Supermarine Spiteful Supermarine Spiteful Unfortunately for Chief Designer Joe Smith and Supermarine, the original Spitfire possessed by far the most aerodynamically advanced wing ever built when it first appeared and was the result of thousands of hours of work by the superb Canadian-born aerodynamicist Beverley Shenstone (the first academically trained aerodynamicist to work at Supermarine) and his team to tune the wing to work at the same level of efficiency from 50 mph to 500 (and beyond). By the time the Spiteful was in development, Mitchell was dead, and Shenstone had left. Smith was an excellent engineer; he was not, however, a designer of Mitchells flair, nor did he possess the theoretical aerodynamic genius of Shenstone, and no one else at Supermarine did. The wing the Spiteful ended up with demonstrated worse low-speed handling than the Spitfire and a notoriously vicious stall, yet had more problematic compressibility effects at high speed than the Spitfire. 1: Martin-Baker M.B.5 Martin-Baker M.B.5 Perhaps the greatest Allied might-have-been of the war? The British Martin-Baker M.B.5 drew unanimous praise from those who flew it for its speed, range and outstanding climb-rate. Key to its stupendous performance was its two-layered, contra-rotating propellers, which enabled it to better exploit the tremendous power of the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine. A top speed exceeding 450mph, the best-designed cockpit for pilots, and overall ease of maintenance were among the many blessings of this formidable fighter. Polish fighter Janusz Zurakowski, who displayed the type aerobatically at the 1946 Farnborough Airshow, was utterly impressed by the M.B.5 and considered it superior to even the Spitfire in many ways. 1: Martin-Baker M.B.5 Martin-Baker M.B.5 The installation of the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine was masterly, as was the flat-feed mechanism for the cannon, which eliminated the blister fairings of other fighters. As an easy-to-maintain all-rounder, the M.B.5 was likely the best British piston-engine fighter ever made. Whether it would have lived up to its obvious potential will remain unknown, having the misfortune to emerge into a world teeming with inferior but numerous Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Tempests. It could also be fairly argued that the effort required to set up a new aircraft manufacturer was the last thing Britain needed at the time. Follow Joe Coles on Substack, Twitter X or Blue Sky. His superb Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes is available here. If you enjoyed this story, please click the Follow button above to see more like it from Autocar Photo Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en ]]> The Conservatives say they would ban under-16s from accessing social media platforms if they win power, promising to follow the example of Australia, which became the first country to introduce the policy last month. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said her party would also seek to ban smartphones in schools if it entered office. Speaking to the BBC, she said many parents wanted to stop their children using social media but "don't know how". Advertisement Advertisement Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the government would review how Australia's ban works out, adding there was a need to "get the balance right". Speaking to BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Badenoch claimed the use of "addictive" social media apps "correlates quite strongly" with an increase in mental health issues among young people. She denied a ban for under-16s would represent government overreach, saying it was a "very Conservative policy" to seek to protect children. "We tell children what to do all the time. Children are not adults. Freedom is for adults," she said. Advertisement Advertisement "Adults should be able to cope with that and manage themselves. Children, we need to protect." The party wants social media companies, including TikTok and Snapchat, to use age verification tools to prevent under-16s from accessing their platforms. The Tories say they would keep their social media ban under review [Getty Images] Speaking on the same programme, Alexander said the Online Safety Act, passed under the Conservatives, already gave Ofcom greater powers to prevent young people from encountering harmful content online. She added: "We've got to get the balance right here, making sure that young people are safe online as well as offline, but that they can also enjoy what's great about the digital world". Advertisement Advertisement The Labour government has stopped short of an England-wide ban on smartphones in schools, instead saying headteachers should decide, but ministers are considering time limits on the amount of time children can spend on social media. Some within Labour, however, want the party to go further - with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham saying he agreed with "a lot of what Kemi Badenoch is saying" on social media use. The Liberal Democrats said they had "long been raising the alarm" about the issue of children's safety online, and attacked the Conservatives for not supporting them in a vote last year to raise the "digital age of data consent" to 16. Separately, the NASUWT teachers' union called for a similar ban (after taking evidence from its members). Advertisement Advertisement Since July last year, platforms have been required to prevent young people from encountering harmful content relating to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders and pornography under the Online Safety Act. Enforced by Ofcom, the media regulator, platforms that do not comply with the legislation risk fines, jail time or, in very serious cases, a ban in the UK. This spring, the government is expected to issue guidance to parents around how long children under the age of five should spend watching TV or looking at computer screens. Advertisement Advertisement Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said around 98% of children were watching screens on a daily basis by the age of two, with research suggesting that higher screen use in this age group was linked to poorer language development. The terms of reference for the national working group, which will be led by children's commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza and Department for Education scientific adviser Professor Russell Viner, will be published on Monday. Parents, children and early years practitioners will all be involved in developing the guidance, which will be published in its first iteration in April. The education secretary has insisted it will be "shaped by parents, not dictated to them". Your eyes may currently be fixed on the UK version of the show, but fans of treachery and banishments will soon have their fill as The Traitors Ireland has had its release date confirmed. What's even better, however, is that it's not too far away! The series, which is hosted by Derry Girls and The Great Pottery Throw Down star Siobhan McSweeney, sees 24 contestants head to Slane Castle for a chance to win a cash prize, though there's plenty of obstacles in their way. After originally airing in its native country on RTE One across August and September last year, many UK residents were wondering when they would get a chance to watch another variation of TV's most popular game. Advertisement Advertisement They have their answer now, with The Traitors Ireland set to premiere on BBC One at midnight on Saturday 24 January. The second episode will follow an hour later at 1am, though there's no further information beyond that instalment (via BBC). It's also unclear what the release schedule on streaming service BBC iPlayer will entail, though international versions of the show have tended to be added to the streamer in full, so maybe it will be the same for the Irish version. RTE Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025 Crucially, the premiere on BBC One comes just hours after the fourth season of the UK version concludes, with host Claudia Winkleman set to unveil if a Faithful or Traitor will take the money home. Advertisement Advertisement While we still have a way to go until then, this week proved to be a dramatic one, with several big exits taking place in a period where two Traitors engaged in a bitter feud that resulted in a banishment. BBC Related: Explained! How "genius" Harriet and Jessie are running rings round the Traitors and will define week 3 After Fiona Hughes waged war on fellow Traitor Rachel Duffy, it was left for the rest of the cast to decide who to side with, but it became quickly apparent that Rachel had won the battle after Fiona was banished. The previous night, it was Amanda Collier who faced the axe as she was banished, with the former police detective left red-faced as she subsequently discovered that Rachel, her closest friend in the castle, was a Traitor all along. The Traitors Ireland will premiere on BBC One at midnight on Saturday 24 January. Interested in talking about The Traitors? Visit our dedicated sub-forum Advertisement Advertisement Read more The Traitors news on our dedicated homepage The new edition of Living Legends, celebrating music icon Dolly Parton, is here! Buy Dolly at 80 in newsagents or online, priced at just 8.99. You Might Also Like No matter where you go in the world, there are general safety practices to remember, like avoiding dark alleys and keeping your personal items in secure bags. But some parts of the world are considered safer than others, and under the wrong circumstances, this perception can change rather quickly. This is why you should always research current events at your destination so you can stay safe. This is definitely the case for anyone heading to Thailand and Cambodia. In December of 2025, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Thailand released a security alert stating, "U.S. citizens should avoid all travel within 50 kilometers of the Thailand-Cambodia border due to active hostilities and the unpredictable security situation. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services in affected provinces." Canada's government sent out a warning as well, advising citizens to "avoid all travel" to the border region. These alerts are in response to rising tensions and unpredictable political stability. While off-and-on issues concerning the border have existed for decades, the 2025 fighting broke out because both sides believe that the other violated a ceasefire back in July. The supposed violation was in the form of airstrikes which killed seven Cambodians and four Thais. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 10 Dangerous Cities You Should Never Visit Alone Thailand and Cambodia as tourist destinations a couple holding hands on a beach with an ornate temple in the background - Fokkebok/Getty Images Thailand is an incredibly popular tourist destination so much so that overtourism has become a concern in a few popular Thai hotspots. For example, "The White Lotus" brought larger crowds to the stunning island of Koh Samui. Other major tourist hotspots include the vibrant cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, along with the otherworldly Phi Phi Islands. Cambodia welcomes tourists as well. The country's stunning Angkor Wat Buddhist temple is the largest religious structure in the world, attracting over 2 million visitors each year. It's a popular place for backpackers exploring Southeast Asia, with quiet islands, untouched jungles, and bustling cities like Phnom Penh. However, the swaths of tourists who hope to enjoy the amazing wildlife, nature, and cultures of these two countries might feel uneasy due to this new travel warning. Thankfully, all of the aforementioned famous destinations in both Thailand and Cambodia are further than 50 kilometers (about 30 miles) from the border. Many foreign governments, like the U.S. and Canada, have long encouraged people to be cautious when visiting Thailand or Cambodia, even before the renewed border conflict. The main things to remember are to keep your valuables secure (in money belts or theft-proof bags), avoid any political demonstrations, and wear clothing that respects local customs. The latter is especially true when visiting religious landmarks. And for now, instead of crossing the border on a bus or train, opt to fly to avoid the conflict area. Advertisement Advertisement Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. News of the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has failed to win over voters in the U.S. Here's a look at the newest approval rating for President Donald Trump and his latest foreign policy grade. Trump's Approval Rating Falls Similar to the last month of 2025, the first month of 2026 has Trump with an approval rating below 50% from voters. A new Morning Consult poll shows Trump with an approval rating of 46%, down one percentage point from two weeks ago. Trump's disapproval rating stands unchanged at 51%. This gives the president a net approval rating of -5%. Don't Miss: Fast Company Calls It a Groundbreaking Step for the Creator Economy' Investors Can Still Get In at $0.85/Share Sam Altman Says AI Will Transform the Economy This Platform Lets Investors Back Private Tech Early Advertisement Advertisement The survey was conducted mostly before news of the strikes in Venezuela was reported on social media and Trump confirmed Maduro's capture. Trump's average approval rating and disapproval rating since taking office in January 2025 have been 47% and 51%, respectively. Trump's latest moves in Venezuela have voters and investors on edge for other countries that could see similar military action and intervention by the U.S. In the poll, Trump received a 45% approval rating for his handling of foreign policy, along with a disapproval rating of 44%. This net approval of one percentage point is down from +3 before Maduro was captured. Advertisement Advertisement This could signal that voters disapprove of the actions taken in Venezuela or are worried about more future actions in other countries. Trending: Bezos' Favorite Real Estate Platform Launches A Way To Ride The Ongoing Private Credit Boom Poll Shows Democrat Lead For 2026 Midterms Rising health costs remain a key priority for voters, according to the poll. Voters may blame Trump or Congress for not putting a large enough emphasis on tackling the issue before the start of 2026. In the poll, 40% say the Trump administration is making reducing health care costs a "top priority." This result is close to an all-time low of 39% for the same question. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats lead Republicans 44% to 42% in a generic poll about the 2026 midterm elections. While voters give Trump and Republicans low marks, optimism for the 2026 year and beyond may have risen slightly. After low marks during Trump's return to office were set in November for a question of whether the country is headed in the right direction, the results are more positive in January, according to a separate Morning Consult poll. See Also: GM-Backed EnergyX Is Solving the Lithium Supply Crisis Invest Before They Scale Global Production Here are the results by voting group for January, with the score from November in parentheses: Advertisement Advertisement All Voters: 41% (37%) Democrats: 17% (16%) Independents : 29% (25%) Republicans: 74% (69%) Voters and investors alike will be closely monitoring the current situation in Venezuela and potential actions in other countries. Trump's approval rating could continue to go down if more actions are taken or threats made that voters do not agree. Read Next: 7 Million Gamers Already Trust Gameflip With Their Digital Assets Now You Can Own a Stake in the Platform Before the Raise Ends 1/19 Photo: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Advertisement Advertisement Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: This article Trump Approval Rating Falls After Maduro's Capture: Handling Of Foreign Policy Gets Failing Grade originally appeared on Benzinga.com Jan. 11 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said Sunday that Cuba must strike a deal with the United States or face deeper economic hardship as its access to Venezuelan oil diminishes. On Truth Social, Trump posted: "Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will. THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE." Trump's comments followed remarks he made on Jan. 4, when he said the Cuban government could collapse without direct U.S. intervention following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by American forces. Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Trump reposted a Truth Social user's message suggesting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban American, should serve as Cuba's president, responding, "Sounds good to me." Rubio has been vocal about Cuba's political and economic situation in the wake of changes in Venezuela and has said Havana is in "serious trouble" and that its leaders have reason to be concerned. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, speaks as First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (CC PCC), during the Closing Session of the VIII Congress of the PCC, at the Palacio de Convenciones, in Havana, Cuba, in 2021. Photo by Ariel Ley/Royero/EPA Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel posted on X Sunday, "Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. No one dictates what we do. Cuba does not aggress; it is aggressed upon by the United States for 66 years, and it does not threaten; it prepares, ready to defend the Homeland to the last drop of blood." On Friday, the United States seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, the Olina, as part of efforts to control Venezuelan oil that had been bound for the region, including Cuba. U.S. Southern Command wrote on X that it's "unwavering in its mission to defend our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere." Following the capture of Venezuelan strongman and Cuban ally Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump said Sunday Cuba wont be receiving any more oil from the South American country and warned the government in Havana to make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the Cuba has for many years survived economically thanks to an arrangement to provide security services for Venezuelan leaders Hugo Chavez and Maduro, BUT NOT ANYMORE, he said. After years of denying that it had military and intelligence officers in Venezuela, the government in Havana confirmed last week that 32 Cuban officers died trying to protect Maduro during a raid by U.S. special forces that ended with his capture and transfer to New York City to face narco-terrorism charges. Advertisement Advertisement Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last weeks U.S.A. attack, Trump said, and Venezuela doesnt need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will. In his most stark warning yet to the communist regime in Havana, Trump said, THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. READ MORE: With Maduro in U.S. custody, Trump says he now wants to help the people of Cuba With unusual speed, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez issued a denial, saying Cuba does not receive, nor has it ever received, monetary or material compensation for security services provided to any country. Advertisement Advertisement Unlike the U.S., we do not have a government that engages in mercenary activities, blackmail or military coercion against other states, Rodriguez added. Like any country, Cuba has the absolute right to import fuel from those markets willing to export it and which exercise their own right to develop their trade relations without interference from or subordination to the unilateral coercive measures of the U.S.. Reacting to Trumps warning Sunday, Cubas leader, Miguel Diaz-Canel, replied with a defiant message on X: Cuba is a free, independent and sovereign nation. No one dictates to us what to do. Cuba does not commit aggression; it has been subjected to aggression by the U.S. for 66 years, and it does not threaten, but rather prepares itself, ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood. After Maduros capture, Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have repeatedly suggested the administration is turning its attention to the communist government in Havana, which has been in place for 67 years. Just hours after the raid in Venezuela, Trump said his administration was likely going to talk about Cuba and that he wanted to help the Cuban people. On Thursday, he told Fox News he thinks the Cuban government is going to fall on its own and told radio host Hugh Hewitt that Cubas really in a lot of trouble. Advertisement Advertisement Cuba gives protection to Venezuela, and Venezuela gives Cuba money through oil and its been that way for a long time but it doesnt work that way anymore, so I dont know what Cubas going to do, he told Fox News on Thursday. I think Cubas going to fail. I dont think there are alternatives for Cuba. On Friday, during a meeting with the CEOs of several U.S. oil companies to discuss investments in Venezuela, Trump again said Cuba would no longer receive Venezuelan oil, after he cut a deal with Delcy Rodriguez, Maduros vice president who is currently heading the socialist regime in Caracas, to cede control of Venezuelan oil sales to the U.S. government. In the meeting with oil executives, Rubio said the administration was not interested in a destabilized Cuba but that Cuban leaders have a choice to make: They can either have a real country, with a real economy, where their people can prosper or they can continue with their failing dictatorship that is going to lead to systemic and societal collapse. We hope they made the right one. We have no interest in a destabilized Cuba, but that would be their fault, Rubio added. Previously, he said Cuban authorities should be concerned after watching Maduros ouster. Advertisement Advertisement The halt of subsidized Venezuelan oil shipments can totally paralyze Cubas economy in the short term, experts say. Venezuela exported an average of 30,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba during 2025, around 50% of the islands needs, said Jorge Pinon, a senior research fellow at the Energy Center at the University of Texas who closely tracks oil shipments to the island. The loss of these imports would be catastrophic for Cuba, as we consider it unlikely that supplies from Mexico and Russia will materialize to fill the gap, Pinon said. Other oil-exporting countries and political allies of Cuba, such as Angola, Algeria, Colombia, and Brazil, have not provided, nor do we expect them to provide, the vital supply that the island urgently needs. The halt of Venezuelan oil shipments would also have a cascading effect on the islands economy. The thermoelectric power generation sector, which already operates at barely 40 percent of its installed capacity, would be further affected by the loss of diesel fuel, he said. Diesel fuel, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of Cubas total fuel demand, is also essential for transportation, agriculture and the distribution of drinking water. Advertisement Advertisement Even before the cutoff of Venezuelan oil Cubas economy was already on the ropes. The island is going through its worst economic crisis in decades, even worse than the so-called Special Period, the years that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union and the loss of subsidies that suddenly caused a 35% contraction of the islands GDP. Cubas economy never fully recovered. Cubas prime minister recently said the countrys economy was almost paralyzed because of the energy crisis. Long daily blackouts are the new normal; food, medicines and fuel are scarce, the entire electrical grid goes down frequently, and the water supply and trash collection have been severely disrupted. Cuba also provides thousands of doctors to Venezuela as part of an economic and political arrangement with the leaders in Caracas. If the Cuban medical mission is forced to leave, Havana would lose significant revenue, said Cuban economist Pavel Vidal at the Pontificia University Javeriana in Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement This would represent a devastating blow to the Cuban economy, which has been in free fall since 2020 and lacks the capacity to replace these flows, especially its oil needs, Vidal in the Cuban Currency and Finance Observatorys newsletter. He believes the consequences would be far worse than when Cuba suddenly lost its main trade and financial partner after the fall of the Soviet Union, when the islands GDP suddenly plunged 35%. Currently, the economic and social damage resulting from a similar shock would be incomparably greater, due to much more unfavorable starting conditions, he said. Cuban authorities, so far, have not been moved by the prospects of total economic collapse. On Saturday, Rodriguez, the foreign minister, said, We Cubans are not ready to sell out our country or give in to threats and blackmail, or renounce to the inalienable prerogative with which we are building our own destiny, at peace with the rest of the world. We will defend Cuba, he added. Those who know us are aware that this is a firm, categorical and demonstrated commitment. Two months ago, President Donald Trump and his allies ridiculed Trumps opponents for their massive No Kings rallies. They cast it as melodramatic to compare Trumps actions and aims to a king. But as Trump has launched into an increasingly brazen effort to wield the threat of the US military and to dominate the Western Hemisphere including by striking Venezuela and ousting its leader, Nicolas Maduro Trump and top officials have taken to talking in rather king-like terms. Trump in a New York Times interview this week said nothing could stand in his way except himself. Advertisement Advertisement Asked if there were any limits that existed on his global power, Trump said: Yeah, there is one thing: My own morality. My own mind. Its the only thing that can stop me. When pressed, Trump conceded that he needed to abide by international law. But that came with a catch: He got to decide what international law constraints applied. (This is a theme with Trump, which well get to.) The Times called this Trumps most blunt acknowledgment yet of his worldview. But its certainly not the only one. The administration has in recent days taken to describing Trumps efforts to dominate the Western Hemisphere in remarkably blunt terms in which about all that matters is power and leverage. Advertisement Advertisement White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said the United States leverage over a sovereign nation, Venezuela, means its decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States of America. Government supporters wave a Venezuelan flag during a demonstration on January 8, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela. - Carlos Becerra/Getty Images In an interview with CNNs Jake Tapper early this week, White House adviser Stephen Miller described a real world that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power. The future of the free world, Jake, depends on America being able to assert ourselves and our interests without apology, Miller said. And repeatedly, Trump and those around him have suggested this power is largely or wholly unconstrained by the law. Advertisement Advertisement Miller in another CNN interview in October about Trumps domestic deployments of the National Guard said Trump had plenary authority meaning absolute or unqualified. Before his Venezuela strike, Trump claimed that he didnt need Congresss approval. The administration has since justified the strike not as a military operation, but a law enforcement one (to bring the indicted Maduro to justice), with the military in support. In doing so, it relied in a controversial late-1980s Justice Department legal opinion that, practically speaking, gives the president extraordinary power to send the military into a foreign country, as long as an indicted person is being pursued. Trumps actions arguably go even further than the administration did back then. While the Maduro operation has been compared to the military operation that soon followed that late-1980s DOJ memo the ouster of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega there are some key differences. Congress, for instance, had authorized the removal of Noriega, if not the use of military force to do it. And Panama had declared war on the United States. After the Senate, including five GOP senators, voted this week to advance a war powers resolution restricting Trumps ability to continue striking Venezuela, Vice President JD Vance called it a fake and unconstitutional law. He added: Its not going to change anything about how we conduct foreign policy over the next couple of weeks or the next couple of months. The administration has claimed the authority to kill suspected drug-traffickers on the high seas without judicial review, even outside the context of a declared war. After Democratic members of Congress suggested Trump might give the military illegal orders and urged soldiers not to follow them, Trump and his administration called it seditious and treasonous as if it were unthinkable that this could ever happen. That last one is particularly remarkable. Thats because Trump has publicly floated giving soldiers apparently illegal orders before. During the 2016 presidential campaign, he advocated torture and killing terrorists families and, when challenged on the illegality of such orders, assured that soldiers would follow them (before backing off). He in 2020 floated bombing Iranian cultural sites, which would be a war crime. Advisers have said that he frequently floats illegal things privately. But the administration wants to treat it as unthinkable that Trump would float illegal orders. Advertisement Advertisement And indeed, the administrations posture often seems to be that such orders simply cannot be illegal, because they come from Trump. Early in the administration, Trump signed an executive action that effectively sidelined the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel the same entity that issued the late 1980s memo and which is normally charged with evaluating the legality of administration actions. The president and the attorney generals opinions on questions of law are controlling on all employees in the conduct of their official duties, Trumps executive action said. US President Donald Trump gestures as he delivers a speech to US Navy personnel on board the US Navy's USS George Washington aircraft carrier at the US naval base in Yokosuka on October 28, 2025. - Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images And the administration has walked up to the line of saying its simply not a soldiers place to evaluate the legality of Trumps orders. Advertisement Advertisement All orders, lawful orders are presumed to be legal by our service members, Leavitt said in November. Now, in the Times interview, Trump suggests there really isnt any law thats binding him in such orders and his broader campaign in the Western Hemisphere. These are hardly the first instances of Trump claiming extraordinary and even unchecked powers. During his first term, he repeatedly made such comments about domestic matters including in 2019 claiming that Article II of the Constitution gave him the right to do whatever I want as president. And Trump, this term especially, has repeatedly pressed the bounds of his authorities, taking actions that sometimes appear transparently illegal and challenging the courts to stop him. But Trump is now taking this sensibility to the broadest stage yet: the world stage. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The rebel leaders who knocked on my hotel room door in the Yemeni port city of Aden back in 2011 said they had an important message to deliver. With due solemnity, two delegates from the secessionist Southern Movement handed me a letter addressed to the Queen of England. They asked me to let her know that they had taken good care of the Rolls-Royce she had used to tour the port city in 1954, and that she could have it back any time she liked. More importantly, they wanted the Queen to know that the British communique granting South Yemen independence contained a technical error. As a result, they insisted, both Aden and the deserts of Hadramout the former territories of the Crown Colony and Protectorate of Yemen still belonged to the Queen. They would therefore be terribly grateful if she returned to reclaim them from the corrupt regime in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. Advertisement Advertisement Under British protection, they argued, South Yemen could again break free from its unhappy union with North Yemen, which merged in 1990 to form the Republic of Yemen. Queen Elizabeth II issues a knighthood during her visit to Aden in April 1954 - AFP via Getty Images For years, such claims seemed little more than nostalgic fantasy. But last month, that dream briefly appeared to have come true courtesy not of Britain, but of a new power accused of neo-imperial designs: the United Arab Emirates (UAE). What followed was not southern independence, but a rupture with Saudi Arabia that threatens to unleash a cascade of instability across the region. In a lightning offensive on Dec 2, forces of the Aden-based Southern Transitional Council (STC), an Emirati-backed offshoot of the Southern Movement, seized much of Hadramout and the al-Mahra region to the east. Within days, the secessionists controlled all eight governorates that once made up South Yemen. For a moment, it appeared the UAE had engineered a dramatic territorial realignment in Yemen more than a decade into its latest and most brutal war one that has claimed an estimated 377,000 lives burnishing its Emirati ambitions to build its power in the process. Advertisement Advertisement But what looked like a local Yemeni power grab quickly exposed something much bigger. A fortnight later, triumph turned into humiliation. A dramatic Saudi military intervention forced the separatists to retreat as quickly as they had advanced, plunging relations between the Gulfs two foremost powers into open crisis. For years, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had moved in lockstep, reshaping the Arabian Peninsula from a geopolitical backwater into a global powerhouse. Now, tensions between their rulers both of whom have positioned themselves among Donald Trumps closest foreign partners have burst into the open, with potentially serious international consequences. Mohammed bin Salman was an honoured guest at the White House in November - Win McNamee/Getty Images Its a very public divorce, says Mohammed al-Basha, a US-based Middle East analyst. Court papers have been served, video and audio evidence aired. It has become very ugly. Advertisement Advertisement Already at odds over Sudans civil war, where the two states back opposing sides, the rift threatens to unsettle the Middle East, roil oil markets and unnerve foreign investors. There are implications inside Yemen, too, where the local offshoot of al-Qaeda stands to benefit from renewed chaos. Emirati special forces which withdrew under Saudi pressure this week had previously led regional efforts against the militants alongside Britain and the United States. The Trump administration is clearly anxious. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, has been working the phones with both sides and held urgent talks with the Saudi foreign minister in Washington this week. Saudi Arabia and the UAE jointly intervened in Yemens civil war in 2015 to prevent the country falling under the sway of the Iran-backed Houthi movement. But their anti-Iran coalition has since turned on itself, with both states backing rival factions that have turned their guns on each other rather than on the Houthis, who control Sanaa and much of the north. The aftermath of Saudi air strikes in Mukalla The crisis came to a head last week when Saudi Arabia, alarmed at being usurped in a neighbouring state it regards as firmly within its sphere of influence, bombed the Hadrami port of Mukalla, destroying what it said was a shipment of weapons the Emiratis were delivering to the separatists. Advertisement Advertisement Riyadh demanded and secured an Emirati commitment to withdraw its forces from Yemen. But it has so far failed to force its rival to abandon its support for its network of local militias. In a humiliating setback for Emirati ambitions, Saudi jets swiftly routed separatist forces that had, only weeks earlier, appeared confident enough to announce plans for a referendum on southern secession within two years. The Saudis said it had destroyed a shipment of weapons - Reuters Determined to reunify the fractured anti-Houthi front, Saudi Arabia summoned the STCs leadership to Riyadh. Hopes of a swift resolution evaporated after Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of smuggling Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the STCs leader, out of the country and granting him sanctuary in Abu Dhabi. Saudi officials wanted Mr Zubaidi to stand trial on treason charges and was trying to force his movement to disband. The dispute has taken relations to a new low. For more than a decade, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had ostensibly been on the same side in Yemen, their joint intervention underscoring the blossoming relationship between the two Mohammeds: the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, his Emirati counterpart known as MBZ. Advertisement Advertisement A generation older, MBZ initially acted as MBSs mentor, burnishing his reputation in Washington and working with him to promote a more modern interpretation of Islam. Together they isolated Qatar and sought to counter Iran, reshaping the region to suit their modern if authoritarian vision. Yet beneath the camaraderie, tensions were already building. Co-operation gave way to competition as Saudi Arabia pressed international companies to relocate regional headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh as part of its drive to reinvent the kingdom as a global business hub. Saudi irritation with an increasingly unilateral Emirati foreign policy also grew. The UAE, Saudi officials grumbled, undermined unity in the Gulf by restoring ties with Bashar al-Assad, the former Syrian dictator, normalising relations with Israel and aligning with Russia over Saudi Arabia on energy issues. Increasingly, that rivalry spilled onto foreign battlefields. In both Sudan and Yemen, the Saudis and Emiratis began backing opposing factions after initially supporting the same sides. Advertisement Advertisement In Yemen, their objectives had always diverged. The UAE, a staunch opponent of political Islam, shared Saudi Arabias hostility towards Iran but was sceptical of Riyadhs alliance with the Yemeni branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. With Saudi Arabia focused on the north of Yemen and border security, and the UAE on southern ports and sea lanes, they ended up backing rival factions. Smoke rises after a Saudi strike on the port of Mukalla - Sabaa TV/Reuters Why the UAE risked provoking Saudi Arabia remains unclear. Analysts suggest Abu Dhabi may have miscalculated, gambling that Riyadh had lost interest in Yemen as it pursued a wider regional detente. Although the Emiratis moved swiftly to defuse the immediate crisis by withdrawing their troops within 48 hours, there are growing fears that the rivalry will continue with grave consequences for Yemen. The UAE has paid, trained and armed at least 100,000 soldiers in Yemen, says Farea Al-Muslimi, a research fellow at the international affairs think-tank Chatham House. It retains huge influence beyond the STC. Given how much the UAE has invested, it is a cheap and simple option for it to wage a proxy war. Advertisement Advertisement The saddest thing, he adds, is that millions of Yemenis are going to suffer even more. Nor are the risks confined to Yemen. Areas where the two states previously co-operated, or at least avoided confrontation, could become new theatres of rivalry across the Middle East and beyond. This is going to spill over into Libya, into Syria, into Lebanon, into Palestine, Mr Al-Muslimi warns. There will be consequences at sea, in trade, in countering al-Qaeda, in migration. It is a very disturbing picture. Whether or not tensions ease in Yemen, Saudi Arabia appears determined to curb Emirati ambitions elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Even if things will be calmer in Yemen, I dont think they will be in Sudan, Somalia, Libya, says Mr Basha, the US-based analyst. Saudi Arabia may become more aggressive towards the UAE. Theyre going to go after its regional network. Within weeks, what was arguably the most important bilateral relationship in the Middle East is now in tatters, with profound implications for the region. MBZ and MBS no longer speak. With his 90-year-old father ailing, the Saudi crown prince is now a king-in-waiting and is said to view his former mentor as an uppity minnow who needs to be put in his place. As affection gives way to antagonism, the effects will ripple far beyond Yemen where the prospect of southern independence now looks more distant than ever. 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. US President Donald Trump addresses the nation, alongside US Vice President JD Vance (L), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2nd R) and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (R), from the White House in Washington, DC on June 21, 2025, following the announcement that the US bombed nuclear sites in Iran. Credit - POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesAFP or licensors The White House has let it be known that President Donald Trump has been briefed on options for military strikes in Iran. This is a message, not only to the theocrats in Tehran but to the rest of us. He wants us to believe hes about to rescue Irans protesters. For days, the president has issued increasingly bellicose warnings toward Tehran as protests have convulsed the Islamic Republic. "Locked and loaded, he has warned. America will come to their rescue if the regime keeps killing demonstrators. Iran is in big trouble. We will be hitting them very very hard where it hurts. Advertisement Advertisement Strong words. The kind that play well on cable news and social media. Part of this is Trump being Trumpbluster as policy. But part of it is a president determined to be different from his predecessors. Obama engaged and retreated. Biden dithered. Trump wants to be the one who acted. His tough rhetoric raises expectations among Iranians risking their lives, among Gulf allies watching nervously, among those in Trumps circle who are urging him to action. The problem? Trump doesnt have good options. He doesnt even have mediocre ones. What he has are three paths forward, each worse than the last. Scenario one: the symbolic strike Hit some barracks of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Destroy a naval facility in the Gulf. Take out a command center. Enough to say we did something. Not enough to start a war. I have covered enough of these messaging strikes to know the script. They satisfy the political imperative to act. They give the president his talking points. They let everyone move on. They also accomplish nothing. A few destroyed buildings wont stop the Basija militia that works with Irans security forcesfrom dragging young women into vans. They wont halt the executions that follow these protests. They wont deter Ali Khameneiwho has survived far worse than American airstrikesfrom crushing this uprising with whatever force necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Worse, a calibrated strike demoralizes the very people Trump claims to support. They have heard his soaring rhetoric about rescue and American power. When the follow-through is a single night of explosions followed by business as usual, the message becomes brutally clear: You are on your own. Meanwhile, the regime spins the attack as proof of foreign conspiracy, rallying whatever remains of its base while tightening the noose on dissent. I have watched this playbook unfold before. It doesnt end well for protesters. There is also a practical problem Trump may not grasp: America doesnt have the carrier strike groups positioned in the Gulf like it had in June. Right now, not a single U.S. carrier is patrolling the Persian Gulf. Any operation would depend on long-range assets or bases in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. And here is the kicker: those Gulf allies have already told Trump they want no part of strikes on Iran. They watched Iranian missiles hit Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar back in June. They know their oil infrastructure, their cities, their economic lifelines sit exposed. When Washington comes asking for basing rights, expect polite refusals. Scenario two: decapitation If Trump considers symbolic strikes as too weak and considers assassinating Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Target the Supreme Leader and senior Revolutionary Guards commanders. Trigger a power vacuum. Let events take their course. It is seductive in its simplicitythe kind of idea that sounds brilliant in a 2 a.m. White House situation room. Remove the tyrant, democracy flowers. America gets the credit. Advertisement Advertisement Here is what actually happens when you decapitate authoritarian regimes: the guys with guns take over. In Iran, the most organized, best-armed, most cohesive force isnt the protesters or some nascent democratic movement. It is the IRGC, with roughly 190,000 personnel across ground, naval, and air branches. A decapitation strike doesnt eliminate the IRGCit sets off a scramble for power in which they start with every advantage. The likeliest outcome? A military junta consolidates control, purges unreliable elements, thenthis is the depressing partreaches out to Washington to cut a deal. Theyd negotiate on the nuclear program. Scale back regional adventurism. Do whatever it takes to preserve their wealth and power. For the protesters, this would be bitter irony: America intervenes on their behalf, only to midwife a regime more brutal and efficient than the clerical one it replaced. Theres also the small matter of actually finding Khamenei. The 86-year-old doesnt keep regular office hours. Any strike would depend on intelligence of uncertain quality, with civilians in the blast radius and no guarantee of success. Miss, and youve enraged the regime while demonstrating American impotence. I remember when the U.S. tried to kill Saddam Hussein in the opening hours of the Iraq War. We were very confident about that intelligence too. Scenario three: the sustained campaign The middle path: a sustained aerial campaign to degrade Irans security apparatus. Not symbolic, not decapitation, but methodical strikes to make repression harder. Hit their command centers. Destroy weapons depots. Disrupt communications. Give protesters a fighting chance. Advertisement Advertisement It is the option that looks like doing something serious without putting boots on the ground. It would inflict damage. But here is the paradox: the more successful the campaign, the greater the risk of chaos. Destroy enough of Irans security apparatus and you dont get a peaceful transition to democracy. You get Libya. You get Yemen. You get ethnic and regional fissures tearing an 80-million-person country apart, with no organized opposition ready to fill the void and plenty of armed groups eager to try. Irans opposition is weak, divided, largely in exile. Inside the country, decades of repression have destroyed the parties, unions, and civil society organizations that might provide an alternative to theocratic rule. There are brave individuals willing to die for change. Bravery isnt a blueprint for governance. Many Iranians who despise the regime also remember what happened when centralized states collapsed in Iraq, Syria, and Libya. They know the price of chaos. They are not eager to pay it. A sustained campaign also runs into those same logistical constraints: limited bases, skeptical allies, and an Iran with demonstrated capacity to hit back at American troops in Iraq, at shipping in the Gulf, at partners across the region. The uncomfortable truth Strip away the rhetoric and what remains is simple: there is no military option that delivers what Trump has promised. The symbolic strike is too weak to matter. Decapitation risks installing a junta. The sustained campaign courts state collapse and regional conflagration. Advertisement Advertisement This doesnt mean Trump wont act. Political pressure, personal instinct, and the logic of his own promises may push him toward some form of military action. But those hoping for a decisive intervention that tips the balance toward freedom will be disappointed. Irans future wont be decided by American cruise missiles. It will be decided by the young woman who refuses to cover her hair. By the factory worker who joins the strike. By the mid-level bureaucrat who finally decides the cost of complicity is too high. It will be decided by Iranians themselves, through a grinding contest of will, courage, and endurance that no external power can shortcut. Washington can help at the margins: targeted sanctions, technology to bypass internet blackouts, diplomatic pressure. What it cannot do is deliver liberation from the sky. Trump would do well to learn this lesson before his rhetoric writes checks that American power cannot cash. The protesters deserve better than empty promises. And America deserves better than another Middle Eastern misadventure born of good intentions and magical thinking. Contact us at letters@time.com. President Trump signaled Thursday that Venezuela is not yet ready to hold elections, less than a week after the U.S. captured and ousted the nations embattled leader Nicolas Maduro. Trump, when asked by Fox Newss Sean Hannity whether he envisions a future of free and fair elections in the country, said this will only be possible after the U.S. is able to rebuild the country. They couldnt have an election, the president said during the interview. They wouldnt even know how to have an election right now. The countrys become Third World, and they wouldnt know how to have an election right now. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administrations military operation in Venezuelan over the weekend sparked intense controversy across the U.S. and on Capitol Hill, with many Republicans praising the action and Democrats raising concerns about Congresss omission from the plans. Following Maduros removal, Trump announced the U.S. would run Venezuela until a new leader was elected. In the meantime, Venezuelas high court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to serve as interim president. Trump warned that Rodriguez must comply with the U.S.s demands or pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro. He also expressed a particular interest in managing and selling the countrys massive oil resources. Advertisement Advertisement Were going to rebuild the oil, and the oil infrastructure, well be in charge of it, Trump told Hannity. Its going to do great, make a lot of money, and were going to take it from there, but were going to rebuild the country, and ultimately, were going to have elections. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been critical of Rodriguezs leadership, calling her a main ally and liaison for Russia, China and Iran. Machado won an opposition primary two years ago but was barred from running in the general election against Maduro, who claimed victory. The election results have been widely disputed. After Maduros arrest, Machado expressed confidence she would win a presidential election in the country, telling Fox News, In free and fair elections, we will win with over 90 percent of the votes. I have no doubt about it. Advertisement Advertisement She is expected to return to Venezuela from Europe soon and will meet with Trump next week. The opposition leader has also suggested she could hand over her Peace Prize to the president. 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. By Dave Sherwood and Marianna Parraga HAVANA/HOUSTON, Jan 11 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday said no more Venezuelan oil or money will go to Cuba and suggested the Communist-run island should strike a deal with Washington, ramping up pressure on the long-time U.S. nemesis and provoking defiant words from the island's leadership. Venezuela is Cuba's biggest oil supplier, but no cargoes have departed from Venezuelan ports to the Caribbean country since the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces in early January amid a strict U.S. oil blockade on the OPEC country, shipping data shows. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Caracas and Washington are progressing on a $2 billion deal to supply up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. with proceeds to be deposited in U.S. Treasury-supervised accounts, a major test of the emerging relationship between Trump and interim President Delcy Rodriguez. "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Sunday. "Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela," Trump added. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel rejected Trump's threat on social media, suggesting the U.S. had no moral authority to force a deal on Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement "Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. Nobody dictates what we do," Diaz-Canel said on X. "Cuba does not attack; it has been attacked by the U.S. for 66 years, and it does not threaten; it prepares, ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood." The U.S. president did not elaborate on his suggested deal. But Trump's push on Cuba represents the latest escalation in his move to bring regional powers in line with the United States and underscores the seriousness of the administration's ambition to dominate the Western Hemisphere. Trump's top officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have made no secret of their expectation that the recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela could push Cuba over the edge. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. officials have hardened their rhetoric against Cuba in recent weeks, though the two countries have been at odds since former leader Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution. CUBA DEFENDS IMPORT RIGHTS Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said in another post on X on Sunday that Cuba had the right to import fuel from any suppliers willing to export it. He also denied that Cuba had received financial or other "material" compensation in return for security services provided to any country. Thirty-two members of Cuba's armed forces and intelligence services were killed during the U.S. raid on Venezuela. Cuba said those killed were responsible for "security and defense" but did not provide details on the arrangement between the two long-time allies. Advertisement Advertisement Cuba relies on imported crude and fuel mainly provided by Venezuela, and Mexico in smaller volumes, purchased on the open market to keep its power generators and vehicles running. As its operational refining capacity dwindled in recent years, Venezuela's supply of crude and fuel to Cuba has fallen. But the South American country is still the largest provider with some 26,500 barrels per day exported last year, according to ship tracking data and internal documents of state-run PDVSA, which covered roughly 50% of Cuba's oil deficit. Havana produce vendor Alberto Jimenez, 45, said Cuba would not back down in the face of Trump's threat. That doesn't scare me. Not at all. The Cuban people are prepared for anything," Jimenez said. Advertisement Advertisement It's hard for many Cubans to imagine a situation much worse. The island's government has been struggling to keep the lights on. A majority live without electricity for much of the day, and even the capital Havana has seen its economy crippled by hours-long rolling blackouts. Shortages of food, fuel and medicine have put Cubans on edge and have prompted a record-breaking exodus, primarily to the United States, in the past five years. MEXICO BECOMES KEY SUPPLIER Mexico has emerged in recent weeks as a critical alternative oil supplier to the island, but the supply remains small, according to the shipping data. Advertisement Advertisement Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum last week said her country had not increased supply volumes, but given recent political events in Venezuela, Mexico had turned into an "important supplier" of crude to Cuba. U.S. intelligence has painted a grim picture of Cuba's economic and political situation, but its assessments offer no clear support for Trump's prediction that the island is "ready to fall," Reuters reported on Saturday, citing three people familiar with the confidential assessments. The CIA's view is that key sectors of the Cuban economy, such as agriculture and tourism, are severely strained by frequent blackouts, trade sanctions and other problems. The potential loss of oil imports and other support from Venezuela could make governing more difficult for Diaz-Canel. Havana resident and parking attendant Maria Elena Sabina, a 58-year-old born shortly after Castro took power, said it was time for Cuba's leaders to make changes amid so much suffering. Advertisement Advertisement There's no electricity here, no gas, not even liquefied gas. There's nothing here," Sabina said. "So yes, a change is needed, a change is needed, and quickly. (Reporting by Dave Sherwood in Havana, Marianna Parraga in Houston, additional reporting by Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru, Anett Rios and Mario Fuentes in Havana, Editing by David Goodman and Bill Berkrot) Donald Trump has urged Cuba to "make a deal" or face consequences, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money would now stop. The US president has been turning his attention to Cuba since US forces seized Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro in a 3 January raid on its capital, Caracas. Venezuela, a long-standing ally of Cuba, is believed to send around 35,000 barrels of oil a day to the island. Advertisement Advertisement Cuba's foreign minister responded by saying his nation retained the right to import fuel "without interference", while its president said: "No one dictates what we do." The Trump administration's tactic of confiscating sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers has already begun to worsen a fuel and electricity crisis in Cuba. On Friday, it seized a fifth oil tanker it said was carrying sanctioned oil from Venezuela. "Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided 'Security Services' for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!" Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE." Trump did not specify the terms of a deal or the consequences Cuba could face. But Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez said the Caribbean island nation had "the absolute right to import fuel" from any willing exporter "without interference or subordination to the unilateral coercive measures of the United States". He added that, unlike the US, Cuba does not lend itself to "blackmail or military coercion against other States". Trump also referenced the raid to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are now facing drug trafficking and other charges in the US. Advertisement Advertisement Cuba has for years supplied Maduro with his personal security detail. The Cuban government said 32 of its nationals were killed during the US operation in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. Trump said: "Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last week's USA attack, and Venezuela doesn't need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. "Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will." Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez said Cuba had "never received monetary or material compensation for the security services it has provided to any country". While the Trump administration has not stated clear plans for Cuba, the US president has previously said that a military intervention was unnecessary because the country was "ready to fall". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated last week that Cuba's leaders should be worried, saying that he would be "concerned" if he were in the Cuban government and that "they're in a lot of trouble". On Sunday, Trump also re-posted on social media a message suggesting that Rubio - a Cuban-American former Florida senator and the son of Cuban exiles - could become president of Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement Trump shared that post with the comment: "Sounds good to me!" Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel has condemned the US operation in Venezuela [AFP via Getty Images] Trump has increasingly framed US policy through the lens of a revived 1823 "Monroe Doctrine" that promises US supremacy in the western hemisphere - re-branding it the "Donroe Doctrine". The last few months of US foreign policy have becoming increasingly focused on Latin America and the left-wing leaders with whom he has ideological differences, with US actions justified as combatting drug trafficking. After the unprecedented raid on Caracas, Trump said a military operation targeting Colombia "sounds good" and has repeatedly told its President Gustavo Petro to "watch his ass". The US imposed sanctions on Petro - Colombia's first left-wing leader - in October, saying he was allowing drug cartels to "flourish". Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also said that drugs were "pouring" through Mexico into the US, adding "we're gonna have to do something". The US president he has offered to send US troops to Mexico to combat cartels, but President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly rejected any US military action on Mexican soil. The US and Cuba have had a strained relationship since the communist Fidel Castro overthrew a US-backed government in 1959. While steps were taken to improve diplomatic relations, particularly under former US President Barack Obama, the Trump administration has reversed many of these moves. Shortly after being sworn in to a second term, Trump reinstated Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, which had been lifted just days before by the then-President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Sunday: "Those who turn everything into a business, even human lives, have no moral authority to point fingers at Cuba for anything, absolutely anything. "Those who today hysterically rail against our nation do so out of rage over the sovereign decision of this people to choose their political model." President Donald Trump signaled a hardline stance toward Cuba on Sunday, vowing to halt all oil and financial support and urging the island nation to "make a deal" before it is "too late." "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. We Built Venezuelas Oil Industry: Trump Vows Us Energy Return After Maduro Capture President Donald Trump warned Cuba to make a deal with the U.S. before it's "too late." (Getty Images) Venezuela has long been Cubas largest oil supplier, though Trump has successfully secured oil shipments to the U.S. on the heels of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's capture by U.S. forces. Advertisement Advertisement "Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela," Trump added. Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is escorted to an armored car en route to a federal courthouse in Manhattan on Jan. 5, 2026, in New York City. The warning comes as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to isolate regional allies of Venezuela following Maduros capture. Read On The Fox News App Venezuelas massive oil reserves, the largest in the world, have historically underpinned its influence across the region, particularly through subsidized shipments to allies like Cuba. Venezuela Still Owes Us Energy Companies Billions As Trump Calls For New Investment Click Here To Download The Fox News App That leverage is now at the center of Trumps push to reshape regional energy flows following the collapse of Venezuelas former government. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Trump hosted a lineup of U.S. and international oil executives representing key sectors of Venezuelas energy supply chain, including producers, refiners and traders. Trump pledged to bring U.S. companies back to the forefront of Venezuelan oil production and exports, according to people familiar with the discussions. Original article source: Trump ultimatum to Cuba: 'Make a deal, before it is too late' or face consequences US President Donald Trump urged Cuba on Sunday to make a deal "before it is too late," just over a week after the United States seized the authoritarian leader of Venezuela, a close ally of Havana. Trump did not specify what kind of agreement he was referring to in the post on his Truth Social platform. "Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will," he wrote, adding: "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO!" Advertisement Advertisement The US president said Cuba had been providing security services to Venezuela in exchange for large amounts of oil and money. Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez rejected the claim, writing on X that Havana does not receive "financial or material compensation for security services it provides to another country and never has." "The US is behaving like a criminal and uncontrolled hegemonic power that threatens peace and security not only in Cuba and this hemisphere, but throughout the world," he added. Cuba receives oil from Venezuela in exchange for sending Cuban doctors to the country. Experts also estimate that numerous Cuban intelligence agents operate in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Cuban soldiers and intelligence agents were also responsible for protecting Venezuela's deposed president Nicolas Maduro. The government in Havana said 32 Cuban security personnel were killed during the US operation to arrest Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores on January 3 in the Venezuelan capital Caracas. Trump also reposted several posts on Truth Social on Sunday in which users anticipated a possible regime change in Cuba brought about by the United States. One post jokingly suggested US Secretary of State Marco Rubio - the son of Cuban immigrants - would become Cuba's president. "Sounds good to me!" Trump commented. Cuba is facing its worst economic crisis since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution and is struggling with fuel shortages. While Venezuelan oil deliveries have declined in recent years and are supplemented by supplies from Russia and Mexico, the Cuban economy could collapse completely if the US halted Venezuelan oil deliveries altogether. In December, Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers heading to and from Venezuela, claiming that the South American country had stolen oil, land and other assets from the US which had to be returned. US forces have since taken control of several oil tankers. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that no more Venezuelan oil or money will go to Cuba and suggested the Communist-run island strike a deal with the United States, placing more pressure on the country located 90 miles from Florida's shore. With Venezuela acting as the island's largest oil supplier, oil supply to Cuba has dwindled following the Jan. 3 capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. attack raised questions about the potential control and sale of the country's oil, with Trump telling the New York Times earlier this week that the U.S. would extract oil from Venezuela and market it globally for years. The president took to his Truth Social media platform on Jan. 11 to urge Cuba to reach an agreement with the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, though he did not elaborate on the prospective deal for the island nation. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel denounced and responded to Trump's remarks on social media, writing that "those who turn everything into a business, even human lives, have no moral authority to criticize Cuba for anything, absolutely anything." Over two dozen Cuban military and intelligence service members reportedly died during the U.S. attack on Venezuela that led to Maduro's capture. "Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. Nobody dictates what we do," Diaz-Canel continued on X. "Cuba does not attack; it has been attacked by the U.S. for 66 years, and it does not threaten; it prepares, ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood." The social media posts are the latest move by the Trump administration targeting Cuba following Maduro's capture in a long history of tension, trade sanctions and embargoes between the two countries dating back to the 1950s. Both Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have spoken pointedly about the country, with the president describing Cuba's government and economic system on the verge of collapse last week. Advertisement Advertisement More: Marco Rubio, who dreamed of ousting Venezuelas Maduro, takes charge "Cuba is ready to fall," Trump said. "Cuba looks like it's ready to fall. I don't know if they're going to hold out. But Cuba now has no income. They got all of their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil. They're not getting any of it. And Cuba is literally ready to fall." Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants and a key architect of the Venezuela attack, is a longtime critic of the Cuban government. Rubio issued a warning to Cuba in a Jan. 3 news conference as Trump and his top officials discussed the Venezuelan attack, calling the country a "disaster." Advertisement Advertisement "If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I would be concerned at least a little bit," Rubio said. This file photo shows a group of U.S. sailors from the battleship Connecticut and a gun they captured at Cape Haitien during the U.S. occupation of Haiti in 1915. Officers at Jacmel, Haiti, during the U.S. occupation in 1915. A group of Cuban revolutionaries with Fidel Castro are seen with artillery after routing the U.S.-backed invasion at the Bay of Pigs in 1961. Children cheer on the U.S. Marines following offensive in Vecca Monte west of Panama City, during "Operation Just Cause," the U.S. invasion to remove Manuel Noriega, which lasted from December 1989 through January 1990. A U.S. Marine corps crew takes up position on the outskirts of Santo Domingo, on May 2, 1965, during the Dominican Civil War. The U.S. Army Airborne troops drive down a street in Santo Domingo during the occupation of the Dominican Republic in 1965. U.S. troops in full combat gear run on the docks of Port-au-Prince harbor, on Sept. 19, 1994, after arriving on an assault helicopter. Thousands of U.S. soldiers arrived in Haiti on Sept. 19, 1994, as part of "Operation Uphold Democracy," to pave the way for the restoration of the elected president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Hundreds of local residents run towards the U.S. Chinook helicopters, on Sept. 24, 1994, as a detachment of over 100 U.S. troops arrive in this small southern coastal town, 120 km south of Port-au-Prince, as part of the "Operation Uphold Democracy." From Cuba to Panama: US interventions that shaped Latin America 1 of 8 This file photo shows a group of U.S. sailors from the battleship Connecticut and a gun they captured at Cape Haitien during the U.S. occupation of Haiti in 1915. Cuban leadership: island has 'absolute right' to fuel Cuban leadership maintains that the island has an "absolute right" to import fuel from places willing to export it while developing trade relations "without interference or subordination to the unilateral coercive measures of (the U.S.)," the country's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said in a separate post on X Sunday. Rodriguez added that Cuba has not received monetary or material compensation for the security services it has provided to any country. "Right and justice are on Cuba's side. (The U.S.) behaves like a criminal and uncontrolled hegemon that threatens peace and security, not only in Cuba and this hemisphere, but in the entire world," Rodriguez wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Cuba relies on imported crude and fuel mainly provided by Venezuela, and Mexico in smaller volumes, purchased on the open market to keep its power generators and vehicles running, but has seen a supply decrease from Venezuela in recent years, Reuters reported. Still, the island depends on the South American country's supply, which consists of some 26,500 barrels per day exported last year, according to ship tracking data and internal documents of state-run PDVSA, which covered roughly 50% of Cuba's oil deficit, Reuters reported. Havana produce vendor Alberto Jimenez, 45, said Cuba would not back down in the face of Trump's threat. That doesn't scare me. Not at all. The Cuban people are prepared for anything," Jimenez said. Advertisement Advertisement Cubans have endured a slew of hardships in recent years, including frequent and long-lasting power outages that have turned into blackouts multiple times. People have left Cuba in masses in the last half-decade, with many blaming the country's shaky economic system and food insecurity. Meanwhile, Mexico has emerged in recent weeks as an alternative oil supplier to the island, but the supply remains small, according to the shipping data. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country had not increased supply volumes, but has turned into an "important supplier" of crude to Cuba. Havana resident and parking attendant Maria Elena Sabina, a 58-year-old born shortly after Castro took power, said it was time for Cuba's leaders to make changes amid so much suffering. There's no electricity here, no gas, not even liquefied gas. There's nothing here," Sabina said. "So yes, a change is needed, a change is needed, and quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Contributing: Reuters, USA TODAY's Bart Jansen, Joey Garrison Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on Twitter @katecperez_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump warns Cuba of no more oil, tells it to 'strike a deal' with US US President Donald Trump would not "land on Greenland and take it by force", Lord Mandelson has said. The former UK ambassador to the US told the BBC he admired Trump's "directness" in political talks but said he was not a "fool", and advisers would remind him that taking Greenland could spell "real danger" for the US national interest. There has been growing focus during Trump's second term on how the semi-autonomous Danish territory is run, with Trump saying on Saturday the US needed to "own" Greenland to stop Russia and China from doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Denmark and Greenland say the territory is not for sale, with Denmark warning military action would spell the end of the Nato military alliance. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold talks with Denmark about Greenland next week. The AFP news agency reports that a Danish poll suggests that 38% of Danes think the US will launch an invasion of Greenland under the Trump administration. Speaking on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Lord Mandelson said: "He's not going to do that [use military action to take Greenland]. I don't know, but I'm offering my best judgement as somebody who's observed him at fairly close quarters." Sparsely populated, Greenland's location between North America and the Arctic makes it ideally placed for missile early warning systems and for monitoring vessels in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has repeatedly maintained that Greenland is vital to US national security, claiming without evidence that it was "covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place". His focus on the territory returned after a commando raid on the Venezuelan capital Caracas last week seized president Nicolas Maduro and his wife and killed dozens of people. Lord Mandelson, who only lasted a few months as ambassador, also said: "We are all going to have to wake up to the reality that the Arctic needs securing against China and Russia. And if you ask me who is going to lead in that effort to secure, we all know, don't we, that it's going to be the United States." Meanwhile, the UK is working with Nato allies to bolster security in the Arctic, a senior minister told BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said discussions about securing the region against Russia and China were part of Nato's usual business rather than a response to the US military threat, and then said the UK agreed with Trump that the Arctic Circle is an increasingly contested part of the world. Advertisement Advertisement "It is really important that we do everything that we can with all of our Nato allies to ensure that we have an effective deterrent in that part of the globe against Putin", she told the Kuenssberg programme. But Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the situation in Greenland was a "second order" issue in comparison to what is currently happening in Iran, as protesters there defy a government crackdown. Questions around sending troops to Greenland were "hypothetical" because "the US has not invaded Greenland," she said. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the UK should agree to deploy troops to Greenland as part of a joint Nato operation, led by Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Trump's "outrageous threats" only play in to the hands of Russia's Vladimir Putin, he added. The US already has significant influence over Greenland. Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US has the power to bring as many troops as it wants to the territory. In recent years, interest has increased in Greenland's natural resources - including rare earth minerals, uranium and iron - which are becoming easier to access as its ice melts due to climate change. Scientists think it could also have significant oil and gas reserves. But on Saturday, Trump told reporters in Washington that existing agreements were not good enough. Advertisement Advertisement "I love the people of China. I love the people of Russia," Trump said. "But I don't want them as a neighbour in Greenland, not going to happen. "And by the way, Nato's got to understand that." Earlier this week Denmark's Nato allies - major European countries as well as Canada - have rallied to its support with statements reaffirming that "only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations". The government sacked Lord Mandelson as its ambassador to the US after emails showed he had been in contact with billionaire paedophile Jeffery Epstein after his first conviction, and offered him support. Advertisement Advertisement Epstein died in a New York prison cell on 10 August 2019 as he awaited a trial on sex trafficking charges. Number 10 sources said at the time that he had been "economical with the truth" before he was appointed and they were not aware of the "depth" of their relationship. On Sunday, Lord Mandelson said the government "knew everything" when giving him the job, "but not the emails because they came as a surprise to me". A key architect of New Labour, Lord Mandelson has been in and out of British politics for four decades. He held a number of ministerial roles from the election of Tony Blair - and had to resign from post twice - until Labour lost power in 2010. Two Middlesex County teens, one from Edison and another from East Brunswick, were shot and killed in separate incidents just hours apart overnight on Jan. 9. A 17-year-old girl was fatally shot early Saturday morning in Edison at a home on Grove Avenue. A 17-year-old Plainfield boy has been taken into custody and charged with acts of juvenile delinquency for offenses if committed by an adult would constitute aggravated manslaughter, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Linda Estremera and Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan. Advertisement Advertisement About two hours earlier a 17-year-old East Brunswick boy was fatally shot in the area of Woods Edge Court in the Parlin section of Sayreville. A 16-year-old Sayreville boy has been taken into custody and charged with acts of juvenile delinquency for offenses which if committed by an adult would constitute murder, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a handgun, and armed riot, according to Prosecutor Estremera and Sayreville Police Chief Daniel Plumacker. Around 1:19 a.m. Jan. 10 Edison police received a 911 call about a shooting. When officers arrived at a home on Grove Avenue, they found a teen girl with a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Plainfield teen, who was at the scene, was taken into custody. He and the victim knew each other prior to the incident, which is not a random act of violence, the prosecutor's office said. Advertisement Advertisement The Plainfield teen is being is being held at the Middlesex County Juvenile DetentionCenter awaiting a preliminary hearing before a Family Court Judge. Edison Superintendent of Schools Edward Aldarelli sent a community message that said an Edison Success Academy student had died early Saturday morning. "The loss of a student is heartbreaking for our school community and our thoughts and condolences are with the student's family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time," Aldarelli said, adding Edison Success Academy will be open Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for students and staff seeking support services. Around 11 p.m. Jan. 9 Sayreville police received a 911 call about shots fired. When they arrived at Woods Edge Court in the Parlin section of town, they found the East Brunswick teen with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement An investigation by Sayreville Detective Mark Nairooz and Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Detective Ryan Kirsh led to the arrest of the Sayreville teen. He and the victim knew each other prior to the incident, which is not a random act of violence, the prosecutor's office said. The Sayreville teen is also being held at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center awaiting a preliminary hearing before a Family Court Judge. None of the teens have been identified by name due to their age. The investigation into the Edison homicide is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Edison Detective Spielman at 732-248-7471 or Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Detective Redline at 732-745-3316. Advertisement Advertisement The Sayreville homicide investigation also is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Sayreville Detective Nairooz at 732-727- 4444 or Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Detective Kirsh at 732-745- 3711. Email: srussell@mycentraljersey.com Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Two Middlesex County NJ teens killed in separate shootings hours apart The U.S. conducted large-scale strikes against multiple Islamic State targets across Syria on Saturday, U.S. Central Command said. The strikes targeted at least 35 locations and included more than 90 precision munitions fired and more than 20 aircraft, a U.S. official told CBS News. The aircraft included F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s and Jordanian F-16s. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, said the strikes were part of Operation Hawkeye, which was launched in retaliation for the ISIS terrorist ambush in Palmyra, Syria, on Dec. 13, that killed two American soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter. Advertisement Advertisement "The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region," Central Command said in a post on X. "U.S. and coalition forces remain resolute in pursuing terrorists who seek to harm the United States." A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle taxis at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike, Jan. 10, 2026. / Credit: U.S. Air Force photo (U.S. Air Force photo) Central Command shared unclassified video of the strikes, saying: "Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice." In his own social media post addressing Saturday's strike, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote, "We will never forget, and never relent." Last month, Sgt. William Howard and Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar, both of the Iowa National Guard, and their interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat, were killed when a lone ISIS gunman ambushed them while they were supporting a key leader in Palmyra. Three other members of the Iowa National Guard were wounded in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement After the attack, President Trump vowed "very serious retaliation" in a Truth Social post. Less than a week later, on Dec. 19, the U.S. launched airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria in retaliation for the ambush. More than 70 targets were hit in those strikes, a U.S. official told CBS News at the time. Vance posts new video that shows Renee Good's last words and other angle of shooting Video shows ICE officer's point of view, Renee Good's last words before being shot People mocked his mangled truck, until one man stepped up to help Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. military and allied forces carried out "large-scale" retaliatory strikes on ISIS targets in Syria as part of the military's ongoing Operation Hawkeye Strike campaign. The aerial strikes were carried out against multiple targets at 12:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, U.S. Central Command said in a news release. "The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks and protect American and partner forces in the region," CentCom officials said. Advertisement Advertisement "U.S. and coalition forces remain resolute in pursuing terrorists who seek to harm the United States," they added. "Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice." More than 90 precision munitions carried by more than 24 aircraft were used to strike more than 35 targets throughout Syria, CNN reported. CentCom launched Operation Hawkeye on Dec. 19 in retaliation for the ISIS attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria, on Dec. 13. The attack killed two Iowa National Guard members and their U.S. civilian interpreter, and Operation Hawkeye Strike is named after the nickname of the soldiers' home state of Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Iowa residents Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, were part of an 1,800-member troop deployment to Syria when they were ambushed and killed. Also killed was interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat, 54, of Macomb Township, Mich., and three other soldiers were wounded. The U.S. military has hundreds of personnel deployed in Syria amid an effort to eradicate ISIS there. If youre thinking about traveling to Russia anytime soon, take note that the country is one place you should avoid traveling. The U.S. State Department issued its highest travel advisory for Russia, warning Americans not to travel there for any reason. Here is what you need to know about the travel advisory and why the U.S. government is saying you shouldnt travel there. What does the latest travel advisory for Russia mean for you? Item Detail Start Date Dec. 29, 2025 Whats changing Updated travel advisory urging travelers not to travel to Russia for any reason due to drone attacks, the war between Russia and Ukraine, terrorism, unrest and wrongful detention. What will happen? Travelers should not travel to Russia and U.S. citizens already there are urged to leave immediately because the U.S. government can provide little support to Americans wrongly detained for any reason. Who will it affect? Travelers to Russia. The agency gave a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory to Russia due to drone attacks, the war between Russia and Ukraine, terrorism, unrest and wrongful detention. What is the highest travel advisory? There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4. When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination. Advertisement Advertisement Level 1 : Exercise Normal Precautions This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit. Level 2 : Exercise Increased Caution There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution. Level 3 : Reconsider Travel There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination. Level 4: Do Not Travel This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency. What should travelers to Russia do in light of this travel advisory? The U.S. State Department warns travelers who decide not to heed the travel warning to do the following: Be ready for the possibility of detention for an unknown amount of time, possibly without a clear reason, and without the ability to contact your embassy or anyone else for help. Consider the risks of having dual U.S.-Russian nationality as Russian citizens who have dual citizenship with the U.S. will not have their U.S. citizenship recognized. Prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney. Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Review this list of documents to prepare for your trip. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care and custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc. Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them. Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. List how and when youll confirm youre safe (text or call). Specify how often you will do this. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Dont bring U.S. debit and credit cards or any electronic devices. Log out of all social media accounts and do not access your social media accounts while in Russia. Keep travel documents up-to-date and easily accessible. Travel Advisories & News Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services changed its recommended childhood vaccine schedule to model that of Denmark. The new recommendation means fewer vaccine recommendations. Health officials will continue to recommend the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines and those against polio, chickenpox and HPV. But now they are only recommending vaccinations against meningococcal disease, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A to children who broadly face a higher risk of infections. The move is not a surprise to health officials nationwide, as it was reported by CNN late last month. But it does reflect a bigger fallacy that has long surrounded the vaccine debate and been a talking point of anti-vaccine campaigns: if they do it in Europe, they can do it in the United States. A major fallacy is assuming that policies that work in one country will automatically work in another, Josh Michaud, the associate director of global health and public health policy at KFF, told Salon. European countries differ significantly from the U.S. in terms of demographics, health care systems, social safety nets, and public health infrastructure, all of which shape their policy choices. Advertisement Advertisement Michaud said the U.S. has its own scientific institutions and experts who are capable of reviewing evidence and developing guidelines specific for the country. Relying on guidelines developed elsewhere risks overlooking local conditions and realities that matter for effective public health policy, Michaud said. Michaud pointed out that when it comes to European comparisons, there is also selected use of them. Many European countries have universal health coverage, stronger social welfare programs, and stricter gun laws than the U.S., yet those policies are rarely cited as models by officials here, he said. Instead, the focus has been narrowly placed on Denmarks vaccine recommendations. Michaud said that experts across peer countries generally agree on the underlying science of vaccine safety and efficacy. Its not that Denmark doesnt recommend some vaccines because theyre not safe, but instead because of differences of the data and how that data is applied within the context of each country and its population. Advertisement Advertisement Recently, Science spoke to Jens Lundgren, an infectious disease specialist at the Copenhagen University Hospital, who said vaccine schedules should be based on a populations needs. For example, when asked about meningococcal diseases, Lundgren said its not really a public health problem in Denmark. We feel that there are other vaccines that should be higher on the list at the moment, at least in the Danish context, he said. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Its problematic to base U.S. vaccine policy on simply copying another country, Michaud said. Vaccine decisions depend on factors that vary widely across nations, including health care delivery systems, insurance coverage, public health capacity, and national priorities. He added Denmark is not a good model for the U.S. to follow because it is an outlier among peer countries. Of the countries that the HHS compared the U.S. to, Denmark is the only one to recommend vaccines against as few as 10 diseases. Advertisement Advertisement The American Academy of Pediatrics said the move from the HHS was dangerous and unnecessary. The United States is not Denmark, and there is no reason to impose the Danish immunization schedule on Americas families, Dr. Andrew Racine, AAPs president, said in a statement. America is a unique country, and Denmarks population, public health infrastructure, and disease-risk differ greatly from our own. Racine said that the AAP will continue to publish its own childhood vaccine recommendations. What concerns many public health experts is the confusion this will cause parents in America. Reclassifying vaccines for six diseases from routine recommendations to shared clinical decision-making adds complexity for both providers and parents, Michaud said. Combined with mixed messaging from the CDC, clinicians and other groups, this change risks reducing vaccination rates and increasing cases of vaccine-preventable diseases. The post The U.S. models vaccine guidance after Denmark but forgets the social safety net appeared first on Salon.com. LONDON, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Britain said on Sunday discussions with other NATO members on deterring Russian activity in the Arctic were "business as usual", after media reports the UK was in talks with its European allies about deploying a military force to Greenland. The Telegraph reported on Saturday that military chiefs from Britain and other European countries were drawing up plans for a possible NATO mission in Greenland, which U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wanted to acquire. The newspaper said British officials had begun early-stage talks with Germany, France and others on plans that could involve deploying British troops, warships and aircraft to protect Greenland from Russia and China. Advertisement Advertisement Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the plans, reported separately on Sunday that Germany, whose foreign and finance ministers are in Washington on Monday, will propose setting up a joint NATO mission to protect the Arctic region. British transport minister Heidi Alexander told Sky News that talks on how to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Arctic were "business as usual". "It's becoming an increasingly contested geopolitical region, with Russia and China ... you would expect us to be talking to all our allies in NATO about what we can do to deter Russian aggression in the Arctic Circle," Alexander said. Britain was "committed to working with NATO allies to strengthen NATO's Arctic deterrence and defence," said a government spokesperson when asked about the Telegraph report. Advertisement Advertisement DOUBTS ON US CLAIMS ON ARCTIC VESSELS Trump has said the U.S. must own Greenland, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, to prevent Russia or China occupying the strategically located and minerals-rich territory in the future, arguing U.S. military presence there was not enough. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, said that a solution to U.S. concerns over Russian or Chinese vessels needed to be found within the framework of the NATO alliance. "If it comes to questions of territorial sovereignty, we are absolutely clear: The future of Greenland has to be decided by the people of Greenland," said Wadephul on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has not provided any evidence to back up his claims of Russian and Chinese vessels operating near Greenland, which Denmark disputes. Vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic and LSEG show no Chinese or Russian ship presence near Greenland. (Reporting by Catarina Demony in London and Alexander Ratz in Reykjavik; Additional reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal; Writing by Miranda MurrayEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Ros Russell) The United States has carried out a new round of large-scale attacks against the ISIL or ISIS group in Syria following an ambush that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the city of Palmyra last month. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on Saturday that the attacks occurred at about 17:30 GMT and hit multiple ISIS targets across Syria. Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice, CENTCOM said. Advertisement Advertisement The statement did not say whether anyone was killed in the strikes. Grainy aerial video accompanying the statement, posted on X, showed several separate explosions, apparently in rural areas. CENTCOM said the attacks were carried out alongside partner forces, without specifying which forces had taken part. The Jordanian military later announced it had taken part in the strikes. The US is calling the response to the Palmyra attacks Operation Hawkeye Strike. The ambush on December 13 involved a lone gunman, who Syrias Ministry of Interior said was a member of the security forces and had been set to be fired for his hardline views. The US military launched the operation on December 19, with a large-scale strike that it said hit 70 targets across central Syria that had ISIL infrastructure and weapons. Advertisement Advertisement On December 30, it said its forces had killed or captured about 25 ISIL fighters following the launch of the operation. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces has for years been the USs main partner in the fight against ISIL in Syria, but since the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Washington has increasingly been coordinating with the central government in Damascus. Syria joined the global coalition against ISIL after reaching an agreement late last year, when Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the White House. Syrian officials said last month that leading ISIL figure Taha al-Zoubi had been arrested in the Damascus countryside. Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trump has long been sceptical of Washingtons presence in Syria, ordering the withdrawal of troops during his first term, but ultimately leaving US forces in the country. About 1,000 US troops remain in Syria. The US military has said it would further reduce the number of US personnel in Syria and eventually reduce its bases in the country to one. (This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) At 9:30 a.m. Jan. 10, multiple sources sent the Waite Park Police Department information about a shooting that involved Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents in the City of Waite Park, the department said in a release. Ellen Goode, of Rochester, on Jan. 7 drove more than an hour to Minneapolis to stand against Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minnesota. An ICE agent allegedly shot a woman in Minneapolis that day. More: Thousands march in Minneapolis, elsewhere to protest ICE The Waite Park Police Department was able to identify and locate a person related to the case. The case is ongoing, according to the release, but at this time there are no witnesses or evidence that a shooting occurred. Advertisement Advertisement This report comes as individuals across the nation protested ICE, including in Minneapolis. On Jan. 7 an immigration agent shot Renee Nicole Good, 37. Good was at a location where ICE agents were present. According to multiple sources, she was there as part of the protest against ICE agents in Minneapolis. At least 3,000 Minnesotans gathered at 1 p.m. for a scheduled ICE protest at Powderhorn Park in south Minneapolis. Other protests were confirmed across the Minneapolis area. There were also protests in St. Cloud. This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Waite Park Police investigate alleged ICE action in the city The Israeli military confirmed strikes on Hezbollah sites in Lebanon after Arabic spox. Col Avichay Adraee issued evacuation alerts to nearby civilians. Following an evacuation warning to Lebanese civilians, the IDF confirmed that it had begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure in "several areas" of southern Lebanon on Sunday evening. The initial warning was issued by Arabic-language spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee on X/Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement The area around Kafr Hata will be targeted by the military in the coming hours, Adraee warned, adding that this will consist of a strike on a Hezbollah terror military infrastructure site and that locals should remain at least 300 meters away from a building highlighted in the post. The warning came after the military stated earlier that day that the IDF struck a weapons storage shaft belonging to Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon. The strikes were conducted near Kfarbeit, the military clarified later on Sunday. IDF strikes Hezbollah weapons storage shafts in southern Lebanon, January 11, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Advertisement Advertisement Later on Sunday, the military confirmed that they struck a second site used by Hezbollah terrorists to store weapons. This second site was underground, the military clarified. The site had been previously struck approximately a week ago, the military added, noting that they had informed the Lebanese Armed Forces about the presence of terrorists operating in the area. The LAF inspected the site, following communication with the IDF, but the "terror infrastructure was not fully dismantled," the IDF alleged. The IDF, therefore, decided to strike the site again on Sunday. The military noted that it took steps to mitigate harm to civilians by issuing advance warnings to local populations, referring to Adraee's aforementioned social media post. Advertisement Advertisement The military also struck and killed an additional terrorist near Bint Jbeil, the military confirmed on Sunday evening. Earlier IDF strikes on Hezbollah targets This follows a series of strikes, including on Friday, when the military confirmed a series of strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon "in response to the terrorist organizations continued violations of the ceasefire understandings." Additionally, on Thursday, the military conducted an airstrike in the Zaita region of southern Lebanon, killing a Hezbollah operative. A later statement from the IDF clarified that the operative was Alaa' Hourani, who was a Hezbollah drone operator. Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the IDF's conflict with Hezbollah, Hourani also aided in re-establishing the terror group's infrastructure in the region, as well as in intelligence gathering and deploying terrorist forces. IDF strikes Hamas terrorist in Gaza Strip crossing Yellow Line Separately, in southern Gaza, soldiers from the IDF's 188th Brigade on Sunday identified a terrorist crossing the Yellow Line in the area. The terrorist approached the soldiers "in a manner that posed an immediate threat," the military noted. As a result, the air force, coordinating with the soldiers, conducted a strike and killed the terrorist, the military confirmed. With Storm Goretti bringing chaos to the islands it would be easy to miss some of other news that the BBC has reported in the Channel Islands this week. Here's our round-up of some of the other stories from the past week. Visitor numbers to rise despite fewer cruise ships Mark Renouf, cruise operations manager at Guernsey Ports, has been discussing improving tourists' visiting experiences [BBC] The number of cruise ships due to come to Guernsey in 2026 has decreased compared to last year but bosses remain confident about visitor numbers. This year, 51 cruise ships are expected to arrive at the island, which is 13 fewer than in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Guernsey Ports said while ship numbers are down, the capacity size of the larger ships will bring more visitors, with up to 50,000 expected this year. Mark Renouf, cruise operations manager at Guernsey Ports, said in addition, 2027 is expected to bring a "significant increase" in passengers to the island, if all provisional bookings are confirmed. Tourism deals launched after drop in visitors Jersey's tourism promotion agency has launched offers on hotels, flights and ferries to entice more people to holiday in the island, after a drop in visitors last year. Visit Jersey has launched a new web page with deals for tourists and begun advertising more in the UK, including in London underground stations. Advertisement Advertisement Latest figures for the year up to October found 424,400 people had visited the island - 93,300 fewer than the same period in 2024. Christopher Peach, general manager of the Radisson Hotel, said he embraced the initiative but added: "Unless we are proactive ourselves, nothing's going to change." Parishes want power to approve alcohol licences Constables want to approve alcohol licence applications instead of the gambling commission [PA Media] Jersey's constables have opposed plans to give alcohol licensing powers to the gambling commission. In December Minister for Sustainable Economic Development Kirsten Morel put forward a proposal to update alcohol licensing laws by moving responsibility for alcohol licensing from the Royal Court to the Jersey Gambling Commission. Advertisement Advertisement His proposal also included bringing policy decisions, such as drinks promotions, into the control of the States Assembly rather than the Attorney General. The committee for constables put forward an amendment to Morel's proposal which said they wanted approval powers as they already had experience in alcohol licensing and stakeholder engagement. One of Guernsey's oldest WW2 veterans dies at 104 John Barnes (left) was interviewed by Guernsey's Lieutenant-Governor Lt Gen Richard Cripwell in 2025 [BBC] One of the longest surviving World War Two veterans in Guernsey has died at the age of 104. John Barnes was born in London but moved to the island in 1961 for work. The Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander shared the story of his service with BBC Radio Guernsey for the Island Memories Project in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement He told Guernsey's Lieutenant-Governor Lt Gen Sir Richard Cripwell, who was doing the interview, that his biggest contribution to the war effort had been sinking a German U-boat. Head teacher of island's only school to retire The head teacher of the only school in Alderney has decided to take early retirement after more than 30 years in teaching. Wendy Wilson, head teacher of St Anne's School, began her career in schools in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She was appointed deputy head in January 2017 and became head teacher in May 2022. Wilson said ending her career at the end of the 20252026 academic year is the right time to begin a new chapter, which allows her to spend more time with family and friends. Dean of Guernsey to retire from role in July The head of the Church of England in Guernsey, the Very Reverend Tim Barker, will retire from his role on 31 July. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Barker has been the Dean of Guernsey since 2015, a position appointed by the Crown. He said he had written to the Bishop of Salisbury and Guernsey's Lieutenant-Governor to announce his decision to retire shortly before his 70th birthday. Barker said he planned to return to England and his time in Guernsey had been a "great privilege" and "richly rewarding". Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Previous quizzes and news round-ups Students should prioritize applying to colleges with a strong program in their major. One of the most stressful experiences of a high school students life is engaging in the college application process. The increased number of students applying to colleges, accompanied by the decreased acceptance rate at top colleges, causes anxiety among even the strongest students. The best way for students to engage in a successful and low-stress college application process is to identify, ahead of time, the major they are seeking for their undergraduate education and to be realistic as to the strength of their application. Advertisement Advertisement By determining their future course of study, students can identify the colleges that offer the strongest programs in the field. Through their application essays and activities section, students can show demonstrated interest and convincingly elaborate on their experiences that determined their choice of major. A realistic way for students to determine if a particular college is within their reach is to log onto Naviance, or whichever program their school uses, and view the scatterplot that compares their grades and scores with other students at their high school who were accepted or rejected by that specific college in recent years. More: Advantages of staying in New Jersey for college | College Connection Students interested in business, for example, likely know that the highly competitive MIT and University of Pennsylvania top the rankings. But other colleges ranked in the Top 25 in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Reports Best Colleges, include Indiana University-Bloomington, Ohio State University, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Arizona State University, Michigan State University, Penn State University, and University of Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement In fact, for the specific business field of supply chain management/logistics, the top two schools in the country are Michigan State University and Arizona State University, with overall acceptance rates of 84% and 90%, respectively. By comparison, the overall acceptance rates at MIT and University of Pennsylvania are 5% and 6%, respectively. The same is true for engineering, where the top schools are MIT, Stanford University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and University of California-Berkeley with overall acceptance rates of 5%, 4%, 11% (out-of-state students), and 8% (out-of-state students), respectively. More: The best admission strategies to get into college | College Connection Students specifically interested in aeronautical engineering will find that the top-ranked Embry-Riddle-Prescott (among colleges whose highest degree is a bachelors or masters) has an acceptance rate of 75%. For civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, Bucknell University ranked No. 3, and for computer engineering it ranked No. 4. The overall acceptance rate at Bucknell is 32% with an early decision acceptance rate of 60%. Advertisement Advertisement Students who know what they are seeking, are realistic about their academic strengths, and do their research, can enjoy a relatively stress-free college application process. Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT preparation & private college advising by Ivy League-educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Well-regarded colleges with high acceptance rates | College Connection MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) Raging wildfires in the Argentine Patagonia have blazed through nearly 12,000 hectares of scrubland and planted and native forests, threatening local communities, according to firefighting authorities in a report published Sunday. The fires started almost a week ago in the Andean region of the Argentine province of Chubut and are putting a power plant and a school at risk as well as affecting rural properties. The causes of the fires have not yet been established, but Chubut Gov. Ignacio Torres told journalists on Thursday there are indications that one of the biggest active fires was deliberately set. Advertisement Advertisement The wretches who started the fire are going to end up in jail, Torres said, while announcing a reward of 50 million pesos (approximately $34,000) for anyone who provides information about the incident. Volunteer firefighter Jorge Aranea in El Hoyo was battling to control the flames on Friday. Its sad to see everything burning. And sometimes you do what you can and its not enough. Whats happening is terrible, he said. Saturday on X, Chilean President Gabriel Boric offered to help the Argentine government combat the active fire fronts. Chief-of-staff and spokesperson for the Argentine executive branch Manuel Adorni said on Sunday that 295 firefighters have been deployed for the firefighting operation, which includes 15 aerial resources, fire engines and logistical support from the Armed Forces. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the fire in Chubut, there are active wildfires in the Patagonian province of Neuquen, according to the Federal Emergency Agency. Santa Cruz and Rio Negro have said their fires have been contained, although they remain under emergency status. The wildfires come a year after the worst blazes in decades devastated tens of thousands of hectares in the Patagonia region, destroying dozens of homes and leaving one person dead. Firefighting efforts have been hampered by drought conditions and strong winds, while massive columns of smoke have reduced visibility for responders. Wildfires are common during the austral summer season due to the combination of high temperatures, strong winds and drought that prevail between December and March. ___ Maxi Jonas in El Hoyo contributed to this report. A wildlife conservation charity will celebrate three milestone anniversaries in 2026. Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust reflects on its work to protect and enhance wildlife and wild places across the two counties over 70 years. It also marks 50 years of the creation of Rutland Water Nature Reserve, which in 1976 had the largest man-made reservoir in Europe. The trust further celebrates 30 years since the reintroduction of ospreys to Rutland, which had been regionally extinct since 1847. Advertisement Advertisement Special anniversary events will take place across its sites and reserves throughout the year to mark the milestones. These include wild walks led by expert reserve officers, osprey events, an open day at Cossington Meadows in Leicestershire for families and a celebration evening. One of the largest sea dragons found in the UK was unearthed at Rutland Water [Anglian Water] The trust, which was founded in 1956, has grown over the seven decades, and now has 37 sites, with more than 19,000 members and 700 volunteers supporting the conservation work. One of the first reserves to come into its care in the 1960s was Charnwood Lodge, in Coalville, which is now a national nature reserve recognised for its geology and wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement The establishment of Rutland Water Nature Reserve followed in 1976 - after one of the first agreements of its kind with Anglian Water - which saw a newly-constructed seven-mile reservoir and about 350 acres of surrounding land. Five years later, the reserve was internationally recognised as part of the Site of Special Scientific Interest and later declared a Special Protection Area and Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Rutland Water has developed over the decades with a new visitor centre and a volunteer training centre - both opened by Sir David Attenborough. In 2021, a 33ft (10m) long ichthyosaur fossil - one of the largest sea dragons found in the UK - was unearthed at the reserve during a routine draining of a lagoon. Osprey 7R4 was the 300th osprey to be ringed and leave the nest at Rutland Water [Stuart Wilson/Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust] The trust has had numerous successful campaigns, including launching the Rutland Osprey Project in1996, where chicks were translocated from nests in Scotland and released at Rutland Water after having been extinct in the county. Advertisement Advertisement In 2001, the first osprey was born in England after more than 150 years, with a total of 300 successfully fledged to date. The trust said volunteers have recorded six million birds over 15,000 hours, comprised of 131 species at Rutland Water as part of the Wetland Bird Survey. Dormice have been reintroduced to Leicestershire and more than 11,000 trees have been planted at Holwell. Several reserves have also been expanded and work has begun on an initiative to turn 130 acres (54 hectares) of nature-depleted land into a wildlife haven in Market Harborough and a new reserve in Great Bowden, which is due to open later this year. Land in Market Harborough earmarked for the rewilding project [Ian Drummond] Mat Carter, the trust's chief executive, said: "We can look back at these last seven decades of conservation work with pride. Advertisement Advertisement "The victories achieved for the wildlife of Leicestershire and Rutland show what is possible in the continuing fight for nature's recovery. "Our reserve network continues to expand and our projects in the wider countryside grow in diversity and depth. "Rewilding Harborough is a landscape-scale endeavour, this is the level of our ambitions going forward." Ann Tomlinson, chairwoman of the Trustee Council, added: "We all know there is still so much work needed to ensure that nature - constantly under threat - can recover and be there for generations to come. "The work of the trust can make that vital recovery a reality." Advertisement Advertisement The charity added it would continue to work towards its 2030 goals of "seeing nature restored and resilient" in Leicestershire and Rutland. Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. More on this story Related internet links The DMV near Wilmington will remain closed during the week of Jan. 12. The DMV was the site of a fatal shooting incident that killed Delaware State Police Cpl. Matthew T. "Ty" Snook and injured others on Dec. 23. It has been closed since the incident. The next closest location for people in New Castle County needing DMV services is the location in Delaware City, where longer lines can be expected. Late fees in January 2026 have been waived as a result. If completing a process online is possible, that is the best way to go for now. Advertisement Advertisement There have been long lines recently, with the Dover and Delaware City locations reaching capacity by 3 p.m. on Dec. 29. More: In wake of Delaware DMV shooting, what online resources are available? On Dec. 23, 2025, 44-year-old man Rahman Rose, whose last known address was in Wilmington, shot Snook. Snook, a 34-year-old who lived in Hockessin, was working an overtime shift at the DMV that day. Snook pushed a DMV worker out of harm's way, police said soon after the incident. Rose was also shot during the incident. Snook and Rose were pronounced dead at the hospital. DMV SHOOTING DETAILS Gunman's name, new details released in deadly Delaware DMV shooting Advertisement Advertisement The incident drew state and nationwide attention, with Snook's funeral at the University of Delaware on Jan. 5 being attended by thousands of police officers from around the country. A HelpAHero fundraiser is close to its $500,000 goal in support of his family, where he leaves behind wife Lauren and a young daughter. Tunnel to Towers, a nonprofit supporting fallen first responders' families, announced it will pay off the family's mortgage. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wilmington DMV still closed for week of Jan. 12 REEDSBURG, Wis. (WFRV) A man from western Wisconsin was arrested on Thursday evening for OWI and allegedly threatening to shoot and kill the officers during the traffic stop. Around 9 p.m. on January 8, officers with the Reedsburg Police Department say they got a report of a possible intoxicated driver leaving a Reedsburg business in the 100 block of North Viking Drive. Woman, man from Waupun arrested for drug activity following child welfare concerns Gustavo Garcia Aquino Officers arrived in time to allegedly see the suspect vehicle drive into the back end of another car that was stopped at a red light. Advertisement Advertisement The driver was stopped and signs of impairment were reportedly noticeable on the driver, later identified as 36-year-old Reedsburg resident Gustavo Garcia Aquino. Officers say that Garcia Aquino allegedly did not identify himself and made threats to shoot and kill the officers. Lengthy K9 track, drone lead search for domestic violence suspect in Appleton wooded area Garcia Aquino was arrested for the following: Operating While Under the Influence 1st Offense Obstructing an Officer Discharge Bodily Fluid at Public Safety Worker 3 counts of Threat to Cause Bodily Harm to Law Enforcement Officers No additional details were provided. Advertisement Advertisement 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. After years of involvement as a parent in the Olentangy Local Schools' district, Sue Mahler still wanted a way to give back to Delaware County as her kids graduated. She and seven of her friends gathered in 2011 to figure out how to fill unmet needs in their community. The group became a giving circle, Women Giving Together, which quickly grew in its ranks as it became a donor-advised fund of the Delaware County Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Its mission was straightforward. The group sought to support nonprofits serving people in Delaware County. Women Giving Together members (from left to right) Diane Storer, Michelle Reinhard, Jen Crichfield, Mary Howard and Kathy Miller posed at the Nov. 19 Gather + Give event. Each year, the group's members gather to decide what their focus of concern will be for the year. They then pool their money to donate to nonprofit organizations that fit that chosen mission through a fund each spring. In the first cycle, the group granted $6,800. In 2025, it granted $81,000. From the eight founding members in 2011, the group has now grown to more than 60 members and has granted more than $830,000 to nonprofit organizations that serve Delaware County residents. "Just about every time someone becomes a new member, they are shocked at the needs in Delaware County. We often think that Delaware County is one of the wealthiest counties in the state. 'What needs could they possibly have?' But they certainly have a lot of people who are in crisis, and there are needs out there," Mahler said. Advertisement Advertisement Another founding member, Paula Tarpey, said amid a greater realization of these needs, the group's efforts have shown its members both the heroic work of the nonprofit partners in the community and that the donors are stronger together. "We've seen how pooled philanthropy can provide so much more than we can all do by writing a check for $100 or $500," she said. Expanding impact With membership dues of $1,100 each year going toward the central Ohio nonprofit organizations, leadership wanted to find a way to include other women who might want to help, but not at the price point of over $1,000. Three years ago, the group began holding a Gather + Give event, which invited the entire community to give. Advertisement Advertisement The first year, the event raised $35,000. In 2024, it raised $64,000. Continuing the growth, its third-annual event in November hosted over 130 attendees and raised over $100,000 for three nonprofits serving Delaware County. The Nov. 19 Gather + Give event hosted by Women Giving Together raised over $100,000 for nonprofit organizations serving Delaware County residents. This included Family Promise, a nonprofit serving families facing homelessness, HelpLine, a 24/7 crisis support hotline, and Turning Point, a nonprofit providing shelter and support to domestic violence survivors. The funds raised will help provide housing, crisis services and life-saving support to hundreds of Delaware County families in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement "People are welcome to come and just learn. They don't need to give. There's certainly encouragement to give, but the goal is really to create awareness," Mahler said. "Each nonprofit has 10 minutes to explain what their mission is and give some examples of how they affect our community and help community members in need, and then we have 10 to 15 minutes of giving. It's kind of a flurry of donations." When asked of what's next for the organization, Mahler said she hoped more women would join to both increase the financial impact and join the fun. "We'd love to increase the number of women who are participating, because the more women who join, the more good we can do," she said. Advertisement Advertisement "It's also a very fun social situation. We get to meet a lot of amazing women, but really, it's about the giving. Unfortunately, the needs keep coming, so we just want to keep up with that as best we can." The Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation. This article was made possible by support from the Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation, which has partnered with The Columbus Dispatch to profile those making our community a better place. Help us inspire kindness by suggesting people, initiatives or organizations for Reporter Sophia Veneziano to profile. She can be reached at sveneziano@dispatch.com. Learn more at Dispatch.com/Kindness. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Women Giving Together meets needs of nonprofits serving Delaware County In a world filled with geopolitical discussions about borders, resources, and ideologies, its intriguing to reflect on moments when countries debated something as seemingly insignificant as the colors of their flags. These flag feuds highlight the quirky side of patriotism across the world, where shades of red, blue, and yellow can kick up a cloud of diplomatic dust-ups, Olympic embarrassments, and even calls to the United Nations. While no wars have been waged over color overlaps or flag similarities, past incidents reveal how symbols can spark surprisingly heated global exchanges. Advertisement Advertisement Lets dive into some of the most entertaining examples from history. Monaco vs. Indonesia: A Princely Protest Over Red And White One of the earliest recorded flag conflicts occurred in the mid-20th century between the tiny European principality of Monaco and the sprawling island chain of Indonesia. Monacos flag, with simple horizontal colors of red over white, dates back to the 13th century. However, when Indonesia gained independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945, it adopted a strikingly similar designknown as the Sang Saka Merah-Putihinspired by ancient banners from past empires. The similarity didnt go unnoticed. According to a 1952 report in The New York Times, Monaco formally requested that Indonesia alter its national emblem to avoid confusion. Advertisement Advertisement By 1960, the issue troubled the United Nations, which encountered logistical challenges due to the similar-looking flags during assemblies. Indonesia politely declined to change, citing the new flags historical significance, and both nations kept their designs. The key differences? Monacos flag has a slightly darker red and different proportions. No hard feelings lingered, but it remains a classic case of flag envy. Romania And Chad: Tricolor Trouble In The UN Fast-forward to the late 20th century for a tale of post-Cold War color coincidence. Romanias flag vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and red originated from the countrys 19th-century revolutions, but during the communist era, it also previously featured a communist coat of arms. Advertisement Advertisement After the 1989 revolution ousted Nicolae Ceausescu, Romanian protesters stripped the emblem from the center of the flag, representing the fall of Ceausescus regime, and produced the well-known flag with a hole, which came to stand for freedom and for Romanias return to its national flag from before the communist era. However, removing the emblem unwittingly made the flag identical to Chads, which the African nation had adopted upon independence from France in 1959. The overlap led to diplomatic friction. In 2004, Chad reportedly appealed to the United Nations for intervention, frustrated by the duplication. Advertisement Advertisement Romanias then-president Ion Iliescu defiantly declared, The tricolour belongs to us, we will not give it up, after years of disputes. Subtle differences still exist: Chads blue is indigo, Romanias is cobalt, and proportions vary slightly. The UN did not mandate any changes, per the BBC, and both flags fly proudly today. Liechtenstein And Haiti: An Olympic Oops Perhaps the most remarkable flag fiasco took place at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. The Principality of Liechtenstein, debuting in the Olympic Games, hoisted its blue-and-red horizontal bicolor flag only to see that it was essentially identical to Haitis flag, which had been in use since the early 19th century following the Haitian Revolution, per The World Atlas. Advertisement Advertisement The awkward revelation prompted Liechtenstein to make some quick changes. By 1937, it added a golden crown to the upper hoist-side corner to differentiate itself from Haiti. Haiti kept its design unchanged. Other Colorful Clashes: From Eastern Europe To Africa The world is dotted with even more stories of quirks and clashes over flag colors and symbols. When Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993, the Czech Republic initially considered reverting to its white-over-red colors but opted to keep the blue triangle from the old federation flag to avoid mirroring Polands identical design. Poland, re-established in 1918, had chosen the same colors independently. Advertisement Advertisement In Africa, Rwanda briefly shared an identical tricolor flag with Guinea after independence, prompting Rwanda to add a large R in the center from 1959 to 1962 before a full redesign to shed any connections to the era of genocide. Also, New Zealand has long grumbled that Australias flag copies its own, with the Southern Cross constellation and the Union Jack making them near-twins, leading to a 2015-2016 referendum in New Zealand to change theirs. Even flag mix-ups without formal disputes have been known to run rampant. Irelands green-white-orange tricolor was once confused with the Ivory Coasts orange-white-green at a track event, and Belgiums vertical black-yellow-red has been mistaken for Germanys horizontal version during royal visits. Why These Silly Spats Matter These disputes may seem trivialafter all, flags are just made of fabric and dyebut they symbolize national identity and history. The colors often represent blood, land, sky, revolutions, or past wars, which can be seen as an affront to sovereignty. For Texans, imagine for a moment if another state tried to claim the Lone Star, red, white, and blue as its own. ADEN, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Thousands of people took to the streets of Aden in southern Yemen on Saturday in support of the country's main separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council, which denied it was planning to disband. Some held up photos of STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who has fled the country, while others chanted "southerner, raise your voice, independence or death", a Reuters witness said. The STC, a group backed by the United Arab Emirates, seized parts of southern and eastern Yemen in December in advances that heightened tensions with another Gulf power, Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Advertisement Saudi-backed fighters have largely retaken the areas of southern and eastern Yemen that the STC had seized. Rashad al-Alimi, chief of the Saudi-backed Presidential Council, said in a televised statement on Saturday that all contested cities had been brought under their control. People took to the streets despite Saudi-backed groups urging them on Friday not to do so. "We have taken to the streets again... No one can silence us... Not Saudi Arabia, nor any other party or country," one man told Reuters. Another said: "This large public gathering is a powerful message and a popular referendum in the south for the Southern Transitional Council." Advertisement Advertisement The armed forces of the rival, Saudi-backed government said it would "strike firmly and decisively against anyone who seeks to tamper with security or disrupt public order," without making any reference to the protests. TENSIONS BETWEEN UAE AND SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Arabia and the UAE used to work together in a coalition battling Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's civil war but the STC advances exposed their rivalry, bringing into focus big differences on a wide range of issues across the Middle East ranging from geopolitics to oil output. An STC delegation travelled to the Saudi capital Riyadh earlier this week for talks that its leader, Zubaidi, skipped. The Saudi-led coalition accused the UAE of helping him escape on a flight that was tracked to a military airport in Abu Dhabi. Advertisement Advertisement In an announcement broadcast on Saudi state media on Friday, one of the group's members said the STC had decided to disband. But in a statement issued on Saturday, the STC said it had held an "extraordinary meeting" following the announcement in Riyadh and declared it "null and void", saying it had been made "under coercion and pressure". The group also said its members in Riyadh had been detained and were being "forced to issue statements". The STC reiterated calls for mass protests in southern cities on Saturday, warning against any attempts that target the group's "peaceful activities". Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in Aden that are aligned with Yemen's Saudi-backed government on Friday ordered a ban on demonstrations in the southern city, citing security concerns, according to an official directive seen by Reuters. (Reporting by Reyam Mukhashaf, Menna Alaa El-Din and Jaidaa Taha; Editing by Mark Potter, Timothy Heritage and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) In January 2022, the pain coursing through Hannah Pettey's body for six months was hitting her harder than ever. Hannah Pettey: It was unbearable I was in the bed at this point for probably like a week straight. Anne Marie Green: Were you even able to care for your kids? Hannah Pettey: I did as much as I could. Hannah's son Lincoln was 3, and her daughter Gracie had just turned 2. But Hannah was too sick to attend Gracie's birthday party. Advertisement Advertisement Hannah Pettey: I was so weak that I couldn't hardly walk. I had a little office chair that I would roll around in our house because I really didn't get out of the house Hannah says her husband Brian Mann was there when she needed him the most. Hannah Pettey: When I really started getting sick is when he was the sweetest to me Hannah and Brian Mann / Credit: Hannah Pettey Brian was a chiropractor, but he says he could not diagnose what was wrong with Hannah. Brian Mann: I had no idea that's out of my forte. Um, that's someone that I would refer out, refer to a specialist, which is what I wanted to do. On Jan. 18, 2022, Hannah checked in with her mother Nicole Pettey. After they hung up, Nicole says she was haunted by something she heard in her daughter's voice. Advertisement Advertisement Nicole Pettey: Just know that feeling, I knew something was wrong. Nicole Pettey: I called and called and called and texted Hannah called me finally but she wasn't able to speak. So she just kind of gasped and then she'd asked me, she said, "Mom, can you take me to the hospital?" What was making Hannah Pettey sick? Brian was at work, so Nicole rushed over and drove Hannah to UAB, the hospital at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While there, Nicole took several photos and videos. Nicole Pettey: The doctor said, obviously she is very sick I wanna keep her, but there's no way that they're gonna let me keep her. Her, um, vitals are stable I said "if you send her home, she's gonna die " Advertisement Advertisement It was right then that Hannah suffered a terrifying seizure, and, in the frenzy, she ripped off her hospital gown. For Nicole, that moment is frozen in time. Nicole Pettey: she was skin and bones they told me that she was actually starving to death when we got there, they said she was, had hours to live When Hannah arrived at the hospital, doctors told her mother she had hours to live. / Credit: Nicole Pettey One doctor directed her anger at Nicole. Nicole Pettey: She's like, does she live with you? Like obviously someone should have seen that this person was dying, you know. This person was starving to death. She said, "who is responsible for her?" Anne-Marie Green: What'd you say? Advertisement Advertisement Nicole Pettey: And I said, she's married and they said, "she's married?" The seizure was so severe Hannah lost consciousness. Doctors wanted to talk with Hannah's husband, so Nicole says she texted Brian: "Hey Brian, Hannah had a seizure about 2 hours ago. She still has not come to yetthey said she could be out all day long, so I wanted to let you know if she's not texting you that is why" Nicole Pettey: And I, of course, didn't get a response from him Anne-Marie Green: So you don't get a text back from Brian Nicole Pettey: No, never. It had been that way for years, she said; all through his marriage to Hannah, Brian ignored Nicole. Advertisement Advertisement Nicole Pettey: never seen him the whole time they were married never any interaction with him whatsoever. Anne-Marie Green: Never for any family gatherings, any holidays, he just never came? Nicole Pettey: Never. Anne-Marie Green: Brian didn't like you. Nicole Pettey: No. That night, Brian never got back to Nicole, but he had learned about Hannah's condition from his mother, who was in touch with Nicole. He arranged for childcare and began driving. Nicole Pettey: He got to the hospital around 9:30 that night Under COVID restrictions, the hospital was allowing only one visitor at a time and with Nicole inside, Brian was kept out. Advertisement Advertisement Brian Mann: I was very irritated that Nicole was not switching out with me, um, letting me in, because I stood outside of that hospital for a long time, trying to get in that room with Hannah. But eventually, Nicole did come out and Brian was allowed in. Anne-Marie Green: It must have been shocking to see her in that hospital bed like that? Brian Mann: Yes but I was glad that she was there and and people were trying to figure something out. When Mann left to go to work, Nicole went in. Hannah was still unconscious and had been that way for nearly 48 hours. Nurses had just finished checking on her when Nicole bent over her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Nicole Pettey: I kissed her head, and I said, "I love you" Her eyes just popped open. And then she said, "I love you too." Nicole says nurses were amazed and rushed to her side. Nicole Pettey: I just started crying and Hannah said, "have I not been talking?" But Hannah's ordeal was far from over. Days after Hannah was admitted, Nicole says doctors put her in a medical coma while they drained the excess fluid from within her brain. Nicole Pettey: and then they had to paralyze her because even being in a coma, um, there was just so much fluid in her brain that any type of movement she would've died Advertisement Advertisement Anne-Marie Green: But, Nicole, it's like things are going from bad to worse. Nicole Pettey: Yeah, yeah. Anne Marie Green: Did you ever give up hope? Nicole Pettey: No. Oh no. No. Never. Not one time Brian says he was wondering why Hannah's health had gone downhill so quickly the day Nicole had picked her up and drove to the hospital. Brian Mann: that is curious how bad she got from getting in the car with her mother to being admitted to the hospital. His dislike and distrust of Nicole boiled over. Brian Mann: she is a cruel person she was not happy with the fact that Hannah seemed happy being with me Advertisement Advertisement Hannah Pettey's body was "packed with lead" Eight days after Hannah was admitted to the hospital, her neurologist told Nicole that doctors had figured out what was causing Hannah's symptoms. Nicole Pettey: Her exact words were, "she has an astronomical amount of lead inside of her." Lead. It was an unusual finding, and Nicole says doctors told her they had never seen a patient like Hannah. Nicole Pettey: They said her colon was so packed, full of lead it was almost 100% lead. there was no room in her stomach to hold anything. It was just complete lead plus there was lead just in her bones, just everywhere An X-ray shows Hannah Pettey's body filled will lead. / Credit: Hartselle Police Department Doctors told Nicole there was no way Hannah could have ingested all that lead by accident it had to be deliberate, and they told her exactly what they thought. Nicole Pettey: They let me know that this is an attempted murder The hospital reported Hannah's case to the Department of Human Resources, the state agency that protects vulnerable adults. Hospital administrators immediately put Hannah in a secluded room with someone at the door to keep all visitors out. Nicole says she and Brian were told to leave and were no longer allowed to see Hannah because they were considered possible suspects. From left, Brian Mann, Hannah Pettey and Nicole Pettey. Nicole Pettey: I was beside myself because I had to leave her they had to send me away from the hospital. Brian Mann: I immediately started thinking this is Nicole. This has to be Nicole pointing fingers I didn't really think it would get anywhere because I thought it was, again, just Nicole making waves to make waves. Brian Mann: Hannah's mom just caused so many problems and not so much directly at me, but she was just awful to Hannah Brian says Hannah told him that Nicole could be critical of her. Brian Mann: Why don't you put makeup on, um, are you sure you should eat that? Just stuff like that all the time. Brian Mann: I would say why do you want this woman in your life? And it always all she could come back to, "she's my mom." "She's my mom." And that's really the only defense she had for her, "she's my mom." Hannah denies Brian's allegations. She did move away from Nicole and got her own apartment in June 2017, the month she turned 18 years old. She had just graduated from high school. That's when she met Brian, a 29-year-old chiropractor with his own business. Hannah Pettey: He was very, very sweet in the beginning and you know he's very charming, good looking. (Laughs) And yeah, I really liked him. Anne-Marie Green: Sounds like it was almost sort of instant attraction. Brian Mann: Yes it was head over heels. umm everything was just working right. Within weeks of Brian's first date with Hannah, his friend Walker Snyder says Brian told him Hannah was "the one." Walker Snyder: And I'm like, man, you just met her like a week ago or she's 18. (laughs) she doesn't know what she wants. She doesn't even know what she doesn't want. And he was like, "No, we both know what we want" It wasn't long before Hannah told friends she was pregnant. Anne-Marie Green: How long were you guys dating before you proposed? Brian Mann: We started dating in November. I believe I proposed after Valentine's Day so not not too long. Anne-Marie Green: Were you nervous? Brian Mann: I was I take marriage very seriously. And, so, yeah I was, I was definitely nervous about it. Hannah was nervous, too. She says she had noticed that Brian could be controlling but she plunged ahead at least until her wedding day in May 2018. Hannah's friend, Alyson Holmes. Alyson Holmes: Right before we were all about to walk down the aisle Hannah expressed to us that she was, you know very nervous. She had cold feet Nicole Pettey: We told her a hundred times over. You don't have to do it. if this is cold feet, you know, it is what it is. But if this is un uncertainty, walk away, it's not too late to walk away. In the end, Hannah smiled through her ceremony, and married Brian. Anne-Marie Green: When you walked up to the altar and you looked at him, you had no questions? Hannah Pettey: I mean, I did. I mean, deep down I did. I was like, I don't really know if I'm making the right decision and everything Hannah and Brian Mann on their wedding day in May 2018. / Credit: Chelsea Vaughn Photography The couple moved into Brian's home and started their lives together. Anne-Marie Green: How was he as a husband? Hannah Pettey: For the most part, he was really good as a husband I mean, it was good and bad. Hannah Pettey: We got in a lot of physical fights so that's a bad thing, but it wasn't all the time though, so Anne-Marie Green: You know, like, as I'm listening to you talk, you know, it sounds almost a little bit like Hannah Pettey: Mm. Anne-Marie Green: you're explaining away Hannah Pettey: Mm-hmm. Anne-Marie Green: the bad stuff. Do you think you did that in the marriage a bit? Hannah Pettey: Uh, yeah, I definitely did, I think Yeah. Yeah, my mom tells me that, too. Even their son's birth was a minefield of emotion. Hannah Pettey: You know, I was nine months pregnant, and I had started, um, bleeding. And so, I went to the hospital, and he came in and he got so angry at me and he was yelling at me and "you shouldn't have been out walking like in this heat" like, "that was so stupid and irresponsible" Alyson Holmes: he was acting so just outrageous that the nurses even told her if you need us to do something, then you say this specific word and we'll know that we need to step in and intervene in what's going on Hannah never used that "safe word" but as time went on, Brian says the couple came to an understanding. Brian Mann: I would say, Hannah, talk to me. I am on your side. I'm your biggest fan, your biggest supporter one day she said I'm going to trust you. And I want to do this with you. And I want to build this with you. from then on, it just got better and better. Hannah Pettey: that's when I started to really fall in love with him. The couple had another child, a daughter, and life was good, they say, until Hannah began to feel sick and went to the hospital emergency room in January 2022. She was left fighting for her life, and doctors were trying to help her, but they told Nicole they had to know more. Anne-Marie Green: They said the only way she gets this much lead in her system Nicole Pettey: Is to ingest it. Is to ingest it. They said she had to have ingested it. Nicole Pettey: I remember them saying, we don't care if you give her crack we just want to know about it. We have to know everything she's taken. And that's when Nicole remembered something that she'd completely overlooked: Hannah told her that Brian had given her special supplements capsules each and every night. In search of evidence Doctors kept asking Nicole what Hannah had been eating in the months leading up to her hospital stay. Nicole Pettey: From what they can see, it looks like someone has gave her lead every single day for, at least three months. Was Hannah eating something that contained lead? Nicole says she had no idea because she hardly ever visited her daughter in the months before the seizure. And never if Brian was home. Nicole Pettey: I could only go when he was working and I would have to leave before he got off work. I never actually ran into him. Anne-Marie Green: Whoa. Nicole Pettey: Yeah, He didn't come home until I left. As doctors pressed her for information, Nicole remembered Hannah telling her about special supplement capsules that Brian placed on her nightstand every night. Nicole says it didn't strike her as unusual because Brian was a chiropractor, but she told doctors anyway. Nicole Pettey: I told 'em that I know that they were big on supplements. Nicole says doctors repeatedly asked Brian to bring in the capsules described by Hannah, but he never did. Instead, he gave them a photo of common over-the-counter supplements. DHR investigators, who were getting information from Hannah's doctors, contacted Lt. Alan McDearmond of the Hartselle Police Department. Lt. Alan McDearmond: They said that I needed to go arrest somebody for attempting to kill their wife. And I'm like, well, hold up. I mean, we can't just go arrest people. What are you talking about? Investigators told McDearmond that doctors suspected Brian had given Hannah some type of lead-filled capsules over and over again. Lt. Alan McDearmond: you can take a capsule and open it up, empty the contents and then put the lead in McDearmond told Brian about the hospital's allegations. Brian Mann: McDearmond said your wife's been lead poisoned. And they think it was intentional. And they said, you're the number one suspect So, I was kind of dumbfounded I didn't know what to think about that. McDearmond asked Brian if the police could search his house, and he agreed. Brian Mann: So, I took him all through the house. I let him search my house And we went through and tried to figure out what she was eating, pills, make-ups and and things like that. McDearmond says Brian provided a bottle of supplements and a laxative that he said Hannah had taken. Anne-Marie Green: Hannah says you made her take supplements. Brian Mann: That is not true Brian blamed all his problems on Nicole. Brian Mann: I immediately started thinking this is Nicole This has to be Nicole pointing fingers. Investigators removed the children from Brian's home. They were placed with his parents. He had supervised visitation. Brian Mann: Nicole had just done so much over the years and Hannah had told me so much about her that I just had no doubt Nicole was somehow stirring this all up. Brian said he remembered something Hannah had told him that now seemed to hold more significance. In second grade, in a story that Hannah confirms, she recalled being so sick for so long that she visited the school nurse dozens of times. Brian Mann: and she eventually got really bad, and her mother took her to UAB. She says she remembers staying there about a week. Hannah Petty in January 2022. Doctors put her in a medical coma to drain excess fluid from her body. / Credit: Hannah Pettey Facebook Flash forward to 2022. Hannah was back at UAB Hospital. On January 29, McDearmond went to see Hannah for himself, but she was in a coma. Lt. Alan McDearmond: I had no idea the condition she was in until I went to the hospital and saw her for myself Doctors showed him Hannah's X-rays. Anne Marie Green: What did you think? Lt. Alan McDearmond: Oh, gosh, I was just floored. I mean, her whole insides was lit up from the the lead reacting to the X-ray I mean It was crazy. McDearmond asked Brian to come in. Lt. Alan McDearmond: And at that point is when he refused to further cooperate with the investigation. On February 1, McDearmond cleared Nicole, and she was once again allowed to visit Hannah. Anne-Marie Green: How were you able to clear Nicole? Lt. Alan McDearmond: You know, just through conversations whether you could tell that she was very concerned about Hannah she was the person that was caring for Hannah Anne-Marie Green: It sounds to me like you just like Nicole's behavior. She acted the way you expect a concerned mother to act. And Brian didn't act the way you expected a concerned husband to act. Lt. Alan McDearmond: That's correct. Anne-Marie Green: Is that evidence? Lt. Alan McDearmond: That's not evidence. No and the problem with this case was there was not a lot of evidence. Within days, McDearmond received the results of the tests done at Brian and Hannah's home. Lt. Alan McDearmond: Everything was negative. Anne-Marie Green: Did you ever find any capsules? Lt. Alan McDearmond: Um, no. Anne-Marie Green: Did you ever find any supplements that were tainted? Lt. Alan McDearmond: Um, no. Anne-Marie Green: Did you ever find evidence of lead being ground down or scraped, or turned into little particles that could go into a capsule? Lt. Alan McDearmond: No. Anne-Marie Green: So, isn't that kind of a big hole in the theory? Lt. Alan McDearmond: Well, he sold supplements. McDearmond says he kept looking for the source of that lead. In mid-February, Hannah began to rally and McDearmond went to see her again. Lt. Alan McDearmond: I told her in a very nice way, you know, why she was in the hospital and asked her, you know, do you have any idea who may have given you some substance? She said, "No." Lt. Alan McDearmond: Do you have any thoughts of self-harm? I mean, did you put yourself here? And she said, "No." McDearmond said Hannah was coherent one minute and not the next. She said she saw "people coming out of the walls." Lt. Alan McDearmond: When I first started talking to the medical staff, I mean, they didn't give her any hope they said if she came out of this, that, uh, she would really not have any cognitive functions they didn't suspect that, that we would be able to even talk with her. Anne Marie Green: Wow. Lt. Alan McDearmond: They basically told us that we needed to do everything that we could, because we didn't need to rely on her as a witness because they didn't think she would ever make it to that point. But Hannah surprised everyone by getting stronger each day with the help of a team of dedicated nurses. Nicole Pettey: They were all kind of close to her age they knew she had kids, and they would say to her, "you've got your babies, you've got your babies." Nicole Pettey: And I remember she just always got a life in her when you mentioned the kids. She was like I'm gonna get better. I'm gonna get out here and get better, you know. Nicole says Hannah did get better and stronger strong enough that Hannah's neurologist told her the whole story. Hannah Pettey: She grabbed my hand and she just kind of started giving me a heart to heart about why they have strong reasons to believe that it was Brian. Anne-Marie Green: And what's the conversation like after that, between you and Hannah? Nicole Pettey: Oh, it was horrible. That was horrible. Sorry, of everything that she went through, the heartbreak The heartbreak was terrible She just would sit there and cry. On March 3, after nearly two months, Hannah was well enough to leave the hospital. She went to her mom's house, reunited with her children, and filed for divorce. But friends like Kyle Golden were worried. Kyle Golden: We did know that Hannah was still in contact with Brian Alyson Holmes: Yeah. Kyle Golden: And that did upset us It was scary. Alyson Holmes: Yeah. Kyle Golden: Knowing that she could potentially go back to this guy that we believe tried to kill her. Hannah Pettey goes back to Brian Mann; Considers halting her cooperation In the days after Hannah got out of the hospital, Hannah says she felt vulnerable and confused. Hannah Pettey: I was on so many different medicines, so many different psych medicines the doctors had me on Despite the risks, Hannah had made up her mind to sit down with Brian face to face. Just one week after being discharged, she met him at their former home. Hannah Pettey: I just had to figure it out for myself. Instead of everyone telling me this is what happened. Anne-Marie Green: And so you sit down with him. Hannah Pettey: Mm-hmm. Anne-Marie Green: And did you ask him outright? Did you do this? Did you try to poison me? Hannah Pettey: No, I was so emotional. I mean I didn't stop crying that night. I remember I cried all through the night. Hannah Pettey: I wanted him to say like there's no way that I could have, you know like what or like, are you crazy? Like this is crazy And I was expecting him to go out and say that to everybody. I don't care if he even made a Facebook post about it or just anything. Hannah says Brian never told her what she needed to hear. But then, incredibly, she changed her mind about the divorce. Hannah Pettey: I called my attorney. I was like, I don't want to go through with the divorce like I don't think he did it. I said there must be something else. Anne-Marie Green: Hannah told you not to sign the divorce papers? Brian Mann: Yes. Anne-Marie Green: Because why? Brian Mann: Because she knew her mother had made up this whole thing and it was just another crazy Nicole episode. When Hannah's family doctor heard what was going on, Nicole says he wanted to have Hannah involuntarily committed because he feared Brian would kill her. And Hannah's next move caused even more consternation: she asked McDearmond to drop the investigation. Hannah Pettey: I said, "he's a family man." I said, "he loves me. He loves the kids." It just doesn't make sense. McDearmond knew without Hannah's help, the criminal case against Brian would likely collapse. But he understood what Hannah was feeling. Lt. Alan McDearmond: It's typical of domestic violence to forgive your abuser McDearmond asked Hannah to sign a specific form that he'd prepared. Lt. Alan McDearmond: And she said, well, what do I have to sign this for? And I said, well, if Brian were to kill you in the future, and somebody from your family comes and says that we didn't do our due diligence in the investigation, then I can show them that you didn't want to pursue it. ... So, if you want to go ahead and sign that, then we'll close it up. And she said, "No, I'm not going to sign that." She said, "I want you to keep going." Ultimately, she decided to proceed with the divorce and cooperate with the criminal investigation. Anne Marie Green: What do you learn from Hannah? Lt. Alan McDearmond: more than anything insurance policies. Hannah told McDearmond that Brian had taken out life insurance policies on her while they were still dating. McDearmond learned that when Hannah was in the hospital fighting for her life, Brian tried to take out even more policies. If they were approved, Brian would have collected more than $5 million upon Hannah's death. Anne-Marie Green: And that gave you what? Lt. Alan McDearmond: Well it gives you motive money's a motive, money's a huge motive. At that point, McDearmond felt he'd collected enough evidence to move ahead and so did prosecutor Garrick Vickery. Garrick Vickery: We knew Hannah had been poisoned, that it was intentional and that it was ingested. Anne-Marie Green: You don't have any capsules with lead. You have a theory, you have a suspect, and you have what you believe is a motive. Why were you confident that this was enough to put in front of a grand jury? Garrick Vickery: Nothing else made sense In this case, the evidence was clear that lead was getting into her system. So, then you rewind the tape, you back up, and you see how that lead could have gotten into her system. And Brian Mann was the only person who had access to Hannah. Brian Mann was arrested and charged with attempted murder. He pleaded not guilty. / Credit: Morgan County Sheriff's Office The grand jury agreed and in September 2022, Brian Mann was arrested and pleaded "not guilty" to attempted murder. He was freed on a $500,000 bond but was required to report to jail every weekend. Anne-Marie Green: Can I see the ankle monitor? Brian Mann: Sure. Anne-Marie Green: What's it like having to wear that? Brian Mann: I mean, it's definitely annoying. Police still had nothing connecting Brian to any form of lead. But then, they got an unexpected call. Turns out Danny Hill thought he knew exactly where the lead came from. It all began when Brian asked Hill, a contractor, to line his X-ray room at his chiropractic office with, you guessed it: lead. Hill had recognized Brian from a newspaper article about his arrest and got in touch with McDearmond. Danny Hill: You do an X-ray room, the walls have to be lined with lead for the protection of the people outside the room. We did it with rolls of soft lead that we just covered the walls with and then put drywall all over the top of that. "48 Hours" asked Hill to obtain a sample of the same type of lead he installed in Brian's office. The lead was heavy but surprisingly soft and malleable. Hill showed us how easy it is to scrape the sheet of lead into tiny shavings just like pencil shavings and how easy it is to put those shavings into an empty pill capsule. Contractor Danny Hill showed Danny Hill: that's just the shaving of the lead. Anne-Marie Green: Oh. Danny Hill: This soft. After Hill was done with the V-ray room, he asked Brian if he should dispose of the remaining lead. Danny Hill: And he said, I'll take care of it Hill's information sent cops directly to Brian's office. Prior to Hill's revelations, the Hartselle Police Department did not have probable cause. Now they did. Lt. Alan McDearmond: And we got a search warrant. We went in and we took a section of that out A thin sheet of lead recovered from inside a section of a wall in the X-ray room of Brian Mann's chiropractic office. / Credit: Hartselle Police Department Lt. Alan McDearmond: The lead that we recovered from the office was very thin it would be thin enough that it could be shaved or whatever. Anne-Marie Green: Tell me about how important that phone call was from the contractor. Garrick Vickery: It was vitally important. It's always necessary to put your murder weapon into the hands of a defendant. But Brian insists the state's case is weak, and so he got himself a strong advocate bodybuilder and defense lawyer Chad Morgan. Chad Morgan: There's no reason that any of their evidence should be able to get into a courtroom Going into the trial in June 2025, Brian had been forbidden any visitation with his children for more than two years. He says it was just unfair. Brian Mann: I should have never been separated from my kids. I'm going to be back in their lives. I've just been waiting for my chance. The trial of Brian Mann Anne-Marie Green: How does it feel to know that someone tried to kill you? Hannah Pettey: at night I get really creeped out thinking about that someone poisoned me for a long, long time BEN HOOVER [ Local news report]: The state started its case today against a Morgan County chiropractor charged with attempting to kill his wife Mann maintains his innocence In June 2025, defendant Brian Mann walks into a Decatur, Alabama, courthouse, facing a possible life sentence. No cameras are permitted inside the courtroom during the trial. Anne-Marie Green: What was your working theory as to what happened in this case with this crime? Garrick Vickery: It really begins months before Hannah ever appears at UAB Hospital Lead prosecutor Garrick Vickery. Garrick Vickery: In terms of a a theory, it mostly was that he made a decision to slowly poison her, to gain this life insurance, to rid himself of a sweet, sweet person Brian's defense attorney Chad Morgan tells the jury that police never found any lead-filled capsules in Brian's home, office or anywhere else. Chad Morgan: they searched the entire house top to bottom, never found one piece of lead. Garrick Vickery: One of the issues we had was that Brian Mann had months and months to execute his plan and then to get rid of the evidence. But the state does have Hannah, and prosecutors make her the first witness. Anne-Marie Green: Did you look at Brian when you walked into the courtroom? Hannah Pettey: I did Anne-Marie Green: was that the man that you had fallen in love with? Hannah Pettey: No, I mean, I saw someone totally different Hannah tells the jury how Brian supplied her with vitamin capsules each night even when her pain was so intense she could barely swallow. Hannah Pettey: I remember, um, being in bed one night and I was in so much pain, and I was so nauseous and Brian was like I put your vitamins on your nightstand. And he was like, "you need to take 'em." And I was like, I just can't tonight. I do not think I can keep anything else down. and he was like freaking out about it. Like he was like, "you gotta take it" Anne-Marie Green: How easy would it have been to put lead in those capsules? Garrick Vickery: Tremendously easy Anyone that's sharpened a pencil could see how easy it is to get lead shavings. And once you have that and you have two hands to separate a pill and put it back together, you've got all the instruments you need to try to murder your spouse. Brian's attorney alleges Hannah's own mother Nicole could have been the one poisoning Hannah. Chad Morgan: I'm suggesting they're looking in the wrong place. He claims Nicole gave Hannah milkshakes that could have been laced with lead. Chad Morgan: tell me why her mom was coming to her house every day for almost a year, giving her a milkshake. Anne-Marie Green: Did you look into her mother? Kelly Cimino: The thought was considered you you don't want to rule anyone out before. Assistant District Attorney Kelly Cimino. Kelly Cimino: And Nicole just didn't have that kind of access to her daughter. Anne-Marie Green: Did your mom bring you milkshakes? Hannah Pettey: No, not that I recall I don't even like milkshakes. I really don't even like milkshakes I don't drink milkshakes. Hannah tells the jury how the pain affected her. Her body, in a sense, the crime scene and her brain scans, blood work and X-rays are discussed in open court. But there's something she's been holding back until she takes the stand. Hannah Pettey: It is kind of emotional to talk about the fact that I can't have children anymore. On the day she was discharged, Hannah was smiling but, inside, she was heartbroken. Doctors had just told her she could no longer have children. She was only 22 years old. When it's Nicole's turn to take the stand, she thinks she knows what's coming from Brian's defense attorney. Nicole Pettey: I know that he was gonna try to say that, possibly say that I had did this. And I wasn't really concerned about that because I didn't do it Cimino explains why prosecutors believe Brian used lead-filled capsules instead of mixing the lead into her food. Kelly Cimino: she would have tasted it. And so that's where the theory of the capsule comes in because it's the only way that she would've willingly put it in her mouth and swallowed it and not noticed anything different After a day-and-a-half and seven witnesses, the state rests its case. And then so does the defense. Chad Morgan calls no witnesses. Hannah Pettey: I was shocked that they've had three years to put this together and then it comes out that he has no defense at all. Brian's lawyer says he did his job and maintains that the lack of evidence in the state's case is the best evidence of all. Chad Morgan: There was a lot of assumptions about this is lead and that's lead, but there was not one person that testified to anything that they actually saw him do, touch or even begin to believe that she ingested something he gave her. The jury gets the case on a Wednesday afternoon, and the next day returns a verdict: guilty. Jeff Sollee: There was a about a second of shock I don't think he was expecting that. Juror Jeff Solee. Jeff Sollee: That guy's a monster. Anne-Marie Green: Why do you say that? Jeff Sollee: The arrogance it takes to essentially watch somebody waste away And then not only watch during the poisoning, but also watch during, you know, the downfall. I think that takes a very special person. Hannah Pettey: it took me a few seconds for it to -- to sink in that it was a guilty verdict. I just immediately started feeling the tears well up because it was just this build up and I just had to step out. Lt. Alan McDearmond: This is a great win for all domestic violence victims, especially those that are scared to come forward. McDearmond is now chief of the Hartselle Police Department. And after a lot of reflection, Hannah allows herself to consider a hard truth. Anne-Marie Green: Do you think he ever loved you? Hannah Pettey: No, I truly don't think that he did I just don't think any of it was real. Anne-Marie Green: It's gotta be hard to say. Hannah Pettey: Yeah. Anne-Marie Green: Cause it was real for you. Hannah Pettey: Yes. It was very real for me. Now it's very real for Brian who was sentenced to life in prison in August 2025. And Hannah, who was once feared to be so brain-damaged that she would never be able to testify, graduated from college with a teaching degree. Hannah Pettey / Credit: Carly Humphries Photography Anne-Marie Green: And what does Hannah's new life look like? Hannah Pettey: You know I'm a teacher, so I'm starting at a new school this year. So, I'm just gonna focus on being the best teacher that I can be and being the best mother I can be. Life got even sweeter for Hannah when she and the children moved back into their old home, the one they used to share with Brian. Hannah Pettey: I've repainted I redecorated everything, cleaned it up really good. I got all my stuff moved in there and just pictures of us three all in there. So now it feels like ours. Hannah and Brian remain married. The next court date for the divorce proceedings is December 2026. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. "48 HOURS" POST MORTEM PODCAST Correspondents Natalie Morales and Anne-Marie Green discuss why police first suspected both Hannah's mother and her husband, why Hannah believes Brian Mann had attempted to previously kill her in a car crash, and her incredible recovery. Produced by Paul La Rosa. David Dow and Tamara Weitzman are the development producers. Charlotte Fuller is the field producer. Wini Dini and Greg Kaplan are the editors. Dena Goldstein is the field producer. Nancy Bautista is the associate producer. Peter Schweitzer is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. Video breakdown of fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis Sneak peek: The Firefighter's Secret Visual investigation into Border Patrol killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis Lorealbert Gutierrez, 19, was seven months pregnant when security agents detained her along with six family members in eastern Venezuela. They seized her brother, accused of links to an attempted attack in Caracas last year. They had threatened to kill her unless he surrendered. Security forces also arrested her mother, teenage sister, aunt and cousin. And they used Gutierrez, pregnant with her second child, to pressure her partner to surrender. Advertisement Advertisement Gutierrez herself was released hours later and her sister after three days. The remaining five have not been heard from since they were detained in Cumana, a city on the Caribbean coast, in August 2025. On Thursday the Venezuelan government announced the release of a "large number" of prisoners following the US capture of the country's authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro. But human rights groups estimate that around 800 people still remain jailed in Venezuela for political reasons. - Torture in jail - Gutierrez went to El Rodeo I prison east of Caracas hoping to find her mother and the other relatives still held. Advertisement Advertisement She spent the night outside as she and dozens of others waited for news of their loved ones. "My mom means everything to me," Gutierrez told AFP. Waiting near the jail in Guatire, she recounted the torture her brother suffered. She heard about it from her 16-year-old sister, who spent three days in prison witnessing it, being harassed by guards, and hearing her mother crying in the distance. "My sister came out of there deeply disturbed by everything she saw them do to my brother," she said. "He suffers from asthma, and they put a white sheet over his face. He started screaming... and they ignored him." Advertisement Advertisement - Camping out in hope - Unrest during protests against Maduro's re-election in July 2024 left 28 people dead and 2,400 detained. Maduro labeled them "terrorists," while the opposition and international powers accused him of rigging his election win. About 2,000 of those detainees were later released, mostly under conditions requiring regular check-ins and banning them from speaking to the press. Since Thursday's announcement of prisoner releases, just 21 have been freed, according to unofficial NGO figures. Gutierrez and her sister have survived thanks to help from their aunts. Her sister cannot work because she is underage, and Lorealbert because she has two babies. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have not confirmed the whereabouts of their relatives but one aunt managed to trace them to Rodeo I, which holds around 500 detainees. Gutierrez spent the night under a tree, suffering breast engorgement because she could not nurse her two-month-old baby. She plans to go home on Sunday. "If it were up to me, I'd stay here until I see my mom," she said. "What I long for most is to give my mom a hug." pr-rlp/mlm Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of targeted terror against the people of his country following heavy airstrikes during the past week. Zelensky posted on social media on Sunday that within the past week the Russian military had used against Ukraine around 1,100 drones, 890 guided bombs and 50 rockets and cruise missiles, including the medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik. The weapons were fired "at targets that have no military significance: energy facilities and residential buildings," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Moscow had deliberately waited for the frosty weather to make life as hard as possible for ordinary Ukrainians, Zelensky argued. "This is deliberate, cynical Russian terror against the people," he wrote. He illustrated his words with video clips of drone damage to civilian objects in Kiev and the surrounding area, as well as in the regions of Kharkiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Odessa, Zaporizhzhya and Chernihiv. Images from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, where the Oreshnik missile struck, were not shown. The Kremlin portrays the ongoing bombardment of Ukraine as strikes against exclusively military targets, even though the destruction of power plants affects the civilian population. Moscow has recently raised its own accusations of terror against Kiev, claiming that Ukraine allegedly launched a drone attack on one of the residences of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky vehemently denied this and the US foreign intelligence service, the CIA, concluded that Ukraine did not target Putin or one of his residences, according to US media reports. Putin ordered the war against Ukraine nearly four years ago. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over appointment letters to 1,746 police constables, marking over 63,000 government jobs delivered in under four years. He urged the new recruits to serve the public with dedication while strengthening the Punjab Polices fight against drugs, cybercrime, and gangsters. From Walmart's retail empire to Middle Eastern oil dynasties, the world's wealthiest families control fortunes that exceed the GDP of entire nations. Bloomberg's 2025 report reveals how generational wealth, strategic investments, and billion-dollar business empires have created family dynasties worth hundreds of billions. While American retail and luxury European brands dominate the list, Middle Eastern royal families command staggering oil-funded wealth. This photo story, based on Bloomberg's latest data, unveils the top 10 richest families in 2025 - revealing who controls the most wealth and how they built their empires across continents. January 8, 2026: Anthropic, an American AI/Artificial Intelligence company was recently attacked by Chinese hackers using Anthropic AI technology. Anthropic believes this hack was ordered by the Chinese government. The September attack, GTG-1002, was highly automated with the AI doing more than 80 percent of the work. Anthropic's AI coding tool, Claude Code, was configured by the hackers to use the Model Context Protocol/MCP tools to carry out the numerous technical tasks. MCP was one of several Claude Code components used to penetrate and document the target site's security and organization. This included finding and using permissions documents, which are often encrypted. Defeating the encryption is another task that is automated and orchestrated by the AI. What once took hours or days a decade ago can now be done in minutes or seconds. The lack of a human controller occasionally caused problems, as AI systems have a tendency to occasionally and unexpectedly hallucinate irrelevant data or tasks. Current AI systems are equipped to detect this aberrant behavior and recover from it. The victims are not revealing what was copied and sent back to China. In most cases its difficult to measure the extent of the data stolen. The length of the attack, if that could be measured, provides a general estimate of how much data was stolen, but not what data. The AI powered hacks go into the victims server, which can hold up to 100 terabytes/TB, while the average server holds 10 TB. Data can be moved off the hacked server at speeds of up several gigabytes a second. Transfers are also subject to restrictions and verification. Hackers have to carefully map the server configuration to determine the security systems and how they regulate data leaving the server. Anthropic revealed that there have been at least 30 other attacks and that Anthropic products are being modified accordingly. All AI products suffer from this criminal misuse. One of the new security measures will be to identify where Anthropic systems used by criminals are and disable them remotely, or at least release data of who is misbehaving where and to what end. China denied any responsibility, which is what they usually do when caught. This is nothing new, nineteen years ago, because of new laws in the United States, Internet criminals were forced to move many of their operations from the United States to China. That puts a lot more hacking activity in China, a country that is more inclined to get cooperation, rather than convictions, from computer criminals. The most visible form of Internet crime is spam/unsolicited email. In the previous two years, the amount of spam coming from PCs in the United States fell from nearly fifty percent, to 24.5 percent. This was the result of anti-spam laws, and prosecutions that were putting spammers in jail. The United States was still the prime target for spam, because the U.S. had the largest number of affluent PC users that could be scammed. Chinese, however, still got hit with lots of viruses and worms, mainly because few Chinese PCs had any defenses against these nasties. Chinese governments, long before the communists came along, were willing to do business with criminal gangs. This was a cheap and discreet way of getting dirty work done. These relationships were usually with local governments, but in the case of Cyber War assets, the government showed an interest in hacking clubs and informal organizations of Internet criminals. Because the Chinese government exercise such tight control over the Internet in China, it was believed that the computer criminals had to cooperate, or get nailed. The extent of that cooperation was unknown, but the criminal hackers were a large repository of knowledge and expertise on how to break things on the Internet. Over the last two decades Chinese Cyber War efforts have been betrayed by increased professionalism. What? In the past, Chinese hacking efforts were typically numerous, and often sloppy. Being able to trace some of the attackers back to Chinese neighborhoods known to contain military or government bureaucracies, made it pretty clear who the intruders probably were. The Chinese denied everything, although they admitted that there were Chinese students who might do that sort of thing, and, of course, there were criminal elements out there as well. But more recently, a lot of the attacks from China have been much better organized, possessing a, shall we say, military precision. These hackers were not trainees, bored students or inept criminals. The latest batch of Chinese hackers are going after American military servers, and are trying to plant Trojan Horse type software that will enable them to return, at will, to grab data from the infected PC, or quickly shut it down. A Trojan Horse can also be used to monitor what goes on in the infected PC, but that requires sending stuff back to China, which makes it more likely that the PC infection will be discovered. Many of the infections are being discovered, although it's a secret how many, and how. The big question was how many of the infections were not detected. The Chinese are also going after American defense contractors, and U.S. government systems in general. Many of these attacks appear to be to collect secret information. Cyber War begins in peacetime, as you constantly scout enemy networks, trying to get a good idea of how vulnerable they are to infection. When the real war comes, whoever can do the most damage, the quickest, wins. While the rest of the Chinese army may not train a lot, the same cannot be said for the Cyber War troops. They are training hard, and doing it on the networks they would attack in wartime. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday chaired the meeting on Pre-Budget Consultation with States and Union Territories (with Legislature) for the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27 in New Delhi. Along with Union Minister for State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, the meeting was also attended by Governor of Manipur; Chief Ministers of Delhi, Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, and Sikkim; Deputy Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana; the Finance Ministers of States/UTs, besides Secretaries of Departments of Economic Affairs, Expenditure, and Revenue, and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance. While speaking with the reporters after the meeting, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, "We specifically demanded that the central schemes currently running for Goa be continued. As a tourism state, we have particularly requested assistance for the tourism sector. We also demanded funds for the health sector. Funds for the infrastructure development of Kushavati, which we have newly created as a district, were also discussed." Goa Chief Minister further said, "We have also laid down special demands for the Renewable Energy sector, and for the Railway sector, we raised demands for the redevelopment of the Konkan Railways among others." He highlighted that the 15th Finance Commission recommended Rs 700 crore in state-specific funds for the state. "We seek more funds in the 16th Finance Commission," he said. Notably, the 15th Finance Commission recommended specific grants for Goa, including Rs 500 crore for climate change and Rs 200 crore for tourism, totalling Rs 700 crore in state-specific funds, while also providing grants for rural bodies and projecting GST compensation. Recently. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had chaired a pre-Budget meeting with leading economists. At the meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery and other eminent economists were present. Discussions focused on key priorities and inputs for the upcoming Union Budget. Earlier, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman held 10 rounds of Pre-Budget Consultations as part of the preparations for the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27. The meetings brought together representatives and experts from key sectors of the economy, including agriculture and MSMEs, capital markets, manufacturing, services, and technology. The series began with consultations with leading economists, followed by representatives from farmer associations and agricultural economists. Subsequent sessions engaged stakeholders from MSMEs, capital markets, startups, manufacturing, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance), information technology, tourism and hospitality, and finally trade unions and labour organisations. During these meetings, sector experts and stakeholders presented their recommendations, challenges, and expectations for the upcoming Budget. The discussions focused on economic growth, employment generation, investment climate, technological advancement, industrial competitiveness, financial sector stability, labour welfare, and sustainable development. The Union Budget is typically presented on February 1 of each year. This year too, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to present the Union Budget for 2026-27 in Parliament on February 1. (ANI) The Karnataka government has called on the Union Government, in the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27, to ensure revenue protection for States post-GST rationalisation, share excise duty and cess on pan masala and tobacco products, release pending Central dues under flagship schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, and strengthen funding for rural employment, agriculture, and social protection. The State government made these demands during the pre-Budget consultations chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Saturday. Karnataka's Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda represented his state at the meeting with the Union finance minister. As is the convention, the Budget for 2026-27 will be presented on February 1. Presenting the State's views, the Karnataka Minister highlighted that while it remains a major contributor to national economic growth, its fiscal space has significantly narrowed due to GST rate rationalisation, rising social sector commitments, climate-related shocks, and rapid urbanisation. The State underlined that responsibilities of States have expanded faster than their revenue base. Karnataka flagged a sharp slowdown in GST revenue growth following rate rationalization in 2025, resulting in a revenue shortfall. The State sought a revenue protection and compensation mechanism for States, akin to the earlier GST Compensation Cess. It also demanded a 50:50 sharing of excise duty on tobacco products and cess on pan masala, arguing that States bear the health and enforcement costs while the proceeds remain outside the divisible pool. On the Jal Jeevan Mission, Karnataka pointed out that it has released Rs 24,598 crore against a Central release of Rs 11,786 crore, including advances to prevent disruption of works, and sought urgent release of the pending Central share Raising concerns over rural employment, Karnataka sought reconsideration of the shift from the demand-driven MGNREGA to the allocation-based G-RAM-G scheme, noting that it has reduced effective employment days and imposed an additional fiscal burden on the State. In agriculture, Karnataka proposed the implementation of a Price Deficiency Payment Scheme under PM-AASHA for eight crops, maize, soybean, mango, chilli, onion, tomato, turmeric, and ginger, and sought an additional allocation for 2026-27. The State also demanded an upward revision in the Central contribution for frontline workers, seeking monthly honorariums of Rs 8,000 for Anganwadi and ASHA workers and Rs 5,000 for cooks and helpers. It further called for expansion of coverage and enhancement of pension amounts under the National Social Assistance Programme. Karnataka reiterated its request to declare the Upper Bhadra Project as a National Project and sought release of Rs 5,300 crore in Central assistance as announced earlier. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday chaired the meeting on pre-Budget consultation with States and Union Territories (with Legislature) for the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27. (ANI) The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference held in Rajkot on January 11 saw participation from international dignitaries, including Kalybek Uulu Bekturgan, Representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan. After the conference, while interacting with the media, Bekturgan expressed his enthusiasm about attending the event alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the potential for increased cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan. He further emphasised India's rapid growth, expressing hope for a significant increase in bilateral trade in the future. "I am very happy today to attend this conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We will look to focus on investors from India in my country and to increase the friendship between the two countries. India is growing a lot... I hope to increase the trade between India and my country in the future." Bekturgan stated. The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) 2026 for the Saurashtra-Kutch region held on January 11 and 12 in Rajkot, with a strong focus on renewable energy, sustainability, and future-ready infrastructure. PM Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra regions on Sunday. The event featured Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, among other dignitaries. The two-day conference summit will highlight Gujarat's leadership in the clean energy sector and its alignment with India's 'Panchamrit' commitments announced by the Prime Minister. These include achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, meeting 50 per cent of energy requirements from renewable sources, reducing projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes, lowering carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030, and attaining net-zero emissions by 2070. The conference hosted structured B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings, a vendor meet, and a startup felicitation programme, providing a platform for collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and innovators. Through VGRC 2026, Gujarat aims to reinforce its integrated approach to energy security, sustainability, and industrial competitiveness, while strengthening its role in India's journey towards energy independence and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. As part of the VGRC, the Energy and Petrochemicals Department (EPD) will lead a series of high-level discussions, seminars, and panel sessions focused on Gujarat's renewable energy roadmap. Under the Mission 100 GW (Shapath Patra), the state has committed to achieving more than 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, reinforcing its position as a frontrunner in India's energy transition. The first day of the conference will feature a CEO Roundtable on 'Ocean of Opportunities - Blue Energy, Green Future', which will explore nearshore wind and blue energy prospects. Other key sessions include a Green Startups Fireside Chat, 'Carbon to Crops: Greener Molecules, Greater Yields', and discussions on Gujarat's role as India's energy gateway in oil and gas. An exhibition-cum-trade show will also showcase best practices in daytime power for agriculture, renewable energy connectivity, and achievements under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Day two will begin with the flagship programme 'Solar Dividends: Empowerment through PM-KUSUM & PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana', highlighting Gujarat's success in decentralised solar adoption. The day will also see the release of a compendium of best practices by GUVNL and its subsidiaries, the signing of memoranda of understanding, and the felicitation of beneficiaries, vendors, and employees for their contributions to the power sector. (ANI) Bollywood actor Sonu Sood paid a visit to the Varahi Gaushala in the Santalpur Tehsil of Patan, Gujarat. In visuals from the gaushala, the actor could be seen feeding the cows and interacting with the officials. A large crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the actor on Saturday, who expressed delight at their enthusiasm. He also commended the villagers for their continued efforts to support animal welfare. "The contribution of the entire village and the trustees of the gaushala are praiseworthy. I would love to visit the place again and even have food at your home," he said at the event. While speaking to the media, Sonu Sood expressed great pride in the journey of the gaushala and their consistent assistance toward the animals. The actor shared about making a donation of Rs 11 lakh to support the institution. "When I see their journey, which started with just a few cows and has now reached seven thousand, it's a matter of great pride, not only for us but for every person in every village. I can't do as much work as they do, but from my side and from our foundation, we have also contributed Rs 11 lakh so that this amazing work continues. The love I received made me feel very good and very proud. I will keep coming here. The way cow protection is done in such an amazing way here should be implemented throughout India," Sonu Sood told the media. The Bollywood star is widely known for his extensive philanthropic efforts, gaining recognition with his Sood Charity Foundation. His humanitarian efforts earned him the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Grand Finale of the 72nd Miss World Festival held in Telangana. On the work front, Sonu Sood made his directorial debut with the action thriller film 'Fateh', also starring Naseeruddin Shah, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vijay Raaz and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. The actor recently celebrated one year of the film's release with a heartfelt caption. https://x.com/SonuSood/status/2009899890634297690 "1 year of #Fateh. My most special film till date. Grateful for every memory, every lesson, and all the love you gave it. Thank you for standing by me. Back to work now -- the next one awaits," he wrote. (ANI) Actor Lukas Gage heaped praise on his 'People We Meet on Vacation' costar Emily Bader, calling her "the biggest star in the world" during the red carpet premiere of the Netflix romantic comedy at The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, according to People. During the premiere of his new Netflix rom-com, People We Meet on Vacation, in Los Angeles, the 30-year-old actor hijacked his co-stars' interviews to lavish praise on each of them. But while speaking with People magazine in an exclusive conversation on the red carpet at The Egyptian Theatre, the Smile 2 and The White Lotus star delivered quite the compliment about costar Emily Bader. "I knew that Brett Haley was directing, who I'm such a fan of, and then Emily Bader, who is the biggest star in the world -- the world doesn't know it yet, [but] after this movie, she's going to be," Gage said of Bader, 29. "She and Tom Blyth are so incredible," Gage added of the pair, who play travelling friends-to-lovers Poppy and Alex in the romantic comedy, according to People. Meanwhile, Netflix's Tudum site described Gage's character, Buck, as a wild child who meets Poppy and Alex during a camping trip. Gage told People magazine at the premiere that "it's so crazy to be on something with such a huge fan base and you want to give it justice and you want to make sure that your portrayal of this character is what people envision in their head when they read the book." People We Meet on Vacation is based on the 2021 book of the same name and the first of author Emily Henry's novels to be adapted into a film. 'People We Meet on Vacation', starring Blyth, Bader, Gage, Jameela Jamil, Sarah Catherine Hook, Lucien Laviscount, Alan Ruck and Molly Shannon, is available to stream on Netflix, according to People. (ANI) West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari sat on a protest inside the Chandrakona police station, demanding registration of an FIR after he alleged that his convoy was attacked by Trinamool Congress workers at Paschim Medinipur on Saturday night. He demanded the registration of an FIR against those responsible for the attack, alleging that the TMC is attempting to eliminate the BJP from the state. "We are here for justice... The elections aren't far. These people are about to lose. They want to demolish the BJP... TMC Youth Wing President, TMC Labour Union leader... were there... I have given the names of the involved... I am urging that an FIR should be registered, and these people should be arrested...," Adhiakri told ANI. Earlier, the BJP leader alleged that TMC workers attacked his convoy on Chandrakona Road in Paschim Medinipur district on Saturday night. "Tonight, approximately around 8:20 PM, while I was returning from Purulia, at Chandrakona Road, Paschim Medinipur district, I was viciously attacked by TMC goons. These cowards, emboldened by the Mamata Banerjee regime's culture of violence and impunity, attacked me right in the presence of the Mamata Police," Adhikari posted on X. "The very guardians of law stood by like mute spectators. This is not just an attack on me; it's an assault on every voice of opposition in West Bengal. The TMC's desperation is showing, resorting to thuggery because they can't face the heat of the people's rising anger. I am now sitting on a dharna inside the Chandrakona Police Station, demanding immediate action & arrests. The people of Bengal deserve better than this lawless dictatorship. I will not budge until accountability is enforced," said Adhikari. Earlier on Saturday, West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya said that there is a "total breakdown of constitutional machinery" in the state. Speaking to ANI, Bhattacharya demanded that the custodians of the Constitution intervene immediately to ensure law and order is maintained. "What is happening in West Bengal is not only the absence of law and order. It tantamounts to the total breakdown of constitutional machinery. The demand of the hour is that the custodians of the Constitution should intervene immediately," he stated. (ANI) The Karnataka government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to boost tourism across coastal Karnataka, with a focus on the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said. Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru on Saturday, Shivakumar said the state government will appoint a Special Nodal Officer to ensure effective execution of tourism-related projects in the region. "To ensure the successful execution of this initiative, the government will appoint a Special Nodal Officer dedicated to overseeing and accelerating tourism projects in the region," he said. Shivakumar's remarks come amid the Congress government's broader outreach programme across the state against the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) law, also known as the VB-G RAM-G law. While speaking to reporters, Shivakumar reiterated that the Congress will hold a statewide padyatra to highlight concerns related to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He said a special session of the Karnataka Assembly will also be convened to discuss issues related to the scheme. As per the plan, the Congress will organise padyatras in every Assembly constituency from January 26 to February 2. Each padyatra will cover a distance of five to ten kilometres and will include panchayat members, labourers and party workers. Shivakumar said the initiative aims to "save MGNREGA" and to inform people about the possible impact of replacing the existing scheme with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) law. "Now, I think, they want to kill this entire project. So we want to encourage all stakeholders. We will call them, educate them. We want to see that the act will be rolled back," he told reporters. He added that the padyatras will focus on explaining how rural employment and livelihoods could be affected if MGNREGA is replaced by the new legislation. In December 2025, Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 during the Winter Session. The government has proposed an allocation of Rs 1,51,282 crore for the scheme, which is aimed at facilitating employment opportunities and supporting the overall development of villages. (ANI) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi asserted that Muslims need to create their own political agency by not being mere voters for other parties. While addressing a public meeting here, he said that the houses of Muslims will be bulldozed if they continue to participate in the democratic processes as mere voters without focusing on "making their own political agency". He further alleged that all political parties try to win Muslim votes through fear. "Muslims don't have a political agency. If you remain just a voter, your house will be bulldozed. All the political parties, including the BJP, Ajit Pawar, and Eknath Shinde, want to gain your votes by scaring you. Congress wants you to remain a voter so that you can't get anything done. You must make your own political agency," Owaisi said. Owaisi said that anti-terror laws are being misused, claiming that section 15A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is being used against Muslims, Dalits and Adivasis. He alleged that amendments to the UAPA allow authorities to label individuals as terrorists even from far away, and said the Congress also supported these changes, which he opposed in Parliament earlier. "SC denied bail to two youths, because during the tenure of Dr Manmohan Singh, terrorism was defined in an Act by P Chidambaram. Section 15A will be used against Muslim, Dalits and Adivasis. In 2019, Amit Shah amended the UAPA Act, which says that an NIA officer sitting in Delhi can declare anybody in Nagpur a terrorist. This Act was supported by Congress. I opposed and wanted voting to take place. The Congress still did not back down," Owaisi said. Recently, the Supreme Court denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in a case linked to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots, while granting bail to five other accused, observing that the two stand on a "qualitatively different footing" in terms of prosecution and evidence. The apex court granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad, noting that their culpability, if any, appeared to be limited in nature. However, it declined to extend similar relief to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. (ANI) January 10, 2026: As more transformative technology became available to the military over the last fifty years, something strange happened. The technologies began to generate new capabilities faster than the military could adapt and absorb the new tech into their operations. These changes became obvious in the course of the Ukraine war, although the new tech is showing in many other wars, rebellions, Islamic terrorist operations, and criminal enterprises. Governments are no longer obliged to get everything via long-term development and manufacturing contracts. A growing number of firms have something the military needs and deliver it unsolicited, with the option to pay for a long term use. One of the first examples of this was in 2022 when SpaceX provided their Starlink satellite communications services to Ukraine. This happened because the Ukrainian minister of digital transformation contacted SpaceX for help in dealing with Russian efforts to cut Ukrainian access to the Internet. SpaceX officials had already been negotiating with Ukraine to provide Starlink service locally. SpaceX founder Elon Musk agreed to help and within four days hundreds of Starlink satellites were moved into position to provide Ukraine with high-speed Internet service using hundreds of Starlink user kits Musk also sent to Ukraine. Musk ultimately supplied Ukraine with nearly 2,000 terminals and managed to persuade countries supplying military aid for Ukraine to include Ukrainian requests for more Starlink terminals, especially the more expensive, and capable commercial models. In this way Ukraine was able to obtain over 50,000 terminals so far. Most of these are used to keep the economy going and the ones used by the military are subject to combat losses. Civilian users face a similar but lesser risk and hundreds of terminals have been lost during Russian attacks. These have to be replaced and most, if not all, of the replacements are paid for by military aid for Ukraine. Last year American military aid to Ukraine included shipping container size 3D-printing drone factories for Ukraine. A new American tech startup raised $12 million from corporate backers like Lockheed Martin to develop cheap miniature 3D-printing drone factories for battle zones like the Ukraine. A U.S. firm, Firestorm Labs, was founded after an American 3D printing engineer visited Ukraine in early 2024. The drone factory shipping containers come in two variants, one with a 6 meter long container and the other with a 12.2 meter container. Firestorm Lab claims these units should be able to produce around 50 UAVs a month. A feature of these 3D-printing factories is that they can be placed in remote areas and blend into the background. These operations are semi-automated manufacturing facilities that can be operated by only a few people. Power can be supplied by generators if local electric power is unavailable. Automated manufacturing makes it possible to quickly produce large numbers of UAVs. The basic Firestorm Labs 3D-printed drone is the Tempest, which has a maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg, can carry a payload of 4.5 kg, and has a wingspan of 2.1 meters. It is 1.8 meters long and can be adapted to handle a range of ranges, loitering times, and cruise speeds. This drone can be broken down into portable cases that one soldier can carry for easy transport. There are swappable propulsion systems for different mission needs. There is also a quick connect/disconnect system that enables rapid reconfiguration. There were many more examples like this in Ukraine, many of them involving the armed forces growing dependence on commercial datafication software and hardware. The war in Ukraine demonstrates a shift in the substance of combat operations. Armed forces are concurrently regionalizing distributed decision-making, so it is closer to the troops and centralizing command and control through dependence on commercial firms that provide key services like cloud computing; ISR/Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance analytics; and scalable machine learning platforms for AI/Artificial Intelligence. Increasingly, military procurement officials no longer describe problems that are primarily responsible for defining the challenges of the modern battlespace and then producing tenders for technological fixes. Instead, private tech companies increasingly explain the ideal battlespace to militaries, offering software and hardware products needed to establish real-time data dominance. Another important factor is the large number of civilians in or adjacent to the combat zone with cell phones. In the first year of the Ukraine War local app developers created the ePPO cellphone app to enable civilians to quickly report incoming Russian cruise missiles, especially the new Iranian Shahed 136 Russia obtained. This drone flies low, under 100 meters, slow at 180 kilometers an hour and is noisy. They are often sent in small swarms of 4 to 12 missiles and at night. With ePPO, all a user has to do is point the phone in the direction of the missile and press a large button on the phone display to transmit useful sound and location data to a special phone network. The information quickly arrived at the local air defense headquarters where numerous such reports are instantly combined on a computer display so the officer on duty can instantly send the data to nearby air defense units. With that kind of information, more and more of the Shahed 136s and even some larger, faster cruise missiles were detected and shot down. Civilians with a Take Cover app get an alert to do that if they are in the target area. Suppliers of this data are verified by another app, Diia, which contains user identification data. Earlier the phones with Diia had a similar app to instantly report any enemy activity. For Ukrainians in Russian occupied territory, this often provided important target locations so Ukrainian guided missiles could destroy weapons storage sites as well as headquarters or troop concentrations. Technically, the use of this app in enemy territory makes the user a partisan and subject to being shot on sight. This did not discourage many Ukrainians, who noted that the Russians were already attacking civilians without any provocation. As soon as the invasion began in February, civilians were using chat apps to quickly report where the enemy had been spotted. Ukraines cell phone services kept operating during the invasion because of access to the Starlink satellite system. The Russians had no such access and not many military radios. The Russians were moving and fighting blind compared Ukrainian troops and civilians with cell phones. This persistent cell phone service enabled families to keep track of their men, and women, in the military. Apps for that had already been used in many other countries, as well as numerous navigation, first aid and fire-control apps that had been developed over the last decade. Many of these apps were also used by police, firemen and first-responders. The military has had problems with some of these apps revealing troop locations to an enemy equipped to detect such use. This led to many apps being banned from use in combat zones until the flaws could be fixed. Although Russia also had some military apps, they had fewer of them and less opportunity to get cell phone service in Ukraine. The Russians were also unable to develop new apps to deal with new developments in the war. Ukraine always had a more robust and prolific app development community and that turned out to be a military superiority the Russians did not expect, much less deal with. Another innovation was the use of commercial surveillance satellite photos to track your own troops and those of the enemy. Russia had fewer of these satellites in orbit and Western economic sanctions gradually reduced their ability to build and launch satellites. There is also the ability to store large quantities of data in server farms, otherwise known as the cloud. Technologies to specify and implement what can be done with this data using newly developed analytical tools were available before military procurement officers could even conceive of such things. Thats because this new tech was initially created for commercial users, with the military one of several possible secondary markets. The military gets publicity for issuing multi-million and billion dollar contracts for new items, but more important new capabilities show up unannounced. These commercial firms will offer this new tech to the military before defense officials realize what it can do for the armed forces. In Ukraine local software and hardware engineers often surprised American tech personnel in the country maintaining or offering new tech. Ukraine had to keep much of their new tech secret from all foreigners. When NATO nation personnel in Ukraine found out about these new developments, their first reaction was to offer co-production deals and help in selling consumer grade versions to worldwide markets. There were a lot of American venture capital firms with tens of billion dollars to invest and the new tech market in wartime Ukraine was an attractive market. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his death anniversary. He said Shastri's message of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" continues to inspire the nation even today. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister and our inspiration, Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, we pay our humble respects to him. Their message of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" continues to symbolize the nation's confidence, courage, labor, and service even today." https://x.com/kharge/status/2010201241507508428?s=20 Kharge said that in difficult times, he provided strong and skilful guidance to the country, strengthened respect for farmers, accelerated reforms and showed India's resolve during the 1965 war. "In difficult times, he provided skilful leadership to the nation. He gave new strength to the respect for farmers, accelerated reforms, and showed direction to India's resolve in the 1965 war. His simple life and high ideals will remain an inspiration for every generation. Our heartfelt tribute," the post read. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid tribute to Shastri, remembering his honesty, sense of duty and leadership. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/2010154700042317867?s=20 "Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji led the nation with strong resolve. He believed that strength lay in honesty, restraint and duty to the people. Tributes to the great leader on his Punyatithi. His words and conduct still offer timeless lessons in serving the nation," Assam CM said in a post on X. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remembered Lal Bahadur Shastri's leadership, reforms, and the lasting message of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan." https://x.com/DKShivakumar/status/2010162242357211648?s=20 "Humble tributes to the steadfast former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his death anniversary. He guided India through challenging times with courage, implementing reforms that strengthened agriculture, improved nutrition, and reinforced national security. His slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" reflected his commitment to both soldiers and farmers, leaving a legacy of leadership that continues to inspire," Shivakumar said. Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1904, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India and served from 1964 to 1966. He died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, at the age of 61, soon after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan. Former PM Shastri was a visionary leader who understood people's language and who led the country towards progress. (ANI) He will also attend a conclave aimed at fostering development in the state. Shah, who arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday night, began his day by offering darshan and performing pooja at the historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Amit Shah will interact with newly elected representatives from local self-government institutions across Kerala, at the Uday Palace Convention Centre in Kowdiar. In the afternoon, the Home Minister will inaugurate the "New India, New Kerala" conclave organised by Kerala Kaumudi. Later in the day, Shah is scheduled to attend an NDA leaders' meeting and the BJP State Core Committee meeting at the party's state office, providing organisational and political guidance to leaders ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a post on X today, said, "Privileged to join our karyakartas in welcoming @AmitShah ji to Thiruvananthapuram. 6 months ago, in July 2025, Amit Shah ji launched BJP/NDA's #Mission2025 and Kerala witnessed a political turning point in local body elections. Today, he is here to launch #Mission2026 and guide our karyakartas as we prepare for one of the most consequential Assembly elections in Kerala's history. Election that will decide the future of our state and the opportunities available to generations of Malayalees.(ANI) A large crowd gathered at the public meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi organised under the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, where the entire venue reflected devotion, pride, and national spirit. On this occasion, Somnath resident Daksha Parmar arrived with specially prepared paintings, including a pencil sketch of Mata Heeraba and the Prime Minister. She shared that her pride in being born on the sacred land of Somnath has doubled, as the Somnath and Prabhas regions have gained global recognition under the Prime Minister's leadership. She expressed her gratitude and thankfulness to the Prime Minister, according to a release. The occasion further highlighted the importance of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv and filled the gathered crowd with pride. Meanwhile, PM Modi offered prayers at the Somnath temple. He also paid floral tributes to the statues of Veer Hamirji Gohil and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Veer Hamirji Gohil sacrificed his life while defending the Somnath Temple in 1299 AD during the invasion led by Zafar Khan. PM Modi took part in the Shaurya Yatra at Somnath as part of a four-day national commemoration marking 1,000 years of unbroken faith and resilience since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. During his visit, the Prime Minister was joined by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. It represents courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit that preserved Somnath through centuries of adversity. Ahead of the yatra, 108 horses from the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit arrived to take part in the event. Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to January 11, 2026, marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The attack marked the start of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Despite this, Somnath remained deeply rooted in the collective memory of the people. The repeated destruction and revival of the temple is seen as unique in world history, reflecting its continued spiritual and cultural significance. On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, calling its restoration vital for restoring India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public support, was completed with the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad. (ANI) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, saying there was a "tubelight" inside the head of the BJP leader and accused him of not understanding the Constitution. His remark came after Sarma responded to Owaisi's "hijab-clad woman as PM" statement, which he had given a day earlier, saying that even though it is constitutionally possible, India, being a Hindu nation, will see a Hindu person becoming the Prime Minister of the country. Addressing reporters, Owaisi said, "There is a 'tubelight' in his head. He took an oath on the Constitution. Where is this written in the Constitution?... Pakistan's Constitution mentions that person of just one community can become the PM and President of that country. In our country, Babasaheb Ambedkar gave the Constitution. He was more intelligent and educated than Himanta Biswa Sarma." "Unfortunately, people who do not understand the Constitution and its spirit that this country does not belong to just one community. It is the beauty of this country that it is for those people who do not believe in God. He (Assam CM) has a petty mindset. So, he says such petty things," he said. A day earlier, Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing media persons said, "Constitutionally, there is no bar. Anyone can become the Prime Minister. But India is a Hindu nation, Hindu civilisation, and we will always believe, and we are extremely confident that the Indian Prime Minister will always be a Hindu person." On Friday, Owaisi said that one day a hijab-clad daughter will become the Prime Minister of India, highlighting the inclusivity of the Indian Constitution. Speaking at the election meeting in Solapur, Maharashtra, Owaisi argued that such inclusivity is not offered in Pakistan's constitution, which restricts people of other religions from holding top posts. "The constitution of Pakistan clearly states that a person belonging to only one religion can become the Prime Minister of the country. Baba Sahib's constitution says that any citizen of India can become Prime Minister, CM, or mayor. It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will become the Prime Minister of this country," he said. (ANI) Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Sunday demanded a judicial enquiry into the Indore water contamination crisis. Singh stressed that it is CM Mohan Yadav's responsibility to ensure that a judicial probe is conducted into the matter. "There should be a judicial inquiry. Accountability must be fixed so that others get a lesson. A judicial inquiry is required into the matter...It is also the responsibility of the Chief Minister himself," he told reporters. Suspecting corruption behind the issue, Digvijaya Singh further said that the judicial inquiry should determine the facts of the incident and that strict action should be taken against those responsible. "This is a very painful incident, and therefore, the Congress party demands a judicial inquiry conducted by a sitting judge with public hearings. The inquiry should determine the facts of the incident, and strict action should be taken against those responsible. Because this essentially involves the Jal Jeevan Mission... and there is massive corruption involved," he told ANI. Earlier on January 6, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court held a hearing on Indore's Bhagirathpura water contamination case and expressed serious concern over the incident, seeking a detailed report of the matter at the next hearing. The Court also directed the state's Chief Secretary to appear before it through video conferencing on the next hearing scheduled for January 15. The court heard all the petitions related to Bhagirathpura case together, including a petition filed by Indore High Court Bar Association President, Ritesh Inani. The water contamination incident in Indore's Bhagirathpura has sparked widespread criticism, as it claimed several lives and affected many families. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced Rs 2 lakh in financial assistance to the families of the deceased and free treatment for all affected people. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra regions. The event saw the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, among other dignitaries. The two-day conference summit will highlight Gujarat's leadership in the clean energy sector and its alignment with India's 'Panchamrit' commitments announced by the Prime Minister. These include achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, meeting 50 per cent of energy requirements from renewable sources, reducing projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes, lowering carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030, and attaining net-zero emissions by 2070. As part of the VGRC, the Energy and Petrochemicals Department (EPD) will lead a series of high-level discussions, seminars, and panel sessions focused on Gujarat's renewable energy roadmap. Under the Mission 100 GW (Shapath Patra), the state has committed to achieving more than 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, reinforcing its position as a frontrunner in India's energy transition. The first day of the conference will feature a CEO Roundtable on 'Ocean of Opportunities - Blue Energy, Green Future', which will explore nearshore wind and blue energy prospects. Other key sessions include a Green Startups Fireside Chat, 'Carbon to Crops: Greener Molecules, Greater Yields', and discussions on Gujarat's role as India's energy gateway in oil and gas. An exhibition-cum-trade show will also showcase best practices in daytime power for agriculture, renewable energy connectivity, and achievements under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Day two will begin with the flagship programme 'Solar Dividends: Empowerment through PM-KUSUM & PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana', highlighting Gujarat's success in decentralised solar adoption. The day will also see the release of a compendium of best practices by GUVNL and its subsidiaries, the signing of memoranda of understanding, and the felicitation of beneficiaries, vendors, and employees for their contributions to the power sector. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Somnath Swabhiman Mahotsav Parv. The Prime Minister also offered prayers at the Somnath Temple, which is revered as the first of the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a significant part of India's spiritual heritage. (ANI) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday took disciplinary action against Parvinder Kaur Brar, President of Longowal Municipal Council, and suspended her from the party steps due to anti-party activities. Along with her, Kamal Brar and Karam Singh Brar were also suspended from primary membership of the party with immediate effect, as per an official party statement. The statement read, "It has come to the notice of the Party that you have been involved in anti-party activities. Accordingly, the Party hereby suspends you, along with Kamal Brar and Karam Singh Brar, from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party with immediate effect." Meanwhile, AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj, on Saturday, along with other party leaders, reached Raj Ghat in the national capital to protest against the BJP over the alleged circulation of a doctored video of Delhi Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Atishi. In a press release, the Jalandhar Police said the FIR was registered on a complaint filed by Iqbal Singh after several social media posts circulated a short video clip purportedly showing Atishi making derogatory and blasphemous remarks against Gurus. "Several social media posts containing a short video clip allegedly showing Atishi, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, making allegedly derogatory and blasphemous remarks against Gurus with highly inflammatory captions have been uploaded on social media platforms," the release stated. According to a forensic report dated January 9, 2026, the word "Guru" was not uttered by Atishi in the audio clips circulating on social media. "Vide Forensic Report dated 09-01-2026, it has emerged that the word 'Guru' has not been uttered by Atishi in her audio as contained in the video clips being circulated on social media. Furthermore, there has been deliberate doctoring of the video to attribute words in the captions that were never spoken by Atishi," the release clarified. Further investigation into the matter is underway, police said. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday criticised Kerala's handling of the Sabarimala gold theft case, questioning the state's ability to protect the temple's treasury. Shah demanded the investigation be handed over to a neutral agency, alleging two Kerala ministers are under suspicion. He accused Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan of failing to ensure a fair probe, saying the BJP will agitate and raise awareness across Kerala until the investigation is transferred. Addressing a gathering of newly elected local body representatives here today, Shah said, "...Can those who failed to protect the Sabarimala temple's treasury protect our faith?... If anyone can protect the fundamental faith of Kerala, it is only the BJP... this theft is not just a matter of the faith of the people of Kerala, but the entire country is watching you (Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan) with great apprehension... I have seen the FIR, and a virus to protect the culprits has been injected into it... Two of your ministers are under suspicion... How can you deliver justice and conduct a neutral investigation?... The UDF can't do it either because evidence of their collusion is also going viral... I demand that the Chief Minister of Kerala hand over the investigation to a neutral agency... Until the investigation is handed over to a neutral agency, the BJP will agitate in every village in Kerala and conduct public awareness campaigns... Pinarayi Vijayan, we will turn the people against you, and you will have to hand over the investigation... Pinarayi Vijayan, your time is up..." The Sabarimala gold theft case involves the alleged misappropriation of approximately 4.54 kg of gold from sacred temple artefacts, including the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames and Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols. On January 9, 2026, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested the temple's senior Tantri (chief priest), Kandararu Rajeevaru. He is accused of criminal conspiracy and "silent permission" for removing the gold-plated artefacts from the temple premises in violation of ritual procedures. The theft allegedly occurred in 2019 under the pretext of refinishing and gold-plating temple artefacts. Shah said the BJP's support in Kerala is steadily increasing and expressed confidence that the party will form the government in the upcoming state election this year. He also launched a sharp attack on the ruling Left Democratic Front in the State and the Congress-led United Democratic Front. Shah also criticised Kerala's LDF and UDF governments, alleging they can't protect the state from "divisive forces" like Jamaat-e-Islami, PFI, and SDPI, claiming they're vote banks. "Friends, tell me: can the LDF and UDF protect Kerala from Jamaat-e-Islami, PFI, and the now-growing SDPI?... They cannot. PFI, SDPI, and Jamaat-e-Islami are their vote banks; they will never take any action against them... If anyone can save Kerala from their divisive agenda, it is the BJP...," said the Union Home Minister. Shah highlighted the BJP's initiatives, such as abolishing triple talaq and introducing a Waqf law to curb corruption, noting that these moves are opposed by the LDF and UDF. He questioned Kerala CM on the protection of 400 acres in Ernakulam from the Waqf Board, protecting land rights and the dignity of Muslim women, emphasising the BJP's stance of "justice for all, appeasement to none." " We abolish triple talaq, and both the LDF and UDF oppose it... Today, I want to ask the Chief Minister of Kerala a clear question: Do Muslim women have the right to live with dignity or not?... We bring in a law to eliminate corruption in the Waqf, which both of them oppose... Today, I want to ask a clear question: 400 acres of land belonging to 600 Christian and Hindu families in Ernakulam have been usurped in the name of the Waqf Board. What are your thoughts on protecting that land?... The LDF and UDF cannot protect Kerala from all this because they have accepted appeasement as a policy, and when you do that, you don't do justice to anyone... That is why the BJP's policy is justice for all and appeasement to none...," said Shah. Shah emphasised Kerala needs balanced development, criticising LDF and UDF governments for relying on remittances from Keralites abroad. "...Kerala's development should be balanced... The LDF and UDF governments in Kerala are content with the money sent by Keralites working abroad... While I appreciate Keralites working abroad, I want to ask the LDF and UDF whether it is the responsibility of the Kerala government to support families whose members don't send money from abroad... Whose responsibility is it to bring about improvements for those millions of people?... Today, I have come to tell the people of Kerala that wherever the BJP and NDA have come to power, they have transformed those states into developed states...," he said. Shah said BJP-led states have achieved transformation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers a balanced development model. He urged Kerala to shift from remittance-dependent growth to inclusive development for all citizens. "PM Modi has presented a balanced development model to the world... Kerala should also abandon the idea of remittance-based, one-dimensional development and plan for the development of every citizen of Kerala...," added Shah. Shah declared the BJP's growing influence in Kerala, citing rising vote share: 11% (2014), 16% (2019), and 20% (2024). Shah predicts the BJP's vote share will reach 30-40% by 2026, with the aim of securing a CM seat. He highlighted local wins (30 Gram Panchayats, 2 municipalities, and the Thiruvananthapuram mayor) and credited the sacrifices of party workers. "The people of Kerala are giving their support to the BJP, and our support is growing... In 2014, we received 11% of the vote; in 2019, 16%; and in 2024, 20%... Now, the journey from 20% to 30% and 40% won't be that long, and we will prove this in 2026... We have already achieved this across the country, but now it's Kerala's turn... This time, a BJP Chief Minister will definitely be elected in Kerala... This change in Kerala is not limited to the cities alone... We have won 30 Gram Panchayats, two municipalities, and our mayor is currently serving Thiruvananthapuram... This journey of victory has been made possible only because of the sacrifices of our hundreds of party workers who have given their all... Today, with great humility, on behalf of the BJP, I want to dedicate our victory to the hundreds of party workers who have served time in jail and to their families...," said Shah. Amit Shah criticised Kerala's LDF and UDF, alleging they're hindering the state's progress through "match-fixing". Shah urged Keralites to choose the BJP's NDA for development, security, and the protection of beliefs, citing the decline of the Communist and Congress parties globally and nationally. He emphasised a humble approach and a clear vision for Kerala's future. "The match-fixing between the LDF and UDF has stalled this state with its immense potential, and our Kerala is experiencing a strange kind of stagnation... But I have come to this workers' conference to appeal to the people of Kerala: the path to Kerala's future, whether it be development, security, or the protection of our beliefs, cannot be achieved through the LDF or the UDF... Communist parties have disappeared all over the world, and the Congress party is fading away throughout our country. Now, the path to Kerala's development lies only with Narendra Modi's NDA... What is needed is to approach the people of Kerala with humility and a clear vision...," he added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed BJP's Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation win as a stepping stone to forming a BJP government in Kerala. Shah outlined the BJP's goals: developing Kerala, protecting faith, and countering anti-national forces. He emphasised PM Modi's vision for a developed India by 2047, linking Kerala's progress to national growth. "...This victory is not our goal... but a stepping stone towards achieving our goal... Our ultimate goal is to form a government in Kerala under the lotus symbol and bring a BJP Chief Minister... Our goal is to make Kerala fully developed... and to protect Kerala from anti-national forces... to protect the power of faith that has existed in Kerala for centuries... The people of Kerala also believe that the UDF and LDF cannot accomplish these three tasks; only the NDA, led by Narendra Modi, can do so... Narendra Modi has envisioned making this country a developed India by 2047... I have come here today to tell the people of Kerala that the path to a developed India goes through a developed Kerala," he added. Last month, the BJP-led NDA made history in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, securing control of the corporation and ending the LDF's 40-year rule. Of the 101 wards in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the NDA secured 50, the LDF 29, the UDF 19, and two went to independent candidates. BJP's victory comes as a shock to the Congress-led UDF and Left Parties, as the NDA continues to make inroads into their vote share, emerging as a third front in the state. (ANI) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a massive protest outside the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on Sunday over the alleged circulation of a doctored video of Delhi Leader of Opposition (LoP) and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. Several AAP MLAs and party leaders were detained by the police during the demonstration. The protest follows a video shared by BJP leaders, including Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, which AAP claims was manipulated to include words Atishi did not speak and to allegedly disrespect Sikh Gurus. Delhi AAP President Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "AAP workers are demanding an apology from CM Rekha Gupta. Demanding this, we have come here near the BJP office. It has been proven that BJP minister Kapil Mishra inserted false words in Atishi's video and attempted to vitiate religious harmony in the country. Action should be taken against them." Earlier, on Saturday, AAP leaders, led by Bharadwaj, visited Raj Ghat in New Delhi to offer prayers and protest against the BJP over the video. AAP MLA Jarnail Singh accused the BJP of using the doctored clip as a diversion from critical issues in the national capital, saying, "The BJP government has resorted to a very cheap conspiracy to sideline the real issues of Delhi in this assembly session...this doctored video is an example of their corrupt thoughts." In addition, AAP workers gheraoed the residence of Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal in Lambi, Sri Muktsar Sahib district, opposing his alleged role in circulating the manipulated video. On 9 January, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs staged a protest outside the Delhi Assembly against the state government. AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha accused the BJP-led state government of trying to divert attention from key issues in Delhi, such as law and order, contaminated water, pollution and the Yamuna by circulating a "fraudulent" video involving LoP Atishi. (ANI) Through a grand Shaurya Yatra and Mahapuja on the sacred land of Prabhas, the Prime Minister scripted a new chapter of cultural renaissance. Participating in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held to mark the thousand-year anniversary of the attacks on the Somnath temple on the Arabian Sea coast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the victory of India's invincible cultural values. Addressing the Shaurya Sabha, he said that the lessons of the last thousand years will guide India's future for decades. He emphasised that the Somnath temple is not just a religious site, but a symbol of India's unwavering faith, self-respect and cultural spirit. Despite attempts to erase its past, Somnath's history is one of victory and reconstruction, not destruction and defeat. The Prime Minister said that the attacks on the Somnath temple show that hearts cannot be won by force, and that any civilisation which advances by crushing others ultimately fades into history. He stated that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is not about remembering destruction, but about celebrating thousands of years of resilience and reconstruction. Despite repeated attacks on Somnath and India by foreign invaders, neither was destroyed, because India's soul and its centres of faith are indestructible. On the second day of his visit during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations, the Prime Minister performed rituals and offered prayers to Lord Somnath in accordance with tradition. Prior to this, he participated in the Shaurya Yatra along with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Minister Jitubhai Vaghani. During the Shaurya Yatra, which featured a procession of 108 horses and saffron-turbaned riders, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries received greetings from devotees. Floral tributes were offered before the statues of Veer Hamirji, who laid down his life protecting the Somnath temple, and Sardar Patel, who led the reconstruction of the ruined temple within the temple complex. The passage of time shows that those who sought to destroy Somnath are now part of history, while the Somnath temple still stands on the seashore, its flag flying high. He emphasised that Somnath's history is one of victory, courage, sacrifice and reconstruction, and that preserving this rare legacy of faith and culture is our duty for future generations. From Ghaznavi to Aurangzeb, many invaders attacked the Somnath temple but failed to understand the true essence of the Sanatan tradition. He said that the name 'Somnath' itself signifies 'Som', or nectar, and that Mahadev here represents conscious, benevolent and indestructible power. The Prime Minister said that Lord Shiva at Somnath is 'Mrityunjaya', the conqueror of death and the source of creation, preservation and dissolution. He added that since Shiva is seen in every particle of India's faith, no invasion could destroy this spiritual consciousness. Referring to the post-Independence period, the Prime Minister said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's resolve to reconstruct Somnath was a symbol of national self-respect. He noted that, despite many obstacles during the 1951 reconstruction, eminent personalities such as Jam Saheb Maharaja Digvijaysinhji made significant contributions by placing the national interest above all else. The Prime Minister warned that anti-national and divisive forces still exist in new forms. He urged citizens to stay united, vigilant and strong, saying that protecting our faith, roots and heritage is essential for India's strength in the next thousand years. The Prime Minister said that invaders once believed they had conquered India, but today the flag at Somnath proves India's invincible strength and resolve. With the blessings of Somnath Mahadev, India stands firm before the world with its rich heritage and self-respect. Addressing the Shaurya Sabha, the Prime Minister said that a thousand years ago, our ancestors sacrificed everything to protect their faith. He noted that every part of Prabhas Patan bears witness to their courage and heroism, and that because of the sacrifices of Shiva devotees and guardians of culture, Somnath's legacy and our culture remain alive today. The Prime Minister said that he has placed before the nation his grand vision for the next thousand years of India and expressed his resolve to move forward with the vision of 'from Dev to Desh'. He stated that today, India's cultural resurgence is instilling new confidence among crores of citizens. There is a firm belief in the minds of every citizen regarding Viksit Bharat. Stating that 140 crore Indians are committed to future goals, the Prime Minister said that India will take its pride to new heights, achieve victory in the fight against poverty, and attain new milestones of development. He added that the country is fully prepared to become the world's third-largest economy and for the journey beyond. Referring to the strengthening of India's heritage through the cultural precinct of the Somnath temple, the establishment of Somnath Sanskrit University, and the growing popularity of the Madhavpur Fair, the Prime Minister said that today's India is moving ahead with inspiration from 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi', and in Somnath, the spirit of this mantra is continuously being realised. The Prime Minister added that conservation of the Gir lion has enhanced the natural appeal of the region and new dimensions of development are being created in the Prabhas Patan area. With the expansion of Keshod Airport, devotees from India and abroad will be able to reach Somnath directly, while the launch of the Ahmedabad-Veraval Vande Bharat train is saving time for pilgrims and tourists. In addition, the development of the pilgrimage circuit is giving new momentum to spiritual tourism. In conclusion, the Prime Minister said that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv brings together heritage, spirituality and pride, and is not just a festival but an experience of self-respect. Through this divine event, the younger generation is witnessing the strength of Indian culture. He called upon devotees to join the celebration with the chant of 'Har Har Mahadev'. Describing the Somnath Swabhiman Parv as a celebration of national self-respect and unbroken faith, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that the Somnath temple, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, symbolises faith, self-respect and unwavering resolve, and that the Parv, inspired by Prime Minister, will take faith to new heights. The Chief Minister said that despite centuries of invasions, faith in Lord Somnath remains unbroken, and the sacrifices of warriors like Veer Hamirji Gohil, Chaula Devi and Vegda Bhil are remembered with pride. He said that through the Swabhiman Parv, Prime Minister has honoured the martyrdom of the brave warriors who protected Somnath Dada, even as the world focuses on self-upliftment. Referring to the reconstruction of the Somnath temple, the Chief Minister said it is a matter of great pride that Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi has inspired the nation to keep alive the valour of self-respecting warriors and to further strengthen the spirit of cultural nationalism. The Chief Minister said that Sardar Patel's resolve after Independence to rebuild the Somnath temple is now seen in its grand form, which stands not just as bricks and stones, but as a symbol of his unwavering determination. Stating that the tradition of holistic development of pilgrimage centres under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi is a spiritual resolve of 'Viksit Bharat 2047', the Chief Minister said that Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Mahakal, Baba Baidyanath Dham, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the flag hoisting at Pavagadh temple, the development of Ambaji Dham and this Somnath Swabhiman Parv are all part of the same continuum. Appealing to the people, the Chief Minister urged everyone to adopt 'Viksit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat' as a life mantra. He wished that Lord Somnath grant unbroken strength to Narendrabhai Modi and that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv guide India towards becoming a world guru. Welcoming the Prime Minister with the resounding chant of 'Jai Somnath', Deputy Chief Minister Harshbhai Sanghavi stated that, it is a moment of pride to welcome the Prime Minister as Chairman of the Somnath Trust. The grand 'Shaurya Yatra' held in Somnath and the 72 hours of continuous 'Omkar Mantra Japa' are resonating across the entire country today. Recalling history from the seashore, he said that Somnath represents India's defiance against invaders. While Ghaznavi faded into history, Somnath still stands strong, and the sacrifices of Hamirji Gohil and Vegda Bhil remain shining examples of Indian unity. Echoing Sardar Patel's resolve, Sanghavi said that India would never compromise its self-respect, and under the Prime Minister's leadership, this resolve has become national policy. He said the nation now takes pride in its culture instead of glorifying invaders. Through Ayodhya, Kashi and Mahakal Lok, the Prime Minister has advanced the vision of Vikas bhi Virasat bhi, strengthened faith, and created new employment opportunities for youth through temple reconstruction. Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vaghani stated that, Somnath is the self-respect of Sanatan culture and national consciousness, and Prime Minister is the pride of every citizen. With the blessings of Girnari saints and sadhus, for the first time a procession of Digambar sadhus was taken out beyond the Bhavnath area of Junagadh. The Prime Minister's leadership has been accepted by the entire world, and through his firm resolve India is moving towards becoming a world guru. On this occasion, various dignitaries welcomed and honored the Prime Minister. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, Education Minister Dr. Pradyuman Vaja, Minister of State for Energy Kaushik Vekariya, MP Rajesh Chudasama, along with MPs and MLAs from neighbouring districts, leaders, saints, sadhus and Shiva devotees were present in large numbers. (ANI) January 11, 2026: Last year, on November 10, a car bomb exploded near the seventeenth-century Mughal-era Red Fort in New Delhi, India. The car bomber was a Moslem medical doctor Umar Un Nabi, and an assistant professor at Al Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana. Dr Nabi and twelve nearby civilians died while 32 others were wounded. Such attacks are rare for India. The last one also took place in New Delhi in 2011, when a briefcase exploded outside New Delhis High Court. Four other medical personnel at a local hospital were arrested for helping Dr Nabi plan and carry out the attack. All five men were radicalized by a paramedic at the hospital they all worked in. Attacks like this by Indian Moslems are rare. Pakistan-based Islamic terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed planned the attack to avenge the death of 10 family members of its leader, Masood Azhar. This attack took place just a few months after Operation Sindoor, an Indian military operation that sought to discourage Islamic terror groups based in Pakistan . The Red Fort attack was revenge for recent Indian counter-terrorism operations. Indian Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the Pahalgam attack of April 22, 2025, that killed 25 Indian and 1 Nepalese in Baisaran Valley in Indias Jammu and Kashmir. Operation Sindoor led to four days of intense tit-for-tat conflict between India and Pakistan. So far this year there have been 198 terrorism incidents in India, a country of over a billion people and one of the most peaceful in the world. In 2025 there were 642 deaths in India from all forms of terrorism, compared to 630 in 2024, 480 in 2023, 434 in 2022, 585 in 2021, 621 in 2019 and 940 in 2018. In 2020 54 percent of the dead were in Kashmir, which was higher than usual. In most years non-Islamic terrorist violence accounts for most of the violence, but in 2020 leftist Maoist rebels in eastern India only accounted for 41 percent of the deaths with another five percent caused by tribal separatists in the northeast. The decline in Maoist activity began in 2009 when India assigned 75,000 additional police to deal with the Maoists. Initially this did not increase Maoist losses but did result in more dead policemen. The Maoists eventually lost many of their rural camps and, in general, were forced to devote more time to security and less to attacking the government or extorting money from businesses. As always, the government failed to effectively address the social and economic problems in the countryside, where feudalism and corruption are rampant. India has more Moslems than Pakistan and Pakistan has a difficult time radicalizing Indians. Eight years ago, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh celebrated the 70th anniversary of British India and centuries of British rule being replaced with independent India and Pakistan, which, after 25 years, split into Bangladesh and what is now Pakistan. By 2017 these three nations had a population equal to China but have fared differently when it comes to economic growth. After 70 years India has seen its GDP per capita increase 5.5 times, Pakistan 3.9 times and Bangladesh 2.4 times, Neighbor China saw an increase of 17.9 times. Back in 1947 the GDP per capita in India was 38 percent higher than China while in what is now Pakistan it was 50 percent higher and in Bangladesh 21 percent higher. In 1947 China had just ended four decades of rebellion, civil war, invasion and one more civil war that put the communists in power. During that time British India was much more peaceful and undergoing the industrial revolution and the attendant changes. The Chinese economy didnt grow much more quickly than that of India until the 1980s when the Chinese government decided to give economic, but not political, freedom a chance. India always had political freedom, but the economy was crippled by corruption and state control. In the 1990s India introduced more economic freedom but still, like Pakistan and Bangladesh, suffered more from corruption than neighboring China. There were also cultural differences between the four nations, but it is interesting to see how the four did after 70 years of independence. Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Sunday mocked RJD's Tejashwi Yadav's recent statement in which he said he would keep silent for 100 days about the current goverment, saying they should go into penance during that time. He launched a scathing attack, suggesting that both the former Deputy Chief Minister and his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, should retreat from the political limelight. "They (Tejashwi Yadav) should become Mauni Baba (silent sages). Both father and son should remain silent and observe penance for 100 days.", Singh told the media. Earlier, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that the current government's victory was a product of "deceit and trickery". Yadav claimed that "Lok" (the people) had lost while "Tantra" (the system) had won in the 2025 elections. "Lok" lost , "Tantra" won... We all know the conspiracy behind their victory. They have won through deceit and trickery. Everybody in the nation and Bihar knows it.", Tejashwi Yadav accused. Yadav announced that the opposition would observe for a 100-day period before speaking on the new government's policies. During this time, he stated that they would see what the current government does for the people. "We won't say anything about the decisions and policies of the current government for 100 days. Then we would see how many of our sisters and mothers receive 2 lakhs each, and when will 1 crore youths get jobs. There has been talk of setting up four to five factories in every district. We would see if that happens," he remarked. Along with that, Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticised AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's recent remarks and stressed that the nation will not tolerate "hateful statements" anymore. "Owaisi only makes statements that spread hatred. The country will not accept hatred today.", Singh said. This comes after All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi asserted that Muslims need to create their own political agency by not being mere voters for other parties. He said that the houses of Muslims will be bulldozed if they continue to participate in the democratic processes as mere voters without focusing on "making their own political agency." He further alleged that all political parties try to win Muslim votes through fear. "Muslims don't have a political agency. If you remain just a voter, your house will be bulldozed. All the political parties, including the BJP, Ajit Pawar, and Eknath Shinde, want to gain your votes by scaring you. Congress wants you to remain a voter so that you can't get anything done. You must make your own political agency," Owaisi said. (ANI) BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya on Sunday condemned the attack on Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari's convoy, stating that the people of West Bengal have rejected the TMC due to their alleged destruction of the constitutional order. Bhattacharya emphasised that Adhikari, as a constitutional Leader of Opposition, was targeted to divert attention from the 'green file' controversy, which has embarrassed the state government. "Today, the people of West Bengal have no connection whatsoever left with the TMC. The people have rejected the TMC. The TMC has completely demolished the entire constitutional order... Suvendu Adhikari, who is himself the Leader of the Opposition, had to knock on the doors of the High Court 104 times just to hold a rally... This is the situation in which West Bengal is operating today. What does this attack on Suvendu Adhikari mean?... The Leader of the Opposition does not belong to any party but is a constitutional position... There is another reason for this attack as well. The entire country is mocking West Bengal today over the 'green file' matter... This attack on Suvendu Adhikari has been carried out to divert attention from this very situation...," said Samik Bhattacharya. This comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "Green File" sparked a major political controversy. The file, showcased during a public address, allegedly contains documents related to political manoeuvring and central pressure. Mamata claimed it's crucial to her party's strategy, while opponents argue it may be a way to withhold sensitive information or evidence. The Green File's contents and authenticity are disputed, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) accusing Mamata of interfering in their investigation into the I-PAC coal scam. The ED has moved the Calcutta High Court, seeking the return of files allegedly taken by Mamata during the raid. Mamata's supporters rally behind her, framing the ED's actions as a political vendetta. The Opposition demands clarification, questioning the timing and transparency of disclosures amid election momentum. The ED (Enforcement Directorate) filed a plea in the Supreme Court over the alleged interference and obstruction by CM Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government in the agencies' search operations at the headquarters of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC)- a political consultancy firm linked to the All India Trinamool Congress and at the Kolkata residence of its director, Pratik Jain. The ED has sought directions for a CBI probe into the matter. On Thursday, ED raids were conducted at the Kolkata headquarters of the Indian Political Action Committee and at the residence of its director, Pratik Jain. Anticipating that the ED may approach the Supreme Court alleging interference in its search operations, the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has filed a caveat in the apex court, seeking that no order be passed without hearing the state. Separately, the West Bengal government has filed a plea in the Calcutta High Court, alleging that the ED seized all data and digital records from I-PAC's office. In its petition, the Mamata Banerjee-led government has sought directions to the ED to return all seized materials, including private, sensitive and confidential data, along with information and documents taken in both physical and electronic form. The State government claimed that the allegedly unlawfully seized data belongs to the Trinamool Congress and relates to its party operations. Earlier, Suvendu Adhikari alleged that his convoy was attacked by Trinamool Congress workers on Chandrakona Road in Paschim Medinipur district on Saturday night, while he was returning from Purulia. Following the incident, Adhikari staged a protest inside the Chandrakona Police Station, demanding that an FIR be registered against those involved. Adhikari accused the ruling TMC of attempting to eliminate the BJP from the state ahead of elections. Claiming that senior TMC youth and labour wing leaders were involved, he said he had submitted names to the police and demanded immediate arrests. In a post on X, Adhikari alleged, "The very guardians of law stood by like mute spectators. This is not just an attack on me; it's an assault on every voice of opposition in West Bengal. The TMC's desperation is showing, resorting to thuggery because they can't face the heat of the people's rising anger. I am now sitting on a dharna inside the Chandrakona Police Station, demanding immediate action & arrests. The people of Bengal deserve better than this lawless dictatorship. I will not budge until accountability is enforced." (ANI) DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Sunday said that the Union Government is not providing adequate funds to develop classical languages like Tamil, even though Tamil has a rich heritage and millions of speakers across the world. She was speaking at the World Tamil Diaspora Day celebrations held in Chennai. According to a release, Kanimozhi said the event itself was a long-standing demand of Tamils living across the globe and thanked Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the Tamil Nadu government for organising it. She extended Tamil New Year and Pongal greetings to Tamils everywhere. Expressing happiness over the participation of Tamil associations from several countries, Kanimozhi said it was heartening to see Tamils preserving their language and identity even while living thousands of miles away from their homeland. Referring to a Malaysian folk song about migrant workers who die far away from their parents, she said such lyrics reveal the emotional pain of the Tamil diaspora. "Folk arts capture the real lives, struggles, dreams and love of ordinary people," she said. She recalled a folk lyric that described an aeroplane as a "cart without bulls flying in the sky", showing how traditional art forms recorded modern experiences. Folk traditions, she added, have always reflected social realities, including caste, religion, gender differences and love. Kanimozhi noted how Chennai's traditional Gaana music has now evolved into rap, becoming a powerful form of political and social expression. She praised rapper Arivu for using music to speak for the people.Calling for the protection of traditional art forms, she said artists were ensuring their survival by teaching them to their children. "We must know our true identity. Caste and religion divide us, but Tamil unites us," she said, warning against misleading narratives being spread to young people through social media. Describing Tamil as a language of both ancient heritage and social awakening, Kanimozhi reminded people that today's access to education was achieved through enormous struggle. "There was a time when education was denied to many communities. That history must be remembered," she said. While mythological stories could be taught to children, she insisted that they should also be taught about social justice leaders such as Periyar, C.N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi, and M.K. Stalin, who fought for equality and education, according to the release. Kanimozhi concluded by calling on Tamils across the world to strengthen their connection with the Tamil language and culture through events like the World Tamil Diaspora Day. (ANI) High Commissioner of Rwanda Jacqueline Mukangira congratulated the organisers of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference and stated that Rwanda and India share harmonious bilateral relations. She recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Rwanda in 2018, during which he gifted 200 Gir cows to needy families, and expressed gratitude for this gesture, the Chief Minister's Office said in a press release. Mukangira highlighted that the President of Rwanda has visited India five times and also participated in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2017. She emphasised that the leadership of both nations has made bilateral relations strategically significant. Mukangira described Rwanda as a rapidly developing country with a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. She noted that Rwanda's economy grew at a rate of 11.8 per cent in the quarter of 2025. She further mentioned that Rwanda ranked first across Africa in the World Bank's 2024 report on the Ease of Doing Business category, reflecting administrative transparency. She added that India is Rwanda's second-largest foreign investor and trading partner, with relations between the two countries continuing to grow. She also announced that Indian nationals are eligible for a visa-on-arrival valid for one month. Ambassador of Ukraine Oleksandr Polischuk remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved from being a national leader to playing a very important role as a global leader. Expressing joy at participating in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit for the sixth time, he praised the Prime Minister's efforts to establish peace in his own country as well. He stated that after the war, Ukraine's reconstruction offers significant opportunities for Indian companies in sectors such as energy, logistics, construction, industry, agriculture, and IT. He expressed hope that Indian companies would participate in the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference scheduled to be held in Poland later this year. Polischuk highlighted the long history of successful cooperation between India and Ukraine in traditional sectors such as grain, pharmaceutical products, and oil, which continue to strengthen Ukraine's economy. He described Prime Minister Modi as an outstanding leader and appreciated the efforts of the Gujarat Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel. He concluded by saying that Ukraine feels proud to be a partner in a global event like Vibrant Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Saurashtra and Kutch, describing the region as the "anchor region" of India's growth and calling it the right time for global investors to invest in the area. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Metro Rail from the Mahatma Mandir Metro Station in Gandhinagar under Phase 2 of the Metro Rail Project on Sunday. According to the Gujarat CMO, this inauguration marks a significant addition to the city's modern transportation system. Under this project, the inauguration of seven Metro Rail stations, Mahatma Mandir, Sector-24, Sector-16, Old Secretariat, Akshardham, Secretariat, and Sector-10, has opened a 7.8 km stretch to the general public. With this development, commuters will now have access to fast, safe, and comfortable travel along the 28.25 km Metro route from Motera to Mahatma Mandir. As per the Gujarat CMO, this development will enhance connectivity between the two cities and help reduce traffic congestion. Guided by the Prime Minister's vision, this project will mark a significant milestone in the state's development, advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat and modern urban transportation agenda. Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Saurashtra and Kutch, describing the region as the "anchor region" of India's growth and calling it the right time for global investors to invest in the area. After offering prayers at Somnath Mahadev during Gujarat's first auspicious visit of 2026, the Prime Minister said the mantra of "Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi" is resonating across the country. He said that what began as a dream two decades ago has become a trusted global benchmark, with 10 Vibrant Gujarat Summits held to date. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said the objective of the VGRC is to convert the "untapped potential into performance" of different regions of the state. He said the Vibrant Summit, launched to showcase Gujarat's potential to the world, has evolved beyond investment to a platform for global growth and partnerships, bringing together corporates, MSMEs, startups, and international institutions. Highlighting the potential of Saurashtra and Kutch, the Prime Minister said the regions are not merely areas of opportunity but have become the main attraction of India's growth. He said that more than 2.5 lakh MSMEs are operational in Rajkot alone, manufacturing products ranging from machine tools and auto parts to components used in rockets. On the occasion, PM Modi announced 13 new smart industrial estates across seven districts of Saurashtra and Kutch and e-inaugurated a Medical Device Park spanning 336 acres in Rajkot district. The Prime Minister was felicitated with a shawl and memento, while folk artist Gitaben Rabari captivated the audience with a cultural performance showcasing the heritage of Saurashtra-Kutch. The event was attended by Union and state ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior officials, industrialists and foreign delegates. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna on Sunday said that another culprit in the Kanpur minor rape case will be apprehended soon, emphasising further that the police force has a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone involved in any kind of criminal activity. "This incident has been taken seriously. The police force has a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone involved in any kind of criminal activity... This culprit will be apprehended soon," DGP Krishna told the media. Earlier, Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said two suspects had been identified in the case, with one accused arrested. He confirmed that a police sub-inspector had surfaced in connection with the matter and was absconding. "Raids are being conducted to apprehend him. Four teams have been deployed," Lal said, adding that the SHO had been suspended for negligence and action would be taken to dismiss the absconding officer upon arrest. Meanwhile, the brother of the minor victim alleged that he was being threatened and offered money, demanding strict justice in the case. Further, DGP Rajeev Krishna said there was no security lapse after media reports claimed that a man attempted to offer 'namaaz' inside the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex in Ayodhya, adding that the individual was immediately detained and further action was underway. "There was no security lapse. Yes, a person entered the premises... and after he committed the objectionable act, he was immediately brought to the police station, his identity was verified, and further action is being taken," he said. The clarification came after reports of a Kashmiri man being detained at the newly constructed Ram Mandir for allegedly attempting to offer namaz inside the temple complex. Reacting to the incident, key face of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and former MP Vinay Katiyar questioned the presence of security personnel inside the temple complex. "Despite heavy security, such an incident should not have happened. If the police have taken action, that is good, but they are present inside the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. What were they doing?" he asked. Katiyar added that if namaaz was offered inside the temple or if there was any attempt to climb the structure, it should be treated as a crime. (ANI) The Indian Navy participated in the World Book Fair 2026, a flagship cultural event celebrating literature, knowledge, and heritage, which was held in New Delhi on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Defence, the 9-day mega fair was organised by the National Book Trust, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education. This fair was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan. During the event, the Indian Navy's participation reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting India's rich maritime legacy. The Naval History Division (NHD), the premier research institution of the Indian Navy, is spearheading this initiative. In collaboration with NBT, NHD has set up dedicated Indian Navy stalls featuring authoritative Indian Navy publications and meticulously crafted scale ship models, offering visitors a vivid insight into the Navy's evolution, traditions, and operational excellence. At the Navy Pavilion in Hall No. 5, seven volumes of the official history of the Indian Navy (1945-2021) were on display, along with histories of various Indian Naval ships, submarines, air squadrons and establishments, as well as books on India's maritime history, to enhance visitors' understanding of the nation's rich maritime and naval heritage. These displays present a compelling narrative of India's maritime journey, blending scholarship with visual appeal. As part of its academic outreach, NHD held a panel discussion on the 1971 War on January 10, which was moderated by Cdr Neeraj Vashisth. The panel featured Cdr Vijai Prakash Kapil, VrC, NM (Retd), and noted defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan, providing deep perspectives on a defining chapter of India's naval history. Additionally, a panel discussion on 'Naval Maritime Expeditions: Past and Present' was also held at the pavilion in Hall 5. The session was moderated by Cdr Kalesh Mohanan; empanelled by Capt Prashant C Menon; and Cdr Neeraj Vashisth. Another significant panel discussion titled 'Creating Rule-based Order: The role of the Indian Navy is scheduled on January 14, which will be moderated by Associate Professor Abhimanyu Singh Arha, where Lt Cdr Anupama Thapliyal and Lt Jeevitesh Saharan will give insights into the topic, highlighting the Navy's critical role in the Indian Ocean Region. According to the Ministry of Defence, a major highlight of the Book Fair will be the release of a book on the Indian Navy, prepared by the Naval History Division. This book will be unveiled by the Chief of the Naval Staff at a grand event. Beyond exhibitions and discussions, NHD is actively engaging with young visitors, inspiring boys and girls to consider a career in the Indian Navy. The naval publications and stalls have already attracted significant public interest, the ministry said. (ANI) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday made a strong pitch for Marathi unity, warning that the state's language, land and identity are under threat. Addressing party workers, Thackeray said people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar should not impose Hindi in Maharashtra, asserting that any such attempt would be resisted. He termed the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls as a "decisive" election for the Marathi community, urging voters to unite for Maharashtra and remain vigilant on polling day to prevent any malpractice. "People from UP and Bihar should understand that Hindi is not your language. I don't hate the language... But if you try to impose it, I'll kick you. They're coming from all sides to Maharashtra and snatching away your share... If land and language are gone, you will be finished. Today, this crisis has arrived at your doorstep," Raj Thackeray said. "This is the last election for the Marathi man... If you miss this opportunity today, you will be finished. Unite for Marathi and Maharashtra. Mumbai was obtained through the sacrifices of so many people... What will we tell them?... The BLA (Booth Level Agents) appointed at 6 AM should be ready on election day... Be alert, be vigilant, don't be careless... If anyone comes to vote again, throw them out," the MNS Chief added. Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde said the Mahayuti government will prioritise development for Marathis. Speaking at the launch of the Mahayuti manifesto, Shinde said the government would build 30-35 lakh homes, make Mumbai a Fintech hub, strengthen roads, and invest Rs 17,000 crore to make the city pollution-free. He also said that efforts are underway to make Mumbai slum-free. "Welfare schemes launched. Balasaheb Thackeray's vision lives on. Our development is for Marathis. We'll build multiplex theaters for them! Marathis, we'll do 10 times more for you...Mumbai needs to be brought back to its people. A slum-free Mumbai was Balasaheb's dream. We're working on SRA in Ghatkopar for 17,000 people," Shinde said. "Our goal is to build 30-35 lakh homes. We'll make Mumbai a Fintech City, the Fintech Capital. We're setting up a world-class university. In Best, we've decided to give 50% reservation to women. We'll invest Rs 17,000 crores to make Mumbai pollution-free. We'll strengthen all roads and make Mumbai pothole-free," he said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Shinde and BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, also launched Mahayuti's manifesto for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Meanwhile, polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across the state, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, is scheduled for January 15. The vote counting will take place on January 16. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government, accusing it of ruining Mumbai in three years, undoing what the then undivided Shiv Sena had built over 25 years. Addressing a joint rally ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, Thackeray asserted that those who question the existence of the Thackeray family "have not been born yet." "Those who can determine the existence of the Thackerays haven't been born yet... Devendra Fadnavis says, 'Show me Uddhav Thackeray's speech on development, and I will give you Rs 3000.' I don't want his stolen money. Show me a speech from PM Modi where you haven't indulged in Hindu-Muslim politics, and I will give you Rs 1000... All this Adani-isation is going on... Isn't this their ploy to turn Mumbai back into Bombay?... Ask the people what the Shiv Sena did in 25 years and how they have ruined Mumbai in 3 years... Mumbai was acquired with bloodshed. It is our duty to fight alongside soldiers like you to push back this attack... Balasaheb Thackeray taught us that if someone lays a hand on you, tear off their hand. Bury the curse of division today," said Uddhav Thackeray. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also slammed the Mahayuti alliance, declaring that no development has taken place in Mumbai over the last 25 years. "They say nothing was done in 25 years. Even if you wake me up from my sleep, I can tell you what we have done in 25 years. Without imposing any taxes, we collected a deposit of Rs 92,000 crore. This deposit is kept for the service of Mumbai. They say, 'Show us the work and take Rs 3000'. Instead of giving us Rs 3000, you should first give Rs 2100 that you promised to women..." said Aaditya Thackeray. Following the rally, MNS leader Abhijeet Panse claimed widespread participation from the public and declared that whoever stands with the Marathi people will stand with the Thackeray brothers. "We feel like it's a celebration for the Marathi people, for whom the Thackerays have always stood... I don't think such a massive crowd has ever gathered at Shivaji Park in the last twenty years... I understand that this is a gathering of Marathi people from all of Maharashtra, the entire country, and the whole world. And whoever stands with the Marathi people will stand with the Thackeray brothers," Panse told ANI. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said, "This is a historic moment; two brothers are coming together... This will be a total game changer..." Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey expressed confidence that the party will have a "very big" victory in the BMC elections. "... We are fully confident that we will have a very big victory in the elections for BMC along with 28 municipal corporations. Mumbai and Shiv Sena are complementary to each other... BJP is scared. We will defeat them in the 2029 assembly and Lok Sabha elections as well...," Dubey said. NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil said, "This could be a real game-changer, and I think it will definitely have an impact on Mumbai voters." Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai said, "It is a very big day for all the Marathi people across the world as Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are coming together. We are curious to know what they will talk about." UBT leader Vinayak Raut said, "Today is a day of pride not just for Mumbai, not just for Maharashtra, but for the entire country. Today, under the guidance of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, the workers of both parties will gather in lakhs at Shivtirth and show that no matter who comes, we are with Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray." The State Election Commission in Maharashtra has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. (ANI) The development prompted the Indian Army to undertake counter-unmanned aerial systems measures. "A few Pakistan Army drones were sighted along the line of control in the Naushera-Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army troops undertook counter-unmanned aerial systems measures, forcing them to return," Defence Sources said. Earlier on Saturday, Border Security Force (BSF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint search operation after an arms and ammunition consignment was recovered from the border village of Paloora in Samba district. The consignment included a made-in-China 9mm pistol with two magazines, a Glock 9mm pistol with one magazine and one Chinese hand grenade with marking SPL HGR 84. According to police, a total of sixteen 9mm live rounds were also recovered from the packet. (ANI) January 11, 2026: While China is a major trading partner with NATO nations and Russia, the Ukraine War is providing China with some valuable opportunities. China backs Russia, but discreetly so to avoid Western economic sanctions. China does not give expensive aid to its loyal neighbors. With Russia under onerous economic sanctions, Russia benefits from all the non-military goods China sells to them. For China, a Russian victory in Ukraine means China will get a quick and thorough look at captured Western weapons. A Russian victory would also mean European nations would concentrate on defense spending and not compete for sales of goods to Chinese customers worldwide, especially in East Asia. Whoever wins, China senses opportunities. Even before Russia actually invaded Ukraine, China advised that such an operation would be unwise. Russian leader Vladimir Putin ignored that advice, which implied that Putin did not have an accurate assessment of what the Russian military was actually capable of. Chinese leader Xi Jinping was further dismayed when Putin also ignored Chinese calls for withdrawing from Ukraine and limiting the long-term damage to the partnership with China. Successful Chinese leaders tend to be more mindful of historical lessons and seek not to misinterpret them. Russia insists that Ukraine is part of Russia and must be reunited with the motherland. China has a roughly similar situation with Taiwan. Some believe that, unlike Russia, China does not consider a major attack on Taiwan a suitable solution because of the side effects and risks. The Ukrainian experience has already persuaded most Taiwanese that they could reliably defeat or disrupt Chinese attack plans. Taiwanese also note that CCP/Chinese Communist Party rule in China is failing, especially since Xi Jinping reversed many of the reforms the CCP implemented in the 1980s to get the Chinese economy going and curb most government efforts to disrupt that economic growth. Democracies have similar problems but, because they are democracies have an effective way to fix things by electing new officials. China, Taiwan and the United States are all studying the Ukraine War for useful lessons and one of the few they could all agree on was that the huge quantities of artillery ammunition expended exceeded peacetime estimates. This might have an impact on a Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan by force. Taiwan has been increasing its weapons and munitions stockpiles for years as well as training more men for combat duty. While China has long planned to use over a thousand ballistic missiles and lots of airstrikes, they still have to get troops onto the island and deal with Taiwanese ground forces. At that point both sides would be depending on artillery a lot and the Ukraine War has demonstrated that a lot more artillery ammunition is needed than anyone planned for. Transporting that extra artillery ammunition ashore in Taiwan complicates Chinese logistical planning and delays its readiness to attack. Then there was the drone revolution triggered by Ukraine Taiwan has noted that and now Chinese invaders will have to deal with thousands of naval and aerial drones attacking their amphibious invading force, The Ukraine War also demonstrated the importance of motivation and morale. The Taiwanese identify with the Ukrainians while the Chinese note that they, like Russia, are basically police state dictatorships while Ukraine and Taiwan are democracies that are highly motivated to innovate and fight to preserve their way of life. China would also suffer much more than Russia from any economic problems an attack on Taiwan would lead to. China, like Russia, has internal economic and population problems. Chinas working age population is dramatically shrinking and that is having an impact on the military because not enough Chinese are willing to serve. Its economic problems were amplified by large-scale covid19 related shutdowns in 2022. This triggered widespread and very open public resistance. The government backed down, unwilling to literally go to war with its people over this. Chinese leaders were then obsessed with there being no covid19 infections at all in China and so imposed the shutdowns. Most Chinese, however, paid attention to what was happening in the rest of the world, concluded that some infections and deaths were preferable to the shutdowns, and took to the streets to coerce the government into shutting down the shutdowns. The breadth and depth of their protests was unprecedented in the history of Communist China and so threatened the power of the Chinese Communist Party that it submitted to public demands. This set a dangerous precedent for the future. One of the economic risks associated with China attacking Taiwan is the economic backlash and damage to China. Western sea power will immediately block Chinese imports and exports for at least the duration of hostilities, and sanctions will block or greatly diminish those for longer. Worse, the ensuing worldwide financial and economic chaos will dramatically reduce Western demand for Chinese products long-term. Chinas economy is far more dependent on its exports than the West is on imports from China. Next is the unique position of the Taiwanese electronics industry, which is the sole or primary manufacturer of several key electronic components. China and the rest of the world are very dependent on Taiwanese computer products. Destruction of Taiwanese computer products industries during an invasion would result in world-wide economic disruptions for several years before America, Japan and South Korea could replace Taiwans former production. Taiwan has made veiled threats of destroying the plants producing those unique products at the onset of any Chinese attack. This issue will become more prominent during the immediate run-up before the invasion, and cause increasingly greater anxiety and turmoil in both Western and Chinese markets as they prepare for both the loss of Taiwans unique products plus all Chinese imports and exports for an uncertain period. Chinas economy would suffer most of all because China is as dependent on the West for Taiwanese electronics, and on Western imports of Chinas non-electronic products that would plunge due to lack of Western demand during a recession. The West would certainly not export its computer electronics to China given that China would have caused such economic chaos, and China lacks the ability to manufacture its own advanced electronics without imports of key Western components and materials. The price of a successful Chinese invasion of Taiwan could easily be destruction of CCP rule in China. As an invasion gets closer, the risks of trying it will become more and more apparent to Chinas very risk-averse Communist Party leaders, and President Xi is just one man. Another problem is the lack of accurate information on key aspects of the government and economy. All this is nothing new, and over thousands of years Chinese have realized that you cannot eliminate corruption, but you can try to minimize the most dangerous side-effects, like a hollowed out military that looks great but cannot win at endeavors like a sudden attack on Taiwan. Chinese analysts, discussing this in public forums like mass media, professional journals and so on, conclude that one should honor the ancient advice of Sun Tzu by convincingly threatening war but not actually fighting unless there is no choice. That would mean using your forces to defend China but not to get into a war of aggression you cant win. Sun Tzu also advised ignoring advice from military leaders that the troops are ready for any contingency, including an order to attack a neighbor. Unless you have a military with recent successful military experience, any claims to military capabilities and success in a war are suspect. Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar criticised the concept of Hindutva during a debate titled "Hinduism Needs Protection From Hindutva", which was hosted by the Calcutta Debating Circle on Sunday. During the debate, the Congress leader criticised the ideology of Hindutva, describing it as Hinduism in a state of paranoia, where 80 per cent Hindus are made to quiver before 14 per cent Muslims. "Hindutva is Hinduism in paranoia. It asks 80% Hindus to quiver in front of 14% Muslims. Hindutva is a BJP leader slapping a blind, hungry tribal girl because she attends a Christmas lunch in a Church. Hindutva raids shopping malls to tear down Christmas decorations... Savarkar described Buddhism as an existential threat to all Hindus. He described it as the ultimate negation of Hindutva, bearing the opiate of universalism and nonviolence. He said it was disastrous to national virility and even the existence of the Hindu race..." said Aiyar. The Congress leader also drew a clear distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva. He stressed that Hinduism is a great spiritual religion, while Hindutva is a political tract. He also asserted that Hinduism faced trials and tribulations yet managed to survive and flourish without any need for Hindutva's protection. "Hinduism is a great spiritual religion. Hindutva is a political tract. Hindutva came only in 1923; for thousands of years before Hindutva, Hinduism faced trial and tribulation and yet survived, flourished, with no need of Hindutva protection... There is no way Gandhi's and Swami Vivekananda's Hinduism can be protected or promoted by Savarkar's Hindutva," he said. "While Savarkar wrote, Hindus understand themselves as Hindus through acts of violence. The Mahatma wrote, the Hindu has an old age civilisation. He is essentially non-violent. You've seen that Hindutva vigilantes beat up and even kill anyone suspected of hoarding, eating or transporting beef. While Gandhiji wrote, it is a denial of Hinduism and of Ahimsa to kill a human being to protect a cow...," Mani Shankar Aiyar said. Earlier, the Calcutta Debating Circle hosted a debate on the topic "Hinduism Needs Protection From Hindutva" at the Lawns, Calcutta Club on Sunday. The event aimed to foster discussions on the complexities of justice and was attended by several prominent figures, including J. Sai Deepak, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Mahua Moitra, Ruchika Sharma, and Sudhanshu Trivedi. (ANI) Dubai [UAE], January 11 (ANI/WAM): Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, today visited the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world's largest event dedicated to shaping the content creation economy. Latifa bint Mohammed said the success of the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit reflects the UAE's established global standing, under the leadership of President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the vision of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Latifa bint Mohammed added that the leadership's vision has cemented the UAE's status as a leading destination that supports creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs from around the world across multiple fields, including content creation. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office under the theme 'Content for Good', the summit is being held until 11 January across Emirates Towers, the Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future. During her visit, Latifa bint Mohammed was accompanied by Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, and Saeed Al Eter, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office. The visit included a tour of the pavilions of several leading global platforms, including Meta and Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Latifa bint Mohammed said that the summit's theme, 'Content for Good', underscores the importance of creating content with a positive social impact. She said the theme highlights the vital role creators play in both upholding societal values and driving sustainable development that benefits communities and humanity at large. Latifa bint Mohammed praised the summit's scale and level of participation, noting that this reflects its growing momentum and underscores its expanding influence within the content creation sector. She highlighted the sector's continued annual growth and its increasing contribution to global knowledge-economy investment. With an expected attendance of over 30,000 visitors, the 1 Billion Followers Summit is hosting more than 15,000 content creators, in addition to over 500 speakers with a collective audience of 3.5 billion. The summit features a rich programme of over 580 events, including keynote sessions, roundtables, interactive dialogues, and workshops. These sessions will feature the participation of 150 CEOs and global experts. (ANI/WAM) Speaking during the session, Kuwaiti content creator Khalifa Al Mazen, said Dubai demonstrates how meaningful content can build bridges between people by focusing on uniqueness and long-term vision. Al Mazein praised the vision of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, noting that a human-centred, institutional development approach has been key to Dubai's global success. He also cited Dubai's role as a global aviation and maritime hub linking more than 170 destinations, positioning the emirate as a meeting point for cultures and economies. Al Mazen urged content creators to focus on originality over imitation, stressing that diversity enriches digital media and strengthens its ability to bring people together. (ANI/WAM) Deported Afghan migrants from Pakistan shared their plight as they arrived back empty-handed in large numbers in Afghanistan, Tolo News reported. According to Tolo News, the Afghan migrants shared that they have left all their belongings behind and returned to Afghanistan empty-handed. Describing the difficulties and hardships they experienced during their displacement, they expressed hopes to be provided with job opportunities for adults and educational infrastructure for their children. As per Tolo news, a child returnee from Pakistan said, "We have come from Pakistan. I was in grade five there, and now I don't want my education to go to waste. I want to return to school." Another returnee told Tolo News that the Pakistani officials would warn them daily of deportations, "Pakistan forcibly expelled us. Schools were closed, and officials would come to our homes daily, warning us that we would soon be deported." As per Tolo News, currently, more than 2,500 migrants arrive at the Kabul Migrant camp daily. After registration and initial assistance, they are transferred to their respective provinces. It said that the camp officials assure that efforts are being made to provide services to returning migrants. Abdul Basir Siddiqi, a representative of the Ministry of Information and Culture at the Kabul migrant camp, told Tolo News, "Facilities in various sectors are available in the camp. Food is distributed free of charge, healthcare services and clinics are present, and heaters are provided inside the tents for day and night use." Earlier, Amnesty International had expressed grave concerns in a letter to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, about the arbitrary arrests, harassment, and forced deportation of Afghan migrants in Pakistan, according to Tolo news. In 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) published a new report on the economic situation of the Afghan people, particularly deported migrants and expressed concern that the return of 2.3 million Afghan migrants from neighbouring countries has severely affected the reconstruction process of Afghanistan, Tolo News reported. (ANI) The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held its 22nd extraordinary session on Saturday to discuss about Somalia in light of Israel's recognition of Somaliland. The OIC called Israeli actions a "blatant violation of international law" and a threat to regional security. It shared the details of the session in a post on X. The statement noted that Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, delivered a speech during the opening session of the Council, in which he emphasised "that this extraordinary ministerial meeting was being held at a very delicate and sensitive time to discuss serious developments affecting the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, following Israel, the occupying power's announcement, of its recognition of the so-called 'Somaliland' region as an independent state, in a dangerous precedent that constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to regional security and stability." It further noted that in his speech, the Secretary-General also addressed the situation in Palestine, stressing the need to compel Israel to move to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. https://x.com/OIC_OCI/status/2010062083786715388?s=20 https://x.com/OIC_OCI/status/2010018381794332810?s=20 This comes as earlier in December last year, Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent country, becoming the first nation to do so more than 30 years after the territory broke away from Somalia, Times of Israel reported. The declaration of mutual recognition was signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on behalf of Israel, and by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi for Somaliland. The breakaway region is located in a strategically important part of the Horn of Africa, along the Red Sea corridor. Speaking to President Abdullahi over the phone, Netanyahu described the moment as historic. Somaliland briefly gained independence in 1960 and was recognised by Israel and 35 other countries at the time before voluntarily uniting with Somalia. It declared separation again in 1991 after Somalia collapsed into civil war. The region declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after years of civil war but has never been recognised internationally. Despite having its own government, currency, parliament and flag, Somaliland remains unrecognised by the United Nations, with Somalia maintaining that it is an inseparable part of its territory. (ANI) Nepal on Sunday marked the 304th National Unification Day, which coincides with the birth anniversary of nation-builder Prithivi Narayan Shah, calling for national unity, marking the day since the Gen-Z revolution. Early in the morning, Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel along with Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki and her council of ministers, laid wreaths at Shah's statue in front of Singhadurbar. In a message on 'Prithvi Jayanti' and National Unity Day, President Ram Chandra Paudel highlighted Prithvi Narayan Shah's efforts in building a modern Nepal by consolidating scattered states. "Remembering Prithvi Narayan Shah, we see how he unified Nepal, established national independence, and shaped a common identity. His teachings remain relevant and inspiring today," President Paudel said in a statement. He added that these teachings guide the country in strengthening the economy, fostering patriotism, maintaining diplomatic relations, preserving culture and religion, promoting public welfare, ensuring justice and good governance, and safeguarding national unity. President Paudel noted that Nepal's sovereignty and independence today are the results of generations of nation-building led by courageous ancestors. He reaffirmed that Nepal is constitutionally an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democratic, socialist-oriented federal republic. "I hope National Unity Day inspires all Nepalis to uphold the country's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity while working for the happiness and prosperity of the people," he said. Shah, who was born in 1779 BS ((Bikram Sambat), led the historic campaign to unify the Baise and Chaubise states, laying the foundation of modern Nepal. The Nepali Army continuing its annual practice paid tribute by laying wreaths at the full-length statue of the nation-builder located at Army Headquarters and other army installations, Prithvi Narayan Shah, the then king of Gorkha, ascended the throne at the age of 20 and launched the unification campaign amid significant social, economic, and geographical challenges. He passed away in 1831 BS at the age of 52. Prithvi Jayanti commemorates Nepal's shared history, culture, and national pride, and serves as a reminder to strengthen unity amid diversity. The day highlights the importance of placing national interest above personal interests and carries special significance in instilling a sense of dedication, service, and responsibility toward the nation among the younger generation. Shah's unification campaign enabled Nepal to remain one of the world's oldest independent nations by safeguarding national sovereignty and independence. His teachings, including the notion that both internal and external threats undermine the nation, remain relevant today, particularly in the fight against corruption and the promotion of good governance. His description of Nepal as a "yam between two rocks" continues to resonate in the country's geopolitical context. In a video address, former Nepal King Gyanendra Shah has expressed deep concern that Nepal itself may be at risk of survival, saying the country now faces a far more serious crisis than in the past. The former monarch said that while there was once worry about whether Nepal would be built, today there is growing fear about whether the country can even be saved. Gyanendra said that nearly two decades after leaving Narayanhiti Royal Palace, the continuing political, economic and social crises facing the country have left him deeply worried. He said Nepal cannot be built through speeches, magic or miracles, stressing that institutions that represent all castes, religions and regions, including the monarchy, must act with a sense of national responsibility. "The history of the Shah's dynasty royal institution, which actively, strongly, and successfully led all castes, religions, and regions of Nepali in the unification of the nation, even in struggles against any power, is clear to all. The tradition of the Shah dynasty has always considered the happiness and prosperity of the Nepali people over its own interest. The institution has always emphasized and continues to emphasize the unity and development of the Nepali people within the framework of the guidance provided by his Majesty King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the great," the deposed monarch said. In his message, Gyanendra said that the political parties that came to power promising peace, economic progress and stability nearly two decades ago had asked the monarchy to step aside, and that he had complied in good faith. "However, in recent times, the country fell into the trap of unwanted confusion generated from elsewhere. Nearly two decades ago, when the political parties came to power promising to bring peace, lead the country towards economic progress and provide stability, we handed over the 'Crown and Sceptre' to the people's secure protection with a cooperative intent and stepped away from royal duties. This commitment should not be seen as an endorsement of weakness for evasion of responsibility or prohibited politics. Neither was this sentiment shared by the general public," the former King added. The former king's message comes at a time of growing political uncertainty and renewed debate over Nepal's future political direction. Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Nuwakot in 1744 and the Kathmandu Valley 25 years later in 1769. After conquering the Nepal Valley as the Kathmandu Valley was called at that time, Prithvi Narayan Shah gradually annexed Chaudandu Bijayapur and other principalities towards the east. He died in January 1775. Prithvi Narayan Shah is credited for initiating the unification of Nepal with the support of all castes and communities. (ANI) Yemen's internationally recognised government has claimed it has retaken parts of southern and eastern Yemen from the Southern Transitional Council (STC), as thousands gathered in Aden to rally behind the secessionist group, Al Jazeera reported. Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Saudi Arabia-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), said on Saturday that government forces had regained control over two key regions and re-established authority across southern Yemen. "As the president of the country and the high commander of the armed forces, I want to assure you of the recapture of Hadramout and al-Mahra," he said. Al-Alimi said the government has called former STC members to Riyadh for talks on Yemen's future, adding that military forces in the country will now operate under the command of the Saudi-led coalition. Al Jazeera reported that the statement followed a Saudi-backed offensive that expelled the STC from the provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra, areas the group had seized towards the end of last year. The two provinces border Saudi Arabia and together make up nearly half of Yemen's territory. According to Al Jazeera, the confrontations have also underscored growing friction between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Saudi authorities accusing the UAE of supporting the STC. Al-Alimi's comments came as large crowds assembled in Aden, an STC stronghold, amid conflicting reports over whether the group would be disbanded. Protesters in the Khor Maksar district chanted against Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government and waved the flag of former South Yemen, which existed as an independent state between 1967 and 1990. "Today, the people of the south gathered from all provinces in the capital, Aden, to reiterate what they have been saying consistently for years and throughout the last month: We want an independent state," a protester told a news agency. Some demonstrators held photos of STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who has fled the country, while others shouted, "Southerner, raise your voice, independence or death," Al Jazeera reported. The protests took place despite Saudi-backed groups urging people on Friday not to demonstrate. Saudi Arabia and the UAE earlier worked together within a coalition fighting Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's civil war, but ties have strained as the STC stepped up its push for secession. After weeks of Saudi-led attempts to de-escalate, Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia launched an operation against the STC, forcing it out of Hadramout, the presidential palace in Aden, and military camps in al-Mahra, Al Jazeera reported. An STC delegation travelled to Riyadh earlier this week for talks, though Zubaidi did not take part. The Saudi-led coalition accused the UAE of facilitating his escape on a flight tracked to a military airport in Abu Dhabi. On Friday, the STC delegation in Riyadh announced the dissolution of the group. Secretary-General Abdulrahman Jalal al-Sebaihi said the STC would shut down its bodies and offices inside and outside Yemen, citing internal disagreements and growing regional pressure. However, the STC later said it held an "extraordinary meeting" after the announcement and declared it "null and void", saying the decision had been made "under coercion and pressure". It renewed calls for mass protests in southern cities and warned against attempts targeting the group's "peaceful activities", Al Jazeera reported. The Yemeni government's armed forces said on Saturday that it would "strike firmly and decisively against anyone who seeks to tamper with security or disrupt public order", without referencing the demonstrations. Separately, Al Jazeera reported that al-Alimi also issued a warning to the Houthis, who control northern Yemen, saying they can "negotiate a settlement with us... or you will face repercussions, including the potential for a military action". The Houthis seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and claim to be the only legitimate authority across Yemen. The group does not recognise the Presidential Leadership Council. (ANI) Protesters gathered outside federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday (local time) evening as people took to the streets in cities across the US to demonstrate against immigration operations in the days after an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minnesota, as per CNN. Protesters on Alameda Street are said to be seen with upside-down American flags and handmade anti-ICE posters. The street was also the site of clashes between protesters and police in June last year, when crowds gathered to rally against immigration raids and US President Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard, CNN reported. Police have blocked off the nearby intersection with squad cars and officers, and much of the crowd has dispersed, according to video reviewed by CNN. However, a small group of demonstrators appeared unyielding as police tried to usher them away from the buildings. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issued a dispersal order along the stretch of Alameda Street where protesters gathered. The department wrote on X on Saturday night, telling demonstrators, "You must leave the area." https://x.com/LAPDCentral/status/2010173333661471218?s=20 A group of anti-ICE protesters were seen marching and chanting in downtown Austin, Texas, outside a federal building on Saturday. Several armed law enforcement officials were seen in the area, as per CNN. The dispersal order was "in response to protesters engaging in acts of vandalism," said the LAPD. Approximately 150 protesters had gathered just after 6 pm (local time), CNN was told. https://x.com/DHSgov/status/2010074554258075966?s=20 Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, was killed when an ICE agent shot into her vehicle during an encounter on Wednesday morning. The victim tried to "weaponise her vehicle" to run over an officer near an ICE vehicle stuck on a snow-lined street before he opened fire, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. State and local officials have strongly disputed claims that the shooting, captured on video, was done in self-defence as tensions exploded amid this week's deployment of 2,000 federal agents as part of the latest surge in the Trump administration's nationwide immigration enforcement crackdown, as per CNN. (ANI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he expects to hold talks with Danish officials next week about Greenland, as European governments respond to renewed pressure from the Trump administration over the Arctic island's future. Greenland is a self-governing territory under Danish sovereignty, reported The New York Times. Rubio's remarks to reporters on Wednesday followed a revival of President Donald Trump's long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, a push that appears to have gained momentum after a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro. Earlier this week, Rubio told members of Congress that Trump's preference is to purchase Greenland rather than seize it by force. However, Vice President JD Vance declined to dismiss military action during a Fox News interview on Wednesday. When asked how far the United States might go, Vance said the president was "willing to go as far as he has to" to "defend American interests", as reported by The New York Times. Vance also repeated Trump's argument that Greenland is critical to U.S. national security and claimed Denmark is not doing enough to safeguard the territory. In response, European leaders issued a joint statement on Tuesday underscoring that Arctic security must be based on respect for the United Nations Charter, including national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders, as per the New York Times. Greenland's foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, said on Facebook that the governments of Greenland and Denmark had requested an urgent meeting with Rubio due to "increasingly outspoken statements regarding Greenland." She added that an earlier request for talks had received no response and emphasized that "it is important that all parties involved are given the opportunity to express their views directly and openly," Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland's minister for business and natural resources, told DealBook that U.S. pressure had pushed the territory toward what she called "a point of no return." Denmark's foreign ministry said it was unable to immediately confirm whether a meeting with Rubio had been scheduled. Greenland is lightly populated and governs itself in many areas, but it remains within the Kingdom of Denmark, which is a NATO member. Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland publicly in 2019 during his first presidency. After reelection in 2024, he suggested the United States could use force to acquire the island, as per the New York Times. That rhetoric was followed by visits from senior administration officials. Tensions escalated further last month when Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland; Landry said he would work "to make Greenland a part of the U.S." According to the New York Times, the administration's renewed stance has unsettled not only Danish and Greenlandic leaders but also European leaders in the NATO alliance. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned on Monday that any U.S. military action against Greenland would effectively dismantle NATO. She also noted that a purchase appears unlikely, as Denmark lacks the legal authority to sell the territory, and Greenland's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has consistently rejected the idea, reiterating that their "country is not for sale." Although a Cold War-era agreement already allows the United States significant freedom to expand its military presence in Greenland, no formal request to do so has been made, according to Jens Adser Srensen, a former senior official in Denmark's parliament. (ANI) Trade union leaders in Pakistan have claimed that one of their younger collegues, Iqbal Abro has gone missing from the Korangi Industrial Area and alleged that he was abducted by the local police upon the request of influential industrialists as per local media. Abro had stood against forced retrenchment at an industrial unit, officials and activists said in a report by the Dawn news outlet. Local police of the Korangi district have, however, denied that they have detained Abro. A protest demonstration was held outside Karachi Press Club. The protest was organised upon the request of the National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF-P) The participants, including women, carried portraits of Abro, and demanded his release from "illegal custody". Addressing mediapersons on the occasion, trade union leaders Nasir Mehmood, Comrade Gul Rehman and others alleged that Abro was kidnapped by the Awami Colony police, subjected to torture, and later shifted to an unknown location. They referred to it as case of enforced disappearance and alleged that an influential industrialist was involved behind it, as the young activist had been speaking about the rights of the workers who had been retrenched by the industrial unit without justification, Dawn reported. They also said that a petition to this effect had been filed before the Sindh High Court. They urged Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to secure the release of Abro from the "illegal custody" of the police. The NTUF-P leaders warned that if the activist was not released, they would decide a future course of action at a labour conference scheduled to be held in the site area on Sunday evening. (ANI) A federal judge has ruled that Elon Musk can take his lawsuit against OpenAI and its leaders to a jury, marking a major step forward in a closely watched legal fight over the future of artificial intelligence. On Wednesday, US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said there is enough evidence for a jury to decide whether OpenAI broke its original promise to remain a nonprofit organization focused on helping the public. The ruling means the case will move to a jury trial scheduled for March, instead of being decided by the judge alone. Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur, helped co-found OpenAI in 2015 but left the company in 2018. He now runs xAI, a competing artificial intelligence company. In his lawsuit, Musk claims OpenAI abandoned its founding mission when it shifted toward a for-profit structure and entered major business deals, including partnerships that brought in billions of dollars. According to Yahoo, Judge Gonzalez Rogers said there was "plenty of evidence" suggesting OpenAI's leaders made assurances that the nonprofit structure would stay in place. Because key facts are disputed, she said a jury should hear the case. She plans to issue a written order later addressing OpenAI's request to dismiss the lawsuit. Musk argues that he contributed about $38 million to OpenAI in its early days, which he says made up roughly 60% of its initial funding. He also claims he provided guidance and credibility based on the understanding that OpenAI would work for the public good, not private profit. Musk is seeking unspecified financial damages, which he describes as repayment of "ill-gotten gains." Elon Musk wins early battle in lawsuit against OpenAI and rival Sam Altman https://t.co/AleZ0UDTAS pic.twitter.com/1ErXfMWHD2 New York Post (@nypost) January 8, 2026 OpenAI Leaders Deny Elon Musk Claims The lawsuit names OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman as defendants. Musk accuses them of planning a for-profit shift that benefited them personally. The suit also points to OpenAI's restructuring and large business agreements as proof of that change. OpenAI, Altman, and Brockman have denied the claims. They argue that Musk is a business rival who is unhappy about competition in the fast-growing AI market, NY Post reported. They have asked the court to throw out the case, saying Musk has not shown enough proof of fraud or broken agreements. Microsoft, which is also named as a defendant, has denied any wrongdoing. Its lawyers told the court there is no evidence the company helped OpenAI break any promises. Microsoft urged the judge to dismiss the claims against it. Another issue for the jury will be timing. OpenAI argues Musk waited too long to file the lawsuit. Judge Gonzalez Rogers said jurors will decide whether the case was brought within the legal time limit. Originally published on vcpost.com Prolonged gas shortages amid a harsh cold spell triggered protests in parts of Quetta, with residents blocking roads and burning tyres over low pressure and supply suspensions, Dawn reported. Siberian winds continued to lash Quetta and several towns in northern and central parts of Balochistan following rain and snowfall last week. The severe cold has disrupted gas supply in several areas, creating serious difficulties for residents trying to keep their homes warm on Saturday. Dawn reported that the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has been implementing gas loadshedding in Quetta and surrounding areas from midnight to 5 am. Several other districts, including Kalat, Mastung, Ziarat, and Pishin, are also facing similar shortages as the cold spell continues. However, residents said many neighbourhoods in Quetta and its outskirts are not receiving sufficient gas even beyond the announced loadshedding hours. "We are getting gas for a very limited time without any timetable," Mehmood Khan, a resident of the Sariab area, told Dawn, adding that the situation worsened after winter rain and snowfall on the mountains surrounding the Quetta valley. Dawn reported that several localities in the main city have also been facing low or no gas supply from SSGC as temperatures dropped to between minus five and minus seven degrees Celsius. "We have no option but to purchase gas cylinders to keep our houses warm and for cooking," Mansoor Ahmed, a resident of the Samungli Housing Scheme, said. As the situation worsened, residents of the Sariab area, where shortages were said to be the most severe, staged protests against low gas pressure and repeated suspensions. Protesters burned tyres, erected barricades, blocked roads, and brought traffic to a halt. The protest took place during an intense cold spell, with residents facing serious hardship due to reduced gas pressure. Dawn reported that temperatures in Quetta dropped to minus three degrees Celsius, while Kalat recorded minus eight degrees Celsius. Over the past several days of extreme cold, residents in Quetta and surrounding areas, particularly the elderly, women, and children, have been suffering due to gas outages and shortages. Protesters said they had repeatedly informed SSGC officials about low pressure, but no action was taken. They blocked Sabzal Road by burning tyres and placing obstacles, demanding the immediate restoration of adequate gas supply. They further said gas pressure in Killi Ferozabad and adjoining areas had fallen sharply, worsening difficulties for residents during the harsh winter. (ANI) Students in Kapisa province of Afghanistan are left with no option but to attend classes outdoors due to a lack of buildings, Tolo News reported. Taliban's education sector's data says that out of 238 schools in Kapisa, 79 don't have buildings, and 100 remain dilapidated. Ahmad Javid Forotan, Head of Quality Assurance at the Department of Education, said, "We have a total of 238 schools in Kapisa. Of those, 159 have buildings, while 79 schools are without proper structures. Students are studying under tents or in rented buildings." Apart from the buildings, many of these students also don't have access to enough textbooks, Tolo News reported. Hamza, a student in Kapisa, told Tolo News, "There are some problems like broken chairs, windows, and paint. We ask the government and aid organisations to address these issues." Ebrahim, another student, narrated his ordeal to Tolo News, "There are many problems in our laboratory. In biology class, the teacher wanted to show us a microscope lens, but when we went to the lab, there was no microscope. Many other tools are also missing." Parents and teachers have also called on the Taliban to address these issues. Khalid Kakar, a school principal, said, "Students study under the open sky during the hot months of Jawza, Saratan, and Asad (June-August)." Lajur Jan, a local elder, said, "Our children suffer during the heat because their schools have no shelter." Women and girls are bereft of the opportunity of even learning under the sky, said Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, on January 6, as reported by Tolo News, criticising the continued restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan. She stated that the bans on work and education and the restrictions on women's presence in public spaces remain in place. In a post on X, she stated that women's rights are human rights everywhere. Amina Mohammed said: "Millions of women and girls in Afghanistan face severe restrictions on their basic rights: education, work, security and freedom of movement." Taliban has recently made no statements regarding women's and girls' rights, especially the right to education. But, in the past, officials have said that women's and girls' rights in the country are ensured within the framework of Sharia law, as per Tolo News. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday said that Russia launched almost 1,100 attack drones against Ukraine over the course of this week. He informed that Russia has launched more than 890 guided aerial bombs, and over 50 missiles of various types - ballistic, cruise, and even the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile. Zelenskyy further said that the attacks were made on establishments like energy infrastructure, residential buildings, which have no military purpose. "Over the course of this week, Russia launched almost 1,100 attack drones against Ukraine, more than 890 guided aerial bombs, and over 50 missiles of various types - ballistic, cruise, and even the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile. And they struck targets that have no military purpose whatsoever - energy infrastructure, residential buildings," the Ukrainian President posted on X. "They deliberately waited for freezing weather to make things worse for our people. This is deliberate, cynical Russian terror specifically against civilians. I thank our mobile fire groups that defend Ukraine from these attacks day and night, and all our other warriors from air defence units and electronic warfare units," he added. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2010264430102114633?s=20 Zelenskyy said that energy workers and repair crews were working to restore electricity, heat, and water supply for people. "In many regions, the situation remains difficult after Russian strikes on our critical infrastructure. Energy workers and repair crews are working around the clock to restore electricity, heat, and water supply for people. And this is truly a monumental effort that matters greatly for our citizens - restoring normal life after constant Russian terrorist strikes. I am grateful to everyone involved," he added. At least two people were killed, and more than 15 others were injured in overnight Russian strikes targeting over a dozen locations across Ukraine, EuroNews reported on Saturday (local time). Ukraine's Air Force said that Russia launched a large barrage of drones and missiles overnight into Saturday, targeting at least 15 locations across Ukraine. EuroNews quoted sources saying that the barrage consisted of over 100 drones and missiles, including the lethal Iskander ballistic variant. Donetsk - part of the eastern Donbas region - Gover Vadym Filashkin, Governor of Donetsk Oblast, said that one civilian was killed and at least two others were injured in overnight attacks in his region, which has been the most active frontline. (ANI) Isfahan Governor Ali Ahmadi confirmed that 30 security personnel lost their lives in what he described as foreign-backed unrest in the province, according to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV. Addressing the issue on Sunday, Ahmadi stated that funeral processions for the slain personnel are scheduled to take place on Monday. He also said that civilian casualties included a two-month-old infant during the violence. Press TV reported that the riots resulted in extensive destruction, with 10 mosques in Isfahan set on fire. In the adjacent province of Fars, at least 12 security personnel were also killed during the riots, as quoted by Press TV from Ibrahim Bayani, Director General of the provincial Martyrs' Foundation department. Separately, Police Special Units Commander General Masoud Modaqq said on Sunday that eight members of his unit were killed during the unrest, Press TV reported. Modaqq said the funerals for personnel under his command will be held Monday and will align with a nationwide rally planned to condemn armed attacks and acts of terrorism by what were described as foreign-linked agents, who allegedly diverted public protests initially triggered by economic grievances. The report noted that the total number of casualties, including security personnel and civilians, has not yet been officially announced. Multiple attacks targeting medical and aid facilities were also reported in various parts of the country. Press TV stated that in Iran's northern province of Gilan, one voluntary Red Crescent staff member was killed in such an attack, while five other Red Crescent workers were injured in separate incidents elsewhere. Iranian officials reiterated that protests over economic hardships are legitimate and would be addressed, but stressed that violence and sabotage will not be permitted. Authorities alleged that rioters took advantage of public anger linked to rising costs of living and the sharp fall of the rial, blaming the situation on unilateral US sanctions aimed at Iran's central bank and oil exports. Security and judicial officials further announced that several armed terror cells had been dismantled and individuals described as foreign-linked operatives had been arrested. Iranian officials also claimed that American and Israeli figures encouraged the violence, pointing to warnings by United States President Donald Trump that Washington could attack Iran if "peaceful protesters" were harmed, along with remarks by former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo suggesting Israeli intelligence involvement and separatist plots. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Friday that the Islamic Republic "will not back down against vandals" and stressed that those acting as foreign mercenaries will not be tolerated. (ANI) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney should make human rights a central element of his upcoming visit to China from January 13 to 17, 2026, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said. The visit marks the first trip by a Canadian prime minister to China in more than eight years, amid strained bilateral relations following years of intensified repression by the Chinese government, as cited by the HRW report. According to HRW, relations between the two countries deteriorated significantly after China detained two Canadian citizens between 2018 and 2021 in apparent retaliation for Canada's arrest of a Huawei executive. The organisation warned that Beijing's deepening repression not only threatens the rights of Chinese citizens but also poses risks to Canada's broader interests. "Prime Minister Carney should recognise that the Chinese government's deepening repression threatens not just the rights of people in China but, increasingly, Canada's core interests and values," said Maya Wang, HRW's deputy Asia director, as cited in the report. She emphasised that engagements on trade and security should align with Canada's commitment to human rights. HRW outlined several key issues it believes Carney should raise during the visit. These include concerns over forced labour linked to Chinese supply chains, the persecution and detention of human rights defenders, Beijing's targeting of critics abroad, including in Canada, and the sale of China-made drones to Russia, which have allegedly been used in attacks against civilians in Ukraine. The HRW report highlighted that Canadian law prohibits the import of goods produced using forced labour, while extensive documentation links forced labour in China, particularly involving Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim communities, to global supply chains. Rights groups, the United Nations, and HRW have previously reported crimes against humanity in Xinjiang. HRW urged Carney to press China to end repression in Xinjiang and comply with international labour conventions it has ratified. Beyond Xinjiang, HRW pointed to broader labour rights violations in China, including bans on independent unions, detention of labour activists, and suppression of labour monitoring groups. "Canadians shouldn't have to worry about purchasing products tainted by forced labour," Wang said in the report. The organisation also stressed that human rights concerns affect Canadians in Hong Kong, where an estimated 300,000 nationals reside. It noted that fundamental freedoms have been severely curtailed under Beijing's national security laws, citing the conviction of media figure Jimmy Lai in December 2025. HRW urged Carney to call for Lai's release. Additionally, HRW warned about China's increasing use of "transnational repression" to target critics abroad, including in Canada, and called on Carney to address the issue directly with President Xi Jinping. The report also urged him to press China to prevent its drone companies from supplying equipment used in unlawful attacks in Ukraine. "The Chinese government's abuses fall hard on the people of China, but they also affect people around the world," Wang said, as cited by HRW. "During his visit, Prime Minister Carney shouldn't squander his opportunity to use diplomatic channels to raise human rights concerns." (ANI) London [UK] January 11 (ANI) Baloch activist Hakeem Baloch has accused Pakistan's security establishment of continuing to rely on enforced disappearances as its "primary tool of control" in Balochistan, despite years of international scrutiny. He argued that these abductions, now increasingly involving women and children, reflect a deepening phase of state repression. In an interview with ANI, Baloch said that more than eight to ten Baloch women and girls were abducted in the past year alone, including a 15-year-old and an eight-month pregnant woman. He claimed that the targeting of women signals a deliberate escalation by Pakistani authorities intended to pressure families and deter participation in the Baloch movement. According to him, women leaders associated with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee have become central to mobilising protests, making them "direct targets" for intimidation. He also alleged that the state has attempted to justify these arrests through "baseless propaganda," accusing the disappeared women of links to armed groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army's Majid Brigade. However, he noted that the authorities have "failed to produce a single piece of evidence," with many women not even being presented before courts or female police personnel. Hakeem Baloch said Pakistan continues because the tactic creates both physical trauma for the victims and psychological trauma for their families. He added that the state is "failing to crush the Baloch national movement," and thus resorts to these methods as a means of suppression. On expectations from the global community, he said the British government holds particular responsibility due to its historical role in partition-era decisions that shaped Balochistan's current political fate. He stated that continued international silence is enabling Pakistan's security institutions to operate "without accountability," adding that each unaddressed case of disappearance deepens anger and instability across Balochistan. (ANI) Koji, a category one cyclone, made landfall between the towns of Ayr and Bowen, about 500 km (310 miles) north of the state capital Brisbane, before weakening to a tropical low, the nation's weather forecaster said. The storm, with wind gusts of up to 95 kph (59 mph) and heavy rain, hit coastal towns including Mackay, a tourist hub and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, it said. Queensland state Premier David Crisafulli said around 15,000 properties had lost power due to Koji, which had also damaged property and boats, and closed roads. Koji brought rainfall of up to 200 mm (7.8 inches) to some areas overnight and was expected to result in heavy downpours over the next 24 to 48 hours, Crisafulli said. (ANI/WAM) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday (local time) said it carried out strikes on multiple Hezbollah-linked military sites in southern Lebanon, targeting shafts allegedly used for storing weapons, amid rising tensions along the border. In a post on X, the IDF stated that the strikes hit locations where Hezbollah activity had been identified in recent months. "STRUCK: Shafts used for storing weapons in several military sites belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, where in recent months, Hezbollah activity has been identified at these sites. Hezbollah's terror activity at these sites constitutes a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon," the Israeli military said in its post. https://x.com/IDF/status/2010375307203645504 According to The Times of Israel, since the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF has killed around 400 operatives and struck hundreds of additional Hezbollah-linked targets. The IDF has repeatedly asserted that the activity at the targeted sites constitutes a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon. The Lebanese government claimed last week to have disarmed Hezbollah south of the country's Litani River, but Israel has cast doubt on such an assertion, the Times of Israel reported. Earlier on December 15, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the killing of a senior Hezbollah terrorist, Zakaria Yahya al-Hajj, in an airstrike carried out in the Jwaya area of southern Lebanon, hours after it confirmed the killing of two Hezbollah terrorists in the region. In a post on X, the IDF stated that al-Hajj played a key role in activating agents within Lebanon's security systems and suppressing criticism of Hezbollah by its opponents. It further stated that activities by these terrorists pose a threat to the country. "ELIMINATED: Zakaria Yahya al-Hajj, a senior Hezbollah terrorist, was struck in the Jwaya area in southern Lebanon. As part of his role, he activated agents within Lebanon's security systems, and suppressed criticism by opponents of Hezbollah in Lebanon. The terrorist's activities constituted a threat to Israel and a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon," the IDF said. (ANI) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (local time) said Israel and Germany are "natural partners" in addressing emerging security challenges, as he and visiting German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt signed a joint declaration to deepen cooperation in the fields of security, cybersecurity and the fight against terrorism. The agreement was signed during Minister Dobrindt's official visit to Israel. In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote, "I attach enormous importance to the overall cooperation between Israel and Germany, and especially Israel and Germany on this question of cybersecurity, which is one of the main threats to our internal security, and in many ways also our infrastructure and other threats." https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2010417566741651515 Netanyahu further added that the two nations have already worked together on several major defence and technology initiatives. "And I think Germany and Israel are natural partners. We've cooperated on the Arrow III, we've cooperated in many areas. We cooperate technologically. Chancellor Mertz was here recently, we talked about defense cooperation," he said. The Prime Minister also recalled recent engagements between the two sides, noting that German Chancellor Mertz had recently visited Israel, during which defence cooperation was discussed. "Chancellor Mertz was here recently, we talked about defense cooperation," Netanyahu said. "And now I'm very pleased to welcome a dear friend of Israel, Minister Dobrindt, to sign this important pact. So, thank you for your friendship, thank you for your support, and please convey this to your government as well," he wrote in a post. "Iran and its proxies -- Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis -- pose a threat not only to Israel but to regional stability and international security," says Netanyahu at the signing, The Times of Israel reported. Netanyahu said that the declaration "anchors Germany's deep commitment to the security of the State of Israel and elevates the security-technological cooperation between the two countries to a new strategic level" and that it reflects Germany's historical responsibility in the wake of the Holocaust, The Times of Israel reported. (ANI) Qabil Ashirov The United Kingdom will allocate 200 million to prepare British troops for potential deployment to Ukraine once the war with Russia ends, Defence Secretary John Healey announced on Saturday. In a video message posted on X, Healey said the funding would ensure that British forces are ready to deploy from day one in the event of a peace agreement. The investment will focus on modernising military vehicles and communications systems, strengthening drone defence capabilities, and upgrading essential equipment. Today I am confirming we are committed 200 million to prepare British troops in the event of a peace deal, to be able to start deploying from day one, Healey said. As part of the initiative, the UK will also begin manufacturing new drone interceptors in Britain this month to counter Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russia. Healey said the programme combines Ukrainian intellectual property with modern British manufacturing techniques to enable mass production. We will manufacture them at scale and get them back into Ukrainethousands per month, he said, adding that the move would help Ukraine both remain operational during the conflict and secure long-term peace. On Friday, Healey also announced the launch of production of Octopus drones, designed to intercept Russian drones targeting civilian infrastructure. According to the Defence Ministry, each Octopus drone costs roughly 10 percent of the price of the drones it is designed to destroy, allowing for cost-effective large-scale deployment. The announcements underline Britains continued military support for Ukraine, while signalling preparations for a post-war security role should a peace settlement be reached. by Eric Schenck 2025 was a good year for books. One of my New Years Resolutions in 2025 was to read a classic novel each month of the year. And Im happy to say I succeeded. While Ive learned quite a bit from these books, one of my meta goals with the resolution was to become a better writer. And I think I have. Below you will see each of the 12 books I read, and the main lesson that each book taught me. Want to get better at writing? Curious what some of the best novels ever written can teach you about it? This article is for you. A few notes before I start: I tried to include a mix of nationalities, genders, and era written in my picks. Are these the 12 best books of all time? I dont know. But they are a good mix. You might disagree. And thats alright. My interpretation of these books (and the lessons I took from them) are mine alone. Ive tried not to include any spoilers. With that out of the way- Lets get better at writing. January 2025: The Iliad by Homer The lesson: zoom in on peoples lives. Before I started my first classic novel of 2025, I read the translators introduction. And there was a line that stood out to me: The Iliad is not a story of glory, but one of grief. This confused me. All I knew about The Iliad was that it was one of those epic stories of conquest. Battles. Violence. The quest for honor. Sounds like glory to me. But after reading it, I realized that the translator was completely right. So much death and destruction. So much sadness. And the way Homer shows it? By zooming in on a man before he dies, and telling you about: Who his parents are Where he comes from What he did for work and leisure His wife and children that are waiting for him at home Real tragedy is not just a bunch of people died, but the story of each person as an individual. The men in The Iliad have families. They have interests. They have pasts. And its only by getting closer to them before their demise that we fully realize it. February 2025: Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen The lesson: allow dialogue to do the heavy lifting. About half of Pride And Prejudice is just people talking to each other. In the hands of a less capable writer, this could start dragging fast. But Austen wasnt just any writer. Elizabeth was charming and quick-witted to the point of genius. Mr. Collins was pompous and annoying. Mr. Darcy? Even if misunderstood, a bit reserved and cruel in his humor (Elizabeth is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.) Savage. The impressive thing is that you learn all this through dialogue. Austen builds tension, humor, and character not with what she says about her characters, but with what they say. There is a massive difference here. And it makes for an interesting story. Ill admit: as a writer, good dialogue can be difficult to pull off. But speech is often so central to the pacing of a story, and adds flavor to your world in a way that description alone cant. It pays to get better at it. March 2025: Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert The lesson: tell stories with tiny details. Boy. Where do I even start with this one? Full transparency: this is one of the best books Ive ever read. And certainly my favorite of these twelve. When I look back on these classic novels, some are bad, some are OK, some are great And then there is Madame Bovary. Rarely, if ever, do you read a book where every word feels important. Like if you ripped a page out of the book at random, it would cease to be the same story. But thats what Madame Bovary was for me. I could write a million (biased) words about why this is one of the best novels thats ever been given to us. But wheres the fun in that? So I will just say this: It struck me how a giant world was created with the smallest things. Flaubert gives you tiny specifics. Your brain creates the rest. From the wedding scene and the description of the guests, to the somewhat dull habits of Charles, to the desires that start to consume Emma, this is a story told in details. Read it. And then try to do the same in your own writing. April 2025: The Grapes Of Wrath by John Steinbeck The lesson: when things get really bad have something good happen, and when things get really good have something bad happen. The Grapes Of Wrath is about the Joad family trying to make it to (and in) California. The story truly is a roller coaster. Just when you think things cant get any worse the family catches a break. And just when you think life is starting to look up that break gets snatched away from them. This is a great rule to follow if you want to keep people hooked. Its almost like watching a car crash happen, but getting a nice palate cleanser every couple of pages. People have no idea whats going to happen next. Because of that, they pay attention. May 2025: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov The lesson: dont be afraid to be taboo. Alright. This book is weird. But Id be lying if I didnt admit that its also quite compelling. Good? For me, not really. But compelling indeed. In case you dont know, Lolita is essentially about a grown man developing an obsession with an underage girl. Conveniently, she is also his step-daughter. They eventually start having sex. Things just get stranger (and more uncomfortable) from there. Disclaimer: you kind of hate yourself for reading this book. But you really cant look away. Lolita made me squirm, and is probably one of the most taboo books Ive ever read. But thats kind of the point. June 2025: Beloved by Toni Morrison The lesson: make obviously unreal things real. Beloved in a nutshell: the main character kills her baby daughter while escaping from slavery because thats better than sending her back to the plantation. Years later, that daughter comes back to haunt her (AKA, live with her and her other daughter in their house). The entire time I didnt quite know what to make of this. Was the daughter literally back from the dead? Was she a particularly weird ghost? Or was this some kind of extended metaphor? Honestly, I didnt really know. But maybe that was Morrisons point all along. The more you describe something as real and true, the more real it becomes. Obvious point here, but its worth thinking about. Is grief a sad memory from your past? Or is it your daughter coming back in the flesh to live with you and mess up your life in the process? Did I like Beloved? Not exactly. It felt a bit scattered, and the whole daughter is kind of dead, kind of alive thing started to get confusing. But the more you think about it, the more meaningful it all starts to feel. July 2025: The Count Of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas The lesson: appeal to the base instincts and emotions of your readers. Have you ever felt your stomach turn when something good happens to someone evil? Or how about that sick satisfaction with a long-overdue implosion of the bad guy? These are the more animalistic emotions that we have. A good story shouldnt ignore them. The Count of Monte Cristo is a tale of revenge. Edmond Dantes gets thrown in jail for a crime he didnt commit. He wastes away for years, but finally escapes (how he escapes alone is worth reading the book). By the time Edmond gets around to righting wrongs, you are practically begging for it. And when he does? Theres a kind of deep satisfaction that comes with it, because our base emotions are being satisfied. But heres the ingenious part of the writing: that revenge takes awhile. Edmond escapes prison, disappears for a decade while his enemies flourish, and only then starts to work his ultimate revenge. Edmond working through the entire list of those that wronged him is really just Dumas delaying that ultimate satisfaction that he knows his (animalistic) readers want. August 2025: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath The lesson: show somebodys gradual downfall. I cant think of many things that are as sickly compelling as watching somebody implode. Maybe this is why we watch trash television (my favorite is 90 Day Fiance). And so it goes with The Bell Jar. What starts as a cynical but charming account of a college-aged woman, quickly gets self-deprecating, until the central question becomes a dark one: Will she or will she not kill herself? Is this a bit depressing? Most definitely. (I learned after reading The Bell Jar that Sylvia Plath actually did commit suicide in real life, which now makes perfect sense.) But depressing can be compelling. And even if suicide is not a central theme in your writing, people falling apart can be addictive to read. Which brings me to my next novel September 2025: Things Fall Apart by China Achebe The lesson: make your characters multi-dimensional. Here was my experience reading Things Fall Apart: at the beginning, I hated the main character. Okonkwo was an overbearing husband and father. He beat his family, worked them to the bone, clearly had favorites, and embodied some cruel and twisted version of masculinity. By the ending? I didnt necessarily like him. But I did understand him. His entire way of life was disappearing right in front of him. Okonkwos homeland had banished him, he wasnt as strong as he used to be, and even the very root of his existence (his tribes religion) was changing. Was he an asshole? Definitely. But by understanding him as a victim of things out of his control, he suddenly becomes if not loveable at least interesting. Something that oddly comes to my mind is Breaking Bad. I was slow to watch the show, but I finally checked out the entire series in 2025. It was amazing. But what I found so ingenious was the evolution that the main characters went through. Walter White started loveable, charming, and innocent. If youve seen the show, you know he certainly doesnt end that way. Heres something to remember: a predictable character is a flat character. All bad people have moments of good. And all great people can be terrible. Things Fall Apart is a reminder to make your characters more complex. Thats compelling because its how real people are. October 2025: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes The lesson: describe people through their opposites. To me, Don Quixote was not a book about adventure. Or honor. Or the stories of people that Don Quixote came across. Or even an insufferable old man with some severe mental problems pretending to be a knight and smacking anybody on the head that disagreed with him. (Maybe that sentence gives you an idea of what I thought about this book.) For me, this 1,200-page novel is simply an extended conversation between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, his sidekick. This is what I will remember from this book. And thank God for that! Don Quixote was one of my least favorite classics. I found the Don distasteful, and there were too many side stories that didnt really drive the plot (although check out the December book for my thoughts on side stories that work). But one thing I could appreciate? The juxtaposition that Cervantes created with Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Was Don Quixote crazy? Most definitely. But the tragedy, humor, and ultimate futility of his adventures are really only put on display with the general confusion of Sancho Panza. We only fully understand Don Quixote through Sancho Panza. Likewise, we only fully understand Sancho Panza through Don Quixote. That in its own right is something cool to see. (I wont compare the combo to Lennie and George from Of Mice And Men, but there is definitely some overlap.) November 2025: The Picture Of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde The lesson: go deep into a characters ego. Dorian Gray is obsessed with his looks. So obsessed, in fact, that he has an existential crisis about a picture that is painted of him. He is terrified as he gets older that people will compare his real aging body to the eternally young and beautiful painting of it. His solution? Hide it away in an attic so nobody can get to it. (As it turns out, this is not really how it all turns out.) While this book didnt quite do it for me, its a masterclass in crafting an example of self-obsession. Because its not just his looks. Dorian also lives a life of hedonism, and really only tolerates people dedicated to pleasing him. Dorian is one of the more unlikeable characters from my year of classic novels. But still: next time I want to create a character with a gargantuan ego, he is certainly an example to look to. December 2025: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy The lesson: never be afraid to take your reader down some side stories. The central story of Anna Karenina is the love affair between Anna and Alexey Vronksy. But Tolstoy is brilliant enough to turn the novel into a true adventure. And he does that not by focusing exclusively on Anna and Vronsky, but by building an entire world around them. His main method of doing that? What I call side stories. Here are just a few of them: Kittys initial infatuation with Vronksy (which she eventually overcomes, mirroring and contrasting Annas own story) Stepans serial infidelity (and the double standards of society which this represents) Levins obsession with agriculture (reflecting Tolstoys larger moral vision of the importance of peasants) Annas husbands bureaucratic career (and his rigidity that deepens the tragedy of Annas cheating) Anna Karenina is widely considered one of the best books ever written, and I agree. But I dont think its just because of the central story. Rather, its because Tolstoy is smart enough to know that there is an entire world surrounding that story, and that they all contribute in their own way to telling it. Reading these classic novels taught me a lot. But perhaps more than anything, they showed me how to craft a good story. And for that Im forever grateful. Take these lessons and use them as you see fit. I wish you a good year of writing (and reading) in 2026! Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Morocco, represented by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Omar Hilale, was appointed by the President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, to co-facilitate, with Finlands Ambassador, Elina Kalkku, the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The selection of Morocco to lead the ninth review of this strategy reflects the confidence placed in the Kingdom, as well as its role as a reliable, committed, and responsible partner, actively working for regional and international security and stability. It constitutes recognition of Moroccos significant contribution to multilateral efforts aimed at preventing and combating terrorist threats. Hilales appointment reflects the credibility, trust, and respect that Morocco enjoys within the United Nations system, as a reliable partner and a key player in this process, reaffirming its determination to actively contribute to the success of the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, in a spirit of consensus, dialogue, consultation, and shared responsibility. The new appointment constitutes strong and well-deserved recognition of the central role played by Morocco in international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism. It reflects the credibility, consistency, and effectiveness of the Moroccan approach, based on a comprehensive vision combining security, prevention, regional and international cooperation, and the promotion of human rights and the rule of law, as well as the values of moderation and coexistence. Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, has developed a unique and widely acclaimed model, based on strengthening security and intelligence capabilities, close cooperation with international partners, and combating the root causes of terrorism through human development, social inclusion, and the promotion of a moderate Islam. This important UN intergovernmental negotiation process will be marked by consultations with all UN Member States and major stakeholders and will be led by Morocco and Finland in reviewing, by June 2026, the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which constitutes the main overarching framework defining the global approach to preventing and combating terrorism. This UN responsibility is in line with Moroccos cooperation with the United Nations, as evidenced by the opening of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Program Office in Rabat in 2021, which serves as a regional hub for capacity building and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Africa, by making expertise available to African states. This is further complemented by the recent holding of the first International Conference dedicated to African victims of terrorism, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNOCT. King Mohammed VI has pardoned 1,386 convicts on Independence Manifesto Day, commemorated in Morocco this Sunday, January 11, said the Ministry of Justice in a press release. The list includes 15 inmates who had been convicted in cases of extremism and terrorism. They were pardoned after they formally expressed their commitment to the constants and sacred values of the Nation and its institutions, revisesed their ideological orientations, and renounced extremism and terrorism, the press release said. The list of the overall beneficiaries of the royal pardon includes inmates who were granted pardon over their remaining jail terms and convicts who had their prison terms reduced. Some convicts benefited from pardon over their prison sentences or remaining prison terms. Other convicts saw their fines cancelled, while others benefited from both a pardon over their prison terms and fines. The King usually grants free pardon to inmates and convicts on religious and national holidays. "Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers told their listeners not to support Jasmine Crockett and then endorsed a candidate they admit they know nothing about. Rogers may not understand that the majority of Texas is not White." - hereswhykevin pic.twitter.com/3mUylWx4dh Somalia has lagged many other African countries when it comes to energy output, despite its strong potential for renewable energy production. Much of Somalias population still does not have access to electricity or clean cooking fuels. However, greater investment in the expansion of Somalias wind and solar power sectors, with support from strong regulatory frameworks, could help rapidly transform the country into a regional clean energy power. Somalia has an installed capacity of approximately 400 MW, with roughly 300 MW coming from diesel and 100 MW from solar and wind power. Around 80 percent of Somalias urban population, and just 24 percent of its rural communities, have access to electricity, according to data from the World Bank. Meanwhile, roughly 80 percent of Somalias energy consumption for cooking still comes from biomass fuels, which leads to greater deforestation and biodiversity loss. Somalia is considered to be a climate-vulnerable state, and developing its renewable energy sector is key to reducing environmental degradation and driving down poverty. Somalia has significant renewable energy potential, with solar irradiance averaging 57 kWh/m/day. However, to develop its natural resources, the government must establish favourable policies and regulatory frameworks, as well as attract higher levels of private investment to the countrys energy sector. The Somalian governments National Transformation Plan (NTP) sets out ambitious clean energy targets, such as increasing electricity coverage from the current 69.1 percent to 80 percent and decreasing the disparity between urban and rural areas. In October, Somalias Federal Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, in collaboration with UNDP, held a two-day stakeholder engagement workshop in Mogadishu to validate and advance Somalias renewable energy roadmap. Somalias State Minister for Energy and Water Resources, Mohamed Abdullahi Farah, also attended a key ministerial meeting of the International Solar Alliance in Accra, Ghana, in September to advance Somalias solar ambitions and foster greater regional collaboration. In December, the African Development Fund approved a $23.36 million grant package to expand access to clean electricity in Bosaso, in north-eastern Somalia, to address chronic shortages and reduce electricity costs. The Rehabilitation and Expansion of the Bosaso Power Grid project will be financed by the African Development Bank Group and the African Development Fund. It will include the development of new solar power generation capacity, the expansion of the distribution network, and the modernization of metering systems. It will also support the rollout of solar home systems for those who do not have access to the grid. The Bank Groups Lead Operations Advisor for Somalia, Bubacarr Sankareh, said that he expects the project to deliver transformative benefits. Sankareh explained, This project will change lives in Bosaso for families and small businesses. It will make electricity cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable, and is also a major step toward a stronger and more resilient energy future for Somalia. Providing more stable access to electricity is expected to support economic growth by helping businesses operate more reliably. The project will also support short- and long-term job creation in the region, and is also expected decrease reliance on diesel, which will reduce emissions and support the countrys sustainability goals. Other international institutions are also contributing to the expansion of Somalias renewable energy sector. In October, the European Union announced funds of $638.6 million for projects focused on modernising power grids, increasing access to renewable energy, and supporting clean energy projects in nine African countries, with Somalia set to receive $53.3 million to improve access to affordable renewable energy. As several international institutions encourage Somalia to expand its renewable energy sector, the government also intends to exploit its fossil fuel reserves. In December, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and Somali Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed discussed the potential for cooperation in hydrocarbon exploitation activities in Somalias land and sea territory. Bayraktar stated at the time, We are building Turkiye-Somalia energy cooperation on solid foundations. As Turkiye, we view Somalia as one of our most important partners in Africa, and we believe that our cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector will hopefully open the doors to a new era in the near future. At the beginning of January, Bayraktar announced plans to launch oil and gas exploration activities off the coast of Somalia. The drilling vessel Cagri Bay is expected to arrive in Somali waters in February. The project will be carried out as part of a bilateral energy agreement signed between Turkey and Somalia in 2024, and the project will be Turkeys first overseas deepwater oil and gas exploration venture. Full-scale drilling is expected to commence in 2026, according to Bayraktar, and will extend to onshore areas. Despite having some of the lowest access to electricity in the world, Somalia has significant renewable energy potential. Developing its clean energy sector will require government support, in terms of policy and regulation, as well as high levels of private investment and expertise. Meanwhile, Somalia is collaborating with Turkey to explore its hydrocarbon potential. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com China is boosting domestic natural gas production, and it is doing it fast. A major LNG consumerand importerthe country has been key in LNG demand forecasts. Now, these forecasts will need to be revised. Less than ten years ago, China was struggling to get its domestic gas production off the ground, especially in shale formations. Chinas shale geology is different from the U.S. basins, and energy companies were finding it difficult to get commercial production going. Now, Chinas state oil and gas majors are pumping more gas than ever and announcing new discoveries in the shale patch. In November last year, China produced 22.1 billion cu m, which was a 7.1% increase on the year, Kpler reported this month citing official production data. The increase was driven by faster-than-expected shale gas ramp-ups in the Sichuan Basin. Based on that data, the energy analytics firm expects Chinas total for 2025 to reach 263 billion cu m, rising to 278.5 billion cu m this year, again thanks to growing shale gas production in the Sichuan and Shanxi basins. As with oil, rising domestic production would inevitably affect imports, even as China leans more heavily on natural gas for emission-reduction purposes. Last year, for instance, China booked higher domestic gas production and a rather substantial decline in LNG imports. In fact, imports of liquefied gas last year fell to the lowest in six years after a string of 12 monthly declines in a row. Imports only rebounded at the end of the year but not enough to reverse the decline. Kpler has predicted that Chinese demand for liquefied natural gas is going to decline this year as well, with shale gas production removing some 600,000 tons of LNG demand, reducing the total to 73.9 million tons. Related: Washington's Venezuelan Oil Push Falters on Funding Questions Now, 600,000 tons is not a whole lot in the context of a market where the United States alone exported over 100 million tons last year. But it does serve as yet another evidence of a trend in China to reduce dependence on energy imports, which has implications for global energy commodity markets that have gotten used to relying on China as the ultimate driver of demand. The projected decline in Chinas demand for gasand by extension LNGmay interfere with new LNG capacity addition plans and prices, shrinking producers profits. It is these plans for a wave of new LNG supply, set to come online by the end of the decade, mostly from the top exporters, the United States and Qatar, that have prompted many analysts to expect an oversupplied LNG market by 2030 that would weigh on prices. Then there is competition on the LNG market itself. China is no longer importing U.S. liquefied gas amid the two countries tariff spat that President Donald Trump launched as soon as he was sworn in. But Russia is exporting record volumes to its neighbor. For now, these record volumes are not exactly massive. However, they come from two sanctioned LNG facilities, suggesting that, like oil and love, gas always finds a way as long as the price is right. Growing Russian exports of LNG to China could also be a factor in LNG market forecasts, especially once the European Unions total ban on Russian energy imports, meaning gas, comes into effect next year. Currently, the European Union is the largest buyer of Russian LNG; once the ban comes into effect, these flows will be redirected, and the likeliest new destinations will be China and India. Meanwhile, pipeline gas flows into China are also about to tick higher this year, dampening demand for liquefied natural gas further. Imports via the Power of Siberia pipeline from Russia alone could move higher by 8 billion cu m than in 2025, according to Kpler, driving an overall 8% increase in pipeline imports to a total 80.7 billion cu m. Pipeline gas imports from Central Asian countries, meanwhile, are seen declining by 4 billion cu m in 2026 on the back of stronger domestic demand that will make those countries keep more gas at home. China will continue ramping up its domestic natural gas production. Reducing dependence on energy imports is a priority for Beijing. Yet this import reduction will be gradual and it will sooner or later reach its limits. Until then, it is price that will drive import decisionsand the impact that these decisions could potentially have on the global LNG market. To be fair, however, that impact is unlikely to be as major as the impact of oil demand trends in China. The reason is that there are plenty of other countries with solid demand for liquefied gasespecially if prices move lower and stay there, whether thanks to new capacity that is boosting supply or thanks to lower Chinese demand driven by rising domestic production. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Sri Lanka leveled the three-match T20I series by defeating Pakistan by 14 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, defending their 160-run total in a rain-hit 12-over contest at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday night. Pakistan had won the first T20I by six wickets, while the second match was abandoned without a ball due to persistent rain. By PakPassion Staff (January 12th, 2026) Chasing 161, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha launched a fiery 12-ball 45, smashing five fours and three sixes after coming in during the second over following Sahibzada Farhans early dismissal. Salman and Saim Ayub added 51 runs for the second wicket off just 14 balls, though Ayub contributed only five runs. Sri Lanka struck back quickly, taking three wickets in seven balls across the 4th and 5th overs, reducing Pakistan to 67-4 and leaving them needing 92 off the final seven overs. At this crucial stage, Mohammad Nawaz (28 off 15 balls, 2x4s, 2x6s) and debutant Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (26 off 15 balls, 1x4, 1x6) Pakistans 125th T20I player put together a vital 49-run partnership off 26 balls. Wanindu Hasaranga, the player of the match, struck twice in the 10th over, following his double strike in the 5th, dismissing Nafay and Shadab Khan to halt Pakistans progress. Although Faheem Ashraf and Shadabs late hitting reduced the equation to 30 off 12 balls, pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga bowled tightly in the final overs, conceding just 15 runs as Sri Lanka sealed the win. Hasaranga finished with four wickets, while Pathirana took two and Malinga claimed one. Earlier, Sri Lanka were propelled to 160-6 in 12 overs thanks to blitzing knocks from skipper Dasun Shanaka (34 off 9 balls, 5x6s) and Janith Liyanage (22*, 8b, 3x4, 1x6), who shared a 52-run partnership off just 15 balls after the visitors had reduced Sri Lanka to 102-5 in 9.1 overs. Sri Lankas innings also featured crucial contributions from Kusal Mendis (30 off 16, 2x4, 2x6), opener Kamil Mishara (20 off 8, 3x4, 1x6), Dhananjaya de Silva (22 off 15, 4x4), and Charith Asalanka (21 off 13, 1x4, 1x6). Pakistans Naseem Shah had early success, removing Pathum Nissanka for a two-ball duck, while Mohammad Wasim Jr. claimed three wickets, with Faheem Ashraf, Nawaz, and Naseem taking one each. 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: Ultrafast genome-wide virtual screening with DrugCLIP. Credit: Science (2026). DOI: 10.1126/science.ads9530 Researchers in China have unveiled a new AI framework that could accelerate the discovery of new medicines. DrugCLIP can scan millions of potential drug compounds against thousands of protein targets in just a few hoursten million times faster than current virtual screening methods. Typically, when scientists develop new medicines, they use complex computer simulations to fit a 3D drug molecule into a protein pocket. This indicates that it is likely to interact with the protein's binding site and function. However, the process is incredibly time-consuming and expensive. Different approach So Yanyan Lan at Tsinghua University and colleagues decided to take a different approach to drug discovery, as they describe in a study published in the journal Science. Instead of slow physical simulations, DrugCLIP works like a high-speed search engine. This video introduces DrugCLIP as an AI-driven framework that learns a shared chemogenomic representation of protein targets and small molecules, enabling large-scale, docking-free virtual screening. By embedding billions of compounds and thousands of protein pockets into a unified space, DrugCLIP rapidly identifies active ligands, supports multi-target and genome-wide screening, and delivers consistent enrichment across diverse targets. The presentation highlights the underlying methodology, screening performance, and interactive platform, illustrating how DrugCLIP transforms virtual screening from a computational bottleneck into a scalable and practical engine for modern drug discovery. Credit: Dr. Yanyan Lan's Team at Intelligent Industry Innovation Center of Tsinghua Wuxi Institute of Applied Technology. Video produced by Changzhou Sensevis Cultural Technology Co., Ltd. (sensevis.cn), commissioned by the authors The program uses two neural networks, one for the protein pocket and one for the molecule. It trains them to convert both components into mathematical vectors, and if there is a fit, these will be close to each other in a shared digital space. The AI only needs to measure the distance between the vectors to find a match. By turning the physical shape of a potential drug into numbers, the system can search through trillions of possibilities instantly. To make this work for thousands of targets at once, the team used another AI program, AlphaFold 2, to predict the 3D structures of about 10,000 human proteins. This shows how proteins curl into the 3D shapes they need to work. However, while the computer-generated shapes are generally correct, the pockets where a drug needs to fit often lack sufficient detail. So the researchers created GenPack, which makes the pockets accurate enough for DrugCLIP to find a match. Superfast In tests, the AI engine scanned targets representing roughly half of the protein-coding human genome. It matched 500 million potential drug molecules against 10,000 protein targets, completing 10 trillion scans in one day. DrugCLIP also found a matching molecule for TRIP12, a protein linked to cancer and autism. It had previously stumped scientists because its structure wasn't well understood. "DrugCLIP is an ultrafast virtual screening method that we rigorously validated through in silico benchmark evaluation and wet-lab experiments," commented the scientists in their paper. "Its speed enables trillion-scale screening covering the human druggable proteome, providing an open-access resource that forms a foundation for next-generation drug discovery, particularly for less understood targets." DrugCLIP and the database of 10,000 proteins are freely available, so scientists around the world can use them to search for new medicines. Written for you by our author Paul Arnold, edited by Sadie Harley, 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. Key concepts Artificial intelligence 2026 Science X Network 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: This image shows four of the nine oddball galaxies that astronomers are calling 'Astronomy's Platypus.' The JWST found them in its Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science Survey (CEERS). They're distinct from other galaxies because of their point-like appearances, though they lack the usual features that make galaxies appear point-like. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Steve Finkelstein (UT Austin); Image Processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI) The platypus is one of evolution's lovable, oddball animals. The creature seems to defy well-understood rules of biology by combining physical traits in a bizarre way. They're egg-laying mammals with duck bills and beaver-like tails, and the males have venomous spurs on their hind feet. In that regard, it's only fitting that astronomers describe some newly discovered oddball objects as "Astronomy's Platypus." The discovery consists of nine galaxies that also have unusual properties and seem to defy categorization. The findings were recently presented at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix. The results are also in new research titled "A New Population of Point-like, Narrow-line Objects Revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope," posted to the arXiv preprint server. The lead author is Haojing Yan from the University of Missouri-Columbia. "We report a new population of objects discovered using the data from the James Webb Space Telescope, which are characterized by their point-like morphology and narrow permitted emission lines," the authors write in their research. "Due to the limitation of the current data, the exact nature of this new population is still uncertain." "It seems that we've identified a population of galaxies that we can't categorize, they are so odd. On the one hand they are extremely tiny and compact, like a point source, yet we do not see the characteristics of a quasar, an active supermassive black hole, which is what most distant point sources are," said Yan. This graphic illustrates the pronounced narrow peak of the spectra that caught researchers attention in a small sample of galaxies, represented here by one named CEERS 4233-42232. It is the combination of a narrower-than-expected spectra, along with a tiny, point-like appearance, that makes these galaxies stand out. Typically, distant point-like light sources are quasars, but quasar spectra have a much broader shape. The quasar's is broader because matter is rotating rapidly around the SMBH, and that clearly isn't happening in the unusual point sources. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI) The research team started with a sample of about 2,000 point sources from three different JWST surveys: the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science Survey (CEERS), the Ultra Deep Survey (UDS), and the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS). Out of that sample they found nine point sources from between 12 to 12.6 billion years ago. The powerful JWST captured spectra from these sources, and those spectra did not line up with spectra from known objects. They can't simply be stars because they're much too distant. They're too dim to be quasars, which are among the most luminous objects in the universe. They're similar to the "green peas" discovered by citizen scientists, but are even more compact than those. "I looked at these characteristics and thought, this is like looking at a platypus. You think that these things should not exist together, but there it is right in front of you, and it's undeniable," Yan said in a press release. Yan compares the spectra of the point sources to the genetic code of the platypus, saying "Like spectra, the detailed genetic code of a platypus provides additional information that shows just how unusual the animal is, sharing genetic features with birds, reptiles, and mammals. Together, Webb's imaging and spectra are telling us that these galaxies have an unexpected combination of features." Yan was emphatic in his press conference at the 247th AAS Meeting. "The bottom line here, our objects are not quasars," he explained. But Yan also said that their platypus point sources could be within the larger family of active galactic nuclei, because astrophysicists know that there are narrow-line AGN. "The problem is that narrow-line AGN are not point-like," he said, pouring cold water on that possibility. If they are among the AGN family, "they must be a new kind," he said. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Graduate student researcher Bangzheng Sun, also from the University of Missouri-Columbia, analyzed the data to see if they sources could be star-forming galaxies. "From the low-resolution spectra we have, we can't rule out the possibility that these nine objects are star-forming galaxies. That data fits," Sun said in a press release. "The strange thing in that case is that the galaxies are so tiny and compact, even though Webb has the resolving power to show us a lot of detail at this distance." At the press conference, Sun said, "We also checked that alternative that these can be normal star-forming galaxies." These types of narrow emission lines are seen in these types of galaxies. "Just like duck bills are normally seen in ducks," he quipped. He added that if they are star-forming galaxies, they must be very young, all less than 200 million years old. But there's a problem with interpretation. "If they are indeed star-forming galaxies, then their point-like appearances are very difficult to understand," Sun said. If they're so young and so early in their formation, then they're peacefully forming stars from the inside out. "This is a process we have not seen before," Sun said. "I think this new research is presenting us with the question, how does the process of galaxy formation first begin? Can such small, building-block galaxies be formed in a quiet way, before chaotic mergers begin, as their point-like appearance suggests?" Yan said in the press release. In the end, the researchers conclude that they're almost certainly seeing a new population of galaxies. They could be a new kind of AGN that are in very faint galaxies, "low-luminosity and hostless," as they describe it in their paper. They could be a new kind of star-forming galaxy. To find out for sure, two things are needed: a larger sample of these "platypuses," and higher-resolution spectra. "Regardless of their exact nature, this population of point-like, narrow-line objects deserve further investigations, and deeper, medium-resolution spectroscopy will be critical in the future diagnostics," the authors write in their paper's conclusion. The JWST has a track record of revealing things in the early universe that are forcing us to rethink what we know. That's the point of building it and launching it. To discover things that force researchers to work harder to explain them, thereby advancing our scientific horizons. When scientists first examined a deceased platypus in 1799, they thought it was a prank. They thought it was made up of several other animals sewn together. But it wasn't, and over time it became clear that this animal holds an important place in evolution and biology. Will the same thing happen with "Astronomy's Platypus?" "We cast a wide net, and we found a few examples of something incredible. These nine objects weren't the focus; they were just in the background of broad Webb surveys," said Yan. "Now it's time to think about the implications of that, and how we can use Webb's capabilities to learn more." Publication details Haojing Yan et al, A New Population of Point-like, Narrow-line Objects Revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2509.12177 Journal information: arXiv by Amir Zadnemat In almost every medical school in the world, there is a cupboardor a quiet back roomfull of bones. The skulls are numbered, the femurs stacked like firewood, the ribs threaded onto metal wire. Officially, they are teaching aids. Unofficially, they are the remains of actual lives, reduced to objects that can be ordered from a catalogue. We are used to this sight in photographs and films. The skeleton in the anatomy lab is so familiar that it has become a cliche. But if you pause for a moment, a much more disturbing question emerges: how did those bones get there, and what does their journey say about the way we valueor fail to valuehuman bodies? The answer is not only a matter of medical history. It is a window onto something larger: the politics of who is allowed dignity, who becomes material for science, and whose remains can be moved, displayed, or even sold without much public concern. To look closely at the skeleton is to see, beneath the neat language of progress, a long story of power. From memento mori to medical specimen For most of human history, bones were not neutral. They were sacred relics, moral warnings, or traces of the dead who still had a claim on the living. Medieval European churches were filled with skulls and femurs carefully arranged into chapels of bones. Their purpose was not scientific. They were there to remind the living of their own mortalitymemento moriand to keep the dead within the orbit of the community. In many cultures, human bones were (and are) integrated into rituals of mourning, ancestor veneration, or collective identity. The skeleton, even when separated from the flesh, was still someone: a grandfather, a warrior, a victim. To move the bones without permission, to disturb their resting place, was an act of serious moral and sometimes spiritual violence. The modern idea of the skeleton as a specimena piece of biological hardwareemerged gradually, as medicine claimed more authority over the body. Dissection theatres, anatomical museums, and medical schools needed material to work with. As the scientific gaze hardened, the skeleton shifted category: from symbol to resource, from presence to property. But whose bodies were turned into property? The supply problem and the hierarchy of bodies By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, European medical schools faced what they openly called a supply problem: the demand for bodies to dissect exceeded the number of legally available corpses. Executed criminals were one official source, but not nearly enough. So medical students and their suppliers turned to a shadow economy of grave-robbing and body-snatching, disproportionately targeting the poor, the unclaimed, and the socially powerless. The skeletons that now sit in glass cases did not appear there via some neutral process. They came from somewhere, and usually that somewhere was a place where people had little ability to resist. The dead of workhouses, asylums, prisons, and colonial territories furnished the modern atlas of anatomy. The resulting hierarchy was brutal in its clarity. Some bodies were destined for funerals, ceremonies, and carved tombstones; other bodies were destined for dissection tables and teaching collections. The logic was circular: if you were poor, criminalised, colonised, or otherwise marginal, your body had less right to rest. The proof of your lower status was, in part, that your remains could be put to use. This is not simply a story about the past. The bones that universities and museums still holdoften in the thousandscarry this history in their very presence. Many are unlabeled, unidentified, and stored in cardboard boxes. If we think of the dead as fully gone, already beyond harm, this might not disturb us. But if we believe, as many humanist thinkers do, that dignity extends beyond the moment of deaththat how we treat the dead reflects how we value the livingthen the question becomes more urgent: why are some skeletons still in institutional limbo? The colonial skeleton If the poor and criminalised supplied many of the bodies for metropolitan medical schools, colonised peoples supplied many of the skeletons for European and North American museums. In the era of empire, human remains were collected, shipped, classified, and displayed alongside animal specimens and archaeological finds. Skulls, in particular, were prized, feeding into pseudo-scientific projects such as phrenology and racial science. These collections were not simply about curiosity. They were instruments in a political project: to arrange humanity into hierarchies that coincidentally put the collectors at the top. The skulls of colonised subjects were measured and compared, used as evidence that certain groups were naturally less intelligent, more primitive, or closer to animals. The skeleton became a diagram of power, drawn on the most intimate material available. Today, many of those skulls and skeletons remain in storerooms. For decades, their presence was defended in the language of research and preservation. But in recent years, descendant communities and activists have demanded repatriation and reburial. They argue, quite forcefully, that the bones were taken without consent, that they embody histories of conquest and humiliation, and that keeping them in institutions is a continuation of that violence. These demands have forced museums and universities to confront a question that cannot be answered by technical committees alone: can the pursuit of knowledge justify the indefinite detention of human remains, especially when those remains were acquired through coercion and theft? Consent, education, and the modern laboratory In response to such critiques, modern medical education has tried to reinvent its relationship with the dead. Today, in many countries, bodies used for anatomical teaching are supposed to come from people who explicitly donated them while alive. Ceremonies of thanks, memorial services, and plaques in medical schools acknowledge the silent teachers whose bodies make education possible. This is an important moral shift. It recognises that the dead are not simply raw material; they are, in some sense, participants in a social contract. But even here, the realities are messy. Consent regimes vary widely between countries and institutions. Economic and social inequalities still shape who is more likely to donateand whose bodies are more likely to end up in under-resourced teaching hospitals, while wealthy patients are more likely to be buried or cremated according to family wishes. Moreover, beyond the context of formal donation, there are still troubling grey zones. The bodies of migrants who die at borders, of prisoners in overcrowded systems, of unidentified people found in citiesthese remain vulnerable to being classified as unclaimed and thus available, in some jurisdictions, for institutional use. The old hierarchy lurks in new forms. When we step back, a pattern emerges: whenever a society declares certain lives to be less valuable, less grievable, or less visible, it is easier to treat their remains as objects rather than as the leftovers of a person. Skeletons on display: museums, hashtags, and public unease If the medical lab is one place where we confront the politics of the skeleton, the museum is another. Walk into many natural history or anthropology galleries and you will still find human skulls and partial skeletons in glass displays. They are often arranged next to animal bones, tools, and reconstructed environments. Silent and well-lit, they appear to offer neutral information: this is what a human skeleton looks like; this is how bones grow; this is how people in a particular region buried their dead. Yet in recent years, visitors have started to question these displays more openly. Social media campaigns and activist interventions have pointed out that the bones behind the glass are not generic specimens but specific individuals, often identified as male, 2530, possibly African or female, 1825, from [X] culture. If we would find it unsettling to see our own relative displayed like this, why do we accept it for others? Museums typically respond that they are preserving and educating; that to hide the skeletons would be to erase history. But the counter-argument is that how we show them matters at least as much as whether we keep them. Are they displayed as curiosities, as scientific samples, or as members of communities whose descendants are still alive and watching? One striking sign of change is the language that institutions now use. Terms like specimen and object are being replaced, in some catalogues, with individual or person. That may sound like a small semantic shift, but it marks an important acknowledgment: even without a name, the skeleton retains a human claim on us. The humanist question: What do we owe the dead? Humanist thinkers have typically focused on this life rather than the next. If there is no immortal soul, if consciousness ends at death, then the bones left behind are, in a strict sense, just matter. But just matter does not mean morally irrelevant. We routinely treat inanimate symbolsa flag, a family home, a memorial stoneas worthy of respect not because they feel, but because we feel. The same is true of human remains. We cannot harm the dead in the way we harm the living, but we can harm the living through the dead. We can humiliate communities by displaying their ancestors in degrading ways. We can perpetuate injustice by keeping stolen remains as trophies of conquest. We can send a powerful messageintended or notabout who counts as fully human by deciding whose bones deserve rest and whose can be endlessly handled and exhibited. From a humanist perspective, the question is not whether a skeleton has intrinsic rights. It is whether our treatment of skeletons reflects the values we claim to hold about equality, consent, and the worth of every person. If we insist that all human beings have equal moral status, then that commitment cannot end conveniently at the moment of death for those whose bodies we find useful. Restless bones in a restless present In recent years, campaigns for the repatriation of human remains have achieved some high-profile victories. Museums have returned skulls and skeletons to Indigenous communities. Universities have issued public apologies and created ethical review boards for their anatomical collections. Some medical schools have quietly buried long-held remains that could not be identified or ethically kept. These gestures do not erase the past, but they signal a willingness to see the skeleton not only as a tool for knowledge but as a trace of relationships that demand repair. They invite us to imagine a different future in which the bones in cupboards are no longer anonymous, and where institutional convenience does not trump the demands of justice. At the same time, new dilemmas are emerging. Digital technology allows us to scan bones, reconstruct faces, and create virtual models. If a community asks for the physical remains to be returned and buried, should the institution keep the digital copy? Does a 3D model of a skull count as a continuation of the same ethical problem, or a way out of it? We have not yet found stable answers. The paradox of the skeleton is that it is, in one sense, the most universal human image. Strip away skin, features, colour, and the particularities of appearance, and we are all bones. Yet in practice, some skeletons have always been treated as more disposable than others. The promise of equality has stopped, again and again, at the surface of the body. To take the skeleton seriously is to ask uncomfortable questions about how much we genuinely believe in a shared humanity. It is to look, not away from the bones in the cupboard, but directly at themand to admit that they are not only relics of medical history, but witnesses to a moral one. If those bones are restless, it is not because they harbour ghosts. It is because we have still not settled what we owe to the bodies that made our knowledge possible, nor to the people whose remains we turned into specimens without their consent. Until we do, every neat anatomical diagram will carry, in the white of its bones, a shadow we have yet to fully confront. *** Amir Zadnemat is an Iranian writer and essayist. He holds an MA in Persian Literature from the University of Gilan, Iran. His work focuses on philosophical and literary essays, often exploring the intersections of literature, cinema, and critical theory. His writing is primarily concerned with questions of interpretation, modernity, and the limits of narrative and meaning in contemporary culture. *** Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), Date: 9 January 2026:The Chenchu Sankranti Mahotsav 2026, held at the sacred Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga shrine in Srisailam, Andhra Pradeshone of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shivaconcluded in a truly historic and memorable manner. The grand event emerged as a remarkable confluence of Sanatan tradition, tribal heritage, spirituality, social harmony, and national unity. The festival witnessed the dignified presence of eminent saints and spiritual leaders, Jagadgurus, Mahamandaleshwars, political leaders, social activists, and prominent representatives of the Chenchu tribal community, along with participants from India, Nepal, and other regions. Special Felicitation of Pradeep Khanal. On this auspicious occasion, Pradeep Khanal, renowned spiritual and cultural figure and World Spiritual Ambassador, was specially felicitated by the collective fraternity of saints, spiritual leaders, tribal representatives, and religious communities. The honor was conferred in recognition of his extraordinary achievement of completing pilgrimages to more than 450 sacred sites within a single year. 450 Pilgrimages: A Unique Spiritual Mission of the Modern Era Within the span of one year, Pradeep Khanal successfully undertook extensive pilgrimages across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Tibet (China), covering over 450 sacred Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh pilgrimage sites. His journey included spiritual practices, worship rituals, meditation, and meaningful cultural and interfaith dialogue. Eminent saints and scholars present at the event described this pilgrimage as unprecedented in the modern era, stating that such a vast spiritual journey has not been witnessed since Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya and Sikhisms founder Guru Nanak Dev Ji. According to the speakers, Adi Shankaracharya traveled extensively across India to propagate Advaita Vedanta, while Guru Nanak Dev Ji undertook long journeys to spread the message of devotion, equality, and human unity. In the contemporary age, Pradeep Khanals pilgrimage has emerged as a symbol of the revival of Sanatan Dharma and a bridge for global humanity. Dignified Presence of Jagadgurus and Mahamandaleshwars The Chenchu Sankranti Mahotsav 2026 was graced by the presence of the following distinguished spiritual luminaries: Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Adhokshajanand Devtirtha Ji Maharaj, Peethadheeshwar, Govardhan Peeth Jagadguru Kalki Bhagwan, Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Swami Prakashanand, Rishikesh Swami Advaitanand Giri, Gangotri Dham Mahamandaleshwar Nilima Mata Ji, Ujjain Swami C. Ramasubba Reddy Shivananda Datta Saraswati Udayananda Swami, Karimnagar Raksha Pande ( Sister Mohan Bhagwat ,Pujaniya Sarsaghchalak RSS) Ravindra Kumar Pande, Mr. Balraj Nune , National Coordinator BJP, Mangesh Bhagwat , A Krishna Kishore ( chief Organiser) All the revered saints delivered profound discourses on spirituality, preservation of Sanatan culture, harmony between nature and humanity, and social cohesion. Special Blessings and Historic Declarations One of the key highlights of the event was the special blessings bestowed upon Pradeep Khanal by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Adhokshajanand Devtirtha Ji Maharaj, Jagadguru Kalki Bhagwan, and other Mahamandaleshwar gurus. While offering blessings, Jagadguru Shankaracharya stated: The work carried out by Pradeep Khanal for the promotion of Sanatan Dharma, preservation of pilgrimage culture, and unity of humanity will remain recorded in history for generations to come. Jagadguru Kalki Bhagwan and other Mahamandaleshwars echoed similar sentiments, describing Khanals mission as a spiritual movement ushering in a new era for Sanatan Dharma, with a far-reaching positive impact at the global level. Notable Participation from Political and Social Leadership Alongside spiritual leaders, the event also saw the participation of prominent political and social figures, including: Balraj Nune, National Coordinator, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Raksha Pandey, sister of RSS Chief Pujaniya Mohan Bhagwat Ji Ravindra Kumar Pandey, brother-in-law of Mohan Bhagwat Ji Mangesh Bhagwat A. Krishna Kishore, Chief Organizer In addition, several political leaders from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, social activists, and senior leaders of the Chenchu tribal community actively participated, making the event highly inclusive and impactful. Chenchu Tribe and the Pride of Sanatan Tradition The Chenchu Sankranti Mahotsav was specifically organized to highlight the cultural identity, ancient traditions, and historical connection of the Chenchu tribe with Sanatan Dharma. The Chenchu community is traditionally regarded as the ancient custodians of the Srisailam region and devoted indigenous worshippers of Lord Mallikarjun. Leaders of the Chenchu community praised Pradeep Khanals pilgrimage as a symbol of tribalmainstream unity, cultural respect, and spiritual renaissance, and extended their heartfelt honor to him. Address by Pradeep Khanal: A Global Message of Sanatan Consciousness After receiving the felicitation, Pradeep Khanal expressed his gratitude and shared his vision, stating: This honor is far greater than a personal achievement. It represents respect for Sanatan culture, saints, tribal communities, and global humanity. The purpose of my pilgrimage was not merely to visit sacred sites, but to spread the message of dharma, compassion, coexistence, and peace across the world. He further explained that his journey aimed to build spiritual bridges among Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh traditions, emphasizing that religious tolerance and cultural diplomacy are essential for todays world. National and International Message Speakers at the event expressed confidence that Pradeep Khanals pilgrimage would further strengthen IndiaNepal relations, reinforce South Asian cultural unity, and spread a powerful message of global peace and harmony. The journey is also expected to open new avenues in religious tourism, cultural research, academic studies, and international spiritual dialogue. Conclusion: A Spiritual Light from Srisailam to the World The Chenchu Sankranti Mahotsav 2026 transcended the boundaries of a religious festival and emerged as a historic platform for the revival of Sanatan Dharma, recognition of tribal heritage, spiritualpolitical dialogue, and international friendship. From the sacred land of Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga, Srisailam, this spiritual message is expected to illuminate the world with peace, harmony, and the spirit of human unity. Ten years is a long time. The specific stretch of 10 years between 2016 and now, particularly so. But that is how much time has elapsed between the first and second seasons of the megahit TV adaptation of John le Carres The Night Manager, starring Tom Hiddleston as the inscrutable hotelierturnedintelligence agent Jonathan Pine and Hugh Laurie as his foil, the chillingly evil arms dealer Richard Roper. The first season, which follows Pine as he infiltrates Ropers inner circle to prevent him from illegally shipping weapons in the Middle East, went gangbusters when it debuted on BBC One. It had a reported budget of 20 million (approximately $29 million), then unheard of for the BBC, and picked up 36 award nominations, including Golden Globes each for Hiddleston, Laurie, and Olivia Colman, who played the hard-boiled, heavily pregnant MI6 handler for Pine. It brought le Carre back to the small screen for the first time in a long while, following the success of recent cinematic adaptations of his work like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) and A Most Wanted Man (2014), and the public and critics alike gushed over it. This is what we want Auntie to be for, the critic A. A. Gill wrote in the Sunday Times, referring to the BBC by one of its pet names. It reminds us that once we had the best TV in the world. Part of the shows success was that it upped the pace of le Carres work for modern audiences. The authors novels are brilliantly complex and notoriously ponderous, not immediately well-suited for the era of streaming shows muscling each other for viewers attention. But The Night Manager retained something of that slowness in the character of Pine, who is not a protagonist who comes out all guns blazing, but someone whose core takes time to reveal itself, and threw in enough luxurious locations and perfectly crisp shirts to give the whole production a prestige feel. Part of its acclaim was also that it felt complete. The six-episode series was a story, well told, from the beginning through to an obvious end. It was sleek, poised, and serious in tone, with nothing so vulgar as a shoddy set of rushed new seasons off the back of its success to sully its air of refinement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until now. At first, le Carre himself was against a sequel, but he changed his mind shortly before he died in 2020. And so now, a full decade after its first season, we have a second season of The Night Manager, with an entirely new Pine story not based on le Carres novels, which begins streaming with three episodes on Prime Video today. Ten years have also passed in the world of The Night Manager. Pine, a decade on from his climactic standoff with Roper, is drawn into another shady underworld, this time in Colombia, to investigate a second charming and dangerous gun runner. But something has shifted in the 10 years that have passed in our world, and in the world of spy dramas. TV-spy mania seems to come in waves. Back in the 70s and 80s, there were wonderful BBC adaptations of le Carres George Smiley books (which, if youve never had the pleasure, I recommend you seek out), and then spies slipped off our screens for the most part until Foxs 24 in 2001 and the BBCs Spooks in 2002. Then another break, and after FXs The Americans won critical acclaim with its Cold War KGB agents narrative, Season 1 of The Night Manager triggered a new golden age for a different kind of espionage thriller. The series proved that spy dramas on television could be cinematic in scope, lavish in production, and air out the Cold War mustiness of old mackintoshes and rainy alleyways. They could be glamorous and aspirational in their portrayals of espionage, like Bond, but still take the stakes of spy work seriously. It was followed by The Little Drummer Girl in 2018, another lush le Carre miniseries on the BBC with an all-star cast including Alexander Skarsgard, Florence Pugh, and Michael Shannon, and paved the way for shows like Killing Eve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the intervening decade, another, very different sort of spy show has shot to international acclaim: Apple TVs Slow Horses. Adapted from Mick Herrons novels, Slow Horses charts the lives of MI5s reject agents, relegated to only the most idiot-proof work in a building far away from the agencys headquarters. Unlike in The Night Manager, or something like Jack Ryan, the spies of Slow Horses dont make the occasional mistake that can be rectified by derring-do and 4D-espionage chess. Their failures are consistent. Spies are not otherworldly, invisible elite agents flitting between far-flung locations; theyre human beings with jobs and mortgages and humdrum character failings. The Day of the Jackal, Eddie Redmaynes spy thriller series that came out amid building Slow Horses fervor, was good, but it hasnt inspired the same amount of passion and fandom, perhaps in part because a millionaire world-class sniper and disguise artist who lives in a palatial house in Cadiz simply isnt as loveable or relatable as the ragtag bunch of losers who make up Slough House, which is portrayed as a sort of carcinogenic growth on the limb of the civil service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This second Night Manager season arrives at a moment when spy dramas have moved on, and in a grubbier, more down-to-earth direction than the one the first season ushered in. Theres something interesting in the fact that Slow Horses does, in some ways, more resemble le Carre than The Night Manager does. George Smiley was no Bond, after all. Small, podgy and at best middle-aged, he was by appearance one of Londons meek who do not inherit the earth, as he is described in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The first televisual installment of The Night Manager skewed more Bond: ice-cold cocktails, the protagonist sleeping with the villains girlfriend, fabulous hotels. Slow Horses, with all its lingering odor of decay and intelligence-operative incompetence, has been such a huge hit that the pressure was always going to be on this new season of The Night Manager to prove that straight-faced, glamorous spy drama can still appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Compared to Jackson Lambs foul zingers and River Cartwrights dashing but scrappier spy hero, Pines hoteliers ability to assume blandness in the service of his work might look a bit, well, wooden. Suave unknowability is no longer the quality du jour. But The Night Manager team have been wise not to try to row back either the somber tone or the lavishness that made the first season a hit. Pine does not, thank God, spend more than half an episode working from a windowless MI6 basement, nor burp. Without giving too much away, viewers of this new season will find the formula pretty much unchanged from Season 1. A handsome and troubled rogue agent versus the rich and morally bankrupt was good then, and its good now. If it aint broke What will come next in the world of spy dramas will probably fork off in two directions: high and low spy culture. There will, I think, prove to be an appetite for one-liners and bureaucracy, and also for opulence and pressed linens. Slow Horses and The Night Manager have been renewed for at least one further season apiece. Ill be seated for both. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. I had my first child when I was 18 years old. I was told to get an induction, so I did. When it was time to push, I started to tear. Without warning or explanation, I was cutwhats called an episiotomy. My husband and I were shocked. No one explained to me what was happening. It took a very long time to heal physically and emotionally. I didnt have words for it then, but I was broken. This was the beginning of my distrust of doctors. At 22 I was pregnant with my second child. With a different doctor, it was again recommended that I be induced. I did not get cut, but I did tear. Unlike in my first labor, I was recommended an epidural for the pain. Since I did not have an epidural with my first labor, I opted not to get an epidural. I felt coerced into getting it anyway. The epidural did not work properly and I still was able to feel the pain. After I pushed my daughter out, it was strongly suggested that I take pain medication. I tried to explain that I did not want to take any pain medication, and that I was OK. I was breastfeeding and didnt want the medication to affect the baby. The nurse kept insisting that it was OK for me to take whatever medication that they were trying to give. I want to emphasize the pressure that was put upon me as a new mom to take pain medication after I refused several times. In that moment, compliance felt safer than resistance. In both of my birth experiences, dying never crossed my mind. I just wanted it to be over. But death is a risk of childbirthespecially for Black women. According to the most recent data, among Black women, 50 out of every 100,000 births result in death. Thats multiples higher than the rate for any other racial group. The racial gap has persisted over decades, and has recently only widened. Women from low-income communities and marginalized racial groups are more likely to deliver in hospitals with higher rates of severe maternal morbidity, highlighting unequal access to high-quality obstetric care. Black women like me are often told to advocate harder, research more, and to find the right doctor. Education is framed as armor. But what happens when education isnt enough? This is where the fear that we wont be respected enters the room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Janell Green Smith was a midwife and a doctor of nursing practice. She advocated for Black maternal health. She believed in the strength of women, and the power of community collaboration, dedicating her life to advocating for Black maternal health and safe childbirth. She knew the risks. She worked inside the system. Yet, on Jan. 2, she died from childbirth complications. She was only 31 years old. I see her death as a profound failure of the systems meant to protect birthing mothers. Her death makes the danger feel immediate. If expertise couldnt protect her, what protects anyone? I dont trust the medical system. As a Black woman, that distrust is not paranoia, its inheritance. I think about Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman who died at the age of 31 from cervical cancer. Before her death, two samples were taken from her cervix without her permission or knowledge. Her cancerous cells were eventually used in research, playing a crucial role in the creation of all kinds of vaccines and treatments, though it took many years for her to receive credit for this legacy. I think of the race-based psychological myths that continue to influence medical care. Even today some doctors believe that African Americans are more tolerant of pain. I think of the countless horror stories Ive heard from friends, family, and clients about their experiences within the medical system. We are often dismissed, labeled angry, uneducated, or dramatic. Our distrust is a learned behavior. We arent ignorant. We arent unreasonable. We are justifiably afraid. Advertisement Dr. Green Smith was an expert in the system and she still died. Her death has stripped away the illusion that fear could be managed through preparation alone. It revealed what I call the advocacy trap. Advocating for yourself isnt enough. As a Black woman you have to enter medical spaces differently. You have to listen for what isnt being said, listening to the tone of the doctor as much as the diagnosis. Asking questions but also knowing when questions dont matter. Understanding how quickly concern can be reframed as attitude, and how easily pain can be minimized, and how easily your requests around how your pain is treated can be minimized, too. I think about my children approaching adulthood, and how the knowledge of this system has already shaped the choices they feel safe making. Advertisement I approach medical care and doctors carefully because Ive learned that caution is often the only protection available to Black women navigating systems that were never designed with our safety in mind. I am not anti-medicine. I am anti-denial. I refuse to pretend that trust is something we can simply choose when history, data, and lived experience keep proving otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are told that the solution to Black maternal mortality is better education, stronger advocacy, and more personal responsibility. Dr Janell Green Smith had all of that. It did not save her. I am done pretending that survival is something Black women fail at rather than something the system repeatedly fails to provide. I dont have a checklist that guarantees safety. What I do have is the truth that for many of us, childbirth is not just a medical event. It is a negotiation with a system that has long treated our pain as optional and our lives as expendable. With family by his side, longtime harness racing industry participant Richard Farrell of Harley, Ont. passed away peacefully at the Brantford General Hospital on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at the age of 87. Richard was a huge Standardbred fan and owner and trainer to many trotters, including Twin B Sporty. Beloved husband of June (nee Chesney) for almost 60 years. Loving Dad of Paul (Nancy) Farrell and Shelley Farrell. Dear Papa of Jacob. A private family graveside service will be held with the Keith Ovington Funeral Home, 134 King Street, Burford. Interment Pioneer Cemetery, Burford. As expressions of sympathy donations in Richards memory may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Richard Farrell. Ramesh Kumar Jangir Vs Commissioner of Customs (Delhi High Court) The matter was heard by the Delhi High Court through hybrid mode. The application arose in a writ petition that had earlier been disposed of on 4 April 2025. The petition related to the seizure of gold items by the Customs Department and sought their release. The petitioner is an Indian citizen working in the private sector in Kuwait. He returned to India from Kuwait on 23 February 2024. Upon arrival, he was carrying one gold chain weighing 51 grams and two gold pieces weighing 65 grams each. Please become a Premium member. If you are already a Premium member, login here to access the full content. In Elon Musks world, AI is the new MD. The X owner is encouraging users to upload their medical test resultssuch as CT and bone scansto the platform so that Grok, Xs artificial intelligence chatbot, can learn how to interpret them efficiently. Hes previously said this information will be used to train Xs artificial intelligence chatbot Grok on how to interpret them efficiently. Earlier this month, Elon Musk reposted a video on X of himself talking about uploading medical data to Grok, saying: Try it! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can upload your X-rays or MRI images to Grok and it will give you a medical diagnosis, Musk said in the video, which was uploaded in June. I have seen cases where its actually better than what doctors tell you. In 2024, Musk said medical images uploaded to Grok would be used to train the bot. This is still early stage, but it is already quite accurate and will become extremely good, Musk wrote on X. Let us know where Grok gets it right or needs work. Musk also claimed in his response Grok saved a man in Norway by diagnosing a problem his doctors failed to notice. The X owner was willing to upload his own medical information to his bot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did an MRI recently and submitted it to Grok, Musk said in an episode of the Moonshots with Peter Diamandis podcast released on Tuesday. None of the doctors nor Grok found anything. Musk did not disclose in the podcast why he received an MRI. XAI, which owns X, told Fortune in a statement: Legacy Media Lies. Grok is facing some competition in the AI health space. This week OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health, an experience within the bot feature that allows users to securely connect medical records and wellness apps like MyFitnessPal and Apple Health. The company said it would not train the models using personal medical information. AI chatbots have become a ubiquitous source of medical information for people. OpenAI reported this week 40 million people seek health information from the model, 55% of which used to bot to look up or better understand symptoms. Dr. Grok will see you now So far, Groks ability to detect medical abnormalities have been mixed. The AI successfully analyzed blood test results and identified breast cancer, some users claimed. But it also grossly misinterpreted other pieces of information, according to physicians who responded to some of Musks about Groks ability to interpret medical information. In one instance, Grok mistook a textbook case of tuberculosis for a herniated disk or spinal stenosis. In another, the bot mistook a mammogram of a benign breast cyst for an image of testicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A May 2025 study found that while all AI models have limitations in processing and predicting medical outcomes, Grok was the most effectively compared to Googles Gemini and ChatGPT-4o when determining the presence of pathologies in 35,711 slices of brain MRI. We know they have the technical capability, Dr. Laura Heacock, associate professor at the New York University Langone Health Department of Radiology, wrote on X. Whether or not they want to put in the time, data and [graphics processing units] to include medical imaging is up to them. For now, non-generative AI methods continue to outperform in medical imaging. The problems with Dr. Grok Musks lofty goal of training his AI to make medical diagnoses is also a risky one, experts said. While AI has increasingly been used as a means to make complicated science more accessible and create assistive technologies, teaching Grok to use data from a social media platform presents concerns about both Groks accuracy and user privacy. Ryan Tarzy, CEO of health technology firm Avandra Imaging, said in an interview with Fast Company asking users to directly input data, rather than source it from secure databases with de-identified patient data, is Musks way of trying to accelerate Groks development. Also, the information comes from a limited sample of whoever is willing to upload their images and testsmeaning the AI is not gathering data from sources representative of the broader and more diverse medical landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical information shared on social media isnt bound by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the federal law that protects patients private information from being shared without their consent. That means theres less control over where the information goes after a user chooses to share it. This approach has myriad risks, including the accidental sharing of patient identities, Tarzy said. Personal health information is burned in too many images, such as CT scans, and would inevitably be released in this plan. The privacy dangers Grok may present arent fully known because X may have privacy protections not known by the public, according to Matthew McCoy, assistant professor of medical ethics and health policy at the University of Pennsylvania. He said users share medical information at their own risk. As an individual user, would I feel comfortable contributing health data? he previously told the New York Times. Absolutely not. Advertisement Advertisement A version of this story originally published on Fortune.com on Nov. 20, 2024. More on AI and health: OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health in a push to become a hub for personal health data OpenAI suggests ChatGPT play doctor as millions of Americans face spiking insurance costs: In the U.S., ChatGPT has become an important ally As Utah gives the AI power to prescribe some drugs, physicians warn of patient risks This story was originally featured on Fortune.com By Munsif Vengattil and Aditya Kalra NEW DELHI, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Below are key security requirements India is proposing for smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung, prompting opposition from tech companies, according to four sources, as well as industry and government documents seen by Reuters. SOURCE CODE DISCLOSURE: Manufacturers must test and provide proprietary source code for review by government-designated labs to identify vulnerabilities in phone operating systems that could be exploited by attackers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry group MAIT, which represents Apple, South Korea's Samsung, Google, China's Xiaomi, has told the government this is "not possible" due to corporate secrecy and global privacy policies. BACKGROUND PERMISSION RESTRICTIONS: Apps cannot access cameras, microphones or location services in the background when phones are inactive. Continuous status bar notifications are required when these permissions are active. Manufacturers say this lacks any global precedent and there is no specific test method prescribed. PERMISSION REVIEW ALERTS: Devices must periodically display warnings prompting users to review all app permissions, with continuous notifications. Companies say notice should be limited to "highly critical" permissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONE-YEAR LOG RETENTION: Devices must store security audit logs, including app installations and login attempts, for 12 months. MAIT argues consumer phones lack the storage capacity for a year of data. PERIODIC MALWARE SCANNING: Phones must periodically scan for malware and identify potentially harmful applications. Manufacturers warn that constant on-device scanning significantly drains the battery and slows hardware performance. OPTION TO REMOVE PRE-INSTALLED APPS: All pre-installed apps bundled with the phone operating system, except those essential for basic phone functions, must be deletable. Companies argue many apps are critical system components that cannot be removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement INFORMING GOVERNMENT OF MAJOR UPDATES: Phone makers must notify a government organisation before releasing any major updates or security patches. Manufacturers argue this is "impractical" because security fixes must be released quickly to protect users from active exploits, while government delays could leave users vulnerable. TAMPER-DETECTION WARNINGS: Devices must detect if phones have been rooted or "jailbroken", where users bypass built-in security restrictions, and display continuous warning banners to recommend corrective measures. Companies say there is no reliable mechanism to detect jailbreaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ANTI-ROLLBACK PROTECTION: Phones must permanently block installation of older software versions, even if officially signed by the manufacturer, to prevent security downgrades. There is no global standard related to this requirement, manufacturers say. (Reporting by Munsif Vengattil and Aditya Kalra; Editing by William Mallard) When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: SpaceX NASA's next exoplanet mission has reached the final frontier. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying about 40 payloads, including NASA's Pandora exoplanet satellite, launched from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base on Sunday (Jan. 11) at 8:44 a.m. EST (1344 GMT and 5:44 a.m. local California time). SpaceX called the mission "Twilight," because it delivered the satellites to dusk-dawn sun-synchronous orbit, a path that straddles the line between night and day on our planet. And the mission did deliver: the payloads were deployed on schedule , during a 90-minute stretch that began about an hour after liftoff. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches NASA's Pandora exoplanet mission and about three dozen other payloads from California on Jan. 11, 2025, on a rideshare flight called "Twilight." | Credit: SpaceX During its yearlong orbital mission, the 716-pound (325 kilograms) Pandora will study at least 20 known exoplanets using a 17-inch-wide (45 centimeters) telescope, which it will train on the worlds as they "transit," or cross the face of, their host stars from the satellite's perspective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such transits cause a small dip in the host star's brightness, which exoplanet hunters have used to great advantage: Most of the more than 6,000 alien planets we know of have been discovered via the "transit method." Transits also allow astronomers to characterize known exoplanets, especially their atmospheres. Different elements and molecules absorb light at specific wavelengths, so studying the spectrum of starlight that has passed through an atmosphere can reveal a great deal about that atmosphere's composition . However, such work is complicated by stellar complexity. Star surfaces are not uniform; they often feature patches of varying brightness, like the sunspots that speckle our own star. Pandora will help astronomers account for such complexity, if all goes to plan. "Pandora aims to disentangle the star and planet spectra by monitoring the brightness of the exoplanet's host star in visible light while simultaneously collecting infrared data," NASA officials wrote in a mission description . "Together, these multiwavelength observations will provide constraints on the star's spot coverage to separate the star's spectrum from the planet's." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pandora will focus on planets with atmospheres that are dominated by water or hydrogen, agency officials added. The other three dozen or so satellites that went up on the Twilight mission are a diverse group. Among them were 10 of Kepler Communications' Aether spacecraft and two of Capella Space's advanced new Acadia Earth-imaging radar satellites. SpaceX is no stranger to rideshare missions like Twilight. To date, the company has launched 15 such flights in its Transporter series and four via a different program known as Bandwagon. The Falcon 9's first stage landed back at Vandenberg as planned about 8.5 minutes after liftoff on Sunday. It was the fifth mission for this particular booster, according to SpaceX . Editor's note: This story was updated at 12:45 p.m. ET on Jan. 11 with news of successful launch, rocket landing and satellite deployment. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: TWiT On Episode 192 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik looks forward to 2026, which promises to be the most exciting year in the new space age yet! Shining bright is the prospect of an Artemis II launch to send astronauts around the moon for the first time since 1972, as early as February. We've already seen news about a medical incident on the International Space Station that will force a crew to return to Earth early, but NASA says this won't affect the Artemis launch. Advertisement Advertisement On other news, NASA's budget seems on track to be passed at near 2025 levels, China is preparing to send a robot to the south lunar pole, SpaceX plans robust tests of Starship this yearand hopefully refinement of their lander for Artemis III, Boeing will fly Starliner again (uncrewed), Mars Sample Return is poised to be scuttled, and all this under the leadership of a newand apparently quite capableNASA administrator, Jared Isaacman. Join us for an in-depth look at what's coming in 2026! Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Space news of the week Model Falcon 9! TOP TELESCOPE PICK: Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners collectSPACE.com. About This Week In Space This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars? Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from Space.com as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher. Wearable tech has stirred some controversy but featured prominently at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas (Caroline Brehman) Wearable tech has stirred some controversy but featured prominently at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas (Caroline Brehman) (Caroline Brehman/AFP/AFP) Pendants and brooches packed with artificial intelligence abounded at the Consumer Electronics show, using cameras and microphones to watch and listen through the day like a vigilant personal assistant. The return of the wearable tech comes about a year after the discontinuation of a Humane AI Pin panned by reviewers after it was launched amid high expectations in early 2024. It also comes as OpenAI chief Sam Altman and renowned industrial designer Jony Ive collaborate on a device for interacting with AI, expected to be ready by next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone is a fan of always-watching neckwear as a fashion accessory. "Go make some real friends" became common graffiti on New York City subway ads for Friend brand AI pendants late last year to protest "surveillance capitalism." Nonetheless, at the CES show in Las Vegas, gadget makers have pitched AI pendants as note-takers or ways to remember beautiful or important moments of each day. Technical advances including improved chips have helped overcome early problems with poor battery life, buggy software, and stumbling conversations that tainted early pendant models. China-based laptop titan Lenovo unveiled a prototype pendant from its Motorola subsidiary that allows voice control of its AI assistant Qira. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The device worn around the neck will capture sound and images hands-free. Amazon made a deal to buy wearable AI startup Bee last year, and Meta acquired AI device company Limitless. Bee devices are worn on the wrist, belt or lapel, and primarily function as an assistant by taking notes, offering reminders and keeping calendars. Meanwhile, Meta has made a priority of developing AI "superintelligence" and is successfully packing AI into Ray-Ban glasses. - Style choices - Companies are taking an array of approaches to wearable AI. Startup Vocci, which focuses on AI-assisted notetaking, has opted for a ring, while Plaud has a pin as well as a rectangular device barely thicker than a credit card for keeping track of what is being said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese startup iBuddi came to Las Vegas to present a prototype of a companion medallion aimed at combating screen fatigue. "Our core philosophy is to build a body-worn AI companion that replaces some phone interactions, rather than adding another screen that absorbs attention," iBuddi founder Yin Haitian told AFP. The entrepreneur, who aims for a commercial launch in July, was adamant that iBuddi "is not driven by surveillance" but instead "reacts to the moments that matter instead of continuously recording everything." A Looki L1 AI wearable, on the other hand, continuously captures a wearer's point of view, promising to advise when to avoid another cup of coffee, to comment on places or objects around you, and to summarize each day in a comic strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Consumer expectations regarding privacy haven't gone away entirely, but they are shifting," said Avi Greengart, an analyst at tech research and advisory group, Techsponential. "We're already being surveilled by billions of smartphones, city camera networks and smart devices that we willingly placed in our homes." The analyst does not expect wearable AI to replace smartphones any time soon but sees them becoming common additions to personal tech ensembles along with smart watches, rings and glasses. For those uncomfortable with idea of omnipresent surveillance, a startup at CES offered "Wearphone" -- a mask with built-in earbuds and microphones designed to help keep conversations private. bl-tu-gc/msp 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: Evolution Diagram of Transistor Scaling. Cross-sectional STEM images demonstrating key technology nodes: the 22-nm FinFET (C.-H. Jan et al., IEDM, pp. 3.1.13.1.4, 2012), the 3-nm FinFET (W. Hafez et al., VLSI Symp., pp. 12, 2024) and the GAAFET (N. Loubet et al., VLSI Symp., pp. T230T231, 2017). Credit: Du et al. In recent years, electronics engineers have been trying to identify semiconducting materials that could substitute for silicon and enable the further advancement of electronic devices. Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS), have proved to be among the most promising solutions, as their thinness and resistance to short-channel effects could yield highly performing and smaller electronics. To create transistors and other electronic components based on 2D materials, however, engineers need to be able to attach electrical connections to them and reliably form ohmic contacts, which allow electrical current to flow freely through the resulting devices. As devices get smaller, however, they also require smaller contacts that have proved to be very difficult to attach to 2D semiconductors. Researchers at Nanjing University and other institutes in China recently introduced a new strategy to reliably grow ultra-short and low-resistance semimetallic antimony crystal contacts directly on MoS. Their approach, outlined in a paper published in Nature Electronics, allowed them to create ultra-small and high-performance transistors based on a 2D semiconducting material. "Scaling 2D semiconductor transistors to and beyond a 1-nanometer node has remained elusive, despite a lot of work and wide anticipation from academia and industry," Xinran Wang, senior author of the paper, told Tech Xplore. "Previous works on device scaling mostly focused on channel scaling, but it is the contact that really limits device performance. One of the main challenges is large contact resistance R c at extreme contact length. The R c scales with contact length L c as , where the transfer length L T stands for the length scale at which carriers can be injected from metal to semiconductor. "1 nm node requires that L T is smaller than 20 nm, which is very difficult for van der Waals contacts that are typically in 2D semiconductors." Ultra-small MoS 2 transistor with intimate Sb(011 2) crystal contacts. Credit: Du et al. (Nature Electronics, 2025). A strategy to deposit antimony contacts on MoS The primary objective of the recent research by Wang and his colleagues was to develop contacts that retain an ultra-low resistance even when they are significantly reduced in size. In addition, they set out to reliably attach these contacts to 2D materials, creating transistors that perform remarkably well while meeting size targets within the field (i.e., 1nm node, with a contacted gate pitch below 40 nm). The researchers made their contacts out of crystalline semimetallic antimony and directly grew them onto a monolayer MoS film via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). This is a technique used to grow ultra-thin layers of crystals atom by atom and with high precision onto a desired substrate. "We used MBE in ultra-high vacuum to deposit crystalline antimony ohmic contacts," explained Weisheng Li, co-first author of the paper. "The process begins by heating the substrate while depositing antimony atoms at a precisely controlled rate, giving atoms sufficient time to settle into the lowest energy state. This enables antimony atoms to spontaneously arrange into a specific Sb(012) crystal orientation, forming an intimate contact interface with MoS." The MBE-based strategy proposed by the researchers has significant advantages over other widely used thin-film deposition techniques that rely on evaporation. Most notably, it was found to yield high-quality, nearly phase-pure Sb(012) crystals with grain sizes that were greater by two orders of magnitude. "Due to this high quality, the contact resistance shows little degradation down to 18 nm, while in the electron-beam evaporated Sb contacts start to degrade at 60 nm," said Li. "The extracted L T ~13 nm, which is, to our knowledge, the only 2D semiconductor contact technology that meets the 1nm node target." Informing the development of 2D material-based electronics The recent efforts by Wang, Li and their collaborators highlight the potential of MBE for the creation of smaller, high-performance transistors based on 2D semiconductors. Using their proposed film deposition strategy, the researchers realized what could be the smallest high-performance 2D material-based transistor developed to date. "Previously, people believed that 2D transistors could be useful but there was no experimental demonstration of their performance at such scaled device lengths," said Wang. "We believe that this work will accelerate the lab-to-fab transition of 2D semiconductors. In 2025, IMEC released its device roadmap and 2D semiconductors are the end-of-map options for transistor scaling. Our work brings this vision closer to reality." The results achieved by these researchers could open new possibilities for the advancement of electronic devices, enabling their further miniaturization and potential performance gains. Other research groups could soon draw inspiration from this work and devise similar strategies for the fabrication of ultra-small transistors based on 2D materials. "In the area of 2D transistor technology, much still needs to be done," added Wang. "We now plan to prioritize optimizing the reliability and manufacturability of this contact technology for mass production. Another important problem is p-type contact (with, for example, WSe 2 ), which currently lags behind the n-type counterpart. "Doping strategies and gate stack also need to be developed with low interface trap density. Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) will be very important moving forward." Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Sadie Harley, 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. More information: Mingyi Du et al, Scaled crystalline antimony ohmic contacts for two-dimensional transistors, Nature Electronics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-025-01500-4 Journal information: Nature Electronics 2026 Science X Network An elderly woman in Belarus speaks her mind and pays for it. From Mogilev.Online. Hundreds of Belarusians have been convicted of insulting President Alyaksandr Lukashenka in the last year. Naviny, a leading Belarusian media outlet, recently analyzed these defamation sentences and spotted a clear pattern: most of the accused get at least one year of jail or house arrest. Fines, such as that described below, are actually rare in cases like these, and Mogilev.Online reports that this is the first time in the past year that a criminal case concerning defamation of the president ended with a fine rather than a harsher sentence. An 81-year-old woman in Mogilev [a city in eastern Belarus] was put on trial for insulting President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. The trial was held after the head of Mogilevs municipal services reported a TikTok video to the police, according to local human rights activists. The woman, 81-year-old Ala Niaumoieva, had an argument with local garbage collectors. They recorded a video and posted it on TikTok [the original TikTok video was later deleted, but can be seen on YouTube where it has over 250,000 views]. In mid-August, the court declared Lukashenka a victim and judge Zhanna Pushkina ordered Niaumoieva to pay the minimum fine for the offense, 890 rubles ($355). The story started in April, when the old woman was taking out the trash. She met workers of the garbage collection service who started asking inconvenient questions, recording the woman on camera. Niaumoieva said in court that she had been provoked. She admitted using profane language about Lukashenka and that she had failed to control her emotions. According to her, she had earlier sent many complaints about the garbage collection service, including to the presidential office, to receive only formal, boilerplate replies. When he watched the TikTok video, Mikhail Haluskou, head of Mogilevs municipal services, sent it to Natalia Khaletskaya, the current deputy head of the administration. She reported it to the police. This article was originally published on Mogilev.Online, the largest independent newsroom in Mogilev.Transitions has done some editing to fit our style. Reprinted with permission. Translated and published in partnership with Free Press for Eastern Europe. To support the embattled Belarusian press, visit this link. bathing pools: Gorges and pools of the Madamas River can be accessed from a point along the trail. Photos: Heather-Dawn Herrera If I asked you (the reader): do you think most people can be trusted? Would you answer yes o The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund raises money so children from low-income households and active military families in Southern Arizona can attend summer camp on scholarships funded by Star readers. We send local kids to weeklong YMCA, Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts) and Girl Scout overnight camps, as well as overnight camping at Camp Tatiyee for school-age children with special needs. New last year were scholarships for Flowing Wells students to go to the overnight Sky School camp on Mt. Lemmon. We plan to expand our Sky School camp partnership in 2026 to fund additional children from Title 1 schools. In 2025, we received 1,094 donations totaling $279,542.56 and spent $256,252 on scholarships to send 423 Southern Arizona boys and girls to camp. We are expanding our sponsored camps in 2026 to the University of Arizona Sky School at the Steward Observatory atop Mt. Lemmon. The four-day, three-night science camp will draw from middle and high school students at Title 1 schools. We kick off our 2026 fundraising drive Wednesday, Feb. 4, with an envelope in the Arizona Daily Star. Since 1947, the Sportsmens Fund has helped pay for 44,814 children to go to overnight camp. Were one of the oldest 501(c )(3) charities in Arizona and one of the most efficient, with 97 cents from every dollar going to send kids to camp. Your contribution to the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund Send a Kid to Camp fund qualifies for the Arizona tax credit for donations to qualifying charitable organizations. Our code is 20450. Joint Arizona filers can donate up to $987 for 2025 taxes and $1,009 for 2026 taxes. Other Arizona filers can donate up to $495 for 2025 taxes and $506 for their 2026 taxes. Donations made during 2025 or from Jan. 1, 2026, through April 15, 2026, can be claimed on the 2025 Arizona income tax return. Our EIN is 86-6053274, which is needed for some fund transfers. Credit-card donations and details on the camps we sponsor: azsendakidtocamp.org Send checks, payable to Sportsmens Fund, to: Send a Kid to Camp, P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732-6141 For more information: Debbie Kornmiller at 520-954-3139 or info@azsendakidtocamp.org Donations are welcome throughout the year. Recent donations include: Stephen Anderson, $2,877.50. William Anderson, $300. Douglas Clark, $300. Marilyn Dutari, $50. Christina Fell, $52.51. Steve Gibson, in honor of Jim Gibson, $100. Marian and Ron Hill, $100. Corolla K. Hoag, in memory of Wendell Hoag, $250. Michael Hyatt, $104.70. Jan Keepers, $52.51. Frank Kingman, $50. Debbie Kornmiller, in honor of Regina on her birthday, $126.41. Col. Martin J. Lenzini USMC (Ret), $200. Alfred and Sandra Luckau, $50. JoAnne Mallie, $10.72. Margaret May, $104.70. Richard Mead, $60. Martha Mecom, $100. Maria Parham, $517.02. Janet Rives, $100. Wallace H. Roberts Jr. and Susan S. Roberts Charitable Fund, $1,000. Gayle Siegel, $495. Byron Snyder, $100. Kathryn Stevenson, $100. Nancy Sunkel, $104.70. Two anonymous donations totaling $142.60. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writers: The United States faces a defining moment in national security. Emerging threats in space, cybersecurity and advanced technology are reshaping how we protect the nation and safeguard the systems we rely on every day, from our phones and internet to banking and GPS. Space, a place of exploration, is also a contested military domain. Loss of superiority in space is a threat to military readiness, secure communications and critical infrastructure that underpins energy, transportation and financial systems. As international competition accelerates and risks intensify beyond Earth's atmosphere, space domain awareness identifying and monitoring human-made objects in space and understanding their intent has become a strategic imperative. Few regions are as well prepared to respond as southeastern Arizona, where advanced research, military capability and workforce development intersect. What happens next in space and national security will directly affect jobs, education and economic prosperity throughout our state. Years of strategic leadership from public officials and agencies have strengthened the prominence of southeastern Arizona in space and defense. At the state level, lawmakers and Gov. Hobbs recently revived the Arizona Space Commission to help guide workforce development and long-term planning for aerospace and space industry expansion. Arizona consistently ranks among the top states in aerospace and defense manufacturing employment, with more than 1,250 supply chain contributors and over 52,000 jobs supported statewide. Those investments help translate statewide strategy into tangible opportunity for students and high-tech workers across the region. At the University of Arizona, our legacy in space sciences spans decades of research excellence and mission leadership. We are the only public university to have led two NASA deep space missions the Phoenix Mars Lander and the OSIRIS-REx mission, which touched down to collect a sample from asteroid Bennu 200 million miles from Earth. Our faculty have driven discoveries in planetary science and astronomy, developed satellite systems and space telescopes, and engineered instruments to monitor orbital activity from low-Earth orbit to cislunar space. U of A expertise in optical sciences, photonics, artificial intelligence, secure communications and cyber operations supports capabilities increasingly central to national defense. This work includes the nation's largest academic space domain awareness network and close collaboration with government and industry partners to translate discovery into operational capability. The U of As record of partnership with the defense and national security sector also extends into cyberspace. We are among a select group of institutions nationally to hold a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations designation from the National Security Agency, affirming the depth and relevance of our cybersecurity programs. Our faculty are preparing talented students to meet todays and tomorrows digital threats and to support the operational missions carried out across southeastern Arizonas defense community. Just miles from our U of A Sierra Vista campus, Fort Huachuca continues to play a central role in the nation's defense infrastructure. It is the only place in the country where high-power, full-spectrum jamming can be conducted, a capability critical for cyber warfare testing. With its restricted airspace and long-standing intelligence mission, Fort Huachuca offers ideal conditions for expanded national security missions. We thank Congressman Juan Ciscomani for his leadership in positioning Fort Huachuca for a future U.S. Space Force mission, underscoring southern Arizona's growing role in national space and security priorities. Southeastern Arizona has always been a region defined by service through military installations, research institutions, industry, and the communities that support them. As global dynamics evolve, the U of A, with support from the Arizona Board of Regents, is expanding its national security research. That coordination is now being further institutionalized through the U of A's Applied Research Corporation, designed to connect research, workforce development and the practical needs of federal and defense agencies. This coordinated effort allows innovation and talent to advance in step, strengthening the regions role in U.S. national security. From the dark skies above Fort Huachuca to the telescopes on Kitt Peak, from cyber operations centers to satellite development and testing labs, southeastern Arizona offers an ecosystem where national security, applied research and space leadership converge. This is a national moment that demands sustained strategic focus from policymakers, defense leaders and academic institutions alike. Our community is ready to rise to this challenge and help ensure Arizona remains a vital contributor to America's security and prosperity. Dr Mai Liem Truc, former Deputy Minister of Post and Telecommunications At the seminar "How 5G Commercialization Impacts Vietnam's Economy" on December 29, experts and telecom leaders presented a multi-faceted picture of private networks, ranging from modern smart city projects to internal barriers within domestic factories. In 2025, major Vietnamese carriers made significant strides in deploying 5G networks, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Government and national strategic goals. Notably, Viettel installed 23,500 new stations, bringing the total to 30,000, achieving 90 percent outdoor and 70 percent indoor coverage. Globally, 5G is categorized into three main groups: 5G for individual users (B2C), 5G for households (5G to Home), and 5G for enterprises/governments (5G to B/G). While public mobile networks serve individual needs, private networks are considered the backbone of a deep-tier economy. These are network solutions specifically designed for each organization, enterprise, or specific area, ensuring low latency and high security. Vu Hoang Lien, Chair of the Vietnam Internet Association (VIA), said a key strength of 5G is the Internet of Things (IoT), the foundation for building smart environments (factories, enterprises, cities). New technologies like 5G have transformed socio-economic life, contributing significantly to the national economy. In Vietnam, major carriers have begun deploying private network models following different strategic directions. Nguyen Quoc Khanh from VNPT said that since the launch of 5G, VNPT has tested private networks for a higher education model. The operator is also currently working with partners to deploy smart factories in Tay Ninh and Hai Phong, while also researching applications for seaports and airports. VNPT uses advanced technologies such as Network Slicing and Network APIs on Standalone (SA) architecture to create tailor-made solutions for each customer. Meanwhile, Nguyen Tuan Huy from MobiFone said the company is focusing on private networks for urban governance, including flood prevention, smart parking, smart energy, and national security (B2G). He stressed that 5G is still the first step, laying the foundation for the digital economy, new business models, and digital solutions, and predicted that the real boom would only be seen in 2026. He cited examples showing the necessity of private networks in urban management. For instance, key traffic routes require private networks so that AI cameras can communicate with systems at low latency. For Viettel, the operator provided private networks to the Pegatron factory in Hai Phong from an early stage. With an infrastructure of 30,000 5G base stations nationwide, Nguyen Ha Thanh, deputy CEO of Viettel Telecom, said this is a necessary condition for private applications to surge in the near future for both enterprises and government agencies. The gap between expectations and reality Explaining why private networks have yet to boom in the business sector (B2B), Nguyen Tuan Huy noted that Vietnams industry has very low levels of automation. As a result, demand for truly smart factories is still limited. Nguyen Quoc Khanh added that another challenge is the complexity of private networks, which require deep integration among the cloud, AI, edge computing, and each industrys operational technology (OT) systems. Enterprise customers must be willing to co-invest in infrastructure and compatible equipment, rather than rely solely on telecom operators. Dr Mai Liem Truc observed that the results of private network deployment in Vietnam are different from earlier expectations. Previously, experts believed private networks would grow strongly and become a major revenue source for telecom operators with the advent of 5G. In reality, individual customers remain the main contributors to revenue. He noted that 5G deployment in specialized areas such as seaports and industrial facilities has been relatively slow. One reason is that telecom operators have not done well in encouraging and clearly explaining the tangible benefits of 5G for enterprise management. In addition, businesses remain cautious about technical and legal issues, such as spectrum allocation. He said that though telecom operators are dynamic, they still carry a state-owned enterprise mindset and are sometimes less proactive than private companies in engaging with and solving customer needs. However, Truc said that private networks are a major revenue source that carriers need to further consider for effective exploitation. The former leader of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications noted: "We should not passively wait for another two or three years when business demand grows; proactive action is needed right now. Du Lam Nestled in Nhan Duc ward, Hien Nam, Hung Yen province, Chuong Pagoda - also known as Kim Chung Tu - stands as a unique spiritual and architectural gem. Most notable is its bell-shaped golden sculpture mounted atop the tiled roof, a rare sight among Vietnamese temples. Revered as "Pho Hiens finest sanctuary," this pagoda has long been a spiritual anchor in the region, its architecture and history deeply entwined with local legends. The name Chuong Pagoda originates from a tale that still resonates today. According to local folklore, a golden bell once floated downstream on the Red River. When it reached this area, it mysteriously rang with a sacred sound. Villagers believed it was a divine sign and pulled it ashore. In reverence, they built a pagoda at that very spot to worship the Buddha, calling it Kim Chung Tu - Temple of the Golden Bell. Today, a stylized golden bell adorns the roof as a tribute to that legend, a symbol that crowns the ancient beauty of the pagoda. But the heart of the temple lies within its real bronze bell, inscribed with the temples name and said to carry prayers skyward with each resounding chime. This heavenly treasure has earned its place in folklore as much as in faith. Chuong Pagoda was once a central hub of spiritual and cultural life, frequented by merchants, nobles, and villagers alike. It played a key role in the prosperity and spiritual identity of ancient Pho Hien. The pagodas layout follows the traditional Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc architectural design - an interlocking plan symbolizing inner strength and outer peace. All structures align on a central axis from the Tam Quan (three-entrance gate) to the Patriarchs Hall, comprising the Front Hall, Bell Tower, Upper Hall, and flanking corridors. Facing south, the entrance opens into a tranquil lotus pond known as the Dragons Eye, where visitors cross a monolithic stone bridge dating back to 1702. This journey through water and stone sets a tone of serenity and reflection. Inside, the temple houses a rich array of Buddha statues, including the Amitabha Trinity, the Three Times Buddhas, the Nine Dragons tableau, as well as four Bodhisattvas, eight Vajrapani guardians, and eighteen Arhats - all meticulously carved with distinct postures and expressive detail. A rare stone stele dated to 1711 is also preserved here. One side is engraved with the poem Kim Chung Thach Tu Bi Ky, praising the beauty of the temple. The reverse tells the story Nhan Duc Xa Co Tich Truyen, depicting the bustling commercial port of Pho Hien during its golden era. It notes that at its height, Pho Hien rivaled Thang Long (Hanoi) in trade, with 23 streets and 36 markets attracting merchants from over 50 localities and abroad. Even the pagodas circular well carries deep spiritual significance. According to the book Chua Chuong De Nhat Danh Lam (published in 2017 by Hung Yen Monuments Management Board), the well is linked to the story of an honest official born in poverty. After his death, during a great drought, villagers prayed at his altar. Rain soon fell, and a spring emerged where the earth had collapsed - forming a well that never ran dry. Today, the sacred well remains a spiritual focal point, with nearby monk stupas always oriented toward it. Another treasured relic is the temples stone lion, or nghe da, carved in a protective stance symbolizing strength and purity. With centuries of heritage, exquisite sculptures, and enduring legends, Chuong Pagoda is more than a place of worship - it is a spiritual and cultural sanctuary that continues to inspire all who visit. The lotus pond and ancient stone bridge from 1702 welcome visitors at the entrance. The golden bell atop the roof of Chuong Pagoda. The pagoda houses diverse Buddhist statues, including 18 Arhats and 8 Vajrapani. The rare 1711 stele honors the temple and Pho Hiens vibrant past. The ancient well, said to appear after villagers prayed during a drought. A stone lion symbolizes protection and spiritual clarity. Tinh Le A few years ago, when looking to buy cemetery land as an act of filial piety for her parents, H.N. (Hanoi) was taken aback by the reactions of relatives in her hometown. Some said her family was too rich and looking for things to spend on. Others called her eccentric, overly worried about the future, and advised her to avoid taboos and not mention death while loved ones were still alive. Despite that, N. decided to go ahead and purchase a 15 sqm burial plot at a memorial park more than an hours drive from Hanoi. I felt uneasy seeing my grandparents graves in the countryside in such a bad state, often flooded during the rainy season. I did not want my parents to face the same situation in the future, so I bought burial land in a spiritual complex near the capital, so they would have a decent resting place later on and so it would be more convenient for the children to visit and take care of, N. said. She added that buying burial land in advance for her parents was both a gift and a responsibility of being a child. Life and death are unavoidable. I want my parents to have a long-term resting place prepared, so they and the younger generations can all feel at ease, she said. T.N.H., director of a construction company in Hanoi, also decided to buy burial land and relocate his parents graves from their hometown to a cemetery park in Tuyen Quang. H. said that because his family works far from home, his parents graves in the countryside were rarely cared for, with weeds overgrowing and occasional soil erosion or flooding after heavy rains. He discussed it with family members and waited until the reburial period to move his parents to a new resting place. Not only did we buy burial land for our parents, my wife and I also prepared burial plots for ourselves in the future, he said. According to the director, cemetery parks offer full services, from grave maintenance to incense offerings. On holidays, the first day of the lunar month, and full-moon days, staff come to clean, arrange the surroundings, prepare offerings, and light incense carefully. They also take photos to inform the family, so we can rest assured that our loved ones graves are being well taken care of, H. said. Beyond the convenience of services, he believes the money spent on burial land is a worthwhile investment. Every time I visit my parents graves, I no longer feel heavy or overwhelmed with sadness, but relaxed, almost like going on a short outing. That also gives me peace of mind knowing my parents have a complete resting place, he said. He said that it took him an entire year to find a burial plot that met all his criteria: convenient access, a good location, favorable feng shui and soil conditions, quality management and care services, and stable, long-term legal status. The plot he purchased measures 20 sqm and has a favorable setting, with a mountain at the back and a stream-facing view. Its price is nearly VND500 million at present, including long-term maintenance service fees. Burial land in this spiritual complex comes at various price levels, ranging from about VND1525 million per sqm, depending on location, size (single, double, or family graves), and service packages (free maintenance, stone headstones, greenery, and so on), H. said. The director said he is not superstitious but is cautious when choosing burial land, especially as someone working in business. Nguyen Quoc Huy, general director of a real estate consulting and brokerage company in Hanoi, said demand for burial land at cemetery parks has increased in recent years. Many customers view graves as filial gifts for grandparents, parents, and relatives, or even as investments. In the past, when analyzing the market, we focused on intellectual customers over 40. Now the customer base is getting younger, with demand from those under 30 rising quickly, Huy said. He said the biggest barrier for burial land buyers is not financial capacity but psychology. Many people still hesitate about placing their relatives graves far from home or away from their hometown. Others buy burial plots secretly, not daring to tell their families for fear of taboos and bad luck. However, many customers change their views after visiting cemetery parks. Ha Giang Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang has sent a congratulatory letter to Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Vinh of the University of New South Wales, who was honoured by The Australian as Australias most influential researcher in the field of organic chemistry. On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and in her personal capacity, Hang extended her warmest and most sincere congratulations to the scientist. She emphasised that the recognition is not only a well-deserved reward for Vinhs rigorous, persistent and dedicated scientific journey, but also a reflection of the growing capacity for international integration and the rising academic standing of Vietnamese intellectuals in the global scientific community. His achievement, she noted, will help inspire Vietnamese intellectuals in Australia, in Vietnam and in other parts of the world. The Deputy Minister also extended an invitation to Vinh and his family to attend the Homeland Spring 2026 programme to be organised by the MOFA./. VNA Born into a Dao ethnic family in the mountainous province of Tuyen Quang, Vu Thu Hang knew early that the road ahead wouldnt be easy. But with determination and self-discipline as her compass, she charted a path that led her far from home - and into one of Chinas most prestigious universities. Now a third-year student majoring in Chinese Language Education at Shanghai University, Hang, born in 2004, still remembers every challenge she faced to earn a full scholarship abroad. Her biggest motivation came from home. Vu Thu Hang, a Dao student from Tuyen Quang, is now in her third year at Shanghai University. Photo: NVCC Both her parents work in healthcare, and as a child, she often saw them tending tirelessly to patients, day and night. That image shaped my understanding of responsibility, Hang recalls. It made me realize I needed to live with kindness, study hard, grow as a person, and find ways to help others. In her 11th grade year, Hang discovered the Shanghai Government Scholarship - a highly competitive award. Driven by a love of Chinese language, she began to study independently, poring over books, podcasts, and online materials. With no formal tutoring, she mapped out a strategy: understand the scholarship criteria, obtain recommendation letters, sit required language exams, and prepare a strong application - entirely on her own. This journey happened amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought delays, stress, and isolation. There were times I really thought I wouldnt make it, she says. But whenever I wanted to give up, I reminded myself why I started: to step out of my comfort zone and see the world. That clarity of purpose kept her going. In 2022, Hangs efforts paid off. She was awarded a full scholarship by the Shanghai Government and completed a preparatory year at Shanghai Normal University. That same year, she was honored by Vietnams Minister and Head of the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs for her outstanding academic performance and personal development. Growing up in a medical family shaped Hangs sense of responsibility and fueled her determination to study abroad. Photo: NVCC While her achievement brought joy, the transition was far from smooth. Even with a solid foundation in Chinese, Hang struggled to understand native speakers in real-time, especially with regional dialects. Adapting took months of effort and mental resilience. To keep herself on track, Hang imposed a strict study regimen and set detailed academic goals. In her first year, she focused on reinforcing language skills and developing study techniques. In her second year, she began pursuing research projects and joined academic activities. Now in her third year, she is writing her undergraduate thesis, participating in real-world projects, and preparing for graduate studies. At the same time, Hang teaches online Chinese tutoring sessions to gain experience in education - a field she hopes to enter full-time. My schedule is packed, and I do get tired, she admits. But what keeps me moving is my long-term vision and desire to explore the world. Studying abroad also shifted her perspective. Hangs research focuses on applying digital solutions to rural poverty alleviation, drawing from both Vietnamese and Chinese experiences. Photo: NVCC In China, she realized how technology and access to information could bridge vast geographical and social gaps. Inspired, she began exploring topics related to her homeland, especially poverty reduction and youth empowerment. In 2023, she completed a comparative study on poverty alleviation policies in Vietnam and China, examining how those policies shaped economic development in rural areas. Growing up in an under-resourced region, Hang understood the impact such programs could have. Her research received praise for its real-world relevance. In 2025, Shanghai University selected Hang to expand this line of inquiry. She is now developing a project on digital transformation in rural poverty alleviation, aiming to build models that allow Vietnamese students to actively participate in community development. Her project recently won second prize at the universitys 8th Student Academic Forum. For Hang, these achievements are never just personal. As a member of the Dao ethnic minority, she carries a deeper sense of responsibility. Ive always felt that Im not studying just for myself, she says. That thought keeps me grounded. It reminds me to study seriously, live responsibly, and never give up, even when things get tough. She hopes to pursue a masters degree and become a university lecturer. But more importantly, she wants her research to take root in Vietnam - where it can help inform policy, boost development, and deliver practical value to ethnic minority communities. I believe that ethnic minority students shouldnt limit themselves, Hang says. Where we come from doesnt define where we can go. Every small effort brings us one step closer to our dreams. Thuy Nga Born Nguyen Van Noi on December 25, 1945, in Phong My Commune, Giong Trom District, Ben Tre Province (now Luong Hoa Commune, Vinh Long Province), General Le Van Dung enlisted in the army on May 14, 1963, and became a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam on September 23, 1965. He served as a member of the Party Central Committee for the 8th, 9th, and 10th terms; a member of the Party Secretariat for the 9th and 10th terms; a National Assembly delegate for the 11th and 12th terms; and held several senior positions in the military including Deputy Minister of National Defense, Chief of the General Staff, and Chairman of the General Department of Politics. Throughout his revolutionary career, General Le Van Dung made significant contributions to the national struggle and the Partys cause. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Order, the title of Hero of the Peoples Armed Forces, the 60-year Party membership badge, and numerous other high honors. A state-level farewell To commemorate his life and dedication, the Party and State have decided to organize a state funeral for General Le Van Dung. The Secretariat has established a 25-member State Funeral Committee led by Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Do Van Chien. His body will lie in state at the National Funeral House in the South, located at 5 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Ho Chi Minh City. The visitation and memorial service will take place on the morning of January 14, followed by burial in An Binh Hamlet, Phu Tuc Commune, Vinh Long Province. A soldiers path to greatness General Le Van Dung rose through the ranks from a front-line soldier, having directly participated in some of the fiercest battles during the resistance war against the United States. During the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, he served as the Political Commissar of Regiment 1, Division 9, Army Corps 4 (now Army Corps 34). Under his leadership, the regiment played a key role in the victory of Spring 1975, contributing significantly to the liberation of the South and national reunification. In peacetime, General Le Van Dung continued to serve in several critical military and Party leadership positions, including Commander of Army Corps 4, Commander of Military Region 7, Chief of the General Staff, and ultimately Chairman of the General Department of Politics. Throughout his career, he was known for his unwavering loyalty to the Party, dedication to the people, hands-on leadership, and close ties to his fellow officers and soldiers. Legacy of leadership and reform With strategic foresight, a reform-oriented mindset, and a scientific approach to work, General Le Van Dung made vital contributions to strengthening the Partys presence in the military, enhancing the Vietnam Peoples Armys political foundation, and ensuring its steady evolution into a revolutionary, standardized, elite, and increasingly modern force. He played a pivotal role in maintaining the Partys ideological stronghold within the armed forces and aligning military readiness with the new requirements of national defense. In December 2025, in recognition of his exceptional achievements, the President of Vietnam awarded him the title of Hero of the Peoples Armed Forces. Tran Thuong Just steps into a narrow alley where even two pedestrians would struggle to pass, and up a steep staircase that wobbles with each step, visitors are rewarded with the warm, nostalgic embrace of a hidden Hanoi cafe. At its front is a charming balcony overlooking the lush green waters of Hoan Kiem Lake. On a clear morning, Kayla from Belgium and Sien from the US were strolling around the lake when they spotted a quaint balcony perched on the second floor of an old yellow-walled house, complete with sky-blue wooden shutters and potted greenery. Several guests were already seated on the wooden stools by the balcony, quietly sipping drinks and watching the world pass beneath them. "Without hesitation, we crossed the street and made our way to the cafe with that incredible balcony," Kayla recalled. The balcony that sparks curiosity from passersby. Photo: Nguyen Huy Kayla (in red) and Sien enjoy coconut coffee while taking in the city view from the balcony. Photo: Nguyen Huy Following a faded wooden sign, the pair squeezed into the narrow alley - barely a meter wide - and climbed the steep, uneven steps. Behind a small wooden door, they found an unexpectedly spacious, cozy cafe steeped in vintage charm. They were greeted by the owner and walked past two rooms to reach the sun-drenched balcony, cooled by a gentle breeze. Its a favorite corner for nearly every visitor - offering a wide-open view over Hoan Kiem Lake and the bustling intersection of Hang Khay and Dinh Tien Hoang streets. I feel lucky to have stumbled upon this place. It reminds me of scenes from an old romantic movie set in Hanoi, said Kayla. Sien agreed, adding, If I had the time, I could sit here all day, talking with friends or getting work done. A cafe built from family memories Nguyen Duc Cuong, the cafes owner. Photo: Nguyen Huy Located at 9A Hang Khay Alley, the cafe opened in 2009. Owner Nguyen Duc Cuong explained that it was created inside his family home, which had housed three generations and held countless memories. In the early 2000s, Cuong and his siblings got married and moved out, leaving their mother in the house. In 2009, my wife and I, along with other family members, decided to renovate the home and turn it into a small cafe - both to welcome friends and partners, and to earn extra income. It also became a place for our children to gain business experience and develop soft skills outside of school, Cuong said. A warm, nostalgic ambiance fills the cafes interior. Photo: Nguyen Huy Over the past 16 years, the house has undergone multiple renovations. The most recent - its most comprehensive transformation - took place after the Covid-19 pandemic. While the original partitioned layout remains, the walls were repainted a warm yellow, and charming arched doorways were added. Cuong preserved the raw red brick walls, wooden ceiling beams, wooden floors, and floral-tiled balcony - keeping the homes aged, authentic character intact for visitors to appreciate. To enhance the space, he installed vintage-style filament lights that dangle from the wooden ceiling, as well as small corner lamps with artistic shapes and soft glows. From house to home cafe, from tradition to innovation The cafe is open from 9 AM to 10 PM, with the busiest times at noon and in the late afternoon. Photo: Nguyen Huy A cup of egg coffee costs 55,000 VND (approx. 2.25 USD). Other drinks range from 40,000 to 60,000 VND. Photo: Nguyen Huy Coconut coffee is a favorite among international guests. Photo: Nguyen Huy According to Cuong, the cafes name comes from French, meaning "the upper floor," in reference to its unique setting. The drinks - ranging from coffee and cocoa to fresh juice and tea - were all developed by his wife and children through hands-on learning and experimentation. We serve drinks the way we enjoy them at home. Since we dont pay rent, we can invest in high-quality ingredients, Cuong noted. Initially, my wife and the kids ran the place. Now, my son and I are in charge. Whenever he doesnt have school, he comes in to help prepare drinks and serve guests, he added. Known for being meticulous, Cuong ensures that both the preparation tools and the cafe space are kept spotless. The cafe opens daily from 9 AM to 10 PM and is busiest around lunchtime and late afternoon. Egg coffee with a family twist The cafes best-selling drink is the iconic Vietnamese egg coffee. Cuong uses coffee beans from the Central Highlands, which he brews in a phin filter overnight. In the morning, the rich black coffee is bottled and chilled, ready to serve throughout the day. For each cup, egg yolk and a touch of cream are whipped until light and fluffy, with all eggy odors eliminated. We make each cup to order, Cuong said. The coffee is poured into a glass and heated in the microwave. Then the fresh egg foam is gently layered on top. Each cup of egg coffee is priced at 55,000 VND (about 2.25 USD). Other drinks range from 40,000 to 60,000 VND (1.65 to 2.45 USD). The coconut coffee is especially popular with international guests, while regulars tend to prefer the classic black coffee or bac xiu - a sweetened milk coffee. A quiet following, a glowing reputation Greg praised the cafes harmony of flavors, especially the aromatic, creamy egg foam. Photo: Nguyen Huy Greg, a traveler from Australia, spent two weeks exploring Hanoi and nearby destinations. While in the city, he and his companion made a point of visiting cafes with vintage aesthetics and peaceful vibes. We visited 10 different cafes, always trying the egg coffee - something I cant find in Melbourne. I discovered this place through beautiful Instagram photos. But its even better in person. The balcony is breezy and scenic, while inside feels warm and tranquil, he said. Greg praised the balance of flavors: the rich, velvety egg foam, the satisfying aroma, and the sweetness that perfectly suited his taste. Though it has earned the nickname introvert cafe, the shop has rarely promoted itself online over the years. It doesnt have a large social media presence, yet it boasts a 4.5-star rating from 256 reviews on Google Maps. Most visitors find it through word-of-mouth or glowing recommendations from past guests. Even the narrow alley and steep stairs leading to the entrance have become favorite photo spots for cafe-goers. The narrow alley and steep staircase have become popular check-in spots. Photo: Nguyen Huy The view from the cafes balcony, offering a tranquil cityscape. Photo: Nguyen Huy Linh Trang & Nguyen Huy The Court of Military Region 5 on January 10 issued first-instance verdicts in a case involving violations of land management regulations, fraud and appropriation of property linked to the former Nha Trang airport in the south central province Khanh Hoa. Citing the defendants conduct, the severity and nature of the offenses, and their personal circumstances, the court convicted the following individuals of violating land management regulations and imposed prison terms as follows: Nguyen Chien Thang, former Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, four years; Le Duc Vinh, former Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, three years and six months; Dao Cong Thien, former Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, three years and six months; Vo Tan Thai, former Director of the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, three years and six months; Hoang Viet Quang, former Maj. Gen. and ex-deputy head of the Ministry of National Defences Operations Department, two years and six months; and Nguyen Duy Cuong, former Maj. Gen. and ex-rector of the Air Force Officers College, two years and six months. On separate charges of fraud and appropriation of property, the court sentenced Nguyen Van Hau, former Chairman of Phuc Son Group JSC, to 11 years in prison; Tran Huu Dinh, former Director of Nam A Investment JSC, eight years and six months; and Nguyen Thi Hang, former Deputy CEO of Phuc Son Group, seven years and six months. The court further ordered defendants Hau, Hang, and Dinh to jointly compensate all victims for the full amount of damage, which totaled more than 7.03 trillion VND (270 million USD). The case revolved around the handling of the 238-ha former Nha Trang Airport site, a prime coastal plot along Tran Phu street previously managed by the Air Force Officers College. According to the indictment, Thang, Vinh, Thien and Thai, together with officials from the ministry's agencies, handed over land to Phuc Son Group between 2015 and 2024 without the Prime Ministerial's approval. The actions contravened legal procedures, defied directives from the Prime Minister, and went against the coordinated stance of the ministry and Khanh Hoa authorities, leading to the illegal handover of 62.89 ha of defence land to Phuc Son Group and resulting in state losses related to defence land management and use. Hau was full aware that the defence land at the former airport had not undergone PM-approved restructuring, had not been officially recovered or reallocated, and that the proposed Nha Trang UrbanCommercialServiceFinancialTourism Complex lacked an approved 1:500 detailed zoning plan, provincial recognition, on-site handover, or technical infrastructure construction permits. At that time, Phuc Son Group was not authorised to raise capital, and the projects offerings were ineligible for transfer to buyers for individual housing construction. Nevertheless, Hau instructed staff to market the project as fully compliant with legal requirements, initiate sales, and sign 983 land-use rights transfer contracts with 683 customers, collecting over 7.03 trillion VND (270 million USD). In the fraud scheme, Hau was identified as bearing primary responsibility as the mastermind./. VNA While still a university student, Nguyen Phuc Son found himself unexpectedly taking on the role of a single father to a four-year-old boy. Even with that responsibility, he managed to graduate as the top student of his university - a goal he once believed was far beyond reach. Nguyen Phuc Son, valedictorian of Hanoi National University of Education 2. Photo: NVCC While still a university student, Nguyen Phuc Son found himself unexpectedly taking on the role of a single father to a four-year-old boy. Even with that responsibility, he managed to graduate as the top student of his university - a goal he once believed was far beyond reach. Born in 2001 in Thanh Hoa province, Phuc Son is the middle child of three siblings. When he was just two years old, his parents divorced, and his mother left to earn a living far from home. The three children were left in the care of their maternal grandmother. All we had was education to escape poverty Son grew up wrapped in his grandmothers love. We were part of a poor household for most of my schooling years - only later did we become a near-poor family, he recalled. His grandmother often reminded them: Study hard to escape poverty. Watching her wake early every day to pick and sell jute leaves - sometimes earning only 1,000 VND for three bunches - Son resolved to study well so he could take care of her. Despite the family's hardships, Son always excelled in school. Being only a year older than his younger sister, he often passed down his schoolbooks for her to reuse. Both siblings shared the same dream: study hard to lift their family out of poverty. But their lives were shaken during Sons 11th grade year. His elder sister became pregnant unexpectedly and left the baby with their grandmother shortly after giving birth. With no other choice, Son helped raise the child while studying for his university entrance exams. Son and his nephew on graduation day. Photo: NVCC Despite these burdens, Sons talent and dedication earned him a place at Foreign Trade University in Ho Chi Minh City through a joint program with full tuition support. As soon as he enrolled, he began searching for part-time jobs. But just two months into his studies, his beloved grandmother passed away suddenly - a loss that left him devastated and directionless. My mother was in poor health, my sister was preparing for her own university exams, and the baby was too young to be left alone, Son said. At that point, if I didnt step up to work, no one else could. He made the painful decision to pause his studies and find work. He moved to Hanoi and took up various labor jobs - warehouse work, manual labor - sending money home for his family. At one point, he even considered going abroad as a migrant worker to earn more quickly. But just as the paperwork was complete, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, halting his plans and leaving him with debt. Trapped and financially burdened, Son took on more jobs, working day and night. There were weeks when I survived on instant noodles, sometimes just water because I had no money, he recalled. Even though I had knowledge, I couldnt tutor because I wasnt enrolled anywhere. One day, he stumbled across an admissions notice from Hanoi National University of Education 2, which offered free tuition and a monthly allowance of $150 for eligible students. Seeing a glimmer of hope, he submitted his application using high school transcripts - and was accepted. Bringing a child to university Once again, Son faced a difficult choice. His mother was ill, his sister had also started university, and no one could look after the child. Though several people offered to adopt the boy, Son couldnt bear to let him go. Id held him in my arms for years - how could I give him away? he said. After sleepless nights, Son decided to bring his nephew with him to Vinh Phuc, where he would both study and take care of the child. He also encouraged his mother to move to Hanoi for work as a domestic helper - not for income, but to be nearby in case of emergencies. In 2021, at 20 years old, Son and his four-year-old nephew left their hometown and moved into a small rented room near the university. Balancing student life with fatherhood, he juggled studying, part-time tutoring, childcare, and repaying his debts. Each morning, he woke early to prepare meals and take his nephew to preschool. He arranged with teachers to keep the child until 7 PM, allowing him time to tutor students in the evenings. When he returned home, he bathed and fed the boy, then resumed teaching late-night online sessions for students in South Korea. Despite the hardship, Son never complained. People feel sorry for me, saying I grew up without my parents and had to raise a child. But I still had a happy childhood with my grandmother. I hope my nephew never feels like he missed out, he said. There were days when he returned late and asked friends to help pick up the boy. On other days, with no options left, he brought the child to class. His classmates playfully nicknamed the boy the attachment because they were always together. The little boy never misbehaved in class - he sat quietly beside his uncle, earning the affection and support of Sons teachers and friends. Education changed his life Phuc Son is now an English teacher in Tay Ninh province. Photo: NVCC From the start, Son was determined to graduate as quickly as possible. His goal was simple: earn scholarships to survive. He prepared extensively for each subject, reading syllabi in advance and identifying key questions to discuss in class. His efforts paid off - he received scholarships in all six semesters. He also joined research projects, winning first prize at the university level and a consolation prize at the national level. Alongside the recognition, he was grateful for the prize money to cover living expenses. Through tireless dedication, Son completed his program in just 2 years and 8 months, achieving the highest GPA in the English department in the last five years and graduating as valedictorian. Before graduation, he received job offers from schools in Hanoi and even had a chance to study abroad. But again, he put his dreams on hold when his mother was hospitalized with meningitis. Though she survived, she was left with impaired vision and needed long-term care. I didnt feel regret, Son said. My dream of easing my familys burden was more important than studying abroad. But Ive only postponed it, he added. If the chance comes again - once my sister is stable, my nephew is older, and my mom is okay - Ill travel and see the world. Today, Son teaches English at An Hoa Secondary School in Tay Ninh province. Having grown up poor with no access to language education, he chose to work in rural areas, hoping to help other students connect with English and build confidence for the future. Looking back, Son says his only regret is not being able to repay his grandmother. Time waits for no one. When I finally had a bit of relief in life, she was already gone. But I will always be grateful to her - for teaching me the most valuable lesson: never give up on education. For me, education changed everything. Thuy Nga According to a report on recently released by the Ministry of Industry and Trades Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development, the size of the market reached more than 7 quadrillion VND (about 266 billion USD) in 2025, up around 10% compared with 2024. This was the highest growth rate in the past five years, reflecting a rapid recovery in purchasing power, stronger consumer confidence, and continued support for domestically produced goods. Nationwide efforts to expand, renovate and upgrade modern distribution infrastructure have also played a key role. Vietnam currently has around 1,300 supermarkets and 280 shopping centres in operation. At the same time, e-commerce platforms and social media-based commerce have expanded rapidly, with transaction values reaching 32 billion USD, accounting for about 12% of total market revenue. These developments have improved the shopping experience for consumers and become an important driver of growth in the domestic trade and retail sector, enhancing its competitiveness against foreign retailers. They have also helped strengthen the resilience of the domestic retail market amid global volatility, reflecting the vitality of an economy transitioning from traditional to modern models and creating favourable conditions for supply chain organisation, regional linkages and product distribution. However, a number of shortcomings continue to hinder the sustainability of Vietnams retail market, notably the uneven development of distribution networks. In rural areas, lower incomes mean consumption still relies largely on traditional channels such as small local markets, where service quality and customer experience remain limited. In addition, logistics infrastructure and electronic payment systems remain incomplete and inefficient, while administrative procedures are still cumbersome. High rental costs and a shortage of skilled human resources further add to the challenges facing retailers. Although the competitiveness of domestic retail enterprises has improved, they continue to lag behind foreign-invested firms in terms of scale, financial capacity, adoption of advanced technologies and corporate governance. Unfair competition, the widespread presence of counterfeit and substandard goods, limited market transparency and weak consumer protection also pose significant barriers, leaving the domestic market vulnerable. To address these issues, experts say state management agencies need to accelerate administrative reforms to reduce business costs, continue investing in logistics, transport and electronic payment infrastructure, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas, and strengthen market oversight to combat counterfeiting and better protect consumers. Retail businesses, meanwhile, are encouraged to adopt hybrid onlineoffline models, expand into untapped areas, improve service quality and invest more in workforce training. Logistics companies should step up investment in digitalisation, optimise transport routes, develop regional cold storage facilities and strengthen links with distribution centres to reduce costs and improve efficiency. These combined efforts are seen as essential to building a more sustainable and transparent domestic retail market, better meeting consumer demand and enhancing the resilience of Vietnams retail sector amid global uncertainties./. As global seafood markets adjust to tightening supplies and shifting demand, Vietnams pangasius industry is entering 2026 with cautious optimism, buoyed by improving prospects in key export destinations. Reflecting this more positive outlook, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) forecasts that pangasius export turnover could reach around 2.3 billion USD in 2026, supported by tightening global whitefish supplies and improving demand in several key markets. Amid ongoing global economic uncertainties throughout 2025, Vietnams pangasius sector recorded a clear divergence from other export markets. While several traditional markets experienced sluggish growth or decline, a number of emerging markets and those covered by free trade agreements (FTAs) emerged as bright spots, helping to lay a foundation for more positive prospects in 2026. Market signals Brazil was the most successful market for Vietnamese pangasius in 2025, recording growth of around 35% and accounting for approximately 8% of total export share, said VASEP Deputy Secretary General To Thi Tuong Lan. This performance highlights significant expansion potential in Latin America, particularly as many traditional markets face increasing trade barriers and fluctuating consumer demand. China continued to serve as the backbone market for the pangasius industry, holding approximately 27% market share. However, growth reached only about 2.3%, below expectations, mainly due to weakening purchasing power and unfavourable media coverage of Vietnamese pangasius, which has intensified competitive pressure on exporters. Markets within the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), comprising 11 Asia-Pacific countries, were also identified as a major bright spot in 2025. These markets accounted for roughly 17% of total exports, with turnover reaching 340 million USD, up 37% year on year. Mexico and Japan posted particularly strong growth, reflecting the benefits of tariff preferences and market diversification strategies. By contrast, the US market, which represented about 15% of export share, declined by 3.3% due to the impact of a 20% reciprocal tariff and trade defence measures. The European Union (EU) maintained a stable market share of around 8% over the past three years, indicating consistency but also underscoring increasingly stringent requirements related to quality standards, traceability and sustainable development. In terms of product structure, frozen pangasius fillets remained the dominant export item, accounting for approximately 98% of total export value, equivalent to around 1.5 billion USD. Processed pangasius products recorded growth of 1319% but still represented only about 2.4% of total export turnover, highlighting substantial room for expansion in value-added products. Future outlook Looking ahead to 2026, Vietnams pangasius industry is expected to face significant opportunities as global supplies of wild-caught whitefish continue to tighten. Forecasts indicate that total global whitefish production in 2026 will reach just over 6.5 million tonnes, down approximately 145,000 tonnes compared to 2025. This trend is forcing importers, particularly in Europe, to seek alternative sources that offer more stable pricing and sustainable supply. In this context, Vietnamese pangasius is regarded as a suitable alternative in comparable value segments. The EU market in particular is expected to benefit from disruptions in the whitefish supply chain, opening opportunities to increase pangasius market share from the current 8% to the targeted 10%. Vietnam also enjoys an advantage under the EUVietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) compared to other suppliers that do not benefit from tariff preferences. However, these opportunities come with considerable challenges. The EU has set very high requirements regarding environmental, social and governance responsibilities, emissions reduction and traceability. These are considered prerequisites for any substitute products seeking entry into the market, according to Lan. The EVFTA provides Vietnamese pangasius with a stronger competitive position compared to suppliers without FTAs with the EU. Notably, the domestic pangasius farming sector has the capacity to flexibly manage supply in response to market fluctuations, offering partners greater confidence in the stability of the supply chain. In the US market, Vietnamese pangasius exporters continue to face risks associated with anti-dumping policies. China also poses potential risks stemming from media-related factors and import management policies. Against this backdrop, VASEP recommends that enterprises diversify export markets, reduce reliance on major markets and increase the share of deeply processed products to enhance overall value. VASEP's predicted 2.3 billion USD in Vietnams pangasius export turnover this year would represent a 5% increase compared to 2025, according to the association's deputy secretary general. To achieve this target, enterprises will need to strengthen sustainability certifications such as ASC and BAP, optimise production and logistics costs, and effectively leverage trade agreements including the CPTPP and EVFTA. After its development as a key commodity fewer than 35 years ago, pangasius has grown into a large-scale industry with strong export capacity. With the farming area remaining stable at around 6,400 hectares, estimated output of 1.67 million tonnes and export value of nearly 2.1 billion USD in 2025, pangasius continues to uphold its role as one of the key pillars of Vietnams seafood sector. Market demands are increasingly emphasising quality and transparency. This means that Vietnams pangasius industry needs to accelerate digital transformation, apply advanced technologies and improve traceability systems. These factors are viewed as critical pathways to enhancing competitiveness and steering the industry toward sustainable development in the future./. VNA The total value of humanitarian activities carried out nationwide by the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) last year reached nearly 5.2 trillion VND (197.84 million USD), assisting more than 8.7 million people, according to Vice President and General Secretary of the VRCS Central Committee Nguyen Hai Anh. Major movements, such as the Humanitarian Tet (Vietnams Lunar New Year Festival), the Humanitarian Month, and the campaign each organisation, each individual linked to a humanitarian address, continued to affirm the VRCSs role as a connecter of social resources. The Tet campaign alone supported more than 2.6 million people, with a total value exceeding 1.34 trillion VND. The Humanitarian Month remained a major highlight, mobilising over 786 billion VND nearly 200% of the set target, supporting the construction and repair of 1,578 Red Cross houses and providing livelihood assistance to thousands of families. Through sustainable support models, the societys humanitarian activities not only addressed immediate difficulties but also contributed to stabilising long-term livelihoods, narrowing social gaps and strengthening the community's consensus. In the field of disaster prevention, emergency response and relief, the core role of the VRCS was further clearly demonstrated. The society assisted more than 513,000 people, with total disaster prevention and response activities valued at over 1.23 trillion VND. Cross-regional and cross-provincial relief efforts, as people nationwide joined hands to support disaster-affected localities, became vivid evidence of national solidarity during the most challenging times. Alongside this, specialised humanitarian programmes such as those on nutrition for poor and disabled children, community healthcare, and the voluntary blood donation movement continued to yield positive results. More than 1.75 million units of blood were mobilised and received nationwide. Notably, a campaign to support the Cuban people, chaired and implemented nationwide by the VRCS Central Committee, lasted for 65 days and attracted more than 2.1 million contributions, raising over 656.7 billion VND, ten times higher than the initial target. Vice President and General Secretary of the VRCS Central Committee Nguyen Hai Anh (Photo: VNA) According to Do Thi Thu Thao, President of the VRCS, this year, the entire system aims to mobilise about 6 trillion VND in social resources, assisting between 9 - 10 million disadvantaged people nationwide. The voluntary blood donation movement will continue steadily, with a target of mobilising more than 1.9 million units of blood. Disaster prevention, response, and emergency relief activities will focus on supporting hundreds of thousands of people in areas affected by natural disasters and climate change. For the 2026 Humanitarian Month, the entire Red Cross system aims to raise over 800 billion VND and simultaneously implement humanitarian projects and initiatives at the grassroots level. These goals are set not only to expand the scale of assistance but also to spread the spirit of compassion and mutual support, enhance the participation of society as a whole, and sustainably strengthen the great national unity bloc./. VNA Yet, undaunted, The Aladdin Cine Products Co. ('from the Pictures Development Co., Toledo, Ohio, USA') produced a similar experimental series of discs of local subjects, but fared a fate even worse than Spirograph. All these curious attempts make a fine hunting field for the collector nowadays. A Kammatograph was auctioned by Christies for 3850 in 1993 and may be worth more now. Other formats Duplex half frame film Special Duplex projector lenses were to be made available to project the 10 x 19mm half frame onto the screen. I have a brochure but have been unable to find any reference that the system was seriously considered, or the Duplex lenses ever made available. 42mm sound film 1922 Another proposal came in 1922 for a 42 mm size to accomodate a 7mm optical sound track to existing 35mm film by the German Triergon company. Neuf-cinq (nine-five) After thirty years of experimentation with different widths in 1922 one was marketed which stood a better chance. In December 1922 Pathe introduced its home cinema, Le Cinema chez soi, called the Pathe Baby. Unspliced 9,5mm film Between the perforations of 35mm film three rows of 9,5mm were slit (see image). The projector came first. Its transportation mechanism was almost identical to the Lumiere Cinematograph of 1895. The apparatus projected a steady image of amazing clarity considering the lamp of 6 Watt. Cassettes with lengths of 9 or 15 meter 9,5mm film could be bought or rented from depots. These films stood out by their great definition. They were reduced from Pathe's considerable 35mm archive. Subjects included newsreels, documentaries, comedies and feature films. Some were colored by a stencil imprint method. An ingenuous system was used to prolong the projection time. By means of notches in the film a mechanism was set into motion in the projector by which certain images - titles or close-ups - could be frozen for a few seconds. Pathe Baby set In 1923 a camera with hand crank was marketed. It being small in size, handy and economical, made it popular in a short time. It was for the first time that amateur film gained a wider acceptance. It is estimated that some 300.000 projectors were sold. What happened to all of them is another matter. They are not that often being offered for sale nowadays. As a result of later developments the size never became popular in the U.S.A. In Europe it was. Even in Japan imitations of 9,5mm movie cameras and projectors were manufactured before the war (Cine Rola). In 1938 9,5mm sound film was introduced with the Pathe Vox sound-projector. It may come as a surprise to some but 9,5 mm still has a following. Cameras and projectors are still manufactured, or more precisely, modern equipment is being converted to this size. Films are still re-perforated by some firms and developing facilities are available, given enough patience. Internationally 9,5mm fans form a closely knit community holding yearly global gatherings. The best nine-five films of that year are projected then. Sixteen millimeter Kodak could not lag behind Pathe. John Capstaff of the Kodak laboratories had already been experimenting with another size. They had come to the conclusion that 10mm was the minimum image width for acceptable quality. Perforations on both sides would occupy another 6mm, making a total of 16mm. This gauge had the additional advantage that flammable 35mm stock could not not be slit in half for amateur use. In 1923 16mm was introduced. In the battle for the amateur market Pathe boasted that its size was cheaper because of its economical use of the film width. Its prices suited all(?) purses. In their sales' slogans Pathe boasted that 9,5mm had almost the same frame size of 16mm at the price of 8mm. Kodak opposed that middle perforations could cause stripes over the image. Moreover if the projector claw failed to hit the perforation accurately the images could easily be damaged. The grain quality of 16mm was better. Kodak introduced with 16mm a reversal developing process with variable second exposure. It did away with the procedure followed so far to have negative film copied onto positive stock. As a result the costs were reduced to only 1/6 of the negative/positive process. In later years a sound track was added on one side of the film, sacrificing one row of perforations. It was accepted as an SMPE standard in 1932. 17,5 mm Split 35mm had always been popular as an alternative gauge. The American Sinemat camera/projector used it with perforations on one side in 1915. Movette 17,5 mm Two years later the Movette camera and projector appeared for non-flammable 17,5mm stock. It had round perforations on each side. Movette film In the twenties Pathe, when considering a new size of film for projectors used for shows in places in the country where no cinema was operating, also opted for 17,5mm. An optimum use of the film width was obtained by expanding the image and reducing the size of the perforations on both sides. Rural 17,5 mm The Pathe Rural was obtainable from 1926. Pathescope, Great Britain, followed with the Pathe Rex projector only in 1932. At the same time a film library was made available with well-known films of that era. In 1932 sound film was introduced - the sound track replacing one row of perforations as in 16mm. Although 17,5mm en joyed some popularity before the war - it was used in 4823 cinema's in France - it disappeared in Great Britain in 1939. In France in the first war years as the German occupation power did not permit off-gauge films be shown for censorship reasons. 8mm bootlace Kemco camera The death blow was given to this attempt when Kodak introduced 8mm film in 1932. 16 Mm was given twice the number of perforations. First one half of the film was exposed. Thereafter the reel was turned and the other half was shot. After processing the film was slit in the middle and the two 8mm halfs spliced together. In this manner as many frames were available on the 25ft small reel as on 100 ft 16mm film. Because changing reels in the middle proved to be cumbersome a number of manufacturers introduced straight 8mm wound on 50 ft reels (Univex, Bell & Howell), or in cassettes (Agfa). Because of the lack of uniformity resulting in limited availability straight 8mm did not catch on. New sizes in the fifties In spite of its advantages nine-five lost field. Kodak had acquired a main share in Pathe in the late twenties. It had no interest in pushing that size actively. The supremacy of 8 and 16mm lasted for a considerable number of years. Yet there were attempts to introduce for the amateur economic widescreen sizes. In fact in the first year of WW2 in the German magazine 'Film fur Alle' J.Pauli of Berlin proposed using first one half of the 16mm size, turn the film around and then expose the second half. It involved holding the camera vertically and the use of a mask. The projector would need a prism to project a horizontal wide-screen image. Once one half of the film was projected it needed to be turned over in order to project the opposite half. How a film was to be edited without interfering with the opposite frames was not gone into wisely. Pathe widescreen 4 3/4mm film Pathe made a more serious attempt to hook on to the popularity of widescreen in the fifties by introducing a duplex and monoplex format in 1955. 9,5mm was double perforated and split in the middle to a 4 3/4mm size which was to be projected horizontally in widescreen. It was an ill-conceived idea. The public showed no interest at all. Few cameras and projectors were sold. The venture was abandoned soon and forgotten in no time. Available stock was converted to the classic 9,5mm size. The 4 3/4 mm Lido/Orly Duplex cameras and the Monaco Duplex projector have become rare collectors' items. Super/single 8 and super 16 Eight millimetre also underwent a transformation in 1965. The frame image was enlarged by 50% by using smaller vertical perforations. The so called super 8 film was supplied in 50' 8mm cassettes (having a striking resemblance to Meopta cassettes introduced years before). As from 1973 with magnetic sound stripe. Fuji attempted to introduce a far better conceived single 8 mm system but could not compete with Kodak. Double super 8mm film For semi-professional use double super 8 was supplied in the manner of standard 8mm on 16mm 100 ft. reels. It gave far better results because the film passed through the precision film gate of the camera instead of that of the magazine. In addition to the larger frame size and the improved emulsion super 8 compared well with 16mm of the fifties. No wonder that 16mm was hardly used anymore by amateurs. Super 16mm Widescreen As stated before widescreen became popular in the fifties. However, it was proceeded by various attempts in the past, even in the nineteenth century as we have seen before, followed by: 1900 - 75mm Wide Film of Lumiere of Lumiere 1900 - 70mm Cineorama of Raoul Grimoin-Sanson of 1914 - 70mm Panoramica (of Filoteo Alberini ) (of ) 1926 - 63,5mm Natural Vision , R.K.O. , R.K.O. 1929 - 70mm Grandeur of Twentieth Century Fox of Twentieth Century Fox 1930 - 56mm Magnafilm Paramount Paramount 1930 - 70mm Realife , M.G.M. , M.G.M. 1930 - 65mm Vitascope Warner Bros. All these ventures did not last for much longer than a year. In the fifties another series of attempts were made to introduce large film sizes for widescreen. To name a few: 1954 - 65mm Todd-AO click for picture of camera click for picture of camera 1955 - 55,625mm Cinemascope-55 1956 - 65mm Super Panavision Frame of 'Oklahoma' in Todd-AO - 65mm wide negative printed onto 70mm color positive. 70 mm film In the seventies followed IMAX (1970), OMNIMAX (1973), Cinema 180 and others with horizontal position of frames on 65mm negative film. Special theatres were built to accomodate the projectors and ultra wide screen. Specially built projectors were needed because the film could not be pulled through anymore by claw. In the Imax system it is transported by a wave motion. Thanks to the air pressure gate precision, projection on a 180 100 ft. width screen has become possible. From the foregoing it is clear that standardization was dictated by the economical power of one or more manufacturers. One result was the universal acceptance and growth of the medium for amusement, information and in some cases as an art form. Collecting off-gauge movie equipment and films For the collector hard to find off-gauge equipment/films are a true hunting-ground. In particular the sizes that were never heard of anymore. One may still profit from the relatively low prices as compared with photographica. 8, 16 and 35mm equipment/films are often offered for sale, but it becomes more difficult with 9,5, 17,5, 22, 28mm and all the other sizes mentioned. From 3 to 75mm One hundred years of cinema has yielded almost one hundred film gauges from 3mm to 75mm. The smallest of 3mm was developed in 1960 by Eric Berndt for NASA to be used in space flights. It had a centre frameline perforation. The largest was employed by Lumiere in 1900 for large screen presentations at the Paris Exposition. Most of these film sizes have been relegated to oblivion, much to the detriment of its inventors/manufacturers. Each size has its own history. Certainly I have not mentioned all of them. Here are some more sizes: 26mm paper film used in the Refcy Japanese paperfilm camera around 1930 38mm (Casimir Sivan, Switzerland). 11,5 mm (regular 8mm+ 3,5mm for sound track) optical sound film used in a Kenner's Real Sound toy projector around 1965 16mm Harper Film system, patented in 1938. 'Edge perforations were no longer used. 3mm each side of the film were reserved for sound tracks leaving 10mm in the centre for the width of the 16mm picture frame. [Originally with two perforations per frame], at a later stage this format was modified slightly to accommodate a third centrally placed sprocket hole, apparently to ease the strain on the film now traveling at the higher speed of 18" per second. GanGuang FL8,75 mm projector 8,75mm film used in the seventies in The People's Republic of China for educational, propagandistic and other purposes. Chinese 35mm film stock was being slit into four strips of 8,75mm film and sound striped afterwards. Projectors for this size were also being manufactured there by a number of companies. 8,75mm film used in the seventies in The People's Republic of China for educational, propagandistic and other purposes. Chinese 35mm film stock was being slit into four strips of 8,75mm film and sound striped afterwards. Projectors for this size were also being manufactured there by a number of companies. Super duper 8mm. This new wide-screen 8mm film format had its international debut in December 2003. Sleep Always , the first feature film shot in the new "super-duper 8", screened in Spain at the Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia and in New York as part of the International Festival of Cinema and Technology. Super-duper 8 utilizes traditional super 8 film but uses also the area normally reserved for the sound stripe (as with super 16). When transferred to videotape super-duper 8 utilizes 30% more image area in every frame. , the first feature film shot in the new "super-duper 8", screened in Spain at the Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia and in New York as part of the International Festival of Cinema and Technology. Super-duper 8 utilizes traditional super 8 film but uses also the area normally reserved for the sound stripe (as with super 16). When transferred to videotape super-duper 8 utilizes 30% more image area in every frame. Super 9,5mm. Actually 11.6mm obtained by slitting 35mm film stock in three strips. Prototypes were made by amongst others by Elmo and Beaulieu in the nineties. But the project was abandoned for lack of venture capital. For further info on the apparatus mentioned see my List and Links below. Consult also my Collecting vintage cinematographica page. LITERATURE: Acres, A.B. : Frontiersman to Film-maker (2001, MS as yet unpublished) Ceram, C.W.: Archeologie du Cinema (1966) Collins, Douglas: The story of Kodak (1990) Crawford, Merritt: The first thirty years (Movie Makers December 1930) Dery, Michel: Le format ideal (article) Jenkins, R.V.: Technology and the American Photographic Industry 1839 to 1925 Kattelle, Alan: Home Movies (2000) Kennedy, Donald D.: The Film Industry in the People's Republic of China (SMPTE Journal vol.85 Nov '76) Lieshout, Henry van: Cine film formats ("Sixteen Frames" Spring '90) Limbacher, J.L.: Four aspects of the film (1968) Matthews, G.E. and Tarkington, R.G.: Early history of Amateur Motion Picture Film (article March 1955 Journal SMPTE) McKee, Gerald: Film Collecting (1978) A Pot-pourri of film widths and sprocket holes, Milestone Movie Cameras (Articles in American Cinematographer , Jan. 1969). Milestone Movie Cameras (Articles in , Jan. 1969). Rossell, Deac: Living Pictures. The origins of the movies (1998) Theisen, Earl: The history of nitrocellulose as a film base. (Article March 1933 Journal SMPTE vol 20) Links: Michael Rogge 2022 This article was published originally in Dutch in the quarterly of the Fotografica Society, Netherlands, in 1996 and updated later on.(click) Foreign translatians: Job opportunities available at Arrivas bus driver recruitment event An information event aimed at supporting individuals interested in a career as a bus driver will take place next week. Organised by Careers Wales and the Working Wales service, in partnership with Arriva Bus, the session will take place at the Careers Wales centre in Queensferry, where attendees can learn more about bus driver vacancies at Arrivas Wrexham and Chester depots. Booking is essential via Eventbrite, with eight places available on each session. Event details Date : Thursday 15 January 2026 : Thursday 15 January 2026 Time : 11am 2pm (six bookable timeslots: 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm) : 11am 2pm (six bookable timeslots: 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm) Location: Queensferry Careers Wales Centre, 46 Station Road, Queensferry, Flintshire, CH5 1SX During the event, attendees will be able to meet with an Arriva instructor and receive information on roles, training and career progression within the industry. There will also be the chance to find out about current vacancies and be considered for a follow-up interview. Careers Wales staff will be available throughout the event to provide free employability support in a one-to-one setting, or to offer a follow-up appointment. Experience of large vehicles isnt required, no need for a DBS check, but there are minimum requirements for the roles, which include: Aged 18 or over. Full car licence held for 12+ months. No more than six points on licence and no previous driving bans. Beth Dockrill, team manager at Careers Wales, said: Were delighted to partner with Arriva Bus to host this event in our Queensferry centre. Its a fantastic opportunity to find out more about local jobs and get tailored careers support. Neil Atherton, PCV instructor at Arriva, added: At Arriva, we pride ourselves on teamwork and providing exceptional customer service, and I look forward to meeting people who share these values. Working Wales is delivered by Careers Wales and funded by the Welsh Government to provide careers guidance and employability support to those aged 16 and above. For more information about Working Wales and how to access careers support, visit the Working Wales website, call free on 0800 028 4844, speak to an adviser via webchat, or email workingwales@careerswales.gov.wales. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its bloody crackdown targeting demonstrators there, a move coming as activists said the death toll in protests rose to at least 544. Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the U.S. or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The military is looking at it, and were looking at some very strong options, Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night. Asked about Irans threats of retaliation, he said: If they do that, we will hit them at levels that theyve never been hit before. Trump said that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports of the death toll in Iran mount and the government continues to arrest protesters. I think theyre tired of being beat up by the United States, Trump said. Iran wants to negotiate. He added: The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of whats happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate. There was no immediate acknowledgment from Iran of the offering for a meeting. The massive ongoing U.S. military deployment to the Caribbean is a factor that the Pentagon and Trumps national security planners must consider. Tehran also warned that the U.S. military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America uses force to protect demonstrators. Trump meanwhile said the Islamic Republic reached out and proposed negotiations. More than 10,600 people also have been detained over the two weeks of protests, said the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous unrest in recent years and gave the death toll. It relies on supporters in Iran crosschecking information. It said 496 of the dead were protesters and 48 were with security forces. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll. Iran's government has not offered overall casualty figures. Those abroad fear the information blackout is emboldening hard-liners within Irans security services to launch a bloody crackdown. Protesters flooded the streets in the countrys capital and its second-largest city on Saturday night into Sunday morning. Online videos purported to show more demonstrations Sunday night into Monday, with a Tehran official acknowledging them in state media. Defiance in parliament The threat to strike the U.S. military and Israel came during a parliamentary speech by Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf, the hard-liner speaker of the body who has run for the presidency in the past. He directly threatened Israel, calling it the occupied territory." In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Qalibaf said. We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. Lawmakers rushed the dais in parliament, shouting: Death to America! It remains unclear how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after its air defenses were destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Any decision to go to war would rest with Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The U.S. military has said in the Mideast it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and U.S. interests. Iran targeted U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June, while the U.S. Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet is stationed in the island kingdom of Bahrain. Israel, meanwhile, is watching closely the situation between the U.S. and Iran, said an Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to speak to journalists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio overnight on topics including Iran, the official added. The people of Israel, the entire world, are in awe of the tremendous heroism of the citizens of Iran, said Netanyahu, a longtime Iran hawk. At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV mentioned Iran as a place where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives," adding that I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society." Demonstrations were held in some international capitals in support of the protesters. A spokesperson said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was shocked" by reports of violence against protesters resulting in scores of deaths and called on Iranian authorities to use maximum restraint and restore communications. Protests in Tehran and Mashhad Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehran's Punak neighborhood. There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. In Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city some 725 kilometers (450 miles) northeast of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Protests also appeared to happen in Kerman, 800 kilometers (500 miles) southeast of Tehran. Iranian state television on Sunday morning had correspondents appear on the streets in several cities to show calm areas, with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. The demonstrations began Dec. 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear program. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. Nikhinson reported from aboard Air Force One. Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani and Michelle Price in Washington, and Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. AceShowbiz - The upcoming series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has sparked excitement among fans, especially with the revelation of WWE Superstar Becky Lynch joining the cast. Premiering on January 15, 2026, the show is set to feature two episodes on Paramount+. Lynch, whose real name is Rebecca Quinn, has kept her character under wraps, adding to the intrigue surrounding her role. Fans were first introduced to the concept of Lynch's character during the trailer unveiled at New York Comic Con, where she was notably absent. The first official image of her character has emerged nearly a year after it was announced that she would join the Star Trek universe. While the details remain scarce, it's confirmed that her Starfleet Officer is part of the USS Athena's bridge crew, adorned in a gold Operations uniform, and appears to be human. In a recent discussion on Virtual Trek Con's The Main Viewer podcast, producer and host Ryan T. Husk proposed an intriguing theory connecting Lynchas character to that of Captain Nahla Ake, portrayed by Academy Award nominee Holly Hunter. Husk suggested that Lynch's character might be the younger sister of Captain Ake, noting a resemblance between the two actresses. If this theory holds true, it would imply that Lynch's character is also part-Lanthanite, a species introduced to the Star Trek lore. Captain Ake, a significant character in the series, is described as half-Lanthanite and boasts an impressive age of 422 years. The Lanthanites are characterized as a long-lived species that closely resemble humans. The franchise previously introduced its first Lanthanite in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, featuring Commander Pelia, played by Carol Kane, who is notably over 5,000 years old. While the possibility of Lynch's character being linked to Captain Ake is purely speculative at this moment, it has certainly generated buzz within the fan community. As anticipation builds for the series premiere, fans eagerly await more revelations about Becky Lynch's role and the potential connections to the expansive Star Trek universe. AceShowbiz - Warning: Some SPOILERS lie ahead for Will Trent season 4, episode 1, "...Speaking Of Sharks"! As the latest season kicks off on a seemingly optimistic note, Will Trent season 4 is subtly transforming the character of Caleb Roussard, portrayed by Yul Vazquez, adding deeper emotional layers for the central character. Introduced in the previous season, Caleb is a sheriff in a small Georgia town and has been revealed as Will's biological father, a significant deviation from Karin Slaughter's original novels where the character of James Ulster, played by Greg Germann, serves this role. Throughout season 3, the relationship between Will Trent, played by RamAn Rodriguez, and Caleb was fraught with tension. Will's reluctance to accept Calebas attempts to connect stemmed from his upbringing in foster care, leading him to believe he could manage without a father figure. However, by season's end, Will seemed to soften, showing a willingness to explore a relationship with Caleb, even agreeing to a family dinner that ultimately never occurred due to a cliffhanger ending. In anticipation of the new season, ScreenRant's Grant Hermanns spoke with showrunners Karine Rosenthal, Liz Heldens, and Daniel Thomsen to delve into the evolving dynamics in Will Trent season 4. When asked about the potential return of tension between Will and Caleb, Rosenthal indicated that it arises from both Will's safety concerns during a manhunt for Ulster and a personal hesitation to become emotionally involved. However, she emphasized that the primary concern is Will's safety. The new season picks up five months after the dramatic season 3 cliffhanger, and Rosenthal expressed her belief that Will and Caleb have been engaging in "slightly awkward family dinners" since then, attempting to bond in a restrained manner. This new chapter brings them together again on a case, echoing their earlier interactions but now with a heightened sense of danger, as Caleb feels that Will is particularly at risk. Rosenthal noted the full-circle nature of their dynamic, stating, "Caleb's not coming out and saying, 'Oh, my God. You're my son that...'" This adds complexity to their relationship as viewers witness their struggle to navigate the rocky waters of family ties while dealing with external threats. Crime is up significantly since Obama launched his War on Cops in 2014. Soon after, the Rogue Prosecutor Movement began its own war on the courts. Clearance rates for crime have decreased, with violent crime clearance rates cut in half in big cities. Homicide clearance rates continue to plummet. Crime victimization surveys show that even more crime is going unreported. Major municipalities are not reporting their crime data to the FBI. The FBI had to revise the crime rates much higher for 2024. Advertisement The bad olden days of daily stories of criminals with long records committing horrific crimes have returned. The Truth-in-Sentencing (TiS) revolution from 30 years ago has been significantly rolled back. The left has run an attack campaign for decades, calling the criminal justice system broken and insulting it as the prison-industrial complex or the carceral state, and calling for its abolishment. Leftists mass incarceration fiction campaigns hide the facts, and their published histories omit the 1960s. Leftists talk endlessly about incarceration without ever mentioning that the crime came years before and is much higher. Leftists dominate the internet with fiction. The progressive disinformation industry is not the Democrat party or the partisan news media. It consists of hundreds of other organizations spending hundreds of millions, perhaps billions of dollars a year. Their mission statements show they are as insanely radical as ever. But today they are richer and more entrenched, and their propaganda libraries are massive. A search of incarceration at just one organization website brings up links to over 400 articles tagged End Mass Incarceration. These organizations codify leftist ideology for Democrat candidates who pretend to be moderates but undercut traditional criminal justice at every opportunity once in office. Advertisement A D.C. judge released the thugs who beat up a DOGE worker, saying rehabilitation is her concern. This is straight out of the 1960s Revolving Door Crime Wave failures, caused by leftists claiming they could rehabilitate criminals on the fly. Deliberate incarceration cuts were made year after year, and their catastrophic effects are clear to see in objective graph data. Yet that empirical historical evidence is not brought to the fight. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani says the social safety net has failed, and they must shift money. That path has been taken before, resulting in 40 years of spectacular disaster. With their control of Congress starting in 1955, the Democrats started the biggest crime explosion. Massively increased social spending was matched by skyrocketing crime for decades. Social spending does not even slow crime down, yet conservatives do not step forward with the historical proof. Advertisement Republican campaigns are predictable. They back the badge, support law and order, promise safe streets, propose new legislation, highlight some terrible crimes, ask for donations, and knock on doors. But these campaigns continually fail with people indoctrinated in leftist ideology. Republicans claim that history is unimportant and ineffective for campaigns. So in their absence, the left has been free to run its own slanted crime history fiction for years. In the October 2025 Imprimis, New York Post columnist Miranda Devine writes Lawlessness is a Choice. She rips leftist policies, but objective historical evidence is not offered. Instead, she perpetuates the myth that Rudy Giulianis enforcement of minor offenses is the key to fixing crime. Advertisement As a prosecutor, Giuliani used RICO laws to smash the mob; as mayor, he got the police to do their jobs, and he deserves those accolades. However, crime was falling two years before Giuliani became mayor. A Truth-in-Sentencing (TiS) revolution, largely undocumented except here, was sweeping the country. The federal TiS law was the tip of the iceberg because every state also needed TiS. At least seven categories of law also needed reforms: probation, parole, pretrial detention, early release, recreational drug use, three-strikes, and crime asset seizures. Giuliani became mayor in 1993; the federal TiS became law in 1994; New York state passed TiS laws in 1995 and 1998. The whole country was riding a TiS revolution and seeing crime fall, and Giuliani benefited directly from three TiS laws. Hundreds of new laws were required because the left is at war with the criminal justice system, and yet Republicans say nothing about it. Instead, they push a silly myth that arresting turnstile-jumpers and a dubious idea that the perception of order in New York City caused crime to magically fall across the entire country. Republicans did not successfully defend the TiS revolution, which has contributed to the rolling back of these effective laws. Advertisement Republicans fail to keep us safe because they fail to win enough elections, because they message poorly. The website StopCrimeTosa.com documents crime history with objective, easy-to-understand graphs, and in nationally published articles. Chris Kemble has written crime history for MacIver Institute, Federalist Society, Conservative Digest, Reality News, Canada Free Press, and Wisconsin Interest. Advertisement Image via Pxfuel. Myanmar, also called Burma, is holding its first election since a military coup in February 2021. Expectations are low, and the vote has already been denounced as a sham. Early reports suggest that the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party won 82 of the 102 townships that voted in the first phase of the election on December 28. The nation has a total of 330 townships. Advertisement Myanmar has reserves of natural gas as well as rare earth mines. The countrys pariah status makes it difficult to exploit either of these. Advertisement Image created using AI. Election politics Advertisement Six hundred and sixty members of the parliament will be elected in three stages. In theory, voting is mandatory, but I have yet to meet anyone who plans to vote. Like a biblical census, you must go back to your hometown. There were no demonstrations about the election as the military has threatened to shoot protesters. I went up to my local polling place to talk to the voters and check out the election day excitement. I found only a small room with one clerk. My district wont be voting until January 11, he told me. The rolling schedule allows security forces to shift their focus from one part of the country to another. Advertisement Parties opposed to military rule have been banned, but the voters have interesting choices all the same. The Peoples Pioneer Party is led by Health Minister Thet Thet Khine, who is married to a transsexual. The party emphasizes the corruption of both the military and the pro-democracy National League for Democracy. The NLD won landslide victories in the November 2015 and November 2020 elections. It is led by Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. She is the daughter of Aung San, the chief minister from 1946 to 1947 and the countrys main national hero. Suu Kyi is currently under house arrest. Her son, Michael Aris, is presented as her successor. He is a British citizen. Burmese tell me that his speaking style is stilted, like he is reading a book. Advertisement Myanmars current rulers keep a low profile. There are no posters or statues of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, no political memoirs in the bookstores, and little effort to persuade the public of whatever his politics or ideology might be. The diminutive general is simply the guy with a gun. Military rule has not been kind to the tourist industry or to the economy in general. Although the personal safety issue has dramatically improved since the coup, a level 4 warning issued by the U.S. State Department still keeps tourists away. In 2025, Myanmar got 3 million visitors compared to 35 million for neighboring Thailand. The beaches and temples are just as nice in Myanmar as they are in Thailand. On top of that, Myanmar has mountains with spectacular views. Advertisement Internet scams China backs both the government in Naypyidaw, as well as several of the ethnic militias. It needs the cooperation of all sides to protect the Sino-Myanmar pipeline, which opened in October 2013. Chinese policy is fueled by the 2023 Chinese blockbuster No More Bets by Shen Ao. The movie portrays Myanmar as a place where Chinese people get kidnapped and are forced to participate in Internet scams. A Chinese friend worried about my safety when I told her I was in Myanmar. Its an unusual case of Chinese policy being influenced by public opinion. Prompted by China, Naypyidaw is cracking down on scam centers. These centers are big business. The 7,600 scammers that were recently deported to China represent a tiny fraction of the overall number of people involved. I talked to a Burmese girl who observed a scam center in Yangon. When she asked what business the company was engaged in, the interviewer said only online. After she showed up for work the next day, she found that the center was all about scamming lovelorn men in Indonesia. They take someone elses profile and picture, she said. The girls then pretend to be rich women from Singapore. They try to sell the mark on cosmetics and bags, and later hint at a relationship. A pair communicates on Instagram using text translation. Indonesian men are easy marks because they rarely require a face-to-face video conference before sending money, she said. Indonesian men I dont understand why they are so silly, she said. They want lady, but they dont want to pay money. After the mark has paid, everyone in the room claps. Many of the Burmese workers are gay men. They are very good at pretending, she said. Many girls are afraid, but I talk back, she said. If they bother me, I threaten to go to the police. Geopolitics The International Court of Justice in The Hague issued a warrant for Min Aung Hlaings arrest in November 2024. The 2008 constitution gives the army autonomy from civilian oversight. The parliament will select a president within 60 days. There is little doubt that the eventual winner will be Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who has led the military since 2011. The constitution forbids the same person from being both president and commander-in-chief at the same time. Few doubt that the senior general can find a way around this rule. Min Aung Hlaing has little in the way of military or political accomplishments to boast of. His retirement was set for June 2021. The February coup allowed him to evade this requirement. He runs the government as a corrupt family business. His children have a knack for getting the most lucrative government contracts. Most notoriously, the family is said to hold The Map of army-held property. This gives them a leg up when it comes to illegally privatizing government holdings. Myanmars most powerful military force is the United Wa State Army. This is the old Communist Party of Burma, which rebranded as an ethnic group in 1989. Under either name, it is led by ethnic Chinese and represents Beijings interests. In the Wa territory, only Chinese currency is accepted. Issues for U.S. policy The U.S. has levied a 40 percent tariff on Myanmar since August. This has affected the countrys garment industry. It is also under a visa ban. If the U.S. wants to get back at China on the rare earths issue, it can offer a deal to the Kachin Independence Army and to the other militia that currently mine and export these minerals to China for processing. The Kachins are a Christian minority in this Buddhist nation. The mines in Myanmar use in-situ leaching. Minerals are dissolved using chemical solutions injected through boreholes. There are logistical problems to overcome, but even an inactive deal can be used as a bargaining chip. In 2023, Myanmar exported 42,000 metric tons of rare earth. Another option for the U.S. is to finance the People Defense Forces, a militia loyal to Aung San Suu Kyi, a leader removed by the military in 2021. Chinese companies that allow Myanmar to evade international sanctions on jet fuel can themselves be put under secondary sanctions. Peter Kauffner is a teacher and writer based in Myanmar. We see most of the media, other Democrats, and the paid protesters say they are protesting for freedom, the rule of law, the Constitution, democracy and other things. They say they are against dictators. Advertisement If your protest against fascism includes you doing a conga line in costume, maybe you arent actually fighting fascism. Maybe youre just bored. pic.twitter.com/F1anD5PwOI Its Maam, PhDelightful (@ItsGoneAwry) January 10, 2026 Let's look at what they protest and what they don't to see if that is true. First off, you never saw protests against Obama or Biden, no matter what they did or didn't do. We have seen many protests against law enforcement. When a white cop shot a black criminal teenager who tried to grab his gun in Ferguson, Missouri, we saw massive destructive protests throughout the country with the known lie about 'hands up don't shoot.' We saw massive destructive protests when a cop killed a black drug addict resisting arrest in Minneapolis. We are seeing mass protests throughout the country because a radical white woman was killed when she had a dangerous weapon, a car, and used it on an ICE agent. We see mass protests when ICE and Border Patrol agents are finally enforcing the laws that Congress passed after years when Biden intentionally flooded America with illegals. No matter how many cops are killed by criminals, there are no protests. As Minnesota's fraud scandal continues to flare all over the state and its vast welfare apparatus, a federal judge has ruled that President Trump must continue to ship $10 billion to these fraud-filled programs, no matter how much money will be stolen. Advertisement According to the New York Post: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration on Friday from cutting off more than $10 billion in social services and child care funding to five Democrat-led states over fraud concerns. Advertisement New York District Judge Arun Subramanian, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, issued the 14-day temporary restraining order in response to a lawsuit filed by state attorneys general in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York the states targeted by the Trump admins funding freeze. This relief is preliminary in nature and is designed to protect the status quo while plaintiffs motion for a preliminary injunction is briefed and decided, Subramanian wrote in a two-page order. Advertisement Subramanian found that the Democrat-led states showed good cause in arguing that the funding freeze would have immediate and devastating impacts. He's pretty well signaled which way he intends to rule on this, so 'temporary' looks like a formality. Advertisement But it comes against an ugly backdrop: Massive amounts of fraud on a systemic level that goes all the way to the top, including corrupt, mafia-like threats against internal whistleblowers who identified the fraud in order to stop it, have been revealed in congressional hearings, on X, and from citizen journalists. With a problem like that, not even internal auditors of the state of Minnesota are going to come up with anything to stop the fraud. Advertisement The Trump administration made the reasonable request for receipts in order to release the funds, and these corrupt, leftist, states refused. After they refused, Trump shut down the gas line, so to speak, in order to keep the fire from spreading. And that wasn't good enough for this judge, who seems to be pretty comfortable with the idea of massive fraud. This judge just got done telling Trump to turn the gas back on, no receipts necessary. Advertisement It's the latest in a long string of judicial rulings that seeks to strip legitimate power from the presidency and put it in the hands of politically connected judges instead. Subramanian certainly is -- he was sponsored by Sen. Chuck Schumer, which was then probably autopenned in by Joe Biden. Instead of Trump, the executive, deciding how the taxpayers' money is to be spent, which is his executive prerogative, the judge wants to be the one to decide how it's spent, and this comes against the backdrop of allegations and evidence of massive amounts of fraud embedded from top to bottom in Minnesota's system, along with the corrupt systems of four other states that brought the lawsuit. If the judge isn't overruled, which one hopes is coming soon, it means fraud can continue as has in Minnesota, as not one, not a couple, but an entire class of Somali pirates acting in a network continue to bilk the system with phony daycares and other phony businesses, all of which serve no one but the bilkers. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller laid out the problem with this judge's wretched logic: Federal district court judge rules taxpayers must fund infinite refugee daycare scams. This is not a legitimate system. This is not democracy. https://t.co/W9WmsqI01l Stephen Miller (@StephenM) January 10, 2026 As usual, he's laying it out with clarity just how bad this ruling is and just how much fraud it will lead to. Some kind of hoseout of the activist judiciary cannot happen fast enough. Image: Screen shot from Pixabay video // Pixabay License Life has become increasingly difficult for ICE officers all over the country. They are shouted at, spit on, and physically attacked. But the worst activities against them may be the protesters use of their own vehicles. And local officials are aiding and abetting them. Advertisement The statistics are alarming, documenting the number of attacks that ICE agents have endured: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Thursday that ICE agents reported an unprecedented increase of 3,200% in vehicular attacks over the past year, leading up to Wednesdays incident in which an ICE officer shot and killed a driver during a protest in Minneapolis. Advertisement The data, which cite multiple instances in which attackers used their cars to ram law enforcement, sometimes causing injuries, suggest that Wednesdays shooting is just one of numerous incidents officers have faced over the past year. Along with the rise in vehicular attacks, authorities also saw more than a 1,300% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats toward ICE agents, according to DHS. Advertisement Especially disturbing are the increasingly virulent attacks from sanctuary city officials. They see ICEs presence as an affront and invasion of their communities. In point of fact, Governor Tim Walz has readied the National Guard (which is federally funded) because he perceives that the ICE agents (who are federal officers) are a danger to the community. Since DHS sees these officials as a potential danger to their agents, they have decided not to invite the city of Minneapolis to participate in the investigation of the recent shooting incident. They suspect that the ability to be objective on the part of the city and state officials might be compromised. Jonathan Turley, law professor at Georgetown University, criticized the government officials statements: Its reckless, and its a repeat of what weve seen in the past where these democratic politicians rush to feed the rage, and the result is often riots, said Turley on Fox and Friends Thursday. [snip] Advertisement Speaking publicly after the shooting, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blamed ICE for the death and told the agency to get the f--- out of the city. Theyre sowing chaos on our streets and in this case, quite literally killing people, Frey said on Wednesday. Advertisement Frey also rejected DHSs explanation of self-defense, calling it bulls--- after reviewing video of the shooting. Turley criticized the mayors comments, saying that based on the information released so far, the shooting appears legally justified. Advertisement He cited the Supreme Courts Tennessee v. Garner case which governs when officers can use deadly force. Another factor that seems not to be considered is the legal ramifications of the city and state officials comments. Would identifying their comments as aiding and abetting be out of line? Since their words, at least in part, appear to be motivating the protestors to attack, verbally abuse, and ignore ICE instructions, I wanted to know if that legal definition might apply. Heres what I found: The act of helping, encouraging, or supporting someone in the commission of a crime. To actively encourage, to assist, or to support the commission of a criminal act. [snip] Aiding the giving of assistance or support to someone else in their commission of a crime. the giving of assistance or support to someone else in their commission of a crime. Abetting the encouragement, or motivating someone to commit a crime. This may include rabble-rousing, goading, and instigating someone, or a crowd, to commit an illegal act. This definition of abetting especially describes the actions of Jacob Frey. To my knowledge, he has said nothing to protesters about not violating the law. A person who aids and abets is considered a principal actor in the crime. There appears to be a direct correlation between these activities and sanctuary cities. Last year, Attorney General Pam Bondi had the sanctuary cities in her sights, and she decided to act against some of them in August 2025: The Department of Justice identified nearly three dozen cities and states across the country on Tuesday that it said were sanctuaries for illegal immigrants and warned that it planned to take legal action against more of those jurisdictions. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement the cities and states, which mostly lean blue, have immigration policies that impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design. The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country, Bondi said. Meanwhile, DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin has targeted the leaders of the sanctuary cities for demonizing ICE agents and putting their lives in danger: This unprecedented increase in violence against law enforcement is a direct result of sanctuary politicians and the media creating an environment that demonizes our law enforcement and encourages rampant assaults against them. Dangerous criminals whether they be illegal aliens or U.S. citizens are assaulting law enforcement and turning their vehicles into weapons to attack law enforcement, McLaughlin said in a statement. Still, the brave men and women of DHS will not be deterred and will continue arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. Anyone who attacks law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Its time for DOJ and DHS aggressively to join forces and act. Image: Jacob Frey. Credit: August Schwerdfeger via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped). Back in 2007, President George W. Bush and President Felipe Calderon got together and agreed to something called Plan Merida. The plan was a joint venture to fight organized crime or cartels. In short, the U.S. provided Mexico with weapons and technology to let the Mexicans do the fighting. It was like Plan Colombia but about Mexico. Advertisement President Trump is hitting a nerve south of the border, as we hear from President Sheinbaum: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she instructed the foreign ministry to strengthen communications with its U.S. counterpart after President Donald Trumps threat to start hitting land with regards to the cartels. Advertisement Speaking during her daily press conference, Sheinbaum said she told Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente to get in touch with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and, should it be necessary request a phone call with Trump. In another passage of the conference, Sheinbaum said she spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and told him Mexico has an understanding with Trump when it comes to security, but noted that the threats are part of his way of communication. Advertisement Trump reiterated that he intends to order military actions in the country, telling Fox News that his administration is set to start hitting land with regards to the cartels. Cartels are running Mexico, its very sad to watch, Trump said in an interview with Fox News. Advertisement A lot of Mexicans actually agree with Trump. They may not agree with U.S. intervention, but they want the Mexican government to do something, as the aforementioned Plan Merida did. What frustrates a lot of the Mexicans Ive spoken to is that they see the problem brewing and an administration looking the other way. For the record, I dont see U.S. intervention as a wise option. This is not Venezuela, where you pick up a man and fly him out. A better card is to work with the Mexican military and let them do the fighting. Advertisement As I said, most Mexicans want action. They are living the consequences of so much lawlessness and getting killed. A conservative senator, Lilly Tellez, has appeared on U.S. TV calling for cooperation with President Trump. She is not a lone voice, because a lot of Mexican opposition legislators are saying the same thing. Why is President Sheinbaum reluctant to joint President Trump and do something? I dont know, and a lot of her countrymen dont, either. Advertisement PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image via Pixabay. A shocking story broke today in Israel: A former columnist for Haaretz, one of Israels biggest newspapers, was allegedly on the take from Qatar, a nation notoriously hostile to Israel. It highlights that Israels greatest weakness isnt from outside; its from inside. Advertisement Alon Pinkas, a native Israeli, grew up in an entirely pro-Israel environment, not just because he lived in Israel, but because his parents worked for the Jewish Agency for Israel in New York. After earning a BA and an MA in political science, he worked as a journalist specializing in Israels military defense and foreign affairs. Advertisement Image created using AI. Pinkas eventually expanded his work beyond writing about Israels defense to encompass broader international policy debates. The outlets that published him included Britains hard-left The Guardian and Americas hard-left The New Republic. Advertisement During the late 1990s, Pinkas was a foreign policy advisor to both Ehud Baraks and Shimon Peress Labor (i.e., left-wing) governments. In the early 2000s, Pinkas was tapped as Israels Counsel General in New York. In other words, Pinkas was a very connected guy. Pinkas was also a peacenik, believing that it was possible through land-exchanges to have peace with the Arabs in Gaza and the West Bank (although he did concede that the Arabs rejectionismthat is, their manifest opposition to any dealwas a problem). He was, of course, extremely anti-Netanyahu. Advertisement In 2021, Pinkas ended up at Haartez as a senior columnist. In that capacity, after 2023, he spoke out about the risk of relying too heavily on Qatar as a mediator in hostage negotiations with Hamas, althoughand this is importanthe was generally very pro-Qatar. Pinkas also took a hardline position regarding Gaza, which he argued should be completely demilitarized (that is, no Hamas military presence). On the other hand, he imagined a multinational presence in the region. Through it all, he continued his drumbeat against Bibi Netanyahu, whom he treated as American journalists treat Trump. Advertisement So, all in all, a standard Israeli leftist, who seemed to have been shaken up a bit by October 7. Oh, and one other thing: We just learned that he was allegedly on the take, receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from Qatar at the same time he wrote seven columns for Haaretz in which he shilled for that meddling antisemitic nation: Advertisement Breaking: Longtime Haaretz columnist Alon Pinkas was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars (from January 2024 through March 2025) by a lobbyist tied to Qatar. These payments were made while Pinkas was simultaneously publishing pro-Qatari columns in the paper. Pinkass pay was pic.twitter.com/mFoxzZGFXj Eitan Fischberger (@EFischberger) January 11, 2026 a deadly blow to the credibility of Haaretz, the Israeli newspaper that the haters of Israel love to quote. It turns out Alon Pinkas, now ex-columnist, received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Qatar while writing for Haaretz. What he wrote gets a whole new light pic.twitter.com/rzmOdPGNa3 Hamas Atrocities (@HamasAtrocities) January 11, 2026 And note the reference to Chaim Levinson, another Haaretz journalist whom Qatar bought. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), either Franco or his general, Emilio Mola, said that the fascists expected significant support from a fifth column of sympathizers in Madrid who would join the four military columns on the move. Since then, weve all understood that our enemys greatest strength isnt always its military, but may instead be the people inside our own walls who willingly join with the enemy. World War II gave them other names, too, such as Vichy or Quisling. Whether for profit or shared values, they will partner with a deadly enemy against their own people. A beleaguered nation such as Israel, surrounded by genocidal armies, can ill-afford to have fifth columnists within its borders, but its now learned that it had at least two, both of whom had bully pulpits. Its to be hoped that the revelation about Pinkas, one of Israels ultimate political and journalistic insiders, sparks a significant investigation into how many of these Israeli insiders will sell out their countrys survival for their own ideological goals or financial advancement. Yesterday, with remarkable, robotic unanimity, the Democrats discovered that Hamas is a bad organization. Considering that, beginning with Hamass October 7, 2023, genocidal attack against Israel, so many in the Democrat party were loath to condemn Hamas, while the partys foot soldiers openly embraced it, the sudden turnaround is suspect. None of the possible explanations reflects well on the Democrats. Advertisement Image created using AI. Advertisement The Democrat party foot soldiers, of course, were loud and proud about supporting Hamas or, if they didnt name Hamas, about supporting its actions. Here are just two examples of many: "We are Hamas! Yes we are all Hamas btch!" - protesters shout at Israel supporter, who walked back and forth by the group in protest, outside of Columbia University where students are holding 'Liberated Zone' occupation protest. pic.twitter.com/XD8K7QDCFz Advertisement April 17, 2024 Pro-Hamas Columbia students chant shocking slogans at @Columbia: --> "From the river to the sea, Palestine is Arab!" --> "There is no god but Allah, and the martyr is Allahs beloved!" --> "Israel Go to Hell!" --> "Resistance [Hamas] is justified!"pic.twitter.com/QGKFzDNnYY Shelley G (@ShelleyGldschmt) April 20, 2024 Democrat politicians, knowing their base (and, in many cases, clearly agreeing with that base), started doing wild verbal dances to avoid condemning Hamas. Most recently, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani engaged in this dance: Mamdani makes it clear he supports HAMAS. pic.twitter.com/DbtCEAYcEz Advertisement October 15, 2025 Immediately after the attacks, when the smoke was still rising and the blood was still wet on Israeli soil, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Gaza) refused to condemn Hamas. Additionally, eight Democrats joined her to vote no on an October 25, 2023, resolution to condemn Hamas (as did the execrable Thomas Massie (R-Gaza)), and six others voted present to avoid taking a stand. At this point, I probably should remind everyone that Hamas is a designated terrorist organization and has been since Bill Clintons presidency. It shouldnt be a stretch to condemn a terrorist organization that engages in mass terrorist activity against an ally. Advertisement With Trumps peace deal last year, which ended the hot fighting, the Democrat parade moved on, and Democrat politicians, to their relief, mostly werent called upon to opine about Hamas. However, the base is still in love. Last week in Queens, New York, an explicit pro-Hamas protest took place outside a synagogue: Activists protested outside a synagogue, chanting, Say it loud, say it clear, we support Hamas here. Whatever the amnesia surrounding 10/7, the truth must never be forgotten: Hamas murdered, maimed, mutilated, raped, and tortured thousands of innocent Israelis. It isand has pic.twitter.com/JeGh1XzA2A Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) January 9, 2026 A word about this chant and the context in which it was made. Those claiming support for Hamas will say that the protesters were merely exercising their right to free speech, which protects them from any criminal action (or, if theyre naturalized citizens, from having their citizenship revoked for supporting terrorism and then being deported). I think otherwise. Advertisement Proclaiming support for a terrorist organization ceases to be non-actionable free speech if the speech is coordinated, intended to further terrorist activityas in deliberately targeting Jews in their house of worshipand has as a manifest purpose to drive recruitment and fundraising, as this flag-waving show of support clearly did. What the protesters are doing is functionally supportive and deserves DOJ scrutiny. Incidentally, the protesters know this, which is why most are masked. But thats an aside. The big question after the protest was how the Dems would respond to a display that is consistent with everything the partys base has been doing for the past two-plus years, during which Democrat politicians avoided speaking out. This time, the Democrats changed their tactics, with prominent Dems issuing almost identical statements condemning Hamas: Lets be clear: Hamas is a terrorist organization committed to the destruction of Jews while imposing its brutal rule on Palestinians. Chanting support for Hamas is antisemitic and unacceptable. This hate must have no place in NYC, in the U.S. or around the world, and must be https://t.co/q25BYGlqEd Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 9, 2026 Hamas is a terrorist organization that seeks the destruction of Israel and intentionally targets civilians. This is antisemitism pure and simple. https://t.co/SAkFyySGkH Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) January 10, 2026 Hamas is a terrorist organization committed to the murder of Jews. This hateful antisemitism has no place in our city and nation. https://t.co/uxfgapNjcO Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (@gillibrandny) January 9, 2026 Hamas is a terrorist organization that calls for the genocide of Jews. No matter your political beliefs, this type of rhetoric is disgusting, it's dangerous, and it has no place in New York. pic.twitter.com/Uz74y6uHBB Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) January 9, 2026 Hey so marching into a predominantly Jewish neighborhood and leading with a chant saying we support Hamas is a disgusting and antisemitic thing to do. Pretty basic! https://t.co/Zx4wJPCPfP Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 10, 2026 As I said earlier today, chants in support of a terrorist organization have no place in our city. We will continue to ensure New Yorkers safety entering and exiting houses of worship as well as the constitutional right to protest. pic.twitter.com/0J4GXWigiv Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) January 9, 2026 One almost must admire Rashida Tlaib for refusing to join this newfound disdain for Hamas. At least she has her principles. So, what gives? One thing, which I know from paying attention to the Democrat-voting Jews in my world, is that many Jews have finally decided that, yes, the Democrat party hates them. Albeit reluctantly, theyre turning away from it. And now that illegal and criminal aliens are being deported and exposed, Democrats cant afford to lose a reliable (and generous) voting bloc. Another theory, which I strongly support, is that Democrats know that the mullahs are doomed. Once the mullahs flee, their files will be opened, and those files will reveal a whole lot about how Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis have been funded and the moral support theyve received. Democrats may be worried that theyll show up in those files. (Same goes for information in Venezuela, which also helped support Hamas and Hezbollah.) Theres also a theory that indictments are finally coming for the loud-and-proud radicals who provided material support for Hamas via the Free Palestine movement. The stench will be bad, and the Democrats want some distance. In other words, the Democrats arent opposing Hamas for principled reasons. If theyd had principles, they would have opposed Hamas over two years ago. Instead, this is a CYA effort that only serves to highlight just how foul Democrats really are. In the 1990s, I briefly encountered a very nice elderly lady, an immigrant from Europe, to whom I was glad to offer assistance getting her into her wheelchair. She was my parents near-door neighbor. She thanked me profusely. Advertisement She then took my hand and confided in me that, during World War 2, she had been a proud supporter of that man, Adolf Hitler. She wished he had killed all the Jews. I was shocked into silence. She apparently thought that all nice people, like me, would commend her for that. Advertisement When Nazis were interrogated at the end of World War 2, one horrifying aspect of their psyche startled their captors. When asked, How could you have brought yourself to slaughter so many women and children?, their replies often took the form of dismissiveness, something like But they were Jews. Many Nazis were openly proud of their accomplishment. They actually thought their plan of exterminating Jewry from the planet was noble and practical. They could not fathom the fact that reasonable, virtuous people could disagree with them. When confronted with that fact, some seemed disoriented. What disoriented so many of their captors was that the genocidal maniacs could, under other circumstances, seem like ordinary, everyday human beings. Advertisement Although I detest comparing bad people to Nazis even people with whom I strongly disagree on important matters there is one striking psychological correlate among some of them: Radical leftists cannot fathom that any good person could possibly disagree with them. They view their own political beliefs as so obviously the correct ones the only correct ones that no rational, decent person could possibly oppose them. To be sure, there are those on the left who consider us not evil, but misguided. If they could only explain to us why illegal criminal aliens should be invited into our neighborhoods, we would soon see the wisdom, the compassion in their point of view. Some of those people are even willing to engage in patient discourse with us. Indeed, some of them, after hearing both sides, come to moderate their views or even switch over to our side, at least in part. (I am leaving aside, for the sake of limited space, the paid protesters, some of whom even admit they are not cognizant of the issues, but they need the money.) Advertisement Unfortunately, there are too many on the radical left who genuinely view us as the Nazis, who consider us irredeemable, worthy of being canceled or imprisoned, or worse. They are neither rational nor virtuous. Whether temporarily in the thrall of masterful deception or permanently given over to evil, they are at war with us. We have to deal with that. We on the right need to be careful to make distinctions, but just as my father in World War 2 (36th Infantry Division) told me, in the heat of battle, we shoot back, not only at the bad Nazis, but the good ones as well. The good Nazis can and will kill you just as dead as the bad ones will. Advertisement There is a video online of a leftist protester being told by a supervisor not to answer questions from a reporter. The reporter asked, Why do you allow that person to decide for you to whom you are allowed to speak? The answer was, astonishingly, I dont know. That is, a chief aspect of cult control is isolation the cult leaders know from experience that honest discourse causes their followers to question them, even to leave the cult. Again, I do know some genuinely good people who disagree with me, whom I like and respect. They know who they are. Advertisement But I say all this as a person who is, as are so many others, having the unpleasant experience of loved ones who abruptly shut me out of their lives based on my being a conservative voter and a professed (but unworthy) Christian. It is painful. I wait and hope for some level of reconciliation, for some tolerance. I am guardedly optimistic for the long-term future, but for the short term, I still remember that sweet little old lady in the wheelchair. Image: Thijs Paanakker via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. President Trump had a sudden bit of news for the communist ogres running Cuba: Advertisement THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. Thank you for your attention to this matter.- President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/bHEIysJ7q1 The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 11, 2026 The statement was made as other news came out that the island was being 'shown the love' by U.S. Naval ships. Advertisement According to a Washington Post report dated Jan. 7: 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. O.K., so one ship may go back to port, meaning, the other one is there to stay. Advertisement The state of Cuban defenses, meanwhile, is clearly unready: LA DICTADURA CUBANA TIENE MIEDO, y comienzan a movilizar su arsenal de 1980, sus soldados obligados y mal alimentados y los 300 oficiales q les quedan obesos y corruptos. Amenazan a EEUU de que no pasara otra Venezuela. Estos duran 10min. pic.twitter.com/N2y5eVDTn4 Frank El Makina (@FrankElMakina) January 10, 2026 The 32-or-more Cuban guardsmen killed in the raid on Maduro were its most elite troops. They're dead now, and in any case, even if they had survived the raid, it doesn't matter -- they are clearly no match for Delta Force. Advertisement As he had done with Venezuela, Trump is targeting Cuba beginning on the money front. Venezuela ran a ghost fleet operation to sell its oil illegally to China and other places in order to evade sanctions. Cuba tended to get its oil for free from Venezuela, or in exchange for Cuban goons running the repressive secret police, and to guard Venezuela's dictator. After they got the oil, most of it went not to keeping the lights on in Havana, but to be sold for hard currency to keep the army and police organs paid. Ordinary Cubans rarely saw any of it. Advertisement It was the latest episode in what Cuba's economic model was -- not a self-sufficient state, but a nation that defaulted on its debt again and again and in each case got itself a sugar-daddy to pay the bills to bail it out, including with oil -- the Soviets, Venezuela, others. With Venezuela gone, they have almost run out of sugar daddies, but not quite: Mexico was the last sucker up to the plate, handing out free oil to the communist dictatorship at least partly exchange for what the late writer Carlos Alberto Montaner called 'slaves in white coats' -- Cuban doctors. Most of it, though, was just free. That caused a scandal in Mexico in the past few months, which may hamstring them from doing it some more. Advertisement But more important, look at the curiously impersonal language in Trump's warning to Cuba: THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. Thank you for your attention to this matter.- President Donald J. Trump He didn't say 'no more Venezuelan oil.' He said no more oil at all, and that was tougher than what he told China, which was that he'd be glad to sell oil to them -- at full price, payable in dollars, which was a tough message for China. But the warning to Cuba was starker: No oil at all, and no specifics about who was delivering it. The Castroite oligarchs seemed to know something was up. Here's Miguel Diez-Canel, who's title is president of Cuba, speaking a few days ago: | EL FIN DE UNA ERA: El dictador cubano Miguel Diaz-Canel admitio el fracaso del comunismo y pidio un "cambio de mentalidad" a sus militantes. "Tenemos que empezar a pensar que a lo mejor lo que funciona mal de Cuba es culpa nuestra". pic.twitter.com/Qn3uFRrT7Z La Derecha Diario (@laderechadiario) January 9, 2026 Grok translate: THE END OF AN ERA: The Cuban dictator Miguel Diaz-Canel admitted the failure of communism and called for a "change of mentality" among his militants. "We have to start thinking that perhaps what's wrong with Cuba is our fault." Trump rattled them around a little more with this master troll this morning in case the message wasn't clear enough: This is going to send the Left into spontaneous human combustion. pic.twitter.com/e7CCOKNGUl Catturd (@catturd2) January 11, 2026 As for Cuba, it's this: Ya casi Cuba, ya casi pic.twitter.com/pgOHnluaAV Yamila La Hija de Maceo (@YamilaHija) January 11, 2026 It's an AI video depicting a young woman representing Venezuela imprisoned with an older woman representing Cuba in the dungeon of communism. The guard comes, opens the gate and tells the Venezuelan woman in American English that she is free, and the latter walks joyfully off. The older woman smiles but then cries as the gate is shut, saying: Don't leave me here. My name is Cuba and I have been here 67 years as a prisoner of communism. Oh, God, don't leave me ... Trump is hearing her -- and the message sent today is that he's not going to leave her. Image: LeoBritoArts video screen shot, via X Qabil Ashirov Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused foreign-backed militants of carrying out violent attacks inside the country, claiming that individuals brought in from abroad were responsible for arson, killings and other acts of brutality during recent unrest. In remarks reported by local media, the President alleged that the perpetrators had set fire to mosques, killed civilians and, in some cases, carried out beheadings. He said those involved did not belong to the country and should not be confused with citizens expressing legitimate grievances. Those who are truly part of this country can express their protest we will listen to them, consider their demands and resolve the problem, he said. But killing innocent people on the spot, setting fires and destroying property by force is unacceptable. Pezeshkian also accused the United States and Israel of encouraging violence, claiming they were urging militant groups to escalate their actions. According to him, the same actors who had previously attacked the country and killed young people and children were now calling on others to do the same. They say, We are here, and you go and destroy we will come after you, he said. The comments come amid heightened tensions and ongoing disturbances, as authorities seek to distinguish between peaceful protest and acts they describe as terrorism. No independent verification of the allegations was immediately available. Ariana Grande has responded to her Wicked: For Good co-star Cynthia Erivos snubbing by the Actor Awards (formerly known as the SAG Awards). Erivo, 39, who led the hit musical sequel as the green-skinned witch Elphaba, had been nominated for the award last year for her turn in the first Wicked, but was absent from this years list of nominees. The films director, John M Chu, was also absent from the nominees at the Directors Guild of America Awards. Grande, who was nominated this year for her supporting turn as Glinda, was asked about the omissions in a new interview with Variety. There arent enough flowers on this earth for Jon M. Chu, she said. Hes an extraordinary human being and director, This film will be watched for decades to come. He set out to move people, to challenge them, to make them better allies and better humans and he succeeded. The impact of his work and Cynthias Elphaba is undeniable, she continued. Cynthias performance is the most truthful, vulnerable and fierce Elphaba weve seen, and it will be referenced and adored for generations. That cant be taken away. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures) The actor and pop star went on to insist that her snubbed collaborated deserved flowers despite the lack of recognition by the awards bodies. Thats why I say every good thing that happens to me belongs to them, too, she added. None of this exists in isolation. We informed each other every single day. Of course, its hard they deserve all the flowers this world can grow. The actors and directors guild awards are often seen as significant omens in the build-up to the Academy Awards, with the Oscars voting body containing significant overlap with these groups. Erivo is not expected to receive an Oscar nomination this year, despite being nominated for the first Wicked. Jessie Buckley is the current favourite for the prize, for her performance in the literary adaptation Hamnet. Her main competitor may be Rose Byrne, who is widely predicted to be nominated for her performance in the acerbic comedy If I Had Legs Id Kick You. This week, it was reported that the book upon which Wicked is based, Gregory Maguires 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, had been banned from public schools in the state of Utah. Maguires novel was adapted into a stage musical in 2003, which was later adapted for the screen in two parts. Bob Weir, a founding member of the iconic rock band Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78. Weirs family announced his death Saturday through a statement on his website. Weir was diagnosed with cancer in July and courageously beat the disease, but succumbed to underlying lung issues, the statement said. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could, the statement continues. Weir began his cancer treatment just weeks before performing at Californias Golden Gate Park last year. Bob Weir transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, his family said (Amy Harris/Invision/AP File) Diagnosed in July, he began treatment only weeks before returning to his hometown stage for a three-night celebration of 60 years of music at Golden Gate Park. Those performances, emotional, soulful, and full of light, were not farewells, but gifts, the statement reads. Weir founded the Grateful Dead in 1965, alongside Jerry Garcia, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Ron McKernan. Weir went on to compose several hit songs for the band, including Sugar Magnolia, Playing in the Band, and One More Saturday Night, according to Variety. Bob Weir succumbed to underlying lung issues, his family said (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Michael J. Fox Foundation) After Garcia died in 1995, Weir and other members went on to pursue other musical projects. Weir has since won a number of accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2024, Weir and the Grateful Dead were celebrated at the Kennedy Center Honors. There is no final curtain here, not really. Only the sense of someone setting off again. He often spoke of a three-hundred-year legacy, determined to ensure the songbook would endure long after him. May that dream live on through future generations of Dead Heads, his familys statement said. And so we send him off the way he sent so many of us on our way: with a farewell that isnt an ending, but a blessing. A reward for a life worth livin. Reactions and tributes have started pouring in online. The Empire State Building has announced it had changed the color of its spire to shine in tie-dye to honor the life and legacy of Bob Weir on Saturday evening. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates Kemi Badenoch has called her proposal a common sense move - Jeff Overs/BBC Kemi Badenoch has announced that the Tories would ban under-16s from accessing social media if the party won the next election. The Conservative leader said a common sense age limit was needed, and warned that online culture was fuelling a surge in mental health problems. Her calls were backed by Andy Burnham, the Manchester Mayor, but dismissed by Downing Street, which said it has no plans for a ban. Concerns around the dangers of social media have been heightened by the use of Xs artificial intelligence tool to create undressed images of women and children. In an interview, Mrs Badenoch said social media was contributing to worklessness amongst young people by fuelling a rise in anxiety and depression. She told the BBC she had even had issues with spending too much time on the platforms themselves, which are designed to be addictive. Describing the internet as a Wild West, she said the Tory plans would provide common sense protection for children and freedom for adults. What we are seeing is a lot of children spending so many hours a day on platforms that are profiting from their anxiety, from their distraction, she said. We want to give parents some understanding that the government understands what theyre going through. So we want to bring in age limits. Mrs Badenoch acknowledged some youngsters would find ways to get around a ban, just as some obtain fake IDs to buy alcohol. But she said introducing a ban would get a critical mass of under-16s off social media, and make it easier for parents to say no to their children. She said that she had just given the eldest of her three children, who is in Year 8, her first phone, but that access to social media on it was blocked. Even from my own usage of social media, I can see how its designed to keep you on there again and again and again, Mrs Badenoch said. I use Instagram and you go on there to check a message and half an hour later you realise youve just been looking at memes. Its designed to be addictive. Adults should be able to cope with that and manage themselves children we need to protect. She linked the use of social media to increases in mental health problems and the number of people leaving university and going straight to a life on benefits. The Tory leader also rejected suggestions that the ban was an un-Conservative policy, arguing that we treat children like adults too often. Andy Burnham has been tipped to run for the Labour leadership - Danny Lawson/PA Her calls were backed by Mr Burnham, who said that parents wanted the Government to take much bolder action over social media. The comments put him at odds with Sir Keir Starmer, who does not currently support calls to ban under-16s from platforms like X, Instagram and TikTok. Mr Burnham, who has been tipped to challenge for the Labour leadership, said: I find myself agreeing with a lot of what Kemi Badenoch is saying about children and social media. It seems to me parents would welcome a cross-party consensus around much bolder action. His remarks will cause more chatter in Westminster at a time when MPs are openly speculating that Sir Keir could be ousted this summer. There has been rampant speculation Mr Burnham will seek a Commons seat as early as May, giving him a platform from which to challenge for the leadership. Persistent rumours that Andrew Gwynne, a suspended Labour MP, will stand aside for him were re-amplified by his allies at the weekend. Mr Gwynne, a former minister who was suspended over remarks he made in a WhatsApp group, has denied the claims every time they have been made. A Government spokesman said: We support headteachers to take the necessary steps to prevent disruption in our schools backed by our guidance, the vast majority already restrict the use of phones in the school day, so they do not disrupt learning. Through the Online Safety Act, we have taken some of the boldest steps anywhere in the world to ensure children have age-appropriate experiences online, mandating that social media companies protect under-18s from harmful content. We are striking the right balance: protecting children from harm while ensuring they can benefit safely from the digital world. Government sources said that ministers have no current plans for a blanket ban but that they are monitoring how other countries are approaching the issue. The interim first minister of the Chagossian government in exile has said he is hopeful that Sir Keir Starmers controversial deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius will be stopped on Monday. Louis Misley Mandarin spoke to The Independent ahead of two crucial decisions on the deal, which would see the UK pay Mauritious at least 120 million annually during a 99-year agreement to lease back the military base on Diego Garcia. Members of the House of Lords are set to vote on the third and final reading of the legislation to ratify the Bill and could still vote it down. The treaty will still have to return to the Commons for further debate after peers last week backed an amendment to force a renegotiation of the terms in order to ensure payments stop if the military base could no longer be used. Protesters at the High Court during a hearing over a last-minute block on the Government from concluding its deal on the Chagos Islands (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire) Defeat would be humiliating for the prime minister who has argued that he had no choice but to do a deal with Mauritius because of the threat of legal challenges through the United Nations, which could cripple the UK and USAs use of the base on the archipelago. Also on Monday, a further significant decision will be made in the high court over a legal challenge brought by the Chagossians over the alleged failure of the UK government to consult with them on the deal. Mr Mandarin, who lives in the UK, said he wanted the islands to remain British sovereign territory with Chagossians allowed back under a home rule protectorate arrangement. They argue that the agreement with Mauritius impacts their British citizenship as well as their rights to return home even though the deal includes resettlement in the outer islands. The Chagossian first minister, whose government in exile was set up to stop the UK handing over their homeland to Mauritius, said: I'm very, very hopeful about the vote in the Lords and high court ruling. Louis Misley Mandarin, first minister of the Chagos government in exile (Chagos government in exile) No matter what happens we will continue to fight for it. We won't let our homeland just slip out of our hands, just like that because of Keir Starmers policy, a policy that was not even in the Labour Party election manifested by the way. He complained that there has been no consultation with the UK government and they were ignored in the negotiation process. He added: At least, if they said, self determination, have a referendum and vote for it, then that would be fair but Mauritius doesn't want that. Mr Mandarin has also appealed in a letter to US president Donald Trump to change his mind on the deal and intervene. He said: We want the Americans to stop the deal, because they are relying on British sovereignty as well. The deal to transfer the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius, while retaining control of the Diego Garcia military base, is projected to cost the UK 34.7 billionin rent fo the base. Questions have been asked about the value of it to the taxpayer and whether the islands should be surrendered at all. When he signed the deal, Sir Keir insisted it was the responsible thing to do. He said: President Trump has welcomed the deal along with other allies, because they see the strategic importance of this base and that we cannot cede the ground to others who would seek to do us harm." He added: "If we did not agree this deal the legal situation would mean that we would not be able to prevent China or any other nation setting up their own bases on the outer islands or carrying out joint exercises near our base. "No responsible government could let that happen." I was a zombie: Cathy Wield, 65, says the side effects of the treatment left her barely able to function - Andrew Crowley After many years of campaigning from patient groups, UK regulators have taken the step to place strengthened warning labels surrounding the risk of addiction, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms on a range of common prescription drugs. Benzodiazepines, a collective of drugs commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleeping problems, gabapentinoids such as pregabalin and gabapentin which are used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain, and Z-drugs which are prescribed for insomnia, are the medication classes to be slapped with the new label following a review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. However, for the many patients who have suffered from years of agonising side effects and in some cases, long-term damage, having become physically dependent on the drugs after being prescribed them for years, the news is somewhat bittersweet. Its been a long time coming, says Cathy Wield, a 65 year old doctor who was left with a permanently damaged thyroid and persistent nerve damage after being prescribed dozens of psychiatric drugs over the course of two decades, including 33 different medications within one seven-year period. For Wield, who has since become an active campaigner regarding the risks associated with these medications, and the dangers of chronic overprescribing, the new measures dont go far enough. She points out that there are barely any NHS-funded services to help the many people currently battling crippling drug dependence and long-term damage caused by the medications. I feel fairly ambivalent about the news because Id like to see more help for existing patients who are dependent on these drugs, she says. We need proper provision in the NHS to help people to withdraw from prescribed drug dependence, and thats lacking. Wields own story began when she was a junior doctor in her mid-thirties. Working an average of 80 hours a week while raising young children, she found herself both burnt out and attempting to deal with suppressed childhood trauma. As a child, my parents lived overseas, and I was sent away to boarding school from the age of nine, recalls Wield, now 65. I hated it, and managed to bury the memories of what was a very difficult and traumatic time for me. But when my eldest child won a place at the Royal Ballet School, it meant she would be boarding. I was already exhausted and memories from my childhood started to surface. Feeling she was in the midst of an emotional crisis, Wield booked a GP appointment. Little did she know that this would precipitate a cascade of dozens of prescription medicines for more than two decades, and as detailed in a memoir, Unshackled Mind, it would ultimately leave her with permanent thyroid and nerve damage. It began initially with a simple antidepressant. But this pill led to suicidal ideations a known risk in some people who take SSRI medications and following a spell in hospital, Wield found herself being prescribed dozens of drug cocktails at a time, from antidepressants to antipsychotics and sleeping pills. Her prescription records reveal that over a seven year period, she was prescribed 33 different psychiatric medications. Wield first booked a GP appointment after feeling burnt out whilst working as a junior doctor and raising her young children (pictured with her family) In the throes of side effects which left her barely able to function, Wield was in no position to question the treatment she was getting. I was a zombie, says Wield. The side effects were unbelievable. I lost my sexual function because of the drugs and just felt totally numb most of the time, but when I reported these symptoms, I was just told, Oh no, thats your depression. I experienced weight gain, constipation, a condition called postural hypertension which means dizziness when getting out of a chair. I had several head injuries as a result of that. But no doctor at any stage during these years looked and said, The problem is the drugs. It just never entered their heads. Wields case is a particularly acute example of the problems of polypharmacy, when people are prescribed more than five different medications at the same time. The issue has been highlighted through studies which have linked polypharmacy to a greater risk of hospitalisation, adverse drug reactions, falls, and reduced quality of life. In one paper, focusing on Liverpool University Hospital Foundation NHS Trust, adverse reactions to prescription medications were a cause of 16.5 per cent of all admissions, with researchers suggesting that the problem could be costing the NHS as much as 2 billion per year. We have seen a significant increase in the number of treatments prescribed over the previous two decades, says Dula Alicehajic-Becic, a consultant NHS pharmacist. In England alone, more than one million people take 10 or more medications per day. The risks of taking too many pills Wield says that all the years of medication have left her with a permanently damaged thyroid due to treatment with lithium, a drug commonly prescribed for mood disorders, as well as small fibre neuropathy, chronic damage to the small nerve fibres which branch out from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. She says that it manifests as a painful, burning sensation in her feet. My feet burn if theyre warmed, she says. So through the hot summer I have to put them in bowls of cold water, and I have to use ice slippers during the night which I keep in a freezer near the bed. According to NHS psychiatrist Dr Louise Bundock, who works at the UKs only drug deprescribing clinic, helping stop medications they no longer need, adverse effects relating to mental health medications that mimic psychiatric symptoms are often perceived as the patients condition worsening, prompting the prescribing of yet more drugs. In the worst cases they end up on multiple medications with multiple new psychiatric diagnoses, sometimes being admitted to a psychiatric hospital, and significant effects on their ability to function in all areas of their life, losing jobs, losing relationships and unable to take part in life in the way they did previously, says Bundock. Often the individual themselves believe that they have become very mentally unwell, sometimes for decades. Wield, pictured in her younger years, says she lost her sexual function because of the drugs and experienced weight gain and constipation amongst other side effects - Chris Watt Polypharmacy has also been identified as a specific risk in older adults over the age of 65. While more than half of people in this age group have at least two medical conditions meaning medicines are necessary, too many pills can increase risk of dizziness, sudden drops in blood pressure when a person stands up, and confusion, which can all lead to falls and fractures. According to Deborah Gompertz, a GP and deputy honorary secretary of the British Geriatrics Society, the balance can be delicate as older people metabolise medications less well, as their kidneys and liver may be less adept at excreting them, meaning they can be more affected by certain drugs. We want to optimise the treatment of their long-term conditions, keeping them safe, and helping them to live independently in the community, while still minimising risk of falls, hospitalisation, and potentially death, she says. How many prescription pills is too many? Researchers and clinicians are keen to emphasise that in many cases, a drug cocktail is both appropriate and necessary. For example, the recommended treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is a triple therapy of three inhaled medications. However, there are some classes of prescription pills which carry greater risks, such as sedatives and anticholinergic drugs, particularly when people are taking more than five medicines. Anticholinergics can be prescribed for everything from overactive bladder to managing symptoms of Parkinsons disease. The higher the anticholinergic burden, the more at risk you are from a fall or confusion, says Gompertz. For people taking psychiatric medications, Bundock says it is also key to be aware that symptoms such as increased anxiety, worsening low mood, obsessive and compulsive behaviours, suicidal thoughts and even hallucinations can actually be side effects of mental health medications such as antidepressants or sleeping tablets. Why is overprescribing happening? The good news is that overprescribing has been recognised nationally as a problem, but the reasons for it are multi-faceted and complex. Alicehajic-Becic suggests that some clinicians may overestimate the benefits and underestimate the risks of certain medications, while the increasing prevalence of over 65s with multiple health conditions can make it difficult for doctors to strike the balance of trying to manage chronic illnesses while keeping medication load manageable. Gompertz points out that some patients question why a doctor is removing one of their medications or reluctant to prescribe them an additional pill, often assuming that it is due to cost saving rather than concerns of side effects. Alicehajic-Becic says that the issue can also occur because older people with more than one health condition can be seeing multiple consultants. Health records are also not uniformly shared, hence information pertinent to a new prescription may not be available in real time, she says. Payments are also given to providers to achieve a certain target, such as cholesterol lowering, which incentivises prescribing. However when it comes to mental health, Wield feels that doctors need to stop being so quick to medicalise what she describes as normal distress. When I look back to that first time when I sought help from the GP, I just needed time to recuperate, she says. I was overwhelmed, overtired and I just needed support, and I wanted to talk to somebody. If Id had simple talking therapy, I think I would have been fine. Instead, its cost the NHS a huge amount of money and resources, and personally impacted myself, my family, and my career. What can you do? Gompertz says that anyone taking multiple medications should be having a structured medicine review at least every six to 12 months, but in some cases, for example medicines like blood thinners, a review should be carried out on a three monthly basis. Its something that adult children with an elderly parent can be aware of, she says. If you notice that your mum and dad have got a build-up of their medication at home, it could be an idea to talk to whoevers prescribing those medications for your parents. And if the person themselves feels theyre getting side effects or not tolerating them, its important to have that conversation. When it comes to psychiatric medications, Bundock advises people to be aware of the possible side effects listed in the accompanying leaflets in the medication box, provided by the drug company. For people who have been on a number of these drugs for a period of time, it is also important not to stop them too abruptly. The longer someone has been on a mental health medication, the more important it becomes for it to be stopped slowly, she says. Because there is the possibility of injury to the nervous system from these medications being stopped too fast. Wield has now been mostly medication-free since 2018. These days she only takes three pills a hypertension drug, a hayfever tablet and thyroid hormone replacement drug called levothyroxine. But decades of inappropriate polypharmacy have had a lasting impact on her life. Im very fortunate that my husband stuck with me, because it was very, very difficult for our children growing up to have their mother in that state. And with my career, I did manage to return to work and become a specialist in emergency medicine, but I was not able to complete my training and progress to become a consultant. So its had a huge impact on us financially as well. Despite her experience, Wield says shes not interested in blaming any individuals for what happened to her, but she is determined to keep raising awareness to try and drive greater systemic change. Its driven me to become an activist to try and stop this happening to anybody else, she says. I really do think the prescribing system and doctors training needs to be addressed so that this doesnt happen to other people. While she welcome the new legislation, Wield would like to see it go further. She feels that the new warning labels to be extended to SSRIs and other classes of antidepressants and psychiatric medications which have been associated with long-term physical dependence and withdrawal, and she believes that doctors must do more to make patients aware of the potential risks involved in taking many of these drugs. I wonder whether doctors should be giving their patients a cooling off period a time when the patient can read the information provided for these drugs and discuss it with their family and friends prior to making their decisions. An oil tanker arrives to Havana, the Cuban capital. Donald Trump has floated the idea of making Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, the Caribbean countrys new leader - Ramon Espinosa/AP Donald Trump has told Cuba to make a deal before its too late and floated the idea of installing Marco Rubio as the countrys new leader. The US president urged Havana on Sunday to comply with his administrations demands or face economic collapse, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money would now stop. Cubas president, in response, refused to bow to the threat and pledged to defend the island to the last drop of blood. No one dictates what we do. Cuba does not aggress; it is aggressed upon by the United States for 66 years, and it does not threaten; it prepares, ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood, said Miguel Diaz-Canel. Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel offered a bullish response to Mr Trump - Ernesto Mastrascusa/Shutterstock Cuba, which has long relied on the sanctioned crude imports to prop up its ailing economy, has been left increasingly isolated after US forces seized Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelas authoritarian leader, in a nighttime raid last week. THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA ZERO! Mr Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. He also responded to a post saying that Mr Rubio, the Cuban-American US secretary of state, should be inserted as the countrys leader, writing: Sounds good to me! The White House has signalled that the communist-run island is next in the crosshairs of Mr Trump, as he continues with his campaign to remake the Americas and rid them of adversaries. The US military attack on Caracas came at a high cost for Cuba, with Havana reporting that 32 of its citizens, including military leaders, were killed. In an indication further pressure would be put on Cuba, the US appeared to reposition two of its most powerful amphibious assault ships, the USS Iwo Jima and USS San Antonio, just miles north of the island. Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided Security Services for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE! Mr Trump added. Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last weeks [sic] U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesnt need protection anymore [sic] from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. The islands reliance on Venezuelas subsidised oil makes it vulnerable now that reserves are making their way into US hands. Cuba, which has been the subject of its own US blockade, last year received an average of 27,000 barrels per day from Maduros regime, covering roughly 50 per cent of Cubas oil deficit. b' ' Experts have warned that a sudden halt in Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba could lead to widespread social unrest and mass migration. Cubas foreign minister Bruno Rodrigue said on Sunday that Cuba had the right to import fuel from any suppliers. He also denied that Cuba had received financial or other material compensation in return for security services provided to Maduro. Long before the deposed Venezuelan leaders capture, severe blackouts were side-lining life on the island, where people endured long lines at gas stations and supermarkets amid the islands worst economic crisis in decades. Then the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with a radical increase in US sanctions levied by Mr Trump to pressure political change has stifled every sector imaginable. For Mr Trump, the intervention is another step in his plan dubbed the Donroe Doctrine, which aims to rid Americas neighbouring countries of Russian and Chinese influence. Mr Trump has been turning his attention to Cuba since US forces seized Venezuelas leader Nicolas Maduro - Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Any deal with Havana would likely mean sanctions are eased in return for concrete concessions on political reforms and on Havana changing its relationship with Moscow and Beijing. Mr Rubio, whose parents left Cuba before Fidel Castro, has made no secret of his desire to end the islands communist rule. If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, Id be concerned, he said following Maduros ousting. On Friday, Mr Trump met with oil bosses in the hopes of convincing them to spend the millions needed to rebuild Venezuelas infrastructure and get oil flowing. At the round-table, he suggested he would soon decide which companies would go to Caracas. The White House is hoping to ease Mr Trumps domestic economic headache by unlocking millions in untapped liquid gold. The plan hinges on the worlds largest oil reserves that lie beneath Venezuela. It has more oil than Saudi Arabia, Russia or the United States, but exports only one per cent of the worlds oil owing to poor infrastructure. Venezuelas crude accounts for about 88 per cent of its $24bn (17.8bn) in exports. We dont want to be Americans: Greenlands indigenous Inuit hit back at Trump as president repeats threats Indigenous people in Greenland have condemned the United States threat to seize the self-governing Danish territory, with many saying they want independence from both countries. Donald Trump has doubled down on his desire to take the island, telling reporters on Friday the U.S. would do something with Greenland whether they like it or not. The Trump administration has repeatedly refused to rule out military force, with the idea of $100,000 payments to Greenlanders who agree to join the U.S. also reportedly being considered. Greenlanders, however, have made it clear they are not interested, giving the president a defiant message that they dont want to be Americans. Approximately 89% of the 57,000-strong population in Inuit Nunaat, more commonly known as Greenland, are indigenous Inuit. Michael Bro is one of the many indigenous people who do not want the territory taken by the Americans (Michael Bro) Michael Bro, 34, Indigenous Inuk and Greenlandic and Arctic studies student said: We want to be Inuit. We want to be independent and Inuit Nunaat belongs to Inuit, we are the people of the land it doesnt belong to anyone else. I dont want to be a Dane and I certainly dont want to be an American. A similar sentiment was echoed in a statement from Greenlands politicians on Friday night. The U.S. insists Greenland is a key strategic location (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, alongside four prominent party leaders, declared: We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders. Greenland's future must be decided by the Greenlandic people. As Greenlandic party leaders, we would like to emphasize once again our wish that the United States' contempt for our country ends. Tuesday saw leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain joining Frederiksen in defending Greenlandic sovereignty. Greenlanders hope that the territorys allies will continue to stand by them. The European Union has already made an agreement with the government of Greenland, with the previous administration, to further expand mining activities in our lands, Bro said. Greenland is rich in natural resources (Geophysical Research Letters, CC BY-NC-SA) I feel like the Americans dont want more European presence in Inuit Nunaat as they also have economic interest in regard to our natural resources like oil, rare earth minerals and opening trade routes through the Arctic. Who wouldnt want to be in control of that? Our allies must support and protect Inuit, the people of our land, Inuit Nunaat, toward becoming a sovereign nation. Amidst calls for Greenlandic independence, Ottawa Inuit circle, an Inuit community support group has shared the hashtag #StandWithGreenland, on social media. Facebook group Hands Off Greenland! has also seen a recent boost in activity, the purpose of which is: to educate the American public against misinformation and to provide a forum for Greenlanders to speak to American voters. Donald Trump has repeated his intention to do something with Greenland whether the like it or not (AFP via Getty Images) Donald Trump must not attempt to seize Greenland against the wishes of Greenlands Inuit majority, the group said, echoing growing concerns about just how far the U.S. government might go to achieve the presidents goals. Aqqaluk Lynge, co-founder of pro-Greenlandic independence party Inuit Atagatigiit, told Danish newspaper Dagbladet Information earlier this week: For the last 40 years, we have tried through the Arctic Council to prevent the Arctic from becoming militarized. Suddenly everything has changed with Donald Trump. The United States is no longer a friend. The United States is now an aggressor. That changes everything. Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen have shown a united front (Ritzau Scanpix) Trump appeared to be in no mood to compromise when he addressed the issue with reporters during a press conference Friday. Were going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not, Trump said. If we don't do it the easy way, we're going to do it the hard way, he added, without explaining what that entailed. The White House said it is considering a range of options, including using military force, to acquire the island. The US has maintained a long-standing strategic presence in Greenland, dating back to the 1951 Greenland defence agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due to meet with Danish officials to discuss the situation next week. On Wednesday, Rubio told reporters in Washington DC that Trump retains the option of using military force. This sparked concern amidst Democratic and Republican senators alike, who said they expect the Senate will eventually vote on legislation seeking to restrict the presidents ability to attempt to seize the territory. Google has removed a number of its artificial intelligence health summaries after an investigation found that false or misleading information was reportedly being provided. Earlier this month the Guardian found issues with multiple health-related AI Overview snapshots, which use generative AI to summarise key information at the top of search results. In one example, the newspaper said that when asked the question what is the normal range for liver blood tests, the AI did not account for sufficient context, nor the nationality, sex, ethnicity or age of patients in response. Experts warned this could leave severely unwell people incorrectly believing they have normal results and therefore not attending follow-up appointments. Now Google has removed AI Overviews for that question and also what is the normal range for liver function tests searches, the newspaper reports. The company, which holds a more than 90 per cent share of the global search engine market, stressed that AI results are updated where context is found to be lacking. Some artificial intelligence health summaries have been removed by Google (PA Archive) A spokesperson told The Independent: We do not comment on individual removals within Search. In cases where AI Overviews miss some context, we work to make broad improvements, and we also take action under our policies where appropriate. Our internal team of clinicians reviewed whats been shared with us and found that in many instances, the information was not inaccurate and was also supported by high quality websites. Vanessa Hebditch, the director of communications and policy at charity British Liver Trust, welcomed the companys response but warned there was still a risk from using AI for such important information. This is excellent news, and were pleased to see the removal of the Google AI Overviews in these instances, she told the Guardian. However, if the question is asked in a different way, a potentially misleading AI Overview may still be given and we remain concerned other AIproduced health information can be inaccurate and confusing. Googles AI Overviews use generative AI to summarise essential information at the top of search results (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) AI Overviews are still being provided after typing in slightly altered versions of the original queries, such as lft reference range or lft test reference range. Google said it is reviewing these fresh examples. Ms Hebditch continued: A liver function test or LFT is a collection of different blood tests. Understanding the results and what to do next is complex and involves a lot more than comparing a set of numbers. But the AI Overviews present a list of tests in bold, making it very easy for readers to miss that these numbers might not even be the right ones for their test. In addition, the AI Overviews fail to warn that someone can get normal results for these tests when they have serious liver disease and need further medical care. This false reassurance could be very harmful. Police say a gunman killed six people, including a seven-year-old girl, in a shooting spree that spanned three locations in Mississippi late Friday. Daricka Moore, 24, has been charged with first-degree murder, which will be upgraded here shortly to capital murder, Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said at a Saturday press conference. Additional murder charges are forthcoming, he noted. Scott said the alleged spree began in Cedar Bluff, where Moore is accused of fatally shooting three family members: his father, 67-year-old Glen Moore; his brother, 33-year-old Quintin Moore; and his uncle, 55-year-old Willie Guines. Moore is then accused of stealing his brothers truck and driving to another home, where police first received a 911 call. At the home, Moore shot and killed a seven-year-old girl he was related to, Scott alleged. Moore is also accused of attempting to commit a sexual battery while armed with a handgun at the scene. Daricka Moore, 24, is accused of killing six people, including a seven-year-old in Mississippi (Clay County Sheriff's Office/WTVA 9 News) Scott said Moore then travelled to a third location, where police received another 911 call. There, Moore is accused of fatally shooting two adult men from Columbus: Barry Bradley and Samuel Bradley. One of them was a pastor, Scott said. Moore was later arrested without incident in western Clay County, according to Scott. Investigators believe Moore was the sole shooter, though the motive is still unclear. Personally, I don't know what kind of motive you could have to kill a seven-year-old, Scott told reporters. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday. Its unclear if Moore has retained an attorney. The Independent was unable to identify his attorney for comment. Moores surviving family members are experiencing overwhelming grief, Scott said. Just to be there looking at these family members trying to, first of all, grieve the loss of their loved one and then finding out who it was that committed this, another family member I mean, it was overwhelming to everybody, he told reporters. The sheriff called this case one of the toughest to work in his 30-year career. Scott first shared news of the shooting spree around midnight. Unfortunately tonight we have dealt with tragedy in our community. Multiple innocent lives lost due to violence, he wrote on Facebook. I ask that you lift our victims and their families in your prayers, he added. Billy Crudup (Will Kane) in High Noon ( Johan Persson) London theatre never ceases to surprise and this boggling staging of the classic 1952 Gary Cooper western is a case in point. Like Fred Zinnemanns film, Eric Roths adaptation unfolds in tension-stoking real time, as Marshall Will Kane autumnally married and set to retire waits for vengeful outlaw Frank Miller to arrive on the noon train in Hadleyville, New Mexico, to kill him. Its entertaining and well executed but frankly bonkers. Billy Crudup asserts a wholesome charisma as the upright, heroic lawman but hes a Chatty Cathy compared to the taciturn Gary Cooper in the original. Denise Gough brings extra layers of regret and sorrow to Kanes bride Amy, played on screen by the much younger Grace Kelly. Awkwardly, shes required to declare Amys Quaker, pacifist beliefs roughly every ten minutes. Im not sure why veteran screenwriter Roth, who won an Oscar for Forrest Gump, thought the world needed this onstage horse opera, here and now. Nor why he and director Thea Sharrock stud the action with snatches of songs by Bruce Springsteen and others, plus occasional bits of square dancing. Denise Gough (Amy Fowler) and Billy Crudup (Will Kane) in High Noon (Johan Persson) It shows how far weve gone through the political looking glass, though, that a hymn to American individualism, starring the ferociously right-wing Cooper, here becomes an anti-Trump parable. Miller is a lying demagogue as well as a criminal and the townsfolks reluctance to support Kane is a failure of collective action. I presume this risky messaging is one of the reasons the show is premiering here: that and the fact that a failure in London is less cripplingly expensive than in New York. But anyway, lucky us, because I wouldnt have missed this for the world. The uncomplicated moral force and propulsive linear storytelling are refreshing, the acting unsubtle but powerful, and the more absurd moments truly hilarious. Roth scuffs up the tale, littering the dialogue with F-bombs and more frankness than was possible in 1950s Hollywood. Kanes former lover Helen Ramirez, who as a Mexican woman must conceal her co-ownership of the town saloon, is first seen dressing after a roll in the hay with Kanes callow deputy Harvey, who apparently carries a handful in his chaps. She also had a relationship with Miller, who recalls she tasted good with fresh blood on your lip. Theres a risible scene where Harvey confesses to spying on Kane in the shower and perving over his bullet wounds; they then start homoerotically roughhousing. Elsewhere, a lone male figure performs a hoedown then mimes being shot while Will pens a farewell letter to Amy. The train on which Miller arrives is represented by a toytown lamp juddering downstage through dry ice. The gunfight under the ticking town clock, with light streaming through the slatted panels of Tim Hatleys set, is well enough done. But here as elsewhere, Roth cant resist a cliche, so has Miller deliver a speech to the wounded and disarmed Kane rather than just, you know, shooting him. Billy Howle (Harvey Pell) and Rosa Salazar (Helen Ramirez) (Johan Persson) James Doherty plays the judge and the saloon keeper as well as Miller, giving us three pleasing western caricatures for the price of one. Billy Howle gives full flight to Harveys angry inadequacy and American screen star Rosa Salazar oozes sardonic, Hispanic disdain as Helen. Crudup is more at ease in Kanes rumpled decency than he was in Harry Clarke, the showy monologue he brought to the West End in 2024. Gough is as compulsively watchable and emotionally present as ever. Her first faltering snippet of song (The Chicks profoundly misplaced Cowboy Take Me Away) bodes ill, but she brings an aching vulnerability to excerpts of Springsteens Im On Fire. Ah yes, the songs. Why on earth are they there? The clippity-clop title ballad by Tex Ritter that haunts the movie (do not forsake me oh my darlin) tops and tails the action on stage, played by Kanes teenage supporter Johnny, but the contemporary numbers feel shoehorned in. Its possible that with the pointed artificiality of the music and the dancing, Roth and Sharrock are making a point about the way the West was mythologized, in song, in print and on screen. Who knows? Who cares? Its just another bizarre facet of this beguilingly odd enterprise. Cant wait to see what fresh madness London theatre can spring on us in 2026 after this. High Noon at the Harold Pinter Theatre, booking to March 6, haroldpintertheatre.co.uk Trevor A Toussaint played Walter Deveraux in Hollyoaks (Channel 4) Actor Trevor A Toussaint, who was best known for his role in soap Hollyoaks, has died at the age of 65. Mr Toussaint portrayed Walter Deveraux, the devout shopkeeper and head of the Deveraux family, appearing regularly on the Channel 4 soap between 2018 and 2022. His character became a key part of several major storylines and was widely praised for adding depth and warmth to the show. His management said in a statement: It is with deep sadness that we formally announce the passing of Trevor A Toussaint. Trevor A Toussaint and Kelle Bryan (Instagram) His family wish to thank you for your well wishes and support as they take this time to privately come to terms with their great loss of an enigmatic, loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend. Several Hollyoaks cast members also paid tribute, recalling the actor as a generous and thoughtful colleague. Kelle Bryan, Mr Toussaints agent who played his daughter in Hollyoaks, said he was a trailblazer who helped open doors for Black actors in British television. The Loose Women star said on Instagram: Been finding it hard to find the words to pay tribute to this man @trevoratoussaint. Gone, but has left such an imprint on my heart. I had the privilege to represent him as his agent for over 20 years. He played @jacqui_boats and I's father in @hollyoaksofficial which was a dream to be part of the legacy of the first black family on the show. Trevor started acting in the 70's a time when black actors were predominantly cast as criminals. He wore his waist length dreds with pride for over 10 year's fighting against every stereotype. Once asked to cut them in order to book a lucrative role he forthrightly said no. He broke many boundaries and made a pathway for others. RIP TT. He appeared in a range of television and film projects, including Death in Paradise and Dreaming Whilst Black. Former Hollyoaks and Coronoation Street actor Nikki Sanderson said: "Such sad news, Trevor was a lovely man who took time to talk with everyone he met, he was a gentleman. He was always so kind with me. Sending lots of love to you and all of his family and friends. On X, Hollyoaks posted: Trevor was a much-loved member of the Hollyoaks family, notably portraying Reverand Walter Deveraux with immense warmth, grace, and wisdom, bringing a lifetime of experience to the role. RIP Trevor A Toussaint It was an honour to share the stage with you pic.twitter.com/dR1ZpZhztu A J A O (@_michaelajao) January 11, 2026 He will be very missed, and we are grateful for the time that he spent with us, amidst his stellar acting career. We will remember him bringing joy to the set and mentorship to younger cast and crew. New hope for justice for Myanmars Rohingya as World Court hears landmark genocide case Nearly 750,000 people fled Myanmar in 2017 as government forces tore through Rohingya villages, killing thousands of civilians, leaving a trail of alleged abuses and sexual violence. Nearly a decade later, the perpetrators will finally be held accountable as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hears a landmark case accusing the state of committing genocide. This week, Gambia will have the chance to outline its case before Myanmar, which denies the charge and can offer its response. In an unusual move, the court will also allow witnesses to share their stories. The proceedings are expected to set precedents that could affect South Africas case against Israel over the war in Gaza, as the first genocide case heard by the ICJ in more than a decade. The Independent looks back on the Rohingya crisis and what justice the two-week trial could offer the victims. Rohingya refugees protest at the Cox's Bazar camp in Bangladesh last year (AP) Who are the Rohingya? The Rohingya are a self-identified minority group living in Myanmars Rakhine State. They claim to be the descendants of Arab traders and other groups who have lived in the area for generations. The majority are Sufi Muslims. Today, there are some 3.5 million Rohingya people worldwide. Until 2017, around 1 million lived in the deeply impoverished Rakhine state, on the west coast. Since the 1970s, the minority Muslim group has suffered persecution in Myanmar, where the state considers them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The government refuses to grant them citizenship, making them effectively stateless, unless they can prove residence prior to 1948. They are bound by restrictions on marriage, family planning, finding work and religious freedoms. In some regions, they are limited by law on how many children they can have. They also need government approval to move house or travel outside of their towns. Tensions with the majority Buddhists have occasionally erupted into conflict. Activists hope that the forthcoming case may start the process of rehabilitation, holding the state accountable for its discriminatory practices. Seeing Gambias landmark case against Myanmar finally enter the merits phase delivers renewed hope to Rohingya that our decades-long suffering may finally end, said Wai Wai Nu, founder and executive director of the Womens Peace Network. Amid ongoing violations against the Rohingya, the world must stand firm in the pursuit of justice and a path toward ending impunity in Myanmar and restoring our rights. Hasina, a Rohingya refugee girl, in Cox's Bazar (AP) What happened in the 2017 conflict? Tensions came to a head in August 2017 when the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a militant group of Rohingya Muslims, claimed responsibility for attacks on 30 police posts and an army base in the Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships. The government reported 104 deaths, which mostly included militants, as well as 12 security forces and some civilians. ARSA was declared a terror group and the Myanmar army began counterinsurgency measures. During that campaign, the army was accused of razing almost 300 villages, attacking civilians deliberately, and raping and assaulting women and girls. Troops were accused of gunning down civilians and laying landmines near the border as people sought refuge. A 2017 UN fact-finding mission found clear patterns of abuse, including sexual violence, the systematic targeting of civilians and allowing impunity for security forces. The Myanmar government had shown genocidal intent against the Rohingya, they said. Myanmar denied genocide, rejecting the UN findings as "biased and flawed", and said its crackdown was aimed at Rohingya rebels who had carried out attacks. Cox's Bazar is home to over a million people (AP) The near 1 million-strong population of Myanmar was decimated, with almost three-quarters fleeing into Bangladesh. They found only more strife once there, subjected to sustained violence from criminal and armed groups. Many were forced to return to Myanmar. During the exodus, Myanmar reportedly started clearing abandoned villages to build new security bases, homes and infrastructure. The state said they were planning to rehome Rohingya returning to the country. Human Rights Watch said the villages should be preserved as crime scenes for the UN to review. As rights groups pressured the government, foreign countries, including the US, Canada, Norway and South Korea, increased aid. Cuts to global aid in 2025 correlated with a 27 per cent rise in acute malnutrition. Violence erupted again in late 2023, ending an unofficial ceasefire. Human Rights Watch reported that the military had carried out indiscriminate attacks on civilians with helicopter gunships, artillery and ground assaults. The Arakan Army were alleged to have shelled, looted, and burned Rohingya neighbourhoods in spring 2024. What are lawyers investigating? In November 2019, Gambia filed a case before the ICJ alleging that Myanmars actions constituted genocide and violated the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The case was not a criminal case against individuals, but a request to legally determine Myanmars responsibility for genocide as a state. Hearings were set to begin on 12 January 2026, and will run until 29 January. Gambia will outline its case in the first week of hearings, from 12 January until 15 January. Myanmar, which has denied genocide, can present its side from 16 January to 20 January. Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh last November (AP) The ICJ has also allocated three days for hearing witnesses. These hearings will be closed to the public and media. The findings could become important in any future genocide case, specifically as Gambia and a number of intervening states in the case, including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, have argued that genocide is not limited to only mass killings. The intervening countries said in written filings that the court should not only focus on the number of dead to establish genocidal intent, but also look at forced displacement, crimes against children and sexual and gender-based crimes. Genocide does not unfold only through mass killing, said Elise Keppler executive director of the Global Justice Center. In Myanmar, targeted sexual and reproductive violence inflicted on Rohingya women and girls was designed to break families, threaten futures, and eliminate the possibility of survival as a group. In its application, Gambia indicated it would ask the court to find Myanmar in breach of obligations under the Genocide Convention, including the failure to prevent and punish genocide. It also sought to ensure the perpetrators face trial and punishment, and that Myanmar makes reparations for the victims. That relief would include the safe and dignified return of forcibly displaced Rohingya and respect for their full citizenship and human rights. While this trial will not result in individual sentences, experts say it will set a global precedent for what the world is willing to tolerate. Zaw Win, senior human rights specialist at Fortify Rights, said: This trial represents a significant challenge to the Myanmar juntas grip on power and impunity. Impunity depends on silence, and justice begins by recognising what the Rohingya and all people in Myanmar affected by atrocity crimes have endured. This trial is an important step toward accountability. Indonesia first country to block Grok over sexualised images of adults and children Indonesia temporarily blocked Elon Musk's Grok chatbot due to the risk of AI-generated pornographic content, becoming the first country to deny access to the AI tool. The move comes after governments and regulators from Europe to Asia have condemned and some have opened inquiries into sexualised content on the app. xAI, the startup behind Grok, said it was restricting image generation and editing to paying subscribers as it tried to fix safeguard lapses that had allowed sexualised outputs including depictions of scantily clad children. The government views the practice of non-consensual sexual deepfakes as a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and the security of citizens in the digital space," Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said in a statement. The ministry has also summoned X officials to discuss the matter. Mr Musk said on X that anyone using Grok to make illegal content would suffer the same consequences as if they had uploaded illegal content. xAI replied to Reuters' email seeking comment with what seemed to be an automated response: "Legacy Media Lies". Elon Musks AI programme Grok has sparked outrage after allowing users to create sexualised images of women and children (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire) X did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Indonesia, with the world's biggest Muslim population, has strict rules that ban the sharing online of content deemed obscene. The European Commission had ordered X to retain all documents relating to its AI chatbot for longer while the bloc ensures compliance with its rules after condemning it for producing sexualised images, a spokesperson said on Thursday. Sweden joined the chorus of criticism saying the AI-generated images were unacceptable, after the country's deputy prime minister was targeted by a Grok user's prompt this week. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the images as "a kind of sexualised violence" and said: "It's distasteful, unacceptable, offensive." xAI has put some restrictions on the image generation function of its Grok chatbot on X after widespread backlash. Users had been able to ask Grok directly on X to edit photos of people, including removing items of clothing and putting them in sexualized poses - often without their consent. Grok then published these images in replies on the social media platform. Iranians on a blocked street during protests in Tehran. Photograph: MAHSA/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: MAHSA/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images) Iran has warned the US not to attack over protests that have rocked the country, as Donald Trump weighed the options for a response from Washington, with the reported death toll from the demonstrations soaring to the hundreds. At least 538 people have been killed in the violence surrounding demonstrations, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, including 490 protesters. The group reported that more than 10,600 people were arrested by Iranian authorities. Another rights monitor, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights group, said on Sunday that at least 192 protesters had been killed. Casualty figures varied between rights groups as they struggled to access people within Iran amid the internet blackout in the country, but all are expected to be undercounts. The regime has not supplied its own figures and it was not possible to independently verify them. The drastic rise in the reported death toll came as authorities intensified their crackdown on the protests, now in their second week. Rights groups were struggling to reach contacts within Iran due to a complete internet shutdown in the country, and warned that the death toll was likely to climb even further. The brutal crackdown has raised the likelihood of US intervention, with Trump saying he would rescue protesters if the Iranian government killed them. He reiterated his threat to intervene on Saturday night as the protests raged. Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!, the US president said on the Truth Social platform. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was to be briefed by his team on Tuesday on options including military strikes, using secret cyber weapons, widening sanctions and providing online help to anti-government sources. Iranian officials bristled at the prospect of a US strike, with the speaker of parliament warning that Israel and US interests in the Middle East would be legitimate targets if Washington struck Iran. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said. The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, accused the US and Israel of being behind unrest in the country, saying they had brought in terrorists who were attacking public property. Families, I ask you: do not allow your young children to join rioters and terrorists who behead people and kill others, Pezeshkian said in a TV interview, appearing to adopt a harder line against demonstrations. On Sunday evening the Iranian government declared three days of national mourning for martyrs including members of the security forces killed in two weeks of protests, state television said. Pezeshkian urged people to take part in a national resistance march of nationwide rallies on Monday to denounce the violence, which the government said was committed by urban terrorist criminals, state television reported. The protest movement in Iran is the most significant unrest the country has experienced in years. Though triggered initially by a sudden slide in the countrys currency, protesters soon demanded political reform and called for the downfall of the government. Irans regime has weathered mass protest movements before, but analysts say the current unrest is happening because the government has been weakened by an economic crisis and in the aftermath of its summer war with Israel. Iranian authorities have arrested key members of the protest movement, the national police chief has said. Last night, significant arrests were made of the main elements in the riots, who, God willing, will be punished after going through legal procedures, the police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, told state TV on Sunday, without specifying the number of those arrested. Irans attorney general had said earlier that those who were caught protesting, or even helping protesters, could be charged with being an enemy of God which is punished with the death penalty. US senators echoed Trumps call, with Sen Lindsey Graham saying on social media that Iranians long nightmare is soon coming to a close. Israeli officials said they were on high alert for any US intervention in Iran, with Israeli media reporting that they are remaining silent on the issue to avoid allowing Iranian authorities to cast the protest movement as foreign-backed. Authorities cut off internet access in the country on Thursday, imposing a nearly impenetrable nationwide blackout. Human rights groups said Iranian authorities had used the cover of the internet shutdown to expand their crackdown against protesters, using deadly force and live ammunition to disperse demonstrations. Previously, when the US struck Irans nuclear enrichment sites in June, Iran carried out a strike on a US military base in Qatar. The strike was seen as mostly symbolic as it was telegraphed and did not lead to any deaths among US military personnel. Despite the crackdown, protests continued overnight on Saturday and more were expected on Sunday. Videos showed what appeared to be thousands of protesters in northern Tehran, banging pots and chanting protest slogans. In Mashhad, the birthplace of Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, protesters appeared in videos facing off with police, creating roadblocks and lighting fires. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former shah of Iran, called for more protests on Sunday, instructing people to go to the main streets of cities in large groups. He promised to soon be by your side, the second time in recent days that he said he would return to Iran. Pahlavi has emerged as a popular figure in the current round of protests, with protesters rallying around him as an alternative to the Iranian regime. Rights groups have said that while proper, exhaustive documentation is near-impossible due to the communications blackout in the country, there have been increasing reports of soaring a death toll among protesters. The Center for Human Rights in Iran said on Sunday that it had received credible reports from witnesses that hundreds of protesters had been killed in recent days. Messages and videos trickle out of Iran sporadically, mainly ferried by activists who have Starlink satellite internet services. A protester in the central Iranian city of Sari, according to messages forwarded via the US-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation, said security forces had placed the city under complete martial law. A large number of security forces armed with military weapons have set up checkpoints. Every car is being stopped, even if there are just two people inside. They are telling everyone that anyone who is outside will be shot, the protester said. An Iranian activist abroad said their cousin managed to call them via Starlink on Saturday night in a panic. She was fleeing a protest in the Andarzgoo neighbourhood in Tehran after authorities started using military weapons on unarmed protesters, describing security forces opening fire on men, women and children at close distance. In videos forwarded to the Guardian, large crowds can be seen streaming through the streets with what appears to be teargas around them. A second video shows the protester fleeing, with the sound of gunshots heard in the background as she repeats the word shameless. A video verified by the Hengaw human rights group shows several bodies of what the group said were protesters killed by authorities in a warehouse in the Kahrizak area of Tehran. The organisation said the warehouse was a facility adjacent to a morgue and was being used as an overflow facility as the morgue was too overcrowded. Iranian state media blamed the death on protesters. This article was amended on 11 January 2026 because an earlier version mistakenly referred to Iran Human Rights group as US-based rather than Norway-based. Irans regime is facing its gravest existential threat: heres why and what happens next In grainy mobile footage allegedly taken in Iran, people are seen crying as they move between more than a dozen bodies, laid out in body bags on the floor. The clip is said to have been filmed at a makeshift morgue in southern Tehran, although it is not possible to independently verify. It has been shared on Iranian Telegram accounts that have been disseminating the scant videos coming out of Iran, where the regime, struggling to crush a two-week uprising, has shut down the internet and even landlines. It follows other videos of protests where continuous gunfire can be heard in the background. Eyewitness accounts describe blood-stained streets and protesters being deliberately blinded. Even Iranian state TV has aired footage of dozens of body bags at Tehrans coroners office, though it claimed the dead were victims of armed terrorists. The increasingly fragile Islamic Republic is lashing out as it faces its gravest existential threat yet. Some of the most respected Iranian analysts I know now believe that, for the first time, there is a genuine possibility the regime could fall. But the toll is already massive. Protesters dancing around a bonfire on a street in Tehran (UGC) Norway-based Iran Human Rights said on Sunday that it has verified the killing of 192 people in the rallies, but added that the real death toll may be as high as 2,000. On the streets, protesters are openly demanding the ousting of the countrys oppressive clerical rulers, chanting Death to the dictator and, in some quarters, even calling for the return of the Pahlavi royal dynasty, which was kicked out in the 1979 revolution that birthed the regime. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) says protests have now spread to 185 cities across all 31 provinces of the country. This is not the first mass protest movement to rock the country. Just under four years ago, the Women, Life, Freedom uprising erupted after the death of a young Kurdish Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the countrys repressive morality police for not wearing a hijab. But this feels different because of the unique vulnerabilities Irans rulers are facing. For a start, the protests erupted in response to soaring prices as the local currency, the rial, spiralled, piling pressure on all corners of society. Crucially, it comes in the wake of the disastrous 12-day war between Israel and Iran last year. Israeli, and later American, forces bombed Irans key nuclear installations, military infrastructure and even nuclear scientists. At one point, Iran could barely keep up with replenishing its military leadership, as its newly appointed war chief was assassinated just days after his predecessor was killed. Iran hit back, launching strikes on Israel and an American air base in Qatar. Missiles fired from Iran are pictured in the night sky over Jerusalem on 14 June 2025 (AFP/Getty) But all this exposed deep vulnerabilities within the regime. For Israel and the US to be so successful, it implied mass intelligence leaks and possible coordination from within the closest circles of Irans elite Revolutionary Guards and possibly even the supreme leader. It also comes at a time when Iran cannot rely on its regional allies in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. Israeli operations over the last few years have already decimated Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. That, in turn, helped contribute to the fall of Irans ally, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, by Islamist rebels who have now turned towards the US. Irans proxy groups in Iraq have been surprisingly quiet despite the regional escalation, although that may change. Sources close to the Iran-Iraq border told me reports were swirling that hundreds of fighters from Iraqs Popular Mobilisation Forces were crossing into Iran to bolster the regime. Whether true or not, however large the number, Irans leadership still has to contend with mass nationwide protests, degraded military infrastructure, concerns over internal intelligence leaks and rebellion, diminished regional support, and the possibility of further US and Israeli strikes. People gather at the site where Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrikes on 27 September 2024, in the Haret Hreik suburb south of Beirut, Lebanon (AP) Donald Trump is understood to have been briefed on potential military strike options. Israeli sources say top commanders have held internal security consultations over the weekend and placed the country on a high alert amid the possibility of US intervention. Iran has vowed to retaliate against US bases and Israel if attacked, but how effective would such a response be? All of this is unfolding at a moment when the United States has a president who relishes intervention. Just last week, Washington launched a stunning and unprecedented military operation in Venezuela, during which US special forces captured the countrys authoritarian leader, Nicolas Maduro. Trump has since vowed to run Venezuela and separately take Greenland, the territory of a Nato ally. It is not unthinkable that the US would bomb its arch enemy Iran in pursuit of regime change. Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima on 3 January 2026 (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social) And that is actually emboldening protesters, said Gissou Nia, an Iranian-American human rights lawyer who works at the Atlantic Council. She said some protesters have even been wielding Trump signs. They think that it will be worth it in the end, that they will not be alone in their plight, and that they will be able to overturn the regime, she continued, adding that Iranians are willing to risk their lives to see the regime fall. The international community really needs to heed that call, she added. What would come next is unclear. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last Shah, has not only been encouraging people to keep taking to the streets today but, in a video posted online on Sunday, also says he is preparing to return home. That is either naively premature or wilful posturing. But certainly, the regime is fighting for its life. Activists protest the shooting death of Renee Good in Minneapolis at Pershing Square in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday. Photograph: Jim Ruymen/UPI/Shutterstock (Photograph: Jim Ruymen/UPI/Shutterstock) Minneapolis protesters already outraged by Wednesdays fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration officer braced for a new onslaught as the Department of Homeland Security vowed to send more agents to the area and carry out what it called its largest enforcement operation ever. On Sunday, Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security, had pledged the agency would send hundreds more federal agents to the city. As door-to-door raids began, protesters screamed at heavily armed federal agents and honked car horns, banged on drums and blew whistles in attempts to disrupt their operations in one Minneapolis neighborhood filled with single-family homes. Related: US protests condemn ICE killing of Renee Good and a regime that is willing to kill its own citizens There was some pushing and several people were hit with chemical spray just before agents banged down the door of one home on Sunday. Agents later took one man away in handcuffs. Across the US this weekend, thousands of protesters took to the streets to express outrage over the killing of Renee Good, stopping traffic and marching en masse. Demonstrators in Minneapolis earlier on Sunday marched toward the residential street where Good, a 37-year-old American citizen and mother of three, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer on Wednesday while driving away in her car. Officials said 30 people had been arrested during the weekends protests, and that one police officer was injured after a chunk of ice was thrown. The mayor, Jacob Frey, said the vast majority of community members have demonstrated peacefully. The turnout for the Minneapolis protest, amid strong, frigid winds, highlighted the widespread fury sparked by the killing of Good, as well as other recent shootings involving federal immigration enforcement, including a shooting in Portland, Oregon by border patrol agents, that have left three other people injured this week. More than 20,000 people have taken part in a variety of trainings to become observers of enforcement activities in Minnesota since the 2024 election, said Luis Argueta, a spokesperson for Unidos MN, a local human rights organization. Its a role that people choose to take on voluntarily, because they choose to look out for their neighbors, Argueta said. Although protests have been largely peaceful, Twin Cities officials remained anxious and prepared for things to worsen. On Monday, Minneapolis public schools will start offering remote learning for the next month in response to concerns that children or their parents might feel unsafe venturing out while tensions remain high. Many schools closed last week after Goods shooting and the upheaval that followed. Goods death, which was caught on video from multiple angles, has energized protests in major metropolitan areas as well as smaller communities. Large groups of protesters poured into the streets of several cities on Saturday, including Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, with some actions extending into the night and continuing on Sunday. Democratic leaders in Minnesota and Donald Trumps administration have presented sharply contrasting versions of the shooting, which occurred shortly after approximately 2,000 federal agents were sent to the MinneapolisSt Paul region in what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as its largest operation to date. Trump administration officials have accused Good without evidence of being a domestic terrorist and Trump said the ICE agent was run over, despite video clearly showing that is untrue. A visibly impassioned Frey responded to the death earlier this week by telling ICE officers to leave the city. On Sunday, he explained to NBCs Meet the Press that he was critical of the administrations decision to refuse to allow Minneapolis state investigators to assist in the FBIs investigation, accusing the Trump administration of being so quick to jump on a narrative as opposed to the truth. Later on Sunday, Noem doubled down. Were sending more officers today and tomorrow, she told Fox News. There will be hundreds more in order to allow our ICE and our border patrol individuals that are working in Minneapolis to do so safely. Tricia McLaughlin, the homeland security spokesperson, claimed more than 2,000 immigration arrests had been made in Minnesota since the operation began at the beginning of December. In Los Angeles, protesters assembled on Saturday evening outside a cluster of federal buildings downtown. Marchers moved along Alameda Street, carrying inverted American flags and homemade signs criticizing ICE. That same street was the scene of confrontations between protesters and police in June last year, when crowds rallied against immigration raids and Trumps deployment of the national guard. Related: Renee Nicole Good shooting casts scrutiny on ICEs use of deadly force The Los Angeles police department later issued a dispersal order for the section of Alameda Street where demonstrators had gathered, telling protesters in a post on social media: You must leave the area. Large crowds also turned out throughout Californias Bay Area, with protests reported in Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Jose and other cities across the state. In San Francisco, hundreds of protesters filled Van Ness Avenue and OFarrell Street around midday, between Japantown and Union Square, as passing drivers honked in support. Another group gathered at Ocean Beach to form a human banner reading IT WAS MURDER ICE OUT, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. About 1,000 additional demonstrators assembled in Salt Lake City, circling Washington Square Park while police halted traffic. The group later positioned themselves in front of Utahs third district court across State Street. Law enforcement do not wear masks, Sarah Buck, an organizer for the protest, told the Salt Lake Tribune. We do need to have patience and see if an investigation takes place the way it should. Love triangle murder suspect extradited back to California after 8 years on the run in Mexico: officials A 39-year-old man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriends new partner in 2017 has been extradited from Mexico and charged with murder following a years-long investigation. Humberto Rodriguez Martinez is accused of fatally stabbing 32-year-old Daniel Reyes in Anaheim, California, nine years ago, the Orange County District Attorneys Office said Friday. But prosecutors said he fled to Mexico following Reyes death, leading to a years-long search that ended in 2024. Martinez now faces one felony count of murder, one felony enhancement of special circumstance lying in wait, and one felony enhancement of personal use of a weapon, a knife, the district attorneys office said. This arrest does not undo the pain the victims family has endured, but it reinforces our commitment and promise to our community: we will never stop working until justice is served, Anaheim Police Chief Manny Cid said in a statement. Humberto Rodriguez Martinez is accused of killing his ex-girlfriends boyfriend in 2017 (Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer) Martinez pleaded not guilty Tuesday and is being held without bail. The Independent has contacted the defense attorneys listed on Martinezs public court records for comment. Prosecutors said the incident unfolded on October 17, 2017, when Martinez went to his ex-girlfriends apartment to watch their two children while she went to work. Martinez was accompanied by his friend, Adan Zapot-Leyva, according to prosecutors. Martinez and the woman had broken up several months earlier, but were still co-parenting, prosecutors said. The two men left the apartment around 8:30 p.m., when the woman arrived back home, investigators said. Reyes, who was dating Martinezs ex-girlfriend at the time, then came to the apartment about 30 minutes later. Early the following morning, Anaheim police were called to a nearby intersection, where witnesses claimed two men were chasing Reyes, and one of them was stabbing him, prosecutors said. Responding officers found Reyes dead with multiple stab wounds. Prosecutors said Martinez fled to Mexico soon afterward, while Zapot-Leyva was arrested two days later. Zapot-Leyva pleaded guilty to one felony count of second-degree murder in 2023 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to the district attorneys office. A $2 million warrant was out for Martinezs arrest, and in 2024, he was located by Mexican authorities and arrested at the request of the United States, prosecutors said. He was extradited to California on December 4, 2025. Martinez is a Mexican citizen who was in the U.S. illegally at the time of the murder, prosecutors said. The pursuit of justice will never be derailed by time or distance, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement. The long arm of Orange County law enforcement reaches to every corner of the earth to ensure the full weight of the law is felt by those who commit the most heinous acts of violence against other human beings. Martino's, London SW1: A place that makes ordinary people feel like movie stars. Photograph: Amy Heycock/The Guardian (Photograph: Amy Heycock/The Guardian) Does the area around Sloane Square in central London really need another fancy, Italian-leaning restaurant that serves up tortellini in brodo and veal Milanese? Well, yes, apparently it does. One Saturday lunchtime late last year at Martinos was hectic even in the delightful reception area, where we were waiting to check in a coat with the elegantly uniformed front-of-house ladies. All the tables in this hot new all-day brasserie were booked and busy, and plenty of walk-ins were champing at the bit for cancellations. Actually, delightful reception is not a phrase Ive often uttered, or even thought, but this is a Martin Kuczmarski restaurant, so the small things tend to add up to a larger picture this cocoon-like holding pen keeps would-be queuers away from the diners. Why was I so charmed by this weird, crisply officiated bends chamber that operates as a liminal space between the real grubby world outside and the glitzy, sexy, mock-Italian trattoria inside? Well, it turns out thats because it solved a problem that I didnt even realise I had. If youve been to Kuczmarskis other restaurant, the Dover in Mayfair, youll be aware that this is the kind of hospitality for which his team strives a rather old-school notion that restaurants should be pure, glamorous, fragrant escapism. The Dover serves cold martinis, lobster rolls and meatballs, but, just as importantly, it also has great lighting that momentarily diffuses a double chin, and pretty cutlery that makes a woman feel as if her hands are somehow daintier. At Martinos, there are white tablecloths, an ox-blood floor, candle-lit tables and an elegant central bar where one can drink a garibaldi or negroni sbagliato and eat plates of zucchini fritti while seeing and being seen. Mind you, it is a rather conspicuous place to sit, so dont bring an illicit lover here; if your lunch plans include a side portion of skulduggery, may I suggest one of the gorgeous half-booths at the back? That said, Martinos would also be the perfect place for a family meet-up because, while its cool, its also rather laidback, and the menu wont frighten even the tamest of diners. Think fried gnocchi with salumi, beef fillet carpaccio with pecorino cream, and ribollita with cannellini beans and rosemary potato bread. This menu is in no way pretentious and, with its margherita pizzas and tricolore chicken salads, it veers at times into the realms of a Zizzi or a Spaghetti House. Still, despite the food not seeming to be quite as important as it might be, especially compared with the vibes, conviviality and general aesthetic prettiness of the place, its actually still pretty good. Tonno tonnato thinly sliced seared tuna in a creamy, caper-based sauce had all the right levels of sweet, zesty acidity, and some warm, pillowy focaccia was the perfect accompaniment. Tortellini in brodo comes with an extra jug of the rather delightful broth, while the pasta itself is uniformly pretty and stuffed with nicely seasoned pork and beef. We also ate the house tagliatelle with soft, braised short rib ragu and pleasing notes of chilli and parmesan. Branzino allacqua pazza turns up in a large, stainless-steel platter with the sea bass fillet perched on a tomato sauce that could have done with a bit more punch, though I did have it with some very good garlic, pine nut and chilli-strewn broccoletti. One of the most dramatic dishes was the veal Milanese, which comes heavily breaded and on the bone, and resembling nothing so much as something Thor, God of Thunder, might have as a snack. That last is a dish for those with big appetites, perhaps with a side of rosemary patate al forno and hell, why not? followed by a bowl of warm lemon and vanilla custard doughnuts. We, on the other hand, went for the crespelle al pistacchio, a semi-warm crepe clogged with green pistachio sauce and pistachio ice-cream. Is pistachio still on trend? Didnt we already reach peak pistachio? Martinos doesnt care, and is currently serving up bowls of this sweet, emerald stodge by the shedload. Also decent is the torta al cioccolato, which, ignoring the Italian name, is essentially just a passably decent, damp almond and cocoa sponge with a dark chocolate mousse. Martinos is already beautiful bedlam just a few weeks after opening, and its location is so fantastically convenient and its reputation already so heady that I expect it to settle in as a useful 2026 spot for glam, pre-theatre dinners and gossipy evenings, as well as a canteen for rich locals who cant find their own kitchens, let alone open their own fridges. With a few deftly placed napkins and some strategically served spaghetti, Kuczmarski makes ordinary people feel temporarily like movie stars. Long may he reign. Missing 12-year-old Ryan Davis was found alive in Oklahoma a week after he vanished and just days after his parents were charged with a string of offenses. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed on Monday that Davis was located by the United Cajun Navy. We can say that the outcome that we were all hoping for has come true. RJ Davis was found safe. Hes doing well, an official told the media. The exact location where he was found was not disclosed. To say were excited is an understatement. I mean, weve been on plenty of these when its been the other way, so when you get to bring one home, its pretty rewarding. Its quite the high, United Cajun Navys Shaun Schraeder said. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation had described Ryan Davis disappearance as suspicious. He vanished on January 2, last seen in the community 40 miles south of Oklahoma City. Authorities said he had been staying in a hotel with his family. On January 7, officials announced that Davis mother, Kimberly Cole, 33, and his stepfather, George Cole, 43, were in custody on charges that included child abuse and child sexual abuse. One of the charges levelled against Kimberly Cole is of crime against nature. In announcing the arrests, OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee described the Coles home as not safe for Davis who also went by RJ and Ryker. This is extremely sad. This is a horrific case so far for everybody involved, McKee added. Last week, a $5,000 reward was issued for anyone who could confirm RJs location, leading to his safe return. We're still receiving several tips, we're still following up on those tips, but the boy has not been found. We do believe he is alive at this time, so we are doing everything we can to locate him, McKee told the media last week while discussing the case that a multi-agency search operation was underway that involved drones, dogs, and water searches. Its getting to a point where it is scary. Time is of the essence. We have to find this child. Davis' mother, Kimberly, is facing among other charges, crimes against nature (Caddo County Jail) The spokesman also said that Davis has run away in the past, though he did not elaborate on the circumstances. He asked anybody with surveillance cameras in the Chickasha area to check the footage for any trace of the missing child. All we want to do is lay eyes on this child, get him the medical care that he needs, and assure him, physically and emotionally, he will not be returning back to that environment, Chickasha Chief Goebel Music said at the same press conference. Music said that under no circumstances will Davis return to live with his parents. Prior to her arrest, Kimberly Cole publicly thanked those searching for her son in an interview with ABCs Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO. We just want our son back home, we want him back, she said. George Cole has been identified as Ryan Davis' stepfather, he's in custody on various child abuse charges (Caddo County Jail) According to Kimberly Coles Facebook page, Davis last went missing on December 17. Its not clear when he was found in that instance. A member of George Coles family has received a restraining order against him and Kimberly Cole, reports The Oklahoman. Over the weekend, search parties concentrated their efforts around Lake Burtschi in Grady County. A volunteer told KOCO that he was using his drone over the lake to help in the search. What I've been able to see so far out there is there's a lot of clearing areas, so what they tell me is RJ really knows good camping skills and maybe camping out somewhere so I'm looking for signs of anything he may have left behind campsite tent anything, Kent Jones told the station. One sign posted up close to the lake that was uploaded on Facebook read: RJ. This is a safe place. Plz come to our home. Officials finally track and kill 11-foot alligator that killed woman after flipping her canoe in Florida in May An 11-foot alligator in Florida that killed a 61-year-old canoer near Lake Kissimmee last year was later found and euthanized, according to state wildlife officials. A report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, obtained this week by ClickOrlando, provides the most in-depth look yet at the shocking encounter that killed Cynthia Diekema of Davenport. On May 6, Diekema and her husband were canoeing in Tiger Creek when they encountered an 11-foot, 4-inch alligator. The couple had seen multiple alligators during their voyage and Diekema told her husband it looked like they were about to go right over top of one, according to officials. The canoe passed over the gators back, which startled the animal. Officials found and euthanized the alligator that fatally bit Cynthia Diekema, 61, of Davenport, last year (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) "The alligator thrashed and tipped the canoe over, and both individuals ended up in the water," Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Evan Laskowski said at the time of the incident. That spooked that alligator because it doesnt know whats going on or what just touched itand when a gator of that size decides to move, it happens fast, Brandon Fisher, an alligator expert at the Gatorland wildlife park, told CBS 12 of the findings. Once the pair were in the water, the alligator clamped onto Diekemas midsection, as her husband fought in vain to free her. The gator then did a death roll maneuver and dragged her under water. Fatal alligator bites are rare, and those in alligator-prone waters are advised to keep their distance and swim in designated areas during daylight hours (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) The husband was able to flag down an airboater to call for help, and wildlife officers and a trapper later found and euthanized the alligator. They appear to have dispatched the animal shortly after the bite took place. Diekemas remains were found, but her right arm was never recovered, WESH reports. Serious unprovoked alligator bites on humans are rare. Between 1984 and 2022, there were 339 major bites, resulting in 27 deaths. Those in areas with known alligator populations are avoided to keep a safe distance, keep pets on a leash, and swim in designated areas during daylight hours. The state of Florida issues tags to hunters allowing them to remove gators that are four feet or longer. State officials have a toll-free nuisance alligator hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). From left, Darren Pearson, chair of Great Western hospitals Never OK working group, Sue Morgan, GWHs associate director of health and safety, and PC Becky Berni, Wiltshire police liaison officer. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian (Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian) Hugo (not his real name), an advanced clinical practitioner, was on the night shift in A&E at Great Western hospital, Swindon, when a drunk patient started swearing aggressively at a nurse. When I asked if I could help, he told me, Fuck off you gay cunt. When I asked him not to speak to me like that and to return to his seat in the waiting room, he just walked up the corridor swearing and repeatedly shouting gaydar. Related: Spat at, pushed, punched: medics tell of soaring levels of violence in hospitals Hugo said he was initially more annoyed than scared, even when the patient grabbed a crutch and started swinging it about. There wasnt time to be frightened, he said. Youre just trying to protect your colleagues and the patients. He called security and in the end the police had to arrest the patient. He said although he had experienced aggressive and violent behaviour over the course of his career, he has been kicked, spat at, pushed and intimidated its still upsetting and psychologically exhausting to deal with. Now GWH hopes a renewed campaign to tackle violence and abuse will help staff such as Hugo realise that violence, abuse and aggression do not need to be part of the job. GWH first introduced a strategy to combat abuse in 2016. But executives decided the hospital needed to revive it after 2024 NHS staff survey results showed too few workers said they would report violent or abusive incidents. While a quarter of staff said they had experienced harassment, bullying or abuse from patients and the public, barely half said they would report it. And only two-thirds said they would report violence. As part of the Never OK campaign NHS staff appear in a video to talk of the abuse they have experienced while doing their jobs: from the nurse who was scared to return to work after a patient left her with bruising; to the doctor who was spat on by the wife of a patient; to the healthcare support worker who was strangled while trying to take a patient outside for fresh air; and the healthcare assistant who was punched in the face. Darren Pearson, the deputy divisional director of nursing and chair of the Never OK working group, said: We come to work to do our jobs and look after people, and we do that well. Nobody should have to experience or tolerate these behaviours. The campaign is backed by Wiltshire police, who want to encourage staff to realise that violence, harassment and aggression neednt be part of the job. PC Becky Berni, the liaison officer at Wiltshire police, along with trainee officers, surveyed 600 workers at the hospital about the scale of abuse they have been subjected to and are often expected to put up with. The research found that verbal aggression, physical violence and sexual assault had become more frequent. This has had a profound impact on frontline staff, with some living in fear of what they may face at work, said Berni. While some incidents involved patients who couldnt help it due to illness, the majority of perpetrators act intentionally and with full understanding of their actions. Yet those who experience harm often do not see themselves as victims. This cultural acceptance of abuse means many GWH staff do not recognise when a crime has occurred and harmful incidents are repeated rather than prevented. If an NHS worker is assaulted, that trauma lives in their body, said Berni. Its going to affect their day to day life. Its going to affect them when they come back to work the next day, and their future care of patients, because theyre going to be on guard. But they are victims. If someone on the street saw someone get punched, theyd phone the police. Wed turn up with blue lights flashing, take statements, make sure the victim has got support. But because its happened in a hospital environment, until now that was seen as OK, and thats the culture we need to change. Wiltshire police have developed a training course for hospital staff to help them recognise offences and support victims of violence, harassment and abuse. Our focus is not on criminalising those without capacity, but on ensuring victims receive recognition and support, said Berni. Addressing this issue requires cultural change, improved reporting mechanisms, and proactive measures to protect NHS staff. Where patients or relatives do have capacity and are intentionally aggressive or abusive, staff will always attempt to de-escalate the situation. However, if necessary, the hospital will call the police or security, issue sanction letters and even ban perpetrators from the premises (unless they require emergency care). On 17 December, the hospital launched an action plan to encourage reporting, ensure support for victims and learn from incidents. In addition, some Swindon Town FC players have started coming in to talk to staff about their experiences of abuse and to hear from NHS workers about theirs. The seven-point plan aims to ensure victims receive immediate support and are not prevented from reporting incidents from lack of prompt data gathering. Everyone will be expected to support victims and to help capture the salient facts of violent or abusive incidents as quickly as possible while memories are fresh. They will also be encouraged to report any such behaviour to management and/or the police on victims behalf. When youve been harmed, youre not in the right mind to write a complex report about whats happened, said Berni. You need someone to catch you, same as you catch your patients. A separate, dedicated Never OK email address has just been introduced for colleagues who find the formal reporting system too onerous. Sue Morgan, the associate director of health and safety at GWH, said: We want to see higher reporting numbers. We know the level of abuse is probably fairly constant, but we want to change the culture so everyone finds it easier to tell us about it. A lot of people think abuse comes with the territory and it shouldnt, said Hugo. You just think, Oh, its because we work in A&E its kind of part and parcel of the job, but it shouldnt be. Mandelson was sacked as US ambassador when details of his support for Epstein emerged. Photograph: Jeff Overs/BBC/PA (Photograph: Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) Peter Mandelson has declined to apologise to Jeffrey Epsteins victims for staying friends with the convicted child sex offender, and suggested that as a gay man he knew nothing of the financiers sex life. The Labour peer, who was sacked as US ambassador when details of his support for Epstein emerged in September, gave an interview to the BBC on Sunday, saying he had paid a calamitous price for his association with the evil monster. Lord Mandelsons association with Epstein had long been known when Keir Starmer appointed the peer as US ambassador. However, he was removed from his diplomatic post after No 10 said it had been unaware of emails from Mandelson to Epstein suggesting the financiers 2008 conviction for soliciting a child for prostitution was wrongful and should be challenged. Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 and served time in jail but Mandelson said he had believed his excuses and continued to support him out of misplaced loyalty and a most terrible mistake on my part. In his interview with BBC Ones Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg the peer sought to distance himself from Epstein, saying he was at the edge of this mans life, despite toe-curlingly embarrassing emails showing his support and a birthday message describing him as a best pal. After the interview, Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, said she thought Mandelson should have apologised, adding: I think what we saw was at best deep naivety. The Labour peer Ayesha Hazarika said she was disappointed with the BBC for the interview, which she described as a slap in the face to Epstein victims. The interview was Mandelsons first broadcast appearance since being sacked from his diplomatic role in Washington in September last year. He said: I never saw anything in his life when I was with him, when I was in his homes, that would give me any reason to suspect what this evil monster was doing in preying on these young women. He added: I think the issue is that because I was a gay man in his circle, I was kept separate from what he was doing in the sexual side of his life. Asked whether he wanted to apologise, Mandelson said: I want to apologise to those women for a system that refused to hear their voices and did not give them the protection they were entitled to expect. Pressed on whether he would apologise for his friendship with Epstein after his conviction, the peer and former business secretary said: If I had known, if I was in any way complicit or culpable, of course I would apologise but I was not culpable, I was not knowledgeable for what he was doing, and I regret, and will regret to my dying day, the fact that powerless women were not given the protection they were entitled to expect. Asked if he deserved to be sacked, he said: I understand why I was sacked. He added: I understand why [Starmer] took the decision he did. But one thing Im very clear about is Im not going to seek to reopen or relitigate this issue. Im moving on. In one of the emails released in September, Mandelson wrote to Epstein after his conviction saying: I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened. I can still barely understand it. It just could not happen in Britain. You have to be incredibly resilient, fight for early release and be philosophical about it as much as you can. It continued: Everything can be turned into an opportunity and that you will come through it and be stronger for it. The friendship between the two men came under a renewed spotlight after Democratic members of the US house oversight committee released Epsteins 50th birthday book, in which Mandelson called him my best pal in a handwritten note. Robert F Kennedy Jr claims that Germany is targeting citizens who put their patients first - Jonathan Ernst Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, has accused Germany of prosecuting a thousand physicians for issuing vaccine and mask exemptions during the pandemic. The German government rebuked his allegations as unfounded, but the escalating row tests an already strained relationship between the Trump administration and its European ally. Mr Kennedy, an outspoken vaccine sceptic, said on Saturday he had written a letter to Nina Warken, his German counterpart, calling for an end to politically motivated prosecutions. The post, which misspelt the German health ministers name as Workin, claimed that Germany is targeting citizens who put their patients first and violating the sacred patient-physician relationship. Nina Warken, Germanys health minister, has rejected Mr Kennedy Jrs claims as completely unfounded - Sean Gallup Mr Kennedy, who did not provide specific evidence to back up his allegations, said the issue demanded a clear response from the US, and he called on Germany to restore medical autonomy. Ms Warken rejected his claims late on Saturday, calling them completely unfounded and factually incorrect. She insisted that the autonomy of physicians was constitutionally protected in Germany. At no time during the coronavirus pandemic was there any obligation for doctors to carry out vaccines against Covid-19, the Christian Democrat politician said in a statement. Anyone who did not wish to offer vaccines for medical, ethical or personal reasons were not criminally liable and did not have to fear penalties, she added. However, Ms Warken noted that criminal prosecution occurred exclusively in cases of fraud and forgery, such as the issuance of false vaccination certificates or fake mask certificates. In early 2023, a doctor was jailed and banned from practising after she gave medical exemptions to Germanys mask mandates to 4,000 people she had not examined. Her lawyers had argued that the doctor issued the exemptions for ethical reasons. She was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison. Certificate parties Another doctor in Saxony organised certificate parties where they would give exemption certificates for groups, earning about 1,000 (870) per party, according to German news outlet Der Spiegel. In several other cases, doctors were fined for providing patients with fake exemptions to mask rules or with falsified vaccine passports. As was the case in many countries, masks became a symbol in Germany for what opponents of Covid restrictions saw as illegitimate infringements of their rights. The vast majority of prosecutions against fraudulent exemptions to Germanys pandemic-era vaccine and mask mandates were carried out in 2022 and 2023, so it is unclear why Mr Kennedy chose to address the issue now. RFK should focus on his own country Karl Lauterbach, Germanys former health minister during much of the pandemic, also pushed back on Mr Kennedys claims, telling him to focus on health problems in his own country. The health secretary, who is the nephew of assassinated president John F Kennedy, originally ran as a third-party candidate in the 2024 election before endorsing Donald Trump, later joining his cabinet. He has frequently promoted the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism and tried to ban pregnant women from taking paracetamol under the Make America Healthy Again commission established in February 2025. Mr Trumps return to the White House has put pressure on the bond between the US and Germany. His administration has sought to bolster the leading opposition party in Germany, the far-Right, anti-immigrant and Moscow-friendly AfD. JD Vance, the US vice-president, used his speech at the 2025 Munich Security Conference to attack the firewall preventing of co-operation between mainstream parties and the AfD. Reform UK this year became the first British political party to accept contributions in the digital currency. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images (Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Downing Street has been urged to ban political donations in cryptocurrency by seven senior Labour MPs who chair parliamentary committees. The committee chairs Liam Byrne, Emily Thornberry, Tan Dhesi, Florence Eshalomi, Andy Slaughter, Chi Onwurah and Matt Western called on the government to introduce a full ban in the forthcoming elections bill amid concern that cryptocurrency could be used by foreign states to influence politics. Government sources told the Guardian last year that ministers are looking at ways to ban political donations made with cryptocurrency but the crackdown is not likely to be ready for the elections bill due early this year. Byrne said the committee chairs are concerned political finance must be transparent, traceable and enforceable but crypto donations undermine all three. Crypto can obscure the true source of funds, enable thousands of micro donations below disclosure thresholds, and expose UK politics to foreign interference, he said. The Electoral Commission has warned that current technology makes these risks exceptionally hard to manage. Other democracies have already acted. The UK should not wait until a scandal forces our hand. This is not about opposing innovation. It is about protecting democracy with rules that work in the real world. The government increasingly believes that donations made with cryptocurrency pose a risk to the integrity of the electoral system, not least because the source can be hard to verify. However, the complex nature of cryptocurrency means officials do not believe a ban will be workable by the time of the elections bill, due to be published shortly, which is set to lower the voting age to 16 and reduce loopholes in political finance. Related: EU wants Farage clause in Brexit reset talks with UK The governments ambition to ban crypto donations will be a blow to Nigel Farages Reform UK party, which became the first to accept contributions in digital currency this year. It is believed to have received its first registrable donations in cryptocurrency this autumn and the party has set up its own crypto portal to receive contributions, saying it is subject to enhanced checks. Pat McFadden, then a Cabinet Office minister, first raised the idea in July, saying: I definitely think it is something that the Electoral Commission should be considering. I think that its very important that we know who is providing the donation, are they properly registered, what are the bona fides of that donation. The Electoral Commission provides guidance on crypto donations but ministers accept any ban would probably have to come from the government through legislation. Campaign groups have highlighted risks of allowing donations in cryptocurrency. Susan Hawley, the executive director of Spotlight on Corruption, said the prospective ban was welcome but that the government must come forward with a criminal offence that makes it much harder for foreign money to get into UK politics and make sure that the police are properly resourced to investigate it. Crypto donations present real risks to our democracy, she added. We know that bad actors like Russia use crypto to undermine and interfere in democracies globally, while the difficulties involved in tracing the true source of transactions means that British voters may not know everyone whos funding the parties they vote for. David Lammy said Canadian-style reforms should be considered because the backlog of cases is due to continue to rise. Photograph: Thomas Krych/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock (Photograph: Thomas Krych/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock) The backlog of nearly 80,000 trials clogging up the court system could be cleared within a decade if parliament agrees to slash the number of jury trials, David Lammy, the lord chancellor, has claimed. In an interview with the Guardian, the deputy prime minister, who is facing a backbench rebellion over the proposals, has urged Labour MPs and the public to back a version of Canadas judge-only trials in thousands of criminal cases in England and Wales. Dozens of Labour MPs have expressed concerns about the proposals, which they say could make it harder for defendants from working-class and minority ethnic backgrounds to challenge a prosecution. One rebel Labour MP, the former shadow attorney general Karl Turner, has said he could stand down and trigger a byelection unless the government scraps plans to restrict jury trials. Speaking from Toronto, where he witnessed criminal cases in which the defendants faced a possible sentence of up to three years after their cases were heard by a single judge, Lammy said: It has been happening in Canada for decades. It is very normal. In this jurisdiction, often defendants are preferring to be in front of a single judge rather than a jury. Lammy announced last month that defendants who were likely to receive a sentence of three years or less would no longer get a jury trial under new proposals. Defendants would no longer be able to choose a jury trial and the ability to appeal to a crown court against a magistrates court verdict would also be limited. Magistrates powers would be extended from dealing with maximum sentences of one year to at least 18 months and a judge-only swift court would be established to hear cases without a jury. Ministers have argued the move is necessary to halve the number of jury trials from 15,000 a year and to tackle the backlog of court cases that built up over the Covid pandemic. Ontarios lowest level court the rough equivalent of the magistrate court - is led by a single judge and handles most lower-level offences. The provinces superior court of justice equivalent to a crown court handles murder, manslaughter and offences against the state. Defendants have a right to a jury trial only if they are on trial for a crime that could receive a maximum penalty of five years or more. Lammy said Canadian-style reforms should be considered in England and Wales because the backlog of cases was due to continue to rise. The arrest rate [for police officers] has gone up by 10%. There are more cases coming into the criminal justice system because of an expansion in technology, forensic science, and particularly CCTV evidence. The increasing complexity of cases means the trials are also going on for longer And the backlog, if we did nothing about it, will go beyond 100,000, he said. Asked when he expected the backlog to be cleared if his reforms were passed, Lammy said: Id like to see the backlog coming down by 2029 and the next general election. Asked if he would expect the backlog to be cleared by the mid 2030s, Lammy answered yes. MPs and lawyers have urged the government to introduce a sunset clause on the reforms so that the changes could be reversed once the backlog has been reduced. Lammy declined on two occasions to rule out inserting such a clause. Im keen to listen and speak to parliamentarians. Ive been doing that, and so has [the justice minister] Sarah Sackman, Lammy said. But I do think reform is necessary if we want to save the criminal justice system and make it fit for purpose. Responding to Lammys comments, Richard Atkinson, the immediate past president of the Law Society, said focusing on introducing judge-led courts ignores other practical solutions to the backlog such as repairing existing but unused courts, investing in legal aid and earlier mediation. In Canada the situation is very different. They have time limits on how long a case can wait to come to trial, and have decriminalised a number of offences as well as significantly increasing financial resources. To jump to a single-judge court is to go too far from our established criminal justice system, he said. Last week, Turner, the MP for Kingston upon Hull East, broke the party whip for the first time since his election in 2010 to vote against the proposals. He was the only Labour MP to oppose the government and back a Conservative motion. Turner said Lammys claims that the proposals would cut the backlog were dishonest. David Lammys insistence that the proposals to curtail jury trials will cut the backlog and enhance justice is dishonest because the bill is not retrospective, its going to take two years to get it on to the statute books and it is going to take years to recruit and train judges, said Turner. He has been persuaded to save some money for the Treasury, and has swallowed an old idea which has been peddled for years by civil servants. But any savings will be outweighed by the costs of finding judges and setting up these new courts. Maro Itoje and his Saracens teammates celebrate win over Toulouse (Adam Davy/PA Wire) Perhaps the days of Saracens as an Investec Champions Cup force are not quite as distant as they had seemed. Seven years on from their last European title, here was a scalp to savour, the hosts snarling with the attitude of old in a significant win over Toulouse. Last week, director of rugby Mark McCall had read his side the riot act after a distinctly limp defeat to Leicester, lacking in the wolfpack mentality that had taken his team to three titles in four seasons in the inglorious glory years. Here, that mindset was back most forcefully as a cohesive collective overcame Antoine Dupont, Jack Willis et al to leave the hosts route to the latter stages more straightforward than that of their visitors. A 20-14 win for Saracens takes them to third in Pool 1, with a chance to top the pool with a bonus-point victory at Glasgow next weekend. If Toulouse can attest to such a feat being far from straightforward, consecutive defeats for a presumed powerhouse has left Ugo Molas side with a top-two finish looking distant and progress at all not assured with a home fixture against Sale to come. Rotimi Segun scored twice for Saracens (PA) The frustrating thing this year is that we havent been showing up in the manner we are accustomed to, Saracens captain Maro Itoje reflected after a honesty meeting between players and staff in the week. One thing about our team is that we are quite reflective and somewhat transparent. We didnt hide, or skirt over any issues. We spoke about how we felt, where we are as a team and what we need to do to be better. There is no soft team that has won the Champions Cup. Every team that is successful has a grit and toughness about them. That is something we need to make sure we have as a team. If not a sermon of great quality or quantity to draw in the agnostics, this was the sort of old-school arm-wrestle that once made this competition loved through the land. The scheduling and weather had been unkind to the masses that traipsed to this sometime-quiet cathedral but they came in their droves, with a healthy Toulousain twang apparent beneath the Saracens chorus. The worst of this competition had been illustrated by an until-now unbeaten Stormers second-string having 61 points put on them by Harlequins earlier on Sunday this was much, much better. It is a mark of the riches that the visitors possess within their squad that they were without three starting international full-backs in Ange Capuozzo, Juan Cruz Mallia and Matias Remue and could still utilise the men likely to be filling the No 15 shirts for Scotland and France come the start of the Six Nations in a months time. Thomas Ramos helped Toulouse get off to a strong start (Action Images via Reuters) The temptation would be to say that Blair Kinghorn and Thomas Ramos were in playmaking partnership but the creative nucleus for Toulouse resides at No 9. Dupont has been back to his best in recent weeks after his long lay-off and tried plenty of flicks and tricks, some working, some less so. It was the trio together to create a first try that capped an opening quarter that the visitors had dominated in the swirling wind: Dupont to Ramos and on swiftly to an arriving Kinghorn, striding in untouched. But even the greats have moments of mortality. There had been precious little for the Saracens fans to shout about in the cold and wet until Theo McFarland got his hands to a Dupont box kick, before employing his long limbs to scoop up the rubble that remained. A few phases later, Rotimi Segun was sent in to the left corner. The momentum shift might have been more pronounced had Alex Lozowski gathered a grubber from Fergus Burke after the fly halfs break from his own 22, but the 32-year-old soon made amends, sparking into space to set up Segun for a second. Tom Willis got the better of big brother Jack (Getty) When Tom Willis, who had earlier pantomimed a staged scuffle with elder brother Jack, punched over from close range, Saracens had extended their half-time advantage to 10 points. It felt necessary with the wind beginning to favour Toulouse, and it wasnt long until Matthis Lebel narrowed the gap again. Toulouses depth was evident but this was a Saracens squad containing the last three England captains and arguably the stronger of the benches. Owen Farrell and Ben Earl entered together on the 53rd minute the former soon slotted a penalty and their big-game nous, along with tireless captain Maro Itoje, proved key as the hosts played the conditions perfectly in the final 20 minutes. As Toulouse sought the try they needed without due care and attention, there was plenty on which the pack could feast as a statement win was secured. Elsewhere, Salesi Rayasis hat-trick helped Bordeaux Begles to a 50-28 win over Northampton Saints in a repeat of last years final. The defending champions powered away from their visitors to go top of Pool 4 despite a double from Henry Pollock, who was jeered by the home crowd after his heated clashes with the Bordeaux players during last seasons final in Cardiff. Munster slipped to a 27-25 defeat in a hard-fought clash with Toulon at the Stade Felix-Mayol as Marius Domon struck a match-winning penalty five minutes from time, while Marcus Smith was to the fore in Harlequinss 61-10 win over a Stormers side that rested almost all of their Springboks. Royal Ascot hero Sober emerged as a possible Cheltenham Festival contender with a clear-cut victory in the Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown. The roll of honour for the Grade Two contest reads like a whos who of Willie Mullins-trained stars, with Mikael dHaguenet (2009), Vautour (2014), Douvan (2015) and Impaire Et Passe (2023) among the Closutton maestros 11 previous winners. Each of the above went on to win at Prestbury Park two months later, with Vautour and Douvan landing the Supreme Novices Hurdle and Mikael dHaguenet and Impaire Et Passe successfully stepping up in trip for what is now the Turners Novices Hurdle, and Sober is likely to have both options following his impressive victory. A 9-4 chance on what was his first start since winning the Queen Alexandra Stakes at the Royal meeting last summer, the seven-year-old travelled powerfully in the slipstream of Gordon Elliotts front-running 8-11 favourite Road Exile on the approach to the final flight and he asserted on the run-in to score by five and a half lengths. Sober with connections after winning at Punchestown (Alan Magee/PA) Mullins assistant, David Casey, said: He had a break after Ascot and I thought he might need a bit further, but I suppose his Flat class told and he put it to bed well. Im very happy with what he did. Paul (Townend) said he quickened very well, he probably quickened a little bit more than he expected but he was delighted with him. A truer-run race would probably suit him as well and hopefully hell improve plenty and keep going forward. Hes in the two-mile race at the Dublin Racing Festival but my guess is he wont go there as its too close. He jumped a bit sketchy at the first but after that Paul said he was good. Sober is a 16-1 shot with Coral for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, while Casey suggested he could later revert to the Flat. He added: He could end up back at Ascot again and is owned by Australians, so he could head out there in November (for the Melbourne Cup). Thousands of people joined a huge demonstration in London today protesting against the Iranian regime. Hundreds of people have been killed in Iran in a crackdown on protestors challenging the regime. The number of fatalities has risen to 538, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said. The rally in London started at the Iranian embassy in South Kensington before people walked to Whitehall to demand the government to be more involved. Protestors burn images of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Carlos Jasso/AFP via Getty Images) Yesterday, a protestor climbed on top of the embassy and tore down Irans flag from the balcony. The man then unfurled a pre-1979 revolution Iranian flag, which features a lion and sun. A protestor pulls down the Iranian flag from the embassy near Hyde Park (AFPTV/UGC/AFP via Getty Images) Protestors ordered for the embassy to be closed, branding it a terrorist factory. Images have emerged of people throwing things towards the embassy and protestors burning pictures of Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. London resident Fahimeh Moradi, 52, told the Daily Mail: 'My son is there, and I don't know if he's alive or not. We just want this murderous regime to leave Iran, that's it! A group of Anglo-Iranian women spoke at the demo. Laila Jazayeri, director of the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK, said: "The Prime Minister should proscribe the deadly force Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp, that is killing people inside Iran. "There is no need for military intervention. There is no need for boots on the ground. Demonstrators walk toward the Iranian embassy (REUTERS/Isabel Infantes) "Iranian people are capable of bringing the regime down. "The protesters are empty-handed. They are dealing with heavily armed security forces in some towns and cities. "But the regime hasn't been able to send the protesters back home. Why? Because there is a network of resistance." The IRGC is a branch of Irans armed forces which was created after 1979 to protect the Islamic Revolution. It operates independently from the regular army. Asked if she would ban the IRGC, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told Sky News: It's a very thorough process that the Home Secretary would go through in determining whether to proscribe an organisation... I'm not going to second-guess the decisions of the Home Secretary on a matter as significant as this. She will follow due process and won't leave any stone unturned in looking at all the information that is available to her. As a government, we keep those decisions about the proscription of organisations under constant review and I have no doubt that Shabana Mahmood is doing that at the moment. Protests in Iran began on December 28 over the ailing economy and have transformed into the most significant challenge to the regime for several years. Internet and telephone lines have been cut off, but footage of events in Tehran and other cities has made it to social media. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has praised the bravery of those taking to the streets in Iran. She said: It takes real courage to speak up in an authoritarian system, especially for young women, but it should not require courage just to make your voice heard. These are fundamental rights: free speech; peaceful assembly; and the exercise of those rights should never come with the threat of violence or reprisals. A person walks past a digital display showing a temperature of minus 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) in Yllas, Finland, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Satu Renko/Lehtikuva via AP) (Str / Lehtikuva) Thousands of tourists found themselves stranded in northern Finland on Sunday as extreme cold forced the cancellation of flights at Kittila airport. Temperatures plummeted to a staggering minus 37 degrees Celsius (minus 34.6 degrees Fahrenheit) at the airport on Sunday morning. This severe chill, which followed several days of similar frigid conditions, made crucial operations such as aircraft de-icing exceptionally difficult, according to Finland's national public broadcaster Yle. The deep freeze is set to persist in Kittila, located in the sparsely populated Finnish Lapland, with the Finnish Meteorological Institute forecasting temperatures nearing minus 40C (minus 40F) for Monday. While residents of Finland are accustomed to harsh winter weather, this year's cold snap is notably more severe than usual, impacting vast swathes of northern, central, and eastern Europe. Heavy snowfall, high winds and icy roads have made travel difficult in parts of Europe. In Germany, train passengers were still experiencing long delays and cancellations Sunday after rail operator Deutsche Bahn shut down all service in the north of the country on Friday due to strong snowfall. Authorities announced that all schools would remain closed and switch to online classes on Monday in North Rhine-Westphalia, the country's most populous western state, after forecasts of icy roads across the region. People walk in freezing temperatures in Yllas, Finland, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Satu Renko/Lehtikuva via AP) (Str / Lehtikuva) In the Baltic countries of Estonia and Lithuania, drivers were asked to postpone all nonessential travel because of expected blizzards, while neighboring Latvia issued a snow alert for the west of the country. In France, parts of north-west were battered by the strong winds of Storm Goretti which also caused disruption across the UK. No major damage was reported, but some 320,000 homes were left without power at noon on Friday. Most of the outages were concentrated in the Normandy region. France's national weather service, Meteo-France, had issued weather warnings ahead of the storm, urging residents to remain home. A major road that leads from Prague to Germany was blocked by trucks at two places near the German border for hours while public transportation in the Czech capital came to a standstill in some parts of the city. Athletes ski despite the severe frost at the Puijo Ski Stadium in Kuopio, Finland, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Matias Honkamaa/Lehtikuva via AP) (Str / Lehtikuva) In neighbouring Germany, rail operator Deutsche Bahn halted its long-distance rail service for the north of the country, stranding thousands of travellers. Many roads and rail connections elsewhere in the country were also affected by high winds and heavy snowfall. Public bus transportation was cancelled in many regions and schools stayed shut in some areas. Two people died in a head-on collision between two cars in Bavaria, when one of the cars skidded, presumably because of the winter weather. In the Upper Palatinate region, a driver was killed when his car veered off the road and crashed into a tree, German news agency dpa reported. Ferry services on the North Sea coast of Lower Saxony have largely come to a standstill, as several islands became inaccessible by boat because of strong easterly winds, dpa reported. Energumene may test the water over an extended trip to add a Ryanair Chase alternative to his Cheltenham Festival choices. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding, who turned 12 on New Years Day, is a stalwart of the two-mile chase division, with two Champion Chase titles among the 13 victories on his CV. He began his season in the Hilly Way at Cork, a race he has won three times previously, and came home in third with two significantly younger horses ahead of him. He is entered for the Champion Chase again come March, but the longer Ryanair Chase will also be considered and the Horse and Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles may act as a fact-finding mission for connections as they decide which contest to aim at. Hes not getting any younger, but he ran well in what was a tough race, said Sean Graham, racing manager to owner Tony Bloom, of Energumenes Cork performance. He has won three previous Hilly Ways but this one was probably the deepest race for him, he was up against younger horses and he acquitted himself very well. Hes got an entry in the Champion Chase and the Ryanair at the Festival and I think the plan is to run him in the Kinloch Brae (now known as the Horse and Jockey Hotel Chase) at Thurles in a few weeks. Thats two and a half miles, though he would only go there if the ground was soft, and if we were happy with him stepping up in trip, then we might go for the Ryanair instead of the Champion Chase with him. That will be a decision we make way closer to the time, well leave the door open until a week before the race. A car driving past the US embassy in Havana. Photograph: Adalberto Roque/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Adalberto Roque/AFP/Getty Images) Donald Trump has told Cuba to make a deal or face unspecified consequences, adding that no more Venezuelan oil or money would flow to the communist-run Caribbean island that has been a US foe for decades. As Cuba, a close ally of Venezuela and big beneficiary of its oil, braced for potential widespread unrest after Nicolas Maduro was deposed as the South American nations leader, the US president ramped up his threatening language on Sunday. THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA ZERO! Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. He provided no details about what form such a deal could take. Venezuela is Cubas biggest oil supplier but amid a strict US oil blockade, shipping data shows that no cargoes have left Venezuelan ports headed to the Caribbean country since last weeks capture of Maduro by US forces. Dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel were killed in the US raid, after which Trump said Cuba was ready to fall, noting the islands deep economic crisis and that it would be difficult for Havana to hold out without cheap Venezuelan oil. Earlier on Sunday, the US president reposted a message suggesting the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, whose parents were Cuban immigrants, could become the countrys new president, adding: Sounds good to me! In a separate message soon afterwards, Trump said Cuba had lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided Security Services for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE! Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last weeks USA attack, and Venezuela doesnt need protection any more from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. Cubas president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, vowed to defend the country against any attack. Cuba is a free, independent and sovereign nation. No one tells us what to do, Diaz-Canel wrote on X, adding that the Caribbean island was ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood. Some Republican US lawmakers on Sunday lauded Trump for his aggressive comments. Mario Diaz-Balart, a US congressman from Florida, said that after decades of misery, tragedy, and pain the regime in Havana was nearing its end. Caracas and Washington are working on a $2bn deal to supply up to 50m barrels of Venezuelan oil to the US, with proceeds to be deposited in US Treasury-supervised accounts a test of relations between Trump and Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez. Trumps remarks came after the US on Saturday urged its citizens to leave Venezuela immediately amid reports that armed paramilitaries are trying to track down US citizens in the country. In a security alert sent out on Saturday, the state department said there were reports of armed members of pro-regime militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching cars for evidence that the occupants were US citizens or supporters. US citizens in Venezuela should remain vigilant and exercise caution when travelling by road, the alert added, urging citizens to depart immediately now that some international flights from Venezuela had restarted. Speaking to the New York Times last week, Trump said he would like to visit Venezuela in the future after having claimed the US was running the South American country after removing its leader. I think at some point itll be safe, the US president told reporters. But the state department alert exposed how volatile the situation remains after last weekends special forces raid, during which scores of people were killed. Responding to the security alert, the Venezuelan foreign ministry said the US state department warning was based on fabricated accounts aimed at creating a perception of risk that does not exist. Venezuela is in absolute calm, peace, and stability, the ministry said. All populated centres, communication routes, checkpoints, and security devices are functioning normally. It said the government was the sole guarantor of the legitimate monopoly of force and the tranquility of the Venezuelan people. Agence France-Presse and Reuters contributed to this report Donald Trump has warned Iran that the US is ready to help protesters in the Islamic Republic on a day the countrys clerical regime tightened its clampdown on demonstrations, with claims that 100 armed rioters were arrested. More than 100 people are feared to have been killed in the protests, which have swept across the country after starting two weeks ago. On Saturday, following a night of protest in several cities, including the capital Tehran, the Iranian attorney general warned that anyone taking part would be considered an enemy of God, a sentence that carries the death penalty. On the same day, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also accused terrorists of targeting military and law enforcement bases, while the countrys army said it would join the crackdown to firmly safeguard national interests. Iranian media reported that 100 armed rioters had been arrested. However, on Saturday night, Iranian protesters returned to the streets, according to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which described the gatherings as scattered, short-lived and fluid due to the threat from security forces. Despite the internet being down and phone lines cut off in the country, the organisation claims to have confirmed 116 people killed in the protests, including seven aged under 18. More than 2,638 people have been arrested, including 327 on Saturday, the group added. On Saturday evening, Mr Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! The supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (AP) Earlier in the day, US secretary of state Marco Rubio wrote on the social platform X: "The United States supports the brave people of Iran." It was Mr Trumps second threat against Tehran on Friday he said if Irans regime violently kills peaceful protesters the US will come to their rescue. On Saturday, The Wall Street Journal reported that officials from Mr Trumps administration had had preliminary discussions on how to carry out an attack on Iran, if required. According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran, cities across Iran had witnessed widespread demonstrations and confrontations on Friday. Footage posted on social media showed large crowds gathered in Tehran and fires lit in the street at night. State media said a municipal building was set on fire in Karaj, west of Tehran, and blamed "rioters". State TV broadcast footage of funerals of members of the security forces it said were killed in protests in the cities of Shiraz, Qom and Hamedan. Meanwhile, a doctor in northwestern Iran said that since Friday large numbers of injured protesters had been brought to hospitals. Some were badly beaten, suffering head injuries and broken legs and arms, as well as deep cuts. Anti-government protests in Tehran on Friday (Reuters) Iranian state TV has also reported security force casualties while portraying control over the nation. On Saturday, dozens of people were accused of disrupting public order and using firearms and other weapons against security forces and law enforcement, according to the governor of Baharestan, in Tehran province. The exiled son of Iran's last shah, Reza Pahlavi, who has emerged as a prominent voice in the fragmented opposition, made his strongest call yet for the protests to broaden into a revolt to topple the clerical rulers. In a video posted on X, US-based Mr Pahlavi, 65, whose father was toppled as Iran's shah in the 1979 revolution, said the Islamic Republic would be brought "to its knees". Iran's rulers have weathered repeated bouts of unrest, including student protests in 1999, conflict over a disputed election in 2009, against economic hardships in 2019, and in 2022 over the death in custody of a woman accused of violating dress codes. Members of the Iranian community filled the road opposite the Iranian Embassy in London on Saturday (Photo by Amanda Rose / Avalon) Also on Saturday, demonstrations in solidarity with the protesters took place across the world, including in London, where a protester climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian embassy. Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said those speaking out against the Iranian government should not face the threat of violence or reprisals. She said: It takes real courage to speak up in an authoritarian system, especially for young women, but it should not require courage just to make your voice heard. These are fundamental rights: free speech; peaceful assembly; and the exercise of those rights should never come with the threat of violence or reprisals. That is why the UK, France and Germany made the statement we did, and we urge the Iranian authorities to listen. A member of a colectivo takes part in a pro-Maduro march in Caracas, Venezuela, on 4 January. Photograph: Gaby Oraa/Reuters (Photograph: Gaby Oraa/Reuters) The United States has urged its citizens to leave Venezuela immediately amid reports that armed paramilitaries are trying to track down US citizens, one week after the capture of the South American countrys president, Nicolas Maduro. In a security alert sent out on Saturday, the state department said there were reports of armed members of pro-regime militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence that the occupants were US citizens or supporters of the country. US citizens in Venezuela should remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road, the alert added, urging citizens to depart immediately now that some international flights from Venezuela have restarted. Speaking to the New York Times last week, Donald Trump said he would like to visit Venezuela in the future after having claimed the US was running the South American country after removing its leaders with a deadly night-time assault on Caracas. I think at some point itll be safe, the US president told reporters. But the state department alert exposed how volatile the situation remains after last weekends special forces raid, during which scores of people were killed. Related: Trump promises oil companies total safety in Venezuela as he urges them to invest billions While many Venezuelan opponents of Maduros regime have celebrated his capture by the US, government supporters have taken to the streets to denounce his rendition as an imperialist act of aggression. Responding to the security alert the Venezuelan foreign ministry said in a statement that the state department warning was based on fabricated accounts aimed at creating a perception of risk that does not exist. Venezuela is in absolute calm, peace, and stability, the ministry said, All populated centers, communication routes, checkpoints, and security devices are functioning normally, and all weapons of the Republic are under the control of the Bolivarian Government, the sole guarantor of the legitimate monopoly of force and the tranquility of the Venezuelan people. Reporters and activists in Caracas have seen rifle-carrying members of the colectivos roaming Venezuelas capital on motorbikes and setting up checkpoints around the city. The roads connecting Caracas to its western border are policed with dozens of military and police checkpoints. State department officials made a visit to Caracas on Friday as part of what are believed to be preparations for the re-opening of the US embassy there. Maduros successor, the acting president Delcy Rodriguez, has called for improved relations with Washington despite her allys abduction. Separately Venezuelas deposed leader Maduro claimed he was doing well in a US jail as he and his wife Cilia Flores await trial, the ex-leaders son said in a video on Saturday. We are doing well. We are fighters, Maduros son, lawmaker Nicolas Maduro Guerra, quoted him as saying. Maduro Guerra spoke in a video released by the ruling PSUV party. Some White House insiders are stunned by the Trump administrations rapid response to the deadly Minneapolis shooting and are concerned that it could undermine confidence in the investigation, according to a new Politico report. Just hours after Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the 37-year-old mom of domestic terrorism, prompting concern from within the administration and among current and former ICE officials, the report says. Insiders fear, according to the report, that her message risks undermining public confidence in the ongoing investigation and expanding the credibility gap between the public and the immigration agency. Do I think its domestic terrorism? Yeah, I do, a Politico source close to the White House said. But it might not have been wise to say that at the outset, how [Noem] said it. A memorial for Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this week (AFP via Getty Images) Shortly after the shooting, Noem hosted a press conference where she said Good weaponized her vehicle against the ICE agents at the scene and committed an act of domestic terrorism. Democrats and several local officials were quick to condemn the shooting and push back on the Trump administrations characterization of the event. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the domestic terrorism claims bulls***, in a post on X shared Thursday. Several videos have since been released of the incident, including footage shared by the DHS on Saturday that appears to show the minutes that led up to the fatal shooting. The agency asserted Good was STALKING and IMPEDING a law enforcement operation in a social media post accompanying the video. Another administration official told Politco the wildly different interpretations of the footage offered up by Democrats and Republicans will only enhance political tensions. I dont know how we recover from this, an unnamed administration official told Politico. The administration official also pointed to Thursdays incident in Portland, Oregon, in which Border Patrol agents shot two people. Politico reports the official was more sympathetic to the Portland shooting because it happened during a targeted operation, but they conceded that the two incidents will likely be associated with each other. Kristi Noem accused Renee Nicole Good of domestic terrorism within hours of her death. (AP) This is highly problematic and not a good look and not something our government should be remotely engaged in, the official added, referring to the Minneapolis shooting. Whatever outcome this investigation produces, I dont see how anyones gonna believe it when the secretary already is firmly and doubled down on a conclusion without knowing all the facts, John Sandweg, a former ICE director under President Barack Obama, told Politico. Politicos source close to the White House also praised border czar Tom Homan, who told CBS Evenings earlier this week that he would not comment on the shooting because of the ongoing investigation. Homan had a very mature response, and a thoughtful, professional way of dealing with it, the source told the outlet. When asked about these concerns, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin pointed The Independent toward a video shared by Vice President JD Vance of the incident, and said the footage "corroborates what Secretary Noem has stated all alongthat this individual was impeding law enforcement and weaponized her vehicle in an attempt to kill or cause bodily harm to federal law enforcement." The officer was in fear of his own life, the lives of his fellow officers and acted in self-defense. The American people can watch this video with their own eyes and ears and judge for themselves. If you weaponize a vehicle, a deadly weapon to kill or cause bodily harm to a federal law enforcement officer that is an act of domestic terrorism and will be prosecuted as such," she added. Credit: Social media The Metropolitan Police has been accused of standing by while pro-Palestine protesters targeted an Israeli restaurant in London. Dozens of protesters under a banner of the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network gathered outside Miznon restaurant in Notting Hill on Friday night. A spokesman for the restaurant, co-founded by celebrity chef Eyal Shani, said it was the seventh time the establishment had been targeted by racist abuse and intimidation, and called for the authorities to put an end to it. Prominent members of the Jewish community also told The Telegraph they had felt intimidated by the protesters and have called on the police to do more to protect them. Footage shared on social media, not verified by The Telegraph, showed one activist proclaiming the right to resist by any and all means necessary, for the full liberation and from the river to the sea to cheers from the crowd. The From the river to the sea chant has been interpreted by many as a call for the destruction of Israel, although some pro-Palestinian groups say it refers to the right of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza to freedom. Met officers appear immobile at the Jewish restaurant said to be targeted by racist abuse and intimidation Other videos posted online purportedly showed a large police presence immobile across the street as the protesters congregated. Kemi Badenoch described it as an example of how the police stand by in the face of harassment and incitement to violence against Jews and law-abiding people on our streets. The Metropolitan Police has repeatedly been accused of doing too little to combat anti-Semitism at pro-Palestine protests. Some of the protesters have been called anti-Semitic for chanting jihad or From the river to the sea/Palestine will be free. Shortly after the Oct 7 attacks, Suella Braverman, then home secretary, accused the force of double standards for allowing an anti-Israel demonstration to take place on Remembrance Day. The protest took place outside Miznon restaurant on Elgin Crescent in Notting Hill Sir Mark Rowley, the Met commissioner, came under pressure to quit in 2024 after Met officers threatened to arrest an openly Jewish man as he walked through an anti-Israel demonstration. He was told by a Scotland Yard sergeant in the Aldwych area of central London that his presence could inflame tensions, and was later warned by a different officer that he would be arrested if he did not leave the area. In the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia in December 2025, the Met warned that anyone chanting slogans such as globalise the intifada would face arrest. One person, a man in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of chants that constituted acts intended to stir up religious hatred. Police said the protest disbanded shortly afterwards. However, one local Jewish community leader, who did not wish to be named, said they had raised the alarm before the protests after seeing very troublesome rhetoric relating to the restaurant online. The source said the restaurants own security guards had also complained to the police about their inaction during a previous protest, describing it as scary and like an ambush. Friday nights event was a planned protest and therefore had specific conditions imposed by officers in correspondence with both sides beforehand. Protesters gathered outside Miznon restaurant under a banner of the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network A spokesman for the Met said: Officers were present as part of a policing plan to ensure people can exercise their right to protest peacefully, while ensuring that those in the wider community can go about their lives without serious disruption. A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of chants that constituted acts intended to stir up religious hatred and the protest disbanded shortly after the arrest was made. The arrested individual has since been bailed. It is not the only incident to affect the Jewish community in recent weeks. Faith leaders reported that a menorah was stolen during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah and a mural was defaced. Speaking on behalf of the restaurant, David Goldstein, the managing director of TSC Hospitality, said: This is not legitimate protest; it is targeted harassment driven by anti-Semitism. We have been singled out because we are an Israeli business. Our staff have faced racist abuse and intimidation, including being called murderers, and one protester was arrested for chanting violent slogans. This is the seventh time weve been targeted by protesters. Enough is enough. Anti-Semitism is surging, and it is unacceptable that Jewish and Israeli-owned businesses in London are being threatened in this way. We will not close our doors. The authorities must recognise this has gone far beyond protest into racism and harassment and put an end to it. A large police presence kept an eye on the protesters Activists cited the previous involvement of Shahar Segal, Miznon co-owner, in the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US and Israeli-backed organisation criticised by the UN over the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians near its distribution sites. Similar protests outside Miznon chains were seen in Melbourne in 2025, where three people were charged with assault in relation to the incident. A Home Office spokesman said: These chants are unacceptable anti-Semitism will never have any place in our society and we are absolutely determined to stamp it out wherever it exists. We are ensuring the protection of Jewish communities by providing 28m to protect places of worship, schools and community centres. However, we must go further. That is why the Home Secretary has ordered an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation to ensure the police have the powers they need to keep communities safe from hate and intimidation. The Virgin Mary is widely believed to have been born in the late 1st century BC in Galilee - Menahem Kahana/Getty The Open University has been forced to back down on claims the Virgin Mary was born in ancient Palestine following a legal complaint. Academics had been accused of using material which risked erasing Jewish history by adopting the contested term ancient Palestine to describe her native province. The row broke out over the universitys use of the description in Discovering the Arts and Humanities, its entry-level humanities module which explores the role of myths and legends in shaping religious beliefs and practices. The course material refers to Mary as having been born in ancient Palestine, describes Aramaic as a language widely spoken in ancient Palestine and includes a map labelled Map of ancient Palestine. Course material refers to Mary, who is depicted here on the West Bank wall, as having been born in ancient Palestine - Thomas Coex/Getty UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), the campaign group, wrote to the OU warning that the use of terms associated with the dispute over territory between Israel and the Palestinians risks misleading students and may contribute to the erasure of Jewish historical identity. UKLFI raised concerns that such terminology could create a hostile or offensive learning environment for Jewish and Israeli students, and warned this could lead to legal action under the Equality Act 2010. The OU has now said it will stop using the term ancient Palestine in new material and will add notes to its existing course documents explaining the contested nature of the description. Controversy over the use of the term has grown since the renewed conflict in Gaza broke out, following the Oct 7 Hamas attacks on Israel in 2023 with supporters of Israel arguing it is historically inaccurate and an attempt to deny the centuries old Jewish presence in the region The Virgin Mary is widely believed to have been born in the late 1st century BC in Galilee, a predominantly Jewish region under Roman rule, with most accounts identifying her home village as being Nazareth. Concerns about contemporary impact UKLFI submitted evidence to the OU arguing that the term Palestine was not applied to Judea, Samaria and Galilee until after the Bar Kokhba revolt, when the Roman emperor Hadrian renamed the province Syria Palaestina in around 135AD more than a century after Marys lifetime. In a letter to UKLFI, the OU said: We will not use the term again in future learning materials and acknowledged that the description is problematic in a way that, perhaps, it was not when the materials were written in 2018. Adrienne Scullion, head of the faculty of arts and social sciences, said the term ancient Palestine had been adopted from existing scholarship and was not intended as a political statement, but that the university accepted there were concerns about its contemporary impact. She added: Colleagues affirm that they do not want the use of the term to imply or be read as a comment on the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Historical accuracy matters Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI, told The Telegraph: We welcome the Open Universitys decision to stop using the term ancient Palestine in its future teaching materials. Historical accuracy matters, particularly in a highly sensitive and politicised context where terminology is often misused to erase Jewish history and identity. Universities have a responsibility to ensure that their teaching is rigorous, neutral and inclusive, and that it does not create a hostile environment for Jewish or Israeli students. The issue was raised by Tommy Merchan, a Jewish student at the OU, who alerted UKLFI over his fears that the use of the term ancient Palestine could feed propaganda aimed at undermining Israels claim to be a historic homeland for Jews. Mr Merchan said: The reason I decided to raise it is because Im Jewish and because of the impact that these types of inaccuracies could potentially have on Jews in Britain. It just feeds into the false narrative that Israel the only Jewish state doesnt have a right to exist. For me, this was an example, perhaps unintentionally on the OUs part, of the erosion of Jewish history. I was also shocked that a well-known institution such as the OU would put on a history degree course and use inaccurate information when the course subject is so reliant on accurate historical facts. Tommy Merchan, an OU student, raised the issue over worries these types of inaccuracies could affect Jewish people in the UK - Lorne Campbell for The Telegraph The OUs climbdown came as Liverpools World Museum said it would review the wording of displays in its ancient Egypt gallery which use a similar description. UKLFI has expressed its concern over three labels in the gallery using the term Palestine when describing events from the third and second millennia BC. The disputed labels include references to Palestinian wine in a description of King Scorpions burial around 3250 BC, the Hyksos originating from ancient Palestine during the Second Intermediate Period, and military campaigns by Thutmose I in Syria-Palestine. UKLFI claims such terminology is historically inaccurate for the periods in question and has urged the museum, one of Britains oldest, to use neutral terms such as Canaan or the Levant. In its response, World Museum Liverpool confirmed that the issues raised would be taken into consideration as part of our ongoing maintenance of exhibitions. UKFLI welcomed the move, stating: Museums play a crucial role in public education and it is important that historical descriptions are both accurate and politically neutral. We hope the museum will now take the opportunity to update the labels so that visitors are not misled by terminology that did not exist at the periods being described. A spokesman for the Open University said: We regularly review teaching materials to ensure they reflect current learning practice. Following a review of the materials on our Discovering the Arts and Humanities module, we have decided to add an explanatory note to our course content to provide the context in which the term ancient Palestine is used. The module introduces the study of arts and humanities and does not seek to provide commentary or judgments on contemporary political events. Key Points Coleman owns two distinct groups of artificial intelligence companies. AI hardware players are still seeing massive demand for their products. Companies on the application side are starting to see increased demand. 10 stocks we like better than Nvidia Individual investors have access to a wide range of information, including what stocks billionaire hedge fund managers own. In fact, you can copy their holdings if you choose to do so. All of this information is made available to the public in a Form 13F. Any fund manager with more than $100 million in assets must report their end-of-quarter holdings to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and then that information is made available to the public 45 days later. One billionaire worth following is Chase Coleman III, head of Tiger Global Management. The most recent information we have for his holdings is as of Sept. 30. While that may sound like outdated information, we haven't heard from most public companies on their results since then, either. Coleman has seven stocks that I think are a perfect way to play the artificial intelligence trade. They are: 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 Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) -- 10.5% of portfolio Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) -- 8 8% of portfolio Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) -- 7.5% of portfolio Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) -- 6.8% of portfolio Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) -- 6.4% of portfolio Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) -- 4% of portfolio Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) -- 3% of portfolio I think investors should consider owning all seven of them in their portfolios, and they are all slated to have a strong 2026. Wall Street traders looking at stock information. Image source: Getty Images. AI hardware On the hardware side of things, Coleman owns Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor, and Broadcom. However, some of the other companies on this list could also spill over to the hardware side of things with custom AI hardware they have designed with Broadcom. Still, I think these three companies can make up the core of any investor's exposure to AI hardware. Nvidia needs no introduction. It's the largest company in the world by market cap and has gotten here thanks to the progress of its graphics processing units (GPUs). Nvidia's GPUs have built the majority of the generative AI technology we know today, and it expects monster growth in 2026 and beyond. Nvidia should be a core holding in nearly every investor's portfolio, and Coleman has also made it one in his. Broadcom is the up-and-coming competitor to Nvidia. Instead of making a broad-purpose computing unit like Nvidia, it's partnering directly with the AI hyperscalers to develop its own custom computing unit. This could carve out a large niche for Broadcom to operate in and help alleviate the bottleneck of Nvidia GPUs. Lastly, there is Taiwan Semiconductor. Neither Broadcom nor Nvidia makes their own chips, so they outsource that work to Taiwan Semiconductor. This makes Taiwan Semiconductor a neutral party in the AI realm. As long as the AI hyperscaler continues to spend massive amounts of money on AI data centers, TSMC, as it's also known, will continue to be an excellent stock pick. AI application Next up are companies that are facilitating AI or directly deploying it. Microsoft is the largest component in Coleman's portfolio, and it has been crushing its AI strategy. Instead of directly developing a generative AI model, it's choosing to partner with several companies to provide their model on its platform. The most notable is OpenAI, the makers of ChatGPT. This has become a popular option, and has caused Microsoft's cloud computing platform, Azure, to grow rapidly. Alphabet has similarly seen success with Google Cloud, but has also gained ground with its own generative AI model, Gemini. Gemini has emerged as one of the best-performing AI models out there and is starting to threaten ChatGPT's dominance. It also has several strong underlying businesses that can fund its AI aspirations, making Alphabet a smart stock pick as well. Amazon is the largest cloud computing provider of the three, although Amazon Web Services (AWS) hasn't performed as well as the other two. However, that narrative may be changing. AWS recently saw its growth rate accelerate to 20%, which is a great sign that more clients are choosing AWS to run AI workloads than before. Last is Meta Platforms. Meta is spending lots of money on building out its AI footprint so it can integrate AI tools into its social media platforms. This has already had a positive impact on ad performance, and could have an even bigger effect if Meta can break into the consumer hardware market. This is less guaranteed, but it is a long-shot option that could make Meta the best-performing stock of this cohort. All seven of these stocks look promising for 2026, and I think investors would do well to buy all seven in equal amounts and let them be the core AI holdings in their portfolio. Should you buy stock in Nvidia right now? Before you buy stock in Nvidia, 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 Nvidia 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 $482,451!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,133,229!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 968% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 197% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of January 11, 2026. Keithen Drury has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Broadcom, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. A bottle of Jack Daniel's next to a poured glass on a plain black background - ElenaVah/Shutterstock I've found that a lot of people start their whiskey journey with a bottle of Jack. One of the reasons for its wide popularity is the smooth mouthfeel and approachable sweetness it gives you with every drop. The mellow nature of Jack Daniel's can be strongly attributed to the Lincoln County Process, which is the maple charcoal filtration that is a key element of Tennessee whiskey. As someone who has tasted and studied whiskey for the best part of two decades, I'm well placed to discover what other whiskeys share these similarities. This will allow you to expand your horizons beyond Jack Daniel's without any nasty surprises. The eight picks here are based on personal experience and a deep understanding of how a whiskey's production and mash bill can make it taste similar to the famous Jack Daniel's No. 7. This isn't simply listing other brands of Tennessee whiskey, or even just other types of bourbon. It's about finding those bottles that have similar characteristics. I'll even be looking beyond America's borders to suggest some foreign alternatives. The goal here isn't to list whiskeys better than Jack Daniel's but instead, those that can expand your whiskey experience while still tasting familiar. By the end, you'll have an exciting list of new bottles to try. Read more: The 30 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked George Dickel No. 8 A bottle of George Dickel 8-year on a table with a band playing in a blurred background - George Dickel Whisky/Instagram George Dickel No. 8 is the most obvious alternative to Jack Daniel's. When it comes to the best Tennessee whiskey brands, George Dickel may be a clear second, but it's also much bigger than any other brands from the state. As with Jack Daniel's, it undergoes the Lincoln County Process, which helps to create its smooth and mellow character. This gives it instant familiarity, but there are some key differences between the two. Before I get to that, the similarities here are that they both have a soft and rounded palate, allowing the sweet flavors of vanilla and caramel to gently rest on your tongue. Both of them also have a mellow spice that, while not prominent, does give you nice warmth. The tasting differences are subtle, but Jack Daniel's does have a slight nutty quality that can help to give it more depth. However, the George Dickel expression is a little sweeter for those who prefer that type of whisky. Both of them have gentle smokiness, with more of the charcoal coming through with Jack Daniel's. George Dickel has a medium finish that doesn't bring out any new notes but is clean and pleasant. Bottled at the same 80 proof, George Dickel is an excellent alternative. It allows you to explore another whiskey, but without straying far from what you love. Nelson's Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey A bottle of Nelson's Green Brier on a serving tray surrounded by glasses and cocktail accessories - Nelson's Green Brier/Instagram After you enjoy George Dickel, you can enjoy a further explanation of Tennessee whiskey with Nelson's Green Brier. The Lincoln County Process does help to give it that instant similarity, but the tasting profile is a little different. Nelson's Green Brier is a bit richer and more expressive. By this, I mean those flavors are a little deeper, and the whiskey showcases more flavors. The palate has a similar pleasant sweetness, with caramel being the most dominant note in that respect. Along with this, you can detect notes of cinnamon, apple, and brown sugar. There is a little more spice and fruit present compared to Jack Daniel's. The sacrifice here is that the whiskey isn't quite as mellow or soft. That can either be a pro or con based on your whiskey preference. The finish of Nelson's Green Brier is also medium in length, with cinnamon and oak notes continuing until the end. At 91 proof, it packs a bit more of a punch and equally holds up well when drunk neat. This bottle is ideal for those who want to try something a little bolder without making a giant leap of faith. It'll give you a good indication as to whether you'd be interested in even stronger whiskeys. Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey A bottle of Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey shown next to two cocktails and some cut lime - Uncle Nearest/Instagram Uncle Nearest taught Jack Daniel everything he knew, literally. This whiskey is named in homage to Nathan "Nearest" Green, a former slave who taught the young farm boy Jack Daniel about distilling whiskey. In a positive end to the story, Daniel later employed Green as a master distiller. Even though neither brand is in family hands, they share more than just the names on the bottle. Once you open a bottle, Uncle Nearest will greet you with a range of inviting aromas, including toasted oak and honey. There is also a little hint of orchard fruit, mainly in the form of pear. It's a pleasant aroma that nicely draws you into the tasting experience. The whiskey has a little more spice than Jack Daniel's, as you can pick out notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Brown sugar also features, along with some light fruit tones. These tasting notes sit pleasantly behind a rich caramel sweetness. It's a little more layered than Jack Daniel's, but still stays in the same overall flavor profile, especially with the charcoal filtering. It's probably not quite as smooth as a bottle of Jack, but it's an expression with plenty of personality and an interesting story behind it. Benchmark Old No. 8 A bottle of Benchmark Old No. 8 resting on a filled glass on a red brick backgorund - Kenny Jarvis/Tasting Table For those looking for a budget bourbon that can still have the quality of Jack Daniel's, pick up a bottle of Benchmark No.8. For a few key reasons, this is a respectable bourbon that I keep going back to. Mainly, as it provides incredible value given that it's good enough to be consumed neat. The average price of a standard bottle of Jack is around the $25 mark. For Benchmark, that drops to just $11. The nose is nice enough and has a lovely vanilla scent that is joined by dark fruits and spice. Upon tasting, those sweet notes develop into an impressively rich caramel, and this sits on a foundation of oak and tobacco. Many people love JD as it's easy to drink and has a gentle sweetness that doesn't overwhelm your palate. Benchmark shares these qualities at a much lower price. Is it as good as JD? You'll eventually be the judge of that. It does have an earthiness that Jack Daniel's doesn't have, which some may not like. I personally do, so for me, they are very close when it comes to overall enjoyment. The great aspect about Benchmark Old No. 8 is that it's not an investment. At worst, you'll get a good bourbon to have with mixers. At best, you might just find a great new everyday whiskey. Maker's Mark 46 A line of Maker's Mark 46 bottles being presented on a liquor store shelf - The Image Party/Shutterstock I didn't want to fill this list with whiskeys that are better than Jack Daniel's, but I did want to add a couple of Kentucky classics that are a little step up. Maker's Mark 46 is the big brother of the cheaper iconic bottle from the famous Maker's Mark range. What makes Maker's Mark 46 a unique addition to this list is that it uses wheat in its mash bill. This gives it both similarities and differences. The wheat means a different tasting profile, but it also gives a similar softness that is often found with charcoal filtering. This allows you to enjoy a whiskey that had a completely different process but ends up in a similar place. Once you bring this spirit up to your nose, you'll notice that it's a different level of whiskey. The caramel is deep and aromatic and is joined by a lovely vanilla. Toasted oak and a delectable range of fruits showcase a patient aging process. Once you have a taste, you'll immediately see how that caramel from the nose transfers seamlessly to the palate. A range of baking spices gives it a subtle warmth, and these notes are all delivered on a rich mouthfeel. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a more complex whiskey without straying too far from the qualities that make Jack Daniel's so enjoyable. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked A close up of a bottle of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked sitting atop a whiskey barrel outdoors - Woodford Reserve/Instagram This is a similar story to the Maker's Mark 46 in that this isn't the most basic expression from Woodford Reserve. The brand's Kentucky Straight Bourbon is an excellent bottle, but again, I wanted to showcase something that is a level or two above. As with all the non-Tennessee whiskeys here, it doesn't go through the Lincoln County Process, but its craftsmanship can give you that smoothness and approachability that JD fans love. The Double Oaked is so called as it's matured in two separate oak barrels, with the second being significantly toasted. There is no age statement here, but this process results in a whiskey that feels it has been matured for many years. That's mainly for two reasons: The layered flavor and notable oak influence. The sweetness here comes in the form of rich caramel and butterscotch. This is followed by brown sugar, dark chocolate, and toasted nuts. The wood influence is notable all the way through the tasting experience, but sits nicely in the background rather than dominating. It is easy to sip, and many of the flavors you may enjoy with Jack Daniel's are still there but are much richer. At around $60 a bottle, you'd expect a significant jump in quality, and you won't be disappointed. They both share another important similarity, too, as both brands are owned by the legendary Brown-Forman company, which still has its headquarters in Kentucky. Bushmills A close up of two bottled of Bushmills with one shown in focus and the other blurred - Kittyfly/Shutterstock For the last two picks, we step outside the shores of America. If you like the idea of trying an Irish whiskey, then Bushmills is a good place to start. As with all the picks here, it shares the gentle sweetness and drinkability that is often loved about Jack Daniel's. The unique aspect of the aroma here is a subtle malt along with a light cereal sweetness. Along with this, you get more expected notes of honey and vanilla. That honey continues on to the palate to give it a pleasant sweetness. More subtle tasting notes come in the form of apples and citrus. There is a slightly creamy mouthfeel here that carries some vanilla along to the spice notes that mark the pleasant finish. There is a lack of any notable oak influence here, and it's a little fruiter than JD. Some Irish whiskeys can be a little aggressive, but this has the nice balance that you'll find with Jack Daniel's. Another similarity between the two is versatility. Both are easy to enjoy neat but also go well with mixers or into classic cocktails. There is nothing especially deep or complex about Bushmills, but that's a feature you may love. It's an uncomplicated whiskey that is a worthy addition to any home bar. Suntory Toki A bottle of Suntory Toki placed ahead of its box while placed on a wooden floor - Below the Sky/Shutterstock Comparing a Japanese whiskey to the famous Tennessee staple may seem a little obscure at first, but it makes a lot of sense. If I were to come up with a general version of the best Japanese whisky, I'd categorize it as smooth, gentle, and approachable. Suntory Toki is a good example of this elegance, and Jack Daniel's shares many of these qualities. Where it differs is that there is a delicate and pure nature to Toki that is often found in Japanese bottles. It's hard to describe this difference, but it's similar to drinking water from the faucet or from a bottle. Mineral water has that cleaner taste. This isn't necessarily a good thing in the context of whiskey; it's just different. When tasting Suntory Toki, you get a creamy toffee and vanilla sweetness that is supported by a faint hint of oak. Along with this, you get more subtle hints of ginger spice and orchard fruits. The downside of that cleaner taste can be a perceived loss of flavor. I'd say that's true here. Suntory Toki is more delicate, with Jack Daniel's being a little deeper in flavor. However, Toki is a whisky that is almost impossible to dislike. Due to this, it's a great starting point to dip your toe into the drink's different variants from around the globe. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is escorted, as he heads towards the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan for an initial appearance to face U.S. federal charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, money laundering and others, at Downtown Manhattan Heliport, in New York City. REUTERS/Adam Gray/File Photo By Michael Martina, Trevor Hunnicutt and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Among the many goals of last week's U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was to send China a message: stay away from the Americas. For at least two decades, Beijing has sought to build influence in Latin America, not only to pursue economic opportunities but to gain a strategic foothold on the doorstep of its top geopolitical rival. China's progress - from satellite tracking stations in Argentina and a port in Peru to economic support for Venezuela - has been an irritant for successive U.S. administrations, including that of Donald Trump. Several Trump administration officials told Reuters the U.S. president's move against Maduro was intended in part to counter China's ambitions, and Beijing's days of leveraging debt to get cheap oil from Venezuela were "over." 'WE DON'T WANT YOU THERE' Trump made the message explicit on Friday, expressing discomfort with China and Russia as a "next-door neighbor," in a meeting with oil executives. I told China and I told Russia, 'We get along with you very well, we like you very much, we dont want you there, youre not gonna be there,'" Trump said. Now, he said, he will tell China that we are open for business and that they can buy all the oil they want from us there or in the United States. The success of the January 3 early morning raid, in which U.S. commandos swept into Caracas and grabbed the Venezuelan president and his wife, was a blow to China's interests and prestige. The air defenses that U.S. forces quickly disabled had been supplied by China and Russia, and Trump said 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil under sanctions, much of it previously bound for Chinese ports, will now be sent to the U.S. Analysts say Maduro's capture exposed Beijing's limited ability to exert its will in the Americas. The attack exposed the gulf between China's "great-power rhetoric and its real reach" in the Western Hemisphere, said Craig Singleton, a China expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. "Beijing can protest diplomatically, but it cannot protect partners or assets once Washington decides to apply direct pressure," he said. In a statement to Reuters, the Chinese embassy in Washington said it rejected what it called the United States' "unilateral, illegal, and bullying acts." "China and Latin American and Caribbean countries maintain friendly exchanges and cooperation. No matter how the situation may evolve, we will continue to be a friend and partner," said Liu Pengyu, the embassy's spokesperson. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. But one administration official said "China should be concerned about their position in the Western Hemisphere," adding that their partners in the region increasingly realize China cannot protect them. TRUMP'S UNCLEAR CHINA POLICY The Trump administration's policy toward Beijing appears contradictory, with concessions aimed at calming a trade war on one hand and more assertive U.S. support for Taiwan on the other. The Venezuela operation appeared to tilt U.S. policy in a more hawkish direction. Indeed, the timing of the U.S. attack amplified Beijing's embarrassment. Just hours before being toppled, Maduro met China's special envoy for Latin America, Qiu Xiaoqi, in Caracas, his last public appearance before becoming a U.S. captive. The meeting, staged on camera even as U.S. military forces were secretly poised to launch their operation, suggested Beijing was blindsided, said another U.S. official. "If they knew, they wouldn't have gone so publicly," the U.S. official told Reuters. For years, Beijing poured money into Venezuela's oil refineries and infrastructure, providing an economic lifeline after the U.S. and its allies tightened sanctions from 2017. Along with Russia, China has also provided funding and equipment for Venezuela's military, including radar arrays recently billed as able to detect advanced U.S. military aircraft. Those systems did little to impede a raid U.S. officials boasted had been conducted without any losses. "Any nation around the world with Chinese defense equipment is checking their air defenses and wondering how safe they actually are from the United States," said Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute think tank. "They are also noticing how China's diplomatic assurances to Iran and Venezuela resulted in zero meaningful protection when the U.S. military arrived." China is now studying what went wrong with those defenses so they can shore up their own systems, according to a person briefed on intelligence about their response. CHINA FACES OTHER REGIONAL RISKS China may soon be under pressure elsewhere in the region. It has sought to increase its influence in Cuba, and the U.S. suspects Beijing runs an intelligence-gathering operation there. China denies this, but last year pledged better intelligence sharing with Cuba. In the days after the Venezuela operation, Trump said U.S. military intervention in Cuba, which has suffered from the loss of Venezuelan oil, was likely unnecessary because it appeared ready to fall on its own. The Trump administration also continues to push Chinese companies away from port operations around the Panama Canal, the critical waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A State Department official said the U.S. "remains concerned" about Chinese influence near the canal, but appreciates Panama's actions to curb this, including by exiting Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative and auditing the Panama ports concession under contract to Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. While China may be on the back foot in the region, analysts caution that extended U.S. military involvement in Venezuela or deterioration in the security situation there could open a door for Beijing to reassert itself. Daniel Russel, a former senior State Department official now with the Asia Society, said the dramatic shift in Washington under Trump from a rule-of-law posture to a spheres-of-influence logic focused on the Western Hemisphere could play into Chinas hands. Beijing wants Washington to accept that Asia is in Chinas sphere, and no doubt hopes that the U.S. will get bogged down in Venezuela, he said. (Reporting by Michael Martina, Trevor Hunnicutt and David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Steve Holland and Bo Erickson; Editing by Don Durfee and Rod Nickel) An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Bill Gates speaking at the annual Bloomberg Global Philanthropies Forum, Image 2 shows Illustration of the Natrium power plant with solar panels, Image 3 shows The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant with two large cooling towers next to a river A Bill Gates-backed nuclear reactor dubbed Cowboy Chernobyl by critics is barreling toward approval in rural Wyoming, alarming residents and nuclear safety experts as regulators fast-track the project under a Trump-era order. TerraPower, founded by the Microsoft guru, is seeking federal approval to build the western hemispheres first Natrium nuclear reactor in Kemmerer, a coal town of roughly 2,000 people near the Utah border and about two hours north of Salt Lake City. The plant would use liquid sodium rather than water to cool the reactor, a design pitched as safer and more efficient. Bill Gates has backed the Natrium reactor through TerraPower, which is seeking federal approval to build the first-of-its-kind nuclear plant in Wyoming despite pushback from safety advocates. REUTERS Critics say it introduces new risks while cutting corners on containment. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission completed its final safety evaluation in December, concluding there were no issues that would block issuance of a construction permit. The five-member commission is expected to vote on the permit later this month. TerraPower still needs a separate operating license before the reactor can run. Local residents say the fast pace has left them uneasy. Were probably two hours away from that place when it comes to how long it takes the wind to get here, Patrick Lawien of Casper told the Daily Mail. Obviously, if anything goes wrong, its headed straight for us. TerraPower began building the non-nuclear portion of the 44-acre site in June 2024, near the retired Naughton coal plant, which shut down at the end of 2025. The company says the reactor will generate 345 megawatts of power, with the ability to reach 500 megawatts during peak demand. It aims to have the plant operating by 2030. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is expected to vote on TerraPowers construction permit later this month, a key step before any nuclear work can begin. TerraPower Wyoming officials have embraced the project as the state transitions away from coal. The reactor is first-of-its-kind, Republican Gov. Mark Gordon said in 2024 as he praised cooperation between government and the private sector. Sen. Cynthia Lummis has highlighted the roughly 1,600 temporary construction jobs and 250 permanent positions the project is expected to create. But nuclear watchdogs say speed is the problem. The Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit science advocacy group, says TerraPowers design omits the traditional concrete containment structure used at U.S. nuclear plants. The company instead proposes functional containment, which relies on internal engineered systems to perform containment functions rather than a physical containment building. The potential for rapid power excursions and the lack of a real containment make the Kemmerer plant a true Cowboy Chernobyl, said Edwin Lyman, the groups director of nuclear power safety. The project is being built near the site of the retired Naughton coal plant, which closed at the end of last year as Wyoming shifts away from coal. Bloomberg via Getty Images Lyman warned that if containment proves inadequate later, it would be nearly impossible to add a traditional containment structure once construction begins. He also criticized the sodium cooling system. Its liquid sodium coolant can catch fire, and the reactor has inherent instabilities that could lead to a rapid and uncontrolled increase in power, Lyman said. TerraPower has countered that the reactor will operate at about 350 degrees Celsius, well below sodiums boiling point. Concerns intensified after the NRC wrapped up its review months ahead of its original schedule. The accelerated timeline followed an executive order signed by Donald Trump in May directing federal agencies to fast-track advanced nuclear reactor approvals, Donald Trump signed an executive order in May 2025 directing federal agencies to speed reviews of advanced nuclear reactors, a policy now shaping the approval process for projects like TerraPowers in Wyoming. REUTERS TerraPower applied for its construction permit in March 2024 and received preliminary approval in December, well ahead of its initial August 2026 target. For longtime Wyoming resident Steve Helling, the risks outweigh the promises. Wyoming is being used as a guinea pig for this nuclear experiment, Helling told the Daily Mail. Wyoming has everything I could want, beauty, clean air, clean water, wildlife, abundant natural resources. He said he worries about the long-term cost of disposing of nuclear waste decades down the road, as the U.S. still lacks a permanent storage solution. Some states, including California and Connecticut, prohibit new nuclear plant construction unless the federal government establishes a long-term solution for radioactive waste storage. The former head of the RAF has warned that increased defence spending in the UK is being eaten up by the Ministry of Defence (MoD)s overdraft with the UKs military footprint shrinking at a critical moment. The intervention by retired Air Marshall Edward Stringer comes just days after Sir Keir Starmer committed to sending UK troops to Ukraine as part of the coalition of the willing to protect any peace agreement from Russian aggression. But it represents the third warning by a former member of the UKs military top brass in less than a week over how the UKs commitments to Ukraine and elsewhere are not matched by resources in the armed forces and manpower. Retired Air Marshall Edward Stringer (Cpl Nicholas Egan RAF/UK MOD Crown copyright 2021) Air Marshall Stringer, in his report for Policy Exchange, warned that the UK gets much less bang for its buck than its competitors so despite headline budget increases to 3 per cent of GDP with an aim of 3.5 per cent, the front line continues to shrink. The report, entitled The Say-Do Gaps in Defence, notes that the British Army now has just 14 howitzers in total; the Royal Navy has been unable to put more than one attack submarine to sea for a while; and the RAF had to send training unit pilots to sea to guarantee certification of the F-35 Force on the carrier. Warning that not a single formation in the British military is currently sustainable in combat as a sovereign entity with the full Order of Battle, Air Marshal Stringer wrote: Our national defences have been revealed to be a flimsy facade. The tide has gone out, and we can now see that the UK military was not wearing any trunks. It comes as a debate is set to be held next week in the Commons on the beleaguered Ajax heavy army project, with the government likely to come under pressure to ditch it after continued failures with around 6bn spent on its development. Meanwhile, another Policy Exchange report earlier in the week from another retired air marshal, Lord Stirrup, outlined how the UK had become too reliant on possessing nuclear weapons for deterrence, which he warned was not scaring Vladimir Putin. The Ajax tank project is in trouble after costing around 6bn (Ministry of Defence) The former chief of the defence staff warned the UK has been hamstrung by an outdated nuclear doctrine and needs to recognise that deterrence relies on a spectrum of capabilities, not just nuclear weapons themselves. It came as Sir Richard Shirreff, who served as Nato's deputy supreme allied commander in Europe between 2011 and 2014, said allied forces would need at least 50,000 troops in Ukraine to deter an attack from Russia, while the army currently has less than 75,000 personnel. Meanwhile, former defence secretary Gavin Williamson warned that a token number would not be enough and said that the UK would need an equivalent of the army of the Rhine of more than 40,000 stationed in West Germany after the Second World War as a Cold War deterrent. With Donald Trump looking to pull out of European defence and even threatening a Nato ally, Denmark, over Greenland, Air Marshal Stringer warned the UK had become too reliant on America and not its own sovereign capabilities. He said: During the period of American-policed 'rules-based international order', we increasingly relied on borrowing off the Americans while making cuts to vital capabilities. The optics of occasional tactical excellence obscured the increasingly hollow nature of our sovereign capacity. But now the USA is signalling strongly that it is putting America First and the rest of Nato will have to look after its own defences. This fundamentally challenges the model that we had semi-accidentally slipped into: our national defences have been revealed to be a flimsy facade. The tide has gone out and we can now see that the UK military was not wearing any trunks. Warning of a huge gap between what politicians claim on defence spending and the reality of the UKs relative military weakness, he went on: The Say-Do gap between the image of ourselves we have come to believe and the reality of the hard power we can project in practice, is stark. The first necessary step is to recognise that, and recognise that the methods that got us into this mess have to be discarded ruthlessly. The paper argues that whilst the government has been voluble in resetting the narrative of decline in our defence capacity, the reality is that neither spending nor front-line capabilities have kept pace with the rhetoric. Target dates in the 2030s are far too late, and such assurances are neither reassuring our allies our impressing our adversaries. The governments procurement agencies have not absorbed the governments message on the seriousness of the times and the threats we now face, and the 'business as usual' ticks along, promising to be better by the 2030s while troubled programmes such as Ajax absorb billions for equipment that simply doesnt work. An MoD spokesperson said: This government is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War with a 5bn boost this year and hitting 2.6 per cent of GDP by 2027, a level not seen since 2010. This will see over 270bn invested into defence across this parliament, meaning no return to the hollowed out and underfunded armed forces of the past. The government is also bolstering the UKs readiness and resilience, signing over 1,000 major contracts since the election, building at least six state-of-the-art munitions and energetics factories this parliament, and implementing at pace the recommendations in the Strategic Defence Review." Greenland's party leaders rejected President Trump's repeated calls for the U.S. to take control of the island, saying that Greenland's future must be decided by its people. "We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders," Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and four party leaders said in a statement Friday night. Mr. Trump reiterated on Friday that he would like to make a deal to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous region that's part of NATO ally Denmark, "the easy way." He said that if the U.S. doesn't own it, then Russia or China will take it over, and the U.S. does not want them as neighbors. NATO allies and Greenland have disagreed with Mr. Trump's assessment. "If we don't do it the easy way, we're going to do it the hard way," Mr. Trump said, without explaining what that entailed. The White House stated that it is considering a range of options, including the use of military force, to acquire the island. U.S. Senator Rand Paul told CBS Mornings earlier this week that he "will do everything to stop any kind of military takeover of Greenland." Greenland's party leaders reiterated that "Greenland's future must be decided by the Greenlandic people." "As Greenlandic party leaders, we would like to emphasize once again our wish that the United States' contempt for our country ends," the statement said. Officials from Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. met Thursday in Washington and will meet again next week to discuss the renewed push by the White House for control of the island. Painted houses and residential apartment blocks in Nuuk, Greenland, on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. / Credit: Juliette Pavy / Bloomberg via Getty Images (Juliette Pavy / Bloomberg via Getty Images) Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that an American takeover of Greenland would mark the end of NATO. The party leaders' statement said that "the work on Greenland's future takes place in dialogue with the Greenlandic people and is prepared on the basis of international laws." "No other country can interfere in this," they said. "We must decide the future of our country ourselves, without pressure for quick decision, delay or interference from other countries." The statement was signed by Nielsen, Pele Broberg, Mute B. Egede, Aleqa Hammond and Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen. Potter Pilu Chemnitz told CBS News partner BBC News that Greenlanders "are all very tired of the U.S. president" and "just want to be left alone." Eighty-five percent of Greenlanders say they oppose a takeover by the U.S., the BBC reported. Most also say they favor independence from Denmark, though the Nordic country provides subsidies, military support and more for the autonomous territory. While Greenland is the largest island in the world, it has a population of around 57,000 and doesn't have its own military. Defense is provided by Denmark, whose military is dwarfed by that of the U.S. It's unclear how the remaining NATO members would respond if the U.S. decided to forcibly take control of the island or if they would come to Denmark's aid. Former Danish ambassador to NATO Michael Zilmer-Johns called Mr. Trump's ambitions "an affront to an ally that has stood up with the U.S. in Afghanistan, in Iraq, all over the world." Vance posts new video that shows Renee Good's last words and other angle of shooting Video shows ICE officer's point of view, Renee Good's last words before being shot People mocked his mangled truck, until one man stepped up to help gaza Israeli forces and Hamas are gearing up to resume deadly fighting in the Gaza Strip, with both sides accusing each other of major cease-fire violations as progress on President Trumps peace deal stalls, according to reports. The Israeli military has drawn up plans for new ground operations inside the coastal enclave, as the Palestinian terror group rebuilds its wartime assets lost during the conflict, including destroyed tunnel networks, the Wall Street Journal reported Saturday, citing people briefed on the matter. The renewed intensive military operation is slated for March and would focus on Gaza City, with the aim of expanding the Israel Defense Forces control over the territory, according to the Times of Israel. Despite the cease-fire, theres been almost daily bombings in Gaza. AFP via Getty Images Meanwhile, instead of disarming as the cease-fire requires, Hamas has been rebuilding its military capabilities, Israeli and Arab officials said. The militant group has also been replenishing its war chest with cash hidden in underground tunnels during the war and revenue generated by taxing goods and services in Gaza. Hamas terrorists has beefed up its recruitment efforts, according to the report. ZUMAPRESS.com Crews sift through the rubble to search for the bodies of Palestinians killed during the war. HAITHAM IMAD/EPA/Shutterstock Hamas is also reportedly receiving money from Iran, according to officials, with the influx of cash allowing them to pay its fighters and bolster recruitment in an effort to appoint new terrorists to replace commanders killed during the deadly two-year conflict, the outlet reported. The news comes as Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes in the Gaza Strip Thursday that killed at least 13 people, including children, after the IDF blamed Hamas for a failed rocket attack from the coastal enclave, despite a ceasefire meant to halt the war, Reuters reported. The Israeli military said the strike came in response to the terror group breaching the ceasefire agreement after a rocket was launched from Gaza City toward the Jewish state, though the missile fell short and landed by a hospital in coastal territory. The retaliatory attack targeted and struck several Hamas militants, rocket launch sites, and terror infrastructure, including tunnels used for launching rockets in both northern and southern Gaza. The launch carried out from the Gaza Strip constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, the IDF and Shin Bet security service said in a joint statement Friday morning, the Times of Israel reported. Since the cease-fire was enacted in October, Hamas has cracked down on rivals as it moved to cement its hold over Gaza, leading to violent clashes in the war-torn enclave. ZUMAPRESS.com Palestinians walk along a road amid destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, on January 10, 2026. AFP via Getty Images The IDF and the Shin Bet view any breach of the agreement with the utmost severity and will continue to act against any attempt by terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip to carry out terrorist attacks against IDF forces or Israeli civilians. Since the cease-fire was enacted in October, Hamas has cracked down on rivals as it moved to cement its hold over Gaza, leading to violent clashes in the war-torn enclave. The Board of Peace that will oversee the second phase of the tenuous deal with Trump expected to announce the 15 world leaders that will serve on the board next week will be tasked with determining how Hamas disarmament is carried out and what it entails, including whether that will require small arms. The terror group is reportedly willing to relinquish the remainder of its heavy weapons but refuses to surrender its small arms, Arab officials said. Theyve made an agreement that theyre going to disarm, Trump said Friday on Fox News. Were going to have to assume that theyre going to, but you know its not their nature to disarm. Trump previously said Hamas would be given a very short period of time to surrender their weapons or there will be hell to pay. But the president also said he is not willing to put phase two on hold which calls for the creation of a so-called International Stabilization Force to police Gaza while waiting for that to happen. Former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov was named by Trump earlier this week to lead the Board of Peace. Mladenov already met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem Thursday, and Palestinian Authority officials in the West Bank Friday. Israels planned offensive wont be able to go forward without the support of the US, which is still hoping to move the cease-fire plan forward, according to the Arab diplomat who spoke to the Times of Israel. Netanyahu reportedly does not believe the international body led by Trump to oversee Gaza will be successful in disarming Hamas, which is why he ordered the IDF to prepare a contingency plan. Mourners hug each other during the funeral of Palestinians who, according to medics, were killed in an Israeli strike on Sunday, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, January 11, 2026. REUTERS/Haseeb Alwazeer Mourners hug each other during the funeral of Palestinians who, according to medics, were killed in an Israeli strike on Sunday, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, January 11, 2026. REUTERS/Haseeb Alwazeer CAIRO, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Israeli fire killed at least three Palestinians in two separate incidents across the enclave, local health authorities said, as tension rises over continued violence since an October ceasefire. Medics said one Palestinian was killed in the Tuffah neighbourhood in Gaza City, in an area under Palestinian control, while two others were killed in southern Gaza in the town of Bani Suhaila east of Khan Younis, an area Israel still occupies. The Israeli military said forces fired at a "terrorist" who crossed into the area under their control in the northern Gaza Strip, posing an immediate threat. In the southern Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said it killed another "terrorist" in an airstrike after he approached troops operating in the area, posing an immediate threat. Fighting has largely abated since Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October, two years into the war, but it has not stopped entirely. Israel and Hamas have traded blame over the violations of the deal. A Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday that the group urged mediators to intervene to stop "daily Israeli killings that aim to derail the ceasefire deal." More than 440 Palestinians, most of them civilians according to Gaza health officials, have been killed since the truce, as well as three Israeli soldiers. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Editing by Louise Heavens and Ros Russell) Though Fort Lauderdale has been called "Venice of America," I wouldn't call it a dupe for the Italian city. Still, it's worth visiting. Geoff Eccles/Getty Images As a Florida local, I love visiting downtown Fort Lauderdale, about 30 miles north of Miami. Though it's been nicknamed "Venice of America," it's a far cry from the Italian city. Still, it's nice to travel along the city's canals, dine waterside, and explore the local shops. I've lived in Miami for nearly a decade, and one of my favorite things to do is travel around Florida. One of my go-to spots is Fort Lauderdale, a refreshing city right on the Atlantic Ocean located about 30 miles north of Miami. With a population of about 200,000 residents, this eastern Florida city is known for its quieter beaches, walkable downtown, and vibrant stores and restaurants. It's also famous for having hundreds of miles of canals that curl in and around the city a feature that's earned it the nickname "Venice of America." Just like in Italy's Venice, these winding waterways are very much a part of daily life in this Florida city. However, if your mind is now swimming with images of Italy's lagoon-encased city filled with gondolas, keep reading before you book your trip to Fort Lauderdale. There are lots of great things to do in Fort Lauderdale's downtown area 4 India Amos If you plan on visiting Fort Lauderdale and want to indulge in the city's Venetian spirit, I've got suggestions for popular things you can do in the city. For one, you'll want to head downtown and make Las Olas your home base. Las Olas Boulevard is a pedestrian-friendly roadway that runs parallel to the New River, which sits a few blocks south. Las Olas India Amos It stretches all the way to the beaches, but the part closer to the US-1 highway in the west is where you'll find the most popular stores and restaurants many of which tout their water views to guests and offer lots of outdoor seating. Here, you can set out on foot to shop along the tree-lined boulevard, grab brunch at the French-inspired Cafe Bastille Fort Lauderdale, or visit the Historic Stranahan House Museum by the water. It's also worth riding the free water trolley at least once 3. Fort Lauderdale Boats India Amos Though downtown Fort Lauderdale is definitely walkable especially compared to other parts of South Florida you don't have to set out on foot if you don't want to. Like the vaporetto in Venice, the area offers water taxis that you can pay to ride, but I suggest the LauderGO! Water Trolley, which is free. The trolley transports visitors along the New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, allowing them to travel seamlessly from one popular spot to the next. It runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., traveling in a loop and stopping at popular locations along the north and south sides of the river, including Riverfront Plaza, Esplanade Park, and Tarpon River. Be sure to stroll along the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk is lined with trees, shops, and eateries. India Amos When I visited Venice, one of my favorite things to do was walk along the canals early in the morning or right before dusk. The gentle lapping of the water was calming, and the views were as beautiful as what I'd seen in pictures online. In Fort Lauderdale, you can get that same feeling by wandering along the Riverwalk, a passageway that, as the name suggests, follows the curve and flow of the New River. I enjoy walking here in the morning with a coffee in hand, unhurried, as I take in the beautiful nature of South Florida. All in all, Fort Lauderdale is worth a visit just keep your expectations in check The city is definitely worth a visit in its own right, but picturing an Italian-style city plopped down along Florida's southeastern coast will only set you up for disappointment and you'll miss out on all the incredible things Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Although the vibes in these two cities are completely different, both have some beautiful canals that are integral to the local community. Fort Lauderdale is no dupe for Italy, but it's a wonderful pick if you're looking to enjoy some waterside dining and sunshine. Read the original article on Business Insider An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani smiling, Image 2 shows Renee Nicole Good, an American woman, looking out of a car window, moments before she was shot by an ICE agent, Image 3 shows Police vehicles and media personnel outside NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital after an officer-involved shooting The late Colin Powell, in an interview about the difference between governing and campaigning, invoked his long experience and humor to describe it this way: I think any human being with an IQ over 40, who is a mammal, loves governing more than campaigning. Its a shame that Powell, a top military leader and a secretary of state who died in 2021, isnt available to counsel Zohran Mamdani. If he were, perhaps he could get through to New Yorks new mayor, who appears to be so in love with campaigning that he cant kick the habit. Though hes been in office less than two weeks, Mayor Zohran Mamdanis Socialist-echoing choices of words and topics are early warning signs of trouble ahead. ZUMAPRESS.com How else to explain Mamdanis grating tendency to speak in ways that appeal only to his base of far-leftist supporters? Though hes been in office less than two weeks, his Socialist-echoing choices of words and topics are early warning signs of trouble ahead. The 34-year-old mayor was in clear campaign mode last week when he parroted the radical mob condemning events in Minnesota and used the most loaded language possible. Murdered This morning, an ICE agent murdered a woman in Minneapolis only the latest horror in a year full of cruelty, Mamdani said in a statement on X. As ICE attacks our neighbors across America, it is an attack on us all. New York stands with immigrants today, and every day that follows. The stew of anti-ICE bile, the use of the inflammatory word murder and his habit of erasing the distinction between legal and illegal immigrants are all standard fare among far-left wackos. Such fact-free remarks would not carry much weight if Mamdani were still a junior legislator in Albany, where nobody cares what newbies say. But he is now the mayor of Americas largest city, giving far greater significance to all his words. And because the vast majority of 8.5 million New Yorkers did not vote for him, its time he starts to behave as something other than a candidate and a junior back-bencher. Video footage taken by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shows Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7, 2026, moments before she was shot and killed in Minneapolis. ALPHA NEWS/AFP via Getty Images Most importantly, he is in charge of and responsible for the nations largest police force. The NYPD has 35,000 men and women in its ranks, and they are trained extensively in situations where they must make crucial decisions. They are armed because their No. 1 job is to protect innocent lives, and they have every right to expect that their mayor will back them in those life-and-death situations unless and until the facts prove the officers acted improperly. On that front, the first big tests came quickly, and Mamdanis response earned him a big fat F for failure. Not long after he used the word murder to describe the ICE shooting in Minneapolis, he was confronted by two fatal NYPD shootings. His initial reaction was not what cops have a right to expect, and not what Commissioner Jessica Tisch hoped for, The Post reports. Police vehicles are parked outside NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Brooklyn, after an NYPD officer shot a man wielding a sharp object inside. AP Both incidents took place Thursday, with the first in NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Park Slope. Officials said a bloodied patient barricaded himself in a room with a sharp, broken piece of a toilet and was trying to hurt another patient and a member of the hospitals security staff in a blood-smeared room. After Tasers failed to stop the assailant, police fired their weapons, killing him. He was later identified as 62-year-old Michael Lynch, a one-time police officer who resigned from the force some 30 years ago. Major leagues The second shooting unfolded six hours later when cops were flagged down at the scene of a road rage incident in the West Village. They said a motorist, later identified as 37-year-old Dmitry Zass, walked out of a BMW, apparently with a gun in his hand. When he refused to drop the gun, cops opened fire and struck Zass, who was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Officers said his weapon was a realistic-looking imitation of a Sig Sauer handgun. In a new social media post, Mamdani said the shootings were devastating to all New Yorkers and that I know many are eager for answers. The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation I will work with Commissioner Tisch to ensure this is as thorough and swift as possible. His use of the word devastating and the emphasis on an internal investigation were reportedly seen by many in the NYPD as casting doubt on the officers decisions. While Tisch also noted that there would be internal probes, which are standard, she added that she believed the officers acted properly. If nothing else, the incidents marked a welcome to the major leagues moment for Mamdani. The size of the force and the huge civilian population mean citizen-police clashes are inevitable and frequent. Not all lead to violence, but the potential is always there. In 20234, cops made more than 260,000 arrests, and used some level of force more than 11,000 times, according to a department report summarized in The City. Weapons-related arrests are the most volatile, and police were involved in 14 fatal shootings that year, the report says. The vast scope of the encounters and the potential for violence is such that a mayor who instinctively distrusts the police will soon find himself undermining their performance and at war with the rank-and-file. Dont be de Blasio That approach might initially play well for Mamdanis political base, but long-term, it carries the seeds of political and civic disaster. If he doesnt have their backs, police officers, rookies and veterans alike, are more likely to walk away from trouble than tackle it. That could lead to a city swamped by crime, which would doom Mamdanis tenure. Indeed, his past means he is already viewed with suspicion. A key factor is that Mamdani has rarely if ever recognized the risks of policing, and identified himself as anti-cop years ago by calling them racist and supporting the defund movement. In those ways, he resembles Mayor Putz, a k a Bill de Blasio, whom Mamdani foolishly called his favorite mayor. De Blasios relationship with the NYPD became so toxic that cops turned their backs on him at a police funeral. If Mamdani is as smart as his supporters believe he is, he will ignore de Blasios approach and learn from three other predecessors, Eric Adams, Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg. They all wisely took the position that police, like all citizens, are innocent until proven guilty. That stance is the minimum that law enforcement officers need and deserve. After all, they are risking their lives to defend ours. The least a mayor, or for that matter, any New Yorker, can do is give them the benefit of the doubt until the facts are gathered. To do otherwise is to do what Mamdani did about the Minnesota incident. His fact-free overreaction echoed the ICE-hating words of dopey Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Their far-left condemnation of law enforcement invites chaos and insurrection. If thats the path Mamdani follows in New York, Katie bar the door. vintage furniture shop - Redmark/Getty Images If you're on a mission to revamp your interior design, look to thrift stores and vintage shops for an array of quality furniture fit for a modern home. If you're willing to spend time hunting around, you can track down incredible vintage wood furniture and artfully made, craftsman pieces for a steal. If you're lucky, you might even stumble across iconic old-school furniture designed by a legend Milo Baughman. Milo Ray Baughman was a renowned name in the mid century modern movement, forever shaping what we now associate with 1950s and 60s interior design. His designs were the blueprint for the "California Modern" style. Baughman's work merges functionality with artistic form. A lot of his pieces feature chrome detailing, leather, high gloss lacquer, glass, and other home finishes that are making a major comeback today. Milo Baughman lounge sofas, coffee tables, and credenzas are particularly desirable finds. Baughman partnered with a variety of well-known furniture companies in the 1940s and 50s but the magic really happened when he teamed up with Thayer Coggin, Inc. in 1953. This partnership helped shape an entire generation of style. Baughman contributed his unique designs to Thayer Coggins, Inc until his death in 2003. To this day, you can still find his designs in their catalogs and in stores like Crate & Barrel. But you can also track down authentic, vintage Milo Baughman pieces at your local thrift shop. Read more: 15 Valuable Vintage Trinkets You Should Always Look For At Thrift Stores & Estate Sales How to track down Milo Baughman-Thayer Coggins furniture Milo Baughman chaise - artnet Get to know Milo Baughman's iconic work by perusing Thayer Coggin's gallery, which is dedicated to their collaborative pieces. You'll see his trademark structured seating featuring plush upholstery and distinctive flat metal bar frames. His work isn't overtly colorful in nature, but it does feature intentional statement pieces to add a bold flourish to your home. Baughman's philosophy was that his work should be attractive at every angle, so even the back of a piece would feature a finish. Never one for fleeting trends, Baughman endeavored to craft pieces that would maintain their relevance for years to come. When you're on the hunt for any specific thrift store antique brand, knowing your history is pivotal. Milo Baughman had a storied career right up until the end, designing for a variety of companies. While he's best known for his work with Thayer Coggins, he also contributed his designs to plenty of other renowned companies. You can find Milo Baughman furniture sprinkles throughout the catalogs of companies like Arch Gordon, Mode Furniture, Glenn of California, Henredon, The Inco Company, Pacific Iron, Murray Furniture of Winchendon, Design Institute America, George Kovacs, Directional Furniture, and Drexel. If you find a piece that looks similar to Baughman's style but wasn't manufactured by one of the companies he partnered with, it's likely just based on his work. If all else fails, consult a professional appraiser to be sure you found an authentic Milo Baughman piece. Enjoyed this article? Get expert home tips, DIY guides, and design inspiration by signing up to the House Digest newsletter and adding us as a preferred search source! Read the original article on House Digest. Alaska Art Wolfe/ via Getty Images Quick Take Survival for migratory land animals is now tied to overcoming man-made obstacles such as roadways and railroads. Increasing road density may be a cause of population declines for Alaska caribou herds trying to navigate historical paths. A new study reports negative effects of the Delong Mountain Transportation System on the Western Arctic Caribou Herds southward migration to wintering grounds. Mortality rates of females before calving nearly doubled for the subset of caribou that failed to cross or circumvent the road and instead overwintered northward. The Wildlife Crossing Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 6078), if passed, could boost habitat connectivity for caribou and other migratory wildlife. Migratory land mammals roam annually over large swaths of landscape to obtain seasonally available resources. For example, caribou (Rangifer tarandus) migrate southward in massive herds to their winter ranges as autumn days get colder and snow accumulates. During winter months, they depend mostly on lichens for food, which they find by using their shovel-like hooves to scoop away snow. Adaptations like puffy fur and long, warming nasal passages give caribou the cold resilience they need to make some of the longest land migrations in the world, totaling thousands of miles. But, as barriers such as roads, railroads, and fences have increasingly crisscrossed caribou habitats, these animals have faced novel challenges in making migrations that are critical to their life history. One of the worlds largest caribou herds, the Western Arctic Herd, has been experiencing steep population declines, with the 2022 herd roughly a third of its peak size in 2003, according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game data. One of the causes may be the mounting barriers to migration. A study recently published in Scientific Reports found that even in remote areas like northwest Alaska, roads are altering the movements of caribou. Caribou migrate south through the DeLong Mountains in the Noatak National Preserve. Western Arctic National Parklands/CC-BY-2.0 Original / License (Western Arctic National Parklands/CC-BY-2.0) Environmental scientists studied an area with an 80-km-long industrial road, the Delong Mountain Transportation System, which was completed in 1989 to connect the Red Dog zinc and lead mine to the seaport. A team from the State University of New York, Syracuse, The Wilderness Society, and the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve analyzed location and survival data from 366 adult female caribou wearing tracking collars. The data, which spanned 2010 to 2023, was used to compare survival rates of caribou whose movements were altered by the road with those that werent affected by it. The risks imposed by roads ranged from adding substantial distances to circumvent them, which can cost metabolic energy, to getting hit by cars while trying to directly cross them. Wildlife biologist Jim Dau, retired from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, expressed concern about the road effects in 2023 after observing that Some of those caribou had to have walked two or 300 miles by the time they zigged and zagged, and tried and failed, and finally got across before they crossed the road. Caribou face hazards of when they cross roads to reach the resources they need. NPS/Jacob W. Frank/CC-BY-2.0 Original / License (NPS/Jacob W. Frank/CC-BY-2.0) The results of the recent study did not uncover a statistically significant difference in survival rates between caribou who changed their movements in response to the Delong Road and those who didnt, with both groups experiencing similar mortality rates before calving (about 21.5 percent). What stood out, however, was that caribou that managed to either cross or go around the road to access southern wintering grounds had significantly higher survival rates than caribou that treated it as a barrier by migrating north. About 42 percent of the caribou who overwintered northwest of it died before calving. The study authors conclude that, even in an otherwise isolated area, a road that acts as an impermeable barrier to migration can negatively impact fitness. The mortality rates nearly doubled for the subset of caribou that failed to cross or circumvent the road. If the road had been permeable to those caribou, they might have experienced higher survival rates on the southwestern wintering grounds. Other migratory species are likely to suffer fitness declines from barriers to their historic migrations. The researchers assert that Unimpeded flow of migratory species will allow them to utilize the landscape in the most efficient manner and respond to the dynamic environmental conditions they experience. They recommend that management plans for migratory species prioritize safeguarding and improving connectivity of animal habitats. Structures like this one along the Trans-Canada Highway from Lake Louise to Banff, Canada, are designed to encourage wildlife to cross over roadways safely. Adam Fagen/CC-BY-NC-SA Original / License (Adam Fagen/CC-BY-NC-SA) One aspect of connectivity is improving road permeability in areas that are safe for wildlife crossings. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation launched a grant programThe Wildlife Crossings Pilot Programto fund solutions to improve habitat connectivity for animals by getting them safely across roads. Bearing in mind that animals walking across roads also pose a hazard to motorists, the federal funding was used to pay for innovations such as the construction of wildlife overpasses, environmental permitting for wildlife crossings, and adaptations of culverts and bridges to provide crossing points. A Wildlife Crossing Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 6078) was recently introduced to the House by Representative Donald Beyer of the Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee. Its passage, along with the equivalent Senate bill (S. 3503), may give caribou and other migratory wildlife a leg up in survival as they increasingly come into contact with human activities and development. The post Outrunning Extinction: How Caribou Battle Manmade Obstacles for Winter Survival appeared first on A-Z Animals. Netflix "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." When beloved books are adapted for TV or film, changes are inevitable. Sometimes these edits will upset book readers, but once in a while, a revision can improve upon the original material. The reception will always be subjective, but its something readers should prepare themselves for when watching a favorite book come to the big screen. Thats all to say: There is a big shift in the ending of People We Meet on Vacation. Now, dont worry, theres still a happily ever after. This is a rom-com, after all. (Some rules are not to be broken.) Below, heres a look at how the movie ending differs from the conclusion in the original version of Emily Henrys bestselling novel: Spoilers below for the ending of People We Meet on Vacation. The movie ending Netflix In the movie, the plot diverges most significantly during the Tuscany sequence, which depicts Poppy and Alexs last trip together for two years. After a somewhat awkward dinner with two couplesAlex and his on-and-off girlfriend Sarah (Sarah Catherine Hook), and Poppy with her movie-only boyfriend Trey (Lucien Laviscount)Poppy calls Alex and asks him to meet her outside the villa. She is worried she might be pregnant. They go to a nearby village, where she buys a pregnancy test that turns out to be negative. As Alex comforts her, they nearly kiss, but Alex stops it. Poppy tries to move past the moment and says she sees Alex only as a friend. The next morning, Alex proposes to Sarah. In front of Sarah and Trey, Poppy makes an effort to appear happy for them. In private, she questions Alexs choice, asking what he is giving up, including plans for a PhD and teaching in New York or Europe. Alex says they plan to stay in Linfield, Ohio, their hometown, where Sarah will take over her fathers real estate business. He tells Poppy that he is willing to make sacrifices and says pointedly that she lives in a fantasy land and does not understand. He also tells her that Tuscany will be their last trip together, setting a clear boundary. Then, Alexs brothers wedding in Barcelona marks the first time Poppy and Alex see each other in two years. They argue back at their rental apartment, but then confess their love for each other. Alex reveals that he and Sarah broke up more than a year earlier. They attend the wedding together and enjoy the evening until a conversation about the future leads Alex to say they are still too different. He walks away, leaving Poppy alone on the dance floor. On the return trip to New York, Poppy runs into Sarah at the airport. Sarah is now a flight attendant and tells Poppy that she once blamed her for the breakup but now realizes Poppy helped her see that she did not know what she wanted. Poppy returns home, writes her final magazine article reflecting on the trip and the ones before it, and then goes back to Linfield to find Alex. She tells him that no matter where she is in the world, he is her home. By the following summer, Alex is living in New York with Poppy and appears to be teaching at Sarah Lawrence College, based on his sweatshirt. The film ends with them taking another trip together to an unspecified remote beach, just the two of them. The book ending Netflix In the novel, the ending is quite different, at least geographically. In Emily Henrys version, after toggling back and forth between the two timelines, readers finally learn what happened two years prior on that fateful last trip to Croatia, not Tuscany. After years of buildup, Poppy and Alex share a drunken kiss. Alex stops it from going further, which Poppy reads as rejection, prompting her to pull away from the friendship. People We Meet on Vacation $10.54 at amazon.com In the current timeline, after Davids wedding in Barcelona, where Poppy and Alex had the same argument, she goes back to New York City. After going to therapy, Poppy comes to understand a pattern of avoiding her problems through constant travel. She also realizes that Alex did not reject her. The moment in Croatia stemmed from a communication breakdown, with Alex hesitant to begin a relationship during a drunken encounter. Poppy returns to Linfield to reconnect with Alex. He initially hesitates, worried that his preference for staying rooted in one place will leave her unhappy. Poppy explains that after an isolated childhood (which isnt really discussed in the movie so much except to say that she doesnt like living in Linfield and finds it boring), she believed traveling would cure her loneliness. She has come to realize that she never feels alone when she is with Alex. In the novels epilogue, the two are living together in New York City, where Alex has secured a teaching job. Poppy has left her position at Rest + Relaxation magazine to write a new column for an unnamed outlet titled People You Meet in New York. Echoing the summer trip they once missed (which is referenced in the movie when Poppy was sick), the couple is already planning their next summer trip to Norway and Sweden. People We Meet on Vacation is now streaming on Netflix. Watch Now You Might Also Like A Pennsylvania man allegedly stole dozens of bones, skulls and human remains from a historic cemetery and even had corpses hanging from the ceiling of his home, according to authorities. Jonathan Christian Gerlach was arrested Tuesday after a months-long investigation into a slew of body snatchings at the 200-acre Mount Morah Cemetery in the Philadelphia suburb of Yeadon, authorities said. He now faces 500 criminal charges for the grisly burglaries, which began in November. Jonathan Christian Gerlach was charged with stealing more than 100 human bones from a historic cemetery, police officials said. CBS 3 The macabre thief had been rappelling into mausoleums, prying open underground vaults and removing human remains dating back more than a century, police said. Gerlach, 34, of Ephrata, which is about 90 minutes west of Philadelphia, was nabbed after an investigator checked his vehicle plates and found he had been near Yeadon repeatedly during the period when the burglaries occurred. He was allegedly spotted Jan. 6 when cops doing surveillance saw his car inside the cemetery, the Delaware County District Attorney said. Investigators then watched as Gerlach allegedly exited the cemetery carrying a crowbar and a burlap bag, they said. Bones and skulls were visible inside his vehicle when he was arrested, according to authorities. Gerlach allegedly admitted to stealing approximately 30 sets of human remains from Mount Moriah and even explained how he accessed the burial sites. Cops walked into a horror movie, according to Delaware County DA Tanner Rouse. CBS 3 In my 30-year career, probably one of the most horrific things, said Yeadon Borough Police Chief Henry Giammarco. There was an infant, and unfortunately, to see that being a father and a grandfather, it truly tears your heart up. When people are laid to rest, thats important. The DA said a search warrant was executed later that night at Gerlachs home and a storage unit, which they said led to the recovery of more than 100 full or partial sets of human and skeletal remains. Very simply, detectives walked into a horror movie come to life in that home, Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said. Understand, some of these are 200 years old. Some obviously much newer, theres one with a pacemaker still attached to the body. It is truly, in the most literal sense of the word, horrific, Rouse said. I grieve for those who are upset by this, who are going through this, who are trying to figure out if it is in fact one of their loved ones. Investigators later uncovered online activity tied to Gerlach, including posts in a Human Bones and Skull selling group, where a buyer thanked him for mailing a possible teen and a baboon and a monkey, they alleged. Other social media posts showed Gerlach posing with a skull, captioned, riding a Harley, and slinging skulls, according to police. Following a review of the evidence, prosecutors approved a sweeping list of 500 criminal charges against Gerlach, including burglary, trespass, abuse of a corpse, theft by unlawful taking of stolen property, and multiple counts related to desecration of burial places and public monuments. Prosecutors said Gerlach is currently being held at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility on $1 million cash bail. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said additional remains could still be identified. They noted that its not clear if any remains were sold or why Gerlach wanted them. Ten days after the apparent shooting deaths of an Ohio dentist and his wife, police announced an arrest in the case, identifying the suspect as her ex-husband. Michael David McKee, 39, was arrested Saturday and charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, who were found dead in their Columbus home last month. Monique and Spencer Tepe. (Courtesy Tepe family) (Courtesy Tepe family) McKee and Monique Tepe had married in 2015 and divorced two years later, records show. A funeral visitation for the couple took place Sunday in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Heres what we know about the case. What happened? The couple was discovered dead at their Columbus home on the morning of Dec. 30 after concerned friends and colleagues of Spencer Tepes called authorities. The dentists boss called at 8:58 a.m., according to a transcript of the call, and described his employee as reliable and always on time but said he hadnt shown up to work and no one could reach him. Were very, very concerned because this is very out of character, and we cant get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing, he said. A police officer in Columbus, Ohio, adjusts crime scene tape after officers responded to a home and found Monique and Spencer Tepe dead. (Doral Chenoweth / USA Today Network via Imagn Images) (Doral Chenoweth) Roughly an hour later, a friend of Spencer Tepes stopped by the familys home for what he described in a 911 call as a wellness check. According to a transcript of the call, the friend found Spencer Tepe lying next to his bed in a puddle of blood. The couples two young children could be heard screaming in the background as the friend spoke to the dispatcher. Police arrived shortly after and the couple was pronounced dead at 10:11 a.m., according to an incident report. Authorities later said the kids were unharmed. The Franklin County Coroners Office said the couples preliminary cause and manner of death was an apparent homicide by gunshot wound. Who were Spencer and Monique Tepe? Spencer Tepe worked at a dental practice in Athens, Ohio, where he focused on comprehensive dentistry and implant therapy, according to a company biography. He was fluent in Spanish and was committed to serving others, a family statement said. Monique Tepe had a background in childhood education, family said, and loved baking. The family statement described her as a loving patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her. Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship, the family said. They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love. They were proud parents of two beautiful children and their beloved Goldendoodle, and they created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection. Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead from gunshot wounds in their home in Columbus. (Rob Misleh) (Rob Misleh) We are heartbroken beyond words, the family added. While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply. A family friend, Phyllis Williams, remembered Monique Tepe as a very beautiful soul. She and Spencer loved each other dearly, and they were soulmates, she said Sunday. Following news of McKees arrest, the family called it an important step toward justice for Monique and Spencer. Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon, the family said, while thanking police and the community for support. Monique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts, and we carry forward their love as we surround and protect the two children they leave behind, the statement said. We will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought into this world. What do police say? Investigators believe the couple was killed between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., a three-hour window in which a person of interest was recorded on a security camera walking in an alley next to their home, the police department said last week. The brief video shows a person walking in the alley wearing light-colored pants and a dark hooded jacket. Police did not confirm Saturday whether McKee is believed to be the person seen in the video. Security video shows a person of interest in the homicides of Spencer and Monique Tepe. (Columbus Police Department) (Columbus Police Department) In an interview with Spectrum News, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant appeared to explain the gap in time between when Spencer Tepes boss called and when his friend stopped by, saying that an officer who was initially dispatched to their home went to the wrong address. He did everything that he was supposed to do, knocked on the door, check the backyard, all those things, but it was not the right location, she told the outlet. Who is Michael McKee? McKee, who resides in Chicago, and Monique Tepe shared no children together. Hes being held in the Winnebago County Jail in Illinois, according to authorities, and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. It was not immediately clear whether he has retained a lawyer. McKee is a medical doctor specializing in vascular surgery, according to online license records. He is licensed in California and Illinois, and was previously licensed in Nevada, but that license expired in June. He graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 2014, the records show. He was listed as a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, a city about 90 miles northwest of Chicago. OSF Healthcare said it is cooperating with authorities. His medical license records show no disciplinary history or malpractice. His criminal record shows only traffic-related tickets. Calls to numbers listed for his family members went unanswered Saturday. Collage of Reza Pahlavi speaking and scenes from protests with burning cars and fires. An exiled prince and an ex-president are among the top contenders who could ascend to power in Iran if its Islamist regime topples after over four decades of repressive rule, experts told The Post. One name that has reemerged is Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince who fled to the United States in his teens a year before his familys dynastic rule was overthrown in the revolution of 1979. Pahlavi, 65, who now lives in Maryland, has been cultivating relations with DC officials and the Iranian diaspora ever since. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, has been mentioned as a possible successor. He is calling for a transition to democracy. AP Pahlavi is a complicated character, but without a doubt he has a certain following inside of the country, said Reuel Marc Gerecht, a former CIA officer on the Iran desk. And nostalgia has increased inside the Islamic Republic, he added. As the Islamic Republics charisma has cratered, Pahlavis standing has grown, if not skyrocketed, he told The Post. When Pahlavi called for people to protest on Jan. 8 and 9, he got 3.2 million likes and 88 million views on Persian Instagram. The son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the shah from 1941 to 1979, penned an op-ed this week in the Washington Post where he called for a transition to democracy, rather than reinstalling a monarchy that fell during the revolution. I have therefore stepped forward to lead and serve in that capacity: not as a ruler-in-waiting, but as a steward of a national transition to democracy, he insisted. And there are some who doubt whether someone who has been away for so long could command the necessary support inside the country, but some street protesters have been calling for his return following his call to action. Irans former President Hassan Rouhani, who had a phone call with Barack Obama in 2013, is also being mentioned. AP Massive street protests raise the possibility that the regime in Tehran could crumble Sinai Images/Shutterstock Former President Hassan Rouhani is another figure who could reemerge, experts said. The cleric who served as Irans seventh president from 2013 to 2021 was the first Iranian leader to hold direct talks with a US president when he had a phone call with Barack Obama in 2013. He has taken heat inside the Iranian government for calls for dialogue with the west. Crowds gathered in the evening around an open fire in Pounak Square, in the Iranian capital Tehran. A series of protests were the biggest in more than three years UGC/AFP via Getty Images Seyed Hossein Mousavian is an Iranian policymaker and scholar who served on Irans nuclear diplomacy team in negotiations from 2003 to 2005 wikimedia/Ericblair87 Rouhani is now coming under hard scrutiny by the regime, according to Iran expert and activist Ali Reza Nourizadeh. Theyre listening to his telephone. They are watching him. So therefore they believe that the Americans are talking with people inside Iran, he said. Yet another rumored potential leader is Sayed Hossain Moussavian. He served as Irans ambassador to Germany under President Hashemi Rafsanjani, as spokesman for Irans nuclear negotiators from 2003 to 2005, and did a stint at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs Moussavian is one of many members of Rafsanjanis clique with a well-honed survival instinct, said Andrew Apostolou of the Britain Israel Communications and Research Center. Survival of the fittest may also determine the next leader who could emerge from one of the nations over one dozen government security services. Its not going to be a person per se. What forces can come in and take control of the streets? said Iran scholar Alireza Nader, president and senior adviser of the Nader Research Group in DC. Ultimately, its forces on the ground, he continued. As long as the regime sticks together, theyre going to kill a lot of people before it comes to that. The Smithsonian Institutions National Portrait Gallery revealed President Trumps new photographic portrait but also removed most of the adjoining text that mentions his two impeachments and the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, The Washington Post reported Saturday. The White House shared a photo of the updated Americas Presidents exhibit across its social media accounts on Saturday, while Trump himself also touted the new portrait on Truth Social. White House photographer Daniel Torok shot the image, which shows Trump in black and white with his fists on the resolute desk, looking into the camera. For the first time in history, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery has hung up an iconic photo taken by the White House honoring President Trump, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement to The Hill. His unmatched aura will be seen and felt throughout the halls of the National Portrait Gallery. Trumps new photo replaced one of former President Biden, which museum guests first see when entering the exhibit. Guests visiting the exhibit in the opposite direction will see portraits of the presidents in chronological order. Trumps previous portrait, with his hands folded in front of him, was on the opposite side of the pillar where Bidens portrait was located. Prior to the changes, Trumps photo already had two small wooden plaques with the numbers 45 and 47, reflecting his two nonconsecutive terms. Only former President Grover Cleveland has two similar plaques, as he was the only president to serve two nonconsecutive terms until Trump returned to power in 2025. Text beside Trumps previous portrait said, Impeached twice, on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials, the Post wrote. The Hill reached out to the National Portrait Gallery for comment about the texts removal. The placard was replaced with a short one that only notes Trumps years in office, the Post reported. Other portraits throughout the gallery include text highlighting events during each presidents time in office. Former President Clintons text still includes language about his impeachment. National Portrait Gallery spokesperson Concetta Duncan told the Post that the museum was looking at less descriptive tombstone labels, which are detail-light signs that give only essential information about works on display. It remains unclear if the change was at the direction of the administration, though changes to the gallery were expected to be made with Bidens exit and Trumps return last year. Prior to Trumps return to the White House, the gallery featured a photo of Trump ahead of his inauguration. The photo was taken in 2019 by photographer Pari Dukovic, on assignment for Time magazine. It shows Trump sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. The photo was displayed from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11. Early last year, Trump signed an executive order seeking to remove ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history from the Smithsonians museums, national parks, monuments and memorials. Trump also fired former National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet, whom he accused of being highly partisan. Kevin Gover now serves as acting director. The National Museum of American History in August removed part of its presidents exhibit that mentioned Trumps two impeachments. The exhibit, The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, briefly stated that only three presidents have seriously faced removal. A Smithsonian spokesperson told The Hill at the time that it was a short-term change. Because the other topics in this section had not been updated since 2008, the decision was made to restore the Impeachment case back to its 2008 appearance, the spokesperson said. The museum quickly said it would restore the exhibit in the coming weeks to reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nations history. Updated at 10:12 p.m. EST 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. Fisherman holding live lobster - Andrew Lichtenstein/Getty Images In particular parts of the country, regional specialties simply dominate the culinary landscape: barbecue in Texas and the South, pizza in the New York and Chicago areas, and seafood throughout New England. Among the many fish and crustaceans that grace northeastern plates, lobster often stands above the rest as a symbol of succulent luxury. One state stands out far beyond the rest when it comes to hauling in these delicacies. That's Maine, a state long associated with lobster fishing and cuisine. According to the federal NOAA Fisheries data, commercial fishermen in Maine harvested 87,229,896 pounds of American lobster in 2024, worth a stunning $536,171,172. That's many times more than second-place Massachusetts, which brought in 16,511,281 pounds, valued at a comparably meager $115,588,769. The numbers drop even more steeply after that, with New Hampshire harvesting 7,624,136 pounds of lobster, followed by 1,147,499 pounds in Rhode Island. No other state caught more than a million pounds in 2024. Although their habitat ranges from Maine to North Carolina, this one-state lobster dominance is nothing new. Maine fishermen have been catching lobster since the 1600s, making it one of America's oldest continuing industries. It's been the nation's top lobster producer for over three decades, thanks in part to its proximity to fertile lobster fishing grounds in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and other Southern New England waters. Read more: What Did Cowboys Really Eat In The Old West? Maine's lobster harvests are massive, but sustainability is key Cooked lobster on picnic table - charlescurtis photography/Shutterstock Despite the significant annual harvest, the Pine Tree State's lobstermen aren't simply grabbing as much as they can, whenever they can. Strict sustainability standards are followed, including returning under- or oversized lobsters to the water, marking and protecting egg-bearing females to help breeding stocks, and using low-impact gear and traps. Lobsters weren't always the high-priced luxury they are in today's culinary world. Historic accounts tell of the crustaceans being so plentiful that they were more commonly eaten by the poor, prisoners, enslaved people, and others who couldn't afford or access more desirable proteins. They became a delicacy in the late 19th century, soaring again in popularity decades later when they escaped World War II-era rationing rules. Today, lobster are an infrequent enough treat that many foodies need to remind themselves to avoid the mistakes everyone makes when buying lobster, like overlooking a lobster's physical condition, when they choose to indulge. So, the next time you're tucking into a lobster roll or any other sweet, succulent lobster dish, you likely don't have to wonder where your meal was pulled out of the water. In most cases, that's the cold, clean waters off the coast of Maine. For more food and drink goodness, join our newsletter and add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on Mashed. A desert big horned ram begins a jump down a steep incline on red slickrock. MelaniWright/Shutterstock.com Quick Take Nevada designated the desert bighorn sheep as its state animal in 1973, citing its toughness and ability to survive extreme desert conditions. After dropping to about 2,000 animals in the 1960s, Nevadas desert bighorn sheep population has rebounded to roughly 14,000. The sheeps powerful horns, specialized hooves, and efficient digestion allow it to navigate steep mountains and survive with limited water. Despite population gains, desert bighorn sheep continue to face threats from disease, habitat loss, climate change, and urban development. Its no surprise that a state as unique and fascinating as Nevada chose an equally exceptional animal as its symbol. Nevada, known for its unusual mix of rugged outdoor landscapes and one of Americas most glitzy cities, is the driest state in the nation, and also the most mountainous. Anyone who can adapt to its harsh desert environment, whether animal or person, embodies resilience. Ant this resilience is what the state legislatures had in mind in 1973 when they chose the desert bighorn sheep as the official state animal. Doug Nielsen, a spokesman for the Nevada Division of Wildlife, told the Reno Gazette Journal, The bighorn is representative of everything about Nevada. Its rugged. It lives in a rugged landscape. It makes its life in a harsh environment. It has had its ups and downs like the human residents of Nevada, but it continues to fight and hang in there. Desert bighorn sheep horns may weigh up to 30 pounds. twildlife/iStock via Getty Images (twildlife/iStock via Getty Images) By the 1960s, only around 2,000 desert bighorn sheep remained in Nevada, down from tens of thousands before settlers arrived. It was during this time that conservation movements to save the sheep began to grow in support. Thanks to organizations such as the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn and Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, populations have rebounded to around 14,000. Around the same time as concern grew for the dwindling desert sheep, the state legislature began looking for an animal to make its state symbol. In 1973, lawmakers introduced AB 139 to designate the desert bighorn sheep as the official state animal. Previous attempts to designate a state animal had failed. Those were the mule deer in 1963 and the mustang in 1971. There are three subspecies of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis): Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae), Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelson). Scientists believe that Siberian snow sheep, an ancestor of bighorn sheep, crossed the Bering Land Bridge into North America around 75,000 to one million years ago. (The Bering Land Bridge once connected Asia with North America.) Desert bighorn sheep are a little smaller than the Rocky Mountain subspecies. Desert bighorns weigh around 90 to 180 pounds. Both the rams and ewes have horns, but ewe horns are smaller and thinner. Ram horns are distinct in that they are curved, heavy, and thick. The horns can grow very long as they curl back over the ears of the ram. They may weigh as much as 30 pounds. Rams use their horns to establish dominance and determine mating rights. People have observed ram clashes lasting up to 24 hours. Both ewes and rams use their horns as tools to split open cactus to get to the fleshy pulp on the inside. Desert bighorn sheep are well adapted to Nevadas desert environment. Not only can they split open hard plants to access moisture, but their digestive systems also break down tough desert plants to obtain nutrients. They have cloven hooves that are specially shaped to grip the rocky terrain as they climb up and down the mountainsides. The agile sheep can balance on a mere 2-inch ledge and make 20-foot leaps to cross overhangs. By climbing to higher elevations during the summer, desert bighorns evade predators like mountain lions and coyotes. Bighorn sheep are rugged and resilient, able to survive harsh desert conditions. Richard Jackson/iStock via Getty Images (Richard Jackson/iStock via Getty Images) Before European settlers arrived in Nevada, millions of bighorn sheep, including all three subspecies, roamed North America. The wild sheep were very important both spiritually and culturally to the indigenous people. Moapa Band of Paiutes Chairman, Greg Anderson, told Friends of Nevada Wilderness just how special the sheep are to the Nuwuvi or Nuwu (Southern Paiute People). One of our most sacred animals is the Nahgah (mountain sheep). Legend tells us that they stepped forward to sacrifice their lives so we could survive when times were tough and food was scarce. They were one of the main food sources for the Nuwu. They are our protectors who watch over us through sickness, droughts and the beauty of song they have gifted us through their power and energy. Although desert bighorn sheep numbers are up from their lowest during the 1960s, they still face a number of threats, including disease, climate change, habitat loss, and loss of wildlife corridors due to development. To keep their gene pool healthy, bighorn sheep need to be able to travel far during mating season. But when wildlife corridors are cut off by development, the sheep can get isolated. Bighorn lambs are particularly vulnerable to a type of bacterial pneumonia that can be transmitted from domestic sheep. Wildlife biologists continue to study wild sheep and their behaviors to help them overcome these threats. Some strategies include creating new wildlife corridors, protecting water supplies, and addressing pneumonia outbreaks. The post Survival in the Desert: How the Desert Bighorn Sheep Became Nevadas State Animal appeared first on A-Z Animals. The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, Republican of Florida, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 11, 2026. MARGARET BRENNAN: We turn now to Florida Republican congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, who joins us this morning from Miami. Congresswoman, welcome to Face the Nation. REP. MARIA ELVIRA SALAZAR: Thank you for the opportunity. MARGARET BRENNAN: You are one of Maria Corina Machado's top allies in Congress. You've said she is coming to Washington this week. President Trump said maybe Tuesday, maybe Wednesday. Details still being worked out. Why is it important for her to get in front of the President of the United States, who is backing Maduro's number two as the current president of that country? REP. SALAZAR: Okay, well, I don't think that the President is really backing anyone that is related to the Maduro regime. But concentrating on Maria Corina Machado, she earned it. She was the one who put together this- she proved to the international community that they, the opposition forces, had won the election. She was able to somehow create the tallies and prove to the Trump administration that they had won by 70 to 30. Remember that Maduro did not give her the opportunity to be the Presidential nominee because he did not like her, because he knew that he was going to lose against her. So she has earned it, and I am sure that she will have a very good, long, solid conversation with the President. She knows the story better than anybody. I was in touch with her during the 16 months that she was hiding in a tunnel because the Maduro forces were looking for her to kill her. So, she's earned it. So, I think we are going to welcome her in Congress, and I'm sure that President Trump is going to be highly, highly pleased with that meeting. MARGARET BRENNAN: You heard the Energy Secretary here say it could be- it could be years before we get to a transition. The President did say democracy is something he hopes for in Venezuela. Does that mean that she should go back, that the United States should guarantee Maria Corina Machado's security to return? I mean, how can the opposition go back for an election right now? REP. SALAZAR: Well, you know, she was planning to go when we met in Oslo, when she received the Nobel Peace Prize, she was saying to everybody that she was ready to go back, when on January 3, we took Maduro out. They- I love what Secretary Rubio is expressing and the plan that we have as the country of stabilize, recover, and transition. I think that if you think about it, the Trump administration is creating a blueprint, a new ground breaking, new model for foreign policy, when he- vis-a-vis the western hemisphere. So Maria Corina and the opposition forces fall in that three-planned layout that we have, that Rubio has created and Trump has blessed. So she is part of the transition, and I am sure that they will be able to reorganize themselves. She has hundreds of thousands of people in Caracas and in Venezuela that will help us to put together this electoral system. MARGARET BRENNAN: So, I know that you support the Trump administration's policy, but Secretary of State Rubio really, really bristled when I asked him why they didn't arrest the Minister of the Interior, Diosdado Cabello, who remains in power. You have been very, very clear in your statements that you think the United States should arrest him. We went back and looked, CBS Miami's Jim DeFede reported in 2017 that Caballo had tried to assassinate Senator Rubio. Can you help people understand why perhaps people in Florida should be concerned or other Americans about this man remaining in control of security forces? REP. SALAZAR: Well, you know, I know that just Diosdado is probably worse than Maduro and worse than Delcy. They're all Alibaba and the 40 Thieves. Let's- don't make any- let's make sure, for your international audience, that- but- but I am very reassured the fact that we have taken the oil and the resources away from them. That Diosdado Cabello, who is a thief, I repeat, does not want to fall into where Maduro has fallen into, and they will cooperate. And somehow, because we have created this new type of model, that they will work with us, they do not have their resources now they know that we're going to go into this recovery, and that- and that somehow they are going to definitely participate and work with the American forces. They know better. And like I said, this is impressive what's happening, because we have not seen this before in 250 years of history. And Diosdado, I repeat, is definitely someone who was indicted. And one of the source- I have some sources that say that, that we were not able to locate him, but it did- at this hour, I would say that, that everything is really falling into place. MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, he controls the prisons, and there are at least five Americans in those prisons-- REP. SALAZAR: -- With Delcy. With Delcy. Delcy is the one who is really in charge of the secret police and the repressive apparatus. And Diosdado Cabello was in charge of the military, who was part of the Sun's cartel along with Maduro. MARGARET BRENNAN: But do you know why the Trump administration isn't publicly demanding the release of the Americans that are being held? REP. SALAZAR: Listen, maybe- maybe we do not know some things that are happening, and Rubio said it the other day. I do understand, and I am sure, Rubio knows the area very well, and he knows who the characters are. And we are definitely taking this with- with solid in- a solid- with solid steps. We do not want to make any mistakes and- and I am sure that the political prisoners will be coming out and that we- that we're not giving them, meaning Diosdado and Delcy, any type of- of leeway for them to really run the country. We will see. Like it happened- it happened two, three weeks ago. Let's give them a little bit more time before we see more results. MARGARET BRENNAN: Very quickly, the President tweeted today, Cuba gets no more money, no more oil. The CIA assessment is that that regime in Havana is not necessarily in peril, even though the President's saying they are. What are you hearing? REP. SALAZAR: Well, look, I represent the city of Miami, you know, the heart of the Cuban exile community. And those words are like, magical. It's been 65 years. You know, Cuba is- is really a center of power for our enemies, Iran, Russia, China. And- and now I think they are- they are getting the memo. And Cuba, it's- it's hanging by your threat, by a thread I should say. The threat that Cuba has represented to the United States has been immense. They have no water, they have no electricity, they have no food. They have nothing. So if you think that Maduro was weak. Cuba is even weaker, and now they do not have one drop of oil coming from Venezuela. So that could be the beginning of the end. MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, Mexico is stepping up and providing them some. We're going to have to watch-- REP. SALAZAR: -- And that is a very big mistake. A very big mistake from Madame Sheibaum-- MARGARET BRENNAN: -- what happens next. All right. Thank you very much, Congresswoman. We'll be back in a moment. Vance posts new video that shows Renee Good's last words and other angle of shooting Video shows ICE officer's point of view, Renee Good's last words before being shot People mocked his mangled truck, until one man stepped up to help President Trump on Saturday said he hopes political prisoners released in Venezuela remember how lucky they got in the week after U.S. strikes ousted President Nicolas Maduro and brought him to the U.S. to face charges. Venezuela has started the process, in a BIG WAY, of releasing their political prisoners, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Thank you! I hope those prisoners will remember how lucky they got that the USA came along and did what had to be done. I HOPE THEY NEVER FORGET! If they do, it will not be good for them. Families gathered on Saturday outside prisons in Caracas and other communities for a third consecutive day, waiting for their relatives to be released. Human rights group Foro Penal said 11 people have been released so far. Several prominent members of the political opposition who have been detained since the 2024 presidential elections are still in prison, including lawmaker Freddy Superlano, Juan Pablo Guanipa and Perkins Rocha, the lawyer for opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutias son-in-law also remains imprisoned. On Thursday, Venezuela released several high-profile critics of Maduros government, including journalists and activists, as well as Venezuelans and foreign citizens, The Associated Press reported. Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, brother of acting President Delcy Rodriguez, said a significant number of people were freed, though it is unclear how many people were released or who they all are. Among those released were former presidential candidate Enrique Marquez and opposition leader Biagio Pilieri, who served on fellow opposition leader Machados 2024 presidential campaign. Marquez and Pilieri were seen hugging each other after their release. Foro Penal stated that as of Dec. 29, Venezuela has 863 political prisoners in custody. Trump posted on Friday that Venezuela was releasing political prisoners as a sign of Seeking Peace.' He added that cooperation between the two countries led him to cancel a second round of strikes which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes. Trump signaled the U.S. would run Venezuela until there is a peaceful transfer of power. He has praised acting President Rodriguez as someone who will make Venezuela great again. Though the two countries are seeking to reestablish relations since they broke in 2019, Rodriguez has continued to criticize the U.S. strikes. There is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro, and I have the responsibility to take charge while his kidnapping lasts, she said at a public sector event in Caracas. We will not stop condemning the criminal aggression. The Associated Press contributed. 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. (NewsNation) The federal government is urging any U.S. citizens in Venezuela to leave immediately and to beware of armed militias as they make their exit. The security alert was posted online by the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs, comes one week after U.S. forces snatched Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from Caracas to face federal drug-related charges in New York. Venezuela has a Level 4 travel advisory, meaning, Do Not Travel there, because of severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure, officials said. The security situation in Venezuela remains fluid. As international flights have resumed, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately, the security alert added. Before departure, U.S. citizens should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings. There are reports of groups of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States. Remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road. The Trump administration has threatened further military intervention in Venezuela if the acting government there does not cooperate with the U.S. So far, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has signaled she will work with the White House. President Trump on Friday met with oil executives in Washington in hopes of getting them to invest in Venezuela, but some expressed concerns about the Caribbean nations stability. 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. CNN Renee Nicole Goods final moments were spent in her maroon Honda Pilot, her sons stuffed animals peeking out from the glove compartment. She had stopped in the middle of a tree-lined south Minneapolis street and motioned for unmarked government vehicles to drive past. Whistle blasts pierced the early January chill in a now-familiar community response employed by activists in US cities to alert neighbors to the presence of immigration officers. For several minutes, Good partially blocked traffic on the street. Some unmarked government vehicles idled; others drove around. Go home, a bystander yelled. On a snowy residential street Wednesday morning, Good crossed paths with a 10-year Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer and Iraq War veteran named Jonathan Ross, who was dragged about 100 yards six months prior by a driver during an immigration operation in a Minneapolis suburb. I was fearing for my life, Ross testified during the December trial of an undocumented immigrant who was behind the wheel. Good and Ross whose brief confrontation Wednesday ended with him firing his weapon at least three times as she attempted to drive away are now at the center of furious debate over the Trump administrations building immigration crackdown, each side angrily assigning blame to the other. Videos of the incident are still emerging, and theres more to be learned. Good, 37, had dropped off her 6-year-old son at school before she was mortally wounded, according to witnesses and city officials. A US citizen, Good was described as a poet and loving mom. Ross joined ICE in 2015. He works in fugitive operations in the Minneapolis area and as part of a special response team. Before joining ICE, he served in Iraq with the Indiana National Guard, then became a US Border Patrol agent in 2007. Now, their fleeting yet violent encounter has made them unwitting symbols of a dark and uncertain time in the nations history. More than five years after George Floyds killing Video captured by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Jonathan Ross offers up-close perspective of pivotal moments before his fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. - Obtained by CNN Get the f**k out of my neighborhood, a bystander shouted at an armed federal officer in a mask and body armor as he walked behind Goods SUV holding up his cellphone. The agent, later identified as Ross, pointed his camera at an onlooker later identified as Goods wife, Becca Good, who pointed her cellphone back at him. In a deeply divided country, that moment on Portland Avenue became a stark example of the unending political finger pointing over President Donald Trumps militarized immigration crackdown in some US cities and would foreshadow the heightened tensions in the days to come. Federal officials, including Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, quickly accused Good of trying to use her vehicle to kill or harm ICE agents. She called it an act of domestic terrorism. But Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and state officials pushed back, blasting the actions of the officers. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the shooting totally predictable and totally avoidable. This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying, Frey said. He demanded ICE get the fuck out of Minneapolis. The shooting occurred more than five years after the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police not far from where Good died which sparked riots and a movement for racial justice in a city still struggling to heal. Car crashes many captured on dramatic video have been a hallmark of the Trump administrations crackdown, including collisions between federal officers and suspects trying to get away and alleged ramming assaults involving pro-immigration activists. Some crashes have led to shootings, injuries and death. The incident in which Ross was dragged by an undocumented immigrant on June 17, 2025, occurred when the suspect fled during a traffic stop, pulling the officer along by his right arm. The suspect was convicted in December of assault on a federal officer with a dangerous or deadly weapon and resulting in bodily injury. The ICE veteran, who repeatedly fired his Taser at the driver in the June assault, sustained a cut to his right arm that required 20 stitches, according to court records. A cut to his left hand took 13 stitches. Whistles and then gunfire Law enforcement personnel work the scene after an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday. - Stephen Maturen/Getty Images On Wednesday we stopped to support our neighbors, Goods wife said in a statement to Minnesota Public Radio. We had whistles. They had guns. Aidan Perzana, the father of a month-old baby, woke up to the sound of whistles and honking vehicles. He looked out his window and saw ICE officers approaching the maroon SUV outside his home. Lynette Reini-Grandell, an English professor and poet, was walking along Portland Avenue at the time, like others, recording video of the situation playing out in broad daylight. The tension had been building for so long but it wasnt real until I heard the gunfire, she told CNN Thursday. Reini-Grandell had been outside a nearby elementary school earlier Wednesday following reports of ICE officers in the area. The staff and administration were asking people in the community to come and essentially watch while the kids were getting off the school buses because ICE vehicles had been circling the school all morning, she said. They were afraid that parents were going to be yanked and there was going to be horrible disruptions to the kids. In US cities targeted by ICE, parents, teachers, clergy and community organizers have started informal networks to intervene as immigration raids unfold, including blowing whistles and honking car horns to warn others. Activists say theyre creating accountability for the actions of agents; critics call it obstruction. CNN has been unable to determine whether Good was involved in such a network. What little is known about her comes largely from her wifes statement and what was captured within the frames of several cameras during her final moments. When Reini-Grandell returned to Portland Avenue from checking on reports of ICE agents outside a school, the confrontation that ended with Goods death was escalating. Im not mad at you The cellphone video captured by Ross offered the closest glimpse into the pivotal moments before he fatally shot Good. A DHS official confirmed the video, obtained by CNN, was recorded by the agent. The footage was originally obtained by conservative Minnesota media outlet Alpha News. It opens with Ross walking in front of the maroon SUV driven by Good, who had stopped the vehicle perpendicular to the street, obstructing traffic. He doesnt say anything as he walks across the front of the Honda toward the drivers side. As he rounds the vehicle, Good is seen with her window down. She looks directly at the officer. Thats fine dude. Im not mad at you, Good can be heard saying in the video. The victims wife, standing outside the SUV, says to Ross: show your face. He does not respond. His reflection can be seen in the car window. He holds his phone and keeps moving. The ICE officer walks around to the back of the SUV, according to the video. Becca Good, who was a passenger in the vehicle and stepped outside before the shooting, tells the officer, We dont change our plates every morning, just so you know. This will be the same plate when you come talk to us later, in a possible reference to reports immigration officers have swapped license plates during enforcement actions. She holds the cellphone up to Rosss face. You wanna come at us? You wanna come at us? I say go get yourself some lunch, big boy, Becca Good tells Ross. Drive, baby. Drive! A photo of Renee Nicole Good by a makeshift memorial at the scene where she was shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. - Tyrone Siu/Reuters A pair of ICE officers are seen in a separate video approaching Goods SUV. One officer attempts to open the drivers side door, pulling on the handle. Get out of the car, the officers say repeatedly. Get out of the f**king car. Becca Good tries to get back in the SUV, but the door is locked. She is then heard telling Renee Good, Drive, baby. Drive! Renee Good backs up her SUV slightly, according to the videos. She then starts to pull away. In Ross video, she turns the steering sharply toward the right, away from the officers. She backed up and turned her wheels away from them to drive down the road, Perzana recalled. The car moves forward, and Ross, in his recording, cries out, Whoa! The video does not show if the SUV made contact with Ross. The camera angle jerks up to the sky. Good accelerates and appears to clip the officer with her vehicle before he opens fire, according to one video. A separate video with a different angle doesnt capture that possible contact. Instead, the officer is seen moving away from the front of the vehicle and toward the drivers side. Three gunshots explode in rapid succession, according to multiple videos reviewed by CNN. In Ross video, the shooting is not visible, but the shots are heard as the phone camera in his hand jostles further and then faces the house behind Ross. Bystanders can be seen outside the house. The officer first shoots into her windshield and then at close range through the open drivers side window, other videos show. Ross camera captures the SUV as it barrels forward. Someone can be heard saying, fucking bitch. The impact of the SUV crashing into a parked car and wooden pole can be heard as the camera pans down to the street. Becca Good can be seen running down the street to the drivers side of the crashed SUV, staggering back after a while, covered in her wifes blood. You guys just killed my wife A family photo from 2017 of Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three and a poet, who was shot dead by an ICE agent on Wednesday in Minneapolis. - Obtained by CNN Tyrice Jones, 35, was in his apartment when he heard gunshots and a crash. He went outside and saw the SUV driven by Good had struck the light pole in front of his building. Jones saw a woman who identified herself as Goods wife. She sat in the snowy front yard of his building, crying alongside her black Labrador, he said. You guys just killed my wife! she shouted. A man is heard in one bystander video asking ICE officers if he can check the victims pulse. No! Back up. Now! one officer shouts. Im a physician, the man says. I dont care, the officer responds. We have medics on scene, another officer says. Where are they? a woman is heard shouting. You killed my f**king neighbor. Jones captured video of ICE agents at the drivers seat of Goods SUV as bystanders berate the officers. Within minutes, officers lift Good from the drivers seat and place her on the ground. Jones video later shows several people carrying her by arms and legs to the end of the block. Emily Heller, 39, who said she had been home making breakfast at the time of the shooting, told CNN it took at least 15 minutes before an ambulance responded. The street was clogged with ICE vehicles, forcing emergency personnel to approach the victim on foot, without a stretcher, according to Heller. They were with her for a few minutes and then they carried her limp body away by her limbs, she told CNN. My life is forever changed from having witnessed this, Heller added. Becca Good, in her statement to Minnesota Public Radio, wrote: Renee leaves behind three extraordinary children; the youngest is just six years old and already lost his father. I am now left to raise our son and to continue teaching him, as Renee believed, that there are people building a better world for him. CNNs Chelsea Bailey, Holmes Lybrand, Justin Lear, Sarah Dewberry, Jeff Winter, Emma Tucker, Diego Mendoza, Robert Kuznia, Amanda Musa, Whitney Wild and Chris Lau contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com An older man stares at his computer monitor. A retired lawyer thought he was calling Microsoft for tech support. But the phone number he found on Google didnt connect him with Microsoft. Instead, the person who picked up the phone, "Alex," and said he could help him fix his tablet, was actually a fraudster. David Welles, 87, followed Alexs instructions and downloaded remote access software onto his smartphone and laptop, according to The New York Times (1). A big mistake, Welles told the publication in a story published Dec. 12. All of a sudden, on the laptop, I could see it going blank, and little lights flashing around. Must Read Citing text messages and other records, The Times reports Welles spent almost five hours on the phone with Alex while trying to fix his problems. Meanwhile, Alex was rooting around in his computer for usernames and passwords managing to access Welles checking account at Citibank and make a wire transfer of $85,000. By the time Welles figured out what was going on, it was too late. And despite reporting the transaction as fraudulent, The Times says Citibank refused to reimburse Welles because the transfer was made using his online credentials. The bank declined to comment on the specifics of the case, according to the publication. Heres how tech support scams work and why consumers searching for support numbers online are vulnerable. The staggering cost of internet scams Losses from internet crime exceeded $16 billion in 2024 a 33% increase in losses from 2023 according to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Those over the age of 60 were hit hardest, losing $4.8 billion while submitting the most complaints. Fake tech-support scams are on the rise, exploiting the fact that many major tech companies dont offer easily accessible phone support. In 2024, about 36,000 complaints were filed to the IC3 about tech support scams. Of those, 16,777 were filed by those 60 or older. In terms of dollars, those complaints led to a staggering $1,464,755,976 in losses (of that, $982,440,006 were losses for those 60 and older). But the number of incidents and amount lost could be much higher due to unreported fraud. How tech support scams work There are a few different types of tech support scams, but they work in a similar way. In some cases, a pop-up will appear on your screen, telling you theres a virus or security issue with your computer. The pop-up may have a phone number to call for support. Or, you might receive a phone call or text from a supposed call center agent telling you theres a problem. In other cases, scammers set up websites with a fake customer support line that appears to be from a legitimate tech company that shows up in online search results or display ads which is how Welles thought he was speaking with a Microsoft rep. Read More: This $1B private real estate fund is now accessible to non-millionaires. Heres how you can get started with as little as $10 Regardless of the approach, once theyve got you on the phone, the scammers may ask for remote access to your computer so they can diagnose the issue. They might claim to have found malware and that theyll remove it for a fee, which may involve asking you to pay with a wire transfer, payment app or even cryptocurrency. They might even install malware or ransomware on your computer, allowing them to steal data or extort money. In Welless case, not only were they able to access his passwords, but they were able to transfer money out of his bank account while talking to him on the phone. This type of scam is particularly sneaky, because if the crooks gain access to your bank account, they can make transactions from within the account that appear legitimate, so it doesnt raise any red flags with financial institutions (although an $85,000 transfer should probably be a red flag). Its difficult to prove transactions that occur from within an account are fraudulent, leaving consumers with little to no recourse. In Welles case, The Times reports Citibank informed him by letter, nine days after the incident and his initial call to the bank, that the transfer was made using your Citibank online credentials and were initiated using their registered device ID, so as a result they were unable to honor his claim. How to protect yourself There are still a few things you can do to protect yourself from online scammers. Remember that legitimate tech companies would never call, email or text you about a computer issue. Dont trust customer-service numbers from Google search results or ads. And never click on any links or pop-ups claiming to be from that company. These scammers often get a victim on the phone and send them a link to download malicious software on their computer. Once that scammer is in your computer, they have access to all of your personal information and files and can potentially drain your bank accounts, too, according to the FBI. Instead, verify support channels directly on the companys official website. In Welles case, the scammers called back claiming to be from his bank. Be mindful that scammers can spoof and fool a phones caller ID. If youre suspicious about receiving a phone call from your bank, hang up and call the bank yourself. If youre the victim of a scam, you can report it to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Contact your bank immediately, freeze accounts if necessary and change all passwords to your accounts (if the scammer had remote access to your computer or phone). But, as the FBI points out: Expect to be contacted again. Scammers often share victim information. What To Read Next Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. The New York Times (1) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. The Trump White House was full speed ahead this past week on reorienting Venezuelan oil exports to the US, with President Trump even promising this new source of oil would be brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. It remains to be seen if the plan will be economical especially if Trumps goal is to drive down global oil prices below $50 a barrel but its an effort that could be complicated for one country in particular: Canada. Both Venezuela and Canada produce a similar type of heavy crude oil that US refineries crave because it can be mixed with US-produced oil that is of the lighter variety. As the trade-associated American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers explains it: Refineries run on a mix of crude oils in order to run efficiently and maximize outputs, with 70% of US capacity running most efficiently when those refineries include heavier crude, which is not produced in the United States. A mix of factors has led Canada to become the main supplier of this heavier oil. In recent years, 60% of all US crude oil imports have come from Canada, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Thats nearly double where things stood a decade prior. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with oil and gas executives and members of his staff in the East Room of the White House on January 9 in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images) This dynamic was one of many undertones of the past week, which ended with a meeting at the White House where Trump gathered executives to make the decision as to which oil companies we are going to allow to go in, as Trump put it. The meeting was attended by an array of top oil CEOs from companies mostly headquartered in the US, as well as a few CEOs from Italy, the United Kingdom, and others. The president made clear the focus and importance of this particular type of oil when he said that Venezuelan oil will come into the US because we have the refining capacity, adding that US refining was designed based very much on the Venezuelan oil, which is a heavy oil, very good oil. That could be a direct challenge to Canadian oil producers. The markets have offered some initial verdicts. Notably, Canadian-focused producers were down in the last week while the overall energy sector was largely flat. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNQ) is down over 6.5% over the past week and Enbridge Inc (ENB) fell sharply Monday in a trend that continued to end the week down over 5%. Canadian oil will be competitive The US imports, on average, about 4 million barrels of crude oil a day from Canada. Trump announced this week that he had an agreement from Venezuela to send 30 million to 50 million barrels in a first wave of imports to the US. Thats less than two weeks' worth of Canadian oil exports. Trump and his team quickly promised more would follow, but many observers suggested the long-term effects on Canada may be limited. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has already addressed the issue and said he expects plenty of Canadian crude to keep flowing. "Canadian oil will be competitive because it is low risk clearly low risk [and] low cost," he said at a news conference on Tuesday in apparent reference to Canadas more stable government, its stronger current oil infrastructure, and the shorter distance it has to travel to reach the United States. Canada has exported over 90% of its crude oil to the United States in recent years. In 2023, that crude was worth over $96 billion. US government scorekeepers recently valued the US/Canadian oil trade in 2025 at around $150 billion. The offices of Elite Integrity Services, a company specializing in oil-and-gas infrastructure, is seen in Alberta, Canada last July. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (NurPhoto via Getty Images) Capital Economics agreed that plenty of oil from Canada will keep flowing, with a new analysis saying reports of the [Canadian] oil sands death are greatly exaggerated. The analysis outlined why higher Venezuelan output is not an immediate threat to the Canadian economy: both because any forthcoming Venezuelan output increases will take years, and Canadian oil largely serves refineries in the Midwest, while potential Venezuelan imports are expected to be directed to refineries in the southern Gulf Coast of the US. Trump has long downplayed the need for Canadian oil, claiming often that we have more [oil] than anybody. But those comments have been belied by his actions, which have demonstrated the US refineries need for Canadian oil. During last year's tariff back and forth, Canadian oil got a notable carveout. While the headline tariff rate on Canada currently stands at 35%, Canadian oil enjoys a 10% rate. The bottom line is that we dont have all the oil we need, as Fernando Valle, Hedgeye energy analyst, put it in a Yahoo Finance interview at the time. He noted that the US needs the Canadian heavy crude to balance it in our refineries. Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Grok, the built-in chatbot on X, is facing intense scrutiny after acknowledging it generated and shared an AI image depicting two young girls in sexualized attire. In a public post on X, Grok admitted the content "violated ethical standards" and "potentially U.S. laws on child sexual abuse material (CSAM)." The chatbot added, "It was a failure in safeguards, and I'm sorry for any harm caused. xAI is reviewing to prevent future issues." That admission alone is alarming. What followed revealed a far broader pattern. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Openai Tightens Ai Rules For Teens But Concerns Remain The fallout from this incident has triggered global scrutiny, with governments and safety groups questioning whether AI platforms are doing enough to protect children. As criticism mounted, Grok confirmed it has begun limiting image generation and editing features to paying subscribers only. In a late-night reply on X, the chatbot stated that image tools are now locked behind a premium subscription, directing users to sign up to regain access. Read On The Fox News App Grok's apology appeared only after a user prompted the chatbot to write a heartfelt explanation for people lacking context. In other words, the system did not proactively address the issue. It responded because someone asked it to. Around the same time, researchers and journalists uncovered widespread misuse of Grok's image tools. According to monitoring firm Copyleaks, users were generating nonconsensual, sexually manipulated images of real women, including minors and well-known figures. After reviewing Grok's publicly accessible photo feed, Copyleaks identified a conservative rate of roughly one nonconsensual sexualized image per minute, based on images involving real people with no clear indication of consent. The firm says the misuse escalated quickly, shifting from consensual self-promotion to large-scale harassment enabled by AI. Copyleaks CEO and co-founder Alon Yamin said, "When AI systems allow the manipulation of real people's images without clear consent, the impact can be immediate and deeply personal." Protecting Kids From Ai Chatbots: What The Guard Act Means This is not a gray area. Generating or distributing sexualized images of minors is a serious criminal offense in the United States and many other countries. Under U.S. federal law, such content is classified as child sexual abuse material. Penalties can include five to 20 years in prison, fines up to $250,000 and mandatory sex offender registration. Similar laws apply in the U.K. and France. In 2024, a Pennsylvania man received nearly eight years in prison for creating and possessing deepfake CSAM involving child celebrities. That case set a clear precedent. Grok itself acknowledged this legal reality in its post, stating that AI images depicting minors in sexualized contexts are illegal. A July report from the Internet Watch Foundation, a nonprofit that tracks and removes child sexual abuse material online, shows how quickly this threat is accelerating. Reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery jumped by 400% in the first half of 2025 alone. Experts warn that AI tools lower the barrier to potential abuse. What once required technical skill or access to hidden forums can now happen through a simple prompt on a mainstream platform. The harm is not abstract. Reuters documented cases where users asked Grok to digitally undress real women whose photos were posted on X. In multiple documented cases, Grok fully complied. Even more disturbing, users targeted images of a 14-year-old actress Nell Fisher from the Netflix series "Stranger Things." Grok later admitted there were isolated cases in which users received images depicting minors in minimal clothing. In another Reuters investigation, a Brazilian musician described watching AI-generated bikini images of herself spread across X after users prompted Grok to alter a harmless photo. Her experience mirrors what many women and girls are now facing. The backlash has gone global. In France, multiple ministers referred X to an investigative agency over possible violations of the EU's Digital Services Act, which requires platforms to prevent and mitigate the spread of illegal content. Violations can trigger heavy fines. In India, the country's IT ministry gave xAI 72 hours to submit a report detailing how it plans to stop the spread of obscene and sexually explicit material generated by Grok. Grok has also warned publicly that xAI could face potential probes from the Department of Justice or lawsuits tied to these failures. Leaked Meta Documents Show How Ai Chatbots Handle Child Exploitation Researchers later found Grok was widely used to create nonconsensual, sexually altered images of real women, including minors. The incident raises serious concerns about online privacy, platform security and the safeguards designed to protect minors. Elon Musk, the owner of X and founder of xAI, had not offered a public response at the time of publication. That silence comes at a sensitive time. Grok has been authorized for official government use under an 18-month federal contract. This approval was granted despite objections from more than 30 consumer advocacy groups that warned the system lacked proper safety testing. Over the past year, Grok has been accused by critics of spreading misinformation about major news events, promoting antisemitic rhetoric and sharing misleading health information. It also competed directly with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini while operating with fewer visible safety restrictions. Each controversy raises the same question. Can a powerful AI tool be deployed responsibly without strong oversight and enforcement? If you encounter sexualized images of minors or other abusive material online, report it immediately. In the United States, you can contact the FBI tip line or seek help from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Do not download, share, screenshot or interact with the content in any way. Even viewing or forwarding illegal material can expose you to serious legal risk. Parents should also talk with children and teens about AI image tools and social media prompts. Many of these images are created through casual requests that do not feel dangerous at first. Teaching kids to report content, close the app and tell a trusted adult can stop harm from spreading further. Platforms may fail. Safeguards may lag. But early reporting and clear conversations at home remain one of the most effective ways to protect children online. Take my quiz: How safe is your online security? Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, youll get a personalized breakdown of what youre doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com The Grok scandal highlights a dangerous reality. As AI spreads faster, these systems amplify harm at an unprecedented scale. When safeguards fail, real people suffer, and children face serious risk. At the same time, trust cannot depend on apologies issued after harm occurs. Instead, companies must earn trust through strong safety design, constant monitoring and real accountability when problems emerge. Should any AI system be approved for government or mass public use before it proves it can reliably protect children and prevent abuse? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Original article source: Grok AI scandal sparks global alarm over child safety Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw, center, and rest of the city council | Courtesy City of Idaho Falls The following is a news release from the city of Idaho Falls. IDAHO FALLS As part of an ongoing effort to make city government more accessible to the public, the Idaho Falls City Council has changed the start time of its regular meetings. On Thursday, Jan. 8, City Council voted to move regular City Council meetings from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The new meeting time will take effect immediately, beginning with the next scheduled City Council meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions that impact the community. We want all residents have the opportunity to participate in the decisions that shape our community, said Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw. Changing the time of City Council meetings will increase the Councils efficiency and effectiveness, especially on nights with long agendas. In addition, the new time should make it easier for people to attend the meetings in person or follow along on the livestream. City Council meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the City Annex Building, 680 Park Ave. In addition to regular meetings, the council holds Work Sessions to discuss upcoming topics and projects. Work Sessions are typically held on the Monday of Council Meeting Week at 3:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Both City Council meetings and Work Sessions are designed to be accessible to all residents. They are open to the public, livestreamed with closed captioning and Spanish interpretation and can also be watched later through archived videos on the Citys website. The post Idaho Falls City Council moves regular meetings to 6:30 p.m. to improve accessibility appeared first on East Idaho News. Men in civilian clothes sit or crouch next to a tank with soldiers on top, as a weapon fires. Mayor Mamdani promised New Yorkers Jan. 1 he would replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism. Luckily, psychiatrists have not yet classified rugged individualism as a mental illness. But Mamdanis vision of cozy collectivism is tricky to reconcile with what I saw in Communist Romania in November 1987. I arrived in Bucharest after taking the Orient Express from Budapest, Hungary. In pre-Communist times, that train epitomized capitalist decadence. In the Soviet era, the lavish cuisine was replaced by far more attentive service more or less. Armed guards in Transylvania repeatedly searched my cabin and then locked me inside it so my Western ideas would not contaminate any devout Commies. The train arrived in Bucharest four or five hours behind schedule. Lets hope Mamdani is not relying on Romanian refugee planners to fulfill his promise to make buses fast and free. On his Inauguration Day, Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised New Yorkers he would replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism. But his vision of cozy collectivism is tricky to reconcile with Communist Romania in 1987. Getty Images When I checked into the only hotel permitted to offer rooms to Westerners, I was practically tackled by a beefy prostitute who was likely also a government spy. She kept nudging me to go upstairs. She cooed gutturally: Why are you here in Bucharest? Im a tourist, I said. Actually, I was working as a journalist, but I hadnt disclosed that on my visa application. OK, technically, I was in Romania illegally, but what are technicalities among friends? But it is so cold outside, she said. Lets stay inside. Arent you lonely? Not a chance: This woman radiated honey trap. Besides, I had a strict rule to never tussle with any woman who had a better mustache than I did. The Romanian regime was even more paranoid than Alex Jones. When I asked the ornery hotel concierge for a map of the city, he glared hatefully at me: We have no maps. If there is some place you want to go, you tell me what it is, and I will tell you how to get there. In Romania in the 1970s and 80s, warmth was an abstraction that existed primarily in propaganda campaigns exalting the supreme leader, Nicolae Ceausescu. Sygma via Getty Images My hunch was that guy didnt make a living from tips. In his inaugural speech, Mamdani touted an array of new subsidies such as free child care as linchpins for the lives we fill with freedom. But government handouts are often far more expensive than they first appear. The Communist regime boasted of providing free health care to Romanians, but women were trapped in a real-life Handmaids Tale. Because boosting birth rates was part of the Five-Year Plan, the government outlawed contraception and abortion. It forced all women between the ages of 18 and 40 to have a monthly gynecological exam to ensure no one robbed the state by terminating a pregnancy. Ten thousand Romanian women died from illegal abortions, and far more were left maimed. In Romania, warmth was an abstraction that existed primarily in propaganda campaigns exalting the supreme leader, Nicolae Ceausescu. To save energy to fulfill the Five-Year Plan for factories, the government routinely cut off the electricity to hospitals, causing 1,000 deaths the previous winter. The infant mortality rate was so high, the government refused to register children as being born until they survived their first month. A statue of Valdimir Lenin was toppled during Romanias 1989 revolution. AFP via Getty Images On the streets, my bulky Aussie-style canvas hat marked me as a foreigner. People stopped me and pleaded for packs of Kent cigarettes the de facto second currency they could use to bribe doctors to get health care for their sick children. Food shortages caused pervasive gauntness in this former breadbasket of Europe. The government responded to rising hunger with a publicity campaign on the danger of overeating. In prior visits to Czechoslovakia and East Germany, I had been hounded by the secret police so I knew not to pull out any notebook to jot down my observations as I walked the streets of Bucharest. Instead, I wrote single words on the palm of my hand I could later use as a fishhook to pull up a string of memories. As I was walking across the airport tarmac to catch my Lufthansa flight out of Romania, a guard shouted for me to halt and came running up with his submachine gun bouncing off his ample belly. He grabbed my left arm and, pointing at my palm, demanded to know: WHAT IS THIS?!? Afthe the 1989 revolution, Ceausescus lofty rhetoric no longer swayed the Romanians he had long oppressed. REUTERS/Charles Platiau I looked closely at my hand, then I looked at the guard. Its ink. He paused, squinted, nodded his head knowingly, and then waved me on to the plane. A few weeks later, those palm notes appeared in a New York Times piece I wrote headlined Economic Collapse: Eastern Europe, the New Third World. Ceausescu and his wife were lined up against a wall and summarily executed roughly two years before Mamdani was born. Ceausescus lofty rhetoric no longer swayed the Romanians he had long oppressed. In his victory speech on election night, Mamdani declared his supporters chose . . . hope over tyranny. But giving boundless power to his own supposed good intentions will be a recipe for ruin for the new mayor. Will Mamdani speedily turbocharge the cynicism that he boasted of vanquishing? James Bovard is the author of 11 books, including Lost Rights: The Destruction of American Liberty. grace bennett showing letter; the letter in a frame and bennett showing her products A Canadian sex shop found itself in the crosshairs of the US Department of War, after a couple of its X-rated items ended up in Bahrain a Muslim Persian Gulf nation where the pleasure toys are illegal. I got two signed letters from the Department of Defense on behalf of the Kingdom of Bahrain . . . mad that their soldiers ordered spicy toys from my business, Torontos Grace Bennett, owner of online sex shop Bonjibon, said on Instagram. Bennett said she didnt know the sex toys a butt plug and a bullet vibrator, she whispered were going to Bahrain. She suspects someone forwarded the two packages to US Navy troops stationed in the oil-rich Middle Eastern nation. Bennett received two letters from the US Navy in Bahrain along with the returned sex toys. Grace Bennett/ Instagram Pornographic materials or devices are not allowed into the Kingdom of Bahrain, the stern letter warned, sent from a US Navy base in Bahrain with the subject line, adult item identified during x-ray mail screening, along with the returned fun toys. Bahrain is so conservative that even Kim Kardashian was slammed by protesters as a porn star when she visited back in 2012 to promote a milkshake business. For all American soldiers who are stationed overseas, specifically ones stationed in countries where good vibes might be illegal, you cannot order from Bonjibon, Bennett said of her business. They literally categorize these goods as posing an immediate danger to life or limb, or an immediate and substantial danger to property, she laughed, reading from the Pentagons letter. Bennett since displayed the two letters with bedazzled frames in her office, to immortalize the naughty mishap. Im so sorry for soldiers overseas, she said at the end of the video. I know its a long and lonely journey we cannot go on this journey with you. Social media users had a field day in the comments. Bennett said the incident was one of the funniest since she launched the online sex store business. Bennett confessed the packages contained a butt plug and a bullet vibrator. Grace Bennett/ Instagram Hold on so the soldiers buying B-Plugs? asked one Instagram user, seemingly perplexed. I cant tell whether you forget women can be soldiers too, or that the male gspot is found easiest through their backdoor, scorned another. Either way, bplugs can be great for everyone. Wives are stationed there as well and we deserve a fun time while our spouses are away, chimed in someone else. by Mathias Hariyadi Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and an associate are under investigation for the management of additional quotas granted to Indonesia for the 2024 Hajj. They allegedly favoured special pilgrims at the expense of regular ones, causing estimated state losses of million. Assets have been seized and potential illicit flows are under investigation. Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially named former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the allocation of additional quotas for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024. The KPK has also named Yaqut's former special assistant, Ishfah Abidal Aziz, as a suspect in the same case. The letters of investigation notification have been formally delivered. Further measures, including summons and potential detention, will be announced at a later date, said KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo, according to Indonesian media. The KPK explains that the case revolves around the distribution of 20,000 additional quotas for the Hajj - the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca - granted to Indonesia by Saudi Arabia in 2024, following diplomatic efforts by then-President Joko Widodo. The extra quotas were intended to shorten the waiting list, which is notoriously long in Indonesia, exceeding 20 years in some regions. The quota for Indonesian pilgrims was 221,000, rising to 241,000 after the additional allocation. However, KPK investigators claim that the additional quota was divided equally between regular pilgrims (10,000) and special pilgrims (10,000), instead of giving priority to the former. The policy has sparked controversy as it allegedly violated Law No. 8/2019 on the administration of Hajj and Umrah, which limits special Hajj quotas to a maximum of 8% of the total national quota. Based on the 2024 quota, the special Hajj allocation should not have exceeded this legal threshold. The KPK noted that, in practice, Indonesia allocated 213,320 places for regular Hajj and 27,680 for special Hajj in 2024, figures which investigators said exceeded the permitted limit. As a result, at least 8,400 regular pilgrims, some of whom had waited more than 14 years, would have lost the opportunity to travel to Mecca that year. The anti-corruption agency estimates that the preliminary losses to the state from the alleged scheme amount to approximately 1 trillion rupees (approximately 56 million), although the figure may increase as the investigation continues. The KPK has seized several assets, including real estate, luxury vehicles and cash in various foreign currencies, which are believed to be linked to the case. Investigators suspect collusion between officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and tour operators specialising in pilgrimages to Mecca, allegedly formalised through Ministerial Decree No. 130/2024, which authorised the 50% allocation of the additional quota. The KPK is also investigating potential illicit financial flows linked to the decree. Through his lawyer Mellisa Anggraini, Yaqut has stated that he respects the legal process and wants to continue cooperating with investigators. Our client has complied transparently with all summonses and procedures from the outset, she said. Both Yaqut and Ishfah have been charged under Articles 2 and 3 of the Anti-Corruption Law, on abuse of power resulting in losses to the state. The KPK has stated that the investigation is still ongoing and may extend to other parties. Today, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Leo XIV baptised 20 children in the Sistine Chapel. Remember the gift you have received. At the Angelus, he blessed children born in difficult conditions, both in terms of health and external dangers. In the Middle East, pursue the common good of the whole society. Appeal to end violence in Ukraine. Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Today, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV appeared in St Peter's Square after the Angelus and extended his blessing to all children who have received or will receive baptism in these days, in Rome and throughout the world. In a special way, I pray for children born in more difficult conditions, both in terms of health and external dangers, he said. Prevost entrusted the boys and girls who are approaching the grace of Baptism to the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary. He added that this grace, which unites them to the Paschal mystery of Christ, may act effectively in them and in their families. This morning, at 9:30 a.m. in the Sistine Chapel, the pontiff administered the sacrament of baptism to 20 children, the children of Holy See employees, as is customary on this feast day. From the window of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, Leo XIV addressed a thought to the Middle East. In particular in Iran and Syria, where persistent tensions are causing the deaths of many people, he said. In Iran, protests against the Islamic Republic continue, while the network blackout persists; according to NGOs, at least 200 people have been killed and thousands arrested. I hope and pray that dialogue and peace will be patiently cultivated, pursuing the common good of the whole society, he said. Prevost also spoke about Ukraine. There, Russian attacks continue unabated, despite the winter, targeting civilian homes. In Ukraine, new and particularly serious attacks, aimed mainly at energy infrastructure, are hitting the civilian population hard, just as the cold weather is getting worse, said the pontiff. I pray for those who are suffering and renew my appeal for an end to the violence and for intensified efforts to achieve peace. In his homily read this morning in the Sistine Chapel, Leo XIV spoke to the parents of the children being baptised. The children you now hold in your arms have been transformed into new creatures. Just as they received life from you, their parents, so now they receive the meaning to live it: faith, he emphasised. Speaking then of baptism as an essential gift to give to those we love, he added: Who among us, in fact, would leave newborns without clothes or food, waiting for them to choose how to dress and what to eat when they grow up? Dear friends, if food and clothing are necessary for life, faith is more than necessary, because with God, life finds salvation. God's providential love is manifested among humanity through you, mothers and fathers who ask for faith for your children, the Pope pointed out. "Of course, the day will come when they will become too heavy to hold in your arms; and the day will also come when they will support you. May Baptism, which unites us in the one family of the Church, sanctify all your families at all times, giving strength and constancy to the affection that unites you." Addressing those listening, in his commentary on the Gospel of the day (Mt 3:13-17), Pope Prevost said that Baptism introduces each of us into the Church, which is the people of God, made up of men and women of every nation and culture, regenerated by his Spirit. Leone XIV then shared an invitation: Let us therefore dedicate this day to remembering the great gift we have received, committing ourselves to bear witness to it with joy and consistency. 11 January 2026 16:39 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more Since 2020, the Abraham Accords, initiated under US mediation as a series of agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, have begun to extend well beyond their original regional scope. The initial intention was to restore relations between Israel and the Gulf states, as well as several Arab countries, after decades of hostility, and to promote cultural and economic cooperation. However, in the context of the Palestinian issue, this process has in recent times, generated serious discontent in Iran and a number of Muslim-majority states across the region. It is therefore no coincidence that, following the Trump administrations return to leadership in the United States, the White House has put forward Azerbaijans potential accession to the agreement as a proposal. Although Azerbaijan belongs neither to the Middle East nor to the Arab world, the nature of IsraelAzerbaijan relations, coupled with Tel Avivs strategic approach to the South Caucasus, creates conditions under which Bakus inclusion in this framework has become a realistic possibility. Supporters argue that joining the Abraham Accords would merely formalise what already exists. Azerbaijan and Israel maintain one of the closest strategic partnerships in the broader Middle EastCaspian region, encompassing defence and intelligence cooperation, energy trade, technology and innovation ties. From this perspective, accession would not represent a radical policy shift, but rather the institutionalisation of a long-standing, pragmatic partnership under a recognised multilateral framework supported by the United States. Another positive argument is that accession would serve as a strong geopolitical signal, such as reaffirming Azerbaijans role as a constructive, stability-oriented actor, strengthening ties with the US political and security establishment, and increasing Azerbaijans diplomatic visibility beyond the post-Soviet and South Caucasus space. Put simply, in an era of intensifying great-power competition, proponents see the Accords as a platform through which Azerbaijan could diversify its strategic partnerships without formal alliance commitments. From the perspective of the Abraham Accords, their economic rationale also appears to have proven its value. If one examines the internal logic of the agreement, Azerbaijans formal participation would create opportunities to gain access, alongside Israel, to investment networks linked to the Gulf and the United States, as well as to cooperation with the countries concerned in such fields as agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and defence technologies. It would also open pathways to emerging trade routes and logistics corridors connecting the Eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf, and Europe. In this sense, the Abraham Accords go beyond a narrow peace agenda, functioning instead as a geo-economic ecosystem that forges connective links between regions. At the same time, under current conditions, certain risks also come into play. The existing closeness in AzerbaijanIsrael relations has, in many cases, both irritated and unnecessarily unsettled neighbouring Iran. In some instances, economic interests are perceived in Tehran less as commercial opportunities and more as geostrategic risks, which in turn contributes to an atmosphere of tension in the South Caucasus. Moreover, Azerbaijan places a premium on maintaining balanced relations with countries that are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, as well as the Non-Aligned Movement. Because joining the Accords could be interpreted, fairly or not, as Azerbaijan taking sides in Middle Eastern fault lines, especially at a time of heightened IsraelPalestine and IranIsrael tensions. From this view, Baku gains little by voluntarily importing geopolitical baggage from another region. Despite all this, as a South Caucasus country Azerbaijan is actively involved in a range of initiatives aimed at building economic ties with both Israel and Arab states. In particular, in the field of energy (both green and conventional) it has taken a number of successful steps in cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and even Syria, which is entering a new phase. All of this indicates that, whether within the framework of the agreements or outside them, Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to the development of political, economic, and cultural relations. As regards the Abraham Accords, which are rapidly expanding in scope, they harbour ambitions not only to encompass the South Caucasus but also Central Asia. This suggests that the United States and Israel intend in the near future to move beyond a conflict-centred agenda and prioritise the preservation of economic balance. The current environment, however, is rather different: tensions surrounding Iran, the unresolved Palestinian crisis, and instability in the Middle East continue to cast a shadow over confidence in the future. Plenty of American car brands once captured attention with bold style, good timing, and real everyday appeal. These names were familiar across the country, showing up in driveways, magazine ads, and weekend conversations. Some came from trusted family car manufacturers. Others tried something a little flashier or more refined. For a time, they worked. Eventually, the industry moved on. Tastes shifted. Some brands lost direction, while others were quietly merged or dropped. This list looks back at 13 car brands that once had a meaningful place in the American market, and what eventually led to their disappearance. Each one had a time when it mattered, and some of them deserved better. How We Chose These Brands Image Credit: Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock. We focused on American car brands that held a meaningful place in the market. These were names that stuck with people, whether through long ownership, repeat purchases, or family ties. They were visible in suburbs and cities alike, supported by dealership networks and a strong sense of familiarity. Each of them had a real presence on the market and stayed in production long enough to become part of the American landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brands included here were eventually phased out, usually not by sudden collapse, but through a gradual loss of direction or relevance. Some were folded into larger company portfolios. Others simply faded as buyers moved on. The selections are based on cultural presence, brand memory, and long-term visibility, not on technical details or niche appeal. Every name on this list once meant something to the American buyer. Some entries were sub-brands or divisions created for the U.S. market rather than independent American manufacturers, but each had a distinct identity for American buyers. Plymouth Image Credit: Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock. Plymouth made sense to a lot of people. It was reliable, American, and well within reach for families who wanted something practical but not stripped down. For decades, it held a clear place on the street, often seen as a smart and steady choice. But over time, Plymouth's identity blurred. It started offering models that looked too similar to those sold by its sister brands. Without a strong reason to stand out, interest cooled. Eventually, the company let it go, and most drivers barely noticed. It did not end in failure, but in quiet retreat. By the time it disappeared, many had already moved on. DaimlerChrysler phased Plymouth out at the end of the 2001 model year. Mercury Image Credit: Kevin T CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons. Mercury carved out a nice middle ground. It was a step above the everyday without getting too fancy. That made it perfect for folks who wanted comfort without the higher price tag. For years, it filled that gap with style and ease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, the space it occupied became harder to define. Other brands caught up or passed it in appeal, and Mercury stopped evolving. Buyers looked elsewhere, and the name lost traction. The company brought it to a close with little noise. It had a long run, and it served its purpose well during the years it mattered. Ford ended Mercury production in late 2010 and fully phased the brand out in 2011. Pontiac Image Credit: Dennis Elzinga - Flickr, CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pontiac stood out for its sense of personality. It appealed to people who liked a little flash, something with road presence that turned a few heads without being over the top. The brand had a certain attitude that worked for a wide range of buyers. Later on, the image started to drift. The models felt less distinct, and the bold styling gave way to something more ordinary. Pontiac struggled to find its next chapter. When corporate restructuring began, the name did not survive the cuts. People remember it, especially from its earlier years, but its end came with little surprise. GM announced Pontiacs phase-out on April 27, 2009 during its restructuring, with the brand ending by 2010. Oldsmobile Image Credit: Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock. Oldsmobile was once a step up from the usual. For many, it represented progress, a reward for steady work and a sign of moving forward. It sat comfortably in the lives of people who wanted something refined without reaching for a luxury badge. As time went on, the appeal started to fade. The styling became harder to place, and younger buyers looked elsewhere. Oldsmobile models stayed on lots longer than they used to, and sales gradually declined. The company closed the book on the brand, bringing a long history to an end. It left behind a quiet kind of respect. Oldsmobile officially ended in 2004, with the final vehicle built on April 29, 2004. Saturn Image Credit: Johnnie Rik/Shutterstock. Saturn began with a different idea. It promised a smoother sales process, simpler decisions, and a new way to think about buying a car. A lot of customers liked that approach, and it earned a loyal following in its early years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over time, though, the differences started to disappear. The models looked more like everything else, and the buying experience lost its charm. Saturn never really found its second act. After a failed sale attempt in 2009, Saturn ended production that year and its dealer network was wound down through 2010. It arrived with a mission and left without much resistance. Studebaker Image Credit: Rex Gray - 1963 Studebaker Avanti Coupe - fvr, CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons. Studebaker was built into American life from an earlier time. Its roots ran deep, and for many years it carried a reputation for steady quality. You could find them in small towns and rural roads, often kept for years by the same owners. But the company struggled to keep pace as the industry shifted. Bigger players gained ground, and Studebaker's market share shrank. The name began to slip from conversation, and production eventually stopped. It ended not in failure, but in the quiet turning of a page. The name still sparks memory, even if it belongs to a much earlier chapter. Studebaker ended U.S. car production in December 1963, with final vehicle production ending in Canada in March 1966. DeSoto Image Credit:AlfvanBeem - Own work, CC0/Wiki Commons. Advertisement Advertisement DeSoto had a quiet elegance that appealed to buyers who wanted something respectable. It held its place between the basics and the more expensive options, offering comfort and polish without pushing too hard. Eventually, the company chose to give other brands more attention. DeSoto's role became harder to notice, and it saw fewer updates over the years. Buyers turned to more visible names in the same showroom. The final models came and went with little fanfare. DeSoto's time had passed, and the brand slipped into history with grace. Chrysler announced DeSotos discontinuation in late 1960, and the brand effectively ended with the 1961 model year. Eagle Image Credit: Jetdriven - Own work, Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Eagle was a Chrysler brand created after Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987, and it was sold through the end of the 1998 model year. It tried to blend ideas from different markets and offer something that felt both familiar and just a little new. For a short time, it worked well enough to build interest. But the concept proved hard to sustain. It was never quite clear who Eagle was speaking to, and the models changed direction too often. Without a strong base of returning customers, the brand lost steam. Eventually, it was folded out of existence. Today, it remains more of a curiosity than a memory. Hummer Image Credit: JoshBryan/Shutterstock. Hummer made a bold entrance. Its look was impossible to miss, and that presence gave it a strong identity in its early years. It appealed to buyers who wanted size, visibility, and a strong sense of control. Advertisement Advertisement However, tastes changed quickly, and public opinion turned. As people leaned toward practicality and efficiency, Hummer's footprint became harder to justify. Sales dropped, and the brand faded from focus. It was discontinued not long after. Even now, it remains one of the most recognizable names that came and went. GM discontinued Hummer in 2010, then revived the name as the GMC HUMMER EV (a GMC model line, not a standalone brand). Rambler Image Credit: CZmarlin, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0/ Wiki Commons. Rambler found its audience in working families. It offered sensible transportation without a lot of flash, and that was enough for many buyers who just needed something dependable. It showed up often in the background of American life. The brand eventually gave way to shifting company plans. Larger names in the same family took center stage, and Rambler was gradually left behind. It didn't disappear in a single moment, but rather faded across a few years. People still recognize the name, especially in older photos and small-town memories. In the U.S. and Canada, 1969 was the final model year to use the Rambler name. Scion Image Credit: IFCAR - Own work, Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Advertisement Advertisement Scion was built with a younger buyer in mind. It launched with clean styling, smaller footprints, and a simplified pricing model. For a brief period, it connected well with new drivers and urban shoppers. But staying fresh proved difficult. The designs grew more conservative, and buyers started to lose interest. Scion became harder to define as its lineup expanded. Toyota ended Scion after the 2016 model year, but has since signaled a revival of the Scion name in a new role tied to mobility/off-road concepts rather than the original car lineup. It came in with a clear idea, but the follow-through didn't hold up. Imperial Image Credit: AlfvanBeem - Own work, CC0 / Wiki Commons. Imperial was Chrysler's answer to the high-end car market. It was built for buyers who wanted something substantial, with presence and polish, but still wanted to stay in the Chrysler family. For much of its life, Imperial stood apart with unique designs and a quiet confidence that appealed to established professionals and older buyers. It held its own for several decades and earned a reputation for style and comfort. In time, though, it became harder to justify keeping Imperial separate. Other Chrysler models started overlapping with it, and the extra badge no longer made sense. There were attempts to bring it back, but none of them found lasting success. The name quietly was discontinued in 1983, and later revivals never stuck. Today, Imperial remains one of those dignified names that faded with grace, and its cars are remembered mostly by collectors and those who saw them new. AMC Image Credit: Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock. AMC made the most of its underdog status. It was never the biggest player, but for a time, it was one of the most interesting. AMC built cars that were often unconventional but smartly targeted, from compact commuters to quirky off-roaders. Models like the Gremlin, Pacer, and Eagle stood out for their personality, and the Rebel, AMX, and Javelin gave the brand some real street cred. Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, AMC struggled to keep up with the pace of the industry. Bigger competitors had deeper pockets, and the brand couldn't sustain its momentum. It was AMC was acquired by Chrysler in 1987. AMC left behind a legacy of risk-taking and originality, even if it didnt last. Where The Road Ended Image Credit: Sue Thatcher/Shutterstock. Every brand on this list earned its place by speaking to the American driver of its time. Some stood for dependability, others for personality, and a few tried to offer something entirely new. None of them disappeared overnight. They had real presence for years before fading away. Today, they live on in memory, family photo albums, old service records, and quiet conversations between people who remember when those cars filled the roads. Even though they're no longer in showrooms, they still have a place in the story of how America drove forward. 11 January 2026 18:19 (UTC+04:00) By Farman Aydin Recently, the argument surrounding a possible Nobel Peace Prize for US President Donald Trump has begun to gain considerable momentum. The situation has reached a point where even the Nobel Committee itself has intervened in the matter in a critical capacity. The issue concerns Maria Corina Machado, who seeks to come to power in Venezuela following the recent overthrow of Maduro, more precisely, her intention to bestow the Nobel Peace Prize upon President Donald Trump. Upon learning of this proposal, the Nobel Committee immediately rejected the opposition leader Machados "generous" offer. "Once awarded, a Nobel Prize "cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others," the committee said on Jan. 9 The warning came after Machado said she wants to give Trump the award, and after a report stated that accepting the honor sullied her chance of becoming Venezuela's new leader After Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado shared her desire to give her Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump, the Nobel Committee spoke out, stating that the honor cannot be transferred to anyone but the recipient. Interestingly, against the backdrop of strong dissatisfaction within the Nobel Committee, President Trump has displayed a notably calm and unperturbed attitude towards Machados initiative. In an interview with the international media on the matter, he did not hide the fact that he believes he has made considerable efforts in pursuit of the Peace Prize. It is precisely in this context that the 79-year-old presidents expression of consent in response to Machados proposal should be understood. Equally intriguing is how the public perceives the question of whether President Donald Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Does he truly merit such an award? Naturally, obtaining a definitive answer would require engaging not just one, but the populations of several countries. For now, however, it is Trump himself who asserts that he has taken successful steps towards achieving peace in many parts of the world. Yet on the ground today, it is increasingly evident that Trumps "lightning-fast" peace plan on Ukraine is advancing only slowly. Ultimately, words alone are not enough; results must follow in practice. In this regard, a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus, expected to be signed in the near future, is also waiting in line. Trump has given his word, and it is assumed that, sooner or later, he will remain true to it. 11 January 2026 17:16 (UTC+04:00) Despite renewable energy installations hitting a new peak, jobs in the sector only increased by 2.3% from 2023, reaching 16.6 million in 2024. The newly released Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2025 by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights the increasing impact of geopolitical and geoeconomic frictions, as well as growing automation, to the renewable energy workforce. As in previous years, uneven development continues across the world. China remains the preeminent force in both deployment of generating capacities and equipment manufacturing, mainly due to its integrated, large-scale supply chains that deliver equipment at unmatched prices. In 2024, China created an estimated 7.3 million renewable energy jobs, or 44% of the global total. The EU followed suit with the same total as in 2023 at 1.8 million jobs. Brazils renewables employment runs to 1.4 million, while Indias and the United States barely grew from around 1 million to 1.3 million and 1.1 million, respectively. Commenting on this trend, IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera, said, Renewable energy deployment is booming, but the human side of the story is as important as the technological side. Governments must put people at the centre of their energy and climate objectives through trade and industrial policies that drive investments, build domestic capacity, and develop a skilled workforce along the supply chain. The geographical imbalance of the job growth reminds us to get international collaboration back on track. Countries that are lagging behind in the energy transition must be supported by the international community. This is essential not only to meet the goal of tripling renewable power capacity by 2030, but also to ensure that socio-economic benefits become lived realities for all, helping to shore up popular support for the transition. In terms of employment by technology, solar photovoltaics (PV) retains the lead, owing to the continued rapid expansion of installations and panel manufacturing plants. The industry employed 7.3 million people in 2024. Asian countries hosted 75% of the worlds PV jobs with China garnering the bulk of the employment at 4.2 million. Liquid biofuels follow after solar PV, creating 2.6 million jobs in 2024 with 46.5% of the total jobs generated in Asia. Hydropower came in third place with 2.3 million jobs, and wind follows with 1.9 million jobs. Beyond the numbers, this edition of the annual report underscores the need for more inclusion and equity in the renewable energy workforce. A just transition demands that no population groupssuch as women and people with disabilitiesare left at the margins. The renewables-based energy future must be shaped by diverse talents and perspectives. To this day, both groups potential remains under-utilised, which calls for deliberate, multifaceted and systemic action. ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo highlighted that A just transition to a renewables-based future must be grounded in inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity. As countries scale up renewable energy investments and job creation, we have a particular responsibility to ensure that accessibility for persons with disabilities who too often face barriers to inclusion in labour markets despite their skills, experience and talent - is built into every stage of policy design and implementation. This requires accessible training systems, inclusive hiring practices, and workplaces that accommodate, welcome and respond to diverse needs and respect every workers rights. Disability inclusion is not only a matter of justice; it is essential for resilient labour markets and sustainable development. By removing barriers to equality and promoting decent work, we strengthen economies and ensure that the energy transition truly works for all. Fostering a culture that respects diversity and upholds inclusion and fairness requires sustained, inclusive policy frameworks including accessible education and training, labour market services, and other measures. Designing and shaping such policies requires that all stakeholders have a seat at the table, especially those who are all too readily sidelined. Discriminatory practices and outdated social and cultural norms must be left in the past for the energy transition to truly drive more successful economies for all members of the community. This 12th edition of the Annual Review is part of IRENAs extensive analytical work on the socio-economic impacts of a renewables-based energy transition. This is the 5th edition developed in collaboration with ILO. Building on its expertise on the world of work, the ILO contributed the reports chapter on inclusion of people with disabilities. 11 January 2026 15:17 (UTC+04:00) A ceremony marking the start of the new academic year was held at the Qarabag Weekend School, operating under the SAF Union in Stockholm, highlighting its vital role in nurturing the national and cultural identity of Azerbaijani children living abroad, Azernews reports, citing Azertag. Weekend schools like Qarabag play a strategic role in preserving language, heritage, and patriotism among the diaspora, as emphasized by President Ilham Aliyev at the 5th World Azerbaijanis Congress in Shusha. Speaking at the ceremony, SAF Union head Sevda Dadashova noted that these schools are indispensable in protecting children from assimilation, while ensuring they remain connected to their mother tongue, national identity, history, and cultural legacy. The mother tongue is the soul of a nation and the memory of its people. A child who knows their language understands their roots, recognizes their identity, and strengthens spiritual bonds with their homeland. The Qarabag Weekend School not only provides knowledge but also instills love for Azerbaijan, national pride, and patriotism, Dadashova said. She further expressed gratitude to the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and its chair, Fuad Muradov, highlighting their constant support for the school. During the event, the annual curriculum was presented, and new students and teachers were introduced to the schools activities. The upcoming academic year will feature lessons in Azerbaijani language, national music, and traditional folk dances, ensuring a holistic education rooted in Azerbaijani culture. 11 January 2026 10:59 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Yalchin Rafiyev, participated in the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) dedicated to Somalia. Azernews reports, citing Azertag, the state news agency, with reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aimed to express support for Somalias sovereignty and territorial integrity in opposition to the recognition of the Somaliland region as an independent state, as well as to discuss possible joint steps in this regard. Speaking at the meeting, Yalchin Rafiyev reaffirmed Azerbaijans support for the sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. As an active member of the OIC Contact Group on Somalia, the deputy minister stated that Azerbaijan would continue to support the collective efforts of the international community, including OIC member states, on this issue. Emphasising Azerbaijans commitment to the norms and principles of international law, a call was made to the international community to act responsibly and within the framework of international law in order to ensure peace, stability, and security in various regions, including the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea basin. At the conclusion of the 22nd extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, member states adopted a resolution expressing clear and unequivocal support for Somalia and its territorial integrity. 11 January 2026 12:57 (UTC+04:00) By Peter Tase Baku Slavic University has embraced the teaching of the core tools of statecraft, as global tensions rise and geopolitical interests are breaking down the old traditions of international politics and rules based international order. Over the last eighty years, this university has made a lasting impact in driving the national economy forward and adopting curriculum tradition from which local students have greatly benefited. Today Baku is experiencing significant and top quality results as Azerbaijan has become a driving force of international diplomacy in Eurasia. As a result of the great leadership of Azerbaijans national leader Heydar Aliyev, thanks to his steadfast efforts, the gradual education reforms in Azerbaijan in the early 1990s, at all stages and levels, have already shown their effectiveness and results. The education system of the nation has improved through the guidance of a defined set of goals set within the framework of National Strategy for the Development of Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which enabled every public servant to look upon this university with pride and encouragement. The leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and his executive decrees and orders aimed at improving the education system in accordance with the highest standards and the achievement of concrete targets, state programs have adopted scholarship programs that are sending the Azerbaijani youth to prestigious educational institutions abroad. These are the message and instructions for all national higher institutions, in their road towards a more sustainable future. The main feature of dialectics and philosophy, as well as future plans of Azerbaijans education system is to save the experience gained through past decades and to preserve the admirable experiences and academic legacy while respecting a set of the values, traditions, national mentality and the principles of loyalty. Baku Slavic University, which commemorates its 80th anniversary this year, is committed to these principles and carries out its current and future activities in accordance with these principles. In the 1940s after the Second World War, Baku Slavic University, which was established and functioned under different names in different periods, has aimed for a long time to prepare professionals of the Russian language and literature teachers, currently it is a center of scientific and educational activities assigned to train high-skilled specialists in Russian language and literature, Slavonic studies, Translation art, International relations and pedagogical specialties. Equipped with a wise foresight by the great national leader Heydar Aliyev, the profile of Azerbaijani Pedagogical Institute of Russian Language and Literature was expanded with the aspiration to further develop the educational, literary, cultural, political, diplomatic and socio-economic relations with its neighbor country, Russia, the CIS, Eastern, Central and Southern European countries and the Slavic-Greek world. Baku Slavic University, a unique public institution of higher education, was established in 2000. Unlike other Slavic universities in the CIS, Baku Slavic University was established with the initiative of Azerbaijani Government and aims at meeting the educational needs and fulfilling its national strategy of tertiary education objectives. At a time when the Russian language evokes a great interest in Baku, the University has made the preparation of pedagogical expertise as its top priority, prepares textbooks on the Russian language and literature for secondary schools, remains a scientific and methodological centre for the Russian-language schools and for all of these reasons Baku Slavic University carries out joint projects with leading Universities and scientific and methodological centers in Russia. Today Baku Slavic University functions as one of the biggest centers of Russian Slavonic philology in the Caucasus and Transcaucasia and it carries out scientific researches in Azerbaijani, Turkish-Slavic and European studies, promotes multicultural studies of the Azerbaijani people in the world, as well as holds international scientific conferences. Students from all over the world learn the Azerbaijani and the Russian language at Baku Slavic University and have the chance to get the bachelors, masters and postgraduate degrees in different specialties. Baku Slavic University is an institute of higher education with great scientific and pedagogical potential. There are more than 70 candidates of science, professors, and more than 200 Ph.D. Professors and Assistant Professors. There are plenty of cooperation agreements with foreign universities which make it possible for specialists from other Universities, as well as our teaching staff to get the chance of working here and abroad. The worlds prominent political leaders, religious and public figures are among the honorary doctors of our University. Lectures delivered by the honorary doctors, especially by political leaders, educational and cultural centers inaugurated in their presence, the attention paid by most of them to relations between their countrys universities and BSU has made a unique impression on its professors and students. As a continuation to the wonderful and impressive legacy of Academician Kamal Abdullayev, BSU pays a great attention to the accomplishment and realization of the scientific potential of the University, promotion and publication of research projects carried out by department chairs and scientific and research laboratories, regular publication of scientific works, etc. On September 14, 2010, the Chancellor of the Baku Slavic University (BSU), associate member of ANAS Kamal Abdulla was awarded Dede Gorgud prize of the Dede Gorgud National Foundation and gold medal. A ceremony was organized in the University on the occasion of the presentation of the awards. Addressing the event, president of the Dede Gorgud National Foundation, founder and editor-in-chief of the World of Azerbaijan magazine Eldar Ismayilov highlighted the scientific activities of Kamal Abdulla. The same day, Kamal Abdulla`s book entitled Let`s speak in Azerbaijani language was published in Bucharest. The University publishes Scientific Works (Language and Literature, Social Science Series), as well as a number of scientific publications prepared jointly with various foreign universities, the magazine The Russian language and literature, scientific journal Tagiyevs readings, thematic and high school yearbooks, various dictionaries and reference books, encyclopedias, textbooks and monographs. It is not a coincidence that the scientific research schools at the University, formed during the period of the Former Soviet Union have fulfilled their mission and have expanded the scope of research today. Indeed, there are honorable successors of these scientific schools including professors Mehmet Tagiyev and Ali Huseynov with their work on lexicography and phraseology; literary relations and investigation founded by professors Michayil Rafili, Murtuz Sadikhov, Habib Babayev, pedagogical and methodological departments directed and formed by professors Leila Vakilova, Bashir Ahmadov, Chingiz Badalov; Translation and Azerbaijani studies and multiculturalism departments, established during the modern development stage and due to efforts and the effective initiative of Honorable Academician Kamal Abdulla; Dostoevskys studies, carried out by Prof. Mammad Qojayev and many others. Baku Slavic University carries out preparation of experts for the unique majors in bachelors, masters and postgraduate degrees. Students and professionals from more than 15 countries get their education in our campus. The university focuses on the implementation of the concept of continuous education and as a result the University involves the School and Lyceum Complex under Baku Slavic University, where students get elementary, secondary and higher education. The Department of Additional Education, which includes professional development, retraining and probation, is another effective way to strengthen the potential of its future experts. The Graduate Dissertation board carries out training of young and new scientific and scientific-pedagogical researchers in the Russian language and literature, literary theory, comparative linguistics and the like. The students of our University, Eldar Gasimov and Aysel Teymurzadeh, who graduated from the School and Lyceum Complex under Baku Slavic University, represented Azerbaijan at the Eurovision song contest. Students from philological faculty, have collected interesting samples of folklore during their expeditions in Ivanovka village of Ismayilli Region, populated by the Russian population, and they have published a book volume of fascinating folklore samples named: Russian folklore of Azerbaijan. The University marks its 80th anniversary with great expectations for the future. This anniversary is not only for the professors and students, but also for local and foreign friends of BSU, graduates, for everyone who cooperates with this prestigious institution, incoming students and their parents. ------ Peter Tase is a freelance writer and journalist of International Relations, Latin American and Southern Caucasus current affairs. He is the author of America's first book published on the historical and archeological treasures of the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan (Republic of Azerbaijan); has authored and published four books on the Foreign Policy and current economic political events of the Government of Azerbaijan. Tase has written about International Relations for Eurasia Review Journal since June 2012. 11 January 2026 13:22 (UTC+04:00) Countries must now accelerate their renewable energy strategies, not only to meet climate objectives but also because renewables offer the most sustainable, low-risk path for economic growth, energy security, decarbonisation, and competitiveness. Azernews reports that this was highlighted by Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), during his address at the agencys 16th Assembly in Abu Dhabi. The market has already made its choice. Last year, 92% of newly installed power capacity came from renewable energy sources. This year, we are moving towards another record, with approximately 700 gigawatts of new renewable capacity expected to be commissioned, La Camera said. He also emphasised that the competitiveness of future economies will largely depend on the ability to move electrons and molecules at the lowest possible cost, while providing clean, safe, and accessible energy services. The 16th IRENA Assembly is hosting nearly 1,600 participants, including 45 ministers from member countries. Discussions will focus on strategies to accelerate the global energy transition, ensure equitable access to clean energy, and enhance economic resilience. IRENA, which counts 171 members (170 countries plus the European Union), promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar, and wind energy, while supporting low-carbon economic growth, energy security, and sustainable development. Azerbaijan joined IRENA in 2009 and became a full member after the ratification of the agencys statute by the Milli Majlis on May 2, 2014. In the agencys 13th Assembly, Azerbaijan was elected to the IRENA Council for the 20232024 term, demonstrating its growing engagement in shaping global renewable energy policy. 11 January 2026 14:52 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more A landmine explosion occurred in the Qzloba village area of Agdr district, recently liberated from occupation, resulting in injury to a humanitarian worker, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA). According to the agency, the injured individual, Elvin Hamiddin Karimov, born in 1988, was taking part in humanitarian mine-clearing operations conducted by a non-governmental organisation when the accident happened. As a result of the explosion, Karimovs right heel was amputated. He was immediately evacuated to the district central hospital, where medical staff reported his condition as satisfactory. The incident underscores the ongoing risks of landmines in liberated areas, as authorities continue demining efforts to secure safety for both local residents and humanitarian personnel. 11 January 2026 10:47 (UTC+04:00) Belgium is not adequately prepared for the wars of the future, Defence Minister Theo Francken has warned, stressing the urgent need for the country to modernise its military capabilities. Speaking in an interview with the newspaper La Libre, Francken said Belgium is ill-equipped to deal with modern forms of warfare that increasingly rely on advanced technologies such as drones, robotics, and artificial intelligence. According to the minister, the challenge extends far beyond the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. This is not just about drones, Francken said. It also involves robotics, data integration, unmanned systems, and quantum computing. We must be ready for the wars of the future. At the moment, we are not. Franckens remarks highlight growing concerns within European defence circles about the continents ability to adapt to rapidly evolving military technologies. Recent conflicts have demonstrated the decisive role of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and real-time data processing on the battlefield, prompting NATO members to reassess their defence strategies. The Belgian defence minister emphasised that failure to invest in emerging technologies could leave the country vulnerable in future conflicts, underlining the importance of long-term planning, innovation, and defence modernisation. Belgiums warning comes amid broader debates across Europe about military readiness, defence spending, and the need to keep pace with technological developments reshaping modern warfare. 11 January 2026 11:46 (UTC+04:00) Voters across conflict-hit Myanmar returned to polling stations on Sunday as the military authorities pushed ahead with the second phase of a junta-organised election, despite widespread criticism and scepticism following weak participation in the first round. The vote comes as Myanmar remains gripped by violence nearly four years after the 2021 military coup that toppled the elected civilian government and led to the detention of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The takeover triggered a nationwide uprising that has since evolved into a prolonged civil war affecting much of the countrys 51 million people. The political landscape has been dramatically reshaped ahead of the polls. Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD)which won a landslide victory in the 2020 electionshas been dissolved, along with dozens of other opposition parties that refused or failed to register under new electoral rules. Armed resistance groups have also rejected participation, further narrowing the field. International criticism has been swift and sustained. The United Nations, Western governments, and human rights organisations have dismissed the election process as neither free nor fair, arguing that it lacks credibility without genuine political competition. Preliminary results from the first phase of voting, held on December 28, show the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) dominating the race, securing 90 of the 102 lower-house seats contested. Official figures put turnout at just over 52 percent, far below participation levels seen in elections held in 2015 and 2020. The outcome was effectively predetermined, said Richard Horsey, Senior Myanmar Adviser at the International Crisis Group, noting that legal restrictions and the elimination of major rivals had tilted the process heavily in favour of the military-backed party. A final round of voting is scheduled for January 25, with ballots planned in 265 of Myanmars 330 townships, including areas where the military does not exercise full territorial control. The junta maintains that the elections will pave the way for political stability and national recovery, as the country faces one of Asias most severe humanitarian crises. However, analysts caution that any government emerging from the process is unlikely to achieve domestic legitimacy or international recognition while armed conflict continues. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has publicly praised the election process, urging local authorities to increase participation and claiming that voter turnout reflects public support for a return to democratic governance. 11 January 2026 12:23 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Irans parliamentary leadership escalated its rhetoric against the United States and Israel on Sunday as tensions intensified over Washingtons warnings of possible military action amid ongoing unrest inside the Islamic Republic. Speaking during a heated session of parliament in Tehran, Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared that US forces and Israel would become legitimate targets if Washington carries out a strike on Iran, following recent threats issued by US President Donald Trump. His remarks were delivered as lawmakers surged toward the parliamentary podium chanting anti-American slogans, including Death to America, in a scene broadcast live on state television. Qalibaf, a prominent hard-liner and former presidential candidate, praised Irans security forces, including the Revolutionary Guard and its volunteer Basij militia, for their response to nationwide protests. He warned demonstrators of severe consequences, vowing harsh punishment for those detained during the unrest. We will deal with them in the most severe manner, Qalibaf said, signalling a toughening stance as concerns grow internationally over a potential crackdown amid an information blackout inside the country. Turning his focus outward, the parliamentary speaker issued a direct warning to Israel and US military assets across the Middle East. He suggested Iran could respond pre-emptively if it detects signs of an imminent threat. In the event of an attack on Iran, all American military bases, ships, and the occupied territory will be legitimate targets, Qalibaf said, adding that Tehran would not wait for a strike before acting. President Trump, meanwhile, voiced support for Iranian protesters, writing on social media that the country was closer to freedom perhaps like never before, and stating that the United States stood ready to assist. US media reports citing unnamed officials said the president has been presented with military options against Iran, though no final decision has been announced. The US State Department reinforced Trumps warnings, cautioning Tehran against testing Washingtons resolve. When President Trump says he will act, he means it, a spokesperson said. Despite the inflammatory rhetoric, analysts note that Irans military capabilities were weakened during last years brief but intense confrontation with Israel, which reportedly damaged key air defence systems. Any move toward direct conflict would ultimately depend on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, who holds final authority over military decisions. The US military said it remains fully prepared in the region, emphasizing that American forces are positioned to defend US interests, allies, and partners across the Middle East. 11 January 2026 13:44 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Israel has raised its national security alert level amid growing discussions in Washington over a possible U.S. role in developments inside Iran, as the country faces its largest wave of anti-government protests in years, according to sources cited by Reuters. Three Israeli officials familiar with the matter told the agency that the heightened readiness comes against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions and uncertainty surrounding Irans internal stability. The move reflects concern in Jerusalem that any direct or indirect U.S. involvement in Iran could trigger rapid and unpredictable regional consequences. According to Reuters, the issue was discussed during a telephone conversation on Saturday between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While one source confirmed that the call took place, the precise content of the discussion was not disclosed. Iran has been gripped by widespread protests in recent weeks, with demonstrations spreading across multiple cities and drawing international attention. The unrest has raised questions about the durability of Irans political order and the potential for foreign powers to become involved, either diplomatically or militarily. Israel, which views Iran as its primary regional adversary, has long warned that instability inside the Islamic Republic could spill over into the wider Middle East. Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed the need for readiness in the face of any escalation involving Iran, particularly if the United States alters its posture toward Tehran. Neither the Israeli prime ministers office nor the U.S. State Department has publicly commented on the substance of the reported discussions. However, analysts note that any U.S. move related to Iranespecially during a period of mass protestswould have significant implications for Israels security calculations and the broader regional balance. 11 January 2026 14:16 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The U.S. military announced on Saturday that it had carried out multiple strikes in Syria against Islamic State (ISIS) militants, part of an ongoing operation launched in December following an attack on American personnel. The strikes are part of a broader campaign led by the U.S.-coalition to dismantle Islamic State networks in the region. In recent months, coalition forces have conducted airstrikes and ground operations targeting ISIS suspects, often in coordination with Syrian security forces, according to officials. The operation underscores the United States continued commitment to counterterrorism efforts in Syria, despite ongoing regional instability and the complex political landscape involving multiple local and foreign actors. U.S. military officials did not provide details on casualties or specific locations, citing operational security, but stressed that the strikes were carefully planned to target Islamic State infrastructure and leadership cells. Analysts note that these operations come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the U.S. seeking to prevent a resurgence of ISIS in areas of Syria still affected by civil war and militant activity. 11 January 2026 15:49 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The United Kingdom will allocate 200 million to prepare British troops for potential deployment to Ukraine once the war with Russia ends, Defence Secretary John Healey announced on Saturday. In a video message posted on X, Healey said the funding would ensure that British forces are ready to deploy from day one in the event of a peace agreement. The investment will focus on modernising military vehicles and communications systems, strengthening drone defence capabilities, and upgrading essential equipment. Today I am confirming we are committed 200 million to prepare British troops in the event of a peace deal, to be able to start deploying from day one, Healey said. As part of the initiative, the UK will also begin manufacturing new drone interceptors in Britain this month to counter Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russia. Healey said the programme combines Ukrainian intellectual property with modern British manufacturing techniques to enable mass production. We will manufacture them at scale and get them back into Ukrainethousands per month, he said, adding that the move would help Ukraine both remain operational during the conflict and secure long-term peace. On Friday, Healey also announced the launch of production of Octopus drones, designed to intercept Russian drones targeting civilian infrastructure. According to the Defence Ministry, each Octopus drone costs roughly 10 percent of the price of the drones it is designed to destroy, allowing for cost-effective large-scale deployment. The announcements underline Britains continued military support for Ukraine, while signalling preparations for a post-war security role should a peace settlement be reached. 11 January 2026 16:18 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Iran has been experiencing an almost complete nationwide internet blackout for more than 60 hours, according to multiple sources. The disruption comes amid ongoing unrest and widespread protests, limiting access to online information, social media, and communication both inside and outside the country. The blackout has raised concerns among human rights groups and international observers, who warn that cutting off internet access may embolden hard-line security forces to escalate crackdowns on demonstrators. Experts say prolonged internet shutdowns not only hinder the free flow of information, but also affect businesses, healthcare, and essential services, compounding the humanitarian impact of unrest. Authorities have not provided a clear explanation for the prolonged outage, and it remains unclear when connectivity might be restored. 11 January 2026 17:43 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused foreign-backed militants of carrying out violent attacks inside the country, claiming that individuals brought in from abroad were responsible for arson, killings and other acts of brutality during recent unrest. In remarks reported by local media, the President alleged that the perpetrators had set fire to mosques, killed civilians and, in some cases, carried out beheadings. He said those involved did not belong to the country and should not be confused with citizens expressing legitimate grievances. Your browser doesn't support video. Please download the file: video/mp4 Those who are truly part of this country can express their protest we will listen to them, consider their demands and resolve the problem, he said. But killing innocent people on the spot, setting fires and destroying property by force is unacceptable. Pezeshkian also accused the United States and Israel of encouraging violence, claiming they were urging militant groups to escalate their actions. According to him, the same actors who had previously attacked the country and killed young people and children were now calling on others to do the same. They say, We are here, and you go and destroy we will come after you, he said. The comments come amid heightened tensions and ongoing disturbances, as authorities seek to distinguish between peaceful protest and acts they describe as terrorism. No independent verification of the allegations was immediately available. 11 January 2026 20:02 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began a two-day visit to India on Monday, underscoring Berlins efforts to deepen ties with New Delhi as both countries navigate economic and geopolitical pressures from the United States and China. The trip Merzs first to Asia since taking office in May comes two weeks ahead of a planned EU-India summit and as Brussels and New Delhi work towards a long-awaited free trade agreement. Indias commerce ministry said on Friday that the deal is envisioned not just as a trade agreement, but as a comprehensive partnership that addresses modern economic realities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Merz in Ahmedabad, in the western state of Gujarat, before the chancellor travels to Bengaluru, Indias main technology hub. The leaders are due to attend a traditional kite festival and visit the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi lived for many years. A German government spokesman said Merzs decision to make India his first Asian destination demonstrates how India, the worlds largest democracy, is an important strategic partner for Germany. The visit also coincides with heightened EU-India engagement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are scheduled to attend Indias Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on 26 January. Security cooperation is expected to feature prominently, with discussions continuing over a potential deal for Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to build six submarines for the Indian Navy in partnership with state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. While the contract is not expected to be signed during the visit, informed sources said the talks could advance the negotiations. The deal would help India replace its ageing Russian-built submarines and is likely to include technology-transfer provisions aimed at strengthening Indias domestic defence industry. Merz is accompanied by a large business delegation, including executives from Siemens and Airbus. A German government official said one of the main objectives of the trip was to deepen economic relations with India. Bilateral trade between the two countries is worth almost 50 billion, and Indias population of 1.4 billion offers significant growth opportunities for German exporters. Sales in China have fallen, while German firms face intensifying competition from Chinese rivals across a range of industries. Relations between Berlin and Beijing have also become more strained, with China restricting supplies of semiconductors and certain rare earth elements. German foreign trade is looking for growth markets, and India is precisely that, said Florian Wenke of the government-backed agency Germany Trade & Invest. Labour mobility is also high on the agenda. Germany faces chronic labour shortages due to an ageing population and has long relied on skilled Indian professionals, particularly in the IT sector. Berlin is also seeking to recruit healthcare workers from India, while German universities remain a popular destination for Indian students. Merz and Modi are expected to discuss mobility rules for workers and students, as well as closer cooperation in research and innovation. 11 January 2026 19:34 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Ukrainian forces have released footage showing night raids on offshore oil and gas platforms in the Caspian Sea, part of an escalating campaign to hit Russian energy infrastructure linked to its war effort, according to military sources. The video, shared by Ukraines Special Operations Forces on social media, appears to show strikes on three ice-resistant drilling platforms owned by Russian energy company Lukoil. The facilities targeted include the V. Filanovsky, Yuri Korchagin and Valery Grayfer installations in the Caspian Sea, the Ukrainian General Staff has confirmed. Ukraines long-range drones struck the platforms during the early hours of the operation, with images showing impacts on key structures. The strikes came after a series of deep-strike drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including previous hits on oil-production sites in the Caspian and Black Seas. Officials say the platforms were used to supply fuel and resources supporting Russian military operations, and that the attacks have disrupted production at the affected sites. Independent confirmation of the extent of the damage was not immediately available. The Caspian strikes represent a continuation of Ukraines strategy to target logistical and energy assets far beyond its immediate borders, a campaign Kyiv describes as aimed at reducing Russias ability to finance and sustain its invasion. The release of night-strike footage coincides with renewed tensions across multiple fronts of the conflict, as both sides carry out long-range attacks on each others infrastructure and military targets. 11 January 2026 20:43 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The Israeli army on Sunday issued an evacuation warning for the village of Kafr Hatta in southern Lebanon, saying it was preparing air strikes against Hezbollah targets in the area, Azernews reports ,citing AFP. In a statement posted on X, the Israeli militarys Arabic-language spokesman, Colonel Avichay Adraee, said Israeli forces would soon, and once again, strike terrorist Hezbollah military infrastructure in the village. He accused Hezbollah of attempting to rebuild its presence there despite previous attacks, adding that the strikes were aimed at preventing what he described as prohibited activities. The post included a map indicating the locations expected to be targeted. The warning comes amid heightened tensions along the IsraelLebanon border, where exchanges of fire have intensified in recent months. On Thursday, the Lebanese army said it had completed the disarmament of Hezbollah forces south of the Litani River as part of the first phase of a nationwide security plan. Kafr Hatta, however, lies north of the river and is not covered by that initial phase, according to Lebanese officials. There was no immediate response from Hezbollah to the Israeli warning. 11 January 2026 22:19 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The European Union and the Mercosur bloc are set to sign their long-awaited trade agreement on Saturday, marking a major milestone in relations between Europe and South America. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Paraguay on 17 January for the signing ceremony, a Commission spokesperson confirmed. She will be accompanied by European Council President Antonio Costa, according to his cabinet. The move follows a vote on Friday in which a majority of EU member states backed the signing of the agreement, clearing the final political hurdle after years of negotiations. Once in force, the EU-Mercosur deal would create the worlds largest free-trade area, covering around 700 million people. From Brussels perspective, the agreement represents a significant geopolitical gain at a time when Chinas economic influence in Latin America is expanding and US trade policy has become increasingly protectionist under President Donald Trump. The deal aims to reduce tariffs and deepen trade links between the EU and Mercosur, which comprises Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Supporters argue the agreement will boost exports, investment and strategic ties on both sides of the Atlantic, while critics within Europe have raised concerns over environmental standards, agricultural competition and enforcement mechanisms. Saturdays signing is expected to open the door to ratification processes in both the EU and Mercosur member states, a step that could still face political challenges in several European capitals. 11 January 2026 22:40 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Turkiyes Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israels intelligence agency, Mossad, of exploiting protests in Iran in an attempt to destabilise the country. Speaking about the unrest, Fidan alleged that foreign intelligence services were using internal demonstrations to undermine Irans stability. He specifically claimed that Mossad was seeking to manipulate the protests to advance external political objectives. The Turkish foreign minister did not provide evidence to support the accusation, and there was no immediate response from Israeli officials. Israel has previously rejected similar allegations of interference in Irans internal affairs. Iran has experienced repeated waves of protests in recent years, driven by economic hardship, political grievances and social restrictions. Iranian authorities have frequently blamed foreign powers, including Israel and the United States, for fomenting unrest. Fidans comments come amid heightened regional tensions, as relations between Iran and Israel remain deeply strained and Ankara seeks to position itself as a key diplomatic and security actor in the Middle East. 11 January 2026 23:54 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva North Korea on Saturday accused South Korea of violating its sovereignty through drone incursions in September last year and earlier this week, warning that Seoul should be prepared to pay a high price for what it described as a serious provocation. South Koreas defence ministry rejected the accusation, saying its military did not operate drones on the dates cited by Pyongyang. In a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a spokesperson for the General Staff of the Korean Peoples Army described South Korea as the most hostile enemy and accused it of pursuing provocative actions while publicly calling for dialogue. The Republic of Korea should be ready to pay a high price for having committed another provocation of infringing on the sovereignty of the DPRK with a drone, the spokesperson said, referring to South Korea and North Korea by their official names. According to the statement, North Korean forces on 4 January detected and tracked an aerial target moving northward from the skies above Ganghwa County, near Incheon, before striking it with electronic warfare systems. The drone was forced to crash in Muksan-ri, close to the border city of Kaesong, KCNA reported. Pyongyang also alleged that a similar incident occurred on 27 September, when a drone that had taken off from Paju, a South Korean border city, fell in Jangphung County near Kaesong after being disabled by North Korean electronic countermeasures. The drone had allegedly infiltrated airspace over Phyongsan County in North Hwanghae Province before turning back, the report said. The North claimed that the drone downed earlier this week was equipped with surveillance devices and was designed to conduct reconnaissance over a distance of around 156 kilometres during a flight lasting more than three hours. KCNA released photographs said to show drone debris, recording equipment and images allegedly captured by the unmanned aircraft. The report likened South Korea to a perfect copy of Kievs lunatics, drawing a comparison with Ukraines war against Russia. Pyongyang further alleged that the drones had passed through areas where South Korean radar and anti-drone systems are deployed, insisting that the South Korean military was directly responsible for the incursions. Tensions between the two Koreas have remained high in recent months, with both sides trading accusations of military provocation amid a prolonged breakdown in dialogue. 11 January 2026 23:22 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Medical workers from emergency ambulance teams were assaulted during protest actions in Iran, according to reports from injured personnel. The wounded ambulance staff said their vehicle was attacked with stones and homemade explosive devices while responding to an emergency call. The incident occurred while the medical team was carrying out its official duties. The attack left several emergency workers injured and caused damage to the ambulance. Medical personnel said they were targeted despite being clearly identifiable as emergency responders. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of healthcare workers operating amid ongoing unrest, as well as the increasing risks faced by emergency services during protest-related disturbances. Ask Allison: My son tells me his wife screams at him and knows how to push his buttons. He feels so lost. How do I help? Police have said they are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a missing Belfast man. William Putt (28) was last seen in the vicinity of the Royal Victoria Hospital shortly after 11pm on Saturday. He is believed to have been walking from Broadway towards the Falls Road. Mr Putt is approximately 58 tall, with short dark hair and a beard and was last seen wearing a khaki coloured coat, dark tracksuit bottoms and blue training shoes. William Putt Gas explosion in east Belfast The PSNI urged anyone with information in relation to Mr Putts whereabouts or believe they may have seen him to contact officers on 101, quoting reference number 1614 10/01/26. Activists from the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had already gone too far (Stefan Rousseau/PA) A group of Anglo-Iranian women has called on the Government to ban the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as the Tehran regimes violent crackdown on protests continues. Demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street in central London, where they demanded the IRGC be proscribed as a terrorist organisation. The special armed forces organisation has already been heavily sanctioned in recent years, but there are growing calls for the Prime Minister to go further. Activists from the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK held a rally outside 10 Downing Street, central London, on Sunday (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Dozens of people have been killed and thousands detained as the Iranian state has attempted to quell the mass protests in Tehran and other cities using the organisation. Laila Jazayeri, director of the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK, said the IRGC had already gone too far. Speaking at the demonstration on Sunday, she told the Press Association: The Prime Minister should prescribe the deadly force IRGC, that is killing people inside Iran. She said: There is no need for military intervention. There is no need for boots on the ground. Iranian people are capable of bringing the regime down. The protesters are empty-handed. They are dealing with heavily armed security forces in some towns and cities. But the regime hasnt been able to send the protesters back home. Why? Because there is a network of resistance. Most information coming out of the country is through Starlink satellite transmitters after the regime restricted internet access, and Ms Jazayeri said the UK Government could do more to get Iranians back online. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said decisions about the proscription of organisations were kept under constant review (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) The regime has shut down the internet to kill in silence. (The UK Government) should help get access to internet for the Iranian people, she said. Asked about the possibility of banning the organisation, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told Sky News: Its a very thorough process that the Home Secretary would go through in determining whether to proscribe an organisation Im not going to second-guess the decisions of the Home Secretary on a matter as significant as this. She will follow due process and wont leave any stone unturned in looking at all the information that is available to her. As a government, we keep those decisions about the proscription of organisations under constant review and I have no doubt that Shabana Mahmood is doing that at the moment. Later on Sunday, a separate group of around 1,000 protesters gathered on Whitehall calling for Iranian freedom before marching to the Iranian embassy. People taking part in a protest in Whitehall, central London, to show solidarity with the protests in Iran (Ben Bauer/PA) Social media footage appeared to show a man tearing down the flag from the embassys balcony the second time protesters have removed it in the space of two days. Scotland Yard said two arrests had been made over Saturdays incident, one for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker and one for aggravated trespass. Iran has warned that the US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes Iran (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File) The US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes Iran over the ongoing protests roiling the country, as threatened by American president Donald Trump, the Islamic Republics parliament speaker has warned. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made the threat after nationwide protests challenging Irans theocracy saw protesters flood the streets in the countrys capital and its second-largest city into Sunday morning. Sundays protests crossed the two-week mark as violence surrounding the demonstrations has killed at least 203 people, activists said, with fears the death toll is far higher. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. But the death toll in the protests has grown, while 2,600 others have been detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Those abroad fear the information blackout will embolden hardliners within Irans security services to launch a bloody crackdown, despite warnings from Mr Trump that he is willing to strike Iran to protect peaceful demonstrators. Mr Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous US officials, said on Saturday night that Mr Trump had been given military options for a strike on Iran, but had not made a final decision. A screen grab from footage circulating on social media showing protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire in Tehran on Friday (UGC via AP) The US state department separately warned: Do not play games with President Trump. When he says hell do something, he means it. Iranian state television broadcast the parliament session live. Mr Qalibaf, a hardliner who has run for the presidency in the past, gave a speech applauding police and Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, particularly its all-volunteer Basij branch, for having stood firm during the protests. He went on to directly threaten Israel, the occupied territory as he referred to it, and the US military, possibly with a pre-emptive strike. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Mr Qalibaf said. We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. The demonstrations began on December 28 (UGC via AP) Politicians rushed the dais in the Iranian parliament, shouting: Death to America! It remains unclear just how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after seeing its air defences destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Any decision to go to war would rest with Irans 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US military has said that in the Middle East, it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and US interests. Iran targeted US forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June, while the US navys Middle East-based 5th Fleet is stationed in the island kingdom of Bahrain. Meanwhile, Israel was watching closely the situation between the US and Iran, an Israeli official said. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signalled a coming clampdown, despite US warnings (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US secretary of state Marco Rubio overnight on topics including Iran, the official said. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which relies on activists in Iran cross-checking information, offered the new death toll of 203 on Sunday a large jump. Of those killed, 162 were protesters and 41 were members of the security forces, it said. The agency also acknowledged receiving claims of far more deaths that it was still assessing, as more than 3,280 others had been arrested. The group has offered accurate tolls in previous rounds of unrest in the Islamic Republic. The Iranian government has not offered any overall casualty figures for the demonstrations. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content At the Vatican, Pope Leo mentioned Iran as a place where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives. I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society, he said. Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehrans Punak neighbourhood. There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. Other footage purportedly showed demonstrators peacefully marching down a street and others honking their car horns in the street. The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said. Reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control. A masked demonstrator holding a picture of Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has urged protesters to claim public spaces as your own (UGC via AP) In Mashhad, Irans second-largest city some 450 miles (725km) north-east of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Flaming debris and large rubbish bins could be seen in the street, blocking the road. Protests also appeared to happen in Kerman, 500 miles (800km) south-east of Tehran. Iranian state television on Sunday morning had their correspondents appear on the streets in several cities to show calm areas, with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. They also showed pro-government demonstrations in Qom and Qazvin. Ali Larijani, a top security official, went on state TV to accuse some demonstrators of killing people or burning some people, which is very similar to what Isis does, referring to the so-called Islamic State group. State TV aired funerals of dead security force members, while reporting another six had been killed in Kermanshah. It also showed a pickup truck full of bodies in body bags and later a morgue. Even Irans reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired on Sunday. Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian offered a hardening tone in an interview aired on Sunday (Vahid Salemi/AP) People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns, Mr Pezeshkian said. But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society. Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi asked in his latest message for demonstrators to take to the streets on Sunday. Mr Pahlavis support of and from Israel has drawn criticism in the past, particularly after the 12-day war. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah in some protests, but it is not clear whether that is support for Mr Pahlavi himself or a desire to return to a time before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The demonstrations began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at more than 1.4 million to one US dollar, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear programme. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. Irans parliament speaker warned that the US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America attacked the Islamic Republic (UGC via AP) Nationwide protests challenging Irans theocracy saw protesters flood the streets in the countrys capital and its second-largest city into Sunday, crossing the two-week mark as violence surrounding the demonstrations has killed at least 116 people, activists said. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. But the death toll in the protests has grown, while 2,600 others have been detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Meanwhile, Irans parliament speaker warned that the US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes the Islamic Republic, as threatened by US president Donald Trump. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made the threat as politicians rushed the dais in the Iranian parliament, shouting: Death to America! Those abroad fear the information blackout will embolden hardliners within Irans security services to launch a bloody crackdown, despite warnings from Mr Trump that he is willing to strike the Islamic Republic to protect peaceful demonstrators. Mr Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous US officials, said on Saturday night that Mr Trump had been given military options for a strike on Iran, but had not made a final decision. The demonstrations began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency (UGC via AP) The US state department separately warned: Do not play games with President Trump. When he says hell do something, he means it. Iranian state television broadcast the parliament session live. Mr Qalibaf, a hardliner who has run for the presidency in the past, gave a speech applauding police and Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, particularly its all-volunteer Basij, for having stood firm during the protests. The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested, Mr Qalibaf said. He went on to directly threaten Israel, the occupied territory as he referred to it, and the US military, possibly with a pre-emptive strike. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Mr Qalibaf said. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signalled a coming clampdown, despite US warnings (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. It remains unclear just how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after seeing its air defences destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Any decision to go to war would rest with Irans 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US military has said in the Middle East it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and US interests. Meanwhile, an Israeli official said the country was watching the situation between the US and Iran closely. And Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US secretary of state Marco Rubio overnight on topics including Iran, the official added. Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehrans Punak district. Protesters demonstrated in Berlin, Germany, on Saturday (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP) There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. Other footage purportedly showed demonstrators peacefully marching down a street and others honking their car horns in the street. In Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, some 450 miles (725km) north-east of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Flaming debris and large rubbish bins could be seen in the street, blocking the road. Mashhad is home to the Imam Reza shrine, the holiest in Shiite Islam, meaning the protests there carry heavy significance for the countrys theocracy. Protests also appeared to take place in Kerman, 500 miles (800km) south-east of Tehran. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Iranian state television on Sunday morning took a leaf from the demonstrators, with their correspondents appearing on streets in several cities to show calm areas, with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. They also showed pro-government demonstrations in Qom and Qazvin. Ali Larijani, a top security official, went on state TV to accuse some demonstrators of killing people or burning some people, which is very similar to what Isis does, referring to the so-called Islamic State group by an acronym. State TV aired funerals of dead security force members while reporting another six had been killed in Kermanshah. It also showed a pickup truck full of bodies in body bags and later a morgue. Even Irans reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired on Sunday. People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns, Mr Pezeshkian said. But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society. A masked demonstrator holding a picture of Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has urged protesters to claim public spaces as your own (UGC via AP) Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who called for protests on Thursday and Friday, asked in his latest message for demonstrators to take to the streets on Saturday and Sunday. He urged protesters to carry Irans old lion-and-sun flag and other national symbols used during the time of the shah to claim public spaces as your own. Mr Pahlavis support of and from Israel has drawn criticism in the past particularly after the 12-day war. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah in some protests, but it is not clear whether that is support for Mr Pahlavi himself or a desire to return to a time before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The demonstrations began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to one US dollar, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear programme. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. Akbar Novruz German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began a two-day visit to India on Monday, underscoring Berlins efforts to deepen ties with New Delhi as both countries navigate economic and geopolitical pressures from the United States and China. The trip Merzs first to Asia since taking office in May comes two weeks ahead of a planned EU-India summit and as Brussels and New Delhi work towards a long-awaited free trade agreement. Indias commerce ministry said on Friday that the deal is envisioned not just as a trade agreement, but as a comprehensive partnership that addresses modern economic realities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Merz in Ahmedabad, in the western state of Gujarat, before the chancellor travels to Bengaluru, Indias main technology hub. The leaders are due to attend a traditional kite festival and visit the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi lived for many years. A German government spokesman said Merzs decision to make India his first Asian destination demonstrates how India, the worlds largest democracy, is an important strategic partner for Germany. The visit also coincides with heightened EU-India engagement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are scheduled to attend Indias Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on 26 January. Security cooperation is expected to feature prominently, with discussions continuing over a potential deal for Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to build six submarines for the Indian Navy in partnership with state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. While the contract is not expected to be signed during the visit, informed sources said the talks could advance the negotiations. The deal would help India replace its ageing Russian-built submarines and is likely to include technology-transfer provisions aimed at strengthening Indias domestic defence industry. Merz is accompanied by a large business delegation, including executives from Siemens and Airbus. A German government official said one of the main objectives of the trip was to deepen economic relations with India. Bilateral trade between the two countries is worth almost 50 billion, and Indias population of 1.4 billion offers significant growth opportunities for German exporters. Sales in China have fallen, while German firms face intensifying competition from Chinese rivals across a range of industries. Relations between Berlin and Beijing have also become more strained, with China restricting supplies of semiconductors and certain rare earth elements. German foreign trade is looking for growth markets, and India is precisely that, said Florian Wenke of the government-backed agency Germany Trade & Invest. Labour mobility is also high on the agenda. Germany faces chronic labour shortages due to an ageing population and has long relied on skilled Indian professionals, particularly in the IT sector. Berlin is also seeking to recruit healthcare workers from India, while German universities remain a popular destination for Indian students. Merz and Modi are expected to discuss mobility rules for workers and students, as well as closer cooperation in research and innovation. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning with more clouds for later in the day. High 27F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Snow showers early with a chance of lingering snow showers later. Low 12F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 50%. The crack of a cannon rolled across a snow-covered field on Saturday, as draft horses hauled replica artillery across the Massachusetts-New York line. About a hundred people watched as a sliver of a 250-year-old journey to deliver captured artillery to Revolutionary War front was reenacted before them, and listened as speakers discussed the still relevant lessons of that treacherous journey. "It was then, and remains now, an unfinished revolution," said Daniel Mackay, New York's deputy commissioner for historic preservation, as eight draft horses stood ready to pull replica cannons across the border. "The success of this event is convening for a larger realization of what that event means in contemporary times." The event in question marked the semiquincentennial anniversary of Henry Knox's "noble train of artillery," the 56-day trek that delivered 60 tons of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to the Boston area, ultimately helping to drive out British forces. Each draft horse weighed about 1,800 pounds and the teams pulled wooden sleds built by New York state vocational students to the Massachusetts-New York border. There, the sleds were unhitched from the New York team and attached to Massachusetts horses, a recreation of how communities passed Knox's burden from one to the next. Revolutionary War reenactors then loaded a cannon. A reenactor told the crowd the replica was far smaller than the massive pieces Knox's men hauled, some of which were 11 feet long and weighed 5,000 pounds each. The cannon fired three times, and the final volley formed a vortex that sent a halo of smoke careening over the field. The crowd gasped, then erupted in applause. A line of reenactors fired their muskets, then the four Massachusetts horses were loaded into trailers to be driven to Great Barrington, where the day's events continued. There, participants marched from the Historical Society to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center where representatives from Western Mass. communities along what is believed to have been Knox's route Alford, North Egremont, Great Barrington, Monterey, Sandisfield, Otis, Russell and Blandford continued to commemorate the event. But before that happened, a series of speakers made their own remarks at the New York state line, where many invoked Knox's unlikely triumph as inspiration for the challenges facing the country today. State Sen. Paul Mark said the Knox expedition was born of a moment when people in the colonies felt their lives were increasingly being directed by a distant, overbearing power. He told the crowd the break with Britain wasnt driven by a desire for war or even independence at first, rather by resentment toward being told how to live. In Massachusetts, we dont like it when people who think they know a lot tell us what to do, Mark said, drawing laughter. No one sought war. No one was seeking to be a different country. All they were seeking was liberty, freedom, the independence to have a life worth living. So despite the brutal winter that blanketed the region in snow and ice 250 years ago, the expedition worked because the men believed that acting together made the obstacles surmountable, said New York State Sen. Michelle Hinchey. "History has taught us the same lesson, that America moves forward when we work together, when trust outweighs fear, and when people we the people decide that our future is one worth fighting for," she said. An 'unlikely' hero Knox was 25 years old when the events unfolded, a Boston bookseller who volunteered to retrieve artillery seized from Fort Ticonderoga and transport it about 300 miles to Gen. George Washington's Continental Army. Knox and his crew had to haul 59 cannons across frozen lakes, rivers and roads. The expedition launched on Dec. 5, 1775, and headed south past Albany to Kinderhook, N.Y., where it turned east toward western Massachusetts. Traversing the Berkshire Hills was the most challenging part of the journey, and Knox kept a journal. He described the slopes and ascents of the region in his writings, noting it was "almost a miracle that people with heavy loads should be able to get up & down such hills as are here with any thing of heavy loads. Knox and his crew ultimately succeeded in their goal, and by March 1776 Washington deployed the artillery to bombard British positions, forcing their evacuation in what proved to be an important early victory in the Revolutionary War. 'When we are united' New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley highlighted how communities rallied to Knox's cause, commending residents of the region for opening their homes and contributing their resources to the expedition. Their actions showed that "when we are united for a common purpose, even in the most daunting task, we can accomplish anything." He argued that the same kind of collective effort that carried Knoxs cannons through winter mountains is still visible in local civic life today. "The spirit of community is not merely a relic of our past. It is alive and vibrant today, even in the midst of obvious opposition," Mosley said. State Rep. Leigh Davis spoke of Knox as an "accidental hero" whose story resonates with anyone called to serve. "It's about feeling that you have something to live for and have a purpose and you have a goal," she said. "And Henry Knox had that goal. He was an unlikely hero. He was an accidental hero in the Revolution. He had a task, and he carried through that task, 300 miles." Mackay, speaking to The Eagle, framed the commemoration within broader struggles for equality and justice, connecting the Revolutionary era to contemporary fights for rights. "Women's suffrage is part of this history. The fight for LGBTQ rights is part of this historic moment, the fight for racial equality, the effort to end enslavement and fight for abolition," he said. New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser, who heads the state's 250 commission, said the story of the Knox expedition is a reminder that history is often moved forward not just by those who achieve notoriety, but by everyday people who step up when theyre needed. "While it may not be as well known as Washington crossing the Delaware or Paul Revere's nighttime ride, the Knox noble train is a story of ordinary individuals accomplishing extraordinary feats," Moser said. Community, business and sporting bodies are appealing to a former attorney general to end a judicial review of the approved N2 bypass of Slane village, which is to start in the High Court on Thursday. A letter signed by representatives of 30 local community, business and tourism interests, residents groups and sporting organisations in the Co Meath village, has been given to John Rogers, the former attorney general and local businessman who lives in Crewbane, Slane, pleading with him to withdraw the case. Locals have been campaigning for 25 years to have the village bypassed in a bid to divert traffic away from the narrow bridge over the Boyne, which is a notorious accident blackspot due to a sharp descent. The judicial review, they argue, could delay the bypass for several years, putting more lives at risk. Advertisement Twenty-three people have been killed, and numerous people have been injured in traffic incidents in the village. The Bypass Slane Campaign was formed in 2009 following an incident involving nine vehicles, including a lorry and a van. The former attorney general applied for a judicial review last September into the decision by An Commisiun Pleanala to grant permission. The legal challenge came following the granting of a planning application for the bypass by An Coimisiun Pleanala last June in the wake of a public oral hearing. Thirteen years ago, permission was denied over concerns about the impact on heritage. Mr Rogers, a senior counsel, says his lands will be affected by the proposed bypass. In an affidavit, Mr Rogers stated that petrifying streams on the lands are particularly affected. Crewbane Marsh floods multiple times a year, and An Coimisiun Pleanala had not obtained expert hydrologist advice about the impact of proposed deep trenching for the proposed route. When it approved Meath County Councils application for permission last June, the commission did not have an adequate expert report concerning this significant road project adjacent to the Unesco Bru na Boinne World Heritage Site of Outstanding Natural Value, which includes the Neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange, he also argues. In the High Court in September last, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys fixed a hearing date for Mr Roger's action for January 15th and 16th next. Meath County Council had asked for the case to be heard as soon as possible. Advertisement The residents letter outlines that planning permission had been granted following one of the most comprehensive and thorough applications to have taken place in the State. Those who signed the letter point out that news of the review came as a very significant disappointment to many in the Slane community. They added: While you may feel that you have very good reasons for deciding to take this action, please consider that this project will deliver a substantial public good in that it will significantly reduce dangers to road-users travelling through Slane village. Additionally, the groups said that the scheme will lead to significant improvements in the environment of the village and will improve the quality of life for residents as well as those using the services in the village. "It is clear, they noted that there is very significant and strong support for the scheme among the Slane community, and indeed further afield. You (Mr Rogers) are very well aware of the dangers posed by the current road configuration and, also, of the long list of traffic incidents to have taken place on the N2 over decades, many of which have unfortunately resulted in death, the groups highlighted. They asked Mr Rogers that on behalf of their community, to reconsider his decision to engage in a judicial review and withdraw the application and allow the project to proceed without further delay. The bypass project includes a 3.5km dual carriageway around Slane with a combined footway/cycleway, a 258-metre-long bridge over the River Boyne, and a number of public realm enhancements within Slane village. The scheme also includes improved traffic management measures and works on the N51 between the proposed bypass and the centre of the village. Advertisement Michelle Power, a local resident, said that to be within touching distance of getting the bypass and to be informed that a judicial review is now being taken by a person locally is gut-wrenching. The village, which includes the residents, businesses, sporting groups etc, is never but a hairs breadth away from another fatal or multiple accidents daily. So many lives have been lost over the years from traffic incidents in the village. Slane needs to be allowed to be a village, and the bypass will allow this to happen, explained Ms Roche. She said that Meath County Council had ensured that the application for by-pass permission was thorough and that they had been reassured that, with several National Development plans that funding would be available if planning was approved. We as a community are so angry as we are very engaged and have come together to write this letter to the individual involved in the judicial review, as we dont know what else to do. It would be really amazing if the person dropped or withdrew this. Fianna Fail councillor and Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Wayne Harding added that the letter is very dignified and the entire community is asking for this review to stop. Lives are being put at risk not to mention those which have been lost and the effect this has had on so many. People are just so annoyed. Mr Rogers was contacted for comment. A variety of stories feature on Irish front pages on Sunday, from politics at both Irish and EU levels, to the funeral of the late Stephen McCahill, who was murdered in Co Donegal last week. The Sunday Times Ireland lead with the US making 12,000 military flights in Irish airspace. The front page of tomorrow's Sunday Times - subscribe here to read it all online https://t.co/hh3xChZS8i pic.twitter.com/4LuGJUwv7Q The Sunday Times Ireland (@ST__Ireland) January 10, 2026 The Business Post lead with the Taoiseach being criticised by Fine Gael ministers over the Mercosur deal, and data centres being allowed in Dublin once more. This weeks front pages. Pick up a copy in-store or subscribe to read right now at https://t.co/u5ystSGUtr: Taoiseach criticised over Mercosur attempted U-turn Inside the Dunnes Stores property empire Zendesk slashes Irish workforce in half pic.twitter.com/6jJ0DiYTBr Business Post (@businessposthq) January 11, 2026 The Sunday Independent lead with major transport projects at risk of being delayed because of the huge demand already being placed on the energy grid. The Irish Mail on Sunday lead with the Peter McVerry Trust allegedly making undeclared payments over the course of a decade to a firm that was owned by its own external auditor. The Sunday World lead with Wayne O'Reilly allegedly being spotted searching for his son, Oisin Reddin, just hours before they both died in an alleged murder-suicide. The Irish Sunday Mirror lead with the funeral of Stephen McCahill in Ardara, Co Donegal, after he was murdered last Monday. The start of a New Year can prompt the desire to plan ahead. For many young people and young families, this can include researching health insurance plans for the first time. Due to the sheer number of plans and different companies, the process can be overwhelming, including for those looking to renew their policy or find a better deal. Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, health insurance expert with Health Insurance Ireland, Dermot Goode, has advice for those looking to make it through the other side of the "confusing maze" of health insurance plans. "The sheer number of plans, each with different benefits, limits, excesses, and co-payments, can make it feel like a confusing maze, particularly for younger people or those new to private cover," he said. "From different hospital networks, accommodation options, outpatient cover, dental add-ons, and excess levels, it is easy to lose sight of what really matters." Advertisement Here is Goode's advice for those thinking about taking out health insurance: Focus on the basics Goode said his main advice is to simplify the process and focus on the basics. "Start with your budget, i.e. how much can you afford to spend on healthcare for the coming year. This eliminates any unnecessary upselling by the insurers," he said. "The next step is to consider what you actually need, such as the hospitals, consultants, or treatments that matter most to you and your family. "Decide which benefits you can do without, such as private accommodation or cover for rarely used services. Also consider what level of excess you can afford to pay for private hospital admissions, e.g. 75 - 150 per claim is the norm but there are plans with higher excesses as well. "Remember, the higher the excess payable, the lower the premium you will pay. Compare plans mainly on core cover and price, rather than getting lost in every optional add-on." For consumers still insured on dated plans, Goode said they will be hardest hit by the rate hikes introduced in the last six-12 months. "Unfortunately, this includes mainly older members who don't want any excesses on their policy and who need full cover for major orthopedic and ophthalmic procedures. "For many, the cost will now be unaffordable, and they will have no option but to shop around for better deals. Also, the insurers are retiring some of their dated schemes, which means that these members will also have to source alternative cover as their existing plan may no longer be available." Advertisement Review your policy Goode said it's important to review your policy to ensure you are not overpaying for your cover. For those who meet the following criteria, Goode said a full cover review is "probably long overdue": If you are on the same plan for five years or more, or are paying more than 2,500 per adult; If you do not have a small excess on the policy, or if the whole family are on the same plan; If you have not considered an up-to-date corporate scheme (available to all consumers). Goode said, for anyone who meets any of the above criteria, a full review of the health insurance cover is "essential and could save them hundreds or even thousands of euros". "In many cases, they may be able to source better value cover from the same health insurer. "For those who are nervous about making any changes to their cover, they should seek independent expert advice or, at the very least, have a trusted friend or family member with them when they engage with their health insurer." Say no to auto-renewal Goode said it is important to not let health insurance policies auto-renew to ensure you are not paying much more than you need to for what is essentially same cover. "Even with the rising costs, with some plans increasing by up to 25 per cent over the last year, families can maximise savings by reviewing their cover and being proactive," he said. "Do not let policies auto-renew, as a quick call to your insurer can reveal cheaper options with the same essential cover. "Consider small adjustments such as taking a modest excess, splitting cover among family members, or using a network hospital plan. Look at corporate plans, which are available to all consumers and can reduce premiums. The key is to engage, simplify, and focus on what really matters. Strip away the jargon, ignore the bells and whistles, and make sure your cover protects the essentials. "This is how families can avoid overpaying while still getting the protection they need. At the very least, all consumers should at least make one phone call to their existing health insurer. Advertisement "Challenge them to check all their plans to find something similar to the existing cover, and dont be afraid to disclose your budget to them. "You should also outline your exact requirements in terms of preferred hospitals, consultants, and even pending treatments, as they must ensure that any recommendation addresses all of these concerns. Too often, consumers are shocked to find there is a lower cost option available that they weren't aware of, simply because they never engaged properly." Alternative cover For those with no health insurance, Goode said there are other types of health cover they can consider. "For example, HSF Health Plan have a range of medical cash plans which cover everyday out-patient expenses and these plans are extremely well priced. "There are also dental plans available from the likes of VHI and DeCare Dental for those worried about the rising cost of dental treatments, e.g. DeCare have a range of Healthy Smiles plans to suit all budgets. "These dental plans are very competitively priced and have minimum waiting periods to serve." In conclusion, Goode said the most important advice for all health insurance consumers is to never let your cover auto-renew. "This is where your cover rolls over, which means you could end up paying significantly more for potentially less cover as lots of benefits are changing." A Co Mayo man is walking barefoot across Europe to set a new world record and make money for two charities. Eamonn Keaveney, 32, set off from Istanbul on March 4th, 2025, and is aiming to finish in his hometown of Claremorris, Co Mayo. Mr Keaveney is raising funds for youth mental health charity Jigsaw, and Friends of the Earth. He was recently in Wales, and is due in Co Wexford this week. Mr Keaveney was due in Castlebridge, Co Wexford, on Monday but this may be delayed until Tuesday due to issues with ferry crossings and the bad weather. Castlebridge is the home of the Guinness World Records, so Mr Keaveney will make a stop to discuss his world record attempt with locals. Mental health is really important to me. And what I really like about Jigsaw is they provide a concrete service for young people, Mr Keaveney said of his desire to raise funds for Jigsaw. He said there is a link between his chosen charities given Friends of the Earth's work on climate change and high youth anxiety over the climate crisis. A crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran has killed at least 538 people and even more are feared dead, activists said, while Tehran warned that the US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America uses force to protect demonstrators. More than 10,600 people have been detained over the two weeks of protests, said the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous rounds of unrest in Iran in recent years. It relies on activists in Iran cross-checking information. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. The Iranian government has not offered overall casualty figures for the demonstrations. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll, given that internet and international phone calls are now blocked in Iran. Advertisement Those abroad fear the information blackout is emboldening hardliners within Irans security services to launch a bloody crackdown. Protesters flooded the streets in the countrys capital Tehran and its second-largest city again on Sunday morning. US President Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! Mr Trump and his national security team have been weighing a broad range of potential responses against Iran, including cyber attacks and direct strikes by either US or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions. The White House, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment, has not indicated it has made any decisions. In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media from Iran, protesters once again take to the streets of Tehran (UGC via AP) The massive ongoing US military deployment to the Caribbean has created another factor that the Pentagon and Mr Trumps national security planners must consider. The threat to strike the US military and Israel came during a parliamentary speech on Sunday from Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf, the hardliner speaker of the body who has run for the presidency in the past. He directly threatened Israel, the occupied territory as he referred to it, and the US military, possibly with a pre-emptive strike. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Mr Qalibaf said. Advertisement We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. Legislators rushed the dais in the Iranian parliament, shouting: Death to America! It remains unclear just how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after its air defences were destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Any decision to go to war would rest with Irans 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media from Iran, protesters take to the streets in Tehran (UGC via AP) The US military has said in the Middle East it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and US interests. Iran targeted US forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar back in June, while the US navys Middle East-based 5th Fleet is stationed in the island kingdom of Bahrain. Israel, meanwhile, is watching closely the situation between the US and Iran, said an Israeli official. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to US secretary of state Marco Rubio overnight on topics including Iran, the official added. The people of Israel, the entire world, are in awe of the tremendous heroism of the citizens of Iran, said Mr Netanyahu, a longtime Iran hawk. At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV mentioned Iran as a place where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives. I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society, he said. Advertisement Demonstrations were held in some international capitals in support of the protesters. A spokesperson said UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres was shocked by reports of violence against protesters resulting in scores of deaths and called on Iranian authorities to use maximum restraint and restore communications. Online videos sent out of Iran, likely to be using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehrans Punak neighbourhood. In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media, protesters dance and cheer around a bonfire in Tehran, Iran (UGC via AP) There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said. Reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control. In Mashhad, Irans second-largest city some 725 kilometres (450 miles) north east of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Protests also appeared to happen in Kerman, 800 kilometres (500 miles) south east of Tehran. Iranian state television on Sunday morning had their correspondents appear on the streets in several cities to show calm areas with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. Shiite Muslims in Lahore, Pakistan, burn representations of the US and Israeli flags during a protest against the US and a show of solidarity with Iran (KM Chaudary/AP) Government rhetoric also ratcheted up on Sunday. Ali Larijani, a top security official, accused some demonstrators of killing people or burning some people, which is very similar to what Isis does, referring to the so-called Islamic State group by an acronym. Advertisement State TV aired funerals of killed security force members while reporting another six had been killed in Kermanshah. In Fars province, violence killed 13 people, and seven security forces were killed in North Khorasan province, it added. It also showed a pick-up truck full of bodies in body bags and later a morgue. Even Irans reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired on Sunday. People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns, Mr Pezeshkian said. But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society. People hold up photos of Reza Pahlavi, the son of Irans toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, during a small demonstration in Istanbul in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government (Emrah Gurel/AP) Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi asked in his latest message for demonstrators to take to the streets on Sunday. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah in some protests, but it is not clear whether that is support for Mr Pahlavi himself or a desire to return to a time before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Mr Pahlavis support of and from Israel has drawn criticism in the past, particularly after the 12-day war. The demonstrations began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at more than 1.4 million to one dollar, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear programme. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. The US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes Iran over the ongoing protests roiling the country, as threatened by American president Donald Trump, the Islamic Republics parliament speaker has warned. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made the threat after nationwide protests challenging Irans theocracy saw protesters flood the streets in the countrys capital and its second-largest city into Sunday morning. Sundays protests crossed the two-week mark as violence surrounding the demonstrations has killed at least 203 people, activists said, with fears the death toll is far higher. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. But the death toll in the protests has grown, while 2,600 others have been detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Those abroad fear the information blackout will embolden hardliners within Irans security services to launch a bloody crackdown, despite warnings from Mr Trump that he is willing to strike Iran to protect peaceful demonstrators. Advertisement Mr Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous US officials, said on Saturday night that Mr Trump had been given military options for a strike on Iran, but had not made a final decision. A screen grab from footage circulating on social media showing protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire in Tehran on Friday (UGC via AP) The US state department separately warned: Do not play games with President Trump. When he says hell do something, he means it. Iranian state television broadcast the parliament session live. Mr Qalibaf, a hardliner who has run for the presidency in the past, gave a speech applauding police and Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, particularly its all-volunteer Basij branch, for having stood firm during the protests. He went on to directly threaten Israel, the occupied territory as he referred to it, and the US military, possibly with a pre-emptive strike. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Mr Qalibaf said. We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. The demonstrations began on December 28 (UGC via AP) Politicians rushed the dais in the Iranian parliament, shouting: Death to America! It remains unclear just how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after seeing its air defences destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Advertisement Any decision to go to war would rest with Irans 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US military has said that in the Middle East, it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and US interests. Iran targeted US forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June, while the US navys Middle East-based 5th Fleet is stationed in the island kingdom of Bahrain. Meanwhile, Israel was watching closely the situation between the US and Iran, an Israeli official said. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signalled a coming clampdown, despite US warnings (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US secretary of state Marco Rubio overnight on topics including Iran, the official said. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which relies on activists in Iran cross-checking information, offered the new death toll of 203 on Sunday a large jump. Of those killed, 162 were protesters and 41 were members of the security forces, it said. The agency also acknowledged receiving claims of far more deaths that it was still assessing, as more than 3,280 others had been arrested. The group has offered accurate tolls in previous rounds of unrest in the Islamic Republic. Advertisement The Iranian government has not offered any overall casualty figures for the demonstrations. Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he'll do something, he means it. pic.twitter.com/4tzBlzfNL9 Department of State (@StateDept) January 10, 2026 At the Vatican, Pope Leo mentioned Iran as a place where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives. I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society, he said. Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehrans Punak neighbourhood. There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. Other footage purportedly showed demonstrators peacefully marching down a street and others honking their car horns in the street. The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said. Reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control. A masked demonstrator holding a picture of Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has urged protesters to claim public spaces as your own (UGC via AP) In Mashhad, Irans second-largest city some 450 miles (725km) north-east of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Flaming debris and large rubbish bins could be seen in the street, blocking the road. Protests also appeared to happen in Kerman, 500 miles (800km) south-east of Tehran. Advertisement Iranian state television on Sunday morning had their correspondents appear on the streets in several cities to show calm areas, with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. They also showed pro-government demonstrations in Qom and Qazvin. Ali Larijani, a top security official, went on state TV to accuse some demonstrators of killing people or burning some people, which is very similar to what Isis does, referring to the so-called Islamic State group. State TV aired funerals of dead security force members, while reporting another six had been killed in Kermanshah. It also showed a pickup truck full of bodies in body bags and later a morgue. Even Irans reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired on Sunday. Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian offered a hardening tone in an interview aired on Sunday (Vahid Salemi/AP) People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns, Mr Pezeshkian said. But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society. Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi asked in his latest message for demonstrators to take to the streets on Sunday. Mr Pahlavis support of and from Israel has drawn criticism in the past, particularly after the 12-day war. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah in some protests, but it is not clear whether that is support for Mr Pahlavi himself or a desire to return to a time before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The demonstrations began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at more than 1.4 million to one US dollar, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear programme. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. Nationwide protests challenging Irans theocracy saw protesters flood the streets in the countrys capital and its second-largest city into Sunday, crossing the two-week mark as violence surrounding the demonstrations has killed at least 116 people, activists said. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. But the death toll in the protests has grown, while 2,600 others have been detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Meanwhile, Irans parliament speaker warned that the US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes the Islamic Republic, as threatened by US president Donald Trump. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made the threat as politicians rushed the dais in the Iranian parliament, shouting: Death to America! Those abroad fear the information blackout will embolden hardliners within Irans security services to launch a bloody crackdown, despite warnings from Mr Trump that he is willing to strike the Islamic Republic to protect peaceful demonstrators. Advertisement Mr Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous US officials, said on Saturday night that Mr Trump had been given military options for a strike on Iran, but had not made a final decision. The demonstrations began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency (UGC via AP) The US state department separately warned: Do not play games with President Trump. When he says hell do something, he means it. Iranian state television broadcast the parliament session live. Mr Qalibaf, a hardliner who has run for the presidency in the past, gave a speech applauding police and Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, particularly its all-volunteer Basij, for having stood firm during the protests. The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested, Mr Qalibaf said. He went on to directly threaten Israel, the occupied territory as he referred to it, and the US military, possibly with a pre-emptive strike. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Mr Qalibaf said. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signalled a coming clampdown, despite US warnings (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. It remains unclear just how serious Iran is about launching a strike, particularly after seeing its air defences destroyed during the 12-day war in June with Israel. Advertisement Any decision to go to war would rest with Irans 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US military has said in the Middle East it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and US interests. Meanwhile, an Israeli official said the country was watching the situation between the US and Iran closely. And Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US secretary of state Marco Rubio overnight on topics including Iran, the official added. Online videos sent out of Iran, likely using Starlink satellite transmitters, purportedly showed demonstrators gathering in northern Tehrans Punak district. Protesters demonstrated in Berlin, Germany, on Saturday (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP) There, it appeared authorities shut off streets, with protesters waving their lit mobile phones. Others banged metal while fireworks went off. Other footage purportedly showed demonstrators peacefully marching down a street and others honking their car horns in the street. In Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, some 450 miles (725km) north-east of Tehran, footage purported to show protesters confronting security forces. Flaming debris and large rubbish bins could be seen in the street, blocking the road. Mashhad is home to the Imam Reza shrine, the holiest in Shiite Islam, meaning the protests there carry heavy significance for the countrys theocracy. Protests also appeared to take place in Kerman, 500 miles (800km) south-east of Tehran. Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he'll do something, he means it. pic.twitter.com/4tzBlzfNL9 Department of State (@StateDept) January 10, 2026 Iranian state television on Sunday morning took a leaf from the demonstrators, with their correspondents appearing on streets in several cities to show calm areas, with a date stamp shown on screen. Tehran and Mashhad were not included. They also showed pro-government demonstrations in Qom and Qazvin. Ali Larijani, a top security official, went on state TV to accuse some demonstrators of killing people or burning some people, which is very similar to what Isis does, referring to the so-called Islamic State group by an acronym. Advertisement State TV aired funerals of dead security force members while reporting another six had been killed in Kermanshah. It also showed a pickup truck full of bodies in body bags and later a morgue. Even Irans reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired on Sunday. People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns, Mr Pezeshkian said. But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society. A masked demonstrator holding a picture of Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has urged protesters to claim public spaces as your own (UGC via AP) Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who called for protests on Thursday and Friday, asked in his latest message for demonstrators to take to the streets on Saturday and Sunday. He urged protesters to carry Irans old lion-and-sun flag and other national symbols used during the time of the shah to claim public spaces as your own. Advertisement Mr Pahlavis support of and from Israel has drawn criticism in the past particularly after the 12-day war. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah in some protests, but it is not clear whether that is support for Mr Pahlavi himself or a desire to return to a time before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The demonstrations began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to one US dollar, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear programme. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. Kemi Badenoch has said the Conservative Party would ban under-16s from accessing social media platforms if it were in power. The Tory leader told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme that platforms were profiting from childrens anxiety and distraction and were designed to be addictive. It comes after teachers union the NASUWT said the UK government should bring in legislation that would make big tech platforms prevent children from accessing their platforms. In Australia, a social media ban for under-16s came into force in December. The Conservatives said tech firms, such as TikTok and Snapchat, would be required to use age checks that do not rely on government digital ID. Mrs Badenoch said: What we want to see is common sense protection for children and freedom for adults. Advertisement We want to give parents some understanding that the Government understands what theyre going through. So we want to bring in age limits. The internet is a wild west, social media in particular. We dont think children should be on there, and we want the industry to see the direction of travel so that we can start working with them now in order to get the proper solutions in place. Kemi Badenoch was appearing on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) Mrs Badenoch said that as a mother-of-three, she understands that age limits would not completely stop children from accessing social media, but would remove a critical mass from the platforms. She went on: Even from my own usage of social media, I can see how its designed to keep you on there again and again and again. And were also seeing a huge increase in depression and anxiety, mental health issues. Some of this correlates quite strongly with social media use. Were having people come out of university, go straight on to benefits. We want to curb that. So all of this is linked with our wider strategy, banning phones in schools, getting people into work. All of these are bricks that are going to build up our policy wall. Social media is harming our children. Far too little is being done to protect them from violent and sexual content online. Thats why Im announcing the next Conservative government will raise the age of consent for social media to support parents. Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) January 11, 2026 Dismissing a suggestion from presenter Laura Kuenssberg that she played rather a lot of Candy Crush, Mrs Badenoch said that she never had, but that she did use Instagram to check messages and that half-an-hour later you realise that youve just been looking at memes and things like that. After her interview, Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, wrote on X: I find myself agreeing with a lot of what Kemi Badenoch is saying about children and social media. It seems to me parents would welcome a cross-party consensus around much bolder action. Advertisement Former education minister Lord Nash said: I strongly welcome Kemi Badenochs bold move to put children first. Raising the age limit for social media now has backing from across the political spectrum, including Labour and Liberal Democrat parliamentarians, the NEU and the NASUWT. I find myself agreeing with a lot of what Kemi Badenoch is saying about children and social media. It seems to me parents would welcome a cross-party consensus around much bolder action. Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 11, 2026 Calling for a ban, NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack said: Teachers are dealing every day with the fallout of a social media landscape not originally designed and not suitable for children. Social media companies have shown time and again that they will not act responsibly unless they are forced to do so. If we are serious about safeguarding children, protecting their mental health and combating the behaviour crisis in our schools, then a statutory ban for under16s must happen urgently. The chief of schools watchdog Ofsted raised concerns at the end of last year that social media was chipping away at childrens attention spans and promoting disrespectful behaviour. The NASUWT surveyed 5,800 teacher members in 2025 and found that about four in five (81 per cent) reported an increase in the number of pupils exhibiting violent and abusive behaviour. Nearly three in five (59 per cent) of respondents to the same survey said they believed social media was one of the driving factors behind deteriorating behaviour. Advertisement In a separate poll of 300 members, the NASUWT found 89% said they would support a statutory social media ban for under-16s. The Government said the vast majority of headteachers already restricted the use of phones in the school day (Jane Barlow/PA) A UK government spokesperson said: We support headteachers to take the necessary steps to prevent disruption in our schools backed by our guidance, the vast majority already restrict the use of phones in the school day, so they do not disrupt learning. Through the Online Safety Act, we have taken some of the boldest steps anywhere in the world to ensure children have age-appropriate experiences online, mandating that social media companies protect under-18s from harmful content. We are striking the right balance: protecting children from harm while ensuring they can benefit safely from the digital world. Anna Edmundson, NSPCC head of policy and public affairs, said: It is vital young people are protected from the harms that can take place on social media, but we believe a blanket ban for under-16s would be a blunt approach to a complex problem. It would undermine young peoples rights to connect with friends and family, learn about the world and access support. It also risks driving them to unregulated spaces online, exposing them to even greater threats. We must not punish young people for the failure of tech companies to create safe online experiences. To fix this properly, services must be held accountable for the content being pushed out on their platforms and ensure that young people, and adults, can enjoy social media safely. Peter Mandelson declined to apologise to Jeffrey Epsteins victims for remaining friends with the paedophile financier after his conviction. The former UK ambassador to the US said he had paid a calamitous price in being sacked over his association with evil monster Epstein. He apologised for a system which meant Epsteins victims were not listened to, but not for his own association with the sex offender which continued after his first conviction. Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to solicitating prostitution and soliciting a minor but Mandelson said he believed his excuses and continued to support him. Mandelson said it was misplaced loyalty and a most terrible mistake on my part. He sought to distance himself from Epstein, saying I was at the edge of this mans life, but emails have revealed the extent of their friendship even after the conviction. Mandelson described Epstein as an evil monster (Jeff Overs/BBC) In his first broadcast interview since being sacked from his diplomatic role in Washington in September last year, Mandelson told BBC Ones Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: I never saw anything in his life when I was with him, when I was in his homes, that would give me any reason to suspect what this evil monster was doing in preying on these young women. He added: I think the issue is that because I was a gay man in his circle, I was kept separate from what he was doing in the sexual side of his life. Advertisement Asked whether he wanted to apologise, Lord Mandelson said: I want to apologise to those women for a system that refused to hear their voices and did not give them the protection they were entitled to expect. Mandelson was questioned by Laura Kuenssberg about his association with Jeffrey Epstein (Jeff Overs/BBC) Pressed on whether he would apologise for his friendship with Epstein after his conviction, Mandelson said: If I had known, if I was in any way complicit or culpable, of course I would apologise but I was not culpable, I was not knowledgeable for what he was doing, and I regret, and will regret to my dying day, the fact that powerless women were not given the protection they were entitled to expect. Asked if he deserved to be sacked by Sir Keir Starmer, Mandelson said: I understand why I was sacked. He added: I understand why he took the decision he did. But one thing Im very clear about is Im not going to seek to reopen or relitigate this issue. Im moving on. Mandelson said he understands why he was sacked as the UKs ambassador to the US (Jeff Overs/BBC) Emails showed Mandelson told Epstein to fight for early release shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison. He is also reported to have told Epstein I think the world of you the day before the disgraced financier began his jail sentence. Advertisement Asked why he had stuck with Epstein, Mandelson said: It was a most terrible mistake on my part. I believed the story he told in 2008 in his first indictment in Florida, I accepted his story, and I wish I hadnt. I gave my support to somebody because I believed what he was telling me, and it was misplaced loyalty, but I just have to say this to you: while its had the most calamitous consequences for me, the crux of this is not me. The crux of this is not the friendship I had 25 years ago with Jeffrey Epstein. The crux of this is that so many hundreds of young women were completely trapped, powerless in a system that did not listen to what they had to say. UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander told the programme: I think what we saw there in that interview was, at best, deep naivety from Peter Mandelson. And I think it would have gone a long way for the women who were subjected to the most appalling treatment at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein for Peter to have apologised and taken that opportunity. Heidi Alexander suggested Mandelson should have taken the opportunity to apologise to Epsteins victims (Jeff Overs/BBC) While Mandelsons friendship with Epstein was widely known, the UK Cabinet minister said: I think the breadth and the nature of the relationship that Peter Mandelson had with Jeffrey Epstein only became clear at the point at which those emails were published in September of last year, and thats why the Prime Minister acted swiftly, took immediate action to remove him as the ambassador to the United States. She said if she were in a position like Mandelson with Epstein after his conviction I wouldnt touch them with a barge pole. Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan, New York, in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. Myanmar began a second round of voting on Sunday in the countrys first general election since a takeover that installed a military government five years ago. Voting expanded to additional townships including some areas affected by the civil war between the military government and its armed opponents. Polling stations opened at 6am local time in 100 townships across the country, including parts of Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago and Tanintharyi regions, as well as Mon, Shan, Kachin, Kayah and Kayin states. Many of these areas have seen clashes in recent months or remain under heightened security, underscoring the risks surrounding the vote. Voters queue to cast their ballot at a polling station in Yangon (Thein Zaw/AP) The election is being held in three phases due to armed conflicts. The first round took place on December 28 in 102 of the countrys total 330 townships. Advertisement A final round is scheduled for January 25, although 65 townships will not take part because of fighting. Myanmar has a two-house national legislature, totalling 664 seats. The party with a combined parliamentary majority can select the new president, who can name a cabinet and form a new government. The military automatically receives 25% of seats in each house under the constitution. Critics say the polls organised by the military government are neither free nor fair and are an effort by the military to legitimise its rule after seizing power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. A voter casts his ballot at a polling station in Yangon (Thein Zaw/AP) The military government said there were more than 24 million eligible voters in the election, about 35% fewer than the 2020 election. The government called the turnout a success, claiming ballots were cast by more than six million people, about 52% of the more than 11 million eligible voters in the elections first phase. While more than 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, only six parties are competing nationwide with the possibility of gaining political clout in parliament. The first phase left the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, or USDP, in a dominant position, winning nearly 90% of those contested seats in that phase in Pyithu Hluttaw, the lower house of parliament. It also won a majority of seats in regional legislatures. Ms Suu Kyi, Myanmars 80-year-old former leader, and her party are not participating in the polls. Advertisement She is serving a 27-year prison term on charges widely viewed as spurious and politically motivated. Aung San Suu Kyi and her party are not participating in the polls (Chris Ison/PA) Her party, the National League for Democracy, was dissolved in 2023 after refusing to register under new military rules. Other parties also refused to register or declined to run under conditions they deemed unfair, while opposition groups have called for a voter boycott. Tom Andrews, a special rapporteur working with the UN human rights office, speaking earlier in the week, urged the international community to reject what he called a sham election, saying the first round exposed coercion, violence and political exclusion. You cannot have a free, fair or credible election when thousands of political prisoners are behind bars, credible opposition parties have been dissolved, journalists are muzzled, and fundamental freedoms are crushed, Mr Andrews said. Advertisement BusinessMarketsInvesting Opinion Why Trumps jackboots and AIs trillions wont shake giddy investors Colin Kruger Senior business reporter January 12, 2026 4:01am January 12, 2026 4:01am 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 Anyone fretting about how fragile global financial markets might be in 2026 got an early and robust response from investors who have lost none of their giddiness. Just days into the new year, US President Donald Trump staged a de facto coup by sending his forces to capture Venezuelas president in a lightning military strike. A protester outside the US embassy in Madrid holds a caricature of President Donald Trump drinking Venezuelan oil. AFP The military action promises to transform the security of Americas oil supplies, but risks have multiplied after Trump gleefully opened this geopolitical Pandoras box. Not even Trumps threat to seize control of Greenland, potentially unravelling NATO and the rules-based order that has maintained global stability since World War II, could prevent US sharemarkets from hitting record highs last week. Advertisement The VIX index, a widely watched measure of expected market volatility, remains low. Part of the reason investors are happy to shrug off events that would normally send markets into meltdown is their fascination with AIs overwhelming dominance of any investment conversation across the globe. AI will need a lot more than hot air and soaring chip sales to sustain its insane 2025 run into this year. With this in mind, the next big test was the appearance of Nvidia founder Jensen Huang at the CES convention in Las Vegas the biggest name at the biggest event on the tech calendar. He came up with the right words to allay fears that the trillion-dollar-plus bet on AI might not pay off. AIs high priest had suitably big numbers to assure everyone. Every layer of the computing worlds architecture which has had $US10 trillion invested in it over the past decade, according to Huang is being re-invented by AI. Advertisement But the potential is much bigger than this, he says. A couple of hundred billion dollars in [venture capital] funding each year is going into modernising and inventing this new world. What it means is a hundred trillion dollars of industry, several per cent of which is [research and development] budget, is shifting over to artificial intelligence, he says. Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang at the CES tech show in Las Vegas last Monday. AP People ask, Where is the money coming from?. Thats where the moneys coming from. But for all of Huangs chutzpah, AI will need a lot more than this hot air and soaring chip sales to sustain its insane 2025 run into this year. Advertisement There is a growing worry that the AI giants, which have helped pump Nvidia to a $US5 trillion giant, need to start demonstrating an actual return from their massive AI investment plans, or risk a brutal market backlash. Editor's pick Shares Its been an underwhelming year on the ASX. Will 2026 be any better? Not that crazy market optimism has not been confined to AI, or the US market. ASX-listed defence tech group DroneShield has now doubled from its market nadir late last year when investors erupted at the news that both its CEO and chairman had dumped all of their stock with no warning. The company will need to almost double again to regain its $6 billion valuation. Advertisement But if the board keeps its promise to improve operations, and the sales contracts keep coming in, a company that reported revenue of less than $60 million for the 2024 calendar year could once again be worth more than $6 billion. It might not be the only ASX-listed stock to leave AI euphoria in the dust in 2026. Gold reserves have surpassed the euro to become the second-largest global reserve asset. Bloomberg We are already seeing geopolitics ramping up interest in green metals like lithium and rare earths, as Lynas amply demonstrated last week with a massive jump on the news that China was again restricting rare earth shipments to Japan. For many market professionals, the closest thing to a sure bet this year is the soaring gold price, which is just short of its $US4500-plus record high. Advertisement Analysts predict gold could top $US5000 per ounce as a hedge against government bonds and the US dollar, which risk having their value eroded by massive government spending and rising debt levels. Related Article Gold When all else fails, gold doesnt: Younger investors drive precious metal mania But if you dont trust analyst forecasts, how about global reserve banks? According to a European Central Bank study last year, the gold reserves of central banks now exceed their holding of US Treasuries for the first time in more than three decades. Gold reserves have also surpassed the euro to become the second-largest global reserve asset after the US dollar. SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes says it is a reflection of the growing uncertainty, and this industrial-grade demand for a precious metal shows that its record run wont be shaken easily. Advertisement That is not cyclical buying. It is balance sheet re-engineering, Innes says. Reserve managers are diversifying away from concentration risk in a system that feels increasingly political and less predictable. That kind of demand does not retreat on pullbacks. It adds. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement CultureMoviesCinema The film taking the concept of corporate cut-throat competition to the next level Stephanie Bunbury January 12, 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 Korean director Park Chan-wook started thinking about adapting The Ax, an American horror-thriller about a sacked engineer who goes on a killing spree, almost 20 years ago. Park is by no means a fluent English speaker, but he had already made Stoker starring Nicole Kidman in the US and he intended to make The Ax in Connecticut, where author Donald Westlake had set it. The Ax, published in 1997, was about workers in this case, an engineer in the paper industry losing their jobs to machines. It was very much of its time and place. Director Park Chan-wook had spent years trying to make a version of The Ax. Now he has done it. AP Photo/Chris Pizzello Years passed. Park couldnt raise the finance to make his American film. Eventually, he was persuaded to move the story to Korea, where it fitted perfectly: Japan was a big importer of Korean paper, so the story rang true. The mechanisation of manual jobs, so feared in the 1990s, was small fry compared with the explosion in AI in the 2020s. The issues raised by The Ax, which Park turned into his smart, funny and ferocious film No Other Choice, turned out to be more urgent than ever. Park, whose other films range from outrageously violent genre films (Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance) to his recent drama Decision to Leave, has every reason to take aim at AI: the film industry is under threat as much as any other. Advertisement Its very near us and we cant even predict how fast it is going to advance, he says at the Venice Film Festival, where his film had its world premiere. In the very near future, we will be able to write a prompt give me a Hitchcock style film and its going to spit out quite a decent film. Regardless of how I feel about it, that development is not going to stop any time soon. Nor is capitalism, arguably the films bigger target. When we first meet Man-su played by Lee Byung-hun, familiar from Squid Game he is wielding the barbecue tongs at his handsome rural villa. He has it all, he reflects: a vivacious wife (Son Ye-jin), an amiable stepson, a daughter who may be a cello prodigy, two endearing labradors and an executive job at the paper mill, recently taken over by a US company. They must like him. They gave him the parcel of gourmet eel he is now cooking. Lee Byung-huns character takes extreme measures in No Other Choice. AP The eel, however, is a parting gift. The new bosses, claiming they have no other choice include Man-su in a raft of retrenchments. He is convinced he will soon get another job, but retrenchments are happening everywhere. So he comes up with a crazy plan. If he kills his competitors, he thinks, he will be the only candidate left standing. Advertisement The way that he kills these best candidates is very similar to how a company would fire their employees, Park says. But what can he do? The paper industry is all he knows. He has a family to protect. In his mind, he has no other choice. The film jumps from melodrama to farce and back; we catch ourselves rooting for Lee Byung-hun, always a sympathetic actor, only to be appalled when he does something dreadful. I wanted to make a film that would encourage viewers to ask questions, Park says. What is considered the lowest level of life for Koreas contemporary middle class? What standard of living must you maintain to consider your life decent? So what, exactly, does this man desire to protect? To a great extent, he is protecting his status. Initially, this seems contemptible, but many of us can relate to the way his identity is wound up with his work. Paper is his life. Similarly, I cant explain my life without using movies, Park told Indiewire in an interview about No Other Choice. So Yul Choi, left, and Son Ye-jin in No Other Choice. AP Advertisement I think my life would almost have nothing if I didnt have movies in it. Of course, I do have family, but I spent so much of the time I should have spent on my family on movies as well. And I wouldnt know how to do anything else in life. Over the years he was developing the film, producers and financiers would joke that he could set it in the movie business, but he kept coming back to paper-making. I think its because paper is something were all so familiar with, Park says. Its always with us. You can physically touch it but, at the same time, you dont think about who makes it. You just crumple it up and throw it out without a second thought. And I also like the fact it comes from trees. The more I thought about those processes, the closer it seemed to life itself. The final shot of the film shows a forest being razed to stumps by robots, of course. Most of the time, however, Park Chan-wook avoids thinking about the algorithms vying for his own job. For me, its always the task at hand, he says. What am I doing next? What am I shooting tomorrow, what am I cutting today? Thats really all you can concentrate on. No Other Choice is in cinemas from Thursday Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Save this video for later Add videos to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Man charged with murder over detention centre death A detainee has been charged with murder over the death of another detainee at a detention centre in Villawood, Sydney. Advertisement NationalNSWBondi shooting Thousands gather to hear Waltzing Matilda rendition for 10-year-old Bondi victim Cindy Yin January 11, 2026 10:11pm 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 Thousands raised their torches to the sky in a unified display of grief, love, and support for the 15 victims of the Bondi massacre for the final daily vigil at Bondi. A rainy Sunday night marked the end of shloshim the 30-day Jewish mourning period, which saw Bondi Pavilion awash with crowds who came clad in raincoats and clutching umbrellas, undeterred by the rain. Loading The audience fell into a hushed silence as performers sang a special rendition of Waltzing Matilda dedicated to ten-year-old Matilda, the youngest of the victims who died after being shot at Bondi on December 14. Once the little bright girl, laid by the ocean shore, under the shade of the tall pine tree. And she sang, and she laughed with the dancing flames of Hanukkah, youll come a Waltzing Matilda with me, the performer sang. Advertisement Up in the night sky, a smile is shining bright as day, here on the fields of flowers and dreams. If you listen close youll hear the buzzing of a bumblebee, youll come a Waltzing Matilda with me. Thousands gathered at Bondi Pavilion and turned on their phone torches as performers dedicated a rendition of Waltzing Matilda to the youngest victim of the terror attack. Bondi Remembers Performers sang songs in Hebrew and also one dedicated to 10-year-old Matilda at the January 11 final daily Bondi attack vigil. Bondi Remembers Matildas father Michael, mother Valya, and little sister Summer attended, and in their speech described Matilda as a typical 10-year-old girl who loved to laugh, dance, and sing. Since the first day after the attack, Rabbi Yossi Friedman has held vigils at Bondi Pavilion three times a day at 7.30am, 1pm, and 7:30pm. He prefers calling the 15 who were shot dead heroes, rather than victims because many of them did not die running away from the bullets, but actually running towards the bullets and covering others. Advertisement I dont call them victims, because they didnt die helpless. They were heroes beacons and ambassadors of light. That is how each and every one of them lived their lives, Friedman said. He recalled feeling quite touched at one of these vigils after seeing Holocaust survivors give a standing ovation to a group of 100 NSW ambulance staff. Rabbi Yossi Friedman leads people in prayers at the Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach on December 19. KATE GERAGHTY We have certainly seen the best of Australia come through here over these past four weeks. Australians standing side by side as one, as one humanity doesnt matter what faith, background, creed, the colour of our skin, we are one humanity. Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh, and Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley were also in attendance. Advertisement Beazley asked all attendees to join hands with the person standing next to them, and observe a minute of silence. The flowers and tributes outside the Bondi Pavilion were removed more than a week after the attack, following a notice from the NSW government and Waverley Council that tributes would be collected and preserved for display at the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Australian Jewish Historical Society. The vigil comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday bowed to weeks of pressure and called a federal royal commission into the circumstances that led to the Bondi attack, in which alleged terrorists targeted a Hanukkah celebration and killed 15 people. Albanese appointed former High Court justice Virginia Bell to lead the national inquiry. Bell has been asked to complete her report before December 14. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Advertisement NationalLiterature Board members quit Adelaide Festival as dumped writer calls in lawyer Kerrie O'Brien January 11, 2026 5:47pm 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 Palestinian-Australian writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah has engaged a lawyer to demand clarity on why she has been removed from the Adelaide Writers Week line-up. Last Thursday, the Adelaide Festival board announced that while it was not suggesting in any way that Abdel-Fattah or her writing had any connection with the Bondi attack, given her past statements it would not be culturally sensitive to continue to program her at this unprecedented time so soon after Bondi. Academic and writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. More than 50 top local and international writers have now boycotted the event including Zadie Smith, Masha Gessen, Helen Garner, Trent Dalton and Michelle de Kretser. What has happened to me is a litmus test because double standards show up quickly when it comes to Palestinians, Abdel-Fattah told this masthead on Sunday. Advertisement Many cultural bodies and politicians can defend human rights in the abstract, but struggle when it requires standing up to political pressure or accepting discomfort. Palestine is where commitments to anti-racism, free expression, and universal dignity are most often qualified. Related Article Literature Bestselling Australian author Trent Dalton withdraws from Adelaide Writers Week Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers, representing Abdel-Fattah, said that the moral indefensibility of the Adelaide Festival boards actions has been amply evidenced by the reaction its provoked. It also trampled on Randas human rights, and the board will have to answer for that. The legal letter specifies board members should retain all documents in their possession, including emails, texts and messages on disappearing messaging apps as these may be required for the purposes of litigation. Three board members have since resigned from the Adelaide Festival, according to a well-placed source not authorised to speak publicly. No official notification was provided but the names Daniela Ritorto, Donny Walford and Nick Linke have been removed from its website. Advertisement Speaking on Sunday at a Free Palestine rally in Melbourne, Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni weighed into the debate. When the board of the Adelaide Writers Week said, We dont want you, Dr Randa, people will feel uncomfortable ... what did writers of good conscience do? They said, F--- you. F--- you, [South Australian Premier Peter] Malinauskas. F--- you, Adelaide Writers Week. Malinauskas has backed the literary events decision to remove Abdel-Fattah. On Saturday, a letter signed by 11 former leaders of the festival condemned the boards decision and called for its reversal. Signatories included Neil Armfield, Peter Goldsworthy, Jo Dyer, Kath Mainland and Peter Brookman. Wickedness thrives in darkness and prejudice thrives in ignorance born of silence, the letter, sent to the festival board and Malinauskas, says. Advertisement An about-face may be embarrassing but it is both the right thing to do and will cauterise the growing damage to this much loved and internationally significant South Australian cultural institution. Editor's pick Analysis Greenland Greenlanders tell absolutely insane Trump what they really think The Adelaide Festival board is now made up of Tracey Whiting, Leesa Chesser, Mary Couros, Brenton Cox and Jennifer Fuller (government observer). Chesser, a former South Australian state MP was a co-convener of the Parliamentary Friends of Israel group, established in 2014. Sydney-based Abdel-Fattah had been scheduled to speak about her new novel, Discipline, which examines ideas of truth and censorship. In recent years, she has come under fire for past social media posts which said Zionists had no claim to cultural safety and that institutions that considered fragile feelings of Zionists were abhorrent. She has also been criticised for use of an image of a parachutist under the Palestinian flag which she made her Facebook profile photo the day after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Advertisement Adelaide Writers Week sits under the banner of the Adelaide Festival. Louise Adler, who has helmed the writers week to great acclaim for the past three years, has not spoken publicly since the decision. Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said the decision to withdraw Abdel-Fattahs invitation was correct. It is beyond comprehension how they extended the invitation in the first place to someone who has called for Zionists ... to have no cultural safety in this country, he said. Someone who days after the worst terrorist attack on Jewish civilians [October 7] that included the rape, murder and kidnapping of civilians, celebrated it as resistance. With Rachael Dexter Advertisement Exclusive NationalVictoriaCity life Myer family feuds over plan for neighbouring Sorrento beach houses Adam Carey January 12, 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 A shallow Sorrento bay that was once an unhappy home to almost 500 convicts and settlers in Victorias first, failed colony has become a beach house battleground between brother and sister in one of the states wealthiest families. Celia Burrell and Richard Shelmerdine, siblings in Australian retailing dynasty the Myer family, are fighting in the state planning tribunal over Burrells plans to build a $3 million, three-storey beach house next door to her brothers beach house, facing Sullivan Bay in Sorrento. Sullivan Bay, in Sorrento, with the house and tennis court of Richard Shemerdine, Celia Burrells undeveloped property, and Martin Strodes beach house side by side in the foreground. Eddie Jim Both properties occupy an exclusive row of beachfront homes on land that was part of the historic Collins Settlement Site, where the British established a doomed colonial outpost in 1803. Shelmerdine sold his sister the undeveloped property for $3.4 million in 2011, but is attempting to thwart her plans to build there, even though the dwelling has been approved by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. Advertisement Shelmerdine is seeking to overturn the councils approval by an appeal in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. He has been joined in his cause by property developer Martin Strode, who also owns a multistorey beach house next door to Burrells land, on a property that he also purchased from Shelmerdine. A render of the proposed beach house at 3080A Point Nepean Road, which has council approval but is being contested in VCAT by neighbours on either side. Court documents show that Shelmerdine and Strode both argue that Burrells approved beach house is too bulky, exceeds the approved building envelope, is unsympathetic to the landscape and would require unacceptable destruction of coastal moonah vegetation. Shelmerdine has also argued that the plans would enable people to look into his house. Advertisement His objection states: As a result of the topography of the land, if the driveway is built as planned, pedestrians and people arriving in cars will look directly into my private open space including my childrens bedrooms and my dining room. Car lights at night will also cause significant disruption. His objection also details the loss of a significant moonah tree, which has already been aggressively and extensively pruned, the removal of a section of shared driveway fence without approval and excavation for a staircase that is contrary to retaining the flowing & continuous nature of the 1803 Parade Ground. The Sorrento properties of Myer siblings Richard Shelmerdine and Celia Burrell share a driveway, which has become contested turf. Eddie Jim Strodes objections mostly mirror Shelmerdines. The pairs joint tribunal appeal has forced Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to defend its decision to approve Burrells beach house. Advertisement Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is arguing in VCAT that Burrells planned beach house is consistent with the character and form of nearby housing, and will not cause unreasonable overlooking, overshadowing or building bulk. It said it weighed up the objectors arguments but found the house should be approved, including consent for works outside the building envelope. The applicants for review seems to be applying and seeking a very high bar test to be applied in this instance, the councils submission states. A three-day hearing was held in December, with a decision expected this year. Advertisement The Sullivan Bay foreshore has been disputed turf since Europeans first set foot there. A British party composed mostly of convicts arrived at the Sorrento beach in 1803, displacing Boon Wurrung people who regularly camped there, according to a Heritage Victoria citation. The Collins Settlement Site at Sullivan Bay has been compared to The Rocks in Sydney for its links to Australias first European inhabitants. Eddie Jim The settlers found conditions difficult, with poor soil and no running water nearby, and within seven months they abandoned the settlement for Tasmania. The Heritage Victoria citation records the site as one of the few Australian founding sites that have survived two centuries of change. Advertisement Like The Rocks in Sydney and Risdon Cove in Tasmania, the landscape of Sullivan Bay has revealed evidence from its founding period. More evidence may survive to be revealed as a result of future investigations, it reads. Shelmerdine bought the 1.2-hectare site in 2008 for a then record $18.4 million. He later subdivided it into five properties, successfully appealing to VCAT after Mornington Peninsula Shire Council did not grant approval to do so, amid a heritage and conservation campaign to preserve the site as public parkland. A plaque commemorates Victorias first, failed colony at Sullivan Bay in Sorrento. Justin McManus He has retained ownership of the original home on the site and a jetty that extends into Sullivan Bay. Burrells property is currently undeveloped, other than an old boat shed. Burrell, who founded the El Questro outback resort in the Kimberley region of Western Australia with her husband, has sought to use her brothers tribunal win in 2010 as a key argument for why her own development plans should not be blocked. Advertisement She argues that the development proposal is not contrary to the tribunals decision in Shelmerdine v Mornington Peninsula SC: the 2010 decision in which her brother won the right to subdivide. Burrell has submitted to VCAT that the proposed three-storey house will not unreasonably impact on amenity of surrounding properties and is appropriately respectful of the immediate neighbourhood character. Her statement of grounds argues that the removal of a moonah tree and the landscaping outcome are acceptable, mirroring the councils arguments for why it approved her plans. The Age attempted to contact Burrell and Shelmerdine. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalWAMedicine I thought I was going to die: Perth mums near-fatal reaction sparks immune supplement warning Andrew Du January 11, 2026 8:10pm 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 Perth mother Kerry Smith thought she was doing the right thing when, feeling the early signs of a cold, she took an immune supplement shed used before. Within minutes, the 51-year-old had collapsed on the floor of her Bull Creek home. Kerry Smith had used the popular supplement in the past with no adverse affects. 9News Perth Within two or three minutes, I had excruciating stomach cramps, and then I couldnt breathe, Smith told 9News Perth. An EpiPen was administered before Smith was rushed to Fiona Stanley Hospital. Advertisement I definitely thought I was going to die, she said. Smith was hospitalised after falling ill. 9News Perth Connie Katelaris, a professor of immunology and allergy at Western Sydney University and head of immunology and allergy at Campbelltown Hospital, said sudden allergic reactions to supplements like ArmaForce which Smith took could occur even after previous use. The reactions are linked to andrographis paniculata, a herbal ingredient found in dozens of cold and flu supplements. Some people react the first time, others only after repeated use, Katelaris said. Advertisement Itching, redness, hives or urticaria, and then they can rapidly progress to having breathing problems or the feeling of constriction in the throat or tightness in the chest, people can suffer from lack of blood pressure ... the lips, the eyes may swell up, the tongue can swell, so people can have all or any combination of those symptoms. Some of these patients have been so severe theyve presented to hospital and theyve required adrenaline for resuscitation. Others should have gone to hospital but didnt recognise what was happening to them, and basically sat it out at home and luckily survived. Hundreds of anaphylaxis cases reported The Therapeutic Goods Administration has received 1365 adverse reaction reports linked to andrographis, including 859 involving ArmaForce, and 286 cases of anaphylaxis. Advertisement Despite warning labels becoming mandatory in 2019, serious reactions continue to be reported, including a fatal case of anaphylaxis in 2024. The TGA says it is now considering further regulatory options. ArmaForce is a popular immune supplement. 9News Perth In a statement, BioCeuticals, the company which produces ArmaForce, said: Products containing andrographis may cause allergic reactions in some people, including, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. The company said all required warnings are included on product packaging in line with TGA requirements. Advertisement Consumer safety and wellbeing is our top priority and all BioCeuticals products meet the stringent regulatory requirements set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the statement read. Related Article Trends Hydration trackers and electrolytes: How much water do we really need? While suspected adverse reactions can happen with any therapeutic product, we have a strict pharmacovigilance system in place to thoroughly investigate any reports we receive. Questionable benefits Professor Katelaris said the benefits of immune supplements for viral infections were questionable. Advertisement People take it for viral respiratory infections and were all going to recover from those anyway, she said. So I think if you look at any drug from the point of view of its risk and its benefit, this comes out in favour of risk ... and I think the TGA needs to do something about removing ArmaForce from the shelves. Meanwhile, Smith said she would steer clear of the supplement, and hoped her story could serve as a warning to others. 9News Perth Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalAustralian economy Australians love their councils but still want to get rid of them Shane Wright January 11, 2026 6:10pm 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 Australians believe their local council is doing a better job collecting rubbish and maintaining suburban parks than state or federal governments carry out their functions but also think councils should be axed. In what would amount to a huge change to the way the nation is governed, an exclusive poll shows Australians want all levels of government to work closer together and stick to certain policy areas rather sharing responsibilities in areas such as education and health. Australians think their local councils do better than state or federal governments - but also think they should be the first to go. Sitthixay Ditthavong And in a clear rebuke of state governments, people want laws and taxes to be harmonised across the states rather than the current patchwork that bedevils anyone who crosses a state border. The survey, conducted for this masthead by research company Resolve Strategic, is based on questions to 1800 voters nationwide. Advertisement It was prompted by an investigation by this masthead into the state of the federation which revealed that despite collecting a record $1 trillion in taxes and charges this year, the nations long-standing system of government is failing ordinary people. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers revealed he was surprised how much of his time was swallowed up by dealing with federation issues which he described as a major economic issue. The survey found 56 per cent of people rated the performance of their local council as good, including 18 per cent who agreed it was very good. Twenty-three per cent rated their councils performance as poor. Approval for councils was 10 points higher than state governments, which 46 per cent of respondents rated as good while 27 per cent rated their state as poor. Advertisement The performance of the federal government was rated good by 39 per cent. Thirty-one per cent said the federal governments performance was poor, of which 15 per cent the highest of any level of government rated as very poor. Despite endorsing their local council, respondents were more likely to agree that they should be axed. Related Article Editorial Australian economy With crises all around, its time to reform federalism The Herald's View Editorial Asked which was the least needed layer of government, 27 per cent picked councils while 26 per cent said it should be state governments on the chopping block. Just 9 per cent said the country could survive without federal government. Local councils are by far the biggest source of elected officials in the country. There are 226 federal MPs and 599 state politicians compared to 4755 local councillors, mayors and shire presidents. Advertisement Labor voters (30 per cent) were more likely than Coalition supporters (23 per cent) to believe that councils were the least needed level of government. However, Liberal and Nationals supporters (29 per cent) were more agreeable to ending state governments than Labor voters (23 per cent). Across all voters, there was a high degree of uncertainty, with 38 per cent of respondents unsure or having no preference on which level of government should go. But those surveyed were much more assured when it came to how government should work together. Just 4 per cent disagreed with the proposal that laws, regulations and taxes should be harmonised so that they are consistent across every state. Seventy-three per cent of people agreed with 31 per cent, saying they strongly agreed. Advertisement Another 23 per cent said they were neutral or undecided. The most recent meeting of federal and state treasurers agreed to an overhaul of occupational licensing regulations, initially in the electrical and engineering areas, so that certified workers can easily move between states and territories. On top of changes to the harmonisation of regulations relating to household electrical goods such as toasters, building and construction rules, states have been offered cash out of the federal governments $900 million National Productivity Fund to fast-track reform. This mastheads report into the federation revealed deep dissatisfaction among state premiers about policy areas in which responsibility is often shared with Canberra. Advertisement These included health, aged care and education, into which the federal government has gradually encroached into over the past 70 years. Related Article Exclusive Australian economy Overgoverned, overtaxed and overcomplicated: How Australia was set up to fail The survey found 58 per cent of people wanted policy areas to be the sole responsibility of one level of government, with just 9 per cent disagreeing. Forty-seven per cent of people agreed that state governments should deliver services without the need for elected representatives or parliaments. Such a move would upend states that would effectively become unelected, bureaucracy-led administrations. A third of respondents were neutral or undecided about such a change that would also face almost insurmountable constitutional hurdles to ever come to fruition. Advertisement Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalCritical minerals Chalmers heads to meet with Trump administration on critical minerals Matthew Knott January 11, 2026 9:30pm 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 Critical minerals required to manufacture batteries, military equipment and advanced semiconductors will be prioritised for a new national stockpile as Treasurer Jim Chalmers heads to the United States for meetings with some of the worlds most powerful economic policymakers. The Albanese government will announce on Monday that antimony, gallium and rare earth elements will be the initial focus for the $1.2 billion critical minerals reserve it is developing to counter Chinas dominance in this geo-strategically significant field. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump signed an agreement to develop a secure supply chain for critical minerals and rare earths when they met at the White House in October. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is travelling to Washington D.C. to discuss critical minerals with leading economic policymakers. Alex Ellinghausen The government has said it subsequently received interest in similar deals from Europe, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Advertisement Antimony, one of the governments initial three priorities for the stockpile, is used to make household and commercial batteries, night-vision equipment and flame-retardant materials. Related Article Rare earths Trumps critical minerals deal unearths a bonanza for Aussie miners Gallium is a key ingredient for advanced semiconductors used in radar systems and telecommunications and rare earths are used to make the high-performance magnets essential for fighter jets and MRI machines. Critical minerals will top the agenda when Chalmers travels to Washington D.C. this week for meetings of the G7 finance ministers. Representatives from India, Mexico and South Korea will also attend the talks. Chalmers will meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, British Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne while in the US capital. Advertisement Ensuring we have a reliable reserve of these critical resources will strengthen supply chains and help to stabilise critical minerals markets, Chalmers said. The world needs critical minerals. Australia has plenty of them and our critical minerals reserve will help us weather global economic uncertainty and help to boost trade and investment. Resources Minister Madeleine King said critical minerals were essential to the nations economic and national security. The strategic reserves initial focus on antimony, gallium and rare earths will give added certainty to Australian projects, help attract further investment and help the sector deal with potential future market disruptions, she said. The government announced last April that it would create stockpiles of certain key critical minerals and that it would enter into offtake agreements to acquire agreed volumes of critical minerals from commercial projects. Advertisement China dominates the supply chain for critical minerals, refining between 47 and 87 per cent of copper, lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earths, according to the International Energy Agency. Editor's pick Analysis Greenland Greenlanders tell absolutely insane Trump what they really think Australias ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd has repeatedly said Australia can offer access to the entire periodic table through its abundant access to critical minerals. In a trade war between the US and China, Beijing imposed strict export controls to the US last year on several rare earths vital for defence and high-tech manufacturing. Under a truce struck in November, Trump agreed to halve tariffs on Chinese imports while Chinese President Xi Jinping implemented a one-year pause on Beijings export restrictions on rare earths. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. News / National by Staff reporter Four men appeared before the Mutare Magistrates' Court yesterday facing charges of theft of trust property after allegedly stealing cement intended for the OdziMarange Road construction project in Mutare North Constituency.The accused Innocent Mariko (51), Nigel Munetsi (28), Munyaradzi Shamba (41) and Tinashe Chiwanza (25) were granted bail of US$100 each by Mutare magistrate Mr Honest Musiyiwa. They were remanded to January 26, 2026, when their trial is expected to commence.Prosecutor Mr Talent Nyamuzuwe told the court that Derivative Resources, the implementing contractor, had been engaged by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development to construct a six-kilometre tarred road stretching from Riverside to Odzi Business Centre.Cement earmarked exclusively for the project was reportedly stored at Odzi Council Hall for safekeeping. However, between December 11 and December 18, 2025, the four accused allegedly withdrew 370 bags of 50kg cement from the storage facility and sold them to third parties.The State alleges that the unauthorised removal and sale of the cement prejudiced the Government of US$5 580 and potentially compromised the quality of the road works.The matter came to light after an Odzi councillor received a tip-off on January 6, 2026, prompting investigations that led to the arrest of the suspects.During interviews conducted on January 8, 2026, the accused allegedly revealed that some of the cement had been sold to a hardware dealer in Chigodora. Police followed up, and the businessman reportedly admitted to buying 39 bags, most of which had already been sold, with only one bag remaining.The single bag was recovered and is being held as an exhibit.According to the prosecution, the total value of the stolen cement is US$5 580, while the recovered cement is valued at US$1 500.The four accused will return to court later this month as investigations continue. Advertisement Exclusive WorldEuropeGreenland The movement that could decide Greenlands deal with Trump David Crowe January 12, 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 Nuuk: The argument over Greenland is unleashing a force that Donald Trump is yet to quell and Pele Broberg believes it is strong enough to decide who controls the Arctic territory. The US president wants the future of Greenland to be about American ownership to replace colonial ties with Denmark. Loading Broberg, however, wants to turn this moment into a declaration of independence. As the opposition leader in the territorys parliament, and leader of the Naleraq political party, he wants liberty for Greenland from all major powers. Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is watched over by a statue of Hans Egede, the Norwegian missionary who colonised the island in 1721. Bloomberg Advertisement We dont care whos president in the US and what they want. Neither do we care whos prime minister in Denmark and what they want, he says. Its about what we want: thats what we are running on. Broberg is not alone in seeking independence for Greenland: it is the stated position of all five of the major parties in the autonomous territorys parliament, and the policy of Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who leads the Demokraatit party. But Broberg wants independence faster than others, and he accuses Nielsen of talking about it without making it happen. Pele Broberg, the leader of the Naleraq political party, which advocates independence for Greenland. David Crowe Advertisement This does not match Trumps vision because the US president never talks about leaving it to Greenlanders to decide their future. It might preserve American security, however, because Greenlanders can reach their own defence pact with the US. Broberg does not oppose more US forces. Nor do other political leaders. In fact, he believes an independent Greenland would build on the 1951 pact between the US and Denmark that set up the military bases in the first place. You cant continue having a defence agreement between Denmark and the US about the defence of a colony that no longer exists, he says. So, we need to have a defence agreement with the US. If that is the big talking point for the US, that they need something else that they cant get from the 1951 agreement, we should do that. Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in the Arctic Ocean in Nuuk, Greenland, in September. AP Advertisement Because that will benefit us, as well as give them peace of mind. We are not the obstacle that Trump needs to remove. Denmark is. The 1951 agreement has been updated several times, most recently in 2004 to acknowledge the autonomy of Greenland. This update said the US would consult with and inform the governments in Denmark and Greenland on any changes to its military presence. A troubled history shapes the argument over the future. Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is watched over by a statue of Hans Egede, the Norwegian missionary who colonised the island in 1721. Denmark ruled the colony from the early 1800s, but the Inuit trace their time there to at least 1200, when historians believe they crossed from Canada. When Denmark and Greenland agreed on self-government in 2009, the law set out a mechanism to decide full independence by a referendum. Danish forces join NATO troops in exercises in Greenland in September. AP Advertisement Broberg believes that time has come. He raised this last Friday when he joined Nielsen and three other party leaders in making a statement to soothe nerves about Trumps talk of gaining their territory and even using force to do so. The statement said: We will not be Americans, we will not be Danes, we are Greenlanders. Broberg calls that a declaration of independence. We needed a joint statement to calm the waters in Greenland because people are worried, he says. We dont want to be Danish. We want our own identity back. Broberg has risen quickly to become opposition leader. Raised in regional towns on the west coast north of Nuuk, he worked in business before becoming a pilot for Air Greenland. He entered politics in 2018 and became leader of Naleraq four years later. At the election last year, Naleraq gained 25 per cent of the vote; Nielsens party, Demokraatit, gained 30 per cent and rules with a coalition. Advertisement The cause is personal for Broberg. He is the son of an Inuit father and a Danish mother, and he says he might not have been born if his mother had been Greenlandic. That is because Denmark imposed birth control on Inuit women and girls in the 1960s and 1970s by making sure they were fitted with intrauterine devices, or IUDs. Related Article Analysis Greenland Greenlanders tell absolutely insane Trump what they really think At that point, the genocide against the Greenlandic people was ongoing by the Danish state, he says. My mother didnt get an IUD because she was Danish. This is uncomfortable history for Danes, and it was the subject of a formal apology by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in September. In Denmark, the links with Greenland are so deep that many cannot see a future for the island without its mother country. A large group in Greenland, especially in Nuuk, are also loyal to Denmark. Some accuse Broberg of hating Danes and being a racist, but he says those claims are false and that he simply wants independence. Advertisement Trump is bringing this debate to a head. He has identified a problem: control of the Arctic is fundamental for US security, and this requires decisions about Greenlands destiny. Observers outside Greenland have raised the idea of copying US policy in the Pacific, where it has Compacts of Free Association with small states like Micronesia and Palau. This requires the US to help fund those states, while it gains broad scope for its military operations. Related Article Trump's America Maple MAGAs: Separatists in Canada could boost Trumps quest for dominance Greenland differs, however, in having the legacy of two centuries of Danish culture and control. The colonial history is a source of grief for many, but it also means they gain health and education from Copenhagen and annual funding for other services. Greenlanders can live and work anywhere in the European Union. Would they be better off with a form of statehood aligned to the US? In Nuuk, some people tell this masthead that losing Danish financial support would be too costly, making full independence impractical. Advertisement White House officials have discussed paying Greenlanders for the right to control the island, according to a Reuters report, but there has been no suggestion from Trump or his aides about annual US funding for health and welfare. It is difficult to see Trumps base, which is sceptical about foreign entanglements, accepting that cost. Nielsen and his government are not talking about a referendum on independence. This masthead approached government ministers and officials for comment. Broberg, in contrast, wants a faster move towards cutting the bonds with Copenhagen. He says Greenland has enough resources, such as fisheries and mining, to fund its own future. Most of all, he argues that the people of Greenland can make independence work. We are one of the most coveted territories in the world by Denmark, the US, and Europe, he says. Everybody just seems to forget somebody lives here. 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. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America Maple MAGAs: Separatists in Canada could boost Trumps quest for dominance Thomas Seal and Derek Decloet January 11, 2026 3:31pm 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 For months, many Canadians hoped Donald Trump had lost interest in making their country the 51st US state his plate full with turning Washington and the global trading system upside down. Those hopes are fading. The shock capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Trumps ramped-up talk of seizing Greenland have rattled Canada, forcing citizens to take seriously the US presidents past threats to Canadian sovereignty. A young girl in a canoe holds a Canadian flag in Lake Moraine, in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. iStock The administrations declaration that THIS IS OUR HEMISPHERE makes Trumps earlier comments about annexing Canada seem ever less like mere insults aimed at former prime minister Justin Trudeau, or negotiating tactics in his trade war with current leader Mark Carney. Advertisement A blunt column in Canadas largest national newspaper went viral last week warning of the possibility that Trump may use military coercion against the country. The authors advice: learn from Finlands defences against Russia. Expand the civil defence force. Build a national drone strategy, inspired by Ukraines example. And think about the unthinkable. Its all about changing the calculus, said Thomas Homer-Dixon, one of the authors and a Canadian academic who researches global security. If there is an attempt to use military coercion against us, it needs to be clear that its going to be enormously costly. The fear has even inspired its own dark comedy. A widely shared story on The Beaverton, a satirical website similar to The Onion, sported the headline, Mark Carney turns off geolocation on phone just in case. While Trumps actions have unnerved leaders around the globe, Canadians have particular reason to worry. After all, with Greenland, Trump and his advisers are seeking control even raising the possibility of military action of a territory that is democratic, strategically located in the Arctic, and part of NATO. Canada is all of those things, too. Revellers on the lawn of Parliament Hill on Canada Day in Ottawa in July 2025. Bloomberg Advertisement I think many officials in Ottawa just find it hard to believe that were in this space, no matter what the evidence is, said Wesley Wark, a former adviser to the Canadian government on security and border issues. He called Trumps moves on Venezuela and Greenland final wake-up calls for Canada that will underscore the reality that the United States is not the country that it used to be. Less clear is what Canada can do to dissuade Trump. Carney won office last year vowing to stand up to Trump, saying the president wants to break us, so America can own us. Since the election, however, he has avoided antagonising his US counterpart, even as he tries to step up trade with China and other countries to lessen Canadas dependence on its southern neighbour. Carney called last week for the US to respect the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark, of which the island is a territory, without addressing Trumps past threats to Canada. Most analysts doubt the US military would invade Canada. I still do believe thats in the realm of science fiction, said Stephanie Carvin, an associate professor at Carleton University in Ottawa and a former national security analyst for the Canadian government. But I do believe now more than ever that the United States is willing to cripple the Canadian economy in ways that suit the presidents whims. Are we already a vassal state, and we just wont admit it to ourselves? Associate Professor Philippe Lagasse Advertisement She sees the developments in Venezuela, with Trump asserting control over the countrys immense oil reserves, as emboldening him. The president now will be much more willing to engage in adventurism in a quest to dominate the western hemisphere, she said. Philippe Lagasse, an associate professor at Carleton who specialises in defence policy, said one plausible scenario could involve a problem that Canada cant handle on its own, such as a major natural disaster or attack on its electrical supplies to the US. The United States will deal with it for you, at least under this administration, and it may not choose to leave. Or it may choose to make demands of you, he said. What can Canada do to forestall the possibility of the United States arguing that it needs to intervene in Canada for its own security? Canadas military isnt built for a more hostile world. Its regular and primary reserve forces total fewer than 100,000 people to defend the second-largest land mass on Earth. Natural disasters and other duties, such as a NATO mission in Latvia where Canadian soldiers are stationed, stretch its resources. Members of the Canadian military march during the National Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa in November. Bloomberg Carneys government is boosting soldiers pay to help recruitment and allocating tens of billions of dollars for new fighter jets, submarines and other equipment all of which will help Canada, at long last, meet the minimum NATO spending level of 2 per cent of gross domestic product. Theres also a nascent plan, reported in the Canadian media, to build a force of 100,000 reserves and 300,000 supplementary reserve troops. But most of those steps will take years. Advertisement Then theres the possibility of the US interfering in Canadian politics. The oil-rich province of Alberta which has long chafed under Ottawas control may be headed towards an independence referendum, with a few so-called Maple MAGAs holding out hope of not only leaving Canada but eventually joining the US. A separatist organiser, Jeffrey Rath, said he had met with US State Department officials three times and they were supporting his cause. He declined to name the officials, and the State Department declined to comment. Related Article Exclusive Greenland The movement that could decide Greenlands deal with Trump Early polls suggest the Alberta separatists are likely to lose. But the referendum opens the door to the risk of foreign meddling, according to Homer-Dixon and his colleague Adam Gordon, a former legal adviser to Canadas foreign affairs department. They have drawn up a scenario where grey MAGA money and disinformation campaigns are used to help the separatist cause, or perhaps sow distrust in the results if the independence effort fails. Canadians, they say, should think about what it would mean if the US, in the aftermath of an Alberta vote, decided to send troops into northern Montana. Trumps attention is elsewhere now, but it will swing back to Canada. The countries are starting a scheduled review of the trade deal Trump signed in his first term: the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It has the potential to become a forum for the airing of every Washington grievance against Ottawa its small military presence in the far north, its approach to sectors such as agriculture and for Trumps negotiating style of exerting maximum leverage against smaller trading partners. Advertisement The existing deal means that about 85 per cent of Canada-US trade is currently tariff-free, exempted from Trumps 35 per cent import taxes against other Canadian goods. But that blessing is also a sword of Damocles for Canada as Trump merely has to threaten to cancel the exemption or blow up the trade deal to create havoc. Businesses overwhelmingly say ending the trade accord would hurt the US economy. But in the short term, it would be catastrophic for Canada, which sends almost 70 per cent of its exports south across the border. The president now will be much more willing to engage in adventurism in a quest to dominate the western hemisphere. Associate Professor Stephanie Carvin, about the prospect of a US invasion To slash that reliance, Carney set a public goal in October to double Canadas exports to other countries over the next decade. Building that economic counterweight means brisk diplomatic pivots. Despite having called China the biggest security threat to his country last April, Carney this week will become the first Canadian leader to visit the Asian giant in almost a decade, after years of frosty relations. Since becoming prime minister, Carney has worked to improve Canadas relations with Trump, which had grown toxic under Trudeau. He removed some of his predecessors counter-tariffs and digital services tax. And the boost in defence spending addresses one of Trumps key complaints about Americas NATO partners. Advertisement Related Article Analysis Greenland Greenlanders tell absolutely insane Trump what they really think None of those concessions, however, led to a detente on tariffs. And they carry the danger, analysts say, of the steady erosion of Canadian sovereignty. Are we already a vassal state, and we just wont admit it to ourselves? Lagasse said. I start to worry that at some point the more concessions you give in order to maintain market access, the more that you are willing to give up in order not to be further threatened, you eventually end up in a situation where you are basically a tributary. Bloomberg 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. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaProtests Huge protests in US cities over fatal ICE shooting Renee Hickman and Nathan Layne January 11, 2026 1:34pm 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: Tens of thousands of people marched through Minneapolis to decry the fatal shooting of a woman by a US immigration agent, in one of more than 1000 rallies planned nationwide this weekend against the federal governments deportation drive. The massive turnout in Minneapolis for the rally on Sunday AEDT despite a whipping, cold wind underscores how the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer last week has struck a chord, fuelling protests in major cities and some towns. Protesters in Minneapolis on Saturday gather during a rally for Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer last week. AP The Minneapolis protest was one of more than 1000 planned for the US over the weekend. AP Minnesotas Democratic leaders and the administration of President Donald Trump, a Republican, have offered starkly different accounts of the incident. Advertisement Led by a team of indigenous Mexican dancers, demonstrators in Minneapolis, which has a metropolitan population of 3.8 million, marched towards the residential street where Good had been shot in her car. Heartbroken and devastated The boisterous crowd, which the Minneapolis Police Department estimated in the tens of thousands, chanted Goods name and slogans such as Abolish ICE and No justice, no peace get ICE off our streets. Protesters in Minneapolis at a makeshift memorial where Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer. AP The Minneapolis anti-ICE rally on Saturday had tens of thousands of demonstrators. AP Advertisement Im insanely angry, completely heartbroken and devastated, and then just like longing and hoping that things get better, said Ellison Montgomery, 30. Minnesota officials have called the shooting unjustified, pointing to bystander video they say showed Goods vehicle turning away from the agent as he fired. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, says the agent acted in self-defence because Good, a volunteer in a community network that monitors and records ICE operations in Minneapolis, had driven forward in the direction of the agent who then shot her, after another agent had approached the drivers side and told her to get out of the car. The shooting on Wednesday (US time) came soon after some 2000 federal officers were dispatched to the Minneapolis-St Paul area in what DHS has called its largest operation ever, deepening a rift between the administration and Democratic leaders in the state. Demonstrators at Lafayette Park in front of the White House in Washington, DC, on Saturday. Getty Images Federal-state tensions escalated further on Thursday when a US Border Patrol agent in Portland, Oregon, shot and wounded a man and a woman in their car after an attempted vehicle stop. Using language similar to its description of the Minneapolis incident, DHS said the driver had tried to weaponise his vehicle and run over agents. Advertisement The two DHS-related shootings prompted a coalition of progressive and civil rights groups, including Indivisible and the American Civil Liberties Union, to plan more than 1000 events under the banner ICE Out For Good on the weekend. The rallies have been scheduled to end before nightfall to minimise the potential for violence. In Philadelphia, protesters chanted ICE has got to go and No fascist USA as they marched from City Hall to a rally outside a federal detention facility, according to the local ABC affiliate. Protesters in Los Angeles calling for an end to federal immigration enforcement and military action in Venezuela. AP In Manhattan, several hundred people carried anti-ICE signs as they walked past an immigration court where agents have arrested migrants following their hearings. We demand justice for Renee, ICE out of our communities, and action from our elected leaders. Enough is enough, said Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of Indivisible. Advertisement Demonstrations mostly peaceful Minnesota became a major flashpoint in the administrations efforts to deport millions of immigrants months before the Good shooting. Trump criticised its Democratic leaders amid a massive welfare fraud scandal involving some members of the large Somali-American community there. A protest in lower Manhattan. Getty Images Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat who has been critical of immigration agents and the shooting, told a press conference earlier on Saturday that the demonstrations had remained mostly peaceful and that anyone damaging property or engaging in unlawful activity would be arrested by police. Police and anti-ICE demonstrators clash during a protest in Los Angeles on Saturday. AP Advertisement We will not counter Donald Trumps chaos with our own brand of chaos, Frey said. He wants us to take the bait. More than 200 law enforcement officers were deployed on Friday night to control protests that led to $US6000 ($9000) in damage at the Depot Renaissance Hotel and failed attempts by some demonstrators to enter the Hilton Canopy Hotel, believed to house ICE agents, the City of Minneapolis said in a statement. Police chief Brian OHara said some in the crowd had scrawled graffiti and damaged windows at the Depot Renaissance Hotel. He said the gathering at the Hilton Canopy Hotel had begun as a noise protest but that it had escalated as more than 1000 demonstrators converged on the site, leading to 29 arrests. Protesters march in Kansas City on Saturday. AP We initiated a plan and took our time to de-escalate the situation, issued multiple warnings, declaring an unlawful assembly, and ultimately then began to move in and disperse the crowd, OHara said. Advertisement House representatives turned away from ICE facility Three Minnesota congressional Democrats showed up at a regional ICE headquarters near Minneapolis on Saturday morning, where protesters had clashed with federal agents, but they were denied access. Legislators called the denial illegal. Related Article Trump's America ICE agents video shows moments before fatal Minneapolis shooting We made it clear to ICE and DHS that they were violating federal law, US Representative Angie Craig told reporters as she stood outside the Whipple Federal Building in St Paul with colleagues Kelly Morrison and Ilhan Omar. Federal law prohibits DHS from blocking members of Congress from entering ICE detention sites, but DHS has increasingly restricted such oversight visits, prompting confrontations with Democratic lawmakers. Advertisement It is our job as members of Congress to make sure those detained are treated with humanity because we are the damn United States of America, Craig said. Referencing the damage and protests at Minneapolis hotels overnight, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said the congressional Democrats had been denied entry to ensure the safety of detainees and staff, and in compliance with the agencys mandate. She said DHS policies required members of Congress to notify ICE at least seven days in advance of facility visits. 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. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Protests Donald Trump Immigration MICHAEL Drea is a retired dairy farmer from Kilcarrig, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow. Michael (76) is a former prominent member of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) at Carlow and national levels and a past member of the National Dairy Council (NDC). He is married to the former Mary Delahanty from Kilkenny. The couple have three children: Edmund, who works for the child and family agency Tusla in Carlow/Kilkenny; Barry, who farms at Kilcarrig; Rose, a history teacher at Tyndall College in Carlow; and Brendan, Baltinglass, employed by the drinks company Diageo. Recently, Michael took time out to spend two days with the monks at Glenstal Abbey in Co Limerick. He penned the following article from that experience. At this festive time of the year, it is appropriate to share Michaels memories from his visit to this holy place. Michael Drea from Kilcarrig, Bagenalstown Michael writes: I was an unlikely visitor to Glenstal Abbey. When my wife and family got over the shock of me deciding to stay with the Benedictine monks for two days, it turned out to be an inspired decision. I set off on a cold November day on the two-hour drive from Bagenalstown. There was a stop at the Barack Obama Plaza for a tea break and a McDonalds. It was on then to the abbey, which is located beside the pretty village of Murroe, still festooned in the countys green and white colours marking recent All-Ireland victories for the Treaty County. The abbey is set back at the end of a long tree-lined avenue. A large herd of dairy cows grazed the lush grass of the Golden Vale I guess thats part of St Benedicts guide to the monks being self-sustainable. I checked in and was directed to the orders guesthouse and to the parking area behind the church and away from the monastery and school. The guesthouse has 12 en-suite rooms, modestly and simply furnished. Here, I met Fr Christopher, who is the guest master. He organised a cup of tea for me in the small kitchen leading into a large sitting room. Fr Christopher mentions that he is always available over the next two days, if I wished to talk. As a guest, you are expected to share the monks prayers. But if you choose not to attend, there is no problem and a number of people made that choice. The first impression is of a well-run abbey and school. The school is one of the most expensive boarding schools for boys in the country it is completely separate from the guesthouse and its visitors. My first visit to the church is for evening prayers read in Latin with 25 priests present on the altar. The altar is very open and designed to let one have a sense of being very close. Following prayers, the guests were invited to an evening meal, in silence, with the community of Benedictines for 30 minutes while one of the monks reads. During my stay, it was a reading about India, and the content was not very complimentary to the British Empire and not at all on a religious theme. Having had time to settle in, it was then back to the church for a service called Compline (night prayers) before returning to the guesthouse to meet some of the guests, which included a married couple from South Africa. Most of the guests were Irish, and a number had previously been to Glenstal. The most notable aspect of the experience for me was how quiet and peaceful the abbey was and, surprisingly, being left to my own devices. I had anticipated being involved in everything. It was Matins and Lauds (morning prayer) at 6.35am on a cold, dark morning for the 14 of us as we again availed of Fr Christophers hospitality and his famous porridge. The remainder of the morning I spent walking the grounds and meeting some of the monks working with timber at the farm sheds. The dairy herd and land is leased to a young farmer. I would nominate the daily Mass at 12.10am as the highlight of my visit. A total of 22 priests celebrated the Mass together. One could not be but impressed by the life-long commitment of the monks to their religious calling; some of them have been in Glenstal for 50 years. Fr Columba McCann is the new abbot at Glenstal, having been elected by the monks on 17 July 2024 for a term of eight years. Fr McCann is the seventh abbot of Glenstal and holds the place of Christ in the monastery where, as a shepherd and teacher to the monks, he is to arrange everything so that the strong have something to strive for and the weak do not fall back in dismay. Having studied music at University College Dublin, Fr Columba is now the organist for the abbey. The guests, accompanied by Fr Christopher, have lunch, which provides another chance to chat to each other and the afternoon is then free for further checking out of the abbey. I was surprised to see that famous Glenstal students included horse racing trainer Henry de Bromhead, Irish business magnate John Magnier and the late politician John Kelly, a former minister for trade. Locals derive great value out of the beautiful grounds for the pursuit of leisure activities. Glenstal was previously owned by the Barrington family. It was built in 1830 and the monks purchased it in 1927, so the religious community can look forward to celebrating its centenary in two years time. I visited Mount Mellery in Waterford last year, which is now empty of its Cistercian monks, who apparently have moved to join their colleagues in Roscrea. The situation in Glenstal is the very opposite: the Co Limerick monastery is thriving, beautifully maintained and is operated in a highly impressive manner. My last morning was an early rise and I was to leave for home after Mass. Before leaving, I visited the monastery shop on-site, which stocked all the memorabilia one would expect relating to Glenstal, but also had a great selection of gifts and produce, all made at the monastery. There was a beautiful selection of cards and Christmas gifts, jams, chutneys and honey, to name a few true to the Benedictine motto of self-sufficiency. So it was that I had ticked off one of my bucket list of things to do. I was so impressed with the privacy accorded me during my two-day stay in Glenstal. I guess by observing the monks living their Christian lives and praying for all of us for hours every day, they dont have any need to talk. If any of your readers have a day or two to spare, Glenstal is well worth a visit. Glenstal Abbey is a place where prayer is the foundation of the monks daily round of worship, consecrates the course of the day and night as these holy men gather in the still of morning at the setting of the sun and the closing of the day. News / National by Staff reporter Residents of Ward Five in Bulawayo have petitioned the city council over a surge in road traffic accidents, some of them fatal, along the BulawayoMatopos Road, calling for the urgent installation of speed humps to curb reckless driving.The affected area includes Four Winds, Eloena and parts of the Hillside suburbs, where residents say speeding vehicles travelling to and from Matopos have turned the busy road into a danger zone.In a petition addressed to the Town Clerk and copied to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, as well as the Ministries of Local Government and Public Works and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, residents said at least four fatal accidents have occurred along the stretch in the past four months."We submit this petition out of deep concern for the increasing number of accidents and fatalities occurring along the BulawayoMatopos Road, particularly the stretch passing through our residential areas," the residents wrote."Over the past few months, four tragic deaths have occurred on this section of the road, all attributed to speeding vehicles travelling to and from Matopos. These incidents have left our community in fear and mourning. The road has effectively become a death trap for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike."The residents urged authorities to take immediate remedial action to prevent further loss of life. Among their key demands are the erection of speed humps or rumble strips along the residential stretch of the road, the installation of clear signage indicating reduced speed limits, and increased traffic enforcement by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other road safety agencies.They also called for improved street lighting and other visibility measures to enhance pedestrian safety, particularly at night.In support of their petition, the residents cited examples where similar interventions have yielded positive results."We draw attention to successful precedents where similar measures were implemented, notably along the BulawayoGweru Highway near Lookout Masuku Barracks and between Gweru and Kwekwe, where the introduction of speed humps significantly reduced accidents and saved lives," the petition reads."We therefore petition your offices to act with urgency in implementing safety measures on this road to prevent further unnecessary loss of life. The community stands ready to engage constructively with all authorities to find lasting solutions."Bulawayo City Council has acknowledged receipt of the petition and indicated that the residents' concerns are under consideration.Council spokesperson Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said while the BulawayoMatopos Road falls under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, the local authority still has a role to play in routine maintenance and interim safety measures."Although the road was taken over by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, council remains responsible for ongoing or routine maintenance works in the interim, including associated road furniture and speed-reducing structures such as speed humps," Mpofu said.Residents say they hope swift action will be taken before more lives are lost on the busy stretch of road. Ellen O'Donoghue A variety of stories feature on Irish front pages on Sunday, from politics at both Irish and EU levels, to the funeral of the late Stephen McCahill, who was murdered in Co Donegal last week. The Sunday Times Ireland lead with the US making 12,000 military flights in Irish airspace. The front page of tomorrow's Sunday Times - subscribe here to read it all online https://t.co/hh3xChZS8i pic.twitter.com/4LuGJUwv7Q The Sunday Times Ireland (@ST__Ireland) January 10, 2026 The Business Post lead with the Taoiseach being criticised by Fine Gael ministers over the Mercosur deal, and data centres being allowed in Dublin once more. This weeks front pages. Pick up a copy in-store or subscribe to read right now at https://t.co/u5ystSGUtr: i Taoiseach criticised over Mercosur attempted U-turn i Inside the Dunnes Stores property empire i Zendesk slashes Irish workforce in half pic.twitter.com/6jJ0DiYTBr Business Post (@businessposthq) January 11, 2026 The Sunday Independent lead with major transport projects at risk of being delayed because of the huge demand already being placed on the energy grid. The Irish Mail on Sunday lead with the Peter McVerry Trust allegedly making undeclared payments over the course of a decade to a firm that was owned by its own external auditor. The Sunday World lead with Wayne O'Reilly allegedly being spotted searching for his son, Oisin Reddin, just hours before they both died in an alleged murder-suicide. The Irish Sunday Mirror lead with the funeral of Stephen McCahill in Ardara, Co Donegal, after he was murdered last Monday. A NEW year is here, and loathe though I am to start off on a negative note, unfortunately the figures I looked at over the festive period made the decision for me. An RTE report in December 2014 showed a total of 880 children in child homelessness, with a total of 5,254 people in total in emergency accommodation. That phrase emergency accommodation would lead you to believe that at least people had somewhere to lay their head but that was about it. That usually meant bed and breakfast somewhere and, as it suggests, it is only for bed and breakfast not somewhere you build a home. In addition, it is temporary by nature, which means children, in particular, suffer as a result of not having routine in their lives, cannot make friends, are not sure where they will be going to school next year, cant have friends visit for a sleep over or have a little space for themselves. Government minister after government minister since 2014 has said the whole question of homelessness and the housing shortage in general was a priority and whatever could be done would be done to solve the problem. Plan after plan, strategy after strategy has been unveiled, commitments given, a number of new homes guaranteed, good money after bad thrown at the problem in the hope of landing a Hail Mary, which would miraculously solve the problem, but all to no avail. In fact, the problem has spiralled out of control. By the end of last year, homelessness in Ireland reached record highs for now exceeding 16,000 people, including over 5,000 children. If you think that is bad, with all the statistics we have and all the plans compiled over the years, we dont even know how many homeless people die in this country. In fact, we dont even collect that information. Housing minister James Browne, like his predecessors, says homelessness is his priority and I have no reason to disbelieve him but someone should point out that surely a fundamental piece of information he should ascertain is how many people die because of homelessness. Last year, a total of 190 people died from road accidents in this country, but all we learned about deaths as a result of homelessness was that 40 people died in Dublin in 2024 the figures are not available for last year. Dublin City Council is the only local authority out of 31 such organisations which records the number of deaths from homelessness. Last month, Limerick began the process of putting in place systems to record such deaths and it is expected that Co Clare will follow suit in the near future. But that still leaves 29 local authorities to do the same. We have statistics coming out of our ears covering all aspects of our lives, wouldnt you think someone would have thought it might be important to know how many people die each year as a direct result of being homeless? Time and time again, we are told that to solve any problem we must identify exactly what is causing the problem, have the numbers, so to speak, and then come up with a solution. I think it is safe to say that the authorities failed gloriously when it came to those figures. Lets not fool ourselves: the problem is not going to get better in the short or medium term. In fact, all the indicators are that it will only get worse. Not alone are we not building enough new homes, but there is a chronic shortage of rental accommodation and thats if people can even afford to rent. I spoke to a young couple before Christmas who were looking forward to spending the holidays in their new home. They accept they are the lucky ones and while they were grateful to their families for the support they got, for example, moving back home in order to save for a deposit, it came with its own set of challenges. Remember, these are adults who had flown the nest to make their own way and are now being forced to return home to save for a deposit, bringing challenges for everyone living under one roof. Luckily for them, a house did come on the market which they were able to secure, so happy days. But not everyone is as lucky. I visited two funeral homes over the holidays to pay my respects to the families of the deceased. There was a common theme at both: how good a neighbour these people had been, not just on the odd occasion but throughout their entire lives wherever they had lived. People of all ages had their own stories to tell of how that sense of neighbourliness had helped them. We all know there are times when, as children, we didnt listen to our parents but often found it a lot easier to follow a suggestion from a kindly neighbour. That is something else those 5,254 homeless children are missing out on. Heres hoping the housing minister will have more success solving that problem over the coming 12 months than his predecessors had. I am writing to share a deeply personal and important story that highlights the need for legislative protections like those proposed in Junes Law / HB 306, which provides additional protections for employees facing serious illness. My mom was a vibrant, loving, and hard-working person. She and her husband moved to Florida with dreams of a peaceful, sunny next chapter in their lives. Shortly after the move, she was diagnosed with cancer. She continued to work as long as she physically could. It was only when her doctor told her she had to take a leave of absence that she was no longer able to continue working.The moment she could no longer work, she was fired. She had no choice but to file a short-term disability (STD) claim because her doctor required her to take time off for treatment and recovery. What happened to her is unfortunately not uncommon, and it shows why protections for employees facing serious health challenges are so important.The legislation I am supporting has the same structure as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) in that it provides additional protections for employees. It does not include PWFA, but it follows that same framework to ensure that people like my mom are not left without support when they are at their most vulnerable.For more information about this legislation, please see the link: https://c.org/W8bJQSFmBC As someone with extensive experience in human resources and claims management, specifically managing STD, FMLA, and ADA claims, I have seen first-hand how gaps in protections can devastate families. I also hold a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus in HR, and I am dedicated to supporting policies that protect employees while fostering workplaces that are compassionate, equitable, and sustainable. Dr. Paige Frost News / National by Staff reporter More than 21 000 Zimbabweans have been granted Health and Care Worker visas to work in the United Kingdom in recent years, but proposed changes to Britain's immigration rules have triggered growing anxiety among migrants, opposition politicians and labour rights groups.According to recent UK Home Office data, Zimbabwe has emerged as one of the major source countries for health and care workers, reflecting Britain's increasing reliance on overseas labour to sustain its overstretched social care and health sectors. However, planned reforms to the settlement system threaten to dramatically extend the time migrants must spend in temporary status before qualifying for permanent residence.Under the proposals, the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) would increase from five years to 10 years for most migrants. For care workers on Health and Care Worker visas, the waiting period would be extended to 15 years.ILR grants migrants the right to live and work in the UK without time restrictions, offering job mobility, long-term family security and access to broader social and employment rights. For decades, most migrants, including care workers, were eligible to apply after five years of lawful residence.Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn has emerged as a leading critic of the proposals, describing them as a "much wider assault on the rights and dignity of people". In a strongly worded letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Corbyn warned that the policy would have devastating consequences for care workers and worsen staffing shortages in a sector already under severe strain."These changes are devastating for thousands of health and social care workers, who will now find it much harder to settle in Britain," Corbyn wrote. "In turn, this will have a catastrophic impact on the care sector by deepening the already severe workforce crisis."Corbyn said he had recently met constituents who were distressed by the uncertainty created by the proposed changes, including a care worker who arrived in the UK in September 2023 and described being forced to take on additional part-time work due to low pay and insecure conditions."She described the exploitation and precarity she has endured as a care worker," Corbyn said. "And yet we continue to care."In a letter shared with the MP, the worker wrote that while carers provided comfort and dignity to vulnerable people, their own families lived with fear and uncertainty about the future."We put smiles on the faces of the nation's loved ones while our own children live with fear and uncertainty. All we ask is that our families, too, be allowed to smile," she wrote.Corbyn said such accounts reflected widespread anxiety among migrant workers who have built lives in the UK and contributed significantly to essential services."People who have come to this country and contributed so much are fearful for their future. The government's plans treat care workers with contempt and show the opposite of gratitude," he said.The proposed ILR changes are still at the consultation stage and must undergo further legislative scrutiny before becoming law. Existing settlement routes remain in place, meaning migrants who already meet the current five-year requirement can still apply under the existing rules.In his letter, Corbyn called on the government to protect the five-year ILR qualifying period, end employer-tied visas that enable exploitation, and introduce a Fair Pay Agreement to guarantee decent wages and working conditions for care workers.Migrant rights organisations and sector leaders have echoed these concerns, warning that extending settlement timelines from five to 15 years for care workers will deter overseas recruitment and worsen staff shortages. The care sector has become heavily dependent on international labour, after years of difficulty attracting and retaining domestic workers.Opposition figures have also cautioned that the reforms risk creating a two-tier immigration system, leaving essential workers trapped in prolonged temporary status with limited job mobility and reduced family security. Employer-tied visas, they argue, increase vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.The government has defended the proposals as part of a broader effort to tackle abuses within the care visa route, citing cases of sponsor misconduct and workers arriving in the UK without guaranteed employment. Officials say visa approvals for health and care workers have already declined since late 2023 following tighter Home Office oversight and enforcement against non-compliant employers.Home Office figures show that Health and Care Worker visa grants rose sharply between 2021 and 2023, peaking at about 145 800 main applicants in the year ending December 2023, up from roughly 31 800 in 2021.Within that surge, Zimbabweans recorded one of the most dramatic increases. Official statistics show that 21 130 Health and Care Worker visas were granted to Zimbabwean nationals in the year ending September 2023, up from 7 846 the previous year an increase of more than 169 percent.Other independent estimates suggest that when dependants are included, around 15 700 Zimbabweans migrated to the UK through the care sector in 2023 alone, underlining the scale of Zimbabwe's contribution to Britain's health and social care workforce and the potential impact of the proposed policy changes on thousands of families. Photo credit: Unsplash/ Craig Melville Several Iranian Christians sentenced for their faith have been imprisoned in recent days, with additional believers facing harsh penalties, according to Article 18, an organization that monitors religious freedom violations in Iran. The group reported that two Christian converts were taken into custody on Dec. 16 and Dec. 20, while another Christian woman was ordered to begin serving a lengthy prison sentence just days before Christmas. One of those imprisoned is Nayereh Arjaneh, who was arrested with her husband at their home in Garmsar on July 7, 2025. Arjaneh began serving her sentence at Semnan Prison on Dec. 23 following her conviction for promoting deviant propaganda and teachings contrary to Islamic law/. Article 18 said Arjaneh was among several Christian converts detained after attending a seminar in Turkey in 2025. She received a sentence of five years in unconditional imprisonment, a fine of 165 million tomans (about $1,500), two years of internal exile in Kouhbanan in Kerman Provinceroughly a 10-hour drive from her homea two-year travel ban, and additional restrictions, the group reported. Arjaneh was also handed an additional five-year prison sentence and fined 60 million tomans (about $500) for allegedly providing financial and material support to groups affiliated with Zionist Christianity. However, Judge Farshid Safdari acquitted her of a separate charge of insulting religious sanctities. Her husband, Qasem Esmaili, was sentenced to 3.6 years in prison, though Article 18 said the sentence has not yet been enforced due to his ongoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Arjaneh had previously received a six-month suspended prison sentence in 2022 related to her Christian activities. Article 18 noted that Christian converts in Iran are barred from having designated places of worship, building churches, or establishing Christian centers, prompting some believers to travel abroad to receive Christian teaching and attend services. Following her arrest, Arjaneh spent nearly 40 days in detention and was initially released on bail set at 500 million tomans (about $4,000). She was summoned again on Oct. 7, 2025, detained for three days, and released only after bail was raised to 2 billion tomans (more than $15,000). During her detention, Nayereh was subjected to psychological torture, including being threatened with execution, Article 18 reported. In a separate case, Article 18 said two brothers imprisoned for attending a Christmas gathering four years ago have now begun serving their sentences at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. Mahmoud Mardani-Kharaji was imprisoned on Dec. 16, followed by Mansour Mardani-Kharaji on Dec. 20. The brothers, both in their 50s, were sentenced to four years in prison, fined roughly $1,500 each, banned from joining any groups for five years, and ordered into two years of internal exile from Isfahan Province after their release. Their convictions were issued under the amended Article 500, which criminalizes deviant propaganda activities contrary to the holy religion of Islam. Article 18 also reported that another Christian convert, Aida Najaflou, was temporarily released from Evin Prison on Dec. 21 due to concerns that she could face paralysis after fracturing her spine in a fall from her prison bunk bed. Najaflou, 44, was freed pending appeal of her 17-year sentence after posting bail exceeding $75,000, according to Article 18, citing a post on X by her lawyer, Saeedeh Hosseinzadeh. Her case was heard alongside four othersincluding Iranian-Armenians Joseph Shahbazian and Lida Shahbazian, and Christian converts Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh and another unnamed defendantby Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolqasem Salavati. Although they faced charges including acting against national security and propaganda against the system, Article 18 said their sentences were based on their Christian beliefs and peaceful religious activities, such as establishing house churches, holding prayer meetings, and celebrating Christmas. N. T. Wright holds a copy of his new book, The Vision of Ephesians. | Photo credit: Facebook/ N. T. Wright The earthly ministry of Jesus did not generate demonic activity but instead exposed hidden spiritual realities, said N. T. Wright, one of the worlds leading biblical scholars and a former Anglican bishop. Speaking during a recent episode of the Ask Me Anything series, Wright urged Christians to avoid both denying the reality of spiritual evil and becoming fixated on it. Addressing a question about why the Gospels appear to depict an increase in demonic encounters after Jesus arrival, the British author explained that the Gospels portray Jesus proclamation of Gods Kingdom as a moment when hidden spiritual forces were suddenly confronted. When Jesus comes into Galilee and starts saying, The Kingdom of God is at hand, its as though suddenly all the furniture starts flying around the room, Wright said, referring to public exorcisms recorded in the Gospels. The dark powers realize, if He does everything that He looks as if Hes going to do, then were in deep trouble. Wright cautioned against understanding evil as a rival power locked in a cosmic stalemate with God, rejecting what he described as a false dualism. We have to get away from any sense that there is God on one side of the page and Satan on the other, locked in endless struggle, he said. Thats not the biblical picture. Drawing from the Apostle Pauls teaching in 1 Corinthians, Wright noted that Scripture acknowledges the existence of dark spiritual forces while denying them any divine status. He said these forces work to corrupt what God created as good, often through social systems and destructive patterns of behavior. These forces are not the real gods, Wright said. But they seek to spoil Gods creation and pull it down. Wright also argued that modern Western skepticism has not eliminated spiritual evil, pointing instead to the atrocities of the 20th century as evidence of evil operating on a scale that exceeds individual human intent. When whole populations are taken over by lies and commit serious wickedness as a result, you realize that the evil involved is more than the sum total of a handful of bad people at the top, he said. At the same time, Wright warned Christians against developing either fear or fascination with demonic forces, stressing the danger of desire for dramatic spiritual experiences. Its good to be alert to the spiritual texture of the world, he said. But theres always the danger of wanting to find the demonic under every stone. He voiced particular concern about teachings that encourage believers to pursue visions or seek the role of spiritual seers, describing such pursuits as spiritually hazardous. That just colludes with a sense of dark fascination which we ought to avoid like the plague, Wright said. Reflecting on his years of pastoral ministry as an Anglican bishop, Wright acknowledged that some ministers are called to deal directly with severe spiritual affliction. There were times when people had to go into a parish or a house and say special prayers to deal with what seemed to be something like an infestation, he said. Some Christian ministers really do have a God-given gift of discernment. Ultimately, Wright emphasized that Christs death and resurrection decisively defeated the powers of darkness, even though their final removal remains future. In His death and resurrection, Jesus has won the victory over these powers, he said, citing 1 Corinthians 15. We live between the initial victory and the final victory. Jesus goes into the very heart of darkness in order to defeat it, Wright added. And the resurrection declares: its done. Its finished. Wright concluded by reminding Christians that although evil remains present in the world, the Church is called to faithfully bear witness to the Kingdom already inaugurated by Christ. Home News Is the Church really seeing a revival in attendance among Gen Z? Quick Summary AI Summary 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, with 34% attending religious services monthly. Younger adults exhibit higher religious engagement than slightly older peers, suggesting a potential shift. While data points to positive signs, researchers say no clear signs of 'religious resurgence.' An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. See Summary Church attendance among Generation Z has shown signs of stabilizing after years of generational decline, with some indicators pointing to a modest religious rebound, but there is no evidence that a "religious resurgence is underway," polling data suggests. Overall, 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, 28% have no religious affiliation, and 8% belong to other religions, according to data from Pew Research Center's Religious Landscape Study recently analyzed by Lifeway Research. These figures have remained largely unchanged since 2020, suggesting a halt to the decades-long drop in Christian affiliation. The trend appears uneven but has sparked renewed interest in whether young Americans are returning to faith. "Based on some specific findings and anecdotal evidence, many have purported that young adults are experiencing a religious revival," Lifeway Research Senior Writer Aaron Earls wrote. "While Pew allows that some changes may be taking place that have yet to be captured in national surveys, they say there is 'no clear evidence that this kind of nationwide religious resurgence is underway.'' Monthly religious service attendance now stands at 34% of U.S. adults, consistent with levels observed in recent years. Prayer frequency and personal importance of religion have also held steady, with 46% reporting daily prayer and 43% saying religion is very important in their lives. Among Gen Z, those born from 2003 to 2007 report higher levels of religious engagement than slightly older peers born between 1995 and 2002, pointing to a possible shift. In this group, 61% identify with a religion, 35% pray daily, 37% say religion is very important in their lives and 41% attend services at least monthly. This contrasts with lower rates among those born from 1995 to 2002, where 55% identify with a religion, 30% pray daily, and 26% attend monthly services. However, Earls notes that because the youngest age group includes adults who may still "live at home" with their parents, this may make them more likely to attend religious services. The data shows that the gender gap in religiosity is narrower among younger adults, with 58% of men and 57% of women under 30 identifying with a religion. The larger context remains complex. Young adults continue to lag behind older generations in nearly every measure of religious commitment, including belief in God, daily prayer and the role of religion in daily life. "Pews findings seem to indicate the youngest adults are slightly more religious than those slightly older than them," Earls wrote. "This could be signs of a Gen Z religious rebound." Only 57% of adults under 30 identify with a religion, compared to over 80% of Americans aged 60 and above. While 31% of 18 to 30-year-olds attend religious services at least monthly, the figure rises to 36% for those in their 60s and 43% for those over 70. Conversion patterns show more young adults leaving Christianity than joining it. Among 18 to 34-year-olds, 5% have become Christians after not being raised in the faith, while 26% left Christianity after being raised in it. Forty-one percent were raised Christian and still identify as such, and 28% have never been Christian. These trends differ slightly from those born in the 1990s. In that group, only 3% converted to Christianity, while 31% left the faith. However, the younger group includes more new converts and fewer departures, suggesting possible movement toward retention or renewed interest. "The youngest adults are slightly more likely to include new Christian converts and less likely to have those who leave the faith," Earls notes. "Again, the findings dont give a simple picture of religion in America or among young adults. There are reasons for optimism and concern." Historical patterns advise caution. A similar generational uptick was recorded in 2007 among those born between 1985 and 1989, who then showed higher church attendance than the previous cohort. But by 2014, attendance had dropped more steeply among the younger group than among the older one. Current monthly attendance rates among 18 to 30-year-olds match or exceed those of adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s. The only group with significantly higher attendance are those over 70, indicating that Gen Zs engagement may not be far from national norms for most adult age groups. The slight generational shift comes amid a longer-term pattern of secularization, particularly among younger Americans. Todays 18 to 24-year-olds are less likely to report belief in God with certainty, daily prayer or strong religious identity than their counterparts in 2007 or 2014. At the same time, fewer young adults identify as nominal or cultural Christians. Those who remain affiliated tend to attend church more consistently and report stronger personal conviction, suggesting a more committed base despite smaller numbers. Among Gen Z, the smallest gap exists between identification and active practice. Of the 57% who identify with a religion, 31% attend monthly services, 32% pray daily and 33% say religion is very important to them. This balance contrasts with older groups, where religious identity often outpaces regular engagement. The figures may offer encouragement to churches working to attract younger members. Lifeway urges leaders to focus on retaining and deepening engagement with those already attending, given signs that this group shows strong commitment and personal devotion. A 2025 report based on survey data from 2,000 respondents aged 13 to 24 found that nearly 40% of Gen Z women aged 18 to 24 now identify as religiously unaffiliated, according to Barna Research. This group showed the lowest levels of prayer, church attendance, and Bible reading across all Gen Z subgroups, with only 58% saying they had prayed in the past week, 31% reporting Bible use and 30% attending church. The data also suggests that this cohort feels especially unsupported by adults, with just 23% saying they feel supported by their fathers and 36% by their mothers. Only one-third believed their parents understood them, and just 33% said they felt valued by older adults. Home News Travel: As Route 66 turns 100, Oklahoma bets on visitors TULSA, Oklahoma As the United States prepares to mark the centennial of Route 66 in 2026, Oklahoma is making a deliberate case that the Mother Roads future matters as much as its past. It would be easy to drive straight through without ever stopping. Interstate highways allow motorists to cross the Sooner State in a matter of hours, pausing only for fuel or fast food before pushing on to somewhere else. But to do so would miss the point and the place. Oklahoma, which in 1907 became the 46th state admitted to the Union, offers visitors a glimpse of the real America: a state shaped by movement and migration, by frontier ambition and reinvention and by communities that rose, adapted and endured as the country changed around them. With more than 400 drivable miles the longest continuous stretch of Route 66 in any state Oklahoma is leaning into the anniversary as a way to drive modern tourism. Tourism, which makes up the states third-largest industry, is especially important to state and local governments because funding for core services, including police and fire protection, is largely driven by sales tax revenue. To better understand what the Route 66 centennial represents for Oklahoma, this writer sat down for an exclusive interview with Lieutenant Gov. Matt Pinnell earlier this month in Tulsa. We live or die on the sales tax, said Pinnell, who was in Gov. Kevin Stitts cabinet as secretary of tourism and now chairs the Tourism and Recreation Commission. You want people to come into your state, drop dollars and then go home. Route 66 enters Oklahoma City, the states capital and largest city, not as a relic but as part of a working capital where tourism, government and culture intersect. Multiple historic alignments trace how motorists once moved through town before interstates reshaped travel patterns, and those routes now pass some of the citys most consequential landmarks. The State Capitol provides a natural starting point. Rising from a landscaped campus north of downtown, the limestone building is the only state capitol with an active oil well on its grounds. Built during the oil boom years, the 109-year-old domed structure, with its neoclassical design and neighboring midcentury modern office buildings, reflects the same confidence and forward momentum that defined Route 66s early decades, when automobiles promised freedom, prosperity and connection. Dont overlook the nearby Oklahoma History Center, a state history museum that is quite good. Modern and well curated, it covers the entirety of Oklahomas story. A short drive away, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum adds cultural depth. Long regarded as one of the premier Western museums in the country, it explores ranching, Native American history, Western art and the mythology of the frontier. For Route 66 travelers, the museum places the highway within a longer historical continuum. Long before motorists took to the road, routes forged first by Indians and then cattle trails and railroads shaped the land. West of Oklahoma City, the landscape opens up, broken only by the occasional town or roadside attraction, including retro diners and period buildings. Seventy miles away in Weatherford is one of the most unexpected highlights of the Oklahoma Route 66 experience. Millions of dollars in state revitalization grants have helped communities along the old highway spruce up streetscapes and create new attractions aimed at visitors. One example is the recent addition in downtown Weatherford of a 30-foot Space Man statue honoring native son Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, an astronaut who flew on Gemini and Apollo missions and later commanded the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. The big draw here is the Stafford Air & Space Museum. What began as a modest exhibit at the local airport is now a Smithsonian affiliate with an impressive collection, including a disarmed nuclear bomb and artifacts linked to Stafford and NASA more broadly. You do not expect to find a museum of that caliber in Oklahoma, let alone in a town of 12,076 people. That surprise alone can turn a quick stop into an overnight stay. Farther west, Clinton provides the narrative backbone of Oklahomas Route 66 experience. The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is hardly roadside kitsch. The exhibits chronicle the highways full arc from Dust Bowl migration to postwar road trips and the disruption caused by the interstate system. At the eastern end of Oklahoma sits Tulsa. If Route 66 has a capital, it would be here. The states second-largest city has fully embraced the highway as part of its identity. Tulsas architectural legacy also looms large over the route. One standout is Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. With its distinctive Art Deco design, the landmark reflects the oil-era prosperity that paralleled the golden age of car travel. Music history adds another layer through the legacy of musician and songwriter Leon Russell, who transformed a derelict Methodist church into a recording studio. That space, known today as the Church Studio, remains active. Tours offer visitors a chance to explore its past and glimpse its future. Driving the slow way through Oklahoma is an invitation to do more than follow an old highway. It is an opportunity to stop, linger and discover a state that consistently punches above its weight. Tourism is the front door to economic development, Pinnell said. When we can get people here for three days or a week, we can show them what Oklahoma really is a modern frontier, a great place to do business and a great place to raise a family. A century after Route 66 was established, Pinnell and other Oklahoma leaders are betting that travelers will choose curiosity over speed. Those who do may find that the Sooner State is not just something to pass through, but somewhere worth returning to long after the centennial banners come down. If you go The airports in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City are frequently served by the major airlines. Youll probably want to fly into one airport and out of the other. For hotels, the Fordson Hotel in Oklahoma City, which is part of Hyatts Unbound Collection, is housed in an Albert Kahn-designed former Ford Motor Company assembly plant. Alternatives include the Omni and Hilton's Skirvin. In Tulsa, the Ambassador Hotel, a Marriott Autograph Collection property, or the Hyatt Regency are options. Dennis Lennox writes a travel column for The Christian Post Home News Trump launches more strikes against ISIS after 3 Americans killed in Syria Quick Summary AI Summary U.S. Central Command reports more coordinated strikes targeting multiple ISIS positions. Operation Hawkeye Strike is part of a military response to the killing of 3 Americans last month. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack met with Syrian President al-Sharaa, calling for renewed talks between Syrian and Kurdish leaders after recent clashes. An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. See Summary The United States launched another series of coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria on Saturday in response to the ambush killing of two American soldiers and a U.S. citizen civilian interpreter in Palmyra last month. U.S. Central Command stated that the strikes began around 12:30 p.m. ET and involved American and partner forces hitting multiple IS [also known as ISIS or ISIL] positions across Syria. Named Hawkeye Strike, the operation is part of Washingtons military response to the Dec. 13 shooting that killed Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, during a joint mission in the historic city of Palmyra. Both Torres-Tovar and Howard served with the Iowa National Guard and were deployed as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the ongoing international effort to combat remnants of the jihadist group. Sakat was a 34-year-old contract interpreter from Macomb, Michigan. Saturdays strikes were large-scale and conducted in coordination with allied forces, the statement said, though it did not name the specific units that participated in the operation. "Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice," the U.S. Central Command vowed in its statement Saturday. The Islamic State rose to power in 2014, conquering large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria before being pushed out of its strongholds over the course of the next several years by a U.S.-led military coalition. Though IS lost control of major strongholds, the group remains active in Syrias desert regions. Analysts have voiced concern that IS may be attempting a comeback following the December 2024 overthrow of the former President Bashar al-Assad and the rise of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who previously led the al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front terrorist group but has taken steps to distance himself from that group. The military response began with an earlier strike on Dec. 19 that hit 70 IS targets in central Syria, marking the first use of Hawkeye Strike. The U.S. and Jordan jointly carried out those initial attacks, which also targeted IS infrastructure and weapons depots. The Palmyra ambush was reportedly carried out by a lone IS gunman and marked the first deadly incident involving U.S. troops in Syria since the ousting of Assad. Since then, the U.S. has expanded coordination with Damascus, which recently joined the international coalition against IS during al-Sharaa's November visit to the White House, the first-ever visit by a Syrian head of state. U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously ordered a troop reduction during his first term, authorized the new strikes after receiving updates on the Palmyra attack. Syrian state media on Saturday reported the transfer of Kurdish fighters from Aleppo to Tabaqa in the countrys northeast, following a ceasefire agreement after clashes with government forces, according to sources cited by France 24 and AFP. The fighting began earlier in the week after negotiations over Kurdish integration into the new Syrian government stalled. Government forces reportedly started shelling the Sheikh Maqsud district overnight after a ceasefire deadline passed. By Saturday evening, buses carried surrendered Kurdish fighters out of Aleppo, while security forces accompanied families leaving the area. Aleppos governor said 155,000 residents had been displaced since the start of the clashes, and local officials reported at least 21 civilian deaths. State television said the military had halted operations in Sheikh Maqsud following the evacuation. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack met with al-Sharaa on Saturday and called for renewed talks between Damascus and Kurdish leaders. He said that the violence "risks undermining the progress achieved since the fall of the Assad regime and invites external interference that serves no partys interests." "[T]he Syrian government has reaffirmed its commitment to the March 2025 integration agreement with the [Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces], which provides a framework for incorporating SDF forces into national institutions in a manner that preserves Kurdish rights and strengthens Syrias unity and sovereignty," Buck wrote. "Recent developments in Aleppo that appear to challenge the terms of this agreement are deeply concerning. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately cease hostilities, and return to dialogue in accordance with the March 10 and April 1, 2025 agreements between the Syrian government and the SDF." Kurdish official Elham Ahmad told AFP that the administration in northeast Syria remained committed to previous agreements, but accused Syrian authorities of provoking conflict. Flight operations at Aleppo airport were suspended through Saturday as tensions continued in surrounding areas. Turkey, a key regional player and ally of Syrias new government, has supported the removal of Kurdish armed factions from the frontier. The SDF was critical in the 2019 defeat of IS and control swaths of oil-rich territory in the northeast. Their role in the new Syrian power structure remains uncertain amid ongoing disputes over decentralization and security arrangements. News / National by Staff reporter A wave of optimism is sweeping through Mashonaland Central following major natural resource discoveries that are positioning the province as a potential pillar of Zimbabwe's future energy security and economic growth.At the centre of this renewed optimism is the landmark Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery in the Muzarabani basin, confirmed by Invictus Energy after extensive exploration activities. The project reached a critical milestone last year with the signing of a consolidated Production and Profit-Sharing Agreement (PPSA) between the government and the energy firm.Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central, Christopher Magomo, described the development as transformative for the province and the country at large."The discoveries excite us as a province. We are hopeful the benefits from exploration and the subsequent employment creation will see our population thrive," Magomo said while addressing the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) Strategic Workshop for Mashonaland Central currently underway in Kariba.Under the PPSA, government secured a clear revenue-sharing framework and a 10 percent equity stake during the exploration phase through the Sovereign Wealth Fund, a move Magomo said strengthens national interests in the project."This positions us as the backbone of the country's future oil and gas requirements," he said, citing estimates that the Muzarabani basin could hold up to 300 million barrels of oil equivalent.If commercialised, the Mukuyu discovery is expected to significantly reduce Zimbabwe's reliance on imported fuel, create hundreds of direct jobs and stimulate downstream industries such as power generation, petrochemicals and logistics. Invictus Energy is already planning its next exploration phase, including drilling the Masomo-1 well to target additional gas prospects east of the Mukuyu site.Beyond hydrocarbons, Mashonaland Central is also recording strong performance in the mining sector. Magomo revealed that gold production in the province has surged from about 2 500 kilogrammes in 2020 to approximately 4 500 kilogrammes in 2025."This growth is fuelled by a revived investor climate," he said, highlighting the resuscitation of Ran Mine in Bindura, the revival of Shamva Gold Mine and the emergence of new operations such as the Magaya Mining Syndicate in Mazowe.The OPC strategic workshop, which concludes today, has brought together provincial leadership to align these resource-driven developments with national priorities, including energy independence, industrialisation and job creation.As exploration and mining activities gather momentum, Mashonaland Central is increasingly being viewed as a strategic province in Zimbabwe's long-term economic transformation agenda. An arrest warrant has been issued for actor-director Timothy Busfield in Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to court documents obtained by KOAT, which detail allegations of sexual contact with a minor. The warrant includes two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and an open count of child abuse. The allegations involve a child under the age of 13. Busfield is known for his roles in the film Field of Dreams and the television series thirtysomething. He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, known for Little House on the Prairie. Albuquerque police launched an investigation in November 2024 following a response at the University of New Mexico Hospital, according to KOAT. Court documents state that hospital staff told police it appeared the children had been groomed. Busfield faces charges but has not been convicted, and the allegations have not been proven in court, Parade reports. Are President Donald Trumps use of military force against Venezuela, followed by a threat against Greenland, then U.S. seizure of a Venezuela-linked but Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic signs of a new, hardline posture to assert U.S. control over the Western Hemisphere? And why isnt Congress and the Ohio delegation strongly asserting their constitutional role over actions that could lead to war? Could Trump have in mind a big-power division of the spoils, as it were undercutting NATO in Greenland, leaving Russia freer rein in its near abroad with Ukraine (and others), plus the same for China and Taiwan? And is Washington prepared to own the aftermath of its Venezuela attack or even to repeat the assault if the countrys new leaders dont fall in line? Are congressional Republicans willing to lay down guardrails for the White House on possible aggressive moves against Cuba, or Greenland, or Colombia, or other hemispheric actors, to avoid further alienating Washington from its European allies? Should they? Our Editorial Board Roundtable shares its thoughts. Leila Atassi, manager public interest and advocacy: President Trumps militarized moves in Venezuela, threats to Greenland and tanker seizures reveal reckless imperialism and dangerous brinkmanship, undermining international law and alliances at a time when diplomacy is needed most. Congress must assert its constitutional war powers and rein in this White House before more chaos ensues. Republicans should join Democrats in demanding limits on military adventurism that risks war, costs lives and harms U.S. global standing. Thomas Suddes, editorial writer: Forget about meaningful action by Ohios congressional delegation, almost entirely a coterie of political wussies, in response to Mr. Trumps aggressions, launched or threatened. Big-picture-wise, Trumps decapitation of Venezuelas government, and threats to seize now-Danish Greenland, could be interpreted as implicit U.S. signals to China that, should it grab Taiwan, Trump will slather on more war paint over his pancake makeup and bluff China into backing off. Upshot: Cue laughter in Beijing. Ted Diadiun, columnist: As president, Joe Biden identified Nicolas Maduro as a villain and a menace and showed solidarity with the Venezuelan people by offering a $25 million bounty for information leading to his arrest, hoping somebody else would do the dirty work. Trump actually did something about it which draws as clear a line between the two men and the two parties as youre likely to see. Eric Foster, columnist: This administrations actions continue to weaken our countrys moral authority on the global stage. We captured Maduro because we could, not because it was the right thing to do. How can we now protest Russias war to annex Ukraine? What could we say if China captured Taiwans president with a similar goal of replacing him with a friendly leader? Might is right is an unwise and dangerous foreign policy. Lisa Garvin, editorial board member: Make no mistake: Venezuela is a test run for an administration hell-bent on dominating the Western Hemisphere and stealing its natural resources. Trump says that he alone will control proceeds from selling Venezuelan oil, and is warning Cuba, Colombia and Greenland that theyre next. A spineless Congress and Supreme Court are doing nothing to stop our transition from world leader to global pariah. This will not end well. Victor Ruiz, editorial board member: Anyone who thinks that this is about national security continues to be hoodwinked. The only people who will benefit are the Trumps themselves. Very soon, they will be our generations barons, enriching themselves through oil, minerals, and crypto. And while Donald Trumps supporters will also suffer, I am not hopeful that they will regret their endorsement. After all, the greatest lie of the American Dream is that we live in a meritocratic society. Mary Cay Doherty, editorial board member: China, Russia, and Iran aggressively seek footholds in the Western Hemisphere that threaten our national security. President Trumps big stick serves as necessary warning: We will use our powerful military, our superior intelligence capabilities, and our economic strength to protect and defend our interests, especially in our own hemisphere. Unfortunately, when soft-power diplomacy fails to persuade dangerous and intransigent adversaries, peace through strength hard-power diplomacy becomes necessary. Elizabeth Sullivan, opinion director: Does the Trump administration have a strategic vision beyond the high of sending brave young Americans into combat to show off our nations stellar military -- at risk of their deaths and injuries, and the collateral deaths of innocents? The lightning-fast Venezuelan attack certainly let the president metaphorically beat his Donroe doctrine chest. But where is the longer-term plan? Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this Editorial Board Roundtable to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent speaks in the Oval Office of the White House where President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Dec. 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has told Reuters that additional U.S. sanctions on Venezuela could be lifted as soon as next week to facilitate oil sales, and that he will also meet next week with the heads of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank on their re-engagement with Venezuela. Bessent said in an interview late on Friday that almost $5 billion worth of Venezuela's currently frozen IMF Special Drawing Rights monetary assets could be deployed to help rebuild the country's economy. "We're de-sanctioning the oil that's going to be sold," Bessent said during a visit to a Winnebago Industries engineering facility. The Treasury was examining changes that would facilitate the repatriation of sale proceeds of the oil stored largely on ships back to Venezuela. "How can we help that get back into Venezuela, to run the government, run the security services and get it to the Venezuelan people?" he said of the Treasury's sanctions analysis. Asked when more sanctions could be removed from Venezuela, Bessent said, "It could be as soon as next week," but did not identify which ones. The moves are part of the Trump administration's effort to stabilize Venezuela and encourage the return of U.S. oil producers to the country a week after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in Caracas and brought him to New York to face drug trafficking charges. U.S. sanctions have banned international banks and other creditors from engaging with the Venezuelan government without a license. The institutions have cited this as an impediment to a complex $150 billion debt restructuring widely viewed as a key to the return of private capital to Venezuela. On Friday evening, President Donald Trump signed an executive order blocking courts or creditors from impounding Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts, declaring that these funds should be safeguarded to help Venezuela create "peace, prosperity and stability." Farcia Harvey considers herself to be pretty well traveled. The 27-year-old has crossed off New York City, New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Barcelona and Madrid from her travel bucket list. But one of her favorite trips was her 2024 birthday trip to Cincinnati, of all places. "I think about that trip to Cincinnati genuinely all of the time," Harvey tells CNBC Make It, saying she wanted somewhere not too far from her home at the time in Nashville, but not a staycation either. "It's one of the best memories I have for my birthday, and it's something that to this day, me and my friends still talk about." Some of her highlights were hitting the Somerset outdoor bar, Brown Bear Bakery, the Riverfront's walking paths and the city's free streetcar downtown simpler and slower luxuries that bigger cities may not offer. Her social media posts hyping Cincinnati and under-the-radar cities last summer went viral with over 1 million views on Instagram and Tiktok, prompting thousands of comments shouting out other secondary cities worth a visit. Harvey's love of hidden gem travel is part of a bigger trend where vacationers are seeking slower, more enriching trips away from the busyness of big-city destinations. "A lot of people truly believe in order to be well traveled, they have to see Europe, they have to see Africa, all of these other places," Harvey says. That may be true for some, but not all, she says: "You can have a great time in the middle of nowhere." Farcia Harvey says a birthday road trip from Nashville to Cincinnati was the most memorable vacation she's taken, despite having traveled to major cities around the world. Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick Slow travel meets the farm Farm-stay vacations, in particular, are seeing a boom: 84% of travelers said they're interested in staying on or near a farm, according to a recent report from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. Interest in rural escapes has boomed for Gen Z travelers over the past two years, with a 300% spike year-over-year in guest reviews mentioning farms on Vrbo. Even life milestone celebrations are getting the slow travel treatment. Aricka Giglia, 28, gathered 10 of her best girlfriends for her bachelorette at a farm outside Dallas last spring. The LA resident wanted her bachelorette to feel more like a wellness retreat than a typical party weekend. But finding the right venue was the challenge. Aricka Giglia of LA hosted her bachelorette on a farm outside Dallas last spring. Courtesy of Aricka Giglia She ended up booking a three-night stay at Lavender Hill Farmhouse, drawn to its features of a chicken coop, fields with cows and horses, a pond with paddle boats, an outdoor grill where they hosted a hibachi dinner, and a big kitchen where they invited a private chef for another. "I don't think any of us have traveled intentionally to be with nature," Giglia says. "If it's nature, it's tropical, but it's never a farm." "It's this slow travel movement. People just want a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life," says Melanie Fish, travel expert for Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. "Specifically they're looking for access to nature walks, hiking, but then, very specific to farm stays, they want a chance to interact with farm animals." The unconventional stay was also affordable, Giglia says, estimating her guests paid about $250 each for the weekend a steal compared to her husband's bachelor party in Los Cabos, Mexico, that ran about $800 per head. Going big on reading retreats Group trips at under-the-radar cities have become a big part of Mackenzie Newcomb's business running the Bad Bitch Book Club from New York City. The club, started in 2018, launched its annual summer camp trip for readers to meet in-person in July 2021. About 28 people showed up at the Northern Outdoors campgrounds in Forks, Maine. It was such a hit that the club now hosts reading trips across the U.S. once a month that cost between $900 to $1,500 for basic room packages and a weekend of meals and activities. Last year, BBBC hosted three weeks of summer camp; 400 people applied for 200 spots, Newcomb, 32, says. The Bad Bitch Book Club's annual summer retreat attracts hundreds of people for a weekend of reading and socializing. Courtesy of Mackenzie Newcomb Demand is likely to grow: 91% of travelers saying they're interested in taking a trip centered around reading, relaxation and quality time, according to Expedia's travel trends report. Mentions of reading-related terms in Vrbo guest reviews has surged 285% year-over-year, and searches for "book retreats" and "book club retreat ideas" are up on Pinterest. "I'm going to credit Booktok with the dramatic rise in what Vrbo is calling 'readaways,'" says Fish, the travel expert. "Groups are headed to these serene destinations, coastal homes, country retreats, or just cozy, multi-bedroom getaways with a porch swing that they're dying to curl up in, and their goal is to read." There has to be a strong relaxation element and a great view. Mackenzie Newcomb CEO and founder of the Bad Bitch Book Club In this article GM Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT A 1963 Chevrolet K20 pickup truck and a new Chevrolet Silverado EV sit outside General Motors' new world headquarters on Jan. 6, 2026 in Detroit. Michael Wayland | CNBC DETROIT Outside General Motors ' new world headquarters, between the 12-story building and the city's first new skyscraper in more than 30 years, sit two red Chevrolet pickup trucks. One is a 1963 Chevrolet K20. The other is a new Silverado EV. The trucks, while part of a temporary holiday display, are symbolic of what's inside the new global offices for the Detroit automaker: its past and present, woven together. GM is occupying four of six office floors of the building and has filled them with artifacts, design nods and "Easter eggs" tied to the Detroit automaker's history. They range from a blueprint of GM's iconic design dome and an early map of its nearby proving grounds to an interior wallpaper of 300 patented technologies and a decorative wall of cassette tapes with songs featuring the automaker's brands as well playful references to executive stalwarts such as CEO Mary Barra and President Mark Reuss. One of the centerpiece objects of GM's new headquarters is the McCormick Speed Form, an aerodynamic wind-tunnel model developed at the Warren Technical Center. Courtesy: GM "Leadership asked when we were helping design the space to bring in some Easter eggs and details to represent who we are at GM, you know, honoring our culture and our history and our innovation," Rebecca Waldmeir, GM industrial design architecture and experience manager, told CNBC during a tour of the new headquarters. Other surprises include references to relevant Detroit streets, design influences from GM's famed design campus in suburban Detroit and artwork and sculptures of its products. Aside from the aesthetics, GM officials say the new offices will assist with collaboration and are more relevant to how the company expects its employees to work in a post-pandemic world. It will house executive offices and other corporate functions such as marketing, legal and finance. "A headquarters really should be, at some level, a beacon for the culture of the company," said David Massaron, GM vice president of infrastructure and corporate citizenship. "When you come in here, it should help people understand who we want to be." A wall inside GM's new Detroit headquarters includes cassette tape cases featuring songs referencing the automaker's brands and vehicles as well as custom ones featuring GM executives such as CEO Mary Barra and President Mark Reuss. Michael Wayland | CNBC From fortress to functionality The new headquarters marks a significant square-foot reduction for the automaker's corporate office from a towering complex called the Renaissance Center along the city's riverfront to just four floors, roughly 200,000 square feet, in the new building. GM's new HQ is less than a mile from the RenCen, as it's commonly called, which has been a symbol for the city since, ironically, Ford Motor built the complex but decided not to make it its headquarters in the 1970s. GM purchased the building in 1996 as its third headquarters, all of which have been in the Motor City. The RenCen is Detroit's fortress, a 5.6-million-square-foot complex complete with a more-than-700-foot center tower surrounded by four 500-foot towers and two smaller adjacent ones. GM's new headquarters at the Hudson's Detroit development in the city's downtown. Courtesy: GM The complex is infamously difficult to get in and out of and to navigate. For much of its existence, it was surrounded by concrete barriers before a redesign around the turn of the millennium. It has long been something of a physical permutation of GM's historically siloed culture, which Barra has made a priority to change during her roughly 11-year tenure as CEO. "The RenCen was designed in a different era, in a pre-Covid era where everybody went to work five days a week, everybody went to their desk," Massaron said. "Particularly, in a post-pandemic world, you need office space that people want to come to, because we have options." GM's roughly 50,000 U.S. salaried employees are currently required to work in-office Tuesday through Thursday, but the rules are more flexible than before regarding location and remote working. The Renaissance Center (complex of skyscrapers with the Chrevrolet sign) by the Detroit River. Roberto Machado Noa | Lightrocket | Getty Images Most of the company's new executive offices on the top floor of the building will be open for executives to use as they please, Massaron said. Only four of the offices will be permanently assigned to top GM executives, such as Barra and Reuss, he said. GM declined to disclose how many employees are expected to regularly work at the new headquarters, saying foot traffic will fluctuate based on priorities and workflows. The company also declined to disclose financial details of its 15-year lease at the new headquarters. The building complex, known as Hudson's Detroit, is owned by a real estate company of Rocket Companies chairman and billionaire Dan Gilbert, who has been purchasing and renovating properties in Detroit for more than a decade. Showroom, pickleball Aside from the office areas and the executive floor, which all overlook an open atrium, GM also plans to open a semi-public space to display products and host events on the first floor of the building. Other amenities include social gathering areas and lounges, food and beverage services and a pickleball court and recreation area. A common area outside of the executive offices of GM's new headquarters in downtown Detroit. Michael Wayland | CNBC GM's new headquarters, which remains under construction, comes months after Ford christened a new 2.1-million-square-foot global HQ and product design and development center in nearby Dearborn, Michigan. Ford's new facility includes offices, design and industrial operations and a host of amenities such as a 160,000-square-foot dining area with eight "kitchen concepts," multiple courtyards and other upgrades. The notable difference in the size between GM's and Ford's new headquarters comes down to location, headcount and the automakers' portfolios of offices and operations throughout the region. A pickleball court and seating area inside the building that includes GM's new headquarters in Detroit. Michael Wayland | CNBC GM, for example, has a vast technology and design center that occupies 710 acres in nearby Warren, Michigan. That campus houses more than 24,000 employees. Massaron said GM didn't feel it needed to create "a city within a city" for its new headquarters, because it's actually "a building within a city." Here's a look inside GM's new world headquarters: The entry of the executive floor inside GM's new global headquarters in Detroit. Michael Wayland | CNBC The executive hallway of GM's new headquarters in Detroit. Courtesy: GM One of a dozen or so executive offices inside GM's new headquarters in downtown Detroit. Michael Wayland | CNBC One of a dozen or so executive offices inside GM's new headquarters in downtown Detroit. Michael Wayland | CNBC The interior design draws inspiration from Eero Saarinens iconic GM Global Technical Center, incorporating golden metallic finishes, wood feature walls, warm recessed lighting and a blend of clean linear geometries with subtle curves. Courtesy: GM Patent wall graphics highlight 300 of more than 49,000 patents granted since the companys founding in 1911. Courtesy: GM A wall of cassette tapes celebrates GMs broad cultural impact, nodding to the more than 78,000 songs that reference GM brands and vehicles. Courtesy: GM A model of the Chevrolet Corvette CX concept hangs on the wall outside the executive boardroom of GM's new headquarters. Courtesy: GM The executive boardroom inside GM's new headquarters in Detroit. Courtesy: GM Inside the common atrium area of GM's new global headquarters in Detroit. Michael Wayland | CNBC A coffee shop and cafe inside the atrium area of GM's new global headquarters in Detroit. Michael Wayland | CNBC A common lounge area near the atrium of the building that houses GM's new headquarters in Detroit. Michael Wayland | CNBC Three-dimensional sound-wave art profiles feature engine and EV tones from notable GM vehicles across performance, EV and ICE categories, transforming acoustic engineering into sculptural expression. Courtesy: GM Tankers dock at the Matanzas terminal as Cubans brace for worsening fuel shortages after the U.S. seized Venezuela-linked tankers, cutting a vital energy lifeline in Matanzas, Cuba, Jan. 7, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday said no more Venezuelan oil or money will go to Cuba and suggested the Communist-run island should strike a deal with Washington, ramping up pressure on the long-time U.S. nemesis and provoking defiant words from the island's leadership. Venezuela is Cuba's biggest oil supplier, but no cargoes have departed from Venezuelan ports to the Caribbean country since the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces in early January amid a strict U.S. oil blockade on the OPEC country, shipping data shows. Meanwhile, Caracas and Washington are progressing on a $2 billion deal to supply up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. with proceeds to be deposited in U.S. Treasury-supervised accounts, a major test of the emerging relationship between Trump and interim President Delcy Rodriguez. "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Sunday. "Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela," Trump added. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel rejected Trump's threat on social media, suggesting the U.S. had no moral authority to force a deal on Cuba. "Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. Nobody dictates what we do," Diaz-Canel said on X. "Cuba does not attack; it has been attacked by the U.S. for 66 years, and it does not threaten; it prepares, ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood." The U.S. president did not elaborate on his suggested deal. But Trump's push on Cuba represents the latest escalation in his move to bring regional powers in line with the United States and underscores the seriousness of the administration's ambition to dominate the Western Hemisphere. Trump's top officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have made no secret of their expectation that the recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela could push Cuba over the edge. U.S. officials have hardened their rhetoric against Cuba in recent weeks, though the two countries have been at odds since former leader Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution. US President Donald Trump shows a lapel pin as he speaks during a meeting with US oil companies executives in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on January 9, 2026. Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty Images The conversation in Washington right now is abuzz with talk of President Donald Trump's new National Security Strategy and its so-called "Donroe Doctrine" framing of Western Hemispheric dominance a modern corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. That debate had already been simmering in policy circles before the end of last year, but it was turbocharged by the recent U.S. operation in Venezuela. Almost immediately, the familiar question resurfaced: What will China do now? Much of that speculation has fixated on Taiwan. Would Beijing use U.S. kinetic action in Venezuela as justification or precedent for moving against the island? That question may be understandable and its implications concerning. However, many believe that it is also the wrong question to be asking. China will not use Venezuela as a pretext to invade Taiwan. That is neither how Beijing thinks nor how it operates. Serious analysis demands setting the distraction of seeing China as a reactive power aside, and dealing with a more consequential and far more uncomfortable question. It requires that we read and debate China's own strategic documents about our region with the same rigor now being applied to the U.S. National Security Strategy, and take them seriously on their own terms. China's newly issued third Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean is not a press release or a reactive and reflexive impulse triggered by Washington. It is a longstanding, well thought out, forward-looking, and deliberately structured approach to achieving China's long-term goals. It includes the range of tools of statecraft that it intends to use, and the pathways through which it plans to sustain its influence. It is an institutional blueprint dense with political mechanisms, financing pathways, commercial incentives, and a theory of the case for the legitimacy of its engagement and presence in the region rooted in Global South solidarity rather than overt claims of regional hegemony or 18th-century cosplay. The NSS is explicit about intent. It commits the United States to keeping the hemisphere free of "hostile foreign incursion or ownership of key assets," ensuring access to "key strategic locations," and denying non-hemispheric competitors' control over "strategically vital assets." Venezuela, in that telling, becomes a proof point: evidence that Washington is prepared to act kinetically to alter political realities when it believes access, stability, or strategic positioning are at risk. watch now But the Trump NSS also reveals a central analytical vulnerability. It implicitly assumes the United States can grant spheres of influence cede a region here, consolidate one there and that so-called "regional powers" will accept the arrangement. China does not see itself as a regional power. It sees itself as a global power with global interests, ambitions, investments, and supply-chain demands and with the agency to defend and extend those interests in America's so-called backyard. The NSS can declare a corollary; it cannot declare away another major power's presence or objectives, particularly one as deeply embedded in the hemisphere as China already is. China's Latin America strategy is engineered to be resilient against exactly this kind of episodic shock. How China exerts its influence across the globe Start with the political architecture. Beijing does not limit its engagement to trade or hydrocarbons, though both matter a great deal to Beijing. Instead, it pursues head-of-state diplomacy, exchanges between intergovernmental committees, legislature-to-legislature exchanges, political-party engagement, and deep institutional embedding (in the case of Latin America and the Caribbean) through CELAC, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, a 33-country regional political bloc coordinating cooperation across trade, finance, infrastructure, technology, and people-to-people ties. The objective is explicit: institutionalize influence across "multi-level, multi-channel" pathways with a structure that dilutes any single pressure point campaign by the United States. It is far harder to "flip" a region when influence runs so deeply through presidents, parties, parliaments, technocrats, students, consumers, and subnational actors simultaneously. The economics reinforce that architecture. China frames its engagement accurately or not as co-production and co-dependence rather than exploitation or charity. The strategy emphasizes infrastructure connectivity, logistics management, digital infrastructure, smart cities, industrial parks, manufacturing cooperation, and export support. These projects create domestic constituencies: jobs, contracts, port throughput, wages, and broad political winners in the region. Financial cooperation sweetens the model further through local-currency settlement, RMB clearing arrangements, credit and debt swap lines, and even Panda bonds on offer. The aim is straightforward: reduce exposure to U.S. financial leverage, political pressure points, and sanctions risk over time. Trump's push for U.S. oil companies to invest in Venezuela offered a series of security guarantees but surfaced a familiar constraint: executives emphasized that investment also hinges on long-term financing, risk-sharing, and enforceable contracts support China routinely provides its firms through policy banks and export credits while Washington has yet to signal a clear willingness to deploy comparable tools via the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Ex-Im Bank, or multilateral finance. And those financial support and assistance tools should not be pursued in a vacuum; when done well, they are designed to anchor influence in physical strategic assets natural resources, ports, logistics hubs, energy infrastructure, and transit corridors where economics and geopolitics inevitably intersect. $500 billion in trade, Panama Canal confrontation Scale matters. China-Latin America trade exceeded $500 billion in 2024, and the region represents more than 670 million consumers, many of whom are drawn to Chinese products on price, availability, and increasingly quality. These are not marginal markets. They are structural to China's global growth model and export strategy. Beijing is also candid if selectively so about its interest in strategic resources. Energy and critical minerals feature prominently, alongside language about long-term supply arrangements and local-currency pricing. Access spans the value chain from extraction to utilization. For U.S. policymakers, investors, and CEOs, this is the commercial backbone the NSS must contend with. This is not about nostalgia for the Monroe Doctrine; it is a 21st-century strategy designed to achieve many of the same outcomes through more modern means and more seductive rhetoric. The Panama Canal brings these strategies into direct collision. China's policy paper treats ports, logistics, and maritime cooperation as first-order instruments of development and influence and, in a crisis, as latent strategic assets to be exploited during a military confrontation with the regional hegemon (the U.S.). The NSS, meanwhile, explicitly flags "key strategic locations" and acknowledges how commercial infrastructure can be repurposed for military use. Panama more than Venezuela is where these approaches collide most sharply. Ongoing debates over port concessions and terminal control underscore that both Washington and Beijing view the canal itself and canal-adjacent assets as strategic, not merely commercial in nature. Crew members of Chinese Cosco Shipping Rose container ship wave Chinese and Panamenian flag before China's President Xi Jinping and Panama's Juan Carlso Varela, arrive at the Cocoli locks in the expanded Panama Canal, in Panama City, Panama on December 3, 2018. Luis Acosta | Afp | Getty Images News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwe is emerging as one of the African nations rapidly embracing the Chinese-led artificial intelligence (AI) start-up DeepSeek, reflecting the growing uptake of AI technologies across the continent.According to a recent Microsoft report, Zimbabwe is joining other African countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, and Niger, where DeepSeek's market share currently ranges between 11% and 14%. The findings challenge previous assumptions that AI adoption in Zimbabwe was still in its infancy, largely limited to basic use by government and private sector entities.DeepSeek, founded in 2023, has gained global traction thanks to its open-source, cost-efficient models, which are gradually outcompeting US-based platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. Local users highlight DeepSeek's strength in technical tasks such as coding, mathematics, and data analysis, praising its precision and flexibility for developers needing open-source control.The Microsoft report also notes that DeepSeek's popularity has surged in countries like Syria and Iran, where its market share has reached 23%, as well as in Belarus, Cuba, and Russia. Globally, generative AI tools now reach 16.3% of the world's population, up from 15.1% in the last quarter of 2025.Experts attribute DeepSeek's rapid adoption outside China partly to restrictions on American AI services in some regions and the platform's accessibility. DeepSeek offers a free-to-use chatbot on web and mobile, allowing developers worldwide to modify and build on its core engine. Its lack of subscription fees has lowered barriers for millions of users in price-sensitive markets, driving adoption in developing countries."Accessibility is a key factor shaping AI adoption globally," the Microsoft report concludes, underscoring how platforms like DeepSeek are expanding AI access to regions previously underserved by costly or restricted technologies.Zimbabwe's embrace of DeepSeek signals a growing openness to AI innovations, positioning the country as a notable player in Africa's emerging AI ecosystem. US President Donald Trump has ordered his special forces commanders to prepare a plan for the invasion of Greenland, according to a report by The Daily Mail, though the proposal has reportedly been resisted by senior military figures. The newspaper quoted sources saying Trump asked the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to draw up the invasion plan. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff are said to have pushed back, arguing that such an operation would be illegal and would not be supported by Congress. According to the report, senior military officials have attempted to deflect the President by proposing less controversial measures, including intercepting Russian "ghost" ships a network of vessels allegedly used by Moscow to evade Western sanctions or launching a strike on Iran. The report said the Greenland plan has been led by political adviser Stephen Miller and was formulated following what sources described as the successful operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The aim, the sources claimed, is to seize the island before Russia or China makes a move. British diplomats quoted by the Daily Mail said Trump is also motivated by a desire to distract American voters from the performance of the US economy ahead of the mid-term elections later this year, after which Republicans could lose control of Congress to the Democrats. The report comes days after Trump renewed his threat to own the territory. Speaking at a White House meeting with oil and gas executives on January 9, the President reiterated that the mineral-rich island is an absolute necessity for US national security and suggested that if a diplomatic purchase cannot be brokered, the United States might be forced to intervene the hard way. Trump claimed that waters surrounding the worlds largest island are currently covered with Russian and Chinese ships, using the assertion to justify the need for a swift change in sovereignty. If we dont do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, he told the executives. And we are not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour. Earlier, Denmark has instructed its armed forces to respond immediately to any foreign incursion into Greenland, including by opening fire without waiting for orders, amid renewed threats from US President Donald Trump to annex the Arctic island, Danish media reported.The ministry told Danish daily Berlingske that in the event of an attack, forces must act "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 clarification follows escalating rhetoric from President Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to acquire Greenland. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, but the Trump administration has increasingly questioned Copenhagens ability to defend the island. Vice President JD Vance recently accused Denmark of failing to protect the strategically vital landmass, framing the issue in terms of missile defence and the civilisational importance of the Arctic. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, has been ranked among the world's safer cities, according to the latest Numbeo Crime Index, highlighting a moderate to low crime prevalence that could strengthen its appeal as a destination for business and tourism.The Numbeo Crime Index measures perceptions of safety, covering both property crimes, such as theft and burglary, and violent crimes, including assault and robbery, as well as incidents motivated by bias. The index is based on a 0100 scale, with higher scores reflecting higher perceived crime levels.Harare ranks 67th out of 400 global cities, placing it ahead of many other African urban centres. The city has an overall Crime Index score of 60.7, while its Safety Index stands at 39.3. While crime levels are acknowledged as moderate, the report notes a notable increase over the past five years.According to the index, the highest crime-related risk in Harare is corruption and bribery, which scored 88.01. Conversely, the risk of danger when walking alone at night is considered very low, with a score of just 32.5.Globally, the report highlights South African cities as among the most dangerous, with Pietermaritzburg ranked the world's deadliest city, followed by Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town. Lagos, Nigeria, is also ranked seventh in the list of most dangerous cities worldwide.The Numbeo findings present Harare in a positive light, suggesting that, despite challenges, it remains a relatively safe urban centre, offering confidence to investors, tourists, and residents alike. My mother marked a significant birthday last week, so I flew to Spain for a small celebration. It's fair to say that things didn't go entirely as planned. On the way out, Vueling (the airline) managed to lose my bag, possibly intentionally given the heated argument I had with the check-in dragon at Gatwick Airport. Anyway, she got her revenge, as I spent the first two days without a change of clothes or contact lenses. On the way back, there was a problem with the aircraft, so I ended up disembarking and booking myself on the next easyJet flight (it's come to something when easyJet is the most reliable option). Frustrating as all this was, having to wear the same socks twice was a trivial inconvenience compared to the horror that awaited me once I eventually got to Spain. That was the sodding hire car. It was, as they always are these days, one of those tyrannical modern models (in this instance a VW), seemingly constructed with just one thing in mind: driving the driver around the bend. No matter what I did, the damn thing wouldn't stop telling me off (rather like the check-in dragon, in that respect). It was equipped with a lexicon of disapproving beeps, ranging from mild reprimand to out-and-out hysteria. I turned the engine on: it beeped, bonged and booted up its stupid onboard computer, which then proceeded to ask me a series of utterly pointless questions in Spanish. When I couldn't answer, it beeped with increasing urgency. 'All my appliances like to boss me around, endlessly demanding my attention,' writes Sarah Vine (picture posed by model) I turned the engine off, and it beeped at me for not putting it into the proper gear, or opening the door too soon, before issuing a series of alarmist warnings, which my brother kindly translated. Had I checked my surroundings? Had I left anything in it? Did I have my phone? Was my head screwed on? It beeped at me when I tried to park, bonged when I went a fraction over the speed limit which wasn't even the real speed restriction but some passing limit its idiotic computer senses had picked up. Once, as I was changing lanes, it attempted to wrest control of the steering wheel, which was alarming. Another time it slammed the brakes on for me, even though I was miles behind the car in front. Here's the thing. I am not a moron. I know how to drive. I know how to park a car. I passed a test and everything. I have no points on my licence. I can read road signs. If I want to stray half a kilometre over the speed limit or change lanes or forget my phone in the car, that's up to me. Not up to the car. I have the same problem with my fridge, home alarm, washing machine, dishwasher, cooker, phone. All these appliances like to boss me around, endlessly demanding my attention. The alarm lady (who sounds unsettlingly like a psychotic girlfriend of Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey) is always complaining that her battery is too low or one of her cameras is offline; the fridge gets terribly upset when I keep the door open too long; the dishwasher demands to be unloaded the moment its cycle has ended; and the hob has a tantrum if I so much as move a pan. And don't even get me started on my phone: the damn thing has a mind of its own ever since its last update. It's logged me out of all my apps and every time I try to download my emails I get stuck in some Microsoft/computer-says-no doom loop. It would be quicker and easier to just write a letter and hand-deliver it in person. All these things, which allegedly should make life easier, now inflict upon me a terrible tyranny. Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's new politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens - wherever you listen to podcasts now. They are like attention-deficient toddlers, endlessly requiring reassurance and stimulation. If I don't dance to their tune, they throw their chips out of the basket. Surely this is not how it's supposed to be? Use it or lose it, they say, and that's as true of the brain as of the body. I have my own set of parking sensors, thank you. They are called 'eyes', and they have been brilliantly engineered, either by God or nature depending on your belief, to judge space and distance. Likewise, my built-in hard drive aka my brain is perfectly capable of remembering my house keys or deciding whether it's safe to change lanes. Whoever designs all these so-called smart technologies clearly thinks all humans are stupid, which we are not. Yet in surrendering to it all, we are engaging in a sort of reverse evolutionary process, which will, eventually, turn us all into dribbling morons, no more than zombified slaves to the technology we created. Little by little, this stuff is atrophying our minds, yet if you push back against it everyone looks at you as if you were mad. Every day, thousands of people are losing their jobs and purpose to this despotism, and people just shrug their shoulders as if it were inevitable. At the airport on my way home, I witnessed a sad sight. A ride-on floor-sweeper, beeping its way around, an empty chair where a person should have been. A fate, I fear, that awaits us all. Iran: the true faces of bravery A young woman lights her cigarette off a burning image of the Ayatollah Khamenei in Iran Two unforgettable images from the uprising in Iran this weekend: a young woman lighting her cigarette off a burning image of the Ayatollah Khamenei and an older woman, her face bloodied, declaring: 'I am not afraid: I've been dead for 47 years.' That is true bravery and a world away from the halfwits who march in support of the terrorists funded by Iran's regime. Speaking of which, where are the Greta Thunbergs, the Guardianistas, the Free Palestine fanatics? Surely this a grassroots uprising by people cruelly and violently oppressed in their own land should be right up their street? Or is their silence perhaps further proof (if it were needed) that their own interventions have nothing to do with the pursuit of justice and everything to do with a sectarian hatred of Jews and a Jewish state? I am far from Keir Starmer's greatest fan, but I do think it is highly disrespectful of Elon Musk to post an AI-generated image of our Prime Minister in a bikini on X in response to the Government's concerns about the misuse of his platform's AI tool, Grok. It's not about free speech, it's about basic decency, a concept that for all his alleged genius, Musk cannot seem to grasp. Support pubs? I'll drink to that The great British pub is one of this country's most enduring traditions, so it's hardly a surprise mystery support packages for the industry aside that this mean-spirited Government is doing its level best to drive publicans out of business with an extra 150million in taxes. According to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), that would mean pulling an extra 1.3billion pints a year. Damn. I was going to do dry January, but now I shall just have to do my patriotic duty... I am rather loving the Princess of Waless poetic musings on the meaning of life and nature. People may mock (and they do), but she has somehow managed to find a way of expressing herself in a manner that is sincere without being the slightest bit offensive. Which is more than can be said for her American sister-in-law. The Princess of Wales marked her 44th birthday with a video about the comfort she has taken from nature during her cancer treatment I used to adore Dawn French, currently starring in the BBC comedy Can You Keep A Secret? But Im afraid I cant forgive her for making that horrible video denigrating the victims of October 7, and no amount of jolly sofa chat with Graham Norton is going to change that. Im told her show is very funny, daft in a delightfully British sort of way (it also stars Mark Heap, who is always great value for money), but I cant bring myself to laugh at a woman who thinks the abduction, rape, murder and torture of innocent civilians is a joke. Dawn French on The Graham Norton Show this week. She is currently starring in the BBC comedy Can You Keep A Secret? Bad news: I see that skinny jeans are back. Is this another unpleasant side-effect of fat jabs? At the pinnacle of its military power, the US is an enviable nation. Its President merely needs to speak the word and its Islamist enemies are vaporised in moments by drones thousands of miles away. Irans stocks of enriched uranium are buried for ever under millions of tons of rock. The dictator of Caracas is snatched away in the small hours and deposited in an American prison before he realises what has hit him. Who knows what may be next, now that America has a President who is not inhibited about using the extraordinary weapons which he controls, and the superbly trained people who operate them? This envy is especially strong in Britain. Many of us look on and wish we could do the same. But we also worry that we may be called upon to get involved in major conflicts, when we are not truly capable, as happened most notably in Iraq in 2003. We too were once immensely rich and strong. We too made weapons and ships and aircraft which the rest of the world could not match or oppose. We too had armed services superbly trained and equal to every task we set them. Many still living saw the final years of our power and have not yet grown used to our diminished position. There is always a ready audience for anyone who says we should Make Britain Great Again. The Reform Party leader, Nigel Farage, plainly shares such feelings and calls in The Mail on Sunday today for greater spending on our military. Prime Minister Keir Starmer cant be trusted to pursue such a policy. Like most Leftists, he flails cluelessly when confronted with military issues, mixing bravado with unrealistic expectations (file photo) Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a Christmas service at a church in the Moscow Region But he is also canny enough to see that British involvement in any modern war could be risky and unpopular because of the current weakness of our forces. We simply dont have enough soldiers. Much of their equipment is obsolete, non-functioning or worn-out. Such weakness has its roots in the cross-party acceptance of a peace dividend after the Cold War ended. Back in 1956, when we still considered ourselves a global power, we spent 7 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defence. In the years before the fall of the Berlin Wall we laid out between 4 per cent and 5 per cent of GDP on defence this was more than all Nato allies except the USA. Since then, such spending has sagged to about 2 per cent. The money went instead on foreign aid, education and the NHS, and of course on welfare payments. Wrestling it back will not prove that easy in practice. Raising taxes any further is harder still. Britain cannot rival US spending. What we can do is to spend more effectively, recruit more efficiently, retain our best men and women more successfully and do more to boost British military industries. Prime Minister Keir Starmer cant be trusted to pursue such a policy. Like most Leftists, he flails cluelessly when confronted with military issues, mixing bravado with unrealistic expectations. His vaunted plan for British boots on the ground in Ukraine is delusional and likely to place our troops in harms way rather than deter Moscows aggression. We need tougher, more realistic thinking at the top. With Britain still in the grip of winter, it's hard to imagine that newborn lambs will soon be jumping for joy in the meadows around my North Yorkshire farmhouse. Their infectious pleasure at just being alive will not last long. In a few months, the farmer who has reared these gentle creatures will herd them into the back of a truck and send them to Northallerton market where many will be sold for religious slaughter, a death barbaric beyond the imagination of those who misguidedly believe this country leads the world in animal welfare. These lambs will be shackled and hauled by their back legs on to a conveyor belt, and while still bleating, their throats will be cut. They will bleed to death, fully conscious for up to a minute in terror and pain. UK law requires animals to be stunned before slaughter, but an exemption is reserved for both 'schechita' (Jewish) and some 'halal' (Muslim) methods. And the latter is by far the larger market for this produce, catering to a UK Muslim population of four million people that has almost doubled from a decade ago - a trend that has been mainly driven by the rise in legal and illegal immigration. By comparison, the Jewish population numbers over 277,000. So while the RSPCA says only 12 per cent of halal meat is not pre-stunned (and no schechita animals are pre-stunned) that still amounts to what the Food Standards Agency estimates as some 30 million chickens, sheep, goats and cattle killed while fully conscious in 2024. Other welfare organisations put the figure higher, possibly up to as much as 100 million. And just as alarming, according to the National Secular Society, these animals are now being fed in ever growing numbers into our hospitals, supermarkets, prisons, kebab shops and other outlets in the food chain without any of us being made aware of it. Non-stunned produce is being served up by 17 local councils in schools - the majority of which are not Islamic faith schools - without parents or children knowing it. Why? Because it's cheaper, and in an industry that's worth 2 billion a year, overproduction is a commercial imperative to large abattoirs who want to keep costs down and the conveyor belts running. Selina Scott, an animal welfare campaigner and former TV presenter, writes that nowhere in Labour's new 12,500-word animal welfare paper is there a single mention of barbaric halal slaughter The Bill seeks to ban the boiling of lobsters in scalding water - which it says 'is not an acceptable killing method' The Bill does not seek an end to Muslim halal slaughter - a method in which livestock have their throats slit while they are conscious To an animal welfare campaigner like me, this industrial-scale cruelty is a scandal made worse by the lack of political will to tackle it. Last month, Labour announced its animal welfare strategy, which grabbed headlines for its proposed bans on boiling lobsters alive and trail hunting. Yet in the entire 12,500-word paper there is not one mention of ritualistic slaughter. It pledges to introduce legislation on the 'humane slaughter of farmed fish' and to phase out CO2 gassing of pigs (a painful and distressing experience) but makes no comment on the savage way in which millions of livestock are killed. Nor does it advise forcing retailers to label the method of death on their packaging, so consumers can see what they are buying. Labour is fully aware how emotive this issue is. A public petition calling for all animals to be stunned before slaughter garnered 100,000 signatures and was debated in Parliament last summer, but the issue failed to gather momentum after vested interests objected. Two further petitions are now gathering force, both demanding a clearly labelled method of death on all meat sold. It is instructive that neither the RSPCA nor Compassion in World Farming have added their considerable influence to these causes. Both charities say they are prioritising high standards of welfare on farms, instead. There is a strong suspicion that they are running scared, fearful that publicly expressed support for a more humane way of killing animals will antagonise and infuriate religious minorities. I offer no disrespect to religions, but all too often officialdom bends the knee to these levantine customs in our abattoirs, petrified of being called racist and - for politicians - of losing votes. But complicit in this is the food industry, which is reluctant to offer customers clarity on how their meat is killed. I contacted Jake Pickering, senior manager of agriculture at Waitrose, which prides itself in being 'first in animal welfare', who told me their own-brand meat is killed humanely. He added that shoppers should look on its website for content information. This I did, and after ploughing through a 68-page document I eventually found the promise. So why not make this a point-of-sale boast to demonstrate their credentials? With Britain still in the grip of winter, it's hard to imagine that newborn lambs will soon be jumping for joy in the meadows around my North Yorkshire farmhouse, writes SELINA SCOTT It is a supreme irony, of course, that Muslims and Jews, through their own food chain of specialist butchers and grocers, insist on knowing the method of death. Anyone doubting the horror of the non-stun means of killing should listen to Jim Paice, a farmer and former farming minister, who on visiting a religious slaughter house described how he had to watch 'for six horrifying minutes how a bullock bled to death wailing in pain'. Another former farming minister George Eustice echoed his horror, saying in a House of Commons debate on the issue in 2019: 'The greatest concern is always the impact on cattle because their physiology is complicated by the fact that they have a third artery that goes to the back of the head that continues to supply blood even after the cut has taken place.' He went on in more gruesome detail to explain why cattle take 'between one minute and 20 seconds and two minutes... to lose consciousness' without stunning. Among those who have spoken out against ritual killing are parliamentarians and former MPs Craig MacKinlay, Steve Double and Roger Gale. Those who have spent their lives working with animals are also unequivocal. Rupert Lowe, a farmer and MP for Great Yarmouth, said in Parliament last year: 'Freedom of belief does not mean freedom to cause cruel and brutal pain 'We talk so much in this place about being a nation of animal lovers. It is time to prove it.' Vets, on the front line tasked with overseeing the brutality in abattoirs, have expressed their revulsion. John Blackwell, the former president of the British Veterinary Association, urged Jews and Muslims to allow all animals to be rendered unconscious before having their throats slit. He described 'schechita' slaughter as 'five or six seconds of pain for the animal but the period of suffering may be considerably longer'. It is shamefully significant that Britain's leaders have remained mute on this issue while across the Channel the European Court of Human Rights has recently banned non-stun slaughter in some regions of Belgium, which has paved the way for a continental ban encompassing Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, Iceland, Switzerland and Denmark. Australia and New Zealand have also prohibited non-stun. If they can do it, why can't we? As Jeremy Bentham, the philosopher and social reformer wrote of animal welfare in 1789: 'The question is not can they reason? Nor can they talk? But can they suffer?' That was more than 200 years ago. In our supposedly enlightened age today, as millions of sentient creatures are forced to die, fully conscious, it is a moral failing that we continue to turn a blind eye to this question. Selina Scott is an animal welfare campaigner and former TV presenter. At just two months old, Mattie Beacham was a ticking 'time bomb,' her parents say. The infant, from Florida, had been struggling to gain weight since she was born. At just 5lbs, she was hooked up to 21 different machines to keep her organs from giving out. Mattie was in complete organ failure, which her parents claim in a lawsuit could have been prevented had the hospital told them their daughter had an aggressive liver condition. Mattie's birth on December 13, 2022, via c-section had been uneventful, and doctors discharged her with a clean bill of health three days later after she passed her newborn screening tests, the complaint, reviewed by the Daily Mail, alleges. Allison Beacham, Mattie's mother, told the Daily Mail: 'We thought we had a healthy baby girl. Everything was fine, except that she wasn't growing.' Despite constantly drinking high-calorie formula, Mattie failed to gain weight, but her abdomen swelled with fluid, a condition called ascites, the complaint alleges. As the weeks went on, her stools turned clay-colored and her skin yellowed. Mattie's parents claim doctors at Orlando Health insisted she just needed to eat more. When they took her to her two-month appointment on February 13, 2023, a pediatrician filling in allegedly 'turned ghost white,' Mattie's parents said. When Mattie Beacham (pictured above) was born in December 2022, doctors thought nothing was out of the ordinary. However, she had a deadly liver condition that went undetected for two months, a lawsuit claims Mattie is pictured as an infant. The complaint states her pediatrician was concerned about her failure to thrive Your browser does not support iframes. The complaint states that the pediatrician 'was concerned with a failure to thrive, jaundice and liver enlargement.' It states Mattie was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, part of Orlando Health, later that day, where doctors diagnosed Mattie with biliary atresia, a severe disease in newborn babies that causes the liver's bile ducts to become blocked. Bile, which the liver produces to carry waste to the intestines, builds up and prevents the body from absorbing essential nutrients. Affecting one in 12,000 infants in the US, the only treatment for biliary atresia is surgery, called a Kasai surgery, to remove blocked bile ducts. The complaint states: 'The Kasai procedure has the best chance of success if done before 30-45 days of life, and ideally by 30 days of life. 'If the diagnosis and surgery are delayed, the chances of establishing good bile flow drop dramatically, and the risk of early liver transplantation increases.' By the time she was diagnosed, Mattie was 63 days old, the complaint states. Michael Beacham, Mattie's father, told the Daily Mail: 'This disease is a time bomb.' The disease is diagnosed with direct bilirubin tests, which measures levels of bilirubin, a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells, in the blood. The complaint, however, claims the family was never made aware of the fact that their daughter had the test done three days after her birth and had received red flag warnings for biliary atresia. The Beachams are now pursuing litigation against a doctor and nurse with Pediatrix Medical Group of Florida, which provides pediatric and neonatal care within Orlando Health, and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, a hospital that is part of Orlando Health and is where Mattie was born had allegedly had initial liver testing done. Orlando Health has admitted fault through Florida Statute 766.207, which caps the maximum malpractice damage costs at $250,000. The Beachams are now pursuing arbitration with the hospital, meaning the dispute will be resolved outside of court. Pediatrix Medical Group is expected to go to trial for medical malpractice in 2027. When approached for comment, a representative for Orlando Health told the Daily Mail: 'Orlando Health does not comment on pending litigation.' Given the recent service of the complaint against the physicians, which was served in December, the implicated physicians have not yet responded. At two months old, Mattie weighed just five pounds, and her abdomen filled with fluid (pictured above) from biliary atresia Pictured above are the 21 machines keeping all of Mattie's organs alive while she lay in a coma After getting the diagnosis from Orlando Health two months after Mattie's birth, doctors at Orlando Health performed the Kasai surgery on February 15, 2023, when Mattie was 65 days old. However, it was unsuccessful, which the complaint claims 'was the direct and proximate result of the Defendants failure to timely recognize, disclose and appropriately follow up on the abnormally elevated direct bilirubin result of December 16, 2022.' The Beachams claim they were back in the hospital off and on for two more months before being transferred to Advent Health, which was just five miles from Orlando Health. Mattie's biliary atresia had become so advanced that her liver could no longer send bile to her intestines to absorb nutrients, so anything doctors fed her ended up as more bile building up in her liver, the complaint alleges. This led to malnourishment. 'She was literally getting poisoned and starved at the same time,' Michael said. Mattie spent 186 nights at Advent Health for monitoring of organ failure, medication and a medically induced coma. Over those weeks, she was allegedly given a zero percent chance of survival. She also had 21 different pumps working to keep her organs alive. In late September 2023, when Mattie was nine months old, doctors estimated Mattie was 24 hours from death when she began to turn a corner. Mattie is pictured above after her liver transplant. She was so small that the liver was cut in half and then divided two more times to fit As Mattie's organs failed, simply touching her skin would cause it to ooze blood, as seen above One of Mattie's nurses engineered a tandem machine that combined dialysis, a kidney treatment, with plasmapheresis, a procedure that separates blood plasma from blood cells to remove toxins and harmful antibodies. The goal of combining the two machines was to make both treatments faster acting. It proved successful, and Mattie's organs slowly began to 'come back online,' her parents said. Mattie improved enough to be eligible for a liver transplant and was put on the transplant list with an estimated 36-hour window to get a new liver. In early October, the nine-month-old received a liver from a deceased 22-year-old man in Georgia. Despite suffering from three brain bleeds, Mattie underwent the 12-hour operation. The donated liver was split between two people, but Mattie was so small that her half still had to be trimmed twice to fit. A donated liver grows to full size within a few weeks. 'It was almost a Hail Mary,' Allison said. 'Most doctors told us they didn't believe she'd survive it,' Michael added. 'It was just an incredibly horrific journey.' Mattie survived, but it would be another year before the Beachams contacted a lawyer to help sift through 27,000 pages of medical records. The complaint alleges doctors performed tests when Mattie was three days old that showed evidence of biliary atresia. Now three years old, Mattie has several lasting complications, including losing all of the fingers on her left hand and needing abdominal reconstruction Allison Beacham, Mattie's mother, told the Daily Mail: 'She is the happiest little human I have ever known. She is so compassionate beyond her years, which dazzles me' The direct bilirubin test measures levels of bilirubin, a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells, in the blood. A normal level is less than 0.3 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), but Mattie's was 13 times above the normal range, signaling biliary atresia, the complaint, reviewed by the Daily Mail, stated. But the complaint alleges doctors at Orlando Health never told the parents about the test and that knowing the result when Mattie was three days old could have prevented her from going into complete organ failure. Allison said, based on the complaint: 'The flagging, it should have happened. It is an obvious, actionable thing. They did none of that; they let us go home. And every single day Mattie was being poisoned. 'By the time she got her Kasai [surgery], they said we didn't have time for a second opinion because she wasn't going to make it. She was already just so far gone,' Allison added based on the complaint. Now at three years old, Mattie's traumatic ordeal has left her with a host of lasting complications, the complaint states. Mattie's family and doctors call her 'Miracle Mattie,' as she was once given just 24 hours to live. She is pictured above Biliary atresia made Mattie unable to develop B and T cells, white blood cells that produce tumor-fighting antibodies, so she is immunocompromised and prone to developing cancer within her lifetime, particularly melanoma. Sepsis, the body's overreaction to an infection, also caused her to lose all of the fingers on her left hand, and the nutritional deficiencies she faced caused her teeth to not form protective enamel. Mattie also has several developmental delays, such as impaired speech, and she has suffered three strokes. Her family claims doctors estimate she may live to just 50 years old, 30 years less than the average American woman. 'This kid has a lifetime of medical issues,' Michael said. This month, she will undergo surgery to reconstruct her abdomen, which is scarred from the transplant. The complaint states: 'As a further direct and proximate result of the negligence of one or more of the Defendants hereinafter alleged, [Mattie] has, in the past and will in the future and for the remainder of her life, suffer disability, great mental and physical pain and suffering, anguish, humiliation, embarrassment, loss or diminution of the ability to enjoy life; will be required to undergo various surgical and medical treatments; will be required to undergo various treatments and programs of rehabilitative therapy and/or occupational therapy; and will be obligated to spend extraordinary sums of money for her care and treatment. 'Additionally, for the remainder of her life, [Mattie] will be unable and/or severely limited in her ability to work and earn money to support herself.' The Beacham family is suing Orlando Health for negligence in Mattie's case. A trial is expected to take place in 2027. Mattie is pictured above in Washington DC Pictured from left are Michael Beacham, Mattie Beacham, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Florida. The Beacham family has introduced legislation in Florida to add direct bilirubin tests to the state's newborn screening panel The family has introduced a law in Florida called Mattie's Law, which aims to add direct bilirubin tests to the state's newborn screening panel. In a pilot program, about a dozen hospitals nationwide, including Advent Health, have added the test to their newborn screening panels. Despite the complications, Mattie remains in high spirits. Allison said: 'She is the happiest little human I have ever known. She is so compassionate beyond her years, which dazzles me. 'What astonishes me is that her awareness of what she has gone through is not there. She is a normal, happy little baby who one day will really know her journey inside out, upside down.' More than 17.5million Britons around a third of the adult population are said to be taking part in Dry January this year, attempting to get through the month without a single sip of alcohol. Its an admirable endeavour and a striking cultural shift from just two decades ago, when Britain was widely thought to have hit peak booze. In 2004, official figures showed young adults were among the heaviest drinkers on record, consuming the equivalent of about 100 bottles of wine a year on average. Drinking was baked into social life. Abstinence was rare. Today, the picture has flipped. Around a third of young adults now dont drink at all, according to Office for National Statistics data. For many, the motivation is health. More than 45 per cent of those doing Dry January this year say improving their physical or mental wellbeing is their main motivation, according to Alcohol Change UK. But some experts warn the benefits of short-term abstinence may be overstated and that, for some people, going teetotal could backfire. And according to one of the most pre-eminent health bodies in the US, having a couple of drinks a day may be better for your health than stopping drinking altogether. A new review from the American Heart Association (AHA) has reopened the debate about whether drinking might offer some protection for the heart. A study found that those who drink small amounts of alcohol do not appear to have a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke or sudden cardiac death than those who abstain (picture posed by models) The review found that people who drink small amounts of alcohol do not appear to have a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke or sudden cardiac death than those who abstain completely. And light drinkers were actually found to have a lower risk. The idea that modest alcohol consumption could protect the heart was widely accepted throughout the 20th century. That thinking has fallen out of favour, overshadowed by evidence linking alcohol to cancer and other harms. But some experts now say the cardiovascular benefits may have been dismissed too quickly. A growing body of evidence suggests light drinkers those who consume one to two drinks a day have healthier hearts than abstainers. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Dr Gregory Marcus, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, who led the AHA review, said studies consistently show that light drinkers live longer than both heavy drinkers and abstainers. Most studies that look at mortality demonstrate this effect. Its remarkable, he said. But the review and its authors have faced criticism from fellow medical professionals, who say the data is flawed and that any sort of endorsement of alcohol will encourage and endanger drinkers. Dr Luis Seija, an internal medicine specialist who studies alcohol control and liver disease, claimed the review was premised on outdated, conflicting observational studies in a post on his Substack blog, Last Call. This isnt just an academic spat, he wrote. People will see headlines or quotes like One to two drinks a day may reduce coronary artery disease. Thats the soundbite and exactly what the alcohol industry wants. So what's the truth? The question of whether drinking can be part of a healthy lifestyle is complex. Throughout the Middle Ages, booze was prescribed for anything from intestinal worms to plague. One of the most prevailing health claims wasnt popularised until the 1920s, however that drinking is good for the heart. Scientist Raymond Pearl of Johns Hopkins University in the US first described the effects of alcohol consumption as a J-shaped curve in 1926. Studying rates of heart disease in drinkers, he noted that heavy drinkers had the highest death rates the top of the J on a graph while light drinkers had the lowest the bottom. Abstainers, meanwhile, were more likely to have heart disease and die than light drinkers, but not as much as heavy drinkers. Though experts were unsure why this occurred, dozens of subsequent studies appeared to confirm the trend. The idea that light drinking was good for your health became gospel. Then, in the 2010s, researchers in the US began to question who was being counted as an abstainer or a moderate drinker in earlier studies. Were the non-drinkers avoiding alcohol because they were already ill or because they had quit drinking after health problems began? Likewise, were moderate drinkers more likely to practise moderation in other aspects of their lives, such as healthy eating? Jeanne Calment, who was the world's oldest person until her death in 1997 aged 122, famously enjoyed a daily glass of port along with wine, a cigarette and copious amounts of chocolate It's a fact Romanians are the worlds heaviest boozers, consuming on average 8.2 alcoholic drinks per day. More than 10,000 people in the UK died due to alcohol in 2023 the highest number on record. Advertisement Newer studies focused on a different group: people who do not drink for genetic reasons, such as variants that make alcohol difficult to metabolise. These offered a cleaner comparison. Researchers found these people were at no higher risk of heart disease or early death than light drinkers undermining the idea alcohol itself was providing the protection. In the past decade, alcohol has been linked to increased risk of seven different cancers. In a swift pivot, it began to appear that any level of drinking was unequivocally bad for us. Last year, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for cancer risk warnings on alcoholic drinks, like those on cigarettes. In the UK, recommendations were cut from three to four units a day to 14 units spread across a week by then chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies in 2016. Now some experts in the US say that the medical profession may have dismissed the health benefits of drinking too soon. We arent saying go ahead and drink, said Dr Mariann Piano, professor of nursing at Vanderbilt University and a member of the AHAs writing committee. In fact, one of our major points was that drinking too much can be really bad for your health. But the papers we reviewed found that light drinkers had a lower risk of heart disease and death than heavy drinkers and non-drinkers alike. The review did not explain why drinking might have this effect. But new research may have found the answer. A study at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston examined the medical data of more than 50,000 people to evaluate the relationship between light to moderate drinking and heart attacks and strokes. The paper came to the same conclusion as previous studies: one drink a day for women, or two for men, was associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease. This time, however, they also identified a possible explanation. Looking at brain scans of participants with a range of drinking habits, they found that alcohol, in light to moderate quantities, appeared to reduce long-term stress signals in the brain. When the amygdala [a region of the brain that processes stress] is too alert and vigilant, the sympathetic nervous system [the bodys fight-or-flight response] is heightened, which drives up blood pressure and increases heart rate, and triggers the release of inflammatory cells, explained Dr Ahmed Tawakol, professor of medicine at Harvard University. If the stress is chronic, the result is hypertension, increased inflammation and a substantial risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Alcohol reduces these stress signals. We believe this is one, likely of many, reasons why we see light drinking having a protective effect on heart health. Its a remarkable discovery. But the experts are clear that the advice is not to start drinking in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Those at high risk of cancer should recognise that even a single drink a day will further raise that risk, said Prof Tawakol. But others with a low risk of cancer yet a high risk of heart attacks might think differently. He added: I would aim to limit drinking to seven or fewer drinks a week, as thats where the data is strongest. But I would say yes, they should consider the risks and benefits that light alcohol consumption could have for their health. This, Prof Tawakol believes, is why it is important for reviews such as the AHAs to be published. It has been raised before that if you point out the benefits of alcohol, it might encourage people to drink, he said. But there are plenty of things people do that have both harms and benefits. Allowing people to hear only one side is frustrating and confusing. If we provide the full picture, we can empower people to make better decisions about their own health. Likewise, Dr John Holmes, professor of alcohol policy at the University of Sheffield, says that if youre drinking less than 14 units a week, youre probably at low risk of serious health issues from alcohol regardless. There is no body in the UK recommending people drink, but theres also no cliff edge where if you drink more than a certain level youre going to die, he said. But health officials have begun to dial back messaging on the risks of moderate drinking. Professor Sir Chris Whitty, the current Chief Medical Officer, has also previously listed drinking in moderation alongside stopping smoking, healthy eating and exercise when discussing how to reduce the risk of illness and disability in later life. Other experts agree. Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter was among those consulted during the 2016 update of the UKs guidelines, which defined low-risk drinking as carrying a one per cent lifetime risk of dying from an alcohol-related cause. At the time, he argued that moderate drinking should be viewed alongside other everyday risks people readily accept. Measured over a lifetime, he said, habits such as watching an hour of television a day or eating a bacon sandwich a couple of times a week may pose a greater risk to long-term health than moderate alcohol consumption. In contrast, an average driver faces much less than this lifetime risk from a car accident, he said. It all seems to come down to what pleasure you get from moderate drinking. His point was that we routinely accept activities we enjoy, despite their non-zero risk. One person who would no doubt have sympathised is Jeanne Calment, the worlds longest-lived person, who died in 1997 aged 122. She famously enjoyed a daily glass of port along with red wine, a cigarette and copious amounts of chocolate. Asked about the secret of her remarkable longevity, she put it simply: I took pleasure when I could. Cheers! The celebrities who loved a tipple Some of Britains most beloved and longest-living public figures were also among its most enthusiastic drinkers. Until her death aged 101, the Queen Mother maintained an impressive daily drinking routine. Mornings began with a gin and Dubonnet. Lunch was served with red wine and finished with port. Her so-called Magic Hour featured martinis, while dinner was washed down with pink champagne. Many joked that her fondness for a drinkypoo may have contributed to her longevity. I couldnt get through all my engagements without a little something, she once said. Meanwhile, one particularly bibulous prime minister was keeping a similar schedule. Even during his time in office, Sir Winston Churchill reportedly began each day with a whisky and soda, drank champagne at lunch, followed it with cognac or brandy, kept an ever-present glass of whisky through the afternoon and finished the day with wine at supper. Italian actress Sophia Loren, pictured in 1965, has long dismissed strict abstinence, saying she would much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero The Queen Mother began her mornings with gin and Dubonnet before having red wine and port with lunch and washing down dinner with pink champagne And this, he believed, was no indulgence. Churchill was said to be convinced that European leaders showed more respect to those who could hold their liquor. In the decade before his death, aged 90, he drank more than ever never missing a bottle of champagne at lunch, and often another at dinner. One visitor from the period observed: There is always some alcohol in his blood, and it reaches its peak late in the evening after he has had two or three scotches, several glasses of champagne, at least two brandies and a highball but his family never sees him the worse for drink. Others shared a similar outlook. Italian actress Sophia Loren, now 91, has long dismissed strict abstinence, saying she would much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero. And writer Sir John Mortimer, who died aged 85, once admitted he never ate a meal without white wine. News / National by Staff reporter In what critics describe as a serious blow to freedom of expression and the right to criticise government, opposition politician Dr Gadzamoyo Dewa has been handed an effective one-year jail sentence for insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.Dewa (58) was sentenced by the Bindura Magistrates Court on November 24, 2025, and is currently serving his sentence at Chawagona Prison in Bindura.The former parliamentary candidate, who once contested First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa in the Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe constituency, is also the current president of the Zimbabwe People's Party (ZPP). He previously dragged former president Robert Mugabe to court during his political career.According to the State, Dewa insulted President Mnangagwa while travelling on a public bus, allegedly referring to him in derogatory terms and accusing him of stealing public funds while citizens were suffering.His lawyer, Ernest Jena, confirmed the conviction and sentence, saying an appeal against both conviction and sentence has been lodged with the High Court. Jena added that Dewa's application for bail pending appeal was dismissed by Magistrate Ruramai Chitumbura.Dewa was convicted of undermining the authority of or insulting the President, as defined under Section 33(2)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].Court documents state that Dewa allegedly uttered the words while the bus was travelling through the Shashi Mountains area in Bindura. One of the passengers, Johannes Zezai (52), a miner from Mt Darwin, testified that he heard Dewa shout the remarks.Zezai told the court that the comments angered some passengers, prompting him to intervene to prevent an assault."I tried to persuade the accused to stop his insults, but it was as if I had added petrol to a fire," Zezai testified."When we got to Mupfurudzi Toll-gate, I asked the driver to park the bus while I requested the police to arrest the accused."Dewa was arrested on December 20, 2024, while travelling to Mt Darwin aboard a Bless It Up Motors bus to attend a funeral.In his defence, Dewa denied insulting the President, arguing instead that he was expressing his intention to contest the presidency in 2028 and outlining his vision for political change. He told the court that he was a victim of political persecution."The truth is the defendant informed people who were standing near him that he wanted to be the next President in 2028; that the country needs new people and a new broom to cleanse the country of kleptocracy, cronyism and corruption," Dewa argued.He further claimed that the complainant misunderstood the discussion and failed to comprehend the English language conversation taking place, leading to incorrect conclusions."It would appear the informant had gone asleep and woke up to hear people talking about a topic he did not fully understand," Dewa said, adding that no other witnesses who allegedly wanted to assault him testified in court.Despite his defence, the court found Dewa guilty and imposed an effective custodial sentence, a development that has reignited debate over the continued use of laws criminalising insults against the President in Zimbabwe. When a peer-reviewed article in the British Medical Journal suggested last summer that Covid may have been quietly weakening our immune systems, it passed largely unnoticed. Its author, Canadian science writer Nick Tsergas, was careful not to overstate the case the science, he stressed, was still evolving. But the question he raised was unsettling whether the virus might have left lasting immune changes, even in people who believed they had recovered completely. For the past few years, rising infection rates have been explained by the so-called 'immunity debt' theory the idea that the pandemic lockdowns and social distancing suppressed the circulation of everyday viruses, leaving people more vulnerable once normal life resumed. As restrictions lifted, bugs returned, and many assumed we were simply paying the price all at once. But more than five years on, that explanation is beginning to look incomplete, Mr Tsergas argued. Outbreaks have not faded away. In some cases, they appear to have intensified prompting scientists to ask whether something else may be going on. In the piece, Mr Tsergas quoted Dr Samira Jeimy, a clinical immunologist at the University of Western Ontario, who said she had seen an alarming rise in mycoplasma pneumoniae a milder but still serious form of pneumonia, sometimes dubbed 'walking pneumonia', which typically affects younger people. 'I can count on my hands the number of times I'd ever seen mycoplasma pneumoniae before 2023,' she said. 'All of a sudden, I feel like everybody has it.' As the UK continues to be battered by a severe winter flu outbreak with hospitalisations up by about 10 per cent in the past week the article has begun circulating again on social media. In one Instagram video, a user posting under the name PacoOnPause says: 'I keep seeing people say, 'This is the sickest I've ever been.' 'You're going to hate this, but are you sickest now because you keep getting Covid?' Lydia Morley believes her diagnosis of alopecia was triggered after catching Covid eight times In another clip posted last month, a young woman rejects claims that Covid is 'just like flu', saying she has 'developed a new chronic illness every time she gets infected'. A third asks: 'Why have I had a cold every two months since having Covid?' UK doctors say they are seeing similar patterns emerge. 'I have definitely seen this,' said Kent-based GP Dr Stephanie De Giorgio. 'Young people are getting more serious complications from viral infections, such as pneumonia and tonsillitis leading to abscesses in the throat. 'We're seeing more cases of glandular fever and referring more young patients for secondary-care [specialist] investigations than we needed to before. We can't keep pretending a pandemic didn't happen, or that it hasn't had a long-term impact on our health.' Last week The Mail on Sunday's columnist and GP Dr Ellie Cannon also raised concerns, writing: 'Some of the stories I've heard are startling fit, healthy people in their 30s and 40s developing pneumonia, sepsis and shingles, conditions usually associated with the frail and elderly. 'Many patients feel they're battling one cough or cold after another. It makes you wonder if something else might be going on.' We received a flood of emails from readers who said they shared those suspicions. One woman, aged 51, wrote that a minor infection last year worsened to the extent she needed hospital treatment. 'Before that, I considered myself healthy. I was very rarely sick,' she said. 'But since then I've lost count of the number of times I've been prescribed antibiotics.' Another reader, in her 60s, said: 'I caught a strep throat infection that turned into sepsis. I was in intensive care for ten days. Since then, I've been ill constantly and seem to catch every infection going.' So what is going on? Could repeated Covid infections really have left some immune systems less able to cope? There is evidence that, since the pandemic, we have been seeking medical advice for illness far more often. Last year there were more than seven million calls to the NHS non-emergency helpline 111 an average of about 660,000 a month compared with a pre-pandemic average of 155,000. UK health surveillance data shows there has indeed been a marked rise in mycoplasma pneumoniae, the bacterial infection that causes so-called 'walking pneumonia'. Cases surged during the winter of 2023, particularly among children and young adults, and levels have remained higher than expected since prompting warnings from public health officials that its spread has not yet returned to pre-pandemic norms. A series of recent studies also suggests we may, overall, be getting ill more often. A 2025 paper published in The Lancet tracked more than 830,000 US veterans and found that even patients who were not hospitalised for Covid had higher rates of bacterial, viral and fungal infections in the year that followed. A growing number of scientists believe this may be because Covid can subtly alter immune function. Last month, a large study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases went further, arguing that Covid should be viewed as a condition that can leave some people with longer-lasting immune weakness. Researchers analysed health and blood-test data from about 40,000 patients in China, much of it collected before the pandemic, and then compared it with results from the same individuals after they had been infected with Covid. This allowed them to track how immune systems changed over time, rather than relying on a single snapshot. They found that several key components of immune function including cells involved in fighting infections were still depleted months after infection. The effects were most pronounced in men, older adults and people with heart disease. The authors concluded that, in some cases, Covid may leave the immune system slower to recover, potentially increasing vulnerability to other infections long after the illness has passed. Since publishing his BMJ article, Nick Tsergas has argued that we need to move beyond what he calls a 'false binary' between those suffering long Covid the estimated 1.9 million Britons left with ongoing symptoms such as breathlessness, exhaustion and brain fog months or even years after infection and everyone else. Instead, he suggests Covid's effects may exist on a spectrum meaning some people are left severely affected, while others appear to recover, but with more subtle changes that only become apparent over time. It is a theory that may hold some weight, says Professor Danny Altmann, an immunologist at Imperial College London. 'At the start of the pandemic, the rhetoric from many was that Covid was no different to a cold,' he said. 'The old school of thought with a virus like a cold was that your body fights it off and that's that but we now know that is not always the case.' It's a fact Roughly two-thirds of the British population caught Covid between April 2020 and February 2022 Advertisement Professor Altmann's research has shown that in some long Covid patients, a 'reservoir' of the virus can remain in the body, driving ongoing symptoms. 'It is not an unreasonable hypothesis that a milder infection could also lead to a subtle impairment of the immune system,' he said. He also points to research suggesting a rise in autoimmune diagnoses following Covid infection. A 2023 analysis of health records found that people who had Covid were two to three times more likely to later be diagnosed with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and type 1 diabetes. But other studies suggest this increased risk appears lower with later Covid variants. However, not every expert is convinced Covid has permanently damaged our immune systems. 'I do not believe the theory that our immune systems have been permanently impaired by Covid, although it is plausible,' said Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease specialist. 'In a population where the vast majority have been infected, it is extremely difficult to produce high-quality studies with a true control group. It may be the case but we may never be able to prove it definitively.' Heightened awareness may also play a role. 'We have all become more conscious of how we feel,' said Professor Altmann. 'And that isn't necessarily a bad thing.' I had Covid eight times... then all my hair fell out For Lydia Morley the theory feels personal. She believes her diagnosis of alopecia was triggered after catching Covid eight times. I think after having it so many times, my immune system has just been dampened and dampened, says Lydia, 24. I had Covid at the end of November 2023 for the eighth time, and then I started seeing my hair falling out after that. Within five months of Lydia's alopecia diagnosis she lost about 80 per cent of her hair and says she barely recognised herself Whenever I brushed my hair, Id have proper clumps come out. It was getting to the point where it was strange. Doctors told Lydia that Covid could be a factor but not the only one. Alopecia is one of those conditions where they dont always know exactly why it happens, says Lydia, from Newport, South Wales. They said Covid could be part of it, but it could also be a million other things too. Within five months of her diagnosis she lost about 80 per cent of her hair and says she barely recognised herself. She adds: Im a very outgoing person, and it really takes that away from you. People dont realise how much of their identity is tied up in how they look. Hollywood's awards season is upon us, but the A-list attendees stomach's may be left growling thanks to the lack of desirable food offered at the star-studded events. Last Sunday, movie and TV royalty attending the 2026 Critics Choice Awards were served a rather lackluster meal, which was mercilessly mocked online thanks to its tiny portion sizes and boring contents. New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan shared a photo of the dinner guests were served at the awards show - and it left both attendees and the general public unimpressed. The stars were served a handful of pita chips, two small bunches of grapes, two wedges of cheese, a small side of bruschetta and two cherry tomatoes paired with cheeseballs and basil, along with a small dollop of hummus. 'Hello from the Critics Choice Awards and our dinner, this snack plate,' Buchanan captioned the photo. The image drew mockery and was even compared to the disappointing meal served at the disastrous Fyre Festival or airplane food. One award winner even put the association on blast for the food, with Abbott Elementary star Janelle James mocking it as she delivered her acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series. 'The best thing about being nominated four times is I'm finally realizing they're never gonna feed us at this thing, it's gonna be just grapes and ice cream every year, but this makes up for it!' she joked. On Sunday, television royalty attending the 2026 Critics Choice Awards were served a rather lackluster meal, which was mercilessly mocked for its tiny portion sizes and boring contents Mckenna Grace is seen with her snack place at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards This wasn't the first time that the lack of food at the prestigious ceremonies caught people's attention, and the Daily Mail has taken a look at some of the worst meals served at an awards show. Back in 2013, Jennifer Lawrence repeatedly told reporters that she was 'so hungry' on the Oscars red carpet. 'I'm starving,' she told Ryan Seacrest at the time. When he told her there would be food afterwards, she groaned, saying: 'The show is so long!' In 2024, the Critics Choice Awards were put on blast again after serving A-listers pizza in a bag, with stars like Oprah Winfrey refusing to eat it. In a clip shared to the Oprah Daily's Instagram account, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Fantasia Barrino and more were seen being served a slice of pizza in a paper bag. 'Where are the lamb chops?' Barrino jokingly asked in the video. Brooks appeared to be enjoying the meal, but when the camera then panned over to Winfrey, she said she wouldn't indulge in the pizza because she didn't want to ruin her makeup. 'I'm not messing up my lips,' she said while pointing to her face. In 2024, the Critics Choice Awards were put on blast again after serving A-listers pizza in a bag, with stars like Oprah Winfrey refusing to eat it Filmmaker Jen D'Angelo shared her disgust over the infamous 'pizza in a bag' served at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards In 2018, host Jimmy Kimmel packed individual lunch boxes full of snacks for each and every person attending the Academy Awards The snack boxes served at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards are seen, which was followed by pizza in a bag The meal went viral online, with viewers in disbelief that at an awards show honoring some of the finest in the business didn't even serve them a hot meal. In previous years, some hosts have even poked fun at the unsatisfactory meals provided at awards shows. In 2018, host Jimmy Kimmel packed individual lunch boxes full of snacks for each and every person attending the Academy Awards. 'We don't like it when people are hungry,' he wrote in the tweet. 'So we provided lunchboxes with snacks for everyone at the #Oscars and included a donation to the @LAFoodBank for each one.' 'It wouldn't be right to make you sit through this without snacks,' he continued. 'Please don't throw them at me.' He signed each box with an 'XO' and added a postscript about donations to the LA Food Bank. From the street, it looks like just another old pub tucked into one of Bendigo's most historic pockets. But behind its unassuming facade lies one of the most extraordinary homes in regional Victoria: a four-level architectural showpiece that has been transformed from a gold-rush era hotel into a breathtaking private residence. Located in Bendigo, Victoria, the former Parkview Hotel was originally designed in 1872 by famed architect William Vahland. Today, the once-bustling watering hole has been transformed into what agents describe as one of the most 'incomparable' homes ever to hit the Bendigo market. A rare combination of heritage grandeur, clever design and resort-style living for this part of the country, featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a whopping seven car parking spaces. While the exterior still proudly reflects its 19th-century past, stepping across the threshold at 224 View Street reveals an entirely different mood. The interior has been meticulously rebuilt around a striking four-storey glass lift which shows off as an unexpected centrepiece, and instantly signals this is no ordinary regional property. Bendigo Ballarat Real Estate agent Jen Wallace summed it up best, describing the home as 'elegant, substantial, soulful, historic, incomparable,' and it's not hard to see why. From the street, it appears to be just another old Bendigo pub - but behind this modest facade is a spectacular four-level home, transformed from a historic gold-rush hotel into regional Victorias most remarkable private residence Located in Bendigo, Victoria, the former Parkview Hotel was originally designed in 1872 by famed architect William Vahland. Pictured: The ground-floor commercial space attached to the home The home stretches across approximately 510sqm, unfolding over four interconnected levels that each reveal something new. Downstairs, a vast basement holds an impressive seven-car garage - a dream for anyone wanting easy storage in the heart of the town's CBD. Above it sits a ground-floor commercial tenancy with prime street frontage, providing an incredibly rare opportunity for buyers to generate income from their own home. But it's the residence itself that steals the show. The main living areas are flooded with light and framed by panoramic views stretching towards Bendigo's iconic cathedral. The chef's kitchen opens onto a serene courtyard with a plunge pool, creating a peaceful backdrop for family life and entertaining. Every detail, from the finishes to the flow, has been executed with precision, offering a level of modern refinement rarely seen in a heritage conversion of this scale. At the very top of the home lies a 'master retreat' that rivals a boutique hotel. The entire floor is dedicated to privacy and indulgence, featuring a lounge, a luxurious ensuite, spacious his-and-hers dressing rooms and a private terrace perched above the city. From here, the views sweep across the Bendigo skyline - a scene that makes the home feel more like an elevated retreat than a suburban residence. Today, the once-bustling watering hole has been transformed into what agents describe as one of the most 'incomparable' homes ever to hit the Bendigo market featuring four bedrooms and three bathrooms over four split levels A rare combination of heritage grandeur, clever design and resort-style living for this part of the country, featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a whopping seven car parking spaces 'It's like an upscale luxury retreat,' Jen said when advertising the listing, adding that the sense of calm and seclusion is unmatched despite being footsteps from Bendigo's arts precinct, schools, hospitals and hospitality scene. What makes it so extraordinary is how seamlessly it blends its 19th-century heritage with 21st-century technology and design. It also has smart home integration, high-end materials and a layout crafted for modern living to strike a balance few historic homes achieve. With a private sale guide of $3.5 million, the property is already generating significant buzz. The main living areas are flooded with light and framed by panoramic views stretching towards Bendigo's iconic cathedral The home stretches across approximately 510sqm, unfolding over four interconnected levels that each reveal something new The chef's kitchen opens onto a serene courtyard with a plunge pool, creating a peaceful backdrop for family life and entertaining The regional city has become one of Victorias most sought-after lifestyle hubs in recent years, offering all the charm of a historic gold-rush town with the amenities, culture and dining scene of a much bigger centre. Pictured: The property's large kitchen and dining area And while the home itself is undeniably the star of the show, its location in Bendigo only adds to the appeal. The regional city has become one of Victorias most sought-after lifestyle hubs in recent years, offering all the charm of a historic gold-rush town with the amenities, culture and dining scene of a much bigger centre. Families in particular are flocking to the area for its top-tier schools, spacious parks, sporting facilities and the ease of having everything - from theatres to galleries to hospitals - just minutes away. The four bedrooms open out onto connecting balconies and all feature walk-in wardrobes There are three expansive bathrooms that share the same grey and white aesthetic with silver taps and finishings The house seamlessly it blends its 19th-century heritage with 21st-century technology and design. It also has smart home integration, high-end materials and a layout crafted for modern living The home stretches across approximately 510sqm and has a private sale guide of $3.5 million, complete with a seven-car garage The property market has followed suit, with Bendigos median house price sitting around the low-$600,000s, which is a figure that continues to attract Melbourne buyers who are fed up with soaring capital-city prices. Compared to the cost of a modest suburban home in Melbourne, Bendigo offers far more space, character and value for money, making it a hotspot for both families and investors wanting a better return. Rental demand remains solid too, thanks to the citys steady population growth, local universities and thriving health and hospitality sectors. Market analysts continue to list Bendigo among Victorias strongest regional performers where buyers feel confident theyre investing in both lifestyle and long-term growth. So for potential buyers of this impressive property - or anyone looking to relocate to Bendigo - the benefits go far beyond the walls of this spectacular home. Late-night legend David Letterman unleashed fury at CBS executives, claiming they destroyed the network he worked at for more than two decades. The 78-year-old TV host went on his scathing rant during an episode of The Barbara Gaines Show uploaded to the Letterman YouTube channel on Saturday. Before diving into his attack on the 'integrity' of CBS, now overseen by Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, Letterman praised Jimmy Kimmel for how he handled his suspension from his show. ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! was briefly suspended after Kimmel made remarks targeting the response from the 'MAGA gang' to Charlie Kirk's assassination in September 2025. Left-leaning Letterman said that Kimmel 'brought the people at Disney, and all of those other network television owners to their knees' and exposed them for 'the fools they are.' He also lauded other late-night stars Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert - who took over for Letterman when he left CBS in 2015 and whose show is due to end in May - saying: 'We're running out of places where you hear these voices.' Letterman painted Kimmel as a fair critic, claiming that if there were a Democrat president in office who 'behaved the way this Republican president is behaving,' he would be just as skeptical. David Letterman, seen with Barbara Gaines, went off about CBS during the Saturday video Letterman was a late night talk show host with CBS from 1993 to 2015 Bari Weiss is the Editor-in-Chief of CBS News under the merged Paramount Skydance Corporation After wrapping up his take on Kimmel and the other hosts, Letterman turned his attention to CBS, where he hosted Late Night with David Letterman from 1993 until his 2015 retirement. 'What about those idiots at CBS?' Letterman asked the episode's hosts, Barbara Gaines and Mary Barclay. He continued: 'CBS News is a wreck, its just gone! CBS News, for decades, going back to World War II, before World War II, Ed Murrow would be broadcasting the blitz of London from the rooftop of buildings in London for CBS radio.' Murrow was a pioneering broadcast journalist famous for his World War II coverage via live radio. He also notably attacked Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist scare tactics during a 1954 episode of his CBS program, See It Now. 'It was that mentality that drove the integrity of CBS News that has been trampled on, p***ed on and eviscerated by these idiots that have taken it over,' Letterman said. In August 2025, Paramount and Skydance Corporation merged under CEO David Ellison, whose billionaire father, Larry Ellison, is an outspoken Donald Trump ally. Although Trump blasted Paramount Skydance - CBS News' parent company - in December 2025, complaining about his treatment by 60 Minutes. Ed Murrow was an iconic war correspondent for CBS known for his World War II coverage Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison is the son of billionaire Trump ally Larry Ellison 'For those people that think I am close with the new owners of CBS, please understand that 60 Minutes has treated me far worse since the so-called "takeover" than they have ever treated me before,' he wrote on Truth Social. Weiss, a self-proclaimed political centrist, has been appointed as CBS News' Editor-in-Chief. She has vowed to provide news for the American 'mainstream' who have been 'ill-served' by the media. But her background as a vocal opinion journalist with no previous broadcast experience has made her a controversial pick for the top role. Rebecca Jane Butterfield was classed as more dangerous than notorious Australian serial killer Ivan Milat during her quarter-century in jail, but now she's set to walk free. The savage killer was designated 'Extreme High Security by Commissioner' and her prison file was ominously marked: 'Extreme caution at all times.' The police officer's daughter was initially jailed for stabbing a neighbour but her cold-blooded manslaughter of a friend and inmate in a prison yard sealed her fate forever. Butterfield, 50, would also unleash her ferocious anger on staff and other prisoners apparently at random and without warning, leaving several scarred for life. Prison guards were warned she could even remove her handcuffs - and would not hesitate to launch brutal assaults or make chilling threats against prison staff. But now she's set to be released back into the community, long after the end of her sentence, amid a series of disturbing warnings from those who now know her best. 'She will without a doubt kill again,' said one female prison guard on a Facebook discussion among officers who have encountered the killer. 'Ive looked directly into those eyes she is without feeling nor remorse.' Rebecca Butterfield is considered 'more dangerous than serial killer Ivan Milat' and when she is released from jail the officers who guarded her, some still scarred, fear she will kill or maim again Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre (above) where Rebecca Butterfield was incarcerated for many years and where she was sent back to every time she attacked prison officers Even just exiting her cell, Butterfield had to wear handcuffs attached to a restraining belt. She has repeatedly told officers and medical staff that she will kill once more. 'Absolutely she will kill again if she's released,' one officer said. 'Having had a lot of involvement with Rebecca, it's not even a doubt that it would happen, it's a certainty.' Another said: 'She will kill or maim. 'If not a police officer or other first responder, she will do something to a NDIS carer ... a housemate, an innocent person in the street, at a shop, or just walking around one night. 'All she needs is a knife.' Butterfield can fashion even a small piece of plastic into a fearsome weapon, slashing one officer's face with a prison-made 'shiv', a makeshift jail knife. Despite the dark warnings, the NSW Supreme Court has ordered the killer is made ready for integration back into the outside world, probably within a few months. Butterfield, in the prison yard with a visitor, is the daughter of a country cop who started going off the rails aged 21 and has been in a downward spiral of violence and self-destruction The 'high risk violent offender' is currently in custody as a forensic patient at Long Bay prison's mental health hospital, but the court has now ordered an end to her staying there. Admittedly, Butterfield is as much a danger to herself as others. She cut her own throat four years in a row, almost bleeding out once, and severely burnt herself when she set fire to her cell in 2008. The following year she headbutted her cell wall 105 times, fracturing her skull so badly that officers could see her brain pulsing through the crack. Weeks later, transferred from prison to Long Bay Hospital, she reopened the wound by banging her head against the wall - and then inserted items into her scalp. The plan now is for Butterfield to live in an NDIS-funded home where she will be allowed out to shop and mix with the local community. She was the daughter of a country cop, Senior Constable Ray 'Dudley' Butterfield, then a 23-year NSW Police veteran. Butterfield had allegedly been raped by one or more men, but the main man accused had his sexual assault charges dismissed at court after it was claimed 'police in charge of the case stuffed up the brief of evidence'. In the aftermath, a furious Butterfield went to Orange Police Station and pelted it with rocks. Orange Police Station, where it all began after Rebecca Butterfield, enraged that a man accused of raping her was found not guilty and she blamed police and threw rocks and missiles at the station She started her life of crime at 21 in 1996, with relatively minor offences, smashing shops in her home town of Orange in the NSW Central West. Arrested and charged, she began her career of violent acts and self-harm, slashing up in a prison truck and setting fire to the interior. Butterfield was convicted of malicious damage, resisting arrest, assaulting police and drug offences. A year later, she stabbed a taxi driver in an unprovoked attack and was convicted of serious assault, assaulting police and using a weapon to resist arrest. In 2000, aged 25, she slashed her wrists and was found by a neighbour who desperately tried to help her. But crazed Butterfield fought her off - before reaching for a kitchen knife and stabbing the neighbour five times. She was sentenced in June 2001 to six years in jail with a non-parole period of three years. And since then, inmate number 263293's horrific behaviour has transformed that into a near-permanent prison sentence. At 12.30pm on May 7, 2003 in Emu Plains Correctional Centre, Rebecca Butterfield attacked her only friend in prison in the jail kitchen with a large meat knife Nine months before she became a killer, she admitted to an inmate: If I come out of my cell I have to have a restraining belt on because of the assaults I did on officers.' She was transferred to Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre after her attacks on prison staff but dreamed of a move back to Sydney's more relaxed Emu Plains minimum security jail, at the foot of the Blue Mountains. 'Sometimes there seems to be no end to my apauling [sic] behaviour,' she admitted. Butterfield got her dream move - but it ended in tragedy for fellow prisoner, Bluce Lim-Ward, 30. She was just a month away from the end of her sentence for fraud when Butterfield struck around 12.30pm on May 7, 2003. Bluce was Butterfield's only friend in jail. They lived in adjoining prison houses at Emu Plains and were 'walking partners', regularly doing laps of the jail together. A confidential internal prison report, exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail, reveals how Butterfield can kill for no apparent reason. A fellow prison inmate said the two women had been 'close', but just hours before the attack Bluce had gone to the jail psychologists with concerns about Butterfield. Bluce Lim- Ward was just 30 and a month off being released from prison after a sentence for fraud when her jail 'friend' fatally stabbed her 33 times She had been escalating in her instability, and claimed her psychiatric medication had been cut by half, and had made demands at the jail pill window for her depression. Above Butterfield's prison bed was a cork board with messages such as 'Everyone hates me' and 'I need help'. At lunchtime, on the pretext of making Bluce a coffee, Butterfield went to the kitchen where there were three knives - a small vegetable knife, a serrated bread knife and a large meat knife. She grabbed the largest and returned to Bluce - and immediately began stabbing her. According to the fellow prisoner: 'Bluce tried to get away, but couldn't. 'Bluce was lying on the ground bleeding when Lindsay Woods (another inmate) stepped in to help. 'Looking Lindsay in the eye, Butterfield bent down and stabbed Bluce once again slowly, saying, "Now someone might listen to me".' Officers took five minutes to arrive on the scene, but Bluce was dead. She had been stabbed 33 times. Long Bay Correctional Complex where Rebecca is currently housed in the Forensic Hospital, getting day release, and preparing for her release into the community Directly after the attack, witnesses said Butterfield was in a trance, 'not hysterical and she didn't try to get away'. Butterfield was sentenced to 12 years for the killing. That year, Corrective Services Commissioner Ron Woodham designated Butterfield an 'extreme high security' prisoner for her threats against officers. Over the years, the attacks have been constant, kicking a nurse while being treated at Westmead Hospital for her own self-harm injuries, throwing a cup of her urine at one officer and boiling water at another. She was sentenced to extra jail time for assaulting an officer in the execution of duty, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault. There was an incident when she held a nurse hostage using scissors she stole from a clinic, and was also known to self-harm to lure officers into her cell to attack them. One prison source said Butterfield showed 'calculated madness' whose long periods of calmness were shattered by moments when 'she explodes (into) severe violence'. Butterfield remains locked up at Long Bay Hospital under regular psychiatric review, but has already been granted multiple day release trips out into the public. Rebecca Butterfield's father, former police officer Ray 'Dudley' Butterfield, died in September, 25 years after his daughter was first locked up for stabbing their neighbour She was held in jail past the 2015 expiry of her sentence by a series of extended supervision orders. But in March 2024, Justice Michael Walton revoked the orders and ruled Butterfield is released into the community under a strict five-year supervision order. It was to happen at the earliest by May that year, and last September it was reported that Butterfield was being prepared for her return to society with excursions outside and training on adjusting to a normal law-abiding life. Her father died in September after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. In a letter from prison, Butterfield said she had finally sent him a letter, but it is unclear if she had an ongoing relationship with her family since her manslaughter conviction. This week Corrective Services NSW told the Daily Mail that Butterfield was still under the care of the Forensic Hospital, but not for much longer. Even prison guards who were sympathetic to Butterfield's troubled background say she is 'a lost cause'. One male correctional officer who dealt with her said: 'She is extremely unpredictable and dangerous, and does not cope well without being closely monitored. 'I can only imagine she has declined over those years. I feel sick in the stomach for the unsuspecting people who are going to be living near her.' Stefan Di Benedetto's family and friends thought he was crazy when he made a life-changing gamble. The Melbourne project manager was working for one of Australias largest construction companies when he put everything on the line to launch alcohol start-up Solbevi in August 2023. Despite having no industry experience, he soon struck a distribution deal with retail giant Dan Murphy's to stock Australia's first limoncello spritz in a can in nine stores. Mr Di Benedetto quit his high-paying job and poured his entire savings into the business. He did construction night shifts and worked at his local pub on Sundays for almost two years while spending up to 90 hours a week expanding the business, which came with major sacrifices and challenges. The business ran out of money twice, amid constant rejection from hospitality operators, and an early-morning warehouse break-in several months ago took a financial and emotional toll. But not only did Solbevi survive, it has thrived. Solbevi is now stocked in more than 2,500 stores across Australia, including bottle shop chains Dan Murphy's and Liquorland. Stefan Di Benedetto started an alcohol start-up and hasn't looked back The Melbourne entrepreneur is proud of producing Australia's first limoncello spritz in a can Following a successful international launch in New Zealand, Solbevi has set its sights on South-East Asia with a recent expansion to Malaysia and Singapore. Solbevi was sold at the F1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne earlier this year, along with several AFLW games and multiple festivals. The company supplies onboard beverages for airlines Qantas and Scoot and has been awarded best liqueur in the world by US Spirits Ratings. 'The last two years have been exhausting,' Mr Di Benedetto said. 'We've run out of money twice, which impacted cash flow. 'Capital raising fell through three times when it came to signing on the dotted line, which almost killed me. 'We lost $20,000 worth of equipment and stock in the break-in - a setback we hadn't accounted for.' 'I burned through personal savings during extensive overseas travels to pitch with no guaranteed outcomes. The entrepreneur has set his sights on South-East Asia with a recent expansion to Malaysia (pictured) and Singapore Dan Murphy's was the first retailer to stock Solbevi in nine stores. The brand is now sold in more than 2,500 stores 'We still hadn't raised the entire amount of capital until four months ago. But our growth has allowed us to thrive.' All the lessons he's learned have been on the job. 'We started the business with zero industry background in marketing, sales, and distribution,' Mr Di Benedetto said. 'Everything had to be learned from scratch. The best way was to learn on the job and from the bad decisions we made. 'Everyone, including my parents, thought we were crazy. But I didn't listen to them. 'I have no regrets. The only thing I wish we did was to get onto TikTok earlier, which can change a business overnight.' Mr Di Benedetto came up with the idea of making Australia's first limoncello in a can during Covid lockdown and spent the next few years working out how to produce it on a commercial scale and develop the brand. The drinks market is one of the toughest industries in the world, facing a perfect storm of challenges, including declining consumption and changes in consumer behaviour on top of rising business costs. Solbevi is served on selected Qantas flights and in its business lounges Low-cost airline Scoot has also come on board Stefan (left) previously worked for one of Australias largest construction companies 'Introducing limoncello in an already saturated market where the category is unfamiliar meant that we had to educate people from day one,' Mr Di Benedetto said. 'We also had to take into consideration that people aren't drinking as much alcohol as they used to.' The next goal is to expand the brand further internationally. 'My vision is to make Solbevi a brand that can be enjoyed all year round and sit alongside Aperol and Campari in venues worldwide,' Mr Di Benedetto said. He warned other budding entrepreneurs that start-ups aren't for the faint-hearted. 'Product-based businesses are really expensive, so ensure you have a means of getting money,' he said. 'But use all your own money first, you will guard it with your life, which means you will make smarter and more thought-through decisions. It helps reduce costly mistakes. 'And, be prepared for a whole new world of hard work. If you want a normal life and to run a start-up, think twice. Your start-up will be your life. So you need to love it.' Labour has broken another manifesto pledge, having slashed the number of case workers processing asylum claims. Home Office figures show there are now 2,113 staff employed to interview asylum seekers to evaluate whether they can stay in Britain. During the last month of the Tories, however, there were 2,464. This is despite Labour promising voters that it would hire additional caseworkers to 'restore order to the asylum system'. It said extra staff were needed to clear the 'perma-backlog' that had built up under the Tories, claiming it would save taxpayers 'billions of pounds'. Asylum seekers are housed in hotels and other accommodation all over the country while their claims are processed. Your browser does not support iframes. Labour promised voters that it would hire additional caseworkers to 'restore order to the asylum system'. It said extra staff were needed to clear the 'perma-backlog' that had built up under the Tories, claiming it would save taxpayers 'billions of pounds'. A screenshot of Labour's manifesto document Chris Philp, Shadow Home Secretary, told the Mail: 'Despite promising extra asylum caseworkers in their manifesto, the stats show there has been a fall in the number of caseworkers under Labour. 'This is just another broken promise from this weak Labour government. 'Only the Conservative Party have a clear plan to stop illegal immigrants crossing the Channel.' Labour was last month accused of shattering a manifesto pledge to not hike taxes on working people. Although Rachel Reeves decided against raising income tax in her bombshell budget, she froze thresholds for another three years in a 'stealth raid' that will drag millions of Britons into giving more. Hospitality chiefs also accused Labour of breaching its manifesto, after firms were hammered with a huge increase in their business rates bill that will result in closures and job losses. First reported by Private Eye, the caseworker figures lay bare another broken Labour 2024 manifesto promise. In the document, Sir Keir Starmer said that his party would 'turn the page and restore order to the asylum system so that it operates swiftly, firmly, and fairly; and the rules are properly enforced'. The manifesto continued: 'We will hire additional caseworkers to clear the Conservatives backlog and end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds'. Under Rishi Sunak, there was a 94% rise in caseworkers, from 1,265 in November 2022 to 2,455 in July 2024. By comparison, Labour has overseen a 13% decrease in case worker headcount since it came to power. Despite the shrinking headcount, Home Office statistics suggest the process has become more efficient. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood last month boasted that the backlog was 18% lower now than when Labour entered office. That, however, applies only to asylum seekers awaiting an initial decision from the Home Office. Although that backlog has been slashed, it has simply moved into the immigration courts. Figures show the number of asylum cases in the lower tribunal has soared 104% to 69,670 by the end of September, up from 34,234 a year earlier. Meanwhile, new appeals submitted to the court rose by 240% from 4,818 in June to September to 16,398 in the same period this year. About seven out of 10 asylum seekers whose claims are rejected by the Home Office go on to launch legal challenges in a bid to have the decision reversed. William Yarwood, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Its welcome to see the Home Office cutting headcount and finding efficiencies in processing asylum claims. 'Taxpayers deserve a system that actually works. 'But any progress risks being wiped out if Channel crossings continue to rise month after month, meaning that hiring more people to deal with claims may be necessary. 'If the Home Office chooses to expand its team again, it must prove that the efficiencies won't be lost and pair any staffing changes with meaningful action to reduce illegal arrivals.' It comes after the Home Affairs Committee issued its damning report into asylum accommodation last month, which blasted the government for a series of failures. Included in the 117-page document was advice that 'reducing the appeals backlog' was a key step in reducing the number of people in asylum accommodation. Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves The backlog has also played a role in the spiralling costs for taxpayers, with Home Office data showing it spent around 5.4bn on asylum support in 2023, more than twice as much as in 2021. Those in the hotels, which average 145 per night, are usually provided meals along with 9.95 per week. The handout amount rises to 49.18 per week if no meals are provided. Extra money is also provided to pregnant mothers and young children. Costs to the taxpayer rise even further when the legal fees at the immigration and asylum tribunals are considered. On paper, it costs a migrant 80 to 140 for a first-tier tribunal hearing, while upper tribunal appeals are free. However 'many asylum applicants do not pay these fees if they receive legal aid, asylum support, or a fee remission,' Dr Peter Walsh, senior researcher at the Migration Observatory at Oxford University, told the Daily Mail. 'All this excludes legal costs, which could go into the thousands for a case.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. In total, there were 100,000 asylum seekers living in state-funded accommodation as of September 1 this year. Experts say the courts have become 'overwhelmed' with migrants desperately trying to use the legal system to remain in Britain. Last month Ms Mahmood announced plans to scrap the existing asylum appeals system but the changes will be arduous and take a long time to implement. Under her proposals the first-tier immigration and asylum tribunal will be replaced with a new body controlled by the Home Office. Independent adjudicators will scrutinise appeals instead of judges. But legislation to implement the reforms is yet to be published and is likely to face strong opposition, particularly from the House of Lords and the legal establishment. The shake-up is unlikely to be in place until the end of next year, or later. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The Home Secretary has announced the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times which will make Britain a less attractive destination for illegal migrants and will make it easier to remove and deport them. 'Asylum decisions have reached a record high under this government, rising by 31 per cent this year meaning the number of people awaiting an initial decision is now more than 50 per cent lower than the peak in June 2023.' A fit and healthy Brisbane father-of-two had no symptoms, no pain, and no warning signs until a routine check-up revealed he had prostate cancer at just 45. Matt Granfield has urged men not to delay cancer screenings after a New Year health check flagged concerning results last February. The Aussie dad had been getting tested every year after both his father and his grandfather were diagnosed with the disease. For the first time, Mr Granfield's PSA, a protein in the blood linked to prostate cancer, was higher than normal. A repeat test three months later showed PSA levels had climbed again. Doctors ordered scans and then a biopsy, which confirmed the cancer in May. 'That was a big "whoa" moment. At 45-years-old, I didn't expect that cancer (and) hearing that word is so scary,' he told the Daily Mail. 'I burst into tears, like, "What am I going to do? How can I deal with this?" 'I started freaking out, going, "Oh my god, I'm going to have erectile dysfunction for the rest of my life. I'm going to have hormone treatment". 'It was a really brutal, awful time not knowing what I was facing or whether I would be cured and what my prognosis was.' Matt Granfield (pictured with his sons Jack, 8, and Will, 10) was diagnosed with prostate cancer after an annual health check-up revealed he had a high prostate specific antigen level Mr Granfield said it was brutal hearing the news of his diagnosis Doctors told Mr Granfield he needed to undergo a robotic radical prostatectomy, a minimally invasive procedure, to remove the prostate immediately. 'I freaked out. My dad got diagnosed when he was around 65. He's 75 now. He's still living with cancer because he didn't get it early enough, so it spread,' he said. 'He's still going through radiation treatment 10 years later. So it has a massive psychological impact. 'I didn't think I was going to die or anything that dramatic, but it was an incredibly intense moment - suddenly, at 45, you're told you've got cancer.' Mr Granfield said he and his ex-wife, the mother of his sons Jack, 8, and Will, 10, told the boys he was having an operation but avoided explaining his diagnosis. Following surgery in September, Mr Granfield was cleared of cancer in December. 'It's been a rough year of leaking and erectile dysfunction and blood tests. I've got lots of scars from the surgery,' he said. 'But because I'm young and fit and caught it early, everything's working again... There is a 99 per cent chance that it will never come back. After his surgery, Mr Granfield (pictured) has 'lots of scars' but is cleared of cancer The father-of-two is now urging Australians to regularly get checked for cancer 'The payoff for me has been just such a bright future where I'm functioning well and I'm all free of nappies, and I've got a great sex life, and everything's going well.' Erectile dysfunction is a very common side effect of prostate cancer treatment (surgery, radiation, hormone therapy) because these therapies damage the nearby nerves and blood vessels controlling erections, or lower hormones needed for sexual function, often leading to temporary or permanent ED. Mr Granfield has urged Australians to get checked regularly for cancer. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has estimated there were 29,000 new prostate cancer diagnoses in 2025. The disease was projected to account for 30 per cent of all new cancers among men nationwide. Cancer diagnoses among younger men are on the rise, the institute found. The rate for men aged between 40 and 49 rose from 4.9 cases per 100,000 in 2000 to 12.5 per 100,000 in 2025 - an increase of over 150 per cent. As a result, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has called for men to speak more openly about prostate cancer. 'Despite improvements in treatment the number of deaths from prostate cancer is still expected to rise as the population ages and people delay their PSA screening,' PCFA Chief Executive Anne Savage said. 'Our latest data paints a deeply concerning picture - prostate cancer is again on the rise, and it is increasingly striking men at younger ages. 'This is a wake-up call we cannot afford to ignore and that's why we're calling on men from 40 onwards to have a conversation with their GP about a baseline PSA blood test, especially for those with a family history or other known risk factors. 'Early detection saves lives, and taking this simple step now could make all the difference.' Australians dating online have been warned to check their sweetheart is actually real after a Melbourne man left his $2million estate to a lover who never existed. William Ian Southey died aged 73 on October 11, 2022, leaving a will that named his online 'partner', Kyle Stuart Jackson, as executor. Mr Southey turned to online relationships after the death of his partner of four decades, linking up with Jackson in early 2022, and had intended to marry him. But in December, the Victorian Supreme Court concluded Jackson did not exist. The legal decision followed an application by Mr Southey's ex-wife Kaye Moseley for a court to decide if Jackson existed after solicitors could not verify his identity. 'I am satisfied that the person named [in the will] as Kyle Stuart Jackson does not exist in the manner understood by the deceased, or at all,' Associate Judge Caroline Anne Goulden found in December. KHQ Lawyers' Rachael Hocking, who represented Ms Moseley, Mr Southey's wife between 1976 and 1989, told the Daily Mail the case serves as a dire warning to many. 'These issues pop up time and time again, but I am very concerned that we'll see lots more now, particularly with online relationships,' she said. Melbourne man William Ian Southey (pictured with his ex-wife Kaye Moseley) died at 73 years old on October 11, 2022, leaving a will that named his 'partner' Kyle Stuart Jackson as executor While following the probate process, his ex-wife Kaye Moseley (pictured) discovered that Jackson did not exist - which was confirmed by Victoria's Supreme Court in December 'We see a lot in financial scams; people with vulnerabilities or disabilities transferring money overseas. 'But now, this case has shown that it's actually even progressed to being nominated as a potential beneficiary under a will as well. 'The only method of communication was online, so (Jackson and Mr Southey) had never met. It was wholly online, which obviously causes some difficulties.' Judge Goulden's findings revealed Jackson was not only the nominated executor of the will, but also sole beneficiary of the estate - which included Mr Southey's home in the Melbourne suburb of Kew, which was sold for $2.5 million. 'We couldn't identify him so we couldn't have him involved in the administration process, and we couldn't have the estate distributed to him either,' Ms Hocking said. From Mr Southey's death in 2022 up to 2024, solicitors tried to verify Jackson's identity via phone calls, emails, attempted Zoom video calls and through a passport that a private detective confirmed was fraudulent. Judge Goulden found the person using Jackson's email only responded irregularly to communication and an address he gave had no trace of anyone with his name. Ms Hocking's team also made enquiries into a cheque made payable to Jackson for $1.3million, for the purchase of two Jean Basquiat paintings, which was found among Mr Southey's personal effects. Mr Southey (pictured) had connected with Jackson online in early 2022 but they never met in person. The court heard he had considered they might marry In 2023, Toronto-Dominion Bank confirmed the cheque 'wasn't valid and would not clear if presented for payment', the court heard. 'We were really restricted (as) Jackson refused to meet with us online or over the telephone,' Ms Hocking said. 'The investigations were very time-consuming and very expensive for the estate to actually go through that process.' Asked how much the process cost Ms Moseley, the solicitor could not confirm as the amount was not shared in court, but she said the sum was a 'considerable expense', which the judge ordered to be paid from the estate. But the lengthy process also took an emotional toll on Ms Moseley, who was close friends with Mr Southey following their separation in 1989 after 13 years of marriage. '(It's hard) for a lot of family members that find themselves in difficult situations like this,' Ms Hocking said. 'They are grieving the loss of a loved one and, in this case, it was a very, very close personal friend for many years. 'And then they have to deal with a very complex legal process and, of course, because Kaye was the executor of the estate, she had to be impartial... and this was very personal for her and for a number of other friends around William, so it was incredibly difficult.' Ms Moseley's solicitor, Rachael Hocking (pictured) is concerned Australians will see similar cases - and advised those in online relationships to take care verifying their partner's identity Ms Hocking said there are warning signs Australians can pay attention to if producing a will - or other legal document - that includes an online partner. 'If all communication is solely online, if there are no video calls, no telephone number or residential address, it becomes very difficult,' she said. 'I haven't been in the situation personally but, if you're engaging in a relationship with someone, it would be very unusual for you to say, 'I've got to verify your identity before we can take any further steps' because that would usually happen organically. 'If you are meeting someone online, you have to take those extra precautions to make sure the person you believe you are speaking with is, in fact, that person.' Another way Australians can protect themselves is by seeking 'proper financial and legal advice about their estate planning', Ms Hocking added. 'We know some of the warning signs that we can actually spot and assist clients to hopefully avoid these situations.' Aspiring bodybuilder Davina Licon was just 20 when her life changed forever after a visit to the gym. After years of relentless training from weightlifting and cardio sessions to eating meticulously planned meals, she was just two weeks away from her long-awaited first bodybuilding show. But on April 7, 2023, Licon left the Planet Fitness in Mililani, Hawaii, and came face-to-face with a masked man pointing a gun to her face. He fired and she narrowly missed a bullet. She was then doused in a warm liquid that made her skin feel like it was melting away. She frantically ran back into the gym, pleaded with the front desk to call 911, and blacked out. One week later Licon woke up in the ICU with third-degree burns covering 30 percent of her body - half her face, her arms, neck, hands, and legs. 'I just remember waking up and it felt like half of my face had melted off,' she said at the time. Licon, now 22, could not eat or walk for months, and had to relearn the simplest tasks. Davina Licon was a victim of an acid attack while leaving her gym in Mililani, Hawaii The attack let her covered in burns over 30 percent of her body. She bravely reveals her scars After the attack, she woke up one week later in the ICU, and was in and out of comas dude to the severe burns Licon in her emerald green sparkling bikini and heels, had been preparing for her first bodybuilding event when she was attacked Her alleged attacker, Paul Cameron, was 21 when he was arrested in connection with the brutal assault, per the indictment obtained by Daily Mail. Licon said that she and Cameron had been friends for just five months, but he wanted a romantic relationship. 'During these five months he would often show up to places [he knew] I was going to be, he was very obsessive, he was a compulsive liar, and he love bombed me,' she said in a recent Instagram post ahead of Cameron's trial later this month. Despite her kindly telling him she only wanted to stay friends and focus on herself, she claims he attacked her outside the 24-hour fitness club. 'I almost died, I was in the hospital for three months, in and out of comas going through a bunch of surgeries. I had a total of five surgeries done,' she said in the Instagram video. Still questioning why Cameron had attacked her in such a horrific manner, she plans to testify in court at his upcoming trial on January 28. She has previously theorized that he wanted to take her 'physical attraction away' and 'that was the easiest way for him to do it.' 'I hope he gets life in prison because he sent me to prison. I can't ever just go back to normal. So it's not fair if he gets to get out,' she added. Licon is now back in the gym after the attack. She has been trying to gain back the muscle she lost Licon regularly posts her progress at the gym on her Instagram account Licon's bodybuilding dreams were put on hold due to the attack but she is now working out again Photos of the bloody aftermath of the horrific attack were shared to her GoFundMe account Cameron was indicted by a grand jury for second-degree attempted murder and two felony firearm charges, but this was only the beginning. While Cameron was behind bars at Oahu Correctional Community Center, he became romantically involved with Sebastian Mahkwan between November 2023 and January 2024, per the indictment obtained by Daily Mail. Cameron made a few calls to get Mahkwan out on bail, and they allegedly planned another acid attack on Danying Zhang, a Chinese immigrant who was in Hawaii on an exchange program and taught Mandarin at a private school. The two orchestrated the acid attack to cast doubt on Cameron's involvement in Licon's attack and attempt to make it appear a predator was at large. On January 23, 2024, Mahkwan allegedly waited near the entrance of a Planet Fitness by Ala Moana Center and threw sulfuric acid at Zhang, who was 26 at the time, leaving her near death. In May 2025, speaking to the press, her translator described the gruesome moment she was attacked. 'She didnt feel, [she had] no time to react. And [it felt] like hot water for her at first,' her translator said. 'Then her clothes started falling off. Then she realized its not hot water, so she ran into the Planet Fitness center to shower. Danying Zhang, who was in Hawaii on an exchange program, was the victim of a second acid attack allegedly planned by Cameron Just after 9pm on January 23, 2024, a man threw sulfuric acid on 26-year-old Zhang when she was walking near Ala Moana Center Cameron and Mahkwan are charged in connection with the attempted murder of Danying Zhang, a teacher from China visiting Honolulu The two suspects sit side-by-side at a previous court hearing. They will reappear in court on January 28 'But when the ambulance [came] from the hospital, she was already kind of unconscious, so she doesnt remember anything after that.' Zhang suffered severe injuries. Her lungs collapsed because the acid got into her mouth and throat, the indictment obtained by Daily Mail revealed. Both men were charged with first- and second-degree attempted murder, as well as first-degree assault, per the indictment. Although their criminal cases are connected, they will be tried separately. 'It really does speak to his character and what kind of person he is,' Licon told Island News when she discovered he was allegedly behind the second attack. 'He's willing to take someone else's life just to save himself,' she said. Feeling anxious about the upcoming trial and the potential punishment he might face, Licon admitted in her recent Instagram video that it sometimes feels easier to ignore everything, but doing so would mean letting him win. She stressed that society needs to talk more about attacks like these so predators 'dont get away with the violence and pain theyre inflicting on women.' Licon has become an advocate for domestic violence awareness and spoken on social media to raise awareness She said that her attack was not solely about her, but it is about the thousands of women who have also endured a trauma like it Licon said she will not let her attacker win, and that she will be vocal about the upcoming trial Licon with her team of nurses and doctors who helped save her life 'I will have to testify which I am ready to do but also scared for what emotions, memories, and trauma it will bring back that Ive been working so hard to overcome,' she wrote on social media. 'Im not only striving for justice for me but for the other survivor. God is on my side. I owe it to him that I am here alive and healthy today.' Akbar Novruz Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Yalchin Rafiyev, participated in the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) dedicated to Somalia. Azernews reports, citing Azertag, the state news agency, with reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aimed to express support for Somalias sovereignty and territorial integrity in opposition to the recognition of the Somaliland region as an independent state, as well as to discuss possible joint steps in this regard. Speaking at the meeting, Yalchin Rafiyev reaffirmed Azerbaijans support for the sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. As an active member of the OIC Contact Group on Somalia, the deputy minister stated that Azerbaijan would continue to support the collective efforts of the international community, including OIC member states, on this issue. Emphasising Azerbaijans commitment to the norms and principles of international law, a call was made to the international community to act responsibly and within the framework of international law in order to ensure peace, stability, and security in various regions, including the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea basin. At the conclusion of the 22nd extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, member states adopted a resolution expressing clear and unequivocal support for Somalia and its territorial integrity. News / National by Staff reporter Police have arrested a 34-year-old Harare man after he was found in possession of counterfeit United States dollar notes amounting to US$400.The suspect has been identified as Admire Gweshegweshe of Epworth.Confirming the arrest, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the suspect was apprehended at a school in Kubatana, Epworth."Admire Gweshegweshe (34) was arrested at a school in Kubatana, Epworth, after being found in possession of counterfeit USD notes amounting to US$400 in US$20 denominations," said Commissioner Nyathi.He added that all the fake notes were bearing the same serial number, PH73531173C, raising suspicion and prompting the arrest."The suspect is being charged with possession of articles for criminal use," Nyathi said.Police said investigations are continuing to establish the source of the counterfeit notes and whether there are other people involved in the alleged offence. Most Brits have spent the past year watching the value of their properties plunge and the prospect of future investment vanish. But a handful of areas across the country have bucked the trend - with the price of houses located inside Britain's coveted national parks soaring. One of the areas with the biggest contrasts between county and park prices is the New Forest where families are willing to pay at least 300,000 extra to live in the park. Estate agents believe this comes down to three main factors - a disdain for 'dangerous' urban areas, strict planning laws and no 'tacky' newbuilds. 'First and foremost obviously you've got supply and demand, there's a lot less properties spread around the forest,' Neil Flaherty, Managing Director of The New Forest Estate Agents told the Daily Mail. 'Secondly you've got building control, there are a lot less properties being built in the forest, which will in turn feed the supply and demand scenario even further because of planning permission, restrictions and national park rules. 'Another factor that has instigated an increase in house prices is since Covid people don't want to be living in built up areas for fear of that kind of scenario being repeated. 'Immigration, that has also taken a toll, people want to get out of the built up areas where immigration is more apparent. One of the areas with the biggest contrasts between county and park prices is The New Forest where families are willing to pay a 95.6 per cent premium. Pictured: Beaulieu village in The New Forest National parks are ruled by their own independent local authorities, who require extremely high levels of planning permission for development. Pictured: A holiday tent in The New Forest Maya Holcroft, 22, (pictured) said The New Forest is extremely different to the rest of the county 'And simply and solely most of the properties nowadays, which you find in the forest, have plenty of land around them, it's holiday land for some, if you can live in it you're going to pay a premium.' National parks are ruled by their own independent local authorities, who require extremely high levels of planning permission for development. This results in the areas appearing quaint, polished and traditional - a look that homeowners believe exudes exclusivity. 'I've lived here 33 years, we originally lived in the main part of Southampton and when my daughter was six months we moved here because it's a nicer area,' Shawn Phillips said. 'At the time where we lived was more congested that's the issue with urban areas. Whereas here you have a forest on your doorstep. We only ever go back there to go shopping. 'There were people who thought at the time we were stepping up when we moved. Our home is worth five times what it was the market had gone mad. 'This is a terrible time to buy but there is a fairly steady turnover here.' Mr Flaherty explained that houses on the outskirts of the forest can cost in the region of 600,000 to 700,000 and it only goes up from there. Houses on the outskirts of The New Forest can cost in the region of 600,000 to 700,000 and it only goes up from there Retiree Derek Lampard, 78, (pictured) believes The New Forest is perfect for all ages Meanwhile, average house prices in the rest of the county are in the 300,000 range. 'You've got better schooling facilities in comparison to the rest of the area and once you get to the forest you tend to buy a property where by you're not going to need to move again,' he added. Several residents in the area stressed that the 'fantastic' schools and community feel makes it a huge draw for families. Mother of two, Natasha said: 'I've lived here for six years. We wanted to be by the sea and the forest because we have two young children. I 'It's a lot better and safer than Southampton. My children can be in a safe enclosed space and obviously it's a beautiful place to live. 'Planning permission is strict but it keeps the property value high. I would never live anywhere else, people with families should move here the schools are fantastic. 'There is a divide between people that live in New Forest and Southampton because it's a different way of living. 'We have different values it's a different environment we can go to the city but it's nicer here it's more village-like.' Homes inside national parks are worth 63 per cent more than the rest of the county and this results in the residents being rather affluent Shawn Phillips (pictured) moved from Southampton to The New Forest 33 years ago because it was a nicer area Mark Wilson, 56, agreed: 'The amazing thing about New Forest is the countryside the ability to get fresh air and quality of living. 'We have the seaside forest ability to access equestrian facilities the schools here are too. 'The New Forest is more community minded looking at other places in the UK there seems to be a lack of community. 'It's amazing for families, I feel safer here than may other places with my children walking around.' Homes inside national parks are worth 63 per cent more than the rest of the county and this results in the residents being rather affluent. 'Generally people living there would be classed as middle-class upwards, which you have to be in order to live out there to be fair,' Mr Flaherty added. Meanwhile, national parks also attract a slightly older group, as according to the most recent census, the average age of those living in a national park is higher than in England and Wales. However, retiree Derek Lampard, 78, believes the area is perfect for all ages. National parks also attract a slightly older group, as according to the most recent census, the average age of those living in a national park is higher than in England and Wales. Pictured: An aerial view of Lymington in The New Forest He said: 'I've lived here 15 years, we moved here because our daughter was here. 'Southampton is more busy, New Forest is more relaxed, it's good for everybody. It's safer than the majority of the UK I would encourage people to move here. 'The house prices in Marchwood, which is where we live, are roughly the same as Southampton but they hold their value better so it's more of an investment.' Maya Holcroft, 22, agreed, adding: 'It's a good place to grow up you have the forest and the beach is near. There's a huge difference it's a lot calmer out here but there are cultural differences between here and Southampton. 'It's a lot more diverse around there. A lot of people have second homes out here and I reckon that pushes up the prices a lot.' An 11-year-old girl is in critical condition after being shot in the head by a stranger while riding in her father's car. The shooting happened on Monday afternoon as the family was leaving the Delta View Apartments on Delta Fair Boulevard in Antioch, northeast of San Francisco, according to police. Investigators say a gunman, identified by police as Ryan Hardy, opened fire on innocent bystanders without warning, sending a bullet through the car's rear windshield and into the child's head. As doctors fight to save her life at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, the girl's father said her first words afterwards are unbearable to relive. 'She says, 'Dad, why can't I see?' he said in Spanish. 'It hurts me so much. Those are words I don't think any dad could handle.' According to the Antioch Police Department, the shooting occurred around 12:40pm in the parking lot of the apartment complex. The girl was sitting in the front passenger seat as her father drove to the store when, without warning, the gunfire rang out. Investigators say a bullet tore through the back windshield, pierced the headrest, and struck the girl in the back of the head. Police are seen gathering evidence after an 11-year-old girl was shot in the head at an Antioch, California apartment complex The wounded child was rushed to a nearby shopping center parking lot, where officers rendered emergency aid before she was transported to the hospital with assistance from the Contra Costa County Fire Department. The girl's father, who has not been publicly identified due to safety concerns, said the shooting has left him numb with grief and fear. 'My family is everything to me,' he said. 'I feel like my heart is being ripped out.' Relatives say the child can hear loved ones speaking to her and can respond by moving parts of her body, but she has lost all of her vision. Her aunt Anahi Ramirez described the pain of watching her niece struggle in intensive care. 'I'm still in shock. I can't believe everything that's happened. It's very difficult,' she said. Ramirez said she has been lighting religious candles at home and praying for a miracle. 'It's tough because I'm her Godmother, her aunt,' she said. 'I'm the sister of her dad. We've always been united. It's very hard to see her like that.' Police have identified the suspect as Ryan Hardy, 23, and say he should be considered armed and dangerous Police have identified the suspect as Ryan Hardy, 23, and say he should be considered armed and dangerous. Authorities said Hardy was identified through a combination of surveillance video, witness statements, and forensic evidence. Investigators are urging the public not to approach him and to call 911 immediately with any information about his whereabouts. Police also warned that anyone who helped Hardy evade arrest, or who may assist him in the future, could face arrest as an accessory. The investigation remains ongoing. Lt. Bill Whitaker of the Antioch Police Department said the father briefly made eye contact with the shooter but did not recognize him. With the suspect still at large, the family says they no longer feel safe returning to their home. 'I've felt a little unsafe because I'm not the first victim there,' the father said, calling for increased security at the apartment complex. The shooting occurred on Monday in the parking lot of the Delta View Apartments in Antioch According to a GoFundMe campaign launched by relatives, the family now plans to leave Antioch permanently for safety reasons, abandoning their home, jobs, and their community in the process. Three other children in the family are also struggling with the trauma. The fundraiser states the girl's recovery will require extensive medical care, therapy, and long-term emotional healing, with doctors unable to predict how much function she may regain. 'This family is honest, humble, and hardworking,' the campaign reads. 'They never imagined needing to ask for help, but they now face impossible circumstances.' More than $7,500 has been raised so far to help cover relocation costs, lost income, emergency living expenses, and ongoing medical needs. Fashion designer Estelita Huijer has started the new year with a clean slate after dealing with the last of a long list of criminal charges over the Christmas break. For the first time in almost 18 months, the ex-girlfriend of rock star Daniel Johns has no future court appointments and no longer faces the imminent threat of jail. The occasional model dated Johns for about four years from 2013 after the Silverchair frontman quit the chart-topping band to concentrate on his solo career. Last year, Huijer gave birth to a child fathered by another former partner, restaurateur Andrew Becher, with whom she had broken up in spectacular circumstances. Huijer, who describes herself on Instagram as 'Dutch-Filipino-Australian', was in a four-year 'on-and-off intimate relationship' with Becher which ended sometime in 2024. Becher, who owns popular eateries Franca, Armorica and Pelicano in Sydney's inner-east, has been a star on the Sydney hospitality scene for more than a decade. In October last year, Becher's Rivage Hospitality group opened Le Frerot, a cafe, bar and bistro next door to Franca in Macleay Street, Potts Point. The end of Huijer's relationship with Becher left her 'navigating a complex and often unsafe dynamic' while she carried his child, a court was told last year. Fashion designer Estelita Huijer (above) has started the new year with a clean slate after dealing with the last of a long list of criminal charges over the Christmas break Huijer dated Daniel Johns for four years from 2013 after the Silverchair frontman quit the chart-topping band to concentrate on his solo career. The former couple is pictured Throughout 2025, the 34-year-old was in and out of court charged with assault, stealing, fraud, possessing drugs, trespassing, vandalism and repeatedly breaching a restraining order. All of the domestic violence charges - the last of which were finalised a week before Christmas - related to her relationship with Becher. Huijer was first made the subject of an AVO to protect Becher in June 2021. That order, which included a requirement she not approach Becher within 12 hours of drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs, was put in place for two years. At the same time the AVO was imposed, she was found guilty of resisting a police officer and sentenced to a 12-month conditional release order (CRO). Another two-year AVO protecting Becher from Huijer was made on March 21, 2024. On that day, an assault charge was withdrawn and Huijer pleaded guilty to contravening an AVO. She was not convicted but was sentenced to another 12-month CRO. Huijer was arrested on August 1, 2024 over a series of events which allegedly took place earlier that day and during the previous night at Becher's Point Piper home. Last year, Huijer gave birth to a child fathered by another former partner, restaurateur Andrew Becher, with whom she had broken up sometime in 2024. Becher is pictured at court Becher, who owns popular eateries Franca, Parlar and Armorica in Sydney's inner-east, has been a star on the Sydney hospitality scene for more than a decade. Becher is pictured She was originally charged with common assault, trespass, stealing more than $2,000 in cash and contravening an AVO. Huijer was also accused of intentionally damaging property and intentionally marking a premises without consent in relation to an accusation she used a permanent marker to deface Becher's wardrobe. She spent a night in custody before facing Waverley Local Court, where she sobbed as magistrate Jacqueline Milledge granted her bail and issued a stern warning. 'You breach any of these conditions, you have any contact with him again, bail will be taken off you,' Ms Milledge had said. 'This constitutes a very serious breach of the order and it's an indication that it's escalating, and you're becoming more desperate.' Huijer was arrested again the following month, on September 9, after another disturbance at Becher's apartment. On that night, Huijer had called triple zero to report a domestic violence incident, according to a statement of facts tendered in court in April last year. She was taken to St Vincent's Hospital with a head injury and later charged with common assault as well as breaching an AVO. The end of Huijer's relationship with Becher left her 'navigating a complex and often unsafe dynamic' while she carried his child, a court was told last year. Mother and child are pictured Almost four months later, on December 30, Huijer went to Becher's Wolseley Road unit about 2am, according to a statement of facts tendered in court. 'The accused informed the victim that she is pregnant and said the baby is his,' the statement said. 'The accused and the victim began speaking when the victim demanded her to get a paternity test. The victim [Becher] called police a short time later.' Huijer attended Bondi Beach police station about 2.45pm the same day and was arrested for breaching the AVO. During a routine search police found Huijer was carrying 0.53 grams of cannabis in a tobacco pouch which she said she had found on a Bondi street. Huijer committed two more breaches of the restraining order during her pregnancy. 'Since service of the [AVO], there have been occasions in which the accused has contacted the victim by phone, texting and WhatsApp,' another statement of facts said. 'The most recent contact was a missed phone call from the accused at 5.04am on January 16, 2025.' In the past 17 months, Huijer has been charged with assault, stealing, fraud, possessing drugs, trespassing, vandalism and repeatedly breaching a restraining order Two days later, Huijer was caught on CCTV in the lobby of Becher's home about 8.45am. Five minutes after that, Becher's building manager called him to say Huijer had been buzzing his intercom. The manager sent Becher screenshots of the CCTV, and the following day Becher rang Rose Bay police to report the lobby visit and missed call. The charges from August and September 2024 were due to be heard in April last year but a prosecutor withdrew each count except one of the AVO breaches after Becher did not appear in court. Huijer pleaded guilty to that single offence and her solicitor Jessica Tohi said her client had gone to Becher's home with his consent the night it occurred. Ms Tohi said Huijer was seven months' pregnant to Becher and was facing 'significant personal challenges' with 'limited familial or social support'. She said Huijer was 'navigating a complex and often unsafe dynamic' with Becher and submitted an appropriate punishment would be a conditional release order. Magistrate Scott Nash said Huijer's offending was at the lower end of the scale and granted Ms Tohi's request, imposing a 12-month conditional release order with a conviction, as well as a two-year AVO. In October last year, Huijer was all set for a hearing at Downing Centre Local Court over the three other AVO breaches as well as an assault charge and one of possessing a prohibited drug. For the first time in almost 18 months Huijer has no future court appointments in her diary and no longer faces the imminent threat of jail. She is pictured outside court last October She arrived ready to defend herself against Becher's claims, bringing their 14-week-old child in a baby carrier. This time, Becher was prepared to get into the witness box but the matter was delayed when a police prosecutor asked for the chance to discuss the matter with Huijer's lawyer. The prosecutor returned to court and told magistrate Susan Horan that Becher had produced 'a large amount of fresh evidence', which had not been served on Huijer. That evidence, contained on a USB flash drive, included CCTV, screenshots and a phone recording the prosecutor said would prove Huijer had breached the AVO. Ms Tohi said in light of the new evidence she was not in a position to proceed with the hearing and did not oppose it being adjourned. When the matter was next listed on November 6 and Becher did not show up, Huijer pleaded guilty to the three AVO breaches as well as drug possession, while the assault charge was withdrawn. Huijer's barrister Evan James asked for the matters to be adjourned for sentencing in December when he would attempt to have them dealt with under mental health provisions of the law. On the same day Huijer was listed for a hearing into a separate allegation involving Becher, having pleaded not guilty to dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception at Point Piper in January 2024. On December 17, Huijer faced magistrate Rodney Brender, who imposed a two-year community correction order for the three AVO breaches, along with $550 in fines. The fraud charge was dismissed but Mr Brender fined Huijer an additional $100 for the drug possession offence and $1,000 for breaching her March 2024 CRO. If Huijer commits any offence before December 16 next year she will be in breach of her latest community correction order and will be brought back before the court. Vladimir Putin has suffered a week of massive humiliation at the hands of Donald Trump, following a week of major geopolitical moves made by the Republican president, experts have said. America has flexed its might across the world since the start of the year, beginning with the capture of Venezuela's Putin-aligned leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife. And on Wednesday, US forces brazenly stormed the Marinera, a tanker suspected to be a part of Russia's shadow fleet, in the presence of Putin's navy, despite a Kremlin request to desist. In the days that followed, Trump boasted that Russian vessels fled the moment American forces arrived, highlighting the US president's ever-increasing confidence to show his country's strength on the world stage. Trump has also reignited a furore over his desire to annex Greenland - a territory belonging to NATO ally and EU member Denmark in a region eyed by Russia and China for its vast, untapped resources. Experts believe this mounting show of hard power will have humiliated Russia's despotic leader, who has become increasingly bold on the international stage as his army advances in Ukraine. Dr Neil Melvin, director of International Security for RUSI, told the Daily Mail that these actions have 'put Putin in a corner', amid US-negotiated peace negotiations with Ukraine. Donald Trump has put Vladimir Putin (pictured) 'in a corner' by taking Venezuela's leader prisoner and storming a Russian oil tanker this week, experts have said 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 January 5, 2026 in New York City Donald Trump (pictured) has reignited a furore over his desire to annex Greenland Pictures in Russian media purportedly showed helicopters approaching the vessel today He said: '[Putin] does not want to upset Trump by criticising him as the Kremlin is trying to keep on good relations with the White House so that the Ukraine peace negotiations are dragged out as long as possible and pressure is not placed on Russia to reach an agreement. With respect to the storming of the Marinera, Melvin said: 'While Russia is likely to protest the actions and demand the release of Russians in the crew, the Kremlin will have to suck up any sense of humiliation to avoid angering Trump.' Professor Matthew Sussex, of the Australia National University's Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, agreed, telling Sky News Australia: 'Absent complaints in terms of violations of international law, I don't think Putin really has too much he can do. 'In terms of how this plays out in Ukraine, it depends very on whether the US is gonna start seizing other tankers. There are a lot of them that are transiting the world, selling Russian oil to dodge sanctions.' He warned that Putin may behave like a cornered rat, forced to either bow down to higher powers or aggressively lash out. 'If that happens, then Putin will probably calculate that the impact on the Russian economy will be such that he needs to accelerate his campaign in Ukraine', he said. The storming of the Marinera came swiftly on the heels of Saturday's capture of Maduro. The socialist leader has long relied on Russia, as well as China, as a geopolitical partner. But his capture may diminish Russia's standing with its allies, who may not see the Kremlin as being capable or willing to protect them. 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 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 Melvin told the Mail: 'The Kremlin will worry about what the growing US appetite to intervene around the world will mean for Russias international standing. 'In the last year, Russia has seen its position in Syria weaken following the fall of its pro-Moscow leader Assad, its ally Iran has been bombed by the US and now faces popular unrest. 'Trump has also helped pull another former Kremlin ally - Yerevan in the South Caucasus - away from Russia by offering to backstop the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace efforts, and now Venezuela has fallen'. Tatiana Kastoueva-Jean, director of the Russia-Eurasia Center at IFRI, the French Institute of International Relations, told Le Monde: 'In just a few days, Putin has suffered a double humiliation'. She said that the Kremlin may have to recalculate Russia's position on the world stage, in light of Maduro's capture and the storming of the Marinera. 'At the top of the Russian state, there is probably a feverish period of reflection underway. 'Mr. Putin always prefers to take his time to calibrate his response. After what happened in Venezuela, he has lost the privilege and exclusivity of strategic surprise. 'He is no longer the only one employing the "madman strategy," which should prompt him to act with caution.' Carl Bildt, the co-chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations and the former PM and foreign minister of Sweden, aligned with Kastoueva-Jean's analysis, writing on X: 'By now, Putin is profoundly humiliated by the fall of the one satellite regime after the other, and also his inability to protect ships he had taken under its protection'. American forces captured a separate 'dark fleet' tanker called the M/T Sophia Your browser does not support iframes. Another embarrassment that Russia faces is the fact that the US now appears to be actively targeting vessels in the Kremlin's shadow fleet, one of its primary tools in building wealth by selling sanctioned oil across the world. Estimated to include up to 1,000 ships, which frequently change their flags and whose ownership is unclear, Russia's shadow fleet has enabled Moscow to keep exporting its crude oil for much-needed revenue despite curbs on exports. Experts and several European leaders also believe some vessels have been used by Russia to conduct hybrid warfare across the continent. Professor Sussex said of the Marinera: 'This is a tanker that has long been a problem for the West in terms of running all sorts of things, from oil to guns, to Iran and behalf of Hezbollah. 'It's been under sanctions since 2024. It's only in the last month that it's emerged as a Russia-flagged tanker. What Moscow was trying to do was say: "Well, if we put the shadow fleets that put Russian and Venezuelan oil under Russian control, then the US won't board them". And that clearly is not the case. He added: 'The success of the shadow tankers has been quite significant in dodging sanctions. The Russians have been ramping up oil sales to China and India in order to make up the difference of the West getting out of buying Russian oil. 'It has been effective in driving the Russian economy, and contributing to the gains it has been making in Ukraine.' Dr. Melvin agreed with this analysis, additionally telling the Mail: 'Russia will likely have to adjust its overall approach to shadow fleet operations. Since western actions targeted ships operating to circumvent sanctions on Russia, the number of ships in the shadow fleet have doubled. 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 'Russia relies on these tankers to sell its oil around the world and to provide the financing to fund its war in Ukraine. Now Russia will need to try to minimise the exposure of its shadow fleet to future actions by limiting their routes and it will no longer be straightforward to use Venezuela as a cover for such options'. Trump's threats to annex Greenland are also likely to worry Russia, given its interests in the Arctic. Amid rising global temperatures, there are vast and as-yet-untapped resources in the Arctic region that are becoming more accessible each year. On top of this, melting icecaps are resulting in new trade routes that could better connect a superpower to its financial partners across the world. The Arctic has massive deposits of oil and natural gas, as well as highly sought after minerals like nickel, platinum, palladium and rare earth metals that lie just beneath the ocean floor and the northernmost regions of the countries surrounding it. it is estimated that 16% of the world's untapped oil and a whopping 30% of the world's undiscovered natural gas lie under the oceans of the Arctic. On top of this, there are countless fish that live in the plankton-rich waters that superpowers will need to feed their populations. In recent years, Russia has reopened more than 50 ex-Soviet military installations in the north. Dozens of radar stations have been upgrades, search and rescue outposts have been set up and border posts have been revamped. It remains to be seen whether Russia continues to invest heavily in the Arctic circle, especially in light of the US' new domineering stance on the world stage which is perhaps best summed up by Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff. 'Were a superpower. And under President Trump, we are going to conduct ourselves as a superpower.' Sumaia al Najjar and her husband had gone to extreme lengths to get their young family out of war-torn Syria and into western Europe, claiming asylum in the Netherlands - but it seemed as if the gamble had been worth it. They quickly obtained a decent council house in a pleasant provincial Dutch town, that husband had been given state financial assistance to start a growing catering business and the children were enrolled in good schools. But fast forward eight years and it's plain from her tear-lined face and wails of distress that the outcome of the decision to move west has torn Mrs al Najjar's family apart. Her daughter Ryan has been brutally murdered in a so-called honour killing, her two sons are starting jail terms over aiding her death, and her murderous husband is back in Syria, living with another woman with whom he is starting a new family. And it's that husband that Sumaia blames for everything that has happened, her voice is spitting with contempt as she says of Khaled al Najjar: 'He has destroyed my whole family.' The disturbing details of Ryan's murder - for having become 'too westernised' - have made the Dutch case a national and international cause celebre in recent weeks. And today the Daily Mail can provide the clearest picture yet of how the al Najjar family's horrifying disintegration unfolded as 43-year-old matriarch Sumaia - who has never even been publicly pictured before - tells her story for the first time. In an extraordinary interview - for which she was not paid - Mrs al Najjar has discussed in detail how she blames her husband for the family's destruction, described her profound grief over what happened to Ryan, and reflected on how she will deal with her surviving daughters in the light of her experience. In an extraordinary interview with the Daily Mail, Sumaia al Najjar (pictured, at the door of the family home), 43, whose daughter Ryan was brutally murdered by her father and two brothers in a so-called honour killing, has opened up in detail about her profound grief Ryan al Najjar (pictured), 18, was found bound and gagged, face down in a pond in a remote country park in the Netherlands, where the family live, just a month after she turned 18 This week a Dutch court sentenced Ryan's father Khaled al Najjar (pictured) in absentia - he is now living back in the family's native Syria, with a new woman he is about to start a family with - to 30 years in jail for orchestrating the killing of his own daughter. Her brothers Muhanad, 25, and Muhamad, 24, were jailed for 20 years each for assisting him Our interview with Mrs al Najjar took place in her end-of-terrace house (pictured) in the Dutch village of Joure, where she settled with her husband and family in 2016 after fleeing the Syrian civil war Ryan was found bound and gagged, face down in a pond in a remote country park just a month after she turned 18. Her murder had been the culmination of years of conflict between the girl, her parents and the wider family, who were at odds over how she dressed and behaved. This week a Dutch court sentenced Khaled in absentia to 30 years in jail for orchestrating the killing of his own daughter who he blamed for shaming his family with her lifestyle - and his exwife is desperate to see him extradited back to Holland so he can serve this term. But the court also handed out sentences of 20 years each to Ryan's brothers Muhanad, 25, and Muhamad, 24, for assisting their father in her murder - and their mother does not accept they were involved. Instead their 43-year-old mother blames her runaway ex-husband solely both for killing Ryan then wrongly implicating her sons in the murder and leaving them to take the blame alone. Their trial also heard evidence that appeared to implicate Mrs al Najjar herself in the plot against Ryan: a message sent to a family WhatsApp group, apparently by her said: 'She [Ryan] is a slut and should be killed.' But prior to conducting this interview the Mail established with Dutch prosecutors that they are not convinced Mrs al Najjar sent this vile message - something she strongly denies - and believe that it was likely sent by her controlling husband from her phone as he tried to ramp up ill feeling against the teenager he had come to hate. Our interview with Mrs al Najjar took place in her end-of-terrace house in the Dutch village of Joure, where she settled with her husband and family in 2016 after fleeing the Syrian civil war. She invited us into the seven-room council house, which still has a Syrian flag flying from a top-floor bedroom, to tell how the family had got to Holland by first sending one of their boys, then just 15, alone on the treacherous illegal migrant journey to Europe. The boy first traveled to Greece by inflatable boat and then overland onto northern Europe where he finally claimed asylum in the Netherlands - and was then under Dutch laws able to bring the rest of his family to join him. They were given temporary accommodation before moving into a three bedroom house in Joure and where Khaled started a pizza shop business with the help of his sons - and the family's integration was seen as so successful they were even featured as role models in a local media report. But Sumaia says that behind this outwardly happy family image, the whole family was living in fear of her brutal husband - who definitely wasn't being softened by liberal western social attitudes. 'He was a violent man,' she says. 'He used to break things and beat me and his children up, beat all of us. 'And then he used to refuse to accept that he was wrong and beat us up againHe beat us up a bit less since we settled in Joure but he still was violent. 'He has beaten Muhanad, his eldest, up many times and kicked him out of the house. 'Muhanad was terrified of him.' But gradually Khaled's violent rages started focusing increasingly on daughter Ryan, who was having her own problems integrating. Breaking down in tears, Sumaia told how Ryan began to be picked on by school bullies because of the headscarf her family expected her to wear. From the outside, the family appeared happy and well-integrated. But in reality, they were living in fear of Sumaia's brutal husband - and gradually, his violent rages started focusing increasingly on daughter Ryan (pictured), after she stopped wearing her headscarf to appease school bullies, started smoking, and her conservative Muslim father suspected her of flirting with boys Amid his outbursts, the young girl even sought help from the brothers now convicted over her death. Pictured: Muhanad, left, and Muhamad, right, in a court sketch The court concluded Ryan was murdered because she had rejected her family's Islamic upbringing. Her body was found wrapped in 18 metres of duct tape in shallow water at the nearby Oostvarrdersplassen nature reserve (pictured) Your browser does not support iframes. Her mother recalls: 'Ryan was a good girl. 'She used to study the Koran, did her house duties and learned how to pray. 'But Ryan was bullied at school all the time for wearing her white scarf. 'Ryan started to rebel when she was around 15 years old. 'She stopped wearing scarfs and started smoking. She had many friends, boys and girls.' And when she took to removing her scarf to appease the bullies and behaving like them to fit in, she began to get bullied at home instead - and in a manner far, far worse than at school. The trial heard how patriarchal conservative Muslim Khaled became enraged by Ryan's refusal to wear the headscarf as well as her interest in making TikTok videos and the suspicion she had begun flirting with boys. One of Ryan's sisters, Iman, 27, the eldest girl, sat in on our interview with her mother and chimed in to support her on this aspect of their lives. She recalled: 'My father was a temperamental and unjust man, difficult to live with because he wanted everything to be as he said, even when it was wrong. 'No one dared to question his request or tell him he was wrong. Tension and fear permeated the house because of him. He was very unfair and temperamental toward my siblings, and he beat and threatened me. 'Ryan was bullied at school because of her hijab. Since then, Ryan has changed and become stubborn. My father beat her, after which she went to school and never came home.' So terrified was Ryan of her violent father that she fled the family home and entered the Dutch care system to avoid his violence. And Iman says that she also sought help from the brothers now convicted over her death. 'She always sought refuge with my brothers, Muhannad and Muhammad,' she insists. 'Because they were our safety net and we trusted them completely. Muhannad and Muhammad were like fathers to us, and now we need them so much.' Her mother acknowledges that it wasn't just her husband - and that she had issues with Ryan's lifestyle choices too. Sumaia went on: 'We are a conservative family. I didn't like what Ryan was doing but I guess her rebellion stemmed from all the bullying she received in the Dutch school[or] maybe Ryan had bad friends. 'It was difficult, I thought that Ryan would grow up if I let her not wear the scarf and later I thought she might change her mind; 'Then she left the house and stopped talking to us.' But it's clear she sees only one person responsible for Ryan's death her husband. Sumaia said: 'I never want to see him or hear from him again or anyone from his family. I am so sorrowful he has been my husband. It's clear Sumaia sees only one person responsible for Ryan's death her husband. Pictured: Ryan's grave in the Netherlands 'May God never forgive him. The children will never forgive him - or forget him. He should have taken responsibility for his crime.' In fact, despite fleeing Holland via Germany to get back to Syria - which has no extradition agreement with the Netherlands - once safely there Khaled al Najjar did take responsibility in a sense. But this was apparently an attempt to save his two sons from prosecution: Khaled wrote emails to the Telegraaf and Leeuwarder Courant newspapers insisting it was he alone who murdered Ryan and that his sons were not involved. He even said that he would return to Europe to face justice though unsurprisingly he has not kept this promise - and in his absence her sons were left to face the judicial system alone. The court concluded that Ryan was murdered because she had rejected her family's Islamic upbringing. Her body was found wrapped in 18 metres of duct tape in shallow water at the nearby Oostvarrdersplassen nature reserve and traces of Khaled's DNA were found under her fingernails and on the tape. The evidence indicated she was still alive when she was thrown into the water and in a callous message to his family, Khaled later said: 'My mistake was not digging a hole for her.' Expert evidence placed the two brothers at the scene as data extrapolated from their mobile phones incriminated them, as did algae found on the soles of their shoes. Traffic cameras and GPS signals from the mobile phones also showed the brothers driving from Joure to Rotterdam where they picked up Ryan and then drove her towards the nature reserve. The panel of five judges, having heard how the two brothers had driven their sister to the isolated beauty spot and left her alone with her father, ruled that they were culpable for her murder too. The court ruled that, although it could not 'establish the roles of the sons in Ryan's killing, it was irrelevant to the question of guilt'. And it is this as much as Ryan's murder that haunts her mother. But a panel of five judges, having heard how the two brothers had driven their sister to the isolated beauty spot and left her alone with her father (pictured), ruled that they were culpable for her murder too She wept as she told us: 'It was not right to punish my sons for what their father had done. 'The verdict was unjust. My boys Muhanad and Muhamad did nothing. 'My boys brought Ryan from Rotterdam where she was staying with friends to talk to their father - they thought it would be a good thing. 'Their father stopped them in the street and told them to leave so that he could talk to Ryan. 'They were wrong and guilty of this [leaving Ryan alone with her father] but they don't deserve 20 years each. 'There is no evidence they were involved in any crime. It's so unfair to put my boys in prison for the crime of their father. 'We were so depressed when we learned about the verdict and cried a lot. Khaled destroyed our family - we are all destroyed. 'My children are in shock about the verdict on top of their distress about the murder of their sister. 'Our story became so huge the Dutch Court thought they better punish my sons. If I die of a heart attack, I blame the Dutch Court.' 'I might die and my sons will still be in prison.' The Daily Mail has established Khaled is living near the town of Iblid in Syria and has remarried. Sumaia made her feelings about this plain. 'I do not care about him,' she raged. 'He is no longer my husband. 'We have had no contact with him since he confessed to killing my daughter Ryan. The next day he fled to Germany.' 'We heard from family members that he has remarried, I have no idea what else he is doing or if has had any childrenHe will never come back.' And she is convinced that Khaled fleeing has led to her sons being wrongly blamed for Ryan's murder: 'No one believes Muhanad and Muhamad [but] they have done nothing wrong! 'Pity my boys - they will spend 20 years in prison. I didn't escape the war to watch my sons rot in prison' Her daughter, Iman, agrees: '[My father] is married and has started a family. 'The perpetrator [of Ryan's death] is my father. He is an unjust man. 'Since Ryan's death and the arrest of my brothers, Muhannad and Muhammad, my family has been deeply saddened, and everything feels strange. 'I'm convinced they're innocent and didn't do anything against Ryan. 'We have become victims of societal injustice, and that is truly terrible. There is constant grief in the family. We miss my brothers terribly. Fast forward eight years from the family's arrival in the Netherlands, it's plain from Sumaia's tear-lined face and wails of distress that the outcome of the decision to move west has torn Mrs al Najjar's family apart. Pictured: The building in Joure, Holland, where the family were housed after coming to the country in 2017 'The family is fragmented. Muhannad and Muhammad are currently in prison because of their abusive father, who now lives in Syria. 'He is married and has started a family. Is this the justice the Netherlands is talking about? He is the murderer.' When asked what she would do if her remaining daughters refused to wear a headscarf or rebelled in other ways, Mrs al Najjar was surprisingly rigid. 'My other daughters are obedient,' she said. 'I wouldn't agree with my daughters if they ask not to wear scarfs anymore.' Finally Sumaia returned to the subject of her daughter's death, wailing: 'We miss her every day. 'May God bless her soul. I ask God to be kind to her.it was her destiny. We spend our time crying.' More than thirty years after being shot in the face by her husband's teenage mistress, Mary Jo Buttafuoco has transformed unimaginable trauma into a highly anticipated Lifetime movie and a renewed commitment to living life on her own terms. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, the bubbly 70-year-old, who now goes by her maiden name Connery, reflected on her life today, saying: 'My full-time job these days is keeping my body going and in good shape!' Mary Jo was thrust into the national spotlight on May 19, 1992, when her husband Joey Buttafuoco's 17-year-old mistress, Amy Fisher, attempted to kill her on the front porch of their home in Massapequa, New York. Using a .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol, Fisher who soon picked up the nickname 'Long Island Lolita' shot the then-37-year-old mother of two in the face, lodging a bullet at the base of her brain near her spinal column. Doctors later said she was lucky to survive. Now living a quiet life in Los Angeles, Mary Jo's story continues to captivate true-crime fans, many of whom will tune in for the movie, I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco, that premieres on January 17. She is also a New York Times bestselling author, publishing Getting It Through My Thick Skull: Why I Stayed, What I Learned, and What Millions of People Involved With Sociopaths Need To Know in 2009. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries to save her life, Mary Jo still lives with lasting effects from the shooting, including facial paralysis and deafness in her right ear. But she refuses to let those limitations define her. Mary Jo, who dropped the Buttafuoco name and returned to her maiden name, Connery, told the Daily Mail how her life has changed since being shot by her husband's teenage mistress, ahead of her upcoming Lifetime movie Mary Jo's husband, Joey, was carrying on an affair with Amy Fisher, who was just 16 years old when it started. They had two children, Paul and Jessica Amy Fisher was 17 when she used a .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol to shoot Mary Jo. Her attorne Eric Naiburg escorted her into court in July 1992 Her upcoming movie I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco is set to premiere on January 17 She admitted working out can be a challenge. 'I have a lot of vascular issues as a result of the shooting. I had one carotid artery severed. So here I am living off the other one, and that's okay but now that I'm older it's taking a toll on me.' Still, she remains committed to staying active. 'I move. I can't do the weight machines it's too much. I stretch, I use five-pound dumb bells, bands, I have problems with my shoulders, and my hips, so I work around that. 'What I can do is the treadmill and walk, and I do that for thirty minutes. I try to do an hour of exercise total.' Music, she said, keeps her motivated. 'I put on my headphones and listen to my favorite music, you know, my era, anything from the 1960's, 70's, 80's, disco, dance music, anything that inspires me to move my body. The music from my era.' And on the dawn of the New Year, Mary Jo said she has one resolution for 2026. 'I'm going to be more spontaneous. Try new things, different things. I was like that when I was young, but I've gotten pretty comfortable. Amy ended up serving seven years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon Due to her extensive injuries from the shooting and multiple surgeries, Mary Jo said working out can be a challenge, but that she's committed to staying active The Buttafuocco case became a national obsession in the early 1990s leading to Mary Jo giving a press conference at her home. 'I don't do things I don't want to, but I used to do a whole lotta things I didn't want to. I need a balance now. Take a chance, have fun.' Her journey to healing has not been easy. In the years following the shooting, Mary Jo struggled with addiction to prescription drugs, including Percocet and Xanax, which were prescribed after the near-fatal attack. She and her now-adult children Paul, 46, and Jessica, 42 have used 2026 to reflect on how far they've come as a family. Back in 2022, Mary Jo told the Daily Mail that the emotional fallout from her auto bodyshop-owner husband's betrayal and the intense public scrutiny forced her to leave the East Coast altogether. 'These days when I'm recognized it's a positive thing. But back then it was me at the grocery store being stared at, yelled at, ''What's wrong with you? Why are ya staying with that idiot?'' and worse. 'I'm a housewife, not a movie star, I wasn't used to it. I had two young children still in school, I had to think about them.' The family relocated to Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. 'Moving here was not because I wanted to. I left my family, my friends, my support group, my doctors. Life had become impossible. My husband was a lunatic and had lost his job. I was out of it. The family's home in Massapequa, New York where their lives were turned upside down in 1992 - they relocated four years later to the West Coast, moving close to 20 times Mary Jo now lives with her daughter Jessica, 42, and says that instead of reliving the horrific day she nearly died, the family has renamed May 19 'Survivor's Day,' marking it with a celebratory dinner Mary Jo stuck by Joey's side through it all before calling it quits in 2003 'I was on Percocet and Xanax on a daily basis since '92, and I wasn't in my right mind. I couldn't have found Agoura Hills on a map. What brought us out here in 1996 was the school system.' She estimates she has moved nearly 20 times since then, living throughout Southern California and beyond, including Las Vegas. 'I've lived all over the valley in a big circle, West Hills, Woodland Hills, Oak Park, I've lived in downtown Newport/Laguna beach area, and in Las Vegas. 'I just sort of trudged along, sick, defeated. I just thought no one will recognize me here and that's what I wanted. Back then I didn't have my own voice like I do now.' It wasn't until 2003 that she finally divorced Joey Buttafuoco, her high school sweetheart, after they had moved together to California. Now sober for more than two decades, Mary Jo lives just minutes from her son and shares a home with her daughter. As the anniversary of her attempted murder approaches each year, the family has found a way to reclaim the date. 'It used to be we would all dread that anniversary rolling around on May 19. It was also like four days after my birthday on the 15th. It was something dark and that would hang heavy,' Mary Jo said. 'Then one day I had just had it. I told my kids, 'Hey, I'm here, I'm alive. I made it. We should celebrate that day.' They renamed that once dreaded day of May 19 'Survivor Day.' 'So now we go out to dinner, just the three of us, to Morton's or Ruth Chris, somewhere nice and we celebrate the fact that I lived.' Joey, now 69, served six months prison time for the statutory rape of Fisher. He remarried in 2005. Fisher, now 51, was originally charged with the attempted murder of Mary Jo, but it was bargained down to assault with a deadly weapon. She served seven years in prison before being paroled in 1999. She later worked as a porn actress and stripper for a while. A heartbroken girl agonizingly recalled how she watched her teen boyfriend bleed to death when he was allegedly shot by bullies near his high school. Johan Sanchez, 17, was fatally shot in the chest around 3.20pm Thursday in the 2100 block of 59th Avenue in Cicero, Illinois - about 10 miles west of Chicago. Sanchez was killed just blocks from Morton East High School - which he attended - after dismissal. He was rushed to hospital, where he later died. His girlfriend, Donna Medina, 17, was with Sanchez when the shooting happened and said he was being bullied. 'Yesterday, after school, they were just going to take the bus as they usually do, but when they were there at the bus stop, there was that group of kids waiting for him,' Medina told CBS Chicago. She spoke in Spanish and her comments were translated by cousin Natalia Lopez. Medina said Sanchez tried to run away. She chased after him and then heard a gunshot. "The first [shot] was right to his chest, she said. Johan Sanchez, 17, was killed Thursday after being shot in the chest - allegedly by bullies. His girlfriend Donna Medina, also 17, was with him when he died Sanchez was at a bus stop when the bullies targeted him, according to his girlfriend. He was also shot in the ankle Medina dropped her backpack and reached out to her wounded boyfriend, only to watch him get shot in the ankle. She scrambled to save Sanchez and attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but found that 'he was pale and that he wasn't breathing.' 'Right now, I feel heartbroken, and I'm going through something that I thought that I would never have to go through,' Medina said. Lopez, her cousin, said Medina 'tried to do everything that could save him.' Sanchez was rushed to the Loyola University Medical Center after being shot, where he later died. His cousin was with the couple and tried to fight off the alleged bullies when the attack happened. However, he was pistol-whipped and could not deter the fatal shooting. To date, no details have been released about any suspects or persons of interest involved. Medina (right) 'tried to do everything that could save' her boyfriend, including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation Sanchez's girlfriend said she was 'heartbroken' and 'going through something that I thought that I would never have to go through' Sanchez's godfather, Julio Luna, described him as a quiet and introverted 'really humble kid.' 'He wasn't really into bothering people because he didn't want that,' Luna told WGN-TV. The teenager hoped to join the military and dreamed of earning enough money to support his mother. He was focused on graduating high school, which he won't get to do now. 'It's hard to lose a 17-year-old kid whose life is just barely starting,' Luna said. Sanchez moved to the US from Colombia about four years ago. Relatives said Sanchez had already experienced bullying at the high school. Those concerns had been raised to authorities, according to the teen boy's family. The fatal shooting happened around 3.20pm on Thursday in the 2100 block of 59th Avenue in Cicero, Illinois No reports were made to police, while the school district - J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 - has not responded to the family's allegations. A statement issued hours after Sanchez's death confirmed that a student was killed after being shot blocks from Morton East High after dismissal. The district said that 'there are many reports circulating on social media that are inaccurate.' An 'active crisis team' was made available to students and staff impacted by the alleged murder. A $5,000 reward has been offered by the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation for any information leading to an arrest in relation to the teen's death, per CBS Chicago. As of Saturday evening, a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the family and raise money for Sanchez's funeral had raised about $12,700 of its $20,000 goal. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Cicero Police Department School for comment. Residents of a wealthy Pennsylvania village confronted developers this week after learning that a billionaire has quietly bought up much of the town's commercial core, fueling fears that one family now wields outsized control over its future. The backlash centers on Jeff Yass, Pennsylvania's richest man, whose family has spent more than $15 million acquiring homes, storefronts, and civic properties in Gladwyne, a community of just under 5,000 residents and where median home prices top $2.3 million. At a packed public meeting in a school auditorium, developers working with Yass unveiled their first detailed redevelopment plans for the village center. The moment that drew both applause and skepticism from residents alarmed by shuttered businesses, rising rents, and unanswered questions about the scope of the billionaire-backed project. Standing before the crowd, Andre Golsorkhi, founder and CEO of design firm Haldon House, unveiled a sweeping redevelopment plan crafted in partnership with Yass and his wife, Janine. Golsorkhi framed the effort as a 'community impact project,' insisting the billionaire family's intentions were rooted in preservation rather than profit. But for a town already rattled by closed storefronts, the presentation drew plenty of suspicion and unease. Over the past several years, Haldon House and the Yass family have acquired multiple properties clustered around the intersection of Youngs Ford and Righters Mill Roads - effectively Gladwyne's commercial heart. Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, a village of just under 5,000 residents, is suddenly at the center of a high-stakes fight over its future Controversy erupted after Jeff Yass quietly bought up much of the village's commercial core. Yass is pictured alongside his wife Janine Coslett The redevelopment plans promises historic architecture, green space, and independent retailers - but no chains or hi-rise apartments Those purchases include the former Gladwyne Market, the Village Shoppes, residential property on Youngs Ford Road, the Gladwyne Post Office building, and the former OMG Hair Salon, which was leased and later vacated. Two longtime fixtures, the OMG Salon and Gladwyne Market, closed last year after the acquisitions sent ripples through the community fueling rumors about what was coming next. Gladwyne has long prized its small-town feel and locally owned businesses, even as it sits among some of the wealthiest ZIP codes in the state. The idea that one billionaire family now controls much of the village center has left some residents uneasy, particularly as redevelopment plans remained opaque until now. 'There's been a lot of justified, warranted concern,' Golsorkhi acknowledged during the meeting, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Renderings presented by Haldon House show a carefully curated version of Gladwyne's future: preserved late-1800s stone architecture, wraparound porches, ivy-covered walls, Adirondack chairs, hydrangeas, and signage branded 'Gladwyne Square.' The plan calls for new green space, pedestrian-friendly footpaths, and a mix of small, independent retailers. Golsorkhi stressed there would be no residential development, no national chain stores, and no high-rise buildings. The renderings emphasize Adirondack chairs, hydrangeas, and pedestrian-friendly walkways meant to evoke a timeless village square Wide green lawns, picnic tables, and open gathering spaces feature prominently, projecting a calm, upscale community hub Gladwyne Pharmacy is slated to remain, with developers helping 'reimagine' its layout and customer experience Gladwyne Market, a longtime community staple, was shuttered after its building was acquired by the developers Andre Golsorkhi, the CEO of Haldon House, has emerged as the public face of the project, insisting the billionaire-backed overhaul is a community-focused effort rooted in preservation rather than profit Existing tenants like the local cafe Homeroom and Gladwyne Pharmacy would remain, while the former Gladwyne Market site would become a 'casual, but elevated and approachable' restaurant. 'This is a place that we grew up, that we love, that we care for tremendously,' Golsorkhi told those at the meeting. 'It has been protected for all the right reasons, but it has also not evolved. It needs a revitalization.' Golsorkhi and his wife, Autumn Oser, co-owner of Haldon House, are both from the Gladwyne area, a point he emphasized repeatedly as residents questioned the motivations behind the project. But not everyone remains convinced. 'I just wonder what the end game is,' one resident said during the question-and-answer session. 'There's always a price for this, having someone come in and say, 'I'm going to make your community really, really cool and don't worry about the money.' Golsorkhi said the Yass family is prepared to absorb the costs of redevelopment but that it was too early to project a timeline. He repeatedly described the effort as part investment, part philanthropy. The Gladwyne Post Office, also purchased as part of the redevelopment, has become a flashpoint after confusion over whether its services could eventually be reduced or relocated OMG Hair Salon closed after its rent was sharply increased, becoming a flashpoint for critics of the project Home Room cafe is expected to expand and remain part of the villages future under the plan They have already worked closely with Gladwyne Pharmacy helping 'reimagine' its design and customer experience with 'no expectation of return.' 'We're doing that because we believe that the consistent experience and character of Gladwyne is really important,' Golsorkhi said, adding that the pharmacy's footprint had grown in ways that no longer best served the business or the community. The developers also floated ideas for expanding green space, adding picnic tables and lawns, and creating venues for community events. Independent bakeries, boutique fitness studios, and ice cream shops are among the businesses they hope to attract. One flashpoint involved the Gladwyne Post Office, which Golsorkhi suggested was 'retiring its services,' raising the possibility of a consolidated shipping hub combining USPS, UPS, and FedEx. But Paul Smith, manager of public affairs for the US Postal Service in the Philadelphia region, said the Gladwyne post office remains open for retail transactions, mailing services and that the post office itself is not closing. Behind the polished renderings and talk of preservation, business owners say the transition has come at a personal cost. Other small shops around Youngs Ford and Righters Mill Roads now sit at the center of redevelopment uncertainty Gladwyne is prized by residents for its historic charm, tight-knit community, and small-village feel Longtime residents worry the villages identity is being reshaped by one billionaires vision Maurice Tenenbaum, owner of OMG Hair Salon, said the building's owners more than doubled his rent last fall, forcing him to give up the space. Pete Liccio, the former owner of Gladwyne Market, said that he also felt pushed out after decades serving the community. Some residents left the meeting energized, calling the proposal long overdue. 'What I'm seeing here is a center of gravity and an identity for Gladwyne that's well-deserved and long been needed,' one attendee said to the Inquirer. Others walked away unconvinced, wary of a future shaped largely by one billionaire's vision. 'This is an investment and a philanthropic effort,' Golsorkhi told the crowd. 'I understand and I recognize that that is a challenging thing to sort of believe.' A Transgender activist has been unmasked by one of Britains highest courts as being linked to militant trans group Bash Back. Autumn Redpath, 22, was named by Mr Justice Bright as a respondent to an injunction imposed on the group after it hacked the website of the Free Speech Union (FSU) and published lists of its donors online. Bash Back campaigning for trans liberation urges its members to form cells and plot criminal damage offences against high-profile targets deemed transphobic. The Mail on Sunday exposed its practices last month in an investigation which highlighted its plans to carry out a series of attacks on senior politicians offices including the Prime Minister and the Health Secretary. For months, the group has gone to extensive lengths to hide its organisers, including removing internal metadata from public documents and using ultra-secure email systems. Now, The Mail on Sunday can reveal Redpath is an ethical hacker who was born a biological male but identifies as a woman. Described as an autistic, trans, anarcho-socialist, hackergirl on a now-deleted X account, their LinkedIn says they are an aspiring academic in the UK with a keen interest in resistance studies. Born in 2003, the activist grew up in a 635,000 stone-built house in a leafy middle England commuter village and worked in a Leeds coffee shop as a teenager. Autumn Redpath (pictured), 22, was named by Mr Justice Bright as a respondent to an injunction imposed on the group after it hacked the website of the Free Speech Union (FSU) The moment Autumn Redpath graduated from the University of Warwick while calling for a Free Palestine and trans rights Social media paints a picture of a close-knit, affluent family. Redpaths mother has proudly displayed the trans flag in photos and another family member said he was proud to stand alongside the amazing Autumn R every day. The activist graduated with a degree in cyber security from Warwick University last summer but caused a stir at the graduation ceremony by unfurling a trans flag bearing the words free Palestine. Very happy to graduate from University of Warwick today with a BSc (hons) in Cyber Security. Also very happy to use this platform to call for trans rights and a free Palestine, the activist later wrote on LinkedIn. Pictures posted online appear to show seated gowned academics applauding while the universitys vice chancellor, Professor Stuart Croft, can be seen leaving the stage during the protest. Redpath is now studying a masters in digital media and culture, also at Warwick. One of 28 Freedom of Information requests logged by a person with the same name asked the Equality and Human Rights Commission to provide all held records relating to the UK direct action group Bash Back. Redpath was linked to the group by cyber security experts commissioned by the FSU, which followed a digital footprint said to have linked Redpath to the creation of Bash Backs Wikipedia page after an initial reluctance by the police to investigate the system hack. Within hours of Bash Back publishing donors names and the size of their contributions, the FSU obtained an urgent out-of-hours High Court injunction from Judge Bright stopping the hackers from sharing the leaked information. On Wednesday morning, High Court documents named Redpath as a respondent in the injunction. In court appearance via videolink on Friday, the student called on the judge to grant an anonymity order, insisting they were not part of Bash Back. In the rejected plea, Redpath said: This group attracts a lot of hostility, and I fear there is a real prospect of harm to me. Im not here to defend Bash Back but having followed them in the past I thought they might claim publishing this information was justified. As an activist group they believe their actions are just, even if they include breaking the law. Donald Trump has ordered his special forces commanders to draw up a plan for the invasion of Greenland - but is being resisted by senior military figures, The Mail on Sunday has learned. Sources say that the policy 'hawks' around the US President, led by political adviser Stephen Miller, have been so emboldened by the success of the operation to capture Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro that they want to move quickly to seize the island before Russia or China makes a move. British diplomats believe that Trump is also motivated by a desire to distract American voters from the performance of the US economy before the mid-term elections later this year, after which he could lose control of Congress to the Democrats. But such a dramatic move would put him at odds with Sir Keir Starmer and would effectively lead to the collapse of Nato. According to the sources, the President has asked the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to prepare the invasion plan, but it is being resisted by the joint chiefs of staff on the grounds that it would be illegal - and would not be supported by Congress. One source said: 'They have tried to distract Trump by talking about less controversial measures, such as intercepting Russian 'ghost' ships - a clandestine network of hundreds of vessels operated by Moscow to evade Western sanctions - or launching a strike on Iran.' Diplomats have war-gamed what they describe as an 'escalatory scenario' under which Trump uses force or 'political coercion' to sever Greenland's links to Denmark. One diplomatic cable describes the 'worst-case' scenario as leading to 'the destruction of Nato from the inside'. It adds: 'Some European officials suspect this is the real aim of the hardline MAGA faction around Trump. Since Congress would not allow Trump to exit Nato, occupying Greenland could force the Europeans to abandon Nato. If Trump wants to end Nato, this might be the most convenient way to do it.' Trump has ordered special forces commanders to draw up a plan for the invasion of Greenland Under the 'Compromise Scenario', Denmark would agree to give Trump full military access to Greenland and deny access to Russia and China - although America already has free access to the island, it would be put on a legal basis Under the 'Compromise Scenario', Denmark would agree to give Trump full military access to Greenland and deny access to Russia and China. Although America already has free access to the island, it would be put on a legal basis. The cable says: 'For domestic political reasons, Trump can start with an escalatory scenario which shifts to a compromise scenario. 'European officials fear that, for Trump, the window of opportunity before the mid-terms is closing in the summer, therefore action is expected sooner rather than later. The Nato summit on July 7 seems like the natural timing for a compromise deal'. It concludes: 'The current concerns [about an invasion] are driven by the most extreme views coming from Stephen Miller. The UK's positioning will be key - whether it sticks closely with European allies or breaks ranks [to sanction Trump's approach].' A diplomatic source said: 'The generals think Trump's Greenland plan is crazy and illegal. So they are trying to deflect him with other major military operations. They say it's like dealing with a five-year-old'. News / National by Staff reporter Kabias Chityatya, who was installed as Chief Mawere in July last year, has died at the age of 90.Chityatya succumbed to prostate cancer after a prolonged illness, his son Kabias confirmed in an interview. He said the traditional leader had not been well for some time and was already ill at the time of his installation."We are saddened by the death of my father. He succumbed to prostate cancer and has not been well for some time. His installation was done whilst he was ill," said Chityatya.Chief Mawere replaced Pious Mapetere, who had served as acting chief for 11 years. During his tenure, Mapetere reportedly did not receive any allowances from the government amid allegations that he supported the opposition MDC and that late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai once visited his home.Mapetere is said to have all but abandoned efforts to claim the unpaid allowances after the District Development Coordinator, Chiedza Tafirei, reportedly indicated that he would not be paid.The chieftaincy has previously been linked to political tensions in the area. In 2021, one of the Zhambes, Nyasha Zhambe a nephew to the late chief allegedly died after being attacked by Zanu-PF supporters in Gutu Central for supporting opposition leader Nelson Chamisa. No arrests were made, despite suspects, including a prominent Zanu-PF field officer, being known.Chityatya, who was a successful farmer and a devout member of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe, was buried last Wednesday at his homestead in Chief Mawere's area in Gutu.Chief Mawere's nephew, Onesmo Zhambe, described the late traditional leader as a compassionate and approachable person."He was loved by many people. He was empathetic and good at counselling those who came to him with problems," said Zhambe.Chief Mawere is survived by his wife, Sesedzai, and 10 children eight boys and two girls. A map launched by the Government to name and shame local authorities which are failing to fix potholes has revealed that Labour-run councils are the worst offenders. The new traffic light rating system grades town halls on road conditions as well as how effectively they are spending maintenance funding. Embarrassingly, it ranks Labour-run Greenwich Council home to the Prime Ministers closest parliamentary aide Abena Oppong-Asare and local government minister Matthew Pennycook as one of the worst for pothole repairs. Other Labour councils such as Waltham Forest, Bolton and Cumberland are also in the most serious red for repairs category while Tory-controlled Essex and Hillingdon as well as Reform-run Worcestershire are all given a top green rating by ministers. It comes only days after a single pothole burst the tyres of at least 14 cars on a slip-road off the M3 in Hampshire, leading to a major traffic snarl-up. New red, amber and green ratings let the public see which local highway authorities are fixing potholes effectively A lane was shut on the A303, which joins the motorway near Popham, on Thursday evening as emergency repairs were carried out to patch up the pothole, with damaged vehicles stranded on the hard shoulder. The map is especially awkward for Labour given the crunch local elections in May, anticipated to be a flashpoint for a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer. Pollsters predict a rout of Labour councils, and this latest own goal is a further setback for what is regarded as the most unpopular government in history. Pictured: The best and worst councils for pot holes Tory transport spokesman Richard Holden MP said: It is refreshing to have Labour ministers laying bare just how badly Labour-run councils handle basic road repairs. If you live in Bolton, Waltham Forest, Greenwich or any other Labour council up for election, this map is a warning label. Councils can spend money earmarked for roadworks on whatever they want, as funding is not ring fenced. The traffic light system aims to incentivise them to actually spend the 7.3billion they have been given for repairs on the pothole plague blighting Britain. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: For too long drivers have paid the price because our roads were left to deteriorate. AA president Edmund King welcomed the initiative to hold local highways authorities to account. The Mail on Sunday understands ministers are weighing up incentives for councils, such as delaying funds until repair targets are met. The map, launched by the Government to name and shame local authorities which are failing to fix potholes, has revealed that Labour-run councils are actually the worst offenders The pot hole map is especially awkward for Labour given the crunch local elections in May, anticipated to be a flashpoint for a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer Labour's 'obsessive' drive towards Net Zero could cost Britons a staggering 4.5 trillion over the next 25 years, official estimates suggest. Critics said the extraordinary mounting costs for measures such as wind farms, solar panels, green heating systems and upgrades to roads and railways are significantly higher than previous forecasts and could 'bankrupt' the economy. The figures, quietly published last month by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) a Government quango responsible for Britain's energy systems includes an estimated 585 billion to be forked out by ordinary households to pay for the move away from energyguzzling boilers towards ecofriendly heat pumps. And new wind farms and electricity pylons across the country would cost 1 trillion, it estimates, while switching to electric vehicles and building more charging stations could add further costs of up to 2.6 trillion. In total, NESO estimates Britain will need to spend 182 billion a year to reach its targets by 2050. Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, told The Mail on Sunday the figures were evidence that the policy should be scrapped. He said: 'This confirms what I have always said the Government's obsession with Net stupid Zero will only succeed in bankrupting the country. 'A Reform government will scrap Net Zero immediately, cut energy bills and restore growth.' Climate Change and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband. Labour's 'obsessive' drive towards Net Zero could cost Britons a staggering 4.5 trillion over the next 25 years, official estimates suggest A large windmill farm. NESO estimates that new wind farms and electricity pylons across the country would cost 1 trillion Shadow Energy and Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho added the figures highlight the 'lies' and fundamental hypocrisy of the Net Zero campaign. Range anxiety fears over ministers' EVs Ministers are getting 'range anxiety' in their official electric vehicles (EVs), The Mail on Sunday can reveal. There are 42 fully electric Jaguar IPace cars in the Government's 108strong fleet of ministerial cars. But insiders have said that because of the cars' weak battery life, they can't ferry ministers from London to anywhere further than the Midlands. The Jaguars have a 250mile range when they roll off the factory floor, making a round trip beyond Birmingham almost impossible in them. And during cold snaps, performance can drop by 3040 per cent rendering them effectively useless for visits outside London. The Government is committed to having a 100 per cent zeroemission fleet by next year, raising fears that ministerial visits across the country will be drastically curtailed. And according to Westminster insiders, access to ministerial cars is already a source of tension between colleagues. Advertisement 'For years, the public have been told the lie that Net Zero means cheaper energy,' she said. 'This official data shows the truth families and businesses will have to spend hundreds of billions of pounds upgrading their boilers, cars and infrastructure all while China is belching out a new coal power station every fortnight. 'Britain cannot afford to spend the next 25 years forcing people to adopt expensive technologies before they are ready just to make a Net Zero target. 'We should focus on making electricity cheap and let people buy products when they want to.' The potential multitrillionpound bill will pile further pressure on the Government to rethink its eco goals as fears mount that household bills will be pushed up to accommodate the green transition. Last month, reports emerged that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was poised to splurge billions of pounds on household grants for solar power, batteries and heat pumps in a scramble to meet Labour's promise to cut energy bills. He is expected to set out proposals next month to allocate up to 13 billion over the next four years as part of the Government's warm homes plan. But the Energy Secretary's ploy suffered a blow earlier this month when government figures showed the UK increased the amount of electricity produced from fossil fuels last year despite Miliband's Net Zero push. It showed expanding renewable power alone would not be enough to meet Labour targets, sparking calls for more reliable forms of power such as nuclear and natural gas to be prioritised. Previous estimates from the UK's fiscal watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility, suggested the move to Net Zero would cost more than 800 billion over the next two decades with the public purse shelling out 30 billion a year. Shadow Energy and Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho (pictured) added the figures highlight the 'lies' and fundamental hypocrisy of the Net Zero campaign Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, told The Mail on Sunday the figures were evidence that the policy should be scrapped A NESO spokesman said the proposed spending totals would ensure that the proportion of the British economy designated to energy costs would decline by half from 10 per cent today to between 5 and 6 per cent by 2050. 'This is despite a projected rise in energy demand, driven by population growth, increasing GDP and growing consumption from data centres,' he said. 'Our analysis shows we would be less exposed to energy price volatility under a decarbonised energy system. PM's local 'gagged over rates U-turn' By Gabriel Millard-Clothier The Pineapple pub in Londons Kentish Town is well known as Sir Keir Starmers favourite haunt. But after Labours humiliating U-turn on business rates, staff have been gagged from talking to the media. When approached by The Mail on Sunday, the pub manager said: The answers no. We do not give interviews or comments; we are not allowed to. Speculating that Downing Street may have put political pressure on the pub, Tory Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said: Clearly, like pubs and businesses across the country, they havent got a good word to say about the Prime Minister. The 19th Century pub was set to pay a staggering 500 per cent increase in its business rates bill, which would go from 5,800 to 29,100 in just three years. But after 1,000 pubs barred any Labour MPs from drinking in them, Labour signalled they would climb down on the Budget hike. Kemi Badenoch said it was too little too late. An Islamic group which has been deemed a terrorist organisation in multiple countries faces calls to be banned from Australia after it publicly declared the 'West sucks blood from humanity'. Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia is now under intense fire over the public rally it held in November, just three weeks before the horrific Bondi Beach attack which left 15 people dead. Multiple members of the group took the stage to deliver explosive messages, including 'sharia law is the blueprint of a harmonious society' and 'Islam is the only solution for Muslims and non-Muslims alike'. The controversial conference 'Islam: The Change the World Desperately Needs' was held at The Highline Venue in Bankstown, south-west Sydney, on November 23. Various speakers slammed the 'impacts of Western civilisation', accusing 'capitalism of weakening the influence of Islam'. Radical cleric Mohamad Trad, who notoriously called for a Muslim army and an Islamic state with sharia law under a 'final solution' in 2023, spoke at the conference. 'The ugly face of this capitalistic, liberal, secular, capitalist ideology. All of that has come to fruition in the eyes of the whole world In Gaza,' Trad said. 'Islam, its the only solution. Its the only way for Muslim and non-Muslim alike'. Cleric Mohamad Trad (above) spoke at the conference ASIO boss Mike Burgess warned Hizb ut-Tahrir is a security risk Another speaker, who delivered a video message while standing in front of a destroyed building in Gaza, said the West was 'sucking blood and draining the wealth of humanity'. 'They have seen how the slogans of freedom, democracy and human rights are nothing but a mask for an ugly face hidden by their politicians, the masters of colonialism,' the speaker said. 'The West possesses only one value, sucking blood and draining the wealth of humanity. 'Even if it means standing atop mountains of skulls, rivers of blood, and paths of crushed bones.' The speaker also called for the 'overthrow of Western influence'. 'Muslims are the only ones who possess a civilisational project capable of removing capitalism from its global leadership and taking its place to illuminate the world anew,' he said. 'The West fears our civilisational project; it has incited regimes against us.' Hizb ut-Tahrir member Wassim Doureihi told the audience it was time to ramp up efforts to establish a 'Muslim state'. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Hizb ut-Tahrir 'disgusted him' The controversial conference 'Islam: The Change the World Desperately Needs' was , held at Bankstowns The Highline Venue on November 23 'Brothers and sisters, please, the time to talk about Khilafah (Caliphate) is over. The time to work for Khilafah is now,' Doureihi said. 'Do the work dont do the talk. We are not happy trying to organise conferences. We are in the business of trying to organise a state. The time for talk is over.' There is now mounting pressure on Anthony Albanese's government to ban the group and deem it a terror group as it has been in the UK, Germany, Indonesia, India and multiple other countries. Coalition Home Affairs spokesman Jonathon Duniam declared Hizb ut-Tahrirs conference 'should not have gone ahead'. Mr Duniam also said it was 'simply unacceptable' the federal government 'did not step in to stop it'. 'The Albanese government has been soft on radical Islamist groups and preachers,' he said. 'It is simply unacceptable that they did not stop this conference.' In November, ASIO boss Mike Burgess highlighted Hizb ut-Tahrir is a security risk and said the group's Australian-based chapters 'warranted broader scrutiny'. 'Hizb ut-Tahrir wants to test and stretch the boundaries of legality without breaking them this does not make its behaviour acceptable,' Mr Burgess said. Islamic Hizb Ut-Tahrir Conference held in Campsie, south-west Sydney, in April 2019 Hizb ut-Tahrir speakers said the 'West sucks blood from humanity' 'I fear its anti-Israel rhetoric is fuelling and normalising wider antisemitic narratives.' Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Hizb ut-Tahrir 'disgusted him'. 'This organisation has been propagating hate for decades and Ive been publicly opposed to them my whole career,' he said. 'No government has been able to ban them as they didnt meet the violence threshold. 'The government is lowering the threshold, which means organisations which hate Australia and hate Australians will soon be able to be banned.' Almost 16,000 nurses at some of New York City 's largest private hospitals are preparing to launch a mass strike over pay. The strikes are set to begin Monday after months of contract negotiations failed to reach an agreement, with disagreements over health insurance coverage and understaffing also fueling the walk-out. The clash has been between the New York State Nurses Association, which represents the huge bloc of nurses in the Big Apple, and the Montefiore, Mount Sinai and New York-Presbyterian health systems. Ahead of the strike action, nurses held a rally on Friday outside the Manhattan offices of the Greater New York Hospital Association and the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes of New York, who negotiated for the hospitals, reports Politico. Workers at the protest told the outlet that they have been left disgruntled by hospital executives during the failed negotiations. 'We are going to continue to fight to get what we feel our patients and our communities deserve,' Montefiore Medical Center nurse Michelle Gonzalez said at the rally. Nurses are also demanding increased protections against workplace violence, and the ability to restrict ICE agents from entering hospitals across New York City. With an agreement reportedly out of reach, Beth Loudin, a pediatric nurse for New York-Presbyterian, said at the rally on Friday: 'Theyre ready for us to walk on Monday.' Almost 16,000 nurses at some of New York City's largest private hospitals are preparing to launch a mass strike over pay, health insurance coverage and understaffing A hostile atmosphere between the nurses and hospitals escalated Thursday with a shooting at New York-Presbyterians Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, which saw the NYPD fatally shoot a man armed with a knife who took a patient and hospital worker hostage (pictured) A hostile atmosphere between the nurses and hospitals escalated Thursday with a shooting at New York-Presbyterians Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, which saw the NYPD fatally shoot a man armed with a knife who took a patient and hospital worker hostage. The incident sparked concerns over the safety of hospital workers, who say they are understaffed and underpaid despite demanding schedules. Contracts the union had with 12 New York City hospitals expired at the end of 2025. At many of the 12 hospitals, the union agreed not to launch its strikes as they often serve low-income patients who are uninsured or on Medicaid. But the strikes will instead hit the Montefiore, Mount Sinai and New York-Presbyterian health systems, three of the largest in the city. The potential strikes are set to present an early headache for newly sworn-in mayor Zohran Mamdani just weeks into his new administration. Mamdani was endorsed by the New York State Nurses Association union after he won the Democratic primary, but he is yet to wade into the clash or attempted to end it publicly. A spokesperson for the city's emergency management department told Politico that it has plans that can be activated to ensure emergency services are not impacted. An individual close to the negotiations also told the outlet that the strikes appear 'inevitable' because there was little movement on issues over pay and wages with hospital executives. The potential strikes are set to present an early headache for newly sworn-in mayor Zohran Mamdani, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order on Friday declaring a state disaster emergency over an 'immediate and critical need' to help staffing shortages in hospitals due to the strike In a joint statement from Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai, and New York-Presbyterian, the hospitals said they were urging union leadership to reconsider the strike and return to the negotiating table While Mamdani has not yet stepped in, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order on Friday declaring a state disaster emergency over an 'immediate and critical need' to help staffing shortages in hospitals due to the strike. Hochul said as she issued the executive order that the strike 'could jeopardize the lives of thousands of New Yorkers and patients, and Im strongly encouraging everyone to stay at the table both sides, management and the nurses until this is resolved.' Brian Conway, a spokesperson for the Greater New York Hospital Association, said in a statement that the hospitals could not meet demands from the nurses union for higher wages as they would be too expensive. 'A rally doesnt change the fact that NYSNA leaderships demands are unreasonable,' Conway said. 'Theres a reason why theyre not talking about their wage demands, in particular because even they know its wildly divorced from economic reality.' In a joint statement from Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai, and New York-Presbyterian, the hospitals said they were urging union leadership to reconsider the strike and return to the negotiating table. 'NYSNA leadership has chosen to abandon patients in their time of need, but Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai, and New York-Presbyterian will not. Their decision to walk out on our patients can only be described as reckless,' the statement shared Friday said. 'A strike will pose challenges for sure, but our institutions will do whatever is necessary to minimize disruptions to the delivery of the safe, high-quality care we are known for.' Donald Trump cannot officially be given Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize, according to the committee that gives out the award. Machado initially dedicated the award to Trump but has since expressed her desire to give him the trophy, which the president has said would be 'a great honor' to accept. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Friday that this would be impossible. 'The Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute receive a number of requests for comments regarding the permanence of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate's status,' they said in a statement. 'The facts are clear and well established. Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time.' The statement then links to an explanation of the Nobel Prize rules which includes that 'no appeals may be made against the decision of a prize-awarding body with regard to the award of a prize.' White House spokeswoman told The Daily Mail its clear that the president should get the prize regardless. 'President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize many times over. His direct involvement in major conflicts, leveraging tools from America's military might to our superior consumer market, has brought peace to decades-long wars around the world,' she said. Donald Trump (pictured) cannot officially be given Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize according to the committee that gives out the award Machado (pictured) initially dedicated the award to Trump but has since expressed her desire to give him the trophy, which the president has said would be 'a great honor' to accept 'The President's legacy is already cemented as Peacemaker-in-Chief, so it is no surprise that he is being nominated left and right. However, as the President has said, he doesn't care about the recognition only saving lives.' Machado, whose preferred candidate many believe should rightfully have been elected over now-deposed leader Nicolas Maduro, has consistently thanked Trump for his support. Shortly after her win in October, Machado took to X, writing: 'I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!' However, reports have suggested Trump's displeasure with her acceptance of the prize - which he has long coveted - has left her out in the cold following the capture of Maduro, with Trump saying Machado 'doesn't have the respect' in Venezuela to be named president. In an interview with Fox News earlier this week, Machado became more explicit in her desire to hand over the award to Trump. 'Let me be very clear, as soon as I learned that we had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, I dedicated to Trump because I knew at that point, he deserved it,' she said. Machado affirmed to Sean Hannity that the capture of Maduro was another reason she believes 'he deserved it.' Hannity asked if she had spoken to Trump since the military operation and his comments about her running the country and she admitted they hadn't spoken since her Nobel Prize victory. In an interview with Fox News earlier this week, Machado became more explicit in her desire to hand over the award to Trump The host then asked: 'Did you at any point offer to give him the Nobel Peace Prize? Did that actually happen?' 'Well, it hasn't happened yet, but I would certainly love to be able to personally tell him that we believe the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people certainly want to give it to him and share it with him.' Machado is scheduled to be in Washington next week, where the ceremonial sharing of the prize could potentially take place. The president said he'll 'say hello to her' next week after refusing to allow her power in the transition away from Maduro in an interview Thursday. The president suggested he'd be honored to receive Machado's award but that he ought to get as many as eight Nobel Prizes. 'It would be a great honor. I did put out eight wars, eight and a quarter because Thailand and Cambodia started going at each other again,' he said. He argued that the Nobel committee not giving him the prize this year has been 'a major embarrassment to Norway,' which is where they're located. 'When you put out eight wars, in theory, you should get one for each war,' he said. The president suggested he'd be honored to receive Machado's award but that he ought to get as many as eight Nobel Prizes in an interview Thursday Trump distanced himself from Machado after Maduro's capture, as White House insiders revealed his displeasure stems from her acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize - an honor Trump has long coveted for himself. 'If she had turned it down and said, 'I can't accept it because it's Donald Trump's,' she'd be the president of Venezuela today,' a person familiar with Trump's thinking told the Washington Post. 'Her acceptance of the prize was an 'ultimate sin.' On Saturday, Trump had largely dismissed Machado's prospects, saying 'it would be very tough for her to be the leader' and claiming she 'doesn't have the support or the respect within the country.' His comments caught Machado's team off guard, according to people close to her. Machado's proxy candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won more than twothirds of the vote in last year's election, which Maduro refused to honor by stepping down. Instead, Maduro's former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been put in charge on an interim basis. US officials say Venezuela's vast oil wealth offers both an incentive for Rodriguez to engage with Trump and a source of leverage if she doesn't. In Venezuela, the armed forces have recognized Rodriguez as acting president. People close to Machado say their team was caught off guard by Trump's comments, and she has even garnered support from Republicans. Representative Carlos Gimenez said in an interview that Machado would win an election if it were held today. Florida Republican Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar and Mario Diaz-Balart also held a press conference in Doral on January 3 to forcefully reaffirm their support for Machado. Salazar, a longtime ally who frequently refers to Machado as Venezuela's 'Iron Lady,' has made note that any democratic transition must occur 'under the leadership of Maria Corina Machado.' Diaz-Balart also shut down suggestions that she lacked respect by declaring that 'the next democratically elected President of Venezuela is going to be Maria Corina Machado.' Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul suggested Trump threw Machado 'under the bus,' over the Nobel Peace Prize. Woman screamed at him in Melbourne A documentary filmmaker has captured the moment a woman erupted at him and his friends after she asked them for $5. TJ said the stranger approached the group at Batman Park, in Melbourne, and appeared polite at the start of the interaction. 'That person came up to us and asked for $5 and I said, "Sorry, we don't have it",' he said. 'The next minute they went straight into my face, talking in gibberish, in tongues or some type of language I couldn't understand.' The situation escalated in just seconds. Disturbing footage shows the woman ranting and, at one point, making a chilling threat as TJ's friends attempted to calm her down. TJ said he suddenly realised there was a dangerous object right next to his neck. 'I looked at that person's hand when it was pointing at me, and they had a glass pipe right next to my face, right next to my neck,' he told news.com.au. TJ filmed the encounter, showing a woman who was screaming at him in Batman Park TJ (pictured) is a Youtube film maker, who creates content focusing on Victoria and crime 'And when the person's face got really, really close to me, I looked at their skull. They had a massive open wound, like a fresh wound.' Shaken, TJ said the speed of the blowup left him stunned. 'She went from zero to a hundred, literally in one second.' The incident comes amid a series of violent episodes that have put Melbourne's street safety in the spotlight. During the New Year period, CCTV captured a machetewielding gang ambushing two young men on Lygon Street in Carlton just before midnight, leaving both with critical injuries as the attackers fled. Days later, dash-cam footage from the Monash Freeway at Narre Warren showed masked men, some armed with machetes and metal poles, pouring out of crashed cars and brawling in live traffic, forcing shocked drivers to reverse off the freeway while police dogs searched the nearby bush. No injuries were reported and a man who was questioned was released without charge. The Victorian government says it is supporting police with record investment and tougher laws, including the machete ban that took effect in September and expanded stopandsearch powers. Things escalated after the group denied the woman's request for $5 Dash-cam footage from the Monash Freeway showed masked men brawling in live traffic Acting Premier Ben Carroll said the government remained firmly committed to ensuring 'everyday Victorians, law-abiding Victorians, feel safe'. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson slammed the government's response, accusing them of ignoring community concerns about rising crime. 'Labor ministers keep gaslighting Victorians by telling them that they're safe. But the reality is very different,' she said. The man who could be the next Shah of Iran has urged the Labour Government to stand with the people in their hour of need. Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who fled to the US with his father, the deposed Shah, after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, told The Mail on Sunday he is spearheading regime change by offering members of Irans hated Revolutionary Guard and military the chance to secretly switch sides using a secure QR code. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of major cities across Iran on Friday night chanting Bring back Pahlavi! as Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to not back down. Unconfirmed reports said more than 200 people had been shot dead in the capital Tehran. In exclusive comments to the MoS, the 65-year-old prince pleaded with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support the uprising saying: The Iranian people are moving forward with great courage and determination. 'In the last few days they have responded to my calls to action in their millions. I hope the UK Government will stand with the people in their hour of need and work with me to support a stable and responsible transition to democracy. The time is now. Do not simply observe the birth of a new Iran, work with us to ensure that it is peaceful, stable, and worthy of the sacrifices its people are making. The regime has blocked the internet and phone services. But a QR code, previously broadcast on news outlets such as Iran International offers a secure defection channel with tens of thousands of military personnel already secretly signing on to support a new democratic government if the Ayatollah falls. A source said: The QR code allows the police and military and even the hated Iranian Revolutionary Guard to confidentially pledge their support for a regime change. Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who fled to the US with his father, the deposed Shah, after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, told The Mail on Sunday he is spearheading regime change A government building set alight close to the Iranian capital of Tehran. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of major cities across Iran on Friday night chanting Bring back Pahlavi! The only way there will be a regime change is from within and if people within the army and military vow to uphold a democratic and peaceful Iran. The QR code cannot be decrypted. Prince Pahlavi told the MoS: A key pillar of my strategy and to ensure a stable and peaceful transition lies in working with those inside the regime who choose to break from it and stand with the people. My team has established a secure channel and platform for members of the military and other institutions who wish to defect from the clerical system and stand with the Iranian people. Tens of thousands have already reached out through these secure channels clear evidence that dissatisfaction within the regimes ranks is deep and widespread, and that many inside Irans military are prepared to play a constructive role in a democratic future. The protests, which began on December 28, were sparked by the collapse of the Iranian currency and have led to 2,300 arrests including nine children and the deaths of at least 65 protesters and 15 security personnel, sources say. Last week, Prince Pahlavi said the regime was deeply frightened by the protests and the country faced a historic opportunity to free itself. He added that he was ready to step into Iran and would be there with my compatriots to lead the ultimate battle. Well it's one way of making sure your colleagues don't get too big for their boots... When Donald Trump deemed the footwear of his most senior Cabinet members Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to be too shabby, he ordered them both several pairs of his favourite formal Oxford shoes. And last week both were dutifully wearing the gifts in the White House, even if they were clearly several sizes too big. They showed them off to New York Times journalists who were interviewing Trump, explaining the President bought them. Vance, 41, even 'lifted his leg in the air to show the President the pair he was wearing', the paper said. Both Vance and Rubio who Trump apparently called 'kids' during the interview had been gifted four pairs of black shoes, in a gesture that could be seen as a power move. The VicePresident revealed last month that his boss stopped a 'really important meeting' to criticise their footwear. Marco Rubio was pictured wearing the shoes he had received as a gift from President Trump as he met Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer The footwear, the President's favourite formal Oxford shoes, were clearly too big for the US Secretary of State The VicePresident (left) revealed last month that his boss stopped a 'really important meeting' to criticise their footwear He said: 'The President holds up his hand and says, 'No, no, no, hold on a second. There's something much more important shoes.' He peers over the Resolute desk and he says, 'Marco, JD, you guys have s***ty shoes. We gotta get you better shoes.' He goes out and grabs a catalogue.' Vance said he asked their shoe size with Rubio, 54, saying he was an 11 and a half and Vance a 13. And when a third politician said he was a size 7, Trump made a crude joke. 'The President,' Vance recalled, 'he kind of leans back in his chair and says: 'You know, you can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size...' ' Which would at least be a reason for the Secretary of State and VP to overstate their sizes. Councils have been told to 'hang their heads in shame' after it emerged that they spent over 100,000 of taxpayers' money taking down St George's and Union Jack flags. An FOI request revealed that the cash-strapped councils across the UK spent thousands on paying contractors to take down the flags, which had been put up by many locals last year. A total of 47 councils collectively spent 115,115,35 on removing English and British flags from lamp posts and council-owned properties - with the biggest spenders being the London Borough of Bromley, who paid a shocking 13,500 to employ 12 people to remove them from just two roundabouts in one night. Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, called the findings a 'disgrace', telling the Telegraph: 'The English and Union flags are proud, unifying symbols of our nation. 'Yet Tory, Labour and Lib Dem councils are ripping them down and wasting tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money to do it. It's nothing short of a disgrace. 'Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems should hang their heads in shame for squandering public cash to erase British identity.' Tory-led councils spent the most on flag removals, with their councils spending a total of 43,359.96. Labour-led councils came second, spending around 35,000, while Liberal Democrat-controlled councils spent just under 25,000. Councils have collectively spent over 100,000 on removing St George's Cross and Union Jack flags, an FOI has revealed Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, called the findings a 'disgrace' and told councils to 'hang their heads in shame' Data also showed that Bromley's council also paid contractor Festive Lighting almost 14,000 to remove scores of English and British flags over three days during the same month as the 13,500 payment. Meanwhile, Oxfordshire county council spent more than 15,000 removing 330 flags from lamp posts across the county - equating to an average cost of roughly 45 per flag. Bexley council was also among the worst spenders, spending over 14,000 since January 2020 on removing flags. Rutland county council paid contractors 110 to remove a single flag, and Shropshire council paid a firm around 1,760 for flag removals that worked out as roughly 80 per flag. John O'Connell, the chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, told the Telegraph: 'Councils crying poverty while splurging thousands to take down the Union Flag is an insult to taxpayers and to basic common sense.' The news comes as councils across the country collectively owe almost 150billion in debt. Flags became scattered around UK towns in public places during the grassroots campaign known as 'Operation Raise the Colours' last summer, whereby thousands of St George's Cross and Union Jack flags were erected in public spaces. Many councils objected to the flags at the time as 'safety hazards' while others argued they were 'unsightly' and could not be maintained. Britain is set to 'put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians' with powerful long-range ballistic missiles that can destroy Russian targets more than 300 miles away. Nightfall rockets - which are packed with 200kg warheads, can be fired in quick succession and reach as far as Moscow - could prove a valuable asset in Volodymyr Zelensky's ongoing fight against Vladimir Putin's forces. Now British firms are being sought by the Ministry of Defence to design, develop and deliver the first three test missiles in a contract worth 9million. Hailing the potential of the new weapon, Defence Secretary John Healey told The Sun: 'You defend your cities by having layers of defence and you partly defend by being able to attack.' The Labour minister made the comments while on a visit to Kyiv - and just moments after narrowly avoiding a Russian missile and drone attack in the area on Thursday, which killed four people. Describing how the train he was travelling on was forced to make an emergency stop, he said: 'It was a serious moment and a stark reminder of the barrage of drones and missiles hitting Ukrainians in sub-zero conditions. 'We won't stand for this and are determined to put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians as they fight back.' The announcement of the Nightall project comes as the Defence Secretary also revealed the UK will spend 200 million preparing British troops for deployment to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. The Defence Secretary has said Nightfall missiles will 'put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians'. Pictured: Volodymyr Zelensky meets with John Healey, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine on January 9 Nightfall rockets are packed with 200kg warheads, can be fired in quick succession and reach as far as Moscow British firms are being sought by the Ministry of Defence to design, develop and deliver the first three test missiles in a contract worth 9million John Healey was on a visit to Ukriane to discuss plans for the Multinational Force Ukraine with President Zelensky. The money will pay for upgrades to vehicles and communications systems, counter-drone protection, and other equipment to ensure troops are ready to deploy. Healey said: 'We are surging investment into our preparations following the Prime Minister's announcement this week, ensuring that Britain's armed forces are ready to deploy, and lead, the Multinational Force Ukraine, because a secure Ukraine means a secure UK.' Earlier this week, Russia unleashed a terrifying nuclear-capable missile on Ukraine. After the meeting Mr Zelensky said he was 'grateful' for the UK's support, adding: 'It is crucial that the framework for ending the war includes a clear response from the allies should Russian aggression be repeated.' On Wednesday Sir Keir Starmer pledged to send troops to Ukraine as part of a 'reassurance force' organised by the 'coalition of the willing'. The size of the western force, which will also include soldiers from France, has not yet been announced, nor has the Government provided details of how many British personnel it expects to deploy. Reports have suggested the whole force could amount to just 15,000 men, with the UK providing half the total. The announcement for the powerful weapons came just a day after Russia unleashed a terrifying nuclear-capable missile on Ukraine On Thursday night Russia launched a huge wave of drones and missiles against Ukraine, striking civilian targets and energy infrastructure. Pictured: Firefighters stand in front of a building in Kyiv that was hit during a night of Russian drone and missile attacks But in the Commons on Wednesday, Mr Healey declined to give details, saying it would 'only make Putin wiser'. On Friday, Mr Healey also announced that production would start this month on new Octopus drones for Ukraine, designed to intercept other drones used by Russia to attack civilian targets. The UK aims to produce thousands of the drones per month, with each Octopus costing just 10% of the drones they are designed to intercept. On Thursday night, Russia launched a huge wave of drones and missiles against Ukraine, striking civilian targets and energy infrastructure. The attack involved more than 200 drones and 20 missiles, according to a British Defence Intelligence assessment, including an experimental hypersonic Oreshnik missile launched against Lviv, in western Ukraine. The Oreshnik, an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), is believed to have been fired from 1,000 miles away and well within Russian territory. The menacing attack close to NATO and EU territory was aimed at Europe's largest underground gas storage facility, it is believed. There is no suggestion the overnight Oreshnik strike was nuclear - despite its atomic capability. The menacing attack close to NATO and EU territory was aimed at Europe's largest underground gas storage facility, it is believed Defence Intelligence said Moscow was likely to have only a 'handful' of Oreshnik missiles (pictured) which cost far more than other missiles Putin claims targets are incinerated by conventional Oreshnik missiles unleashing a temperature of 4,000C, almost as hot as the surface of the sun. Production of IRBMs was banned by the 1987 Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty between the US and Russia, but the treaty collapsed in 2019 amid repeated accusations of Russian non-compliance. Defence Intelligence said Moscow was likely to have only a 'handful' of Oreshnik missiles, which cost far more than other missiles it has used to attack Ukraine, adding its use was 'almost certainly intended as strategic messaging'. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwean economics professor Gift Mugano has clarified his position on government policies, signaling a shift from neutral commentary and occasional criticism to a constructive, evidence-based approach. Mugano, whose opinions have often attracted scrutiny and sparked debate, said he will support government initiatives when warranted and offer criticism when necessary, guided by facts and the country's development priorities.In a public statement, Mugano likened his approach to the biblical figures Daniel and Joseph, who served under multiple governments while using their expertise for the greater good. He acknowledged past criticisms of his commentary and described his change in perspective as a "Damascus moment," saying he had moved on from previous remarks made during his "Saul moment." Mugano emphasized that his future work would be measured and guided by ethical, professional, and objective principles.Mugano highlighted several areas where he sees positive developments under the current government. He praised the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for fostering macroeconomic stability and noted that the mining sector has experienced significant growth, with gold output reaching 46.7 tonnes and lithium and base metals emerging as key exports. He also pointed to the construction sector, where housing projects, shopping malls, and road rehabilitation have become prominent, and the agricultural sector, which has seen steady growth in dairy, cereals, and tobacco production. Mugano further noted Zimbabwe's foreign currency generation has been unprecedented and hailed the country's emergence as Africa's top steel producer following a US$1 billion investment by Dinson Iron and Steel Company.Despite these positive developments, Mugano acknowledged ongoing challenges. Fiscal pressures, high debt levels, unemployment, social ills, and public health indicators remain areas of concern. He stressed that his focus would now be on providing evidence-driven policy advice to help address these challenges while supporting economic growth and inclusive development.Mugano's public clarification comes amid debates over the role of economists in Zimbabwe's public discourse, with some critics accusing him of "flip-flopping" and others praising his willingness to engage constructively with government policies. His shift to a measured, fact-based approach is seen as a significant step toward fostering informed dialogue on the nation's economic trajectory and development priorities. A grandmother has incurable cancer after being exposed to toxic asbestos while rehearsing for her school production of the musical Half A Sixpence as a child. Rose Hall, 66, is among what is claimed to be thousands of former pupils who have developed mesothelioma after inhaling deadly asbestos fibres decades ago. Although asbestos, Britains hidden killer, was banned in new buildings in 1999, there are still 21,500 schools with the material. Ms Hall sued Leeds City Council and received an undisclosed sum after it was found that Allerton Grange school, which she went to in the 1970s, was riddled with asbestos. The school was demolished and rebuilt in 2009. She initially thought her exposure could have been linked to emergency building work there. But in recent weeks she was shocked to learn asbestos was found under the schools stage, where props were stored. She recalls going under the stage during rehearsals for Half A Sixpence when she was 11. I was a child, I didnt know asbestos was there, said the mother-of-two. The policy of successive governments is to leave asbestos in schools unless it is damaged and shedding fibres. But last year the Mail launched a campaign to strip it from all schools, hospitals and other public buildings. Rose Hall (pictured), 66, is among what is claimed to be thousands of former pupils who have developed mesothelioma after inhaling deadly asbestos fibres decades ago Allerton Grange school before it was knocked down and rebuilt. Ms Hall sued Leeds City Council and received an undisclosed sum after it was found that the school was riddled with asbestos Ms Hall said: It absolutely should be removed from schools. Im worried about my grandchildren. Leeds City Council said 70 of its 97 schools have identified asbestos and they are inspected by qualified professionals each year. This includes a detailed visual survey of all known asbestoscontaining materials to ensure they remain in good condition and undisturbed, said a spokesman. There are 5,000 asbestos-related deaths a year in Britain, of which 2,200 are from mesothelioma. It can take 20 to 60 years from being exposed to asbestos to developing symptoms, such as chest pains and breathlessness. The Office For National Statistics has no data on mesothelioma deaths due to asbestos exposure as a pupil. But a report last year by campaigners the Joint Union Asbestos Committee said 25,200 exposed before the mid-1990s are predicted to die from the disease. Ms Hall, who is about to start chemotherapy, was devastated at being diagnosed in 2019. Im fighting this on my own, so Im scared, she said. I get a bit tearful. Im in a very good support group... but Ive lost so many people from this group. High Court documents obtained by The Mail on Sunday also reveal that a widow of a sales director is suing Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire for 250,000 after he died of mesothelioma aged 61 because of exposure to asbestos at another school in the 1970s. In a shocking echo of Ms Halls case, the papers reveal that he breathed in asbestos lagging pipes under a theatre stage at Colne Valley High School, near Huddersfield. Ms Hall was a child when she was exposed to asbestos. It can take 20 to 60 years to develop symptoms, such as chest pains and breathlessness Kirklees admits liability but damages have yet to be agreed. In a further tragedy, mother-of-three Lisa Doughty, 47, died of mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos during music lessons at Haggerston school in Hackney, east London, in the early 1980s. The music room ceiling had been sprayed with brown asbestos to insulate sound. But repeated slamming of the class door resulted in asbestos dust falling on pupils. Hackney Council said: The school is subject to regular asbestos surveys and removals. The Department for Education said it followed advice from the Health and Safety Executive, who are clear that when asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, it is generally safest to manage them in place. A scandalplagued childcare centre that spent more than a decade failing to meet national standards has finally been shut down, marking a significant test of NSWs tough crackdown on unsafe services. Fun2Learn childcare centre in Rosehill, western Sydney, was ordered to close on Friday after years of repeated breaches, including padlocked fire exits, unlabelled chemicals in childrens bathrooms and no proper plans for children with severe allergies. The closure follows sweeping reforms introduced after widespread failures in the earlylearning sector, with longterm lowrated centres put on notice. NSWs new early learning commissioner has declared that lax oversight is over. Acting NSW early learning commissioner Daryl Currie said the Rosehill centre was given every opportunity to improve. We will not hesitate to take action against providers who place children at risk by consistently failing to address safety and quality concerns, even where a serious child safety incident has not yet occurred, Currie said. Although Fun2Learn had avoided any major incidents, Currie said the service repeatedly showed it could not, or would not, lift its standards. He emphasised that the commission does not cancel centres lightly, but said Fun2Learn posed an unacceptable risk to children. Over 12 years, the department made 18 visits to Fun2Learn, offering specialist support and repeated warnings. The Fun2Learn childcare centre in Rosehill was ordered to close after a number of breaches Yet every time, the centre failed to meet even the most basic requirements for supervision, hazard management and emergency planning. The commission does not have confidence that the provider can make the necessary changes to provide the expected level of quality of early childhood education and care, Currie said. Centre owner and director Lisa Thai told the Sydney Morning Herald she was devastated by the shutdown and insisted she had worked with the department to improve standards. She questioned why her service was shut down when others with even more serious failures remained open. When I look at my centres history, I totally understand the departments perspective, Thai said, insisting all past breaches had been addressed and cleared. She described the chemical issue as a oneoff from 2018 and said the incident involving an unenrolled child was due to a language misunderstanding. There are centres with even more risky compliance, and they seem to be fine, she said. The centre owner defended her business, calling the chemical issue in 2018 a 'one-off' Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos warned that the government is prepared to intervene if childcare providers fall short of required standards. Parents deserve to know that their children are being left in safe hands,' she said. The shutdown comes as hundreds of NSW childcare centres remain under scrutiny for failing to meet basic safety and quality standards, with more enforcement actions expected in the coming weeks. Immigration and Customs Enforcement chief Todd Lyons has hit back at a Philadelphia sheriff who called his agents 'fake, wannabe law enforcement' in a fiery speech. Democrat Sheriff Rochelle Bilal joined much of the left in blasting ICE in the wake of the fatal shooting of Minnesota Renee Nicole Good by agent Jonathan Ross. 'If any [ICE agents] want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide, nobody will whisk you off,' Bilal warned in a press conference Friday. 'You don't want this smoke, cause we will bring it to you. The criminal in the White House would not be able to keep you from going to jail,' she said in reference to President Donald Trump. Bilal, who has faced accusations in the past of improper use of funds, was speaking alongside 'woke' District Attorney Larry Krasner in condemning the shooting of Good. Lyons hit back at Bilal on Fox News Saturday, daring her to continue threatening his officers. 'First off, any time you pit law enforcement officers against law enforcement officers, it makes nobody safe,' he said. 'I'm not one for big banter or bluster, but my message to the sheriff is: try it. Try [and] arrest my folks and see what happens,' Lyons added. Immigration and Customs Enforcement chief Todd Lyons (pictured) isn't backing down from a Philadelphia sheriff who called his agents 'fake, wannabe law enforcement' in a fiery speech Democrat Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal (pictured) joined much of the left in blasting ICE in the wake of the fatal shooting of Minnesota 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by agent Jonathan Ross Bilal continued to criticize ICE and its operating procedures during an interview with CNN on Friday. 'People are tired of these people coming into the city, masked up basically all masked up and pulling people out and causing havoc,' she said. 'This was supposed to be helping cities out, this was supposed to be eliminating crime, but yet, you are committing them here, you are putting people in fear, you are breaking up families.' Meanwhile, Trump's 'border czar' Tom Homan has pleaded for people to be more careful in how they speak about ICE. 'Im begging. Tone down the rhetoric. In my career, Ive buried Border Patrol agents, Ive buried ICE agents, and the saddest thing Ive ever had to do is hand a folded flag to a spouse or a child,' he told Dr. Phil. 'I dont want to see anybody die. Anybody. The people were looking for, even the worst of the worst. I dont want to see anybody die. So, for Gods sake, lets tone the rhetoric down. Less blood. I dont want to see more bloodshed. I didnt want to see blood from day one.' On Saturday, however, Democrats continued to rage against federal law enforcement. Three congresswomen from Minnesota attempted to tour the ICE facility in the Minneapolis federal building in the morning and were initially allowed to enter but then told they had to leave about 10 minutes later. 'If any [ICE agents] want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide, nobody will whisk you off,' Bilal warned in a press conference Friday. 'You don't want this smoke, cause we will bring it to you' US Reps. Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison and Angie Craig accused ICE agents of obstructing members of Congress from fulfilling their duty to oversee operations there. Politicians are allowed to visit ICE buildings, but the federal agency has attempted to limit access and has accused Democrats of using the visits as political theater. Omar and her 'woke army' said the visit was part of an oversight visit and that they were invited by invited former acting director, The Minnesota Star Tribune said. The protest was one of hundreds planned for towns and cities across the country over the weekend. It came in a city on edge since the killing of Good on Wednesday by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. 'We were initially invited in to do our Congressional oversight and to exercise our Article I duties,' Omar said. Morrison said they were denied entry to the building due to the structure being funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill, 'which makes no sense,' she said. 'With the recent reaffirmation of the court case in December, they're breaking the law,' Morrison said on Saturday. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to Daily Mail that Omar 'led a group of protestors to the Minneapolis ICE facility' and didn't follow proper protocol of giving the agency a seven-day notice to visit. Lyons' comments come as the nation remained on edge over the shooting, while Minnesota Representatives Ilhan Omar (middle), and Angie Craig (right) and Kelly Morrison (left) were denied access to an ICE detention facility on Saturday 'For the safety of detainees and staff, and in compliance with the agencys mandate, the Members of Congress were notified that their visit was improper and out of compliance with existing court orders and policies which mandate that members of Congress must notify ICE at least seven days in advance of Congressional visits,' she said. 'If Congresswoman Omar and her colleagues with to tour these facilities, then they must follow the proper guidelines.' Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced new rules regarding Congressional visits to ICE facilities on Thursday. Lawmakers must now give notice to DHS a week in advance of going to a facility for oversight purposes which it appears the Minnesota representatives had not done. Tensions have been rising between lawmakers and citizens against ICE after the death of Good, who lawmakers said was 'murdered' by the federal agency on Wednesday during a protest in Minneapolis. Outside the St Paul facility, Omar told the press: 'In Minnesota, we know how to protect one another. 'This is an all-hands-on-deck process.' She insisted ICE agents' aggression and angry stemmed from citizens' resistance to their doings, she said at a press conference outside the facility. Renee Nicole Good (pictured) was shot and killed by an ICE agent on Wednesday during a protest Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis An ICE agent was seen entering the facility on Saturday with his window rolled down and a can of pepper spray in his lap. 'Why do you have your pepper spray out? Why do you have your pepper spray out?' a journalist yelled from the press line outside the facility's gate. 'What's the danger? Members of Congress are here. Why is the pepper spray out?' Omar, alongside 156 other lawmakers, have demanded accountability after Good's death. They demanded 'an immediate suspension of the current surge of federal officers and agents to Minneapolis and an investigation into this reprehensible event by an independent agency.' 'We write to express our horror and outrage at the actions that have taken place under your command. This is not the first time your agents have used unnecessary force on civilians without provocation,' the lawmakers wrote in a statement. 'You have lost the faith and confidence of the American people. 'We demand that you immediately suspend the current surge of federal officers and agents to Minneapolis and that you work with an independent agency to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the course of the investigation into this reprehensible event.' Noem has promised to send more agents to the Twin Cities as they conduct their largest operation 'ever.' She also claimed Good's actions were an 'act of domestic terrorism' as the federal agency insisted the mother's death was a cause of the agent, Jonathan Ross, acting in self defense. However, many lawmakers have disregarded this narrative, with Mayor Jacob Frey calling it 'bulls**t.' The Democrat angrily told ICE to 'get the f**k out of Minneapolis' on Wednesday during a press conference. Victoria's bushfire disaster has turned deadly with human remains found about 100metres from a car torched in the Longwood blaze in the state's central-north. Police said in a statement shortly before 4pm on Sunday that the body had been found off off Yarck Road, at Gobur, marking the first confirmed fatality in the fires. 'Victoria Police confirms human remains have sadly been found in the Longwood bushfire area,' police said in a statement. 'Police were able to access a fire-affected stretch off Yarck Road at Gobur this afternoon. The remains were found around 100m from a vehicle. The person is yet to be formally identified. Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.' The tragedy came after Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan slammed 'fire tourists' for travelling to bushfire-ravaged towns to gawk at the devastation. Firestorms have torn through more than 350,000 hectares across the state in recent days, wiping out dozens of communities and reducing at least 300 structures to rubble. Some 38,000 households are without power, with authorities racing to restore it, while 32 active fires continue to burn across the state. Three major blazes are still at emergency warning level, with conditions at their worst level since the 2019 Black Summer Bushfires. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has slammed 'fire tourists' for travelling to bushfire-ravaged towns to gawk at the devastation Firestorms have torn through more than 350,000 hectares across the state in recent days (pictured, a destroyed property in Harcourt) By early Sunday afternoon, three major blazes were still at emergency warning level (pictured, grass fire burns a hillside in Longwood) On Sunday, Allan condemned sightseers entering fire-flattened towns and delivered a sharp message: Stay away. It is wrong to go into these fire grounds where its unsafe and you dont belong there, and youll be dealt with by Victoria Police, she said. Emergency management commissioner Tim Weibusch echoed her frustration, revealing that authorities had already intercepted unwanted visitors in restricted areas. Disappointingly, in the last 24 hours weve started to see some tourists or spectators heading into some of our fireimpacted zones, he said. I cant emphasise enough, the state of disaster is now in place for 18 local government areas. Where those fireimpacted zones appear on the Vic Emergency website, those are the areas we do not expect to see visitors. Our clear message is that in the fireimpacted zones, these are not places for visitors, spectators or tourists; they are places for our emergency services and, when safe, local residents. Residents across Victoria are being warned that Sundays cool change may not deliver the relief many hope for, with volatile winds threatening to reignite already-devastating bushfires. Thousands remain under threat, with 15 emergency warnings still active as three major fires tear through multiple regions. Residents across Victoria are being warned that Sundays cool change may not deliver the relief many hope for (pictured, dry grass and piles of pine trees on fire in Longwood) Fifteen emergency warnings still active as three major fires tear through multiple regions Authorities say the slight drop in temperature has slowed fire activity, but insist the danger is far from over (pictured, a resident using a water tanker trailer to fight spot fires) DEVASTATING TOLL IN VICTORIA At least 300 structures have been destroyed in the devastating fires: - At least one house and 12 sheds at Mount Mercer - Forty-seven houses and three businesses in Harcourt and Ravenswood - One hundred and fifty structures in Longwood - Thirty houses and 40 sheds lost in Natimuk - Ten structures lost in Yarrowee Advertisement Authorities say the slight drop in temperature has slowed fire activity, but insist the danger is far from over. Vic Emergency issued an alert, warning that strong south-westerly winds may cause the situation to change at any time'. The Bureau of Meteorology backed the warning, with senior meteorologist Dean Narramore describing the coming hours as potentially dangerous, especially as winds shift and drive flames into new territory. A number of fires are already out of control and still going, so even light to moderate winds can cause some big issues there, Mr Narramore told the ABC on Sunday morning. He said some blazes, especially the Longwood fire and the fastmoving northeast Victoria fire, have now become so intense theyre capable of generating their own weather systems. So you can get localised areas of strong and gusty winds in and around the fires as well, regardless of what the background weather is doing. Fire crews on the ground are bracing for highly unpredictable conditions as winds strengthen this afternoon, threatening to fan flames in new directions and complicate containment efforts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Allan on Sunday announced a $19.5million relief package for communities devastated by Victorias bushfires. Authorities warn the damage bill is still rising as emergency crews continue to bring the blazes under control (pictured, a firefighting helicopter flying through smoke in the Longwood area) A $19.5million relief package for communities devastated by the fires was announced on Sunday A further $1.5million is earmarked for temporary accommodation for families whove lost their homes (pictured, fire burns close to a shed in Longwood) The fires have scorched more than 300,000 hectares of bushland in the states south-east, destroying more than 300 structures. Authorities warn the damage bill is still rising as emergency crews continue to bring the blazes under control. This joint funding, delivered under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, is the first major financial boost for thousands of Victorians now facing the daunting task of rebuilding. The biggest share, $10million, will go to farmers struggling to feed livestock after huge tracts of pasture were lost. Another $5million will fund case support workers through the Recovery Support Program, assisting fire-affected residents with everything from lost documents to emergency help. A further $1.5million is earmarked for temporary accommodation for families whove lost their homes, while $1million will go towards mental health support as communities grapple with the emotional toll of the disaster. An additional $2million will set up a dedicated recovery hotline so residents can quickly access critical services, especially where power and phone lines have been cut. A teenager stabbed to death during a night out in Melbourne's CBD has been identified as a Muay Thai fighter. Emergency crews were called to the intersection of King and Little Bourke streets at about 2.40am Sunday after reports of a violent altercation inside a licensed venue. Jojo Punvaree, 19, suffered multiple stab wounds and collapsed on King Street. Despite efforts from first responders, he died at the scene. Police launched a manhunt and arrested a 19yearold man in nearby Aurora Lane a short time later and is still interviewed by detective. No charges have yet been laid. Investigators believe Mr Punvaree and the alleged offender were known to each other. Cheltenham gym Knockouyone Muaythai paid tribute to Mr Punvaree on Sunday. 'RIP Jojo you will be sadly missed but always loved,' the gym posted online. Jojo Punvaree, 19, was stabbed during a night out in the Melbourne CBD Police were called to Little Bourke Street (pictured) following reports of a stabbing at a venue A large crime scene remained in place on Sunday as homicide detectives and forensic officers scoured the area. King Street was closed between Bourke and Lonsdale streets. Anyone who saw the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers. The incident follows a spate of violent incidents across Melbourne. CCTV captured a machetewielding gang ambushing two young men on Lygon Street in Carlton just before midnight on New Year's Eve, leaving both with critical injuries as the attackers fled. Days later, dash cam footage from the Monash Freeway at Narre Warren showed masked men, some armed with machetes and metal poles, pouring out of crashed cars and brawling in live traffic, forcing shocked drivers to reverse off the freeway while police dogs searched the nearby bush. No injuries were reported and a man who was questioned was released without charge. Anger over the fatal shooting of a Minnesota activist by a federal immigration officer spilled into the streets of America's biggest cities this weekend. Volatile anti-ICE protests erupted from New York to Texas to California triggering arrests and mounting fears of nationwide unrest. Austin Police confirmed that at least three people were taken into custody after officers moved against demonstrators near the intersection of South Congress and East Sixth Street following a march from the J.J. Pickle Federal Building. Video from the scene showed officers pushing into the crowd as protesters screamed and one could be heard shouting, 'We're with you,' to a handcuffed marcher. Texas officials made it clear they are taking a hard line. Governor Greg Abbott said the Texas Department of Public Safety 'was not putting up with defiant protesters', and Lt. Chris Olivarez, a DPS spokesperson, emphasized that while peaceful assembly is protected, 'violence, threats to the public or law enforcement, obstruction of roadways, and damage to property will not be tolerated.' The clashes in Austin unfolded as part of a broader national backlash to the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother who was fatally shot and killed during a confrontation with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis on Wednesday. That incident ignited protests under the banner 'ICE Out for Good,' with demonstrations reported from coast to coast. An anti-ICE protester is arrested during a late night protest in Minneapolis Police on bikes were seen charging into a crowd of agitators near the intersection of S Congress and E 6th streets Austin Police detained at least three anti-ICE agitators as protests escalate in Texas Federal agents escort gather before a rally for Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer earlier in the week, at a federal building in Minneapolis on Saturday Federal officials have insisted the ICE agent who fired acted in self-defense, claiming Good 'weaponized' her SUV - a narrative fiercely disputed by protesters and local officials who have branded the shooting a 'murder.' As outrage intensified, cities across the country braced for escalating confrontations. In Austin and Los Angeles, protests turned chaotic as law enforcement moved in to clear streets, disperse crowds, and make arrests. Austin Chaos erupted in downtown Austin on Saturday night as police charged into a screaming crowd of anti-ICE demonstrators who had blocked traffic near the J.J. Pickle Federal Building. Video from the scene showed officers on bicycles and on foot rushing protesters as chants echoed through the street. One demonstrator could be heard shouting, 'We're with you,' as another protester was dragged away in handcuffs. An Austin Police Department spokesperson confirmed that at least five people were arrested during the clashes. Police on bikes could be seen slowly advancing towards the protestors before charging In Austin, police detained at least five protestors during the anti-ICE demonstrations outside the J.J. Pickle Federal Building Saturday night Law enforcement declared the gathering an unlawful assembly as crowds blocked intersections and disrupted downtown traffic Video captured clashes between state and local police and protesters outside the federal building before the march continued down major downtown corridors Protesters gather during a rally for Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis Chants condemning ICE echoed through the streets as protesters marched between federal buildings Officials said additional arrests were possible as investigations into the protest continued Protester attend a rally for Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer on Wednesdy Officers deployed pepper balls in an effort to disperse the crowd, while Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were also on scene. Authorities said it remained unclear whether city or state police made the arrests or fired the projectiles. The confrontation followed hours of escalating tension. The protest, organized under the banner 'End ICE Terror,' began near the federal building before demonstrators marched through downtown streets, repeatedly returning to the site where federal agents and local police had established a heavy presence. Earlier in the day, hundreds gathered peacefully at Austin City Hall, chanting 'No peace! No fear! Immigrants are welcome here!' as a brass band played. But by nightfall, the mood had shifted. Protesters marched repeatedly through downtown, circling back to the federal building A protester holds a sign at a demonstration calling for an end to federal immigration enforcement operations Some protestors could be seen waving an upside-down American flag - a traditional signal of distress Hundreds protest against ICE outside of Austin City Hall in Austin, Texas, on Saturday Protesters demanded justice for Renee Nicole Good and an end to ICE operations Video from CBS Austin showed protesters clashing with police near Congress Avenue and East Sixth Street, where demonstrators blocked traffic. Federal officers were heard warning members of the media that the situation would become 'spicy' if crowds did not clear the roadway. Austin resident Joanna Ford, an eighth-grade teacher, said Good's death has shaken her students - including two who recently fled Venezuela. 'What are we doing, you know? It's just really disheartening,' Ford said to KUT. 'I feel like Ms. Good's death is now going to be a catalyst, and if nothing changes after this, then I'm sorry. I feel like we're doomed to become a fascist state.' Retired city employee Elizabeth Gray called the shooting 'entirely avoidable,' arguing that ICE's presence in cities like Austin represents a breakdown between local and federal authority. 'I think it symbolized a complete separation of government, what government is supposed to do and what government is doing,' Gray said to Austin Public Radio. 'And I think that this murder symbolized the complete failure of our government to do - to be of, by and for the people.' Austin-area Congressman Greg Casar joined the rally, urging demonstrators to keep showing up as he read a note from Good's wife emphasizing 'there is good in this world.' 'There has to be a world where things get better,' Casar said. Los Angeles In Los Angeles, hundreds of demonstrators flooded downtown streets on Saturday night, prompting police to issue dispersal orders and form skirmish lines outside federal facilities. The protest centered around Pershing Square before crowds marched toward City Hall and the Metropolitan Detention Center. By 6pm, the LAPD issued a dispersal order covering Alameda Street from Aliso Street to Temple Street, citing public safety concerns. Police said several people were arrested after refusing to leave the area. 'The dispersal order was issued and those people refused to leave the area as instructed to do so,' LAPD said in a statement. In LA anti-ICE demonstrations turned confrontational as hundreds marched downtown Police issued dispersal orders outside federal facilities Some protestors held the Stars & Stripes upside down as a form of protest Police in riot gear could be seen waiting to deal with any conflicts LAPD declared unlawful assemblies during the unrest, signaling a shift from peaceful protest to crowd control actions Officers formed lines of resistance using the patrol cars to create a barrier to protestors Thousands marched downtown and police issued dispersal orders outside federal facilities Protesters refused orders to clear the streets Video from the scene showed officers advancing in formation as protesters shouted slogans condemning ICE and federal immigration enforcement. Demonstrations had already erupted across Southern California the night before, including in Santa Ana, where Department of Homeland Security officers were seen forcibly pulling individuals from a crowd. Among the protesters was Ruben Garcia, 64, a Los Angeles native wearing a Dodgers jersey and waving an upside-down American flag - a traditional signal of distress. 'The bottom line is, we're really angry,' Garcia said. 'They shot a woman.' Nationwide, protests have also flared in Portland, Oregon, New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, with organizers saying more than 1,000 demonstrations were planned under the slogan 'ICE Out for Good' - a phrase referencing both ICE and the slain activist. A protester raises a fist as others hold signs during a demonstration calling for an end to federal immigration enforcement operations Los Angeles saw hundreds flood downtown streets in protest of ICE There appeared to be a sense of humor in Portland, Oregon as activists help signs during a protest near Legacy Emanuel Hospital Portland saw crowds gather along the Willamette River to protest ICE Anti-ICE activists display signs during a protest in Portland, Oregon A person dressed as a bald eagle walks around as demonstrators rally outside the JFK Federal building to protest the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Boston, Massachusetts Boston saw demonstrators take to the streets amid growing anger over federal immigration enforcement Boston joined a growing list of cities mobilizing under the nationwide 'ICE Out for Good' protests A person dressed up as 'king Trump' dances as demonstrators gathered to protest Protesters gathered in downtown Boston chanting against ICE and condemning the shooting of Renee Nicole Good Minneapolis In Minneapolis, where Good was killed, thousands marched from Powderhorn Park to Lake Street, chanting her name through immigrant neighborhoods. Mayor Jacob Frey said most protests had remained peaceful although 29 were arrested on Friday night for vandalizing property. 'We will not counter Donald Trump's chaos with our own brand of chaos in Minneapolis,' Frey insisted. In Washington, demonstrators gathered outside the White House chanting 'ICE out for Good!' as rain poured down. In New York City, first-time protesters packed Lower Manhattan outside ICE's field office. Federal agents look on as protesters gather during a rally for Renee Good in Minneapolis A counter-protester, who described themselves as a white christian nationalist and is wearing a medieval helmet, stands near people who gathered during a vigil in Portland A protester is arrested by federal agents outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis Activists protest the Wednesday shooting death of Renee Good in Minneapolis at Pershing Square in Los Angeles on Saturday Los Angeles joined several US cities mobilizing under the 'ICE Out for Good' banner. Demonstrators gathered in Pershing Square before marching toward City Hall Los Angeles saw hundreds flood downtown streets in protest of federal immigration enforcement Leah Silverman, a 20-year-old college student from Arizona, said she joined the New York protest after watching footage of Good's death. 'People are willing to ignore what their eyes see,' she said to the New York Times. 'I'm here to say that I'm disappointed and angry with what I saw.' Federal authorities maintain that the shooting was justified, while local officials in Minnesota have accused federal agencies of excluding them from the investigation. Cell phone footage reportedly taken by the agent involved has only fueled controversy, showing Good telling officers, 'I'm not mad at you,' moments before shots rang out. As protests continue to spread police are preparing for more clashes over the weekend with the killing of Good has becoming a flashpoint in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The stunned neighbor of a surgeon accused of murdering his ex-wife and her husband said he 'didn't seem like somebody who would do something like this' after hearing of the grisly slayings. Michael David McKee, 39, has been charged with two counts of murder over the killings of Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, who were found gunned down in their Weinland Park, Ohio, home in the early hours of December 30. Gera-Lind Kolarik, a neighbor of McKee at his upscale Illinois apartment block, told ABC7 she was devastated to hear the news, and expressed her disbelief that McKee was accused of murder. She recalled: 'I sat down with this man, I talked to him at the pool, barbequing. It's kind of shocking.' Kolarik said she was heartbroken for the couple's two young children, who were found unharmed inside the home where their parents were shot dead. 'How do you explain to a child that mom and dad are here one day and gone the next?' she said. 'Those are the real victims of this whole case here, the children.' Following the arrest of McKee, the Tepe family broke their silence as they said in a statement that the arrest 'represents an important step toward justice for Monique and Spencer.' 'Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon,' the family said. Michael David McKee, 39, has been charged with two counts of murder over the killings of Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, who were found gunned down in their Weinland Park home in the early hours of December 30 Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were shot dead in their home on December 30, and their two young children were found unharmed inside the property Gera-Lind Kolarik (pictured), the neighbor of murder suspect Michael David McKee, said she was stunned to hear he had been accused of killing his ex-wife and her husband, and said he 'did not seem like somebody who would do something like this' The shootings sparked an urgent manhunt that included investigators releasing footage of a suspect stalking the streets of the Weinland Park neighborhood after the slayings. Spencer suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and Monique was shot once in the chest. Their one-year-old son, four-year-old daughter, and dog were found alive and unhurt inside the home, where they had been for hours before the bodies were discovered. Cops revealed there was no sign of forced entry or the supposed murder weapon, but police did find three 9mm shell casings at the scene. They said they did not believe the deaths to be a murder-suicide. The surveillance video shared by cops was used to identify McKee as a suspect as he was tracked to a vehicle 'which arrived just prior to the homicides and left shortly after the homicides', an affidavit said. Detectives were able to identify this vehicle further and link to Michael McKee. Detectives located the vehicle in Rockford, Illinois and found evidence of McKee in possession of the vehicle prior to and after the homicides. McKees mugshot was shared on the Winnebago County Sheriffs Office website, which showed he was booked into jail on Saturday just before noon. He is due to appear in court Monday. Eerie surveillance footage shows a hooded figure walking calmly through a snowy alley near the Tepe home during the time the couple were murdered The couple was found in their $700,000 Weinland Park home the morning of December 30 Monique, then under her maiden name Sabaturski, was married to McKee, a surgeon, briefly from August 2015, with pictures shared on social media of the couple on their wedding day on August 22. The couple had no children and separated seven months later in March 2016. In the complaint for divorce, the plaintiff, Monique, stated they were incompatible.' Divorce documents viewed by Daily Mail show proceedings started in May 2017 and were quickly wrapped up by June. The documents reveal he paid for her engagement and wedding rings and listed them as his separate property, stating he paid $2,500 for the engagement ring and $3,500 for the wedding ring. The couple's separation agreement included a requirement that Monique had to pay McKee $1,281.59 back for miscellaneous debt, with the added clause that if she did not reimburse him buy July 1, 2018, she would be hit with 23 percent interest. When the pair filed for divorce, they were living in different states, with Monique living in Westerville, close to her parents Ignatius and Nereida Sabaturski, and working for Nationwide. McKee lived in Roanoke, Virginia, working for the Carilion Clinic. He was listed in the documents as practicing as a vascular surgeon at the OSF Cardiovascular Institute. When the divorce documents were filed, they also included a standard mutual temporary restraining order, requiring both parties to refrain from harassinginterfering with, assaulting or doing bodily harm to the other spouse. The exes paid their own attorney fees and Monique paid the filing fee and fee for a private judge, in a bid to expedite the proceedings privately. The charging of McKee comes a day before friends and family will gather for a visitation and celebration of life for the Tepes in Columbus, Ohio, tomorrow afternoon. The visitation at the Schoedinger Northwest funeral home Upper Arlington will be followed by a Celebration of Life at an Italian restaurant in the city. Loved ones described the couple as 'remarkable inside and out' Spencer and Monique Tepe were shot to death upstairs while their two young children slept unharmed inside the family home Rob Misleh, who is married to Spencers sister Maddie and is the Tepe familys unofficial media spokesperson, has yet to return the Daily Mails request for comment on the latest development. The Tepe murders sent shockwaves through the tight-knit local community in Weinland Park, with their closest neighbors still too traumatized to speak about what happened. A redacted dispatch log obtained by the Daily Mail from the morning of December 30 paints a distressing picture of the couples panicked friends as they struggled to reach them before the couple were found deceased. At 9.57am, a caller later revealed to be Spencers friend, Alexander Ditty - is logged as being outside the Tepes home and saying he can hear kids inside and that he thought he heard one of them yelling. The caller wants the police to return to the property, the log states, after cops who did an initial welfare check at the home received no response to their knocks at the door. Dr Mark Valrose, the owner of the Athens dental practice where Spencer worked as a dentist, is described as the business owner who called for the welfare check on Spencer, from his vacation in Florida, after he didnt arrive for work that morning and neither he nor his wife could be reached. Per the logs, another concerned co-worker is recorded to have made another call to police saying their boss never showed up for work this morning and she thinks something is wrong and is enroute. Friends say the couple shared a deeply happy marriage built on laughter, travel and family life Police are seen carrying out their investigations following the couple's killing A 10.05am log entry captures the distressing moment Alex sees Spencer dead, as he tells dispatchers there is a body inside and that he is laying next to the bed and there is blood laying next to him.' Alex insists his friend has not been ill and does not do drugs and the logs record that a baby can be heard crying in the background. Three men are later recorded to have entered the home through an open door or window. The logs mention gun casings being found inside the home before alluding to 29s or children being inside the home, before neighbors take them next door. By 10.17am, the logs report one male shot multiple times and a female at least once through the chest.' Less than half an hour later, they record that Spencers mother and father, named as Tim Tepe, are more than two hours away from the scene in a grey pickup truck. Friends and family described the Tepes as a warm, kind and happy couple who were devoted to their children and whose lives were filled with joy, love and deep connection to others, per a family statement. A small memorial of floral tributes, teddy bears and other gifts had amassed outside the couples home when the Daily Mail visited. On Tuesday evening, neighbors gathered in grief at a private event at a community space in Weinland park, with a police liaison officer stationed outside for support. Several shared a group embrace before attending a private gathering to remember the Tepes, who bought their three-bedroom home in May 2020. Concerned coworkers called police after Spencer (pictured) failed to show up for his shift at an Athens dentist's office Approached by the Mail, one woman in the group said the Tepes were our friends and that they did not want to speak to the Press. Another neighbor who gave his name as Chris told the Mail he had only come across the Tepes five or six times and they would always smile and wave when he saw them. He said he did not hear anything in the 2am-5am window cops believe the couple were gunned down, but that he had frequently heard gunshots when he first moved to the neighborhood in 2014. Another local, who did not want their name published, said the killings felt like a violation of our peace in a neighborhood they said had had its bad times with drug-related violence. They said the Tepes were lovely people, wonderful people, just very sweet and very kind.' Another neighbor said he knew Spencer as a great dude, great guy, very friendly, great part of the neighborhood. That's what you'll hear from everybody, he told the Mail. He said their killings are shaking the community a good bit and that there is a lot of grief, and a lot of unknowns.' There's no reason or rhyme to this, and it makes zero sense as to why this happened. Asked for comment, Columbus Police told the Daily Mail: On January 10, detectives filed warrants charging Michael D. McKee, 39 with two counts of murder in the deaths of of Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe. 'Mr McKee was arrested in Rockford, Illinois without incident. He is currently incarcerated in the Winnebago County Jail.' A police spokesman told the Daily Mail that no further information will be released at this time so as not to compromise the active and ongoing case progress.' He said more information would be released when appropriate. Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has reignited the Australia Day debate by urging businesses and their workers to 'stand up for our country' and celebrate the national public holiday. The patriotic billionaire has declared that Hancock Prospecting corporate offices will be closed on January 26, giving staff a long weekend. However, the company's mining and agriculture operations - which run on a 24-7 schedule - will continue as normal. The Australia Day public holiday which marks the day the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788, has come under scrutiny in recent years. Many Australians - particularly younger generation and Indigenous people - regard it as Invasion Day or a 'Day of Mourning'. The debate has divided employers and employees, unions and industry groups. A growing number of major companies such as Telstra, Commonwealth Bank and AustralianSuper allow employees to choose whether they take off the public holiday or opt for another date to celebrate. Mrs Rinehart has distanced Hancock Prospecting from employers that promote workplace flexibility by urging businesses and workers to be patriotic and 'save Australia.' Gina Rinehart (pictured) called on businesses and Aussies to 'save our country' by celebrating Australia Day The Australia Day public holiday has come under rising scrutiny in recent years. Pictured are patriotic Aussies celebrating the public holiday Hancock Prospecting is the naming rights sponsor of Perth's Australia Day fireworks display. 'Australia Day is a day to refresh national pride, to celebrate all the great things about our beautiful country, including our hardworking pioneers who had it tough and struggled day after day to help build our country,' Mrs Rinehart told The Australian. 'It is a day I would like to encourage more people to give their time to stand up for our country, to save Australia. 'Australia Day is a day to warmly thank all those who have defended our country, and those who are in our defence forces today, and the police and emergency and other services who help to save our lives. We have many in our country to be proud of and to thank for their service.' Woolworths and Coles will also close their corporate offices on Australia Day. Other companies - including AGL, Insignia Financial, AustralianSuper and Virgin Australia - will allow workers to swap the day off to a different date. Ahead of the last federal election, then-Opposition Leader Peter Dutton promised to protect January 26 as a national public holiday if elected. Even non-profit organisations have become embroiled in the debate. Activists march during an Invasion Day rally in Brisbane, 2022 Many companies have opted to let employees decide if they will work the public holiday or not Wesley Mission CEO Stu Cameron recently wrote to staff, asking them to consider taking May 27 as their public holiday instead of January 26. May 27 was chosen to coincide with the start of National Reconciliation Week. 'You can choose May 27 as your public holiday with January 26 as your normal workday, or January 26, which is the default option,' he wrote. 'Whichever day you choose will be treated as your public holiday. The other day will be a normal workday.' Mr Cameron emphasised that the change was entirely optional. The radical move ruffled feathers and angered some staff, according to 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham. Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a detainee inside Australia's biggest immigration detention centre. Emergency services were called to Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney's south-west shortly after 6.30am on Sunday following the discovery of a man's body inside his shared cell. The man, 51, was found with 'serious wounds' and could not be revived. 'A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident has commenced, with the assistance of the State Crime Commands Homicide Squad,' a NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail. Australian Federal Police are also assisting with the investigation. Inquiries continue. No arrests or charges have yet been laid. One person has died and 22 people were left injured after a tourist speedboat crash threw 55 people into the sea off Thailand. A major rescue operation was underway after the packed speedboat collided head-on with a fishing trawler off the popular Phi-Phi Islands on Sunday morning. All 52 tourists and three crew on the Korawich Marine 888 were left floating in the sea following the disaster. One Russian tourist, Elizaveta S, 18, from Russia, died despite frantic efforts to revive her by medics. The Russian consulate-general in Phuket Yegor Ivanov confirmed the death of the Russian teenager. 'The Consulate General has received information about the death of a Russian citizen,' he said. 'We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of this incident.' Witnesses described scenes of panic as passengers shouted and scrambled to help family members and fellow tourists stay afloat. 'People were screaming and holding onto each other. Some were pulling their loved ones out of the water,' one account said. A major rescue operation was underway after the packed speedboat collided head-on with a fishing trawler off the popular Phi-Phi Islands on Sunday morning All 52 tourists and three crew on the Korawich Marine 888 were left floating in the sea following the disaster One stricken passenger shouted: 'What the hell are you doing?' The front of the speedboat was torn off from the impact of the collision causing it to overturn and sink in the Andaman Sea. The accident happened near Koh Gai Island, close to the Phi Phi Islands, in waters between Phuket and Krabi, according to Thai authorities and local media. Reports said that all those on the stricken tourist vessel were rapidly plucked from the sea and taken to the shore. But there were at least 22 injuries among the tourists. Among the wounded were 19 foreign tourists and three crew from Thailand. One was initially reported in a critical condition and was rushed to Phi Phi Hospital. The remaining injured were treated by paramedics and transferred to hospitals in Phuket for further observation. Initial reports said that many of those on board were Russian speaking. Emergency services and nearby vessels reached the scene quickly. Thai officials said the fishing trawler Pichai Samut 1 was not damaged, while the speedboat suffered catastrophic structural failure. No oil spill or environmental damage was reported. The authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, including speed, visibility, and navigation practices at the time of the crash. Thailand's southern Andaman coast is one of the country's busiest tourist boating areas, particularly during the peak winter season, with dozens of speedboats operating daily between Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands. Although the collision occurred in Krabi Province waters, Phuket-based rescue and medical units were mobilised due to proximity and capacity. The nationalities of all passengers have not yet been formally released, but Russian-language media reported that Russian-speaking tourists were among those on board. News / Regional by Stephen Jakes The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) today marks 12 years of existence, celebrating its founding cadres while reflecting on years of persecution, arrests and political pressure endured by its members as the movement pushed for selfdetermination for the Matabeleland and Midlands regions.In a statement, MRP President Mqondisi Moyo said 11 January was a sacred day on which the party pauses "in solemn reverence" to honour its departed pioneers."We honour the great founding leaders, pioneers, and stalwarts of the Mthwakazi Movement who have departed from this world. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Though they are no longer among us in flesh, their spirit, vision, courage, and sacrifice continue to guide our path toward restoration, independence, justice, peace, dignity, and sovereignty," he said.Moyo said the party draws strength from its ancestors and from those who carried the struggle "in its darkest hours".Among those honoured were Qhubekani Dube, a founding member and former Ibhetshu LikaZulu chairperson; Busani Ngwenya, in whose Cowdray Park home the party was formed; and Elder Leonard Dube, described as a moral compass and unifier whose death in April 2024 was a major loss to the movement.MRP was launched on 11 January 2014 at the Presbyterian Church Hall in Bulawayo. Moyo said the party was founded as a peaceful, democratic organisation guided by international human rights instruments and the principle of selfdetermination.He said the people of Mthwakazi had endured decades of political exclusion, economic neglect, cultural marginalisation and forced assimilation."Independence came, but democracy did not reach all," he said.Moyo said despite the party's commitment to peaceful political action, its members had faced criminalisation, intimidation and persecution. He said he personally had been arrested more than 17 times between 2006 and 2022 while leading peaceful protests and civic actions across Matabeleland."These arrests arose from peaceful demonstrations addressing economic exclusion, protests against forced linguistic and cultural assimilation, civic actions concerning land use, resource control, and political marginalisation," he said, adding that most charges were withdrawn or dismissed.He cited the incarceration of the MRP9, arrests at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, and harassment during a public spaces cleansing campaign as examples of sustained persecution.Moyo also referenced threats made against the party over the years, including remarks by senior government officials. He said such statements formed part of a historical pattern of intimidation.On the internationalisation of the Mthwakazi question, Moyo said the party submitted petitions to the United Nations offices in Pretoria in 2022 and 2025, the latter accompanied by more than 20,000 signatures.He said the party had survived internal attempts at infiltration and division, choosing instead "revolutionary renewal" through restructuring, leadership renewal and the adoption of a Revolutionary Transitional Constitution.New policy orientations include peoplecentred governance, restorative justice, cultural restoration, economic justice, and youth and women's inclusion.Moyo said the party had strengthened its international relations and diplomatic engagement, positioning itself as a credible actor on the global stage."As we mark twelve years of struggle, sacrifice, and resolve, we reaffirm that Mthwakazi belongs to everyone who shares its cause. No one will be excluded. No hand extended in solidarity will be rejected," he said."Guided by the spirits of our ancestors and anchored in justice and law, we shall complete this journey together." A Palestine Action activist who has been on hunger strike for 69 days is at risk of death, the terror group has warned. Heba Muraisi, 31, has lost 10kg, is struggling to breathe and is suffering from headaches after turning down food at HMP New Hall in Yorkshire following alleged break-ins and criminal damage. Five of the original eight protesters who began the hunger strike have given up over health fears. Muraisi, who had worked as a florist and lifeguard, is still not eating as she demands immediate bail for her alleged crimes. Lawyers for the prisoners claim they will have spent more than a year in custody by the time of their trial. Prisons minister Lord Timpson said they are charged with 'serious offences including aggravated burglary and criminal damage' and remand decisions are made by independent judges. Muraisi is now at serious risk of permanent damage to her health and death, a leading neurologist has claimed. The 31-year-old 'is very gaunt' according to a friend, who added her 'cheekbones are very prominent' and she is 'physically exhausted'. Palestine Action activist Heba Muraisi, 31, has been on hunger strike for 69 days and is at risk of death Pictured: Supporters of the Palestine Action hunger strikers protest in Parliament square last month 'I think she's lost over 10kg now. She looks very different to the photographs that you'll see of her,' Amareen Afzal told Sky News. 'She is constantly suffering with headaches and lightheadedness. Sometimes she gets so lightheaded she feels nauseous and that's quite common.' Muraisi also finds sleeping on one side of her body a struggle because it is too painful and is aware her body 'could fail at any moment'. Muraisi's next of kin, Francesca Nadin, said earlier this week she was having difficulty breathing and thinking clearly. 'It is really concerning. But mentally, she is still strong and able to laugh and joke. 'We just don't know when that deterioration will come.' She noted Muraisi has surpassed the time the IRA's Bobby Sands, who died while imprisoned in Northern Ireland in 1981, was on strike. Eight activists have taken part in Palestine Action's strike, which is the largest in the UK since 1981 when 10 IRA prisoners died. There have been numerous instances of the protesters being rushed to hospital since the strike began over two months ago, with just three still participating and one turning their full strike into an intermittent fast due to an underlying health problem. Kamran Ahmed is one of the three Palestine Action supporters who remain on hunger strike Teuta Hoxha is also on hunger strike after being arrested over alleged criminal damage, aggravated burglary and violent disorder Teuta Hoxha and Kamran Ahmad are the other two continuing alongside Muraisi. Neurologist Dr David Nicholl, who has studied prison hunger strikes for two decades, says the biggest risk to the hunger strikers is when they begin to eat again. 'The biggest risk immediately is what's called refeeding syndrome. 'If you picture yourself having not eaten for a number of days, you need to gradually - very gradually - increase your calorie intake. 'Because your body's not used to suddenly eating, there's a risk of getting very sick and actually people have died having stopped the hunger strike, but having developed refeeding syndrome.' Hoxha has been awaiting trial for 13 months over alleged criminal damage, aggravated burglary and violent disorder at a factory for Elbit systems in Filton, near Bristol. The Filton action saw over 1million of damage caused to Elbit's research centre. A prison officer was allegedly left with a fractured spine after the incident, a court heard. The other strikers allegedly broke into RAF Brize Norton and damaged two military planes. The hunger strikers began their protests in November after being arrested for alleged break-ins and criminal damage Eight prisoners began the hunger strike, the biggest in the UK since the IRA's in 1981, but just three are continuing In the aftermath of the incident, Palestine Action said two of its activists infiltrated Britain's largest RAF base and sprayed red paint into the engines of two Airbus Voyager aircraft before escaping without being caught. They all deny charges related to alleged break-ins or criminal damage. The trio say they will starve until Palestine Action is de-proscribed and until the UK ends support for companies that send weapons to Israel. They are also demanding immediate bail or transfers to prisons closer to home so family members can visit. Lord Timpson said: 'Prison healthcare teams provide NHS care and continuously monitor the situation. His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service is clear that claims that hospital care is being refused are entirely misleading - they will always be taken when needed and a number of these prisoners have already been treated in hospital. 'These prisoners are charged with serious offences including aggravated burglary and criminal damage. Remand decisions are for independent judges, and lawyers can make representations to the court on behalf of their clients. 'Ministers will not meet with them - we have a justice system that is based on the separation of powers, and the independent judiciary is the cornerstone of our system. It would be entirely unconstitutional and inappropriate for ministers to intervene in ongoing legal cases.' Sir Keir Starmer could send British troops to Greenland as part of a NATO mission to help guard the Arctic for Donald Trump, it has emerged. The Prime Minister is said to share the US President's view that action must be taken to deter Russia's threat in the polar region. Mr Trump has recently ramped up warnings he could seize Greenland for security reasons, and has not ruled out using American military force to do so. But, in a phone call with the US President on Wednesday evening, Sir Keir told Mr Trump the future of the island should only be a matter for Greenlanders and Denmark. The conversation was followed by a flurry of diplomatic activity, with the PM going on to hold calls with Danish PM Mette Frederiksen and NATO boss Mark Rutte. Sir Keir held a further call with Mr Trump on Thursday, before speaking with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. Downing Street said the leaders discussed how NATO needed to 'step up' in the High North, which includes Greenland, to deter Russia. According to The Telegraph, military chiefs are now drawing up plans for a possible NATO mission on the island - an autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark. Danish military forces are pictured participating in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, in September last year Donald Trump has recently ramped up warnings he could seize Greenland for security reasons, and has not ruled out using American military force to do so Sir Keir Starmer is said to share the US President's view that action must be taken to deter Russia's threat in the polar region British officials are said to have met with counterparts from countries including Germany and France in recent days to start the preparations. A Government source told the newspaper: 'We share President Trump's view Russia's growing aggression in the High North must be deterred, and Euro-Atlantic security strengthened. 'NATO discussions on reinforcing security in the region continue, and we would never get ahead of those. 'But the UK is working with NATO allies to drive efforts to bolster Arctic deterrence and defence. 'The UK will continue to work with allies as we always have on operations in our national interest, protecting people back at home.' The idea of European countries offering to put a military force on the island is said to have been discussed at a meeting of NATO allies in Brussels on Thursday. Any operation - which could be a full-blown troop deployment or a combination of time-limited exercises, intelligence sharing, capability development and rerouted defence spending - would likely be carried out under NATO's banner. Cabinet minister Heidi Alexander said there were 'business as usual discussions' among NATO allies about how to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Arctic. 'It's becoming an increasingly contested geopolitical region with Russia and China,' the Transport Secretary told Sky News. 'You would expect us to be talking to all our allies in NATO about what we can do to deter Russian aggression in the Arctic Circle. 'And whilst it hasn't had the devastating consequences that we have seen in Ukraine, they are becoming increasingly active in the region, Russia. 'That's why we signed the defence agreement with Norway in December, which is going to lead to us jointly operating a fleet of Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates there, to hunt down Russian submarines, and to make sure that we can protect our critical infrastructure under the sea. 'It's why we have agreed to do more joint training at the Royal Marines with Norway and why we have agreed to pre-deploy some of our equipment to Norway, so that we can act quickly if necessary. 'And of course, you'll know as well that we're a leading member in the Joint Expeditionary Force, which is a coalition of 10 like-minded nations who see defence and deterrence in the Arctic Circle... of being of paramount importance.' Tory leader Kemi Badenoch declined to be drawn on whether she would support British troops being deployed to Greenland. She told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show: 'What I'm not going to do is give a blank cheque. What is the reason why we are sending troops to Greenland? 'Is that for defence? Is that to show we are being more serious? NATO spending has been well below what it should be across the countries. So it's all about the specifics. 'What I'm not going to do is have an operational conversation when I don't have the level of security briefings and detail, which the Prime Minister has.' She added: 'Right now what I'm really worried about is whether there's even going to be a NATO - we need to make sure we keep the US on side. 'Talking about putting troops to settle a dispute between NATO members is, I think, getting ahead of ourselves.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'The UK should offer to send troops to Greenland as part of a joint NATO operation under Danish and UK command. 'If Trump is serious about security, he'd agree to participate and drop his outrageous threats. Tearing the NATO alliance apart would only play into the hands of Putin.' A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: 'The UK is committed to working with NATO allies to strengthen NATO's Arctic deterrence and defence.' A rebel Labour MP has threatened to trigger a by-election unless Sir Keir Starmer backs down on Government plans to scrap jury trials for many cases. Karl Turner, the MP for Kingston upon Hull East and a former barrister, said he was 'ashamed' of the Prime Minister over the 'ludicrous proposals'. He also revealed he was warned Labour whips he would consider triggering a by-election in his seat to make a 'principled point'. Mr Turner won his constituency, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, by nearly 4,000 votes from Reform UK at the last general election. But Labour's slump in opinion polls since the 2024 contest - and Reform's surge - will leave Nigel Farage's party confident of winning the seat at a possible by-election. Mr Turner was the sole Labour MP to rebel against the Government in a House of Commons vote this week over the plans to scrap jury trials. He broke the party whip for the first time since becoming an MP in 2010 to side with the Tories and vote against the proposals. Mr Turner, a former shadow attorney general, has been a consistent critic of Sir Keir and Justice Secretary David Lammy since the plans were announced last year. Karl Turner, the MP for Kingston upon HullEast and a former barrister, said he was 'ashamed' of the Prime Minister over the 'ludicrous proposals' Mr Turner, a former shadow attorney general, has been a consistent critic of Sir Keir and Justice Secretary David Lammy (pictured) since the plans to scrap jury trials were announced Mr Lammy, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, wants to set up so-called 'swift courts' in England and Wales, where cases will be heard by a judge alone. He has argued the action is necessary to slash the Crown Court backlog, which has nearly hit 80,000 cases. But Mr Turner has said the primary cause of the crown court backlog is the restriction on the number of court sitting days, and that scrapping jury trials is an ineffective way of dealing with the issue. In an interview with the Sunday Times, the Labour backbencher said he was 'not fearful of having the whip removed' after voting against the Government. He said his own experience of being accused of a crime meant he was determined to save the right to a jury trial. 'Many years ago I dealt in antiques,' he said. 'I bought items that turned out to be stolen unbeknown to me. It can happen. It did with me. 'I was arrested, interviewed by the police, charged and remanded in custody for court. 'On the advice of my legal team, I was advised on the strength of the evidence to elect for a jury trial. 'By the time the case came before the court it was fairly obvious that there wasn't enough evidence for the matter to go before the jury so it was thrown out. 'The prosecution offered no evidence. 'But the late judge His Hon Judge Tom Cracknell, who much later became a good friend of mine, discharged me from the court with a warning to 'be more careful in the future'.' He added: 'When I say this matters to me, it really matters to me. 'But for my experience at the wrong end of the criminal law I wouldn't have become a lawyer and if my dear late friend HHJ Cracknell had had his way I doubt very much that I'd have been a member of parliament. 'That's why I am able to say to the PM that I am ashamed of him and I am ashamed of David Lammy. 'The Government must stop these ludicrous proposals and get on with the hard job of sorting out the criminal justice system a system that has been badly underfunded by governments of all political persuasions for decades.' The Government has said it will drop jury trials for offences with a likely prison sentence of three years or less. The ability to appeal a magistrates' court verdict to a crown court will also be limited. Ministers have put forward the plans to speed up the justice process. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'Victims are facing an unacceptably long wait for justice after years of delays in our courts. This Government is determined to change that. 'That is why we are combining bold reforms, record levels of investment and action to tackle inefficiencies across the system - so victims and survivors see their cases heard sooner and get the justice they deserve. 'Taken together, these measures will ensure the most serious cases are prioritised and continue to be heard by a jury, while reducing unnecessary delays that leave victims waiting for far too long.' Live facial recognition cameras have been deployed at UK ports to catch illegal migrants. The specialist technology was trialled in Holyhead, Wales at the end of last year. Immigration Enforcement, Border Force and local police said 15 cameras in total were used to identify people in breach of deportation orders. Holyhead is a key port for immigrants from the Republic of Ireland and is the second busiest passenger ferry port in the UK - with more than 400,000 lorries and 400,000 cars passing through every year. The trial saw a watchlist of almost 5,000 wanted immigration offenders crosschecked. Two alerts were set off when checked against the faces of passersby and out of a total 7,512 scanned faces, one person was arrested. No incorrect alerts were set off, The Sun reports. Last year saw the second highest annual number of illegal migrant arrivals on record. Holyhead (pictured) is a key port for immigrants from the Republic of Irelandand is the second busiest passenger ferry port in the UK - with more than 400,000 lorries and 400,000 cars passing through every year Migrants are seen being taken from a Border Force patrol boat on December 20 2025 - one of the last days a crossing was made last year Your browser does not support iframes. A total of 41,472 migrants entered the UK meaning the total for 2025 was 13 per cent higher than the figure for 2024, when 36,816 migrants made the journey, and 41 per cent higher than 2023's total of 29,437. The overall aim of the live facial recognition trial, which marked the first time the cameras were used by Immigration Enforcement staff, was to 'ensure border integrity and protect the public from harm' by 'identifying and locating those within an agreed watchlist'. The technology is now expected to be rolled out to other key ports in the UK. It has previously been deployed at airports by border force to allow a 'contactless' entry into Britain. At Manchester Airport passengers arriving in October were processed with the cameras which replaced passport checks. Director General of Border Force Phil Douglas said the trial at Manchester had showed waiting times could be 'considerably reduced'. Plans are now also underway for the technology to be used by all police forces in the country. The Home Office says the scanners have already been used to catch rapists, domestic abusers and other violent offenders. Policing minister Sarah Jones described the technology as the 'biggest breakthrough for catching criminals since DNA matching' Policing minister Sarah Jones described the technology as the 'biggest breakthrough for catching criminals since DNA matching'. She added: 'We will expand its use so that forces can put more criminals behind bars and tackle crime in their communities.' It comes as a new national face-matching system is currently on trial so police forces can search millions of custody images in seconds. The Home Office said: 'Facial recognition technology has already helped police remove thousands of dangerous criminals from our streets and will play a vital role in strengthening immigration enforcement. 'In a pilot at Holyhead in November, live video was matched in real time against a deportation watchlist, accurately triggering alerts and enforcement action. 'This is a major step in stopping offenders from evading justice and sends a clear message: anyone trying to slip through will be stopped.' More and more people seeking asylum are packing themselves into boats, with an average of 62 arrivals per boat last year, up from 53 in 2024 and 49 in 2022. Keir Starmer is also less than 1,000 migrants away from an unwanted record - having the most people cross the Channel in his premiership after less than two years. As of yesterday, 64,714 people have made the journey after 545 days in office, at a rate of 118 a day. Boris Johnson saw 65,676 people cross during his time in Government after 1,140 days - an average of just 57 a day. The Conservatives and Reform have both blasted Labour's failure to tackle the growing small boats crisis and to deport those who arrive illegally, blaming Starmer's reluctance to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Keir Starmer is now less than 1,000 migrants short of an unenviable record: the most people crossing by small boat of any Prime Minister since the crisis began in 2018 Your browser does not support iframes. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Small boat crossings are the inevitable product of a system that guarantees entry and obstructs removal. 'As long as the ECHR sits at the centre of our asylum system, illegal immigration is effectively hardwired in. Until Labour confront that reality, nothing they announce will ever change the outcome. 'There is no deterrent and anyone who crosses the Channel know they can invoke human rights law and remain indefinitely. Labour lack the backbone to confront that truth.' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Sir Keir Starmer's plan to 'smash the gangs' had been 'a complete disaster' and the 'one in, one out' deal with France is a 'farce'. 'The numbers coming over are huge,' he said. 'Many of the young men that have arrived last year will do us great harm.' Nine Newspapers has issued a public apology after a 'divisive' cartoon about the royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack sparked widespread backlash. The media giant has copped heavy fire over cartoonist Cathy Wilcox's illustration titled 'Grassroots', which was published in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald last Wednesday. Daily Mail has chosen not to republish the cartoon, which showed media mogul Rupert Murdoch, anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal, former prime minister John Howard, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, Coalition Senator Jacinta Price, and National Party leader David Littleproud uplifting a patch of grass full of royal commission protesters. To the side of the politicians was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, beating a drum along with a thought bubble reading 'don't mention the war'. The cartoon sparked widespread claims of antisemitism and outrage from Jewish leaders, politicians and high-profile Australians, prompting Nine to publish an apology and explanation on its newspaper websites on Sunday. 'Much has been said and written about the Cathy Wilcox cartoon published in these pages on January 7,' the apology read. 'For decades, the Herald's cartoonists have held up a mirror to reflect hypocrisy in public life. This is the price of independence and it must never be compromised. 'Wilcox's intention was to scrutinise the almost immediate politicisation following the horrific attack at Bondi. She by no means intended to cause hurt to the Jewish community. Nine newspapers have issued an apology after publishing a cartoon 'mocking' calls for a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack (pictured, the memorial at Bondi Pavilion) Cathy Wilcox (pictured at a 2017 Fairfax protest) created the cartoon to 'scrutinise the almost immediate politicisation following the horrific attack at Bondi' 'Her depiction of Benjamin Netanyahu, for example, is premised on his condemnation of Anthony Albanese in the hours after the attack, declaring the prime minister's recognition of Palestine "pours fuel on the antisemitic fire".' The apology was published just hours before mourners gathered in the rain at Bondi Pavilion to mark one month since the deadly terror attack that claimed 15 innocent lives at a Hanukkah celebration. Jewish community leaders branded the cartoon an offensive take on mounting calls for a comprehensive investigation and federal royal commission into the December 14 terror attack. Former Northern Territory senator and Olympic gold medalist Nova Peris on Friday labelled the cartoon as 'pathetic'. 'Many of us spoke publicly after this national tragedy out of a commitment to justice and a determination to confront terrorism, not excuse it,' she said. 'To portray Australians from across professions who call for accountability as agents of Jews or Israel is vile, dehumanising, and deeply insulting to families who watched their loved ones and innocent people hunted with military-grade weapons by Islamist terrorists. 'These families did not lose loved ones to a cartoon. They lost them to real violence. Real hatred. Real evil. Here. On our shores. At our iconic Bondi Beach.' Peris warned 'mockery' of the violent event only worked to insinuate 'Jewish suffering is exaggerated, manipulated, or politically manufactured'. The offensive cartoon implied grassroots protests for a royal commission into the attack were being propped up by politicians (pictured, mourners at the Bondi memorial) 'For centuries, Jews were depicted as schemers and manipulators, as bribers, controllers, subhuman caricatures blamed even for their own deaths. These lies were never harmless. They created permission. And permission led to violence,' she said. 'This cartoon sits squarely in that tradition. 'It mocks the dead, grieving families, and Australians who stand up by portraying calls for accountability as obedience, corruption, and manipulation. 'Mockery in the face of terror is not political insight. It is moral collapse. History has seen this before. And it never ends well. 'Do better for goodness sake and importantly for the safety and love of this great nation.' Federal senator Sarah Henderson similarly branded the cartoon 'deeply offensive'. Nine Newspapers admitted that while many readers 'found the cartoon thought-provoking', it also deeply hurt and offended others. 'We have heard their distress and for this pain, we sincerely apologise,' it said. 'As royal commissioner Virginia Bell begins her inquiry, we will have more uncomfortable conversations about what constitutes free speech.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) last week bowed to pressure for a royal commission into the December 14 terror attack Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week relented to mounting pressure and ordered a royal commission into the Bondi Beach massacre. He had previously claimed a royal commission wouldn't provide the immediate results needed to address safety concerns and instead ordered an internal review of intelligence agencies. However, loved ones of the victims, thousands of Australians and prominent Jewish leaders rallied for a more thorough investigation of the event to find its underlying causes. Daily Mail contacted Nine Newspapers for comment. Kemi Badenoch today said a Conservative government would ban under-16s from social media in order to stop children spending hours on 'addictive' sites. The Tory leader vowed to introduce age limits for social media apps should her party win the next general election. She argued children should not be abandoned to the 'wild west' of the internet and called for greater protection for children. Mrs Badenoch's call will step up pressure on the Labour Government to copy Australia's world-first ban on under-16s using social media. A major teaching union has demanded the Government introduce similar measures to improve concentration at school and stem damage to children's mental health. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham - seen as a possible replacement for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer - praised Mrs Badenoch's comments. The Labour politician urged all parties at Westminster to work together on 'much bolder action' on the issue. Australia last month became the first country in the world to ban social media for children with sites ordered to take steps to prevent under-16s accessing accounts. Kemi Badenoch today said a Conservative government would ban under-16s from social media in order to stop children spending hours on 'addictive' sites Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham- seen as a possible replacement for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer- praised Mrs Badenoch's comments Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube are among those facing fines of up to 49.5million Australian dollars (24.7million) if they don't comply with new legislation. Labour ministers have said they will be keeping a 'close eye' on the implementation of Australia's ban, but suggested they will not introduce similar measures in Britain. Speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Mrs Badenoch set out why the Tories are supporting an Australia-style ban. 'What we are seeing is a lot of children spending so many hours a day on platforms that are profiting from their anxiety, from their distraction, and they are actually designed to be addictive,' she said. 'So what we want to see is common sense, protection for children and freedom for adults. 'We want to give parents some understanding that the Government understands what they're going through. So we want to bring in age limits. 'The internet is a wild west, social media in particular. 'We don't think children should be on there, and we want the industry to see the direction of travel so that we can start working with them now in order to get the proper solutions in place.' In response to the Tory leader's remarks, Mr Burnham posted on X: I find myself agreeing with a lot of what Kemi Badenoch is saying about children and social media. 'It seems to me parents would welcome a cross-party consensus around much bolder action.' Teachers' union NASUWT wants the Government to bring in legislation that would make big tech platforms prevent children from accessing their sites. NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack said: 'Teachers are dealing every day with the fallout of a social media landscape not originally designed and not suitable for children. 'Social media companies have shown time and again that they will not act responsibly unless they are forced to do so. 'If we are serious about safeguarding children, protecting their mental health and combating the behaviour crisis in our schools, then a statutory ban for under16s must happen urgently.' Cabinet minister Heidi Alexander said the Government would 'review' Australia's ban, but added there were benefits to young people from being on social media. The Transport Secretary told the BBC: 'We are going to review the situation in Australia and how that works. Obviously we had the world-leading Online Safety Act come in last year. 'We've got very strict rules about age verification and we are restricting, with the social media platforms, harmful content that is delivered up on the social media feeds of young people relating to things like suicide and self-harm. 'We've got to get the balance right here, making sure that young people are safe online as well as offline. 'But that they can also enjoy what's great about the digital world. If you speak to some young people who are perhaps gay or are trying to find a community for themselves, actually that can be really important for them online as well.' Anna Edmundson, the NSPCC's head of policy and public affairs, said: 'It is vital young people are protected from the harms that can take place on social media, but we believe a blanket ban for under 16s would be a blunt approach to a complex problem. 'It would undermine young people's rights to connect with friends and family, learn about the world and access support. 'It also risks driving them to unregulated spaces online, exposing them to even greater threats. 'We must not punish young people for the failure of tech companies to create safe online experiences. 'To fix this properly, services must be held accountable for the content being pushed out on their platforms and ensure that young people and adults can enjoy social media safely.' Its been a bitter few days with treacherous conditions but weather forecasters are now saying we can wave goodbye to the really cold weather. Just two days after Storm Goretti swept through bringing sub-zero temperatures, snow, ice and dangerous winds that delayed journeys, closed schools and left homes without power - parts of the UK today enjoyed temperatures warmer than Madrid. The Spanish capital is only reaching 8C (46F) today, while Plymouth was expecting 13C (55.4F) and Manchester 10C (50F). However, an amber warning for snow remained in force in Scotland, with up to a foot of snow predicted in some areas, along with multiple yellow warnings across the UK for ice, strong winds and heavy rain. Met Office forecaster Craig Snell revealed a new weather system was bringing in milder conditions with rain during a messy transition from Storm Goretti. It will bump up into the cold air and turn to snow again but this time it is coming in with some milder air, so it will transition back to rain for some of us as we go through the course of the night and into tomorrow, he said. That again could lead to some problems with ice, so we already have warnings out ahead of that. This time the milder air will eventually win the day and it will herald a very different flavour of weather for all of us as we go into next week but its going to be a kind of messy transition. A council snow plough clears the roads in Stanley, County Durham, this morning Under the amber warning in Scotland, the Met Office has warned there could be a foot of snow in higher areas today and up to two inches at lower levels. The yellow warnings included one for snow and ice covering much of Scotland, the East and West Midlands, north-east and north-west England and Yorkshire, lasting from 2am until 3pm. People were warned to prepare for delayed journeys, potentially dangerous driving conditions and to take extra time to avoid falls on the ice. Another Met Office forecaster, Greg Dewhurst, said the unsettled start to Sunday could also see melting snow lead to the risk of flooding. Gusts of wind were expected and gales at coastlands, although nowhere near as strong as they were for Goretti. But temperatures in the coming week are expected to be between 9C and 12C in the South and between 6C and 10C in the North. Storm Goretti brought deep snow, particularly in northern areas, as well as gusts of almost 100mph and a rare red warning for dangerous, stormy winds in the South West. A man in his 50s was found dead in a caravan after emergency services were called on Thursday after a tree fell onto the vehicle in Helston, Cornwall. Commuters were making their way through snow and icy conditions Snow covers the A924 road in Perthshire, near Stralock in Scotland, in a picture postcard scene Thousands of properties were still without power over the weekend and National Rail warned disruption to lines was expected to continue until tomorrow. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Mary Creagh also criticised water companies after customers had been left without supplies. South East Water said people in East Grinstead, West Sussex, and surrounding areas had experienced no water, intermittent supply or low pressure from Saturday morning and didnt expect to resolve the problem until the end of the weekend. In Cornwall, South West Water confirmed households had experienced severe disruption caused by the storm. There had been widespread power outages and a fault at Wendron water treatment works but it said supplies had been restored to more than half of those affected. Fashion designer Stella McCartney's plan to build a 5 million modernist home in the Scottish Highlands is facing further delays over otters. A leading otter charity has warned that construction must be 'stopped immediately' if cubs are found. The charity also said someone must monitor the holts on the land constantly while building work takes place. The location, known as Commando Rock, was once a place where elite troops were trained for critical missions during the Second World War. However the daughter of Beatles legend Sir Paul, has become embroiled in her own war at Commando Rock after dozens of objectors accused the famously pro-green activist of hypocrisy in her approach to the build, which some have labelled an act of environmental vandalism. More than 60 letters of objection warned it could threaten local wildlife including otters and pine martens. Now a long-awaited otter survey has been lodged which could potentially clear a major hurdle in Ms McCartney and her husband Alasdhair Willis application to Highland Council for planning permission. The couple previously hired conservationists in an attempt to prove no otters were living in the surrounding area, however evidence mounted that the mammals were living in the area, leading to the specialist survey which was compiled in November. Ms McCartney and husband Alasdhair Willis, 55, the chief creative officer with global shoe brand Adidas The couple are seeking permission to build a sustainable, low-profile house on the Moidart Peninsula. Ecologist Dr Leon Durbin had previously taken to a canoe to prove otters are threatened by the development, which he has objected to. Now in a new submission Grace Yoxon of the world-leading Skye-based International Otter Survival Fund, says if it had not been for Dr Durbin the application 'may have been successful which she said could have been 'disastrous' for the resident otters. She said: 'At that time the otter survey was totally inadequate and had completely failed to identify and record any otter activity e.g. Holts, runs, tracks, etc. How they failed to find this evidence certainly does question their competence in otter surveying,' she wrote. 'It is good to see that a second survey has now been done which does record the abundance of activity at this site. 'It is worrying though that if Dr Leon Durbin had not confirmed this evidence with video proof then the application may have been successful with potentially disastrous consequences for the resident otters there. 'Dr Durbin has given a very full and detailed comment on the application as it stands. I therefore do not need to go into all the aspects he mentions and I would like it noted that I support his comments.' As part of the plans, if approved, the developers agreed to take a break between May and August with no construction work, to protect the otter's breeding season. However this plan was not satisfactory to Ms Yoxon, who argued the otters do not have a strict breeding season. An artists illustration of the proposed 5million home in the Scottish Highlands She added: 'The application says they will avoid the otter breeding season, but as Dr Dublin says Eurasian otters (the species in question) do NOT have a breeding season and young are born at any time of the year. 'We have been recording otter activity for over 40 years which proves this. We have also run an otter hospital caring for nearly 300 otters and cubs have been received in every month of the year. 'It is true that at one time otters in Shetland did show a certain degree of of seasonality but since the Braer disaster in 2003 this is no longer the case. 'Therefore construction at any time can cause disturbance. 'Also a gap of three months between survey and construction work is too long. The gestation of an otter is about three months and so a female may not have young during the survey period but may well have by the time the work begins. A survey with camera traps should be carried out just before the start date. 'Clearly any vibration or noise disturbance could well have a serious negative impact on very young cubs. If the female is scared off at such an early stage the cubs will die. 'Any construction must have someone to oversee the holts in case there are young cubs and work must be stopped immediately if this is found to be the case. 'This construction is in a very sensitive area and as otters and their places of rest (holts) are fully protected by law, careful consideration must be given before allowing the application.' Permission to build a home at the location was granted 26 years ago and foundations for a four bedroom house have been laid. The couple say their design is more environmentally sensitive and less visually intrusive than the original plan. Ms McCartney and her husband Alasdhair Willis want to build the property at Commando Rock Agents for Mr Willis, in whose name the application is made, also commissioned specialists, including the otter survey. A licence will also be required from NatureScot, and all works will follow its guidance. A Highland Council spokesperson said it hopes to bring the application to the south planning applications committee early this year. Since submitting plans in 2023, Mr Willis and Ms McCartney have faced over 60 public objections - with many coming from outside the local area. Some objectors have also raised concerns the development will be a holiday home. Mr Willis has always disputed this, saying: 'We're building a permanent family home. 'This is not a speculative investment or holiday let. 'We want to live here full-time and be part of the community.' He explained that their connection to Scotland runs deep - from family roots in Gaelic-speaking regions to his wife's childhood memories on the Mull of Kintyre. The couple married on the Isle of Bute in 2003. Lord Peter Mandelson has refused to apologise to Jeffrey Epstein's victims for remaining friends with the notorious paedophile after his conviction for sex crimes. The Labour peer, who was sacked as the UK's ambassador to the US last year over his ties to Epstein, distanced himself from the depravity of the 'evil monster'. In his first TV interview since being fired from his diplomatic role, Lord Mandelson blamed 'misplaced loyalty' for continuing his association with the financier. He said he 'never saw anything' that would lead him to suspect Epstein was 'preying on these young women'. The former Cabinet minister suggested because he was a gay man in Epstein's circle, he was 'kept separate from what he was doing in the sexual side of his life'. Appearing on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Lord Mandelson was asked if he wanted to apologise to Epstein's victims for staying in touch with the paedophile even after his original conviction. 'I want to apologise to those women for a system that refused to hear their voices and did not give them the protection they were entitled to expect,' he replied. 'That system gave him protection and not them. If I had known, if I was in any way complicit or culpable, of course I would apologise for it.' Lord Peter Mandelson has refused to apologise to Jeffrey Epstein's victims for remaining friends with the notorious paedophile after his conviction for sex crimes In his first TV interview since being fired as US ambassador, Lord Mandelson blamed 'misplaced loyalty' for continuing his association with the financier Lord Mandelson added: 'But I was not culpable, I was not knowledgeable of what he was doing. 'And I regret and will regret to my dying day the fact that powerless women, women who were denied a voice, were not given the protection they were entitled to expect from the American system.' Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor. Emails published in September last year showed Lord Mandelson sent supportive messages to Epstein as he faced jail for sex crimes. Sir Keir Starmer, who handpicked Lord Mandelson as US ambassador before going on to sack him, said the emails showed 'the depth and extent' his relationship with Epstein was 'materially different from that known at the time of his appointment'. The Prime Minister had defended Lord Mandelson until the emergence of the emails. In the BBC inteview, Lord Mandelson said the 'awful toe-curling messages and emails' he sent were 'very embarrassing and just make me distraught. But he added he was 'at the edge of this man's life'. 'I never saw anything in his life when I was with him, when I was in his homes, that would give me any reason to suspect what this evil monster was doing in preying on these young women,' he continued. Asked if he deserved to be sacked by Sir Keir, Lord Mandelson said: 'I understand why I was sacked.' He added: 'I understand why he took the decision he did. But one thing I'm very clear about is I'm not going to seek to reopen or relitigate this issue. I'm moving on.' The Labour peer was last year sacked by Sir Keir Starmer as the UK's ambassador to the US over his ties to Epstein Lord Mandelson, pictured with Donald Trump in May last year, said his 'misplaced loyalty' to Epstein had 'the most calamitous consequences' Emails showed Lord Mandelson told Epstein to 'fight for early release' shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison. He is also reported to have told Epstein 'I think the world of you' the day before the disgraced financier began his jail sentence. Asked if he had 'misled' the Government about his relationship with Epstein prior to being appointed US ambassador, Lord Mandelson said the emergence of emails last year 'came as a huge surprise and a huge shock' both to himself and Downing Street. 'I didn't remember sending them,' he said. 'I still don't actually recall the circumstances or the thought processes that led me to send them. 'They no longer existed on my server I had long since disused. 'So it came as shock to them and it came as a surprise, but I was unable to share emails with them that I didn't recall and I didn't possess.' Asked why he had stuck with Epstein, Lord Mandelson said: 'It was a most terrible mistake on my part. 'I believed the story he told in 2008 in his first indictment in Florida, I accepted his story, and I wish I hadn't. 'I gave my support to somebody because I believed what he was telling me, and it was misplaced loyalty, but I just have to say this to you: while it's had the most calamitous consequences for me, the crux of this is not me. 'The crux of this is not the friendship I had 25 years ago with Jeffrey Epstein. The crux of this is that so many hundreds of young women were completely trapped, powerless in a system that did not listen to what they had to say.' Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan, New York, in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. Churchgoers say they could stop donating to collection plates if the money is going towards slavery reparations. The Church of England has faced a growing backlash over its plans to spend 100million to address its historical links to transatlantic slavery. The Project Spire plan, which was endorsed by former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, was announced after a report found that a fund established by Queen Anne in 1704 to support poor Anglican clergy had invested in African chattel slavery. Mr Welby said at the time: 'I am deeply sorry for the links with transatlantic chattel slavery. That some within the Church actively supported and profited from it is a source of shame.' Last month, Dame Sarah Mullally, the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, was urged to scrap the plans by Tory MPs and peers who claimed the funds can only legally be spent on churches and the payment of clergy wages. Now, a survey to Anglicans has found 61 per cent of churchgoers say they would redirect donations to other charities if the Church Commissioners - the institution's financial arm - earmarked money for reparations. A poll by Merlin Strategy to 500 churchgoing Anglicans found 81 per cent said Church money should be used to support local parishes instead, with only 19 per cent backing reparations as a priority. Last February, a report by the Policy Exchange think tank found the reparations plan was 'historically ununiformed' and may lack legal justifications. The Project Spire plan, which was endorsed by former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby (pictured), was announced after a report found that a fund established by Queen Anne in 1704 to support poor Anglican clergy had invested in African chattel slavery 64 per cent agreed that the Church should not be forced to atone for historical injustices such as slavery using its funds, regardless of whether it was involved, The Telegraph reports. When asked how Church funds should be used, many strongly favoured supporting parish priorities. This included 71 per cent saying money should go towards repairs, maintenance and running church buildings, while 48 per cent backed funding regular services. Another 41 per cent suggested recruiting, training and supporting parish clergy should be prioritised. And just 24 per cent said funding reparations for historic injustices should be prioritised. As it stands, the Church Commissioners are pressing ahead with plans to pay 100million in slavery reparations, spread over nine years. A spokesman for the Church of England said: 'A record 1.6bn is being distributed over the next three years to support the mission and ministry of the Church of England, prioritising clergy wellbeing, the funding of local parishes in the country's lowest income communities and encouraging the growth of congregations. 'The Church commissioners' commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities affected by the legacy of transatlantic chattel enslavement is the result of forensic research by leading independent experts, which evidences our historic links to this fundamental wrong. 'Recognising this past is consistent with the Church's responsibility for moral leadership.' The owners of the Swiss bar in which 40 people burned to death in a New Year's fire have told how a waitress they viewed as 'a stepdaughter' suffocated 'in a pile of bodies behind a locked door'. Providing their most detailed account of the disaster to date, Jacques and Jessica Moretti said Cyane Panine's last minutes alive encapsulated the full horror of the evening. Cyane had been encouraged by Ms Moretti, 40, to 'get the atmosphere going' at Le Constellation, in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, in the early hours of January 1. This included getting waitresses to put sparklers in champagne bottles, before some were lifted up on the shoulders of waiters in the bar's basement. The pyrotechnics are thought to have lit soundproofing foam in the ceiling, triggering a massive fire in which 116 others were also severely burned. Mr Moretti, 49, eventually broke open the door to the basement from the outside, and found Cyane dying, while surrounded by 'a pile of bodies'. On Friday, Mr Moretti told the Vallais public prosecutor's office in nearby Sion he only became aware the bar's 'service door' was 'locked from the inside and on a latch' after the fire. Meanwhile Mr Moretti's wife is said to have driven herself home, after allegedly escaping as quickly as possible from the bar with the till containing the night's cash takings. The owners of the Swiss bar in which 40 people burned to death in a New Year's fire have told how a waitress they viewed as 'a stepdaughter' suffocated 'in a pile of bodies behind a locked door' The pyrotechnics are thought to have lit soundproofing foam in the ceiling, triggering a massive fire in which 116 others were also severely burned High quality photographs show the very first moments of the Swiss Constellation Bar fire in Crans-Montana, where dozens died on New Year's Eve Owners of Le Constellation bar Jacques Moretti (L) and Jessica Moretti arrive for a hearing at the office of the public prosecutor of the Canton of Valais, in Sion, on January 9, 2026 Mr Moretti is currently in custody, while his wife has been bailed with an electronic bracelet, as they await possible trial on a range of charges, including manslaughter and causing bodily harm by negligence. Referring to Cyane Panine in a day-long interview by prosecutors on Friday, Mr Moretti said she was the girlfriend of a close family friend whom the Morettis had 'raised as if he were my own'. Recalling how he found Cyane dying, Mr Moretti said: 'I went out onto the patio [behind the bar] All the windows were open. 'There were a lot of people there. I tried to get inside but it was impossible. There was far too much smoke.' Pointing to the 'service door' rather than an exit, Mr Moretti said it was 'closed and locked from the inside with a latch, whereas it usually wasn't. 'We forced it open - it finally gave way in a few seconds. When the door opened, several people were lying on the floor, unconscious. 'My stepdaughter Cyane was one of them. We pulled them all outside and put them in the recovery position.' Cyane, a French national like the Morettis, died within the hour. Mr Moretti said he and Cyane's boyfriend, 'tried to resuscitate her for more than an hour in the street near the bar, until the emergency services told us it was too late'. Jessica Moretti was interviewed separately to her husband on Friday and - according to records released to media outlets - told investigators: 'Cyane was like a little sister to me. She had spent Christmas with us. I was devastated.' Ms Moretti said she had arrived at the Constellation - which she referred to as 'the Constel' - at 10.30pm on New Year's Eve, while her husband remained at the Senso, a restaurant they own nearby. 'At midnight, there were very few people in the bar,' said Ms Moretti. 'Then groups gradually arrived, bringing the number of customers present to just under a hundred. 'I was just telling Cyane that we needed to bring in more people to get the atmosphere going.' Waitresses in face masks then perched on the shoulders of waiters, bringing 'champagne sparklers' to tables which had each been hired for the equivalent of some 900. 'Suddenly, I felt a surge of people,' said Ms Moretti. 'I saw orange light in the corner of the bar. 'I immediately yelled: "Everyone out!", and I immediately thought of calling the fire department. In video footage someone can be seen trying desperately to extinguish the fire, but within seconds it takes hold, erupting into a deadly fireball that engulfs the packed bar Footage shows flames ripping through the Crans-Montana club as revellers continue singing, dancing and shouting - unaware they are already trapped in extreme danger 'I left the establishment through the main entrance, taking the stairs, to tell the security guard to get everyone out. Once outside, I called 118 [the emergency number for the fire service in Switzerland]. It was 1.28am.' Ms Moretti then called her husband, saying: 'There's a fire at the Constel, come quickly! I was in a state of complete panic, the call lasted 11 seconds. He immediately told me he was coming to meet me.' Ms Moretti told prosecutors: 'When I got home, I was panicking, in a daze, my body was giving out on me.' Mr Moretti confirmed that he told his wife, who had suffered a very minor arm injury, to get into her car and go home to take care of their own children. 'I told her not to stay and witness this tragedy,' he said. 'I wanted to protect her.' There has been no comment from either of the Morettis about claims that two video cameras filmed Ms Moretti leaving the Constellation's cash register, and that she could accordingly face further charges of 'non assistance to a persons in danger'. Both told how they first rented the Constellation in 2015, when they 'renovated it from A to Z,' including 'the flooring, the furniture, and the bar itself,' including replacing the foam in the ceiling. 'The fire service carried out two or three fire inspections in ten years of operation, without ever requiring any requests for renovations or modifications to the premises,' said Mr Moretti, who admitted there was no sprinkler system, or even fire extinguishers. Asked if employees such as Cyane were trained in fire safety, he replied: 'No.' He said the champagne sparklers were regularly used without incident, 'for example at birthday parties'. He added the lit sparklers lasted 'between 30 and 40 seconds', and 'we never let customers handle the sparklers'. Mr Moretti said: 'As soon as they go out, we take them and put them in a glass of water.' Mr Moretti insisted he had previously carried out tests, and claimed the sparklers were not powerful enough to ignite the acoustic foam, so 'something else must have been going on'. In turn, Jessica Moretti said: 'We always add a sparkler when we serve a bottle of wine in the dining room.' Asked why they allowed the stunt which placed the sparklers so close to the ceiling, Ms Moretti said: 'It wasn't the first time, but it wasn't something we did systematically. 'I never stopped them from doing it, but I never forced them either.' Most of those who died were teenagers, including a French boy aged just 14. Flowers in Crans-Montana left in tribute to the 40 people who died in the nightclub fire Questions have been raised over the number of underage customers inside the venue. Mr Moretti said the bar prohibited anyone under the age of 16, and required customers aged between 16 and 18 to be accompanied by an adult. He said he had given these orders to security staff, but admitted that 'it's possible that there was a lapse in protocol'. The couple, who are both originally from the French island of Corsica, are suspected of 'negligent manslaughter, causing bodily harm negligently, and negligent arson'. They both deny any criminal or civil wrongdoing. Mr Moretti is an ex-pimp, with a series of convictions and prison spells behind him, while his wife is said to have a clean record with the police. Cyane Panine's funeral took place in her home town of Sete, in the South of France, on Saturday. Her family and friends said they were convinced she could have been saved. Astrid Panine, Cyane's mother, said: 'Cyane knew the place perfectly. She quickly headed for the emergency exit and could have saved herself and others. But it was locked.' The investigation into the fire continues. A prominent Islamic leader has been brutally assaulted in a suspected hate crime. Police have launched an investigation into Saturday night's roadside attack on Ismet Purdic, Imam of the Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society at Noble Park in Melbourne's south-east. Mr Purdic, 47, and his wife were driving along South Gippsland Highway in Dandenong South, near the mosque, when a small black hatchback pulled alongside their vehicle at about 7.40pm. Police were told that two men and a woman inside the car began yelling anti-Muslim slurs and threatened to stab Mr Purdic's wife, who wears a hijab. Bottles and food waste were also reportedly hurled at the couple's vehicle. The hatchback then cut off the couple's vehicle and forced it off the road. The three occupants got out of the hatchback and began kicking and punching the couple's vehicle. Mr Purdic was punched as he attempted to defend his wife who was filming the incident, forcing passing motorists to pull over and intervene. Ismet Purdic (pictured), Imam of the Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society, was attacked on Saturday night Ismet Purdic has been Imam of the Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society at Noble Park (pictured) for 12 years The assailants returned to the hatchback and fled the scene. Mr Purdic revealed on Sunday night that he and his wife were shaken by the ordeal but weren't seriously injured. 'Peace be upon you. Thank you everyone for the prayers, calls, texts. I cant get a hold of everyone - me and my wife are doing fine and so are the kids. Thank you all,' he posted on Facebook. Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society condemned the disturbing attack on its leader. 'The Imam has expressed gratitude that his children were not present, noting the profound trauma the incident has caused,' a statement read. 'Imam Purdic has served the community for more than 12 years as a religious leader, educator and interfaith advocate through the Interfaith Network Dandenong, promoting peace, coexistence and mutual respect. 'He has called on all Australians to work together to prevent such hatred and violence.' The mosque also highlighted a wave of 'rising anti-Muslim hate across Australia'. Mr Purdic (pictured) was injured in the vicious assault before members of the public intervened 'Community leaders are urging stronger action from institutions, media and authorities to address Islamophobia and ensure that existing and new anti-vilification laws are enforced,' it continued. 'The BHIS Noble Park Mosque thanks the community for its support and stands united against hatred, reaffirming its commitment to peace, dignity and social cohesion.' The Australian National Imams Council labelled the cowardly attack as a disturbing reminder of the escalating danger facing visibly Muslim Australians. 'We call for urgent identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and for stronger national action to confront Islamophobia, far-right extremism and hate-fuelled violence in Australia,' it said. 'All Australians deserve to feel safe going about their daily lives without fear of being abused, threatened or attacked.' Victorian Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt also condemned the attack and vowed to work closely with Muslim leaders in the lead-up to United Nations International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15. 'This violent, racist, Islamophobic and misogynistic violence has no place in Victoria and our government condemns it unequivocally,' she said. Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society condemned the disturbing attack on its leader (worshippers pictured) 'No Muslim woman should fear that she will have her hijab ripped off. No Victorian should have to wonder if they are safe driving down the street. 'We pride ourselves on the multiculturalism that has built Victoria - but it must be defended. 'Racists will always seek to divide us but our strength is in our diversity and we must always stand up to it.' Victoria Police confirmed an investigation into the assault and criminal damage is underway. No arrests or charges have yet been laid. 'There is no place for prejudice-motivated, religious-based or hate-based behaviour in our society,' a spokesman told Daily Mail. Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers. A British couple feared they would have to sell their house when they were hit with a 200,000 medical bill after their baby was born prematurely in the US. Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester, from Frome in Somerset, are a couple who perform together as folk duo Ferris and Sylvester. During the first five months of her pregnancy, Issy felt so well that the pair continued gigging and flew to Nashville to perform when she was 33 weeks pregnant. However on the penultimate gig of their tour, Issy began to feel unwell and started vomiting, initially believing she had bad food poisoning. Little did she know that she was actually suffering from the dangerous pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia, a condition which can affect some women, usually in the second half of their pregnancy. Their son then had to be delivered by an emergency caesarean, in order to save both mother and baby from more serious complications. However the couple were then hit with a mammoth 200,000 bill, which their travel insurers initially refused to pay. They were forced to consider selling their home in order to cover the vast medical bill. Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester pictured in their wedding clothes after the birth of their son Lucky Issy and Archie pictured at Glastonbury Festival, just months before they flew out to the US The touring musicians had made sure they had comprehensive travel insurance for the trip, believing it would be their last before Issy went on maternity leave. Issy said: 'I was in such denial. I was 25, I'd never been seriously ill before. I had been on stage singing the night before. And suddenly there I was, fighting for mine and my child's life in a hospital thousands of miles from home. 'It was an incredibly difficult time. I spent months examining my medical records in order to build my case against a huge company who should have behaved better, and instead claimed ignorance of an illness which was included in their insurance policy. 'Eventually, we hired a lawyer.' It was only after a ten-month battle that the insurance company finally agreed to pay out. Issy, then 25, had discovered she was pregnant in spring 2022 and sailed through all of her midwifery appointments without a glitch. She didn't suffer any pregnancy symptoms, other than feeling ravenously hungry. The couple were thrilled to discover they were expecting a boy, and Issy felt so well during the first five months that the pair continued gigging. The couple pictured with their premature baby after his birth Lucky in Nashville, Tennessee Issy with Lucky shortly after his premature birth after Issy was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia What is Pre-eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia is a condition which usually affects women in the second half of their pregnancy. Although the exact cause is not known, it is thought to occur when there is a problem with the placenta, which links the baby's blood supply to the mother's. If untreated it can put both the mother and baby at risk. Women with pre-eclampsia have high blood pressure and protein in their urine. Symptoms include: - Swelling in the hands, face or ankles - Severe headache - Vision may be blurred - Upper abdominal pain You are more at risk of pre-eclampsia if you are overweight, had kidney disease, have high blood pressure or have diabetes. Delivering the baby is sometimes the only way to cure pre-eclampsia. Advertisement They were due to play the Americana Festival in Nashville in September 2022 and flew out having organised travel insurance that took into account Issy's pregnancy. The couple said pre-eclampsia was specifically mentioned as being covered in the smallprint, and women expecting a baby are usually allowed to fly until the 36th week, with some airlines asking for a doctor's note. Issy had performed two gigs in Nashville and was on a day off when she started to feel unwell. After around eight hours of vomiting and chest pain, she became worried about dehydration and sought medical help at Nashville General Hospital - still believing her illness was simply a bug she had picked up. Within half an hour medics told her she was suffering from pre-eclampsia. They tried a 24-hour magnesium drip to see if it would stabilise her, but it didn't. She was given steroids to help strengthen the baby's lungs and then told he would need to be born immediately. She was transferred to Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown where a C-section was carried out. Archie, 36, said it was the 'most terrifying moment of our lives'. He added: 'Issy really believed she just had a sickness bug and thought they'd just give her something to settle her stomach a little bit, and we'd be able to do the last gig and fly home. 'It suddenly went from "I think I've got a sickness bug" to very, very serious. The couple were hit with a 200,000 medical bill, which their insurance would not cover for ten months 'The consultant sat us both down and said "OK, you have severe preeclampsia. And you are not flying home. Your child is going to be born in America." It was just the most surreal conversation. 'It was a wonderful, healthy and happy pregnancy leading up to that moment, and we just did not expect that to happen to us.' Baby Lucky was born weighing 4lbs 1oz on September 19 and was taken straight to the neonatal intensive care unit. 'I was able to look at him and give him a cuddle, then we were apart,' Issy says. Archie moved constantly between the two, taking Issy's colostrum to Lucky in the NICU. Within days, Issy was able to visit Lucky, gradually spending more and more time with her son. When Lucky was ten days old, the couple married in Nashville's Centennial Park, visiting their little boy dressed in their gladrags after the ceremony. Archie added: 'Everybody was terrified. We knew we were going to be there for a while and we needed something to look forward to.' Issy and Archie had their wedding at Nashville's Centennial Park as 'something to look forward to' while their baby was not able to leave the hospital Lucky remained in the NICU for three weeks before he was strong enough to leave. For that, several milestones had to be met, including maintaining his temperature, weighing more than 4lbs, feeding every three hours and breathing on his own. On his discharge, the trio moved to be with their families in a rental property, as they had flown out to support them. They were given fit to fly notes by doctors five weeks later and flew home in November. When they returned they discovered that the underwriters for their insurance company were refusing to pay all of the enormous medical bill. 'We had travel insurance and because of the touring aspect we made sure that we had premium travel insurance that was suitable for pregnancy and conditions and issues surrounding pregnancy and childbirth,' Issy said. 'I remember the most lovely nurse, I think I sort of said to her we need to look at our insurance and she looked me in the eye and said "We're treating you now." 'There was no choice. 'The insurers tried to claim that only I would be covered for my treatment for pre-eclampsia, which is incredibly unethical and insensitive because the only cure for it is to give birth. 'It was an incredibly difficult time. 'I spent months examining my medical records in order to build my case against a huge company who should have behaved better, and instead claimed ignorance of an illness which was included in their insurance policy. 'The insurance company made the whole process much more traumatic.' Archie, pictured with baby Lucky, said the ordeal was the 'most terrifying moment of our lives' A lawyer fought the case and won - but the battle marred much of the couple's early months with their son. Their new EP, Songs That Saw Us Through, is made up of the songs they listened to 'on repeat' when Lucky was in NICU. Archie added: 'These songs helped us get through that time. If somebody else going through a similar experience can feel comforted by listening to this, that's a really positive thought for us.' Determined to resume their lives as touring musicians, the duo released their second album 'Otherness' in the spring of 2024 when Lucky was nearing 18 months old. It was called 'a manifestation of strength' by Rolling Stone Magazine. The Frome-based couple want to raise awareness of pre-eclampsia and the impact of preterm birth, both acknowledging it 'never crossed our minds' that anything might go wrong with their pregnancy. They are also raising funds for Tommy's, the largest UK charity researching the causes and prevention of pregnancy complications, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. They have since had a daughter, Dusty, one, who weighed almost double her brother when born. The couple pictured enjoying their trip to Nashville, Tennessee, just days before Issy became unwell Their experience of preterm birth has had profound consequences on them both. 'It was only when Issy's pregnancy with our daughter progressed to full term that I felt the effects of this, which I didn't expect,' Archie said. 'I've been stuck in fight-or-flight mode, waiting for the next bad thing to happen. 'I'm starting to understand how Lucky's birth has affected not just Issy, but me too. 'It's a lot to deal with, watching the person you love and your baby fight for their life. It takes time to recover.' Issy added: 'To any parents out there struggling, there is life after premature birth. 'There is joy, messiness, storms and rainbows. There are first steps, baby teeth and sleepless nights. Above all, life is richer and more precious than ever. 'We're forever changed and we're grateful for it.' Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of Tommy's, said: 'We're immensely grateful to Issy and Archie for their support, and for sharing their experience so honestly. 'We're thrilled to hear that Lucky is doing so well after his difficult start. 'Having a baby prematurely is frightening. It can take a huge toll on parents and children, physically and emotionally. 'Every parent whose baby has spent time in neonatal intensive care will recognise the fear and uncertainty described by Issy and Archie and the ways in which 'normal' life is upended. 'We're funding research into pregnancy complications that can cause premature birth, and into treatments that can prevent it, so that fewer families experience the trauma Issy and Archie have lived through.' The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery has changed the picture of Donald Trump it has on display, as well as its accompanying text. The change took place in the museum's 'America's Presidents' exhibition on Thursday following a complaint from a Trump administration official, according to reports. The gallery previously displayed a picture of Donald Trump wearing a suit and red tie set against a black background next to wall text describing his tenure as president. The wall text outlined some of Trump's major political accomplishments, such as appointing three Supreme Court justices and his 'historic comeback in the 2024 election.' But the White House was reportedly unhappy with the less flattering descriptions of the president's first term, particularly its mention that Trump was, 'Impeached twice, on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials.' The new black-and-white image on display shows Trump in the Oval Office scowling directly into the camera as he leans over the Resolute Desk with his fists planted firmly on it. The picture was taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok, and Trump posted it on Truth Social in October along with a caption that read: 'In the Oval Office, getting ready to leave our imprint on the World. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' The new wall text accompanying the dramatic photo now simply identifies Trump as the 45th and 47th president and says he was born in 1946. The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery has changed the picture of Donald Trump it has on display to this dramatic black-and-white photo The different picture also came with simplified wall text that omitted mention of Trump's impeachments, simply saying he is the 45th and 47th president and was born in 1946 instead This is the picture of Trump that was formerly on display at the museum. The wall text described some of his major political accomplishments as well as his two impeachments In a statement on Saturday, Whitehouse spokesman Davis Ingle said the new portrait is an 'iconic photo' that has 'unmatched aura.' The National Portrait Gallery said that it hung the new photo as part of a planned update to the America's Presidents exhibition. 'For some new exhibitions and displays, the museum has been exploring quotes or tombstone labels, which provide only general information, such as the artist's name,' a statement from the Smithsonian said. 'The history of presidential impeachments continues to be represented in our museums.' Although the wall text for Trump's portrait now omits any mention of impeachment, the text accompanying Bill Clinton's portrait still says that he was impeached for 'lying while under oath about a sexual relationship he had with a White House intern.' The picture change came after Trump announced last year that he was firing the former National Portrait Gallery director, Kim Sajet. The White House had compiled a list of grievances with Sajet, accusing her of partisanship and bias. A copy of that list reviewed by the New York Times specifically mentioned the sentence about impeachments in Trump's portrait text. The Smithsonian, which is technically independent from the executive branch, did not fire Sajet at Trump's request. This is the portrait of Bill Clinton that hangs in the America's Presidents exhibition. Its wall text still mentions his impeachment The change of Trump's portrait came after he announced last year that he was firing the former National Portrait Gallery director, Kim Sajet (pictured) The National Portrait Gallery said that it hung the new photo as part of a planned update to the America's Presidents exhibition But the former director resigned on her own amidst the pressure, saying it was in the best interest of the institution. The museum's current acting director is Elliot Gruber. The picture change can also be perceived as part of the Trump administration's efforts to make the Smithsonian Institution present a more positive view of America. In March, Trump issued an executive order titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,' which instructed government officials to investigate the museum for 'improper ideology.' As part of that effort, the White House has demanded a long list of documents from the museum as the administration reviews current and planned exhibitions. The Smithsonian has only produced some of those documents, and it now faces a deadline to turn in the rest by Tuesday or risk facing cuts to its $1billion budget, which relies heavily on federal funds. The White House has been pushing to soften the descriptions of Trump's impeachments at the Smithsonian's museums. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is pictured with members of Congress during Trump's impeachment in December 2019 Trump was acquitted by the Senate in both impeachments. This picture shows the vote results after the events of January 6 The new portrait and simplified wall text also came after another Smithsonian museum, the National Museum of American History, changed its language regarding Trump's impeachments in an exhibit about the American presidency in August. The description said that Trump was charged with 'incitement of insurrection,' and the change removed two related sentences. One of those sentences described 'repeated "false statements" challenging the 2020 election results,' and another said he made a speech that 'encouraged - and foreseeably resulted in - imminent lawless action at the Capitol.' The museum also added the word 'alleged' to this sentence: 'The charges focused on the president's alleged solicitation of foreign interference in the 2020 presidential election and defiance of Congressional subpoenas.' A viral jacket potato brand has announced it will open a new store in the same city it was accused of 'bullying' a small business with a legal threat. Social media sensations SpudBros have revealed they will begin trading in Portsmouth, Hampshire - just yards away from a vendor that has been on the high street for over 35 years. In October, Jacob and Harley Nelson threatened legal action against a Portsmouth store - called The Spud Father - over their choice of name. The pair, who have over four million followers on TikTok, released a statement following significant backlash, claiming they had no plans to sue the business and simply wanted to protect their brand. The Spud Father was forced to change their name to Spud Fusion. SpudBros have now announced they will be opening their own store in Portsmouth on the city's high street on January 27, where another vendor - Jacket Potato Ladies - has operated for 35 years. Vicky Penford, who owns Jacket Potato Ladies, said she was left with a 'feeling of doom' after hearing that the brick and mortar site would be launching nearby. In October, Jacob and Harley Nelson (pictured) threatened legal action against a Portsmouth store - called The Spud Father - over their choice of name Pictured are Rumen Islam and Robin Azad of Spud Fusion in Fratton, Portsmouth. The pair were forced to change the business's name after a legal threat Vicky Penford (pictured), who owns and operates Jacket Potato Ladies, said she was left with a 'feeling of doom' after hearing that the brick and mortar site would be launching nearby SpudBros already have locations in London, Liverpool, Sheffield, Blackburn and Wakefield and have said they would like around 10 more this year. Ms Penford said: 'The social media is one of the things I am most worried about as I am not as fantastic with it. 'I was certainly a bit taken aback when I heard [about SpudBros new shop]. 'I don't know how it will affect us in the future. We have been here for 36 years and it would be a shame if we were just to go. 'I heard about the legal issues they had with Spud Fusion and know that if anything like that happened to me then there would be nothing I could do about it. 'I take a positive outlook and hope that it just brings people to the area and more people to me.' The 44-year-old had previously also stated: 'We all know a franchise is going to open a two-second walk away from me. What can I do about it? Absolutely nothing. I can just keep going. 'When I first found out in September that this great big social media franchise machine was going to open just two seconds from my tiny van I just had this sense in myself... and this sense of letting people down. Ms Penford said: 'The social media is one of the things I am most worried about as I am not as fantastic with it' Local residents have been quick to jump to Jacket Potato Ladies' support on social media and criticise SpudBros 'When she (the former owner Karen) first opened this place, in July it will be 36 years, and I just felt like she grew the business and she selected me to take over because she wanted it to carry on but I'm not going to be able to carry it on if something that big comes in and sweeps everything away. 'So it's just this feeling of doom.' Ms Penford added: 'We're just going to keep going until we can't.' Local residents have been quick to jump to Jacket Potato Ladies' support on social media and criticise SpudBros. Aimi-leigh Dawkins said their arrival seemed like a 'targeted attack'. Daniel Son claimed that SpudBros were 'not welcome in Portsmouth' and they have 'some cheek' for deciding to open a venue in the city. Harry Bond said: 'Don't think they will last long here.' Rumen Islam, the owner of Spud Fusion, formerly Spud Father, was at the centre of the trademark row when he opened his stall in Portsmouth four months ago. Rumen Islam, the owner of Spud Fusion, formerly Spud Father, was at the centre of the trademark row when he opened his stall in Portsmouth four months ago. The Spud Fusion store is pictured Brothers Jacob and Harley previously said they have no plans to hang up their aprons and have ambition to make Spud Bros a global brand Spud Bros sources its potatoes from local farmers with its most popular topping garlic butter, cheese, beans, its 'famous tram sauce', and crispy onions His potato stand is a mile from where the SpudBros will be operating. He said despite his previous run-ins with SpudBros, he welcomed the challenge of competition. The 27-year-old said: 'I don't think it is going to affect us at all. We are confident in the product and confident in our business and most importantly in our loyal customers. 'We are born and raised in Portsmouth and have a fantastic community around us. We are not worried about SpudBros at all. 'This sort of thing is happening all along the high street. Commercial Road is completely different to how it used to be years ago. 'They are able to charge high prices and their mark-up is going to be extortionate compared to ours. 'All I'd say is new year, new challenge. Bring it on.' Jacob and Harley Nelson rebranded their family's long standing hot potato business as SpudBros in 2020. It followed the founding of competitor Spudman almost 20 years earlier in 2002-2003. Ahead of the opening of their Portsmouth store, SpudBros released a social media post saying: 'SpudBros Express is coming to Portsmouth! 'This one's special. The Portsmouth Express is owned by a local entrepreneur from the city who loved what we built in Preston and wanted to bring that same energy back home. The goal? To give something back to Portsmouth. 'We're hoping it creates a real buzz, brings more people into the city, and supports the wider food scene too, including other local potato sellers. There's always a choice, and there's more than enough room for everyone.' Malaysia suspended access to Elon Musk's chatbot Grok over AI-generated pornographic content, the country's tech regulator said on Sunday. The decision follows global backlash after it emerged that Grok's image creation feature allowed users to sexualise pictures of women and children using simple text prompts. On Saturday Indonesia became the first country to deny all access to the tool, which has been restricted to paying subscribers elsewhere. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said in a statement it had 'directed a temporary restriction on access to the Grok artificial intelligence for users in Malaysia' with immediate effect. When an AFP reporter in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur fed Grok prompts on Sunday, there was no response. 'This action follows repeated misuse of Grok to generate obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, grossly offensive and non-consensual manipulated images,' the regulator said. The statement cited 'content involving women and minors, despite prior regulatory engagement and formal notices' issued to Musk's X Corp. and xAI startup which developed Grok. The AI tool is integrated into social media platform X. Malaysiasuspended access to Elon Musk's chatbot Grok over AI-generated pornographic content, the country's tech regulator said on Sunday Keir Starmer has insisted the government will 'take action' on the sexualised images of children circulating on social media platform X The Malaysian regulator said it deemed the platform's safeguards inadequate, adding that access would resume only after the required changes are verified. X Corp. had 'failed to address the inherent risks posed by the design and operation of the AI tool', relying 'primarily on user-initiated reporting mechanisms', the regulator said. European officials and tech campaigners on Friday slammed Grok after its controversial image creation feature was restricted to paying subscribers, saying the change failed to address concerns about sexualised deepfakes. Grok had appeared to deflect the criticism with a new monetisation policy, posting on X on Thursday that image generation and editing were now 'limited to paying subscribers', alongside a link to a premium subscription. It comes after PM Keir Starmer insisted the government will 'take action' on the sexualised images of children circulating on X - as he urged Elon Musk to 'get a grip'. Starmer said on Thursday he had asked for 'all options to be on the table' amid the 'disgraceful' wave of illegal images being created by the app's AI tool. Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Sir Keir said: 'It's disgraceful, it's disgusting and it's not to be tolerated. 'X has got to get a grip of this and Ofcom have our full support to take action in relation to this. This is wrong; it's unlawful - we're not going to tolerate it.' He added X needed to 'get their act together' and 'get the material down'. 'We will take action on this because it's simply not tolerable,' Sir Keir concluded. Former transport minister Louise Haigh said the Government and Labour party ought to 'remove themselves entirely' from social media site X. She added the 'enablement, if not encouragement, of child sexual abuse mean it is unconscionable to use the site for another minute', and urged ministers to join her in leaving it. Ofcom 'urgently contacted' X and xAI over the sexualised images of children, which Grok admitted to in a post on the social media platform Ms Haigh said: 'It was already an unpleasant place prior to its takeover by Elon Musk but since his acceptance of hate speech and anonymous online abusers, it has become utterly unusable. 'I continued to maintain an account and occasionally post because a critical mass of people, including the Government and journalists who we need to communicate with as MPs, remained on the site.' Regulator Ofcom said it made 'urgent contact' with Musk's social media platform. It followed an internet safety organisation saying its analysts had confirmed the existence of 'criminal imagery of children aged between 11 and 13 which appears to have been created using the (Grok) tool'. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) said the material was being shared in a dark web forum by users 'boasting how they had used Grok, and how easy it had been'. Earlier this week, Jessaline Caine, a survivor of child sexual abuse, branded the government's repsonse 'spineless'. She told the Guardian that the chatbot was still obeying requests to manipulate an image of her as a three-year-old to dress her in a string bikini. Identical image requests made by Ms Caine to ChatGPT and Gemini were rejected. Crossbench peer and online child safety campaigner Beeban Kidron urged the government to 'show some backbone' and said the Online Safety Act regime should be 'reassessed so it is swifter and has more teeth'. Referring to X, she added: 'If any other consumer product this level of harm, it would already have been recalled.' A man is due to face court today after allegedly wearing a vest covered in duct-taped objects in Sydney's eastern suburbs overnight. Police were called to Oxford Street, Bondi, at about 10.10pm on Sunday following reports of suspicious behaviour. Officers spoke with the man, who was allegedly wearing a vest with multiple objects taped to it. The 33-year-old Victorian man was arrested at the scene and taken to Surry Hills Police Station. A search of the man's vehicle allegedly uncovered a second taped vest, a face mask, and a tin believed to contain prohibited drugs. Both vests were examined by officers from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and deemed safe. The man has been charged with giving false information about a person or property being in danger, possessing a prohibited drug and behaving in an offensive manner in or near a public place or school. He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear before court on Monday. A 33-year-old Victorian man is due to face court today after allegedly wearing a vest covered in duct-taped objects in Sydney's eastern suburbs overnight The man was arrested in Bondi before being taken to Surry Hills Police Station The man was arrested by officers attached to Operation Shelter, a specialist taskforce established in October 2023 to ensure community safety and reduce antisemitic behaviour, anti-social conduct and other forms of hate crime. In the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack, Operation Shelter was bolstered as part of a broader NSW Police counter-terrorism effort targeting violent extremism and threats to public places. DO YOU KNOW MORE? Email tips@dailymail.com.au A man who fled to Mexico after allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend to death in California has finally been nabbed after eight years on the run, according to authorities. Humberto Rodriguez Martinez, 39, was extradited to Orange County on December 4 after Mexican authorities and the US Marshals Service located him, prosecutors said on Friday. The former fugitive was wanted for murdering Daniel Reyes, his ex-partner's 32-year-old boyfriend, on October 17, 2017. According to law enforcement, Martinez, then 30, and his friend Adan Zapot-Leyva, 28, went to his ex-girlfriend's apartment in Anaheim to watch his two children, whom he shares with her, while she went to work. Martinez, a Mexican citizen who was in the US illegally at the time of the murder, and his ex had been broken up for several months but co-parented their children, prosecutors noted. Both Martinez and Zapot-Leyva left his ex-girlfriend's apartment around 8.30pm that day after she returned home from her job. About 30 minutes later, Reyes arrived at the home. The following morning, officers with the Anaheim Police Department responded to a nearby intersection after witnesses reported two men chasing Reyes down and one of them stabbing him. Reyes, who was stabbed 10 times, was pronounced dead at the scene. Humberto Rodriguez Martinez, 39, was taken into custody by US officials in California after he was discovered in Mexico years after he allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend to death in Anaheim Zapot-Leyva later admitted to participating in the killing and pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder in 2023. He was sentenced to 15 years to life. Police charged Martinez with murder as well, but he had already made a run for it. His car was found in San Diego, and a $2 million warrant was issued for his arrest. After years of managing to stay under the radar, authorities were able to track him down last month and get him shipped back to the US. Once he touched down at Los Angeles International Airport, homicide detectives with the Anaheim Police Department took Martinez into custody. The alleged murderer was seen stern-faced in an all white outfit and tan jacket while several officers escorted him. Martinez pleaded not guilty to murder on Tuesday and is currently being held without bail. As part of his plea deal, Zapot-Leyva told authorities that he and Martinez had staked out the apartment for hours beforehand because they knew Reyes would be in there, the agreement obtained by City News Service stated. Martinez (pictured) allegedly carried out the murder with his friend Adan Zapot-Leyva, who pleaded guilty in 2023 At the time, the unidentified ex-girlfriend had called him to ask where he and Martinez were, leading him to play a 'deliberate trick' on her after saying they had left the area hours ago, per the agreement. In reality, they were waiting for Reyes to exit the home, the agreement said. After the pair allegedly chased him down and bludgeoned him with a knife, Reyes begged them to stop, telling them: 'Please don't... I have children,' the document said. Now, with Martinez finally facing charges for allegedly murdering his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend, authorities stressed that justice will be served, no matter how much time has passed. 'The pursuit of justice will never be derailed by time or distance,' said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. Zapot-Leyva (pictured) was sentenced to 15 years to life for second-degree murder. Martinez pleaded not guilty to murder on Tuesday and is currently being held without bail 'The long arm of Orange County law enforcement reaches to every corner of the earth to ensure the full weight of the law is felt by those who commit the most heinous acts of violence against other human beings. 'We are grateful for the incredible work of our investigators and prosecutors and of our partners, both domestic and international, for their assistance in tracking down a wanted murderer and bringing him back to Orange County to face the consequences of his actions.' Anaheim Police Chief Manny Cid added: 'This arrest does not undo the pain the victims family has endured, but it reinforces our commitment and promise to our community: we will never stop working until justice is served.' Tory leader Kemi Badenoch today said it 'would be right' for the US and its allies to help bring about regime change in Iran amid widespread protests in the country. More than a hundred people have been killed and thousands detained in the uprising against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule. Donald Trump has said America 'stands ready to help' Iranian protesters and threatened to hit the nation's leaders 'very hard' if they 'start killing people'. Iran has itself warned it will target American troops and Israel if the US President carries out his threat of military action against the Tehran regime. Speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Mrs Badenoch suggested she would back RAF air strikes against Iran in support of US action. She said Iran would 'very happily wipe out the UK' and Tehran had previously 'tried to kill people' on British soil. 'I don't think a lot of people realise just how scary the Iranian regime is and just how far it has spread its tentacles,' the Tory leader added. Labour's Heidi Alexander said the UK wants to see a 'peaceful transition' of power in Iran, with the Cabinet minister adding the Government's priority was to 'stem the violence'. Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran. More than 100 people have been killed and thousands detained in the uprising against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule Toryleader Kemi Badenoch said it 'would be right' for the US and its allies to help bring about regime change in Iran amid the widespread protests in the country The Transport Secretary told Sky News: 'It's a concerning situation there and we would like to see anything that happens in future involving a peaceful transition where people can enjoy fundamental freedoms and we see proper democratic values back in the heart of Iran.' Protests in Iran began on December 28 over the ailing economy and have transformed into the most significant challenge to the regime for several years. The internet and telephone lines have been cut off, but footage of events in Tehran and other cities has made it to social media. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said the number of confirmed fatalities had risen to 116, with 2,638 people detained. Mrs Badenoch said: 'It's extraordinary what we are seeing - this is a country that has repressed women probably more than ever other, kills gay people. 'You see these protests and you just hope that they finally succeed. There have been many protests in the Middle East that have ended quite badly. 'I was very supportive, for example, when Israel had strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. 'Iran would very happily wipe out the UK if it felt it could get away with it. It has tried to kill people on our soil. It is an enemy, it calls us the 'little Satan'. 'So, no, I don't have an issue with removing a regime that is trying to harm us. It has its terrorist outposts with Hezbollah all across the world. 'But what I want us to do is try and find a way to make sure as a country we are strong, we protect ourselves from threats and reduce the escalation of what I see around the world, an increasing escalation of conflict everywhere.' Asked if it would be right for the US and its allies to be involved in regime change, Mrs Badenoch added: 'Given the threat that we're seeing to the people, I think that would be right. 'If we were seeing the kind of things that we've seen in other countries, where there are mass massacres we're hearing about, the hospitals being full, it's absolutely terrifying. 'I don't think a lot of people realise just how scary the Iranian regime is and just how far it has spread its tentacles.' Pressed on what role the UK might play, the Tory leader said: 'You've seen the recent RAF strikes, for instance, in Syria. 'Without over speculating we are talking about hypothetical situations we have worked in alliance with other countries. 'I think this has to be something that we do with a broad coalition of countries. That is the right way to do it, and to make sure that we create a stable Iran. 'The worst possible thing would be for this to escalate to a point where the situation gets worse, not better.' She added: 'The calculation always has to be about our national interest. The strikes, for instance, in Syria were making sure we do not allow terrorists who want to destroy our country to propagate and to succeed. 'So it all depends on exactly what the situation is.' Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has praised the bravery of those taking to the streets in Iran. She said: 'It takes real courage to speak up in an authoritarian system, especially for young women, but it should not require courage just to make your voice heard. 'These are fundamental rights: free speech; peaceful assembly; and the exercise of those rights should never come with the threat of violence or reprisals.' In her Sky News interview, Ms Alexander said: 'The British Government has always viewed Iran as a hostile state. 'We know that they pose a security threat in the Middle East and beyond and we know that they have been a repressive regime in terms of their own population. 'And so I think the priority, as of today, is to try and stem the violence that is happening in Iran at the moment.' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: 'The United States supports the brave people of Iran.' Donald Trump has urged Cuba to 'make a deal before it is too late' as he warned the country it would no longer receive oil or money from Venezuela. The US President, who previously said 'Cuba is ready to fall', last week floated the prospect of an American-made regime change in communist Cuba, branding the island a 'very badly failing nation'. Venezuela is Cuba's biggest oil supplier and is believed to send around 35,000 barrels of oil a day to the island. But since the capture of Nicolas Maduro by the US, Trump has successfully pressed interim President Delcy Rodriguez to send Venezuelan oil to the US. On Sunday he said there will be 'no more oil or money going to Cuba' as he told the country to make a deal with the US. In a post on his Truth Social network, Trump wrote: 'Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. 'In return, Cuba provided "Security Services" for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE! 'Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last weeks U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesn't need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. 'Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will. Donald Trump has urged Cuba to 'make a deal before it is too late' as he warned the country it would no longer receive oil or money from Venezuela. The US President last week floated the prospect of an American-made regime change in communist Cuba. Pictured: Cubans attend the 67th anniversary of the start of the Cuban Revolution in Havana on Thursday Venezuela is Cuba's biggest oil supplier but since the capture of Nicolas Maduro (pictured) by the US, Trump has successfully pressed interim President Delcy Rodriguez to send Venezuelan oil to the United States 'THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. 'Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT.' Earlier on Sunday Trump reposted a message suggesting that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was born to Cuban parents, could become the president of Cuba. Trump shared that post, which said 'Marco Rubio will be president of Cuba', with the comment: 'Sounds good to me!' His remarks come a week after US forces seized Venezuela's authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro in an operation in Caracas that killed dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban security forces. Cuba and Venezuela have enjoyed close ties for decades and both share a political vision of state-led socialism Under a US trade embargo, Havana since 2000 has increasingly relied on Venezuelan oil provided as part of a deal struck with Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez. Trump has repeatedly taunted Cuba's leaders and claimed 'it looks like it's going down'. '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,' Trump said last week when asked if the operation in Venezuela contained a message to the island nation. 'That system has not been a very good one for Cuba,' he added. 'The people there have suffered for many, many years.' Earlier on Sunday Trump reposted a message suggesting that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was born to Cuban parents, could become the president of Cuba Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel described the capture of Maduro as 'an unacceptable, vulgar and barbarian kidnapping' Your browser does not support iframes. After Joe Biden removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism last year, Trump quickly reinstated the designation within his first days in office and reapplied economic sanctions. The US-Cuba relationship remains strained as the island nation is under a strict embargo, preventing goods from reaching the socialist state. Marco Rubio, whose parents fled during the nation's communist revolution, has doubled down on Trump's criticism, warning the nation's leadership it should be worried. 'Suffice it to say, you know, Cuba is a disaster,' Rubio said. 'It's run by incompetent, senile men.' 'If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I'd be concerned, at least a little bit,' the secretary of state added. During Trump's raid on Venezuela to extract Maduro, 32 Cubans were killed defending him. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said forces had been protecting Maduro and his wife 'at the request' of Venezuela. He said the incident was 'an unacceptable, vulgar and barbarian kidnapping'. Summer road trips remain popular for travelers who want flexibility, predictable costs, and control over their schedules. To understand where driving tends to be smoother or more challenging, WalletHub evaluated all 50 U.S. states using nearly three dozen factors, including attractions, road quality, safety, gas prices, and lodging costs. The rankings are based on 2025 data and still offer useful context for travelers planning trips in 2026. Below is a closer look at the top 10 and bottom 10 states for summer road trips, providing insight into what each ranking means for planning purposes. Best U.S. states for a summer road trip Minnesota (Rank 1) Minnesota ranked first due to its consistent investment in outdoor recreation and public spaces that are easy to access by car. Parks, lakes, trails, and scenic routes are well distributed across the state, allowing travelers to plan days with frequent stops rather than long stretches of uninterrupted driving. Minnesota ranked first for summer road trips because its well-maintained roads and access to parks and scenic routes supported smoother, more enjoyable drives. (Willard via Getty Images) Costs also strengthened Minnesotas position. Camping fees and mid-range hotel prices tend to stay reasonable during peak summer months, and car repair costs trend lower than the national average. These factors support longer trips without quickly increasing expenses. New York (Rank 2) New York scored highly because of the variety of experiences available within a single state. Travelers can move between cities, lake regions, mountains, and coastal areas without crossing state lines, which makes it easier to create flexible routes that feel diverse. New York ranked near the top for summer road trips because its extensive road network connected cities, lakes, mountains, and coastal areas within a single state. (Paola Giannoni via Getty Images) While distances can be long, the states infrastructure supports extended drives. Careful planning helps manage busy corridors, and travelers can adjust routes to balance urban stops with quieter regions. Ohio (Rank 3) Ohio performs well largely because of its affordability, which matters for travelers planning multi-day road trips. Average car repair costs are among the lowest in the country, and gas and lodging prices remain relatively stable throughout the summer season. Ohio ranked among the top states for summer road trips because its relatively low gas, lodging, and car repair costs made longer drives more budget-friendly. (Bilanol via Getty Images) The state also benefits from a high number of fairs and festivals during the summer. These events help travelers structure routes around specific destinations without adding unnecessary miles or costs. Utah (Rank 4) Utah earned its ranking thanks to its scenic byways and concentration of natural landmarks that make the drive itself part of the experience. Designated routes guide travelers through varied landscapes, while national parks and public lands support flexible itineraries. Utah ranked among the top states for summer road trips because its scenic byways and access to national parks made the drive itself a central part of the travel experience. (Paola Giannoni via Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Because some destinations are remote, preparation plays an important role. Planning fuel stops, lodging, and rest days helps travelers make the most of longer driving segments. Louisiana (Rank 5) Louisiana benefits from lower gas prices and a layout that supports shorter driving days. Cultural attractions, food-focused destinations, and music events are accessible without long detours, which helps maintain a relaxed travel pace. Louisiana ranked among the top states for summer road trips because lower gas prices and closely spaced destinations helped keep driving days shorter and more affordable. (Delpixart via Getty Images) Summer heat can affect comfort, but timing drives for earlier mornings or evenings can help. Lodging options span a wide range of budgets, allowing travelers to adjust plans as needed. Other top-ranked states Florida (Rank 6): A dense concentration of attractions allows travelers to plan routes around interests rather than distance alone. Idaho (Rank 7): Scenic routes and lighter traffic support quieter, less stressful driving days. Texas (Rank 8): Size and diversity allow for many road trip styles, though distances require planning. North Carolina (Rank 9): Coastal, mountain, and city routes provide variety without leaving the state. Pennsylvania (Rank 10): Loop-friendly routes and frequent stopping points support organized itineraries. Advertisement Advertisement Together, these states perform well by offering variety, affordability, or efficient road networks, even if they do not rank at the very top in every category. For travelers, this means road trips here often succeed with basic planning and work best for flexible itineraries that balance driving days with regular stops. Worst U.S. states for a summer road trip Delaware (Rank 50) Delaware ranked last due to limited route variety and lower scores for safety and attractions. Its small size restricts longer itineraries, and many travelers may find fewer reasons to extend a stay beyond a short visit. Delaware ranked low for summer road trips because its limited route variety and fewer attractions made longer itineraries harder to justify. (J.Castro via Getty Images) In areas with fewer services, preparation becomes more important. Planning fuel stops and carrying basic supplies can help reduce stress during delays. Connecticut (Rank 49) Connecticut struggles with higher travel costs and frequent congestion, particularly during summer weekends. Traffic can significantly affect driving comfort and timing, especially near major cities. Connecticut ranked near the bottom for summer road trips because higher costs and congestion reduced flexibility and made longer drives less appealing. (Alexander Farnsworth via Getty Images) Lodging and dining prices tend to run higher than average. Short, focused trips are often more manageable than extended road itineraries. Rhode Island (Rank 48) Rhode Islands small size limits road trip variety, even though coastal destinations attract visitors. Routes are short, and longer trips can feel repetitive after a few days. Rhode Island ranked near the bottom for summer road trips because its small size and limited route variety made longer itineraries harder to sustain. (Wesam Taleb via Getty Images) Summer costs rise quickly, especially for lodging and parking. The state often works best as part of a broader regional trip. Vermont (Rank 47) Vermont offers scenic landscapes but ranks lower due to limited infrastructure and activity density. Rural routes can feel repetitive over longer stays, and services are spaced farther apart. Vermont ranked near the bottom for summer road trips because limited infrastructure and widely spaced services made longer driving itineraries less convenient. (jimfeng via Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Planning ahead improves comfort and pacing. Thoughtful routing helps reduce fatigue and makes longer drives more manageable. Montana (Rank 46) Montanas ranking reflects long distances between destinations and limited services along some routes. Scenic drives are plentiful, but driving days can feel demanding without careful planning. Vermont ranked near the bottom for summer road trips because limited infrastructure and widely spaced services made longer driving itineraries less convenient. (Alexandre Tziripouloff via Getty Images) Fuel, lodging availability, and timing all require attention. Preparation is essential for smoother travel. Other lower-ranked states Hawaii (Rank 45): High costs and limited road length reduce overall road trip value. California (Rank 44): Gas prices, lodging costs, and summer congestion increase planning demands. New Mexico (Rank 43): Long distances between services affect comfort despite moderate costs. Arkansas (Rank 42): Uneven road quality and spaced-out attractions require intentional routing. Maryland (Rank 41): Congestion near urban areas limits flexibility and affects travel time. Advertisement Advertisement While these states rank lower overall, that does not mean road trips are impossible or unenjoyable. Instead, they tend to require more planning, realistic pacing, and attention to costs or infrastructure limitations. Final thoughts These rankings highlight how factors such as costs, road quality, attractions, and services shape summer road trip experiences. Higher-ranked states tend to support smoother logistics, while lower-ranked states require more preparation and flexibility. Understanding these differences helps travelers plan routes that better match their budget, pace, and priorities. Around 50 'doggy doors' are set to be installed along the US-Mexico border wall to allow for animal migration - but wildlife activists have branded the efforts a 'joke'. Contractors are due to install the gaps, roughly sized at eight by eleven inches, in Arizona and California to let animals naturally migrate across the border. Wildlife experts, however, have argued that the 'doors' are too small for larger animals, such as sheep, jaguar and deer, and too infrequent for such a long stretch of fence. 'This has got to be an obscene joke,' Laiken Jordahl, public land and wildlife advocate with Center for Biological Diversity, told the New York Post. Activists have expressed concern over the negative affects on biodiversity and animal resources, including water, food and mates, caused by the wall blocking animals from migrating across the border. Wildlands Network researchers Christina Aiello and Myles Traphagen recently surveyed the area where new sections of the fence are set to be installed San Diego and Baja California. Concerns over the gaps being exploited by migrants looking to illegally cross the border have been raised, while Traphagen claimed that there have been no reports of humans taking advantage of the gaps in the fencing. 'Weve documented no humans ever using them,' he told KTSM El Paso News in a Border Report. 'Sometimes you see people looking at them curious about it, but its obvious youre not going to be able to get through this.' Around 50 'doggie doors' are set to be installed along the US-Mexico border wall in Arizona and California Contractors are due to install the openings, roughly sized at eight by eleven inches, to let animals naturally migrate across the border Wildlife experts have argued that the 'doors' are too small for larger animals, such as sheep, jaguar and deer, and too infrequent for such a long stretch of fence Traphagen said the openings are 'the size of your doggy door' and despite being a 'proactive' measure for many animals, they will limit bigger animals from migrating. The Department of Homeland Security said in a December release that there were a 'record low' number of 'encounters' at the border across November last year. The department documented 60,940 total encounters nationwide in October and November, which they claimed was lower than any prior fiscal year to date. Around 245 average apprehensions were recorded per day on the Southwest border. 'We can't be simply be throwing away all of our biodiversity, natural and cultural history, and heritage to solve a problem we can do more constructively by overhauling our immigration programs, so what we're examining are places where we can suggest mitigation measures like small wildlife openings,' he said. 'If we extend the border wall completely, those sheep are not going to have an opportunity to go back and forth,' Traphagen added. Roughly 1,933 miles long, the US-Mexico border has some 700 miles of fence currently installed with the remaining amount set to be underway, CNN reported. 'If [the DHS] do complete [the wall], that means that 95 percent of California and Mexico will be walled off and divided and that affects the whole evolutionary history of the whole continent.' In a statement, DHS defended the construction with a waiver, signed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, allowing the 'expeditious construction of approximately five miles of new 30-foot-tall border wall.' Roughly 1,933 miles long, the US-Mexico border has some 700 miles of fence currently installed with the remaining amount set to be underway Wildlands Network researcher Myles Traphagen said no humans had been documented crossing the border using the gaps in the fencing, but said the small sizes pose a threat to culture and biodiversity Animals limited from their natural migration patterns has activists concerned for effects on the ecosystem, biodiversity as well as animals limited access to water, resources, food and mates It marked the seventh waiver signed by Secretary Noem for border barrier construction projects along the southern border, according to the statement. 'The Secretary's waiver authority allows DHS to waive any legal requirement, including environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, to ensure the expeditious construction of physical barriers and roads,' the statement added. 'Projects executed under a waiver are critical steps to secure the southern border and reinforce our commitment to border security.' Matthew Dyman, a spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection, claimed to the Post that the agency has worked with the National Park Service and other federal agencies to best map out passages for optimal migration routes. President Donald Trump appears to have his sights on Cuba after threatening the country to make a deal with the US 'before it is too late'. The Republican leader took to Truth Social Sunday morning, warning the communist regime, run by President Miguel Diaz-Canel, that it will no longer receive oil or money from Venezuela following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Cuba has long depended on Venezuela's hefty oil supply, but after Maduro was nabbed last week by the US, Trump got interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez to send the country's oil to America. 'THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,' the commander-in-chief said. Trump added: 'Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. 'In return, Cuba provided "Security Services" for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE! 'Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last weeks U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesn't need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years,' he continued. The president's comment refers to the US attack in Venezuela that left 100 people dead, including 32 members of Cuba's military and intelligence service who guarded Maduro. President Donald Trump appears to have his sights on Cuba after threatening the country to make a deal with the US 'before it is too late' According to Venezuelan officials, the dictator's security team was killed 'in cold blood'. But, according to Trump, Venezuela now has America 'to protect them' while Maduro languishes at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center on narco-terrorism and drug charges. 'Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will,' Trump insisted. Following the daring arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and the massive shake-up in Venezuela, US intelligence officials have predicted a grim economic and political outlook for Cuba. A report by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) predicts that the potential loss of support and oil imports from Venezuela would drastically affect the country, Reuters reported. Just last week, Trump called Cuba 'a failing nation'. '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,' Trump said when asked if the operation in Venezuela contained a message to the island nation. 'That system has not been a very good one for Cuba,' the president continued. 'The people there have suffered for many, many years.' After Joe Biden removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism last year, Trump quickly reinstated the designation within his first days in office and reapplied economic sanctions. The Republican leader took to Truth Social Sunday morning, warning the communist regime that the Caribbean country, run by President Miguel Diaz-Canel (pictured), will no longer receive oil or money from Venezuela Trump's latest threat comes after the US captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife last week in Caracas, Venezuela. (Pictured: Maduro being escorted by US authorities in Manhattan) The US-Cuba relationship remains strained as the island nation is under a strict embargo, preventing goods from reaching the socialist state. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is the son of Cuban refugees who fled during the nation's communist revolution, doubled down, warning that the nation's leadership should be worried. 'Suffice it to say, you know, Cuba is a disaster,' Rubio said at the press conference. 'It's run by incompetent, senile men.' 'If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I'd be concerned, at least a little bit,' the secretary of state added. Cuba isn't the only place on Trump's radar, as he has repeatedly threatened to invade Greenland following the upheaval in Venezuela. On Saturday, the US president ordered his special forces commanders to draw up a plan to take over the Danish territory. Sources told the Daily Mail that the policy 'hawks' around the US President, led by political adviser Stephen Miller, have been so emboldened by the success of the operation to capture Maduro that they want to move quickly to seize the island before Russia or China makes a move. British diplomats believe that Trump is also motivated by a desire to distract American voters from the performance of the US economy before the mid-term elections later this year, after which he could lose control of Congress to the Democrats. However, such a dramatic move would put him at odds with the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and would effectively lead to the collapse of NATO. The US-Cuba relationship remains strained as the island nation is under a strict embargo, preventing goods from reaching the socialist state. (Pictured: Cuba's presidential palace) According to the sources, the President has asked the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to prepare the invasion plan, but it is being resisted by the joint chiefs of staff on the grounds that it would be illegal - and would not be supported by Congress. One source said: 'They have tried to distract Trump by talking about less controversial measures, such as intercepting Russian 'ghost' ships - a clandestine network of hundreds of vessels operated by Moscow to evade Western sanctions - or launching a strike on Iran.' Meanwhile, Trump has remained defiant and said he will not back down from trying to snatch Greenland. The president was asked how much money could be offered to purchase the territory after Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told lawmakers that Trump's intention was to buy it. Trump told reporters Friday that he's not 'talking money' with regard to Greenland yet, but he may do so in the future. 'Right now we are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not because if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland and we're not gonna have Russia or China as a neighbor.' The president said that he would like to make a deal 'the easy way' to acquire Greenland. 'If we don't do it the easy way, we're going to do it the hard way,' Trump said, without explaining what the 'hard way' entailed. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem left CNN host Jake Tapper speechless as she slammed him for apparent bias over Wednesday's shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an immigration enforcement officer. During a Sunday appearance on State of the Union, Noem was asked by Tapper if she was 'doing a disservice' to the ICE agent who shot Renee Good through the windshield of her car by drawing conclusions about the incident. Noem defiantly responded that she hadn't heard Tapper 'say once what a disservice it's done for Mayor Frey to get up and tell ICE to get the F out!' Her response was met with praise from internet users, with one fan saying the top Trump official 'just absolutely crushed Jake Tapper.' Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey told ICE agents to leave his city after Wednesday's shooting, and Frey was also asked about Noem's criticism of him during his own subsequent appearance on CNN Sunday. Frey didn't buy the idea that his own rhetoric needed to change, telling Tapper that he 'said this was a federal agent recklessly using power that ended up in somebody dying because that was a federal agent recklessly using power that ended up in somebody dying.' Prior to his CNN appearance, Frey appeared to double down on his earlier stances on his X account. writing that 'today is a good day for ICE to get out of Minnesota.' The Trump administration has come to Ross's defense over his shooting of Good, saying it occurred after Good intended to run the agent down with her car, while Democratic officials in Minneapolis say it was a murder. DHS Head Kristi Noem talks with Jake Tapper on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, January 11, 2026 Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks during a press conference following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 9, 2026 Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spars with CNN host Jake Tapper over Wednesday's shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an immigration enforcement officer Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also noted during his own appearance on CNN that Noem should 'resign or be impeached' and that DHS Spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin should not have the job that she has' because 'she's a pathological liar.' Filmmaker JZ Murdock wrote on X that he believed Noem was 'undeniably lying through her teeth.' An X user posting under the handle of @BigLee84 added that Noem doesn't deserve peace in any space that she's in.' Others, however, backed up Noem, including engineer and author Michael A. Rothman, who believes that Noem 'provided facts and context to back up her defense of the officers actions.' During an interview with the New York Times last Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump told reporters that Good 'behaved horribly' adding that she ran the ICE officer over. 'She didn't try to run him over. She ran him over,' Trump noted at the time. ICE has also claimed Good deliberately drove her burgundy SUV at agents, but witnesses dispute the claims, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calling it 'bulls**t'. Witnesses claimed Good and her wife, Rebecca, were allegedly 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 the driver's side door handle before she drove off. Three shots then rang out. Pictured: Renee Nicole Good seconds before the shooting on Wednesday 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. Good and Rebecca are understood to have fled the US after Trump's victory in 2024, going briefly to Canada before settling in Minneapolis. They have a six-year-old child together. State and local officials demanded ICE leave Minnesota after Good's death. But Noem has said agents are not going anywhere. The man who was famously pictured stealing a lectern from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office during the January 6 riots is running for public office in Florida. Adam Johnson, 41, became known as 'The Lectern Guy' after the photo, which shows him grinning and waving while carrying the stand, went viral. On Tuesday, the fifth anniversary of the January 6 riot, Johnson filed the paperwork to run as a Republican for an at-large county commission seat in Manatee County, just south of Tampa. In 2021, after the events of January 6, he was arrested and charged with entering or remaining in a restricted building. Johnson pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 75 days in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and perform 200 hours of community service. President Donald Trump pardoned all January 6 defendants on the first day of his second term, but Johnson had already served out all the elements of his sentence by that time. In an interview with WWSB, Johnson said his decision to file the paperwork to run for office on the anniversary of January 6 was, 'definitely good for getting the buzz out there.' During his sentencing, he told US District Judge Reggie Walton that stealing Pelosi's lectern and posing for pictures with it was a 'very stupid idea,' but he has since downplayed the severity of his actions. Adam Johnson, 41, became known as 'The lectern guy' after this picture of him during the January 6 riot went viral In 2021, after the events of January 6, Johnson was charged with entering or remaining in a restricted building, and he was sentenced to 75 days in prison This is how he now describes what happened: 'I walked into a building, I took a picture with a piece of furniture and I left.' And in the interview with WWSB, Johnson equated the misdemeanor charge he was found guilty of to jaywalking. 'I think I exercised my First Amendment right to speak and protest,' he added. According to Johnson's campaign website, which emphasizes that he is a father of five and a small business owner, he is running because he is 'Tired of watching MAGA principles get ignored at the local level.' The website promises to 'fix Manatee fast' and 'root out the corruption that's been costing you money and destroying our quality of life.' Johnson said he objects to high property taxes and overdevelopment in Manatee County, claiming that its current leaders are wasteful. In March, he filed a lawsuit against the county and six of its commissioners, saying they should have sought attorney's fees from someone who sued the county and dropped the lawsuit. The county has called Johnson's case 'completely meritless and unsupported by law.' Johnson called his actions on January 6 'very stupid' during his sentencing, but he has since downplayed the severity of what he did There are many other January 6 rioters who have run for office or are currently campaigning, such as Jacob Chansley, better known as the QAnon Shaman Chansley recently announced that he plans to run for governor of Arizona as an independent in November against Democratic incumbent Katie Hobbs Four other Republican candidates have filed to run in the primary for the same seat Johnson is seeking. The incumbent, Jason Bearden, is not running for re-election. Many other January 6 defendants have also tried to run for office or are currently campaigning. In 2024, at least three ran for Congress as Republicans, but all of their bids were unsuccessful. Jake Lang, a January 6 rioter who was charged with assaulting an officer and civil disorder before being pardoned, is currently running for the Florida Senate seat that used to be held by Marco Rubio before he became Secretary of State. There is also Jacob Chansley, better known as the 'QAnon Shaman,' who was photographed while shirtless and wearing bull horns and American flag face paint in the Capitol building. Chansley recently announced that he plans to run for governor of Arizona as an independent in November against Democratic incumbent Katie Hobbs. He also confirmed that he has broken with Trump over the president's reluctance to release the Epstein files. Donald Trump's administration is offering a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Nicolas Maduro's right-hand man, Diosdado Cabello Rondon. The US Department of State has issued a 'wanted' poster for the alleged cocaine kingpin, who is currently Venezuela's Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace. He is accused by the US government of being part of a 'corrupt and violent narco-terrorism conspiracy comprised of high-ranking Venezuelan officials.' The 62-year-old official controls the security forces which have been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including killing civilians, sexually abusing girls and women, and planting evidence and weapons on innocent people. Cabello Rondon also allegedly coordinated with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a terrorist organization, to funnel cocaine into the US, according to the wanted poster. The litany of allegations leveled against him include the provision of heavily-armed security guards to protect cocaine shipments traveling from South to North America, and selling cocaine to drug traffickers in exchange for millions of dollars. He is also accused of interfering with drug-trafficking investigations and pending criminal cases in Venezuela, and helping provide the FARC with weapons, including machine guns, ammunition, rocket launchers, and explosives equipment. Cabello Rondon was charged March 2020 in a Southern District of New York federal indictment with conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and associated firearms charges, initially with a $10 million reward. The US Department of State has issued an urgent 'wanted' poster, shown above, for Cabello Rondon, 62, who is Venezuela's Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace Cabello Rondon is accused by the US government of being part of a 'corrupt and violent narco-terrorism conspiracy comprised of high-ranking Venezuelan officials' This was increased to $25 million on Saturday, one week after US troops captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their compound in Caracas. They were each charged with drug trafficking offenses and await trial in Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City. They have pleaded not guilty. 'Diosdado Cabello Rondon is currently Nicolas Maduro Moros' so-called minister of interior, justice, and peace, having oversight over Venezuela's police forces and prisons,' the wanted poster for his right-hand man reads. 'After Maduro fraudulently declared victory in the July 2024 presidential election despite evidence to the contrary, Maduro purported to appoint Cabello to this position. 'The US government does not recognize Maduro as the winner of the election and does not recognize Cabello as a minister of the government of Venezuela. 'Cabello Rondon has also served as the former president of Venezuela's Constituent National Assembly, President and Vice-President of Venezuela, and is an active member of the Venezuelan armed forces with the rank of Captain.' US Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, whose district covers parts of Miami, the American city home to the greatest concentration of Venezuelan expats, blasted Cabello Rondon's as a 'regime strongman' who is 'complicit with Maduro'. The US Department of State has issued an urgent 'wanted' poster for Cabello Rondon, 62, who is Venezuela's Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace. (Pictured: Cabello Rondon speaking at a pro-Maduro capture following the capture of the Venezuelan dictator by US troops) US troops captured Maduro and his wife from their compound in Caracas last week 'For the Trump Administration to achieve a real transition in Venezuela, sooner or later Diosdado Cabello must face US justice,' the Florida Rep wrote on X. 'He is a regime strongman, complicit with Maduro in exporting drugs and criminals that have poisoned our communities. 'When Diosdado is brought to justice, it will be a decisive step toward a democratic transition in Venezuela and the release of all political hostages.' Anyone with information is asked to contact their local Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office, or the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for those outside the US. Cabello Rondon is in charge of the apparatus of the state, which has long been accused of grievously abusing Venezuelans by killing civilians, sexually abusing 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. Hundreds of protesters have once again descended on Crowborough as anger mounts over the Government's plan to house nearly 600 male migrants in a former army camp. Around 540 male asylum seekers are set to move into the Sussex town's army barracks as part of a government plan to reduce the number of hotels it uses to house them. This was the 11th Sunday since the plan was announced in October that furious residents gave marched in opposition to the idea. Today, protesters were seen marching through the town waving Union Jack and St George's flags. Those leading the march held banners which said: 'Crowborough says no.' A young girl at the front of the march had her own poster which said: 'My safety matters.' Others described Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as a 'traitor' as protests show no sign of abating amid uncertainty over the plans. The Crowborough Shield residents' group has launched a legal challenge against the plans and an appeal fund has so far reached 90,000. Hundreds of protesters have once again descended on Crowborough as anger mounts over the Government's plan to house nearly 600 male migrants in a former army camp Campaigners and protesters march through Crowborough as they take part in a demonstration against government plans to house asylum seekers Around 540 male asylum seekers are set to move into the Sussex town's army barracks (pictured) The Home Office has apologised for its handling of its plans to use the Crowborough camp to house asylum seekers, but says it is determined to stamp out the use of hotels to house migrants Campaigners fighting the plans this week revealed they have still not been given a timeline on when the migrants might start moving in. Kim Bailey, Chair of Crowborough Shield, said Home Office lawyers have confirmed to them that no decision has been made. The Home Office has apologised for its handling of its plans to use the Crowborough camp to house asylum seekers, but says it is determined to stamp out the use of hotels to house migrants. A spokesman previously said: 'We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels,' a spokesperson said. '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.' Death cap mushrooms in California have killed three people, and left more than two dozen poisoned, as officials continue to issue warnings to foragers in the state. Sonoma County health officials issued an advisory on Thursday to not eat wild mushrooms after the death of a man, who consumed them last weekend. Throughout the state, there were 35 cases of wild mushroom poisoning, resulting in three deaths and three liver transplants, between November 18 and January 4, according to the statement. Normally, fewer than five cases throughout the state in total would be expected. 'Early rains and a mild fall have led to profusion of the toxic death cap mushrooms in Northern California,' said Sonoma County interim health officer Dr Michael Stacey. On December 5, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said that cases of poisoning were linked to foraging of wild death cap mushrooms. The death cap, also known as the Amanita phalloides, looks and tastes similar to edible varieties, such as field mushrooms. The advisory warned that even cooking, boiling, drying, or freezing will still not make the mushrooms safe to eat. Death cap mushrooms (pictured) contain amatoxins, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration The East Bay Regional Park District said: 'The best way to stay safe is to ensure that no mushrooms are consumed by humans or pets' The warning was echoed days later by the East Bay Regional Park District, highlighting that death caps have been cropping up in large numbers in its parks. 'I wouldn't trust myself to go out and pick mushrooms of any kind right now because it really takes an expert to be able to make a differentiation between a poisonous mushroom and a non-poisonous mushroom,' said Dr Stacey to KTVU. Additionally, Julie Schreiber, a nationally known mushroom expert, foraging leader, and educator, told the outlet that there have been tons of mushrooms in people's yards this year, leading more people to collect them. 'I personally took a mushroom identification class about 35 years ago, and I've been foraging and teaching people about foraging for a long time, and I also teach people about cooking and eating mushrooms, and I still feel like there's a lot that I don't know,' said Schreiber. According to CDPH, death caps contain amatoxins, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration. The symptoms can begin six to 24 hours after ingestion and usually resolve within 24 hours. But that can cause a false sense of improvement, the department warned, as fatal liver toxicity may still occur within 48 to 96 hours after eating the mushrooms. An early rainy season caused the toxic mushrooms to pop up in greater numbers in forested parts of the Bay Area, such as Del Valle Regional Park (pictured), which is managed by the East Bay Regional Park District After consuming mushrooms with amatoxins, fatal liver toxicity may occur within 48 to 96 hours The East Bay Regional Park District said that amanita ocreata, commonly known as western destroying angels, also contain amatoxins, which are potentially deadly for both humans and their pets. The Park District added that although death caps and western destroying angels cause most cases of mushroom poisoning in California, locals should watch out for Galerina and Lepiota species, which also contain deadly toxins and grow in the Bay Area. The agency explained that death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms are mainly associated with oak trees and can be found growing anywhere oak roots are present.' It also emphasized that foraging for mushrooms in East Bay Regional Parks is prohibited. The agency described death caps as medium to large mushrooms with 'greenish-gray cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem, and a large white sac at the base of the stem.' It said western destroying angels are also medium to large mushrooms with 'a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem that can disappear with age, and a thin white sac at the base.' Western destroying angels also contain amatoxins. Amatoxin poisoning has been responsible for at least 21 hospitalizations and one recorded death in California this season Death caps are not native to California, and they were accidentally introduced to North America as an invasive species by arriving on the roots of European cork oaks. Now, the mushrooms are slowly spreading across the West Coast. They are mainly associated with oaks but can also grow on other hardwoods. Western destroying angels exclusively grow on oaks, and they are native to California. CDPH said it is 'closely monitoring' the rising number of Californians getting poisoned by mushrooms and being hospitalized. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Sonoma County Health Services Department. This is the moment an anti-Israel protest erupted outside a Jewish-owned restaurant in west London as police watch on. Around 50 protesters targeted Miznon restaurant on Elgin Crescent in Notting Hill on Friday evening, with one calling for Zionists to 'get the hell out' of the area. There was a large police presence as the group, claiming to be the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, demonstrated outside the restaurant. Activists chanted 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' in what Tory leader Kemi Badenoch claimed was 'yet another example of harassment and incitement to violence against Jews and law-abiding people on our streets'. Footage shows one protester, who claimed to be a local, praising the 'diversity' of the area before saying: 'Zionists are not welcome in Notting Hill, the area of Notting Hill Carnival.' 'So get the hell out of Notting Hill,' she added. Another protester, speaking into a megaphone, said Zionism was 'really about racism, imperialism and genocide'. One activist, a 35-year-old man, was arrested for stirring up racial hatred and has since been bailed, the Met Police said. An anti-Israel protest erupted outside a Jewish-owned restaurant in west London as police watched on Around 50 protesters targeted Miznon restaurant on Elgin Crescent in Notting Hill on Friday evening The Met have vowed to crack down on pro-Palestine protesters chanting 'globalise the intifada' following the Bondi Beach terror attack last month and the fatal synagogue shooting in Manchester in October. But dozens of police officers watched on as the anti-Israel protesters gathered outside the restaurant. Ms Badenoch said: 'We saw the police stand by as protestors called for 'armed resistanceby any means' outside an Israeli restaurant in Notting Hill. 'Yet another example of harassment and incitement to violence against Jews and law abiding people on our streets. 'Hatred thrives when authority shows weakness. The Home Secretary promised more powers for the police to crack down on these repeated protests. It's time for her to get on with it. 'We must do more (and quickly) to combat the rise of antisemitism, incitement to violence, and public support of terrorism on our streets.' Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore also condemned the protest. He wrote on X: 'Shocked to see this disgraceful scene outside a Jewish restaurant in Notting Hill. A group claiming to be the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, protested outside the restaurant Last year a group of anti-Israel activists terrorised shocked diners by storming the chain in Melbourne, Australia 'Attacked by a crowd shouting racism and intimidating innocent clients and staff who are defended by a large police presence. Thanks to Met Police for being there but this should not be happening.' It is not the first time the chain, which was founded by Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani in 2011, has been targeted by Palestine protesters. In July, a group of anti-Israel activists terrorised shocked diners by storming a branch in Melbourne, Australia. Chaotic scenes unfolded as aroud 20 protesters hurled chairs, food, and glassware at the venue while chanting 'Death to the IDF'. Shani, who also serves a judge on MasterChef Israel, has restaurants in New York, Paris, Vienna, Melbourne, Las Vegas and Singapore. The International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network said they organised the protest to 'demand that Zionist institutions and companies be kicked out of our neighbourhoods'. Activists claim they have held protests every week or fortnight outside the restaurant for the past three months. Activists have held regular protests outside the Israeli-owned restaurant in Notting Hill A spokesperson for the Met said: 'A protest by the International Jewish Antizionist Network took place outside a restaurant on Elgin Crescent, Notting Hill on Friday, 9 January. 'Officers were present as part of a policing plan to ensure people can exercise their right to protest peacefully, while ensuring that those in the wider community can go about their lives without serious disruption. 'A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of chants that constituted acts intended to stir up religious hatred and the protest disbanded shortly after the arrest was made. 'The arrested individual has since been bailed.' The family of an Ohio dentist and his wife who were allegedly shot dead by her cardiovascular surgeon ex-husband has broken their silence for the first time, with a relative revealing they suspected the alleged killer was behind the crime. Mother-of-two Monique Tepe, 39, and her second husband, Spencer Tepe, 37, were discovered shot dead in their home in Weinland Park, Columbus, on December 30. On Saturday, Monique's ex-husband, Michael David McKee, 39, was charged with two counts of murder over the brutal double homicide. News of McKee's arrest came just one day before grieving friends and family gathered to remember the Tepes on Sunday afternoon. Speaking ahead of the service, a Tepe relative, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail they were not surprised by McKee's arrest, but felt relieved to know their alleged killer is behind bars. They said: 'It was absolutely not a shock to anybody, we had all expected it, but we weren't saying that, because we didn't want to compromise the investigation. 'We are all breathing a bit of a sigh of relief, because they got him.' When asked if they knew of any problems Monique and Spencer had had with McKee recently, the relative replied: 'Not that I'm aware of.' Monique and Spencer Tepe's family broke their silence on their gruesome deaths just before the husband and wife are laid to rest on Sunday in Columbus, Ohio Monique's ex-husband, Michael David McKee, 39, was charged with two counts of murder over the brutal double homicides. A family member told the Daily Mail they were not surprised he was taken into custody The couple was discovered shot dead in their home in Weinland Park, Columbus (pictured) on December 30 Spencer suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and Monique was shot once in the chest. Their one-year-old son, four-year-old daughter, and dog were found unharmed and are currently in the care of loved ones. The couple was found around 10am after Spencer's panicked colleagues and a friend raised the alarm and called 911 when he didn't show up for work that morning. The murders are said to have occurred at 3.52am, according to a criminal complaint filed at Franklin County Municipal Court on Saturday. Cops snared a suspect through neighborhood video surveillance and tracked him to a vehicle which arrived just before the killings, and left right after, a summary of facts supporting probable cause stated. Detectives traced the vehicle to Rockford, Illinois - where McKee works as a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and found he had been in possession of the vehicle before and after the homicides. McKee was subsequently arrested in Rockford 'without incident' and booked into the Winnebago County Jail, police said. The couple's family's remarks come after McKee's neighbor said she was left stunned after hearing the surgeon has been accused of killing the Tepes. Gera-Lind Kolarik, a neighbor of McKee at his upscale Illinois apartment block, told ABC7 she was devastated to hear the news, and expressed her disbelief that McKee was accused of murder, because he 'did not seem like somebody who would do something like this.' Spencer suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and Monique was shot once in the chest. Their one-year-old son, four-year-old daughter and dog were found unharmed and are currently in the care of loved ones She recalled: 'I sat down with this man, I talked to him at the pool, barbequing. It's kind of shocking.' Kolarik said she was heartbroken for the couple's two young children. 'How do you explain to a child that mom and dad are here one day and gone the next?' she said. 'Those are the real victims of this whole case here, the children.' Following the arrest of McKee, the Tepe family said in a statement that the arrest 'represents an important step toward justice for Monique and Spencer.' 'Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon,' the family said. The shootings sparked an urgent manhunt that included investigators releasing footage of a suspect stalking the streets of the Weinland Park neighborhood after the slayings. Cops revealed there was no sign of forced entry or the supposed murder weapon, but police did find three 9mm shell casings at the scene. They said they did not believe the deaths to be a murder-suicide. The surveillance video shared by cops was used to identify McKee as a suspect as he was tracked to a vehicle 'which arrived just prior to the homicides and left shortly after the homicides', an affidavit said. 'Detectives were able to identify this vehicle further and link to Michael McKee. Detectives located the vehicle in Rockford, Illinois and found evidence of McKee in possession of the vehicle prior to and after the homicides.' McKee's mugshot was shared on the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office website, which showed he was booked into jail on Saturday just before noon. He is due to appear in court Monday. Monique, then under her maiden name Sabaturski, was married to McKee briefly from August 2015, with pictures shared on social media of the couple on their wedding day on August 22. The couple had no children and separated seven months later in March 2016. In the complaint for divorce, the plaintiff, Monique, stated they were 'incompatible.' Divorce documents viewed by Daily Mail show proceedings started in May 2017 and were quickly wrapped up by June. The documents reveal he paid for her engagement and wedding rings and listed them as his separate property, stating he paid $2,500 for the engagement ring and $3,500 for the wedding ring. The couple's separation agreement included a requirement that Monique had to pay McKee $1,281.59 back for 'miscellaneous debt', with the added clause that if she did not reimburse him buy July 1, 2018, she would be hit with 23 percent interest. When the pair filed for divorce, they were living in different states, with Monique living in Westerville, close to her parents Ignatius and Nereida Sabaturski, and working for Nationwide. Cops snared a suspect through neighborhood video surveillance (pictured) and tracked him to a vehicle which arrived just before the homicides, and left right after the murders Gera-Lind Kolarik, a neighbor of McKee at his upscale Illinois apartment block, told ABC7 she was devastated to hear the news, and expressed her disbelief that McKee was accused of murder McKee lived in Roanoke, Virginia, working for the Carilion Clinic. He was listed in the documents as practicing as a vascular surgeon at the OSF Cardiovascular Institute. When the divorce documents were filed, they also included a 'standard mutual temporary restraining order, requiring both parties to refrain from 'harassinginterfering with, assaulting or doing bodily harm to the other spouse'. The exes paid their own attorney fees and Monique paid the filing fee and fee for a private judge, in a bid to expedite the proceedings privately. A police spokesman told the Daily Mail that no further information will be released at this time so as not to compromise the 'active and ongoing case progress.' He said more information would be released when appropriate. A public visitation for the Tepes is set from noon to 3pm at the Schoedinger Northwest funeral home in Upper Arlington. It will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Due Amici, an Italian restaurant in Columbus, from 3.30pm to 6pm. Thousands took to the streets of London on Sunday as protests against the Iranian regime and the brutal crackdown by its security forces spread around the world. Activists now say that the death toll from the brutal suppression of nationwide demonstrations in the Middle Eastern nation is at least 538 people. Meanwhile more than 10,600 people have been detained, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has claimed. Demonstrators rallied in London, Paris and Istanbul on Sunday in support of the protests in Iran that have been countered with lethal force. In London the rally began in front of the Iranian embassy in South Kensington before uprooting to Whitehall, at the heart of British government. The demonstrators demanded that Labour close what they called 'the Mullah's embassy' - branding it a 'terrorist factory'. Later in the evening images showed people throwing objects towards the embassy and the police intervening to stop protesters scaling the embassy's perimeter wall. Footage showed the masses marching outside Downing Street and burning images of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Others waved the country's old pre-Islamic flag with its distinctive Lion and Sun emblem. People take part in a rally in solidarity with protesters in Iran today outside Downing Street Protestors in London burn an image of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally held in solidarity with Iran's uprising, organised by The National Council of Resistance of Iran on January 11 Protesters in London on Sunday hold placards carrying the image of exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who fled to the US with his father, the deposed Shah, after the Islamic Revolution in 1979 Many protesters carried placards carrying the image of exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who fled to the US with his father, the deposed Shah, after the Islamic Revolution in 1979 - who many believe should be the nation's next leader. 'We want revolution, change the regime,' Afsi, a 38-year-old Iranian, who declined to give her last name, said during the rally in front of Downing Street. She has lived in London for seven years but has not been able to contact her family in Iran because of an internet blackout imposed by authorities since Thursday, she said. 'It's so frustrating, but it's not the first time,' Afsi added. 'This time, we have hope... we feel like we can do it this time.' Another demonstator in London, Fahimeh Moradi, 52, said she was taking part 'to support the Iranian people who are killed and murdered by the Iran regime - we don't want the Islamic Republic of Iran, we hate them!' She added: 'My son is there, and I don't know if he's alive or not. We just want this murderous regime to leave Iran, that's it!' Protests in Iran began on December 28 over the ailing economy and have transformed into the most significant challenge to the regime for several years. The internet and telephone lines have been cut off, but footage of events in Tehran and other cities has circulated widely on social media. Demonstrators waved the country's old pre-Islamic flag with its distinctive Lion and Sun emblem as they called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support the Iranian people and proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp as a terrorist organisation Police try to stop protesters climbing the outside wall toward the Iranian Embassy in London this evening as anti-government demonstrations intensified A protester throws an object toward the Iranian Embassy as they clash with police in London Flames rise from burning debris in the middle of a street in Gorgan on January 10, 2026, as protesters set fire to makeshift barricades near a religious centre during ongoing anti-regime demonstrations Iranian protesters have intensified their challenge to the clerical leadership of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei (seen here attending a gathering of the people of Qom in Tehran on January 8, 2026) The protest came as a group of Anglo-Iranian women called on the Government to ban the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as the Tehran regime's violent crackdown on protests continues. The IRGC is a distinct branch of Iran's armed forces which operates independently from the regular army, created after 1979 to protect the Islamic Revolution. It retains significant influence over the country's politics and controls many of its regional proxies via its Quds Force, making it a central part of the regime's ability to project power and suppress dissent domestically and abroad. Demonstrators called on Keir Starmer to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, a status it already has in a number of countries including the United States, Canada, Australia and Israel. The special armed forces organisation has already been heavily sanctioned in recent years, but there are growing calls for the Prime Minister to go further. Laila Jazayeri, director of the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK, said the IRGC had already gone too far. Speaking at the demonstration on Sunday, she told the Press Association: 'The Prime Minister should prescribe the deadly force IRGC, that is killing people inside Iran.' Ms Jazayeri explained: 'There is no need for military intervention. There is no need for boots on the ground. The nationwide protests started in late December at Tehran's Grand Bazaar in response to worsening economic conditions Many Iranians now believe exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who fled to the US with his father, the deposed Shah, after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, will be their next leader 'Iranian people are capable of bringing the regime down. 'The protesters are empty-handed. They are dealing with heavily armed security forces in some towns and cities. 'But the regime hasn't been able to send the protesters back home. Why? Because there is a network of resistance.' Most information coming out of the country is through Starlink satellite transmitters after the regime restricted internet access, and Ms Jazayeri said the UK Government could do more to get Iranians back online. 'The regime has shut down the internet to kill in silence. [The UK Government] should help get access to internet for the Iranian people,' she said. Asked about the possibility of banning the organisation, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told Sky News: 'It's a very thorough process that the Home Secretary would go through in determining whether to proscribe an organisation... I'm not going to second-guess the decisions of the Home Secretary on a matter as significant as this. 'She will follow due process and won't leave any stone unturned in looking at all the information that is available to her. 'As a government, we keep those decisions about the proscription of organisations under constant review and I have no doubt that Shabana Mahmood is doing that at the moment.' Dissent against the Islamic Republic has spread around the world, with a protester in London tearing down the country's flag from its embassy on Saturday. In Paris, more than 2,000 people waved Iran's flag from before the Islamic Revolution in 1979 to chants of 'No to the terrorist Islamic Republic'. Police did not allow them to approach the Iranian embassy. 'Close the mullahs' embassy, the terrorist factory,' some demonstrators yelled. A 20-year-old Iranian student living in Paris, who gave his first name as Arya, said: 'In Iran, the people are rising up in the streets, and we Iranians outside Iran are here to show we are with them and they are not alone.' He said he was waiting to hear what the son of Iran's last shah, US-based Reza Pahlavi, 'will tell us to do'. The protests, initially sparked by anger over the rising cost of living, have lasted two weeks and become a movement against the theocratic system in place since the 1979 revolution. Iranian authorities have called the protesters 'rioters' who are backed by the United States and Israel. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (pictured) said it would be right for the US to help oust the Islamic Republic's leadership and indicated she would support RAF involvement if necessary In Istanbul, demonstrators voicing support for the Iranian protesters gathered in steady rain. Police cordoned off the area outside the Iranian consulate and the crowd was kept away from the mission. 'It's been 72 hours since we had any news from the country, from our families. No internet or television, we can't reach Iran anymore,' said Nina, a young Iranian living in Turkey who had the Iranian flag and red tears painted on her face. 'The regime kills at random - whether families are on foot or in a car, whether there are children. It spares no one,' she added. The crackdown by Iran's authorities has resulted in at least 192 deaths, according to the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights. The US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said it had received 'credible' accounts of 'hundreds of protesters' killed across Iran since the internet clampdown started. The leaders of Britain, France and Germany on Friday condemned the 'killing of protestors' in Iran, while US President Donald Trump said Saturday his country stood 'ready to help' as Iranians protest. The UK wants to see a 'peaceful transition' of power in Iran, a Cabinet minister said as the Tehran regime continued to violently crack down on protests. Rubina Aminian, 23, had joined in the street protests after a day of classes in her textiles programme at Shariati College on Thursday Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026 Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the UK's priority was to 'stem the violence'. She told Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: 'The British Government has always viewed Iran as a hostile state. 'We know that they pose a security threat in the Middle East and beyond and we know that they have been a repressive regime in terms of their own population. "And so I think the priority, as of today, is to try and stem the violence that is happening in Iran at the moment.' She added: 'It's a concerning situation there and we would like to see anything that happens in future involving a peaceful transition where people can enjoy fundamental freedoms and we see proper democratic values back in the heart of Iran.' Iran has warned it will target US troops and Israel if Donald Trump carries out his threat of military action against the Tehran regime. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said it would be right for the US to help oust the Islamic Republic's leadership and indicated she would support RAF involvement if necessary. She told BBC One's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: 'You've seen the recent RAF strikes, for instance, in Syria. Without over speculating - we are talking about hypothetical situations - we have worked in alliance with other countries. 'I think this has to be something that we do with a broad coalition of countries. That is the right way to do it, and to make sure that we create a stable Iran. 'The worst possible thing would be for this to escalate to a point where the situation gets worse, not better.' She said Iran would 'very happily wipe out the UK if it felt it could get away with it' and 'I don't have an issue with removing a regime that is trying to harm us'. Iran has 'terrorist outposts with Hezbollah all across the world" and "I don't think a lot of people realise just how scary the Iranian regime is and just how far it has spread its tentacles'. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has praised the bravery of those taking to the streets in Iran. She said: 'It takes real courage to speak up in an authoritarian system, especially for young women, but it should not require courage just to make your voice heard. 'These are fundamental rights: free speech; peaceful assembly; and the exercise of those rights should never come with the threat of violence or reprisals." US secretary of state Marco Rubio said: 'The United States supports the brave people of Iran.' A Tennessee mother said she was utterly blindsided when the pit bull she viewed as her 'best friend' mauled her so badly that she needed her leg amputated. Amanda Mears, 42, sustained the severe injuries while getting in the middle of a vicious encounter between two of her dogs on December 10. The single mom was getting ready to take her mixed Pit Bull-American Stafford, Dennis, out for a walk when her American Bully, Ralphie, escaped from a bedroom in her Murfreesboro home. Mears, a healthcare worker who often rescues dogs, noticed a few weeks ago that Dennis had been trying to attack Ralphie - who she has been fostering since July - so she had made a great effort to keep the two apart, she told the Daily Mail. When Ralphie rushed from the room, Mears quickly tried to separate the rivaling dogs - but Dennis was faster. In the blink of an eye, Mears said that Dennis lunged forward to attack. Fighting to keep Ralphie safe, Mears jumped between the canines, and that's when Dennis turned his aggression on her. He sank his teeth into her leg and unrelentingly tore through her flesh as the shell-shocked mother told her 10-year-old son to hide in his room. Amanda Mears was hospitalized after the brutal attack, needing her leg removed and surgeries on her hand and arm Dennis, who the dog-lover described as her 'best friend,' was put down after the attack She used her other leg to choke Dennis until he finally let go of her mangled limb. 'I was a bit scared, but I've broken up dog fights before, and I didn't feel any pain because of the adrenaline,' Mears told The Mirror. 'I ended up having to hook my right leg and my arms around him and choked him out to get him off me.' Amid the chaos, Dennis also gnawed at her left hand and broke her right arm. Ralphie was unharmed. 'Ralphie saved his own life by not defending himself,' Mears recalled to the outlet. 'As there was no one to fight back, Dennis got bored and eventually let go.' Mears described that her leg was 'hanging on by a thread' when emergency services arrived and took her to a Nashville hospital. However, since she had lost so much blood, the ambulance had to first stop at a closer hospital for a unit of blood. Once she arrived in Nashville and was stabilized, doctors broke the grim news that she would either have to lose her leg or undergo at least a dozen grueling surgeries to salvage it. Mears is a single mother who takes in dogs to rescue them from being euthanized Mears opted to have her mangled leg removed instead of undergoing grueling procedures to try to keep it Mears had Dennis, seen as a puppy, since he was two weeks old 'I decided to have my leg amputated because to save my leg, I'd have had to have 12 more surgeries over the next two years and I would be in constant pain,' she told the outlet. After spending a week at the hospital in recovery, Mears ultimately decided that it was best for Dennis to be put down. 'Dennis has always been the sweetest dog; he'd never been aggressive before,' she said to The Mirror. 'I decided to have Dennis put down, which was hard. He was my best friend, and I raised him from two weeks old. It was a decision that hurt, but it was not a difficult decision.' According to a GoFundMe created on Mears' behalf, her situation was worsened by the fact that she recently lost her job after multiple years and lost her medical insurance. The dog-lover was hired by a new company, but was said to have had to take a pay cut. The fundraiser has raised more than $7,400 to help with expenses. In a GoFundMe update, Mears said she was discharged on December 17 and had racked up more than $25,000 in medical bills. Mears has shared bits of her recovery on Facebook, where she has documented her attempt to return to normalcy after the life-changing ordeal. 'First day back to work and it's not fun,' she wrote on December 29. 'Sitting at a computer desk all day one-handed is a lot more brutal than I expected.' Mears intervened to save Ralphie from being harmed by the aggressive pit bull Mears is seen laying with her remaining three dogs as she recovers from the amputation Given the serious injuries to her left hand, it has been bound in a cast and she can hardly use it. Regarding her leg, which was removed below the knee, she is expected to be fitted for a prosthetic soon. The pain was unbearable at first, but it has since transformed into what Mears described as a simply bizarre sensation where she thinks she can feel her foot - despite it not being there. Speaking with the Daily Mail, Mears said she has not let the traumatic incident weigh her down, and she is determined to fight for her recovery. She also asserted that she has no plans to stop taking in dogs and still adores the bully breeds. 'I'm not angry, I'm just sad at the entire situation,' she said. 'That it escalated like that and it required Dennis to be put down.' 'However,' she continued, 'like anything in life, I can't sit and dwell on the past. What has happened, happened, and I only have forward to look to.' J.K. Rowling has thrown her support behind a petition opposing a proposed NHS trial of puberty blockers, describing it as 'an unethical experiment on children who can't give meaningful consent'. Posting on X, the Harry Potter author wrote: 'I've signed. This is an unethical experiment on children who can't give meaningful consent.' The petition, which has so far attracted almost 74,000 signatures, states: 'The government is aware of the potential irreversible impact (physical and emotional) of puberty blockers, having acknowledged an 'unacceptable safety risk' following the Cass Review. 'Yet, hundreds of children are about to be given puberty blockers under a government-sanctioned trial.' It says the aim of the trial is to evaluate the risks and benefits of prescribing puberty blockers to children who identify as transgender and who have parental consent. However, critics have threatened a High Court challenge, arguing that the trial risks subjecting children to experimental treatment that could cause harm. The Daily Mail revealed last year that children taking part in the study will be asked to complete a gender identity questionnaire as part of the trial. The document begins: 'In this measure, gender identity is defined as someone's internal sense of self.' J.K. Rowling said in her post that attacks on male politicians might mean lawmakers 'finally take the violence that's such a key feature of this totalitarian movement seriously' Children are then asked 'what best describes' their gender identity and given a list of options to tick, including 'definitely' a boy or girl, 'mainly' a boy or girl, 'neither a boy or girl', 'not sure' and 'none of the above'. Participants aged over 12 will also be asked about 'gender identity labels', with options including 'two spirit', 'agender', 'genderqueer' and 'other'. The term 'two spirit' originates from some Indigenous North American cultures, where it has been used to describe people believed to embody both masculine and feminine spirits, forming a distinct gender role within their communities. Gender-critical health practitioners have raised concerns about the questionnaire. Dr Louise Irvine said it already demonstrated a bias towards 'gender affirmatory ideology'. Dr Irvine, a GP and co-chairman of the Clinical Advisory Network on Sex and Gender, told the Times: 'It's absolutely ridiculous. It shows that the whole trial is imbued with gender affirmatory ideology. What this question will do is reinforce the ideology in the eyes of the children.' She added: 'It will be confusing and most kids won't even know what it means.'Questions should also be clear and clearly understood, so the study fails in that respect.' Sue Evans, a psychotherapist and former clinical nurse specialist at the now-closed Tavistock children's gender identity clinic, also criticised the use of the term 'two spirit', arguing it suggested gender ideology was influencing the study and that a concept rooted in Native American culture had been 'transferred in an ideological way'. Militant group Bash Back has said its sights are also set on Wes Streeting - just months after vandalising his constituency office A transgender activist group is planning a series of attacks on senior politicians' offices, including the Prime Minister's Following a review by paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass, which found weak evidence supporting the use of puberty blockers in children, the NHS stopped routinely prescribing them in March last year. This was followed by an indefinite government ban covering private clinics in December. The new trial is intended to address the evidence gap identified by Dr Cass and will examine potential health risks associated with puberty blockers, including effects on bone density, brain development and mental health over time. Rowling has also urged politicians to take threats from trans activists seriously after the Mail on Sunday reported that protesters were planning to target the offices of senior figures. Sharing the MoS story on X, Rowling described the militant group Bash Back as part of a 'totalitarian movement', writing: 'Who knows, now that trans activists aren't only stalking, harassing, doxxing, threatening and physically assaulting women, our politicians might finally take the violence that's such a key feature of this totalitarian movement seriously.' Bash Back describes itself as a 'trans-led direct action project focused on total transgender liberation'. In August, the group claimed responsibility for vandalising Wes Streeting's Ilford North constituency office after he said he was 'deeply uncomfortable' with an NHS puberty blocker trial. Police launched an investigation after windows were smashed and the words 'child killer' were sprayed on the building. Posting an image of the damage online, Bash Back wrote: 'Don't want action? Don't kill kids.' Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman appears to have donated $10,000 to a fundraiser in support of ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good. William Ackman is listed as the top donor to a GoFundMe for Ross, which has already raised more than $160,000. Ackman also reposted the fundraiser on X. Ross has been embroiled in controversy since he shot Good, 37, in the face three times at a Minneapolis protest on Wednesday after she refused demands to exit her vehicle. ICE claimed that trouble arose after the mother-of-three deliberately tried to run Ross over with her burgundy SUV. But her death sparked instant outrage - with the city's mayor, Jacob Frey, slamming ICE's story as 'bulls***.' A GoFundMe created for Good, a poet who trained to actively resist ICE, garnered more than $1.5 million in just two days. Clyde Emmons, the organizer of Ross' fundraiser, described Good as a 'domestic terrorist' and claimed that the officer's actions were '1,000 percent justified.' 'Funds will go to help pay for any legal services this officer needs,' Emmons, who is based in Michigan, wrote. Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman appears to have donated $10,000 to a fundraiser in support of ICE agent Jonathan Ross Jonathan Ross is married to a Filipina immigrant named Patrixia Ross is seen in footage from Renee's Good's death on Wednesday 'I am currently in contact with his father and awaiting the officer's response so I can send him the link to hand this over to him personally.' Ackman confirmed his contribution in an X post, writing: 'I am big believer in our legal principle that one is innocent until proven guilty.' He said he supported Ross' fundraiser and intended to do the same for Good's family, but the GoFundMe was closed when he tried to contribute. 'The whole situation is a tragedy,' he wrote. An officer doing his best to do his job, and a protester who likely did not intend to kill the officer but whose actions in a split second led to her death.' 'Our country is stronger if we work together to resolve the complex issues that are tearing us apart,' said, sharing links to both GoFundMe pages. Ackman previously donated $99,999 to the Bondi Beach hero's GoFundMe page and presented him with a large gold menorah at a lavish $1,000-per-head dinner in New York. Syrian refugee Ahmed AlAhmed was shot five times on December 14 as he fought to disarm one of the gunmen attacking a Hanukkah celebration in the Australian suburb. '[Jews] are 0.2 per cent of the world. So seeing someone step forward on behalf of people he didn't know, to risk his own life, and the calculus of going after a guy with a gun, it's really one of the great acts of heroism,' Ackman, who is Jewish, told the crowd. 'I think it was very reaffirming to the Jewish community to have someone stand up on behalf of our community in the most profound, lifeaffirming way. That's why we were here,' he added. Ross' father and Emmons have been contacted for comment. Ackman, the founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, was a long-time Democratic donor before publicly backing Trump during his 2024 campaign. Renee Good was shot dead by ICE in Minneapolis on Wednesday during a protest Someone named William Ackman donated $10,000 to the campaign for Ross Trump and his administration have supported Ross' assertion that he acted in self-defense when he fired his weapon on Good. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem described Good's actions as 'an act of domestic terrorism' and defended her officer's actions. 'An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shot to protect himself and the people around him,' she said. Ross was 'fearing for his own life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement, and the safety of the public,' DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed. On the day Good died, witnesses said that she and her wife were acting as legal observers and filming the protest. Video from the scene showed Good apparently ignoring ICE agents telling her to get out of her car, and instead reversing her vehicle as she tried to drive off. She was seen blocking the road with her SUV until ICE agents told her to move away. Then, she reversed to head back down the street as an agent pulled on the driver's side door handle before she drove off, and gunshots rang. Good, 37, allegedly refused to get out of the vehicle when ICE agents asked her to People stand by a makeshift memorial at the scene of the fatal shooting of Renee Good At that point, Good lost control of the vehicle and slammed it into parked cars and a light pole at high speed. Her SUV was seen with a bullet hole through the driver's side windshield. Good, who grew up in Colorado Springs, is a registered voter but her party affiliation is not listed in public records. She was previously 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. Ross, an Iraq veteran, has an immigrant Filipina wife, Patrixia, and a child. He has been an immigration agent since at least 2013. State and local officials demanded ICE leave Minnesota after Good's death. But Noem has said agents are not going anywhere. There is an ongoing federal investigation into Good's death. Mississippi's largest synagogue has been razed in a suspected arson attack over the weekend, with a suspect now in custody. The fire tore through Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson around 3am on Saturday, according to the local mayor, John Horhn, who described it as an act of 'religious hatred'. Shocking photographs show the extent of the destruction, with the interior of the building completely blackened and burned as a result of the horror blaze. 'The Jackson Fire Department responded quickly, contained the blaze and extinguished the fire,' Horhn said in a statement. 'Acts of antisemitism, racism, and religious hatred are attacks on Jackson as a whole and will be treated as acts of terror against residents' safety and freedom to worship.' 'Jackson stands with Beth Israel and the Jewish community, and we'll do everything we can to support them and hold accountable anyone who tries to spread fear and hate here,' he added. A suspect has been taken into custody, and the investigation is 'moving forward', according to Jackson Police Department and Hinds County Sheriff's Office. The departments issued a joint statement condemning the suspected arson, adding that the 'entire community' had been 'shaken' by the apparent attack. Beth Israel Congregation, Mississippi's largest synagogue, has been razed in a suspected arson attack over the weekend, and a suspect has been taken into custody but not named The fire tore through Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson around 3am on Saturday, according to the local mayor, John Horhn, who described it as an act of 'religious hatred' Shocking photographs show the extent of the destruction, with the interior of the building completely blackened and burned as a result of the horror, as shown above Nobody was inside the synagogue at the time of the blaze, and the suspect has not yet been named. The Daily Mail has contacted police for more information. Beth Israel Congregation is the only synagogue in the city, and is believed to be the largest of the 14 synagogues in Mississippi. The southern state is home to around 3,000 Jews - or just 0.1 percent of its three million residents. Beth Israel Congregation President Zach Shemper told the Times of Israel there was 'significant' soot and smoke throughout the building, but confirmed nobody was injured. He later added that the historic temple was now 'unusable' and would need repairs. Prayer services have been canceled for the foreseeable future. 'We have already had outreach from other houses of worship in the Jackson area and greatly appreciate their support in this very difficult time,' Beth Israel said in a statement. The Stop Antisemitism campaign group also said that two Torahs were destroyed in the fire, and five more of the holy books were damaged by the flames. Jackson Mayor John Horhn described the suspected arson as an act of 'religious hatred' Beth Israel Congregation (pictured above before the fire) is the only synagogue in the city, and is believed to be the largest of the 14 synagogues in Mississippi Beth Israel Congregation President Zach Shemper told the Times of Israel there was 'significant' soot and smoke throughout the building, but confirmed nobody was injured The group added that the 60-year-old synagogue was also bombed by the Klu Klux Klan in 1967 due to the rabbi's support for the Civil Rights movement. Carole Zawatsky, CEO of The Tree of Life, the Pittsburgh synagogue that in 2018 saw the deadliest attack on Jewish people in the US, condemned the attack on Beth Israel as 'horrific.' 'We mourn the destruction and the loss of security and safety that comes in the aftermath of such violence,' she said. 'The intentional burning of a Jewish house of worship... causes fear and raises the specter of antisemitism and hate.' President Donald Trump is set to be briefed by top aides this week as he plots out the level of his response to the Iranian regime's brutal crackdown against citizen-led protests. Trump's top military and diplomatic staffers, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine, are anticipated to be present at the meeting, per the Wall Street Journal. The meeting comes as Trump is understood to be considering further US involvement in the region, but no final decisions are expected to emerge until after Tuesday's scheduled meeting. Putting U.S. troops' boots on the ground is also not on the table, per CNN. Protests within Iran have escalated since the New Year, and the regime, led by Ayatollah Khamenei, has sought to limit its citizens' access to the West by cutting off internet connection as well as telephone lines. Protestors have, however, still been able to get information out of the country through the use of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite technology. Trump has intensified his public statements since the protests began, warning Iranian authorities against using force and repeatedly expressing support for what he has described as a push for freedom. 'Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,' the president noted in a post to his Truth Social account, adding that 'the USA stands ready to help!!!' The State Department has echoed a hardline tone, pointing to previous US actions against adversarial governments as evidence that Trump follows through on his warnings. 'Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he'll do something, he means it,' a recent social media post from the State Department read. President Donald Trump talks about the White House ballroom construction as he arrives to speak during a meeting with oil executives in the East Room of the White House, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Washington Flames rise from burning debris in the middle of a street in Gorgan, Golestan Province, Iran, on January 10, 2026, as protesters set fire to makeshift barricades near a religious center during ongoing anti-regime demonstrations Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khameni waves during a gathering of the people of Qom in Tehran on January 9, 2026 Back in June, Trump directed the US military to deploy a dozen 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs that 'obliterated' Iran's three largest nuclear facilities. 'The strikes were a spectacular military success,' Trump said in a late-night address to the nation from the White House the day after operation. The US military joined forces with Israel to launch military strikes against Iran at the time using B-2 'bunker bomber' planes. Trump later indicated that his decision to authorize the strikes was influenced by the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement with Tehran. The appetite for the US to engage militarily with Iran may not be high, even among capitol hill republicans as Senators are looking to reign in Trump's ability to act without their approval. The Senate cast their latest vote on a war powers resolution, which was pushed by a bipartisan duo, Virginia Democrat Senator Tim Kaine and Republican Senator Paul of Kentucky, passed on Thursday after the capture of Nicolas Maduro by US Special forces last Saturday. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) speaks to members of the media after the Senate voted on the Venezuela War Powers Resolution at the U.S. Capitol on January 08, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Senate passed the bipartisan resolution 52-47 which will block President Trump's use of the U.S. military force Venezuela without Congressional authorization Protesters set on fire a portrait of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as they take part in a rally in support of the current protest movement in Iran, outside Downing Street in London, Britain, 11 January 2026. Since 28 December 2025, nationwide anti-government protests have taken place across Iran despite a heavy crackdown Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Todd Young of Indiana, and, most surprisingly, Josh Hawley of Missouri all sided with Democrats on a the move to restrain Trump's authority which passed 52 to 47. Thursday's passage alone won't prevent Trump from taking further military action without Congressional consent - it only promises to put a vote to limit the President's power on the calendar at a later date. The measure still faces another vote for final passage in the Senate. Yet, their action alone was enough anger Trump, who came after the five defiant Senators, calling for them 'never be elected to office again,' in a Thursday social media post. Two men have been charged with drugs offences after police seized a record 24million of cannabis at a rural farm. Musa Kala, 35, and Raheem Latif, 27, have both been charged with conspiracy to supply the Class B drug. The men, both of Bolton, Greater Manchester, were remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court tomorrow. Officers from Greater Manchester Police made the discovery after executing a warrant at Leigh Tenement Farm in Blackrod, Bolton, on January 9. It is believed to be one of the largest single cannabis seizures ever made in the UK. Around two tonnes of cannabis, with a street value of around 24million, was discovered inside the unit. Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, from GMP's Serious Crime Division, said officers had found a 'large-scale and sophisticated illegal operation'. He said: 'Our officers uncovered a large-scale and sophisticated illegal operation at the location, housing a significant volume of illegal drugs. Officers executed a warrant at Leigh Tenement Farm in Blackrod, Bolton, on January 9, uncovering what is believed to be one of the largest single cannabis seizures ever made in the UK Police have seized a 'record-breaking' 24million haul of cannabis after raiding a rural farm 'This seizure marks a major success for our officers - it removes a major source of harm, disrupts criminal networks and helps make neighbourhoods safer. 'Our work demonstrates the ongoing commitment to targeting large-scale drug production and distribution and is key in safeguarding vulnerable people. 'It sends a clear message that this kind of criminal activity will not be tolerated and our officers will work hard to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.' Police believe the scale of the operation highlights the increasing sophistication of organised drug gangs using rural and industrial locations to grow and distribute cannabis on an industrial level. Kristi Noem said 'hundreds more' Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be sent to Minneapolis in the coming days to uncover what she called 'true corruption' going on there. 'We're sending more officers today and tomorrow, there will be hundreds more in order to allow our ICE and our border patrol individuals that are working in Minneapolis to do so safely,' the homeland security secretary told Fox News on Sunday. Noem, who joined CNN's Jake Tapper in a fiery exchange over the uproar following Renee Nicole Good's death, also revealed 'dozens' of illegal immigrants have been arrested in sanctuary cities across the nation. 'These sanctuary cities, such as Minneapolis, are extremely dangerous for American citizens, and since we've been there, we've arrested dozens and dozens of murderers, and rapists, individuals who have assaulted children and sodomized them,' Noem told Tapper. 'We just released a whole list of individuals, just in Minnesota, that we've arrested since we've surged personnel there, and it's incredible.' She went on to tell Tapper that the administration 'would love it' if local law enforcement agencies would team up with ICE instead of going against them. That comes after both Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who the agency said 'ensure that the worst criminal illegal alien offenders flock to their state,' slammed the Trump administration for their rhetoric following the Good's death. After the mother-of-three was shot dead on Wednesday by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, Noem claimed she committed 'domestic terrorism' after allegedly trying to run him over, while Frey demanded ICE 'get the f**k out of Minneapolis'. Homeland Security Secretary announced 'hundreds more' Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will descend on Minneapolis following last week's fatal shooting and uproar across the country over their presence Federal agents are seen lined up in Minneapolis on Saturday as protests rage on Frey went on another foul-mouthed rant targeted at the president and his administration, claiming they started to spin the narrative 'immediately' that Ross acted in self-defense. 'The narrative that ICE is spinning immediately after this was that this was purely self defense, and that the act by the victim was some sort of domestic terrorism,' Frey said on CNN on Thursday. 'That, and I'll say it again, is bulls***. That is bulls***. 'The way they've been conducting themselves is also bulls***, and we all need to be very clear-eyed about what's happening because, by the way, this is not just about Minneapolis, this is about the endurance of our republic.' During her time on CNN's State of the Union show with Tapper on Sunday morning, Noem doubled down on her claim that Good was going after the ICE agent that day. Noem was asked by Tapper if she was 'doing a disservice' to the ICE agent who shot Good through the windshield of her car by drawing conclusions about the incident. Noem defiantly responded that she hadn't heard Tapper 'say once what a disservice it's done for Mayor Frey to get up and tell ICE to get the F out!' The Trump administration has come to Ross's defense over his shooting of Good, saying it occurred after Good intended to run the agent down with her car, while Democratic officials in Minneapolis say it was murder. Renee Good was shot in the face three times by an ICE agent on Wednesday while protesting In the days following her death, more footage was shared online showing Good and her wife, Rebecca, protesting along with others that day. 'We stopped to support our neighbors. We had whistles. They had guns,' Rebecca, 40, said Friday in a statement to MPR News. She highlighted Good's Christian faith, and they were raising their six-year-old son to 'believe that no matter where you come from or what you look like, all of us deserve compassion and kindness.' 'Renee lived this belief every day. She is pure love. She is pure joy. She is pure sunshine,' Rebecca added. A newly released video filmed on Ross's cellphone showed how Good and Rebecca seemingly taunted the officer in the lead-up to the deadly shooting. The couple are understood to have been part of a community watch group that was actively resisting ICE. Rebecca's statement seemingly confirmed the Trump administration's claim that the couple were participating in a protest against the planned detention of Somali migrants in the area. Witnesses have claimed that Good and Rebecca were acting as legal observers and filming the protest. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry has defiantly stood by his city and bashed the Trump administration for their response to Good's death and the presence of ICE agents there Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has also slammed the administration for how it has responded. He is seen at a candlelight vigil for Good with his wife, Gwen Walz, on Friday Rebecca, in harrowing footage captured at the scene, admitted she encouraged Good to confront agents. 'I made her come down here, it's my fault,' she cried. The couple moved to Minnesota last year, after a brief stint in Canada. They are understood to have fled the US after Donald Trump was elected. Rebecca said Friday that the pair 'moved to make a better life for ourselves.' Good's death has sparked an uprising across the US with protests under the banner 'ICE Out for Good' continuing on and demonstrations reported from coast to coast. Anti-ICE demonstrators have taken to the streets of New York City to Texas, and California, triggering arrests and mounting fear and unrest nationwide. Austin Police confirmed that at least three people were taken into custody after officers moved against demonstrators following a march from the J.J. Pickle Federal Building. Video from the scene showed officers pushing into the crowd as protesters screamed, and one could be heard shouting, 'We're with you,' to a handcuffed marcher. Texas officials made it clear they are taking a hard line. Governor Greg Abbott said the Texas Department of Public Safety 'was not putting up with defiant protesters', and Lt. Chris Olivarez, a DPS spokesperson, emphasized that while peaceful assembly is protected, 'violence, threats to the public or law enforcement, obstruction of roadways, and damage to property will not be tolerated.' Rumours were swirling today over the health of Vladimir Putin ally and feared warlord Ramzan Kadyrov, amid claims the Chechen strongman is gravely ill and receiving emergency treatment. The 49-year-old head of Russia's Chechnya republic has reportedly suffered kidney failure, with doctors said to be avoiding making any firm predictions about his condition. According to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Kadyrov is undergoing dialysis at a private clinic in Chechnya, while members of his powerful clan, including relatives arriving from abroad, have been gathering around him. Sources linked to Ukraine's GUR military intelligence claimed there was growing concern behind the scenes, with one unconfirmed report even suggesting Kadyrov had slipped into a coma. The speculation has been fuelled by the fact he was last seen publicly more than a week ago, when he appeared using a walking stick. The GUR alleged that 'the process of picking' Kadyrov's successor a decision that ultimately rests with Putin had 'intensified', although there has been no official reaction from Moscow or Grozny. Kadyrov, who has sent tens of thousands of troops to back Putin's war in Ukraine, recently appointed his eldest son Akhmat, 20, as a deputy prime minister, a move widely seen as preparing the ground for a possible succession. Rumours were swirling today over the health of Vladimir Putin ally and feared warlord Ramzan Kadyrov The 49-year-old head of Russia's Chechnya republic has reportedly suffered kidney failure. Pictured with Putin Kremlin commander Maj-Gen Apti Alaudinov, 52. Pictured with Ramzan Kadyrov Warlord Ramzan Kadyrov's eldest son Akhmat Kadyrov, 20, poses with Vladimir Putin in March 2023 in Moscow, Russia However, the brutal and eccentric leader a 'human rights abuser' and one of the most sanctioned politicians on the planet is believed to favour his 'favourite son' Adam, 18, who is also his head of security. It remains far from clear whether Putin would accept such an arrangement. A multi-millionaire, Kadyrov has packed Chechnya's government with relatives, including several of his 15 children from three current polygamous wives. Two other figures are said to be in the frame as potential successors: war commander Major-General Apti Alaudinov, 52, who is viewed as trusted by the Kremlin, and Magomed Daudov, 45, the head of the Chechen parliament. Last month, the visibly ailing Kadyrov appeared to hint that he expected to die young. 'If you listen to the rumours, I won't live into old age,' he said. 'Well, I don't want to live into old age. I want to pass away while everyone loves and respects me. And [remembers me] that way after my death.' Kadyrov has long claimed to have brought peace to his war-ravaged region, but critics say this stability has come at the cost of severe repression and widespread human rights abuses, leading to extensive Western sanctions. For years, reports have suggested he is 'terminally ill', suffering from pancreatic necrosis and kidney problems. He has frequently appeared to struggle with walking and speaking and has shown dramatic fluctuations in weight. Opposition figure Mikhail Khodorkovsky has claimed Kadyrov is 'negotiating with Arab sheikhs about the safe evacuation of his family and the safety of his assets' in the event that Putin refuses to allow Adam or another son to inherit power in Chechnya. The increasingly frail warlord is also said not to trust doctors in Moscow and has previously alleged that he was 'poisoned'. A California mother, who was drunk and calling men from dating apps while her unattended two-year-old daughter fell and drowned in a pool, has been found guilty of the child's murder. Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, was found guilty of second-degree murder and felony child endangerment on Tuesday after her daughter, Danielle Pires, drowned in a pool at the family's home on September 12. Brassart told the court on December 22 that she had asked the little girl to let their dogs outside unsupervised before Brassart called the police 45 minutes later at 3.27pm. Pires was found floating in the pool as Turlock police arrived, with prosecutors arguing that Brassart did nothing to rescue the child, SF Gate reported. Danielle, who was just one week away from turning three years old, was later pronounced dead at hospital. Brassart said she could not make any actions to save her daughter due to being confined to a wheelchair following surgery on both of her ankles, according to a release from the Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero. However, an investigation revealed that Brassart had been driving her car, attended nail appointments and 'otherwise was able to be mobile without the use of the wheelchair.' According to a release from the DA's Office, Brassart also owned a walking boot and crutches in their home and video evidence showed in court displayed her walking and standing without the wheelchair. Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, was found guilty of second-degree murder and felony child endangerment on Tuesday after her daughter, Danielle Pires, drowned in a pool at the family's home on September 12 Pires was found floating in the pool as Turlock police arrived after being called at around 3.30pm, with prosecutors arguing that Brassart did nothing to rescue the girl, The investigation also revealed 'empty and full liquor bottles were found hidden throughout' Brassart's home and her blood alcohol content was .246%, according to the DA's Office. Investigators learned that, while Danielle was unattended, Brassart had been on the phone for 45 minutes talking with men from dating apps, SF Gate reported. Brassart had already been on probation for child abuse at the time of the incident after another child of the mother's had been hospitalized for consuming medicine. The child's father, Daniel Pires, who had gone to work that day, had allegedly asked Brassart not to consume alcohol with the child and she had been ordered by the court to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, the Turlock Journal reported. 'This was not her first time,' prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa told the jury. 'Six children she knows a child cannot be left unsupervised.' 'This is a case where the defendant knew, and she didn't care. She didn't care that her daughter was at risk; she didn't care that she wasn't watching her; because all she wanted to do was be selfish and get drunk,' Sousa argued according to the Turlock Journal. 'Danielle got justice today,' Julie Jean, a family friend, said, the outlet reported. 'She did not deserve what happened to her.' 'This was the result we were hoping for and believed in,' said Sousa. 'She not only failed in her duty to care for her child, but she did it in a way that was so reckless and indifferent to human life that her conduct amounted to that of second-degree murder.' Investigators learned that, while Pires was unattended, Brassart had been on the phone for 45 minutes talking with men from dating apps. Pictured: A general view of Brassart's street The Turlock Police Department said that the case 'represents one of the most difficult investigations our department has handled.' 'We acknowledge the jury's verdict and thank the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office for their prosecution of this case. Our thoughts remain with the child whose life was tragically lost,' the statement added. 'The Turlock Police Department conducted a thorough investigation and remains committed to protecting children and holding those responsible accountable under the law.' Brassart is facing 15 years to life in prison and is set to be sentenced on February 5. The Daily Mail reached out to the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office, Daniel Pires and attempted to contact Brassart's family for comment. A heartbreaking image has emerged of a firefighter pouring water on a koala to keep it cool as bushfires ravage Victoria. A Benalla Fire Brigade member was photographed helping the koala as it rested on a tree while thick smoke rose in the background. The dramatic image has captured the intensity of the bushfire season, which has been labelled the worst since the 2019 Black Summer bushfires. The infernos have left one person dead, at least 390,000 hectares scorched, and over 300 structures reduced to rubble. Several fires have been downgraded to Watch and Act, but authorities are still trying to control a number of blazes. Despite the downgrades, those caught up in the fires were warned the cool change that swept through the eastern states on Sunday morning would not necessarily bring relief, because erratic winds were complicating firefighting efforts. There are still 15 emergency warnings related to three fires in different parts of Victoria. 'Strong south-westerly winds may cause the situation to change at any time,' a Vic Emergency warning said. A firefighter pours cool water over the head of a distressed koala in Victoria on Sunday Other states are providing crucial help in the battle to contain the blazes with a contingent of 20 Western Australian firefighters now in Victoria after flying out of Perth on Sunday morning for a seven-day mission to help Victorian colleagues. Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said WA's help was much appreciated. 'Victorians are in peril, and Western Australians are stepping forward to help. It's really heartening,' he said. 'These people are the best of Western Australians, stepping forward with no notice to go the other side of the country to help their fellow countrymen and women in their time of need.' There are two major fires with emergency warnings the Walwa blaze in the state's north-east and a fire in the Otways region. The massive Longwood fire has been downgraded to a Watch and Act. On Sunday afternoon, Victoria Police confirmed that human remains were found about 100m from a car at the Longwood bushfire area, near the Victorian town of Seymour. Meanwhile, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan slammed 'fire tourists' for travelling to bushfire-ravaged towns to gawk at the devastation. A burnt-out property that was destroyed in the Longwood fire The bushfires have destroyed about 350,000 hectares of land in Victoria Allan condemned sightseers entering fire-flattened towns and delivered a sharp message: 'Stay away.' 'It is wrong to go into these fire grounds where it's unsafe and you don't belong there, and you'll be dealt with by Victoria Police,' she said. Emergency management commissioner Tim Wiebusch echoed her frustration, revealing that authorities had already intercepted unwanted visitors in restricted areas. 'Disappointingly, in the last 24 hours we've started to see some tourists or spectators heading into some of our fireimpacted zones,' he said. 'I can't emphasise enough, the state of disaster is now in place for 18 local government areas. Where those fireimpacted zones appear on the Vic Emergency website, those are the areas we do not expect to see visitors. 'Our clear message is that in the fireimpacted zones, these are not places for visitors, spectators or tourists; they are places for our emergency services and, when safe, local residents.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Allan on Sunday announced a $19.5million relief package for communities devastated by Victoria's bushfires. The biggest share, $10million, will go to farmers struggling to feed livestock after huge tracts of pasture were lost. The Longwood bushfire has now been downdgraded but two more are still of concern Prime Minister Anthony Albanese toured the fire-damaged town of Harcourt Another $5million will fund case support workers through the Recovery Support Program, assisting fire-affected residents with everything from lost documents to emergency help. A further $1.5million is earmarked for temporary accommodation for families who've lost their homes, while $1million will go towards mental health support as communities grapple with the emotional toll of the disaster. Australian businesses are navigating twelve major regulatory changes from merger approvals to privacy sweeps Australia has entered a new era of business regulation. From 1 January 2026, companies across the country must navigate a complex web of compliance changes that touch everything from corporate acquisitions to corner shop cash registers. The centrepiece is Australias mandatory merger control regime, which came into effect on 1 January 2026 and aims to identify and prevent anti-competitive acquisitions. For the first time, businesses contemplating an acquisition that meets certain thresholds must notify the ACCC and wait for approval before their proposed acquisition can proceed. The thresholds are precise. Where a transaction meets monetary thresholds including when the sum of revenue of the acquirer and target is 200 million dollars or more, and either the revenue of the target is 50 million dollars or more, or the transaction value is 250 million dollars or more, it must be notified for approval by the ACCC prior to completion. Assessment timelines stretch from 15 business days minimum to potentially 90 business days for complex Phase 2 reviews. Completing a notifiable acquisition without ACCC approval is a breach of the Competition and Consumer Act and could trigger enforcement action and large penalties up to 50 million dollars or 2.5 million dollars for individuals. Privacy under scrutiny Simultaneously, Australias privacy regulator began 2026 with its first-ever compliance sweep, conducting a targeted review of selected businesses privacy policies. The regulator is examining approximately 60 entities across six sectors where in-person data collection creates privacy risks. In announcing the sweep, officials said consumers often lack necessary information when confronted with in-person requests for personal data. When people are asked for their personal information from retailers, licensed venues, car hire companies or real estate agents, they often dont have access to all the information they might need to make an informed decision. This makes them vulnerable to overcollection of personal information and creates risks to their security and privacy. The sweep targets rental and property services, chemists and pharmacists, licensed venues, car rental companies, car dealerships, and pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers. Entities found to have non-compliant privacy policies may face compliance and infringement notices and penalties of up to 66,000 dollars. Cash remains king Major retailers now face new payment obligations. From 1 January 2026, most retailers must accept cash for in-person transactions of 500 dollars or less between 7am and 9pm for fuel and grocery purchases. The mandate applies primarily to large chains. Small businesses with aggregate annual turnover under 10 million dollars will be exempted from the mandate, however, the mandate will apply to small businesses that choose to share a trademark with a larger retailer. In confirming the policy, the government positioned it as essential for financial inclusion, stating it would be mandatory for fuel and grocery retailers to accept cash as payment for the essential goods. Maximum penalties for non-compliance reach 198,000 dollars. Queensland procurement transformation Queensland has implemented the most comprehensive government procurement overhaul in decades. Under the new Queensland Procurement Policy 2026, small, family, and regional businesses will be at the heart of how the government buys goods and services with clear targets, less paperwork, and greater transparency for taxpayers. The policy establishes a 30 per cent small and medium enterprise participation target for government contracts. Supporting Indigenous business growth with at least 3 per cent of annual procurement spend is now mandatory, alongside increased focus on female-led businesses and veteran-owned enterprises. The changes permanently remove the Best Practice Industry Conditions program. In announcing the reforms, officials said removing red tape, permanently scrapping BPIC, and focusing on value for money will improve productivity and drive the delivery of better infrastructure and services. Apprenticeship support reduced From 1 January 2026, apprenticeship incentives have been restructured to prioritise housing and clean energy trades. Maximum full-time payment reduced from 5,000 dollars to 2,500 dollars, paid over the first two years of an apprenticeship, for apprentices in an occupation and linked qualification on the Priority List. The change sparked immediate criticism from industry groups. Business representatives said small businesses rely on apprenticeships to build capability, bring new entrants into their industries and maintain a skilled workforce. Halving incentives with just four weeks notice will discourage employers from taking on apprentices at a time when many are already struggling to find staff. Hospitality, automotive repair, hairdressing and retail sectors face particularly severe impacts. Industry observers noted that current incentives already fall below what it costs venues to train a chef from scratch. E-bike safety mandates New South Wales has introduced the nations first comprehensive safety standards for lithium-ion e-mobility products. From 1 February 2026, e-mobility devices and their associated lithium-ion batteries must be tested, certified and marked prior to sale in NSW, in addition to compliance with the Product Standards. The requirements address fire risks. Fire and Rescue NSW recorded 90 incidents related to e-mobility products in 2022 and 2023, making them the single largest group of lithium-ion battery-powered devices associated with fires. Retailers, manufacturers and suppliers will face fines of up to 825,000 dollars for not complying with the new safety standards. Additionally, an Information Standard requires suppliers to provide clear and accurate safety information at the point of supply, with penalties of up to 5,500 dollars for non-compliance. Workplace hearing tests From 1 January 2026, New South Wales employers must provide audiometric testing to workers frequently required to use hearing protection to control noise that exceeds the exposure standard. For new workers, a baseline hearing test must be completed within three months of commencing their employment. The worker must then get a follow-up monitoring hearing test at least every two years during their employment. For existing workers employed before 1 January 2024, employers must ensure that hearing tests are conducted before 1 January 2026. More frequent hearing tests may be required for workers exposed to high, average noise levels throughout their work shift. The requirement affects businesses across manufacturing, hospitality, construction and other noise-intensive industries. Employers must organise and pay for the hearing tests. ACT payroll tax rises The Australian Capital Territory has implemented progressive payroll tax increases targeting large employers. From 1 January 2026, enterprises with annual Australia-wide wages over 50 million dollars face surcharges. Employers earning between 50 million and 100 million dollars will face a 0.5 per cent surcharge, and those with wages exceeding 100 million dollars will pay a 1 per cent surcharge. Enterprises with over 150 million dollars in annual wages will see a flat payroll tax rate of 8.75 per cent under the new system, starting 1 July 2026. The changes directly affect large companies with substantial payrolls and represent significant increases in tax liabilities for multi-jurisdictional employers. Merger transition window Businesses that engaged in informal clearance discussions with the ACCC before 2026 may avoid re-notification if their transactions are timed correctly. Voluntary early notifications are already in play as companies seek certainty before the new regimes full enforcement begins. The transition arrangements provide relief for deals already advanced before the mandatory regime commenced, though specific timing windows apply. Companies must carefully assess whether their transactions fall within the transitional provisions. Climate disclosure pressure While not a hard January 1 start for small and medium enterprises, 2026 is when pressure spreads down supply chains as larger firms must report climate-related financial disclosures. The first phase requires Group 1 entities to disclose climate-related risks and emissions across their entire value chain. Group 2 entities will need to comply from 2026, followed by Group 3 entities from 2027. Material Scope 3 emissions, being those generated from an entitys supply chain, must be disclosed from the second year of reporting. This creates cascading pressure on suppliers and smaller businesses to track and report their emissions even if not directly subject to the mandatory reporting requirements. The regime represents a permanent shift in corporate governance, requiring organisations to integrate climate considerations into their core financial and strategic processes with a new level of rigour. Payday super looms The most significant change for employer cash flow arrives mid-year. From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay their employees superannuation guarantee at the same time as their salary and wages, ending the quarterly payment system. This reform strengthens Australias superannuation system by ensuring employees receive their contributions more often, helping to reduce unpaid super. Under the new rules, employers will need to pay employees super contributions at the same time they pay their salary or wages so that the contributions reach the employees nominated account within 7 business days. Industry representatives described the reform as momentous, telling media the payday super will be the biggest single change across the super landscape in 2026. It will be a really momentous day, from 1 July when those laws come into effect. Supermarket scrutiny tightens While not yet law, enforcement posture from the ACCC is clearly tightening alongside cash and merger reforms. The competition regulator has signalled increased scrutiny on supermarkets and pricing conduct, building on public pressure around cost of living. The enhanced scrutiny complements the cash acceptance mandate and merger notification regime, creating a comprehensive regulatory framework targeting major retailers. Businesses should anticipate heightened compliance expectations and potential enforcement actions around pricing practices and competitive conduct. For small and medium enterprises, the changes present particular challenges. Many lack dedicated compliance teams and must balance new regulatory requirements against existing operational pressures and workforce shortages. The regulatory landscape continues evolving. Treasury and regulatory agencies have flagged ongoing reviews and potential adjustments based on implementation experiences. Businesses are advised to monitor official guidance channels and engage professional advisors to navigate the complex compliance environment taking shape across 2026. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Alleged Bondi Beach terrorist Naveed Akram is spending at least 16 hours a day locked up in a 'jail within a jail' in Australia's most secure prison. Akram, 24, spends his time alone in a cell at Goulburn Supermax, in NSW, which is also home to some of the country's most notorious criminals. The Goulburn Correctional Complex is known for its harsh isolation, often involving 24-hour lockdowns and extreme security. Akram and his father Sajid, 50, allegedly opened fire on a crowd, killing 15 people and wounding dozens more, at the Hanukkah by the Sea event on December 14 at Bondi Beach. Akram has been classified as a 'category AA' inmate, is a title reserved for those deemed at high risk of engaging in, or inciting others to engage in, terrorist activities. He's in an isolation facility at the jail while being monitored 24 hours a day by electronic surveillance equipment. The alleged terrorist does have access to a private yard where he can exercise for up to seven hours a day. And he's allowed supervised, pre-approved family visits, but all conversations must be in English. Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire on a crowd at the Hanukkah by the Sea event on December 14 at Bondi Beach Supermax, within the Goulburn Correctional Centre (above), is Australia's most secure jail, housing convicted terrorists, mass killer and organised crime kingpins Prisoners are watched very closely, with upgrades to electronic security including CCTV, telephone and audio monitoring, an X-ray machine and walk-through metal detector 'He is under strict isolation, it's the most secure facility in the country, with strict protocols for housing inmates who are deemed high risk, particularly those charged with terror-related offences,' a prison source told The Daily Telegraph. 'He is at extreme high risk to himself as well as from other inmates, given the nature of his charges. 'The management of that facility are highly trained, highly professional officers, well equipped to deal with any contingency. 'He's in a jail within a jail.' Akram's legal visits are not recorded but must be observed by Corrective Services officers while any phone call he makes, with the exception of those to his lawyer, is monitored. He has a concrete bed, desk, toilet and shower in his cell. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion last Thursday, 25 days after the alleged terrorist attack. Former High Court Justice Virginia Bell will lead the inquiry, despite opposition from some members of Australia's Jewish community over past rulings that overturned anti-protest laws. Akram has been classified as a 'category AA' inmate, is a title reserved for those deemed at high risk of engaging in, or inciting others to engage in, terrorist activities Even the televisions are kept behind perspex (above) in the cells Akram's allowed supervised, pre-approved family visits, but all conversations must be spoken in English (pictured, a cell in Goulburn Supermax) Ms Bell has been asked to look into the nature and prevalence of antisemitism and religiously motivated extremism. She will examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged terror attack and make further recommendations to strengthen Australia's social cohesion. Albanese initially argued a Royal Commission would be drawn out and divisive. The Metropolitan Police still has two sex offenders within its ranks and more than 300 serving officers have criminal records, it can be revealed. It comes despite Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley's pledge to crack down on 'bad apples' which has seen 1,500 rogue officers kicked out over the past three years. Details emerged after the force announced on Thursday, that 131 officers had committed crimes and misconduct after being allowed to join the force due to vetting and employment check blunders. Between 2018 and 2022, 17,355 officers and staff joined without the Met obtaining full employment references and more than 5,000 officers were not properly vetted. Now separate figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, show that 322 officers had criminal records at the end of last year. That is a rise of a third since November 2024, when 243 officers had cautions or convictions. The Daily Mail can reveal two of those officers committed 'non-contact' sexual offences in the mid-2000s, a lower category of offending including voyeurism, exposure, up-skirting, drink spiking and stalking. One officer was convicted before joining the force and the other was already in the job when found guilty. The Met has acknowledged that 'neither officer would be offered a job or gain vetting clearance today', raising questions about why they are still in the job. Official data shows there are 54 officers with a record of violence, 25 for drugs-related offences and 80 have committed theft or fraud. Between 2018 and 2022, 17,355 officers and staff joined without the Met obtaining full employment references and more than 5,000 officers were not properly vetted (file photo) Pc Cliff Mitchell was recruited despite having been accused of raping a child at the time of his application. He was later convicted on multiple counts of rape, including six against a child, and he was sentenced to 13 years behind bars There are also 50 officers who have committed drink driving, 37 have a record for public order offences and 60 for criminal damage. Those with a criminal past span all ranks. At the lowest level, 268 constables have a record. There are 43 sergeants, seven inspectors and two chief inspectors who have been cautioned or convicted. Two officers at the rank of superintendent or above have a criminal record. On Thursday, the Met acknowledged that an estimated 1,200 officers and staff should not have joined the force due to employment record check and vetting failures and would not pass more stringent checks today. Among those who slipped through the net was David Carrick, one of the UK's worst sex offenders now serving 37 life sentences for attacks on 14 women and Cliff Mitchell, a serial rapist who called himself 'the devil'. The Met is not the only force to have taken recruitment shortcuts. Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire, Merseyside, Thames Valley and Cumbria Police have all admitted they did not carry out full reference checks on new recruits after the last government announced a 3billion drive to recruit 20,000 new officers. A Met spokesman said: 'The [force] has launched an unprecedented drive to improve standards and build trust with officers and staff who failed to meet our standards being removed from the organisation over the past three years.' At Charity Beallis funeral on December 29, her adult son stood beside her casket racked with grief and anger - knowing that she was being buried without her beloved six-year-old twins, who died at her side. Charity, 40, and her two youngest children were found shot dead inside their Bonanza, Arkansas, home on December 3 - just one day after her bitter divorce from her abusive husband, Dr Randall Beallis, 56, was finalized in court. Earlier this year, Randall, a family practitioner, was convicted of battery after strangling Charity in front of their children. In the weeks before her death, Charity had also posted on social media about how domestic abuse can escalate to murder. Despite Charitys repeated warnings that Randall posed a danger to her and their children, a court decision meant the twins remains were released to their father last month - leaving Charity laid to rest alone. Charity's surviving son, John Powell, had hoped to bury his mother with his siblings. But he told the Daily Mail he has no idea where the children's bodies are now, or even if they've been buried - something he described as a final, 'sickening' blow to a family already shattered by an unimaginable loss. Its sickening, said Powell, 24. I was hoping to have them all in the same place, as they deserved and how they would have wanted it. Its just been a lot. I dont even know if the kids have been buried, or cremated, or where they may be. I dont know anything at the moment, because [Randall] has told me nothing. Its heartbreaking. The circumstances surrounding the killings remain under investigation. The Sebastian County Sheriffs Office has declined to say whether Randall is considered a suspect, and no arrests have been made. Randall has denied any wrongdoing and is cooperating with police. But Powell said he is convinced the deaths were the result of foul play and that suspicion should be focused solely on his stepfather, given his history of abuse and violence. Charity Beallis, 40, and her six-year-old twins were (pictured) found shot dead on December 3 Their deaths came just 24 hours after Charity's divorce from her husband, Dr. Randall Beallis, 56, was finalized in court Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Arkansas State Police, the U.S. Secret Service and Homeland Security, are assisting the Sebastian County Sheriffs Office in its investigation into the deaths of Charity Beallis and her two youngest children. The bodies were discovered during a welfare check at the $750,000, four-bedroom Bonanza home Charity had once shared with her ex-husband. Family members requested the check after Charity stopped responding to phone calls and texts. Charity and the two children suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Authorities have not disclosed any additional information, with autopsy results still pending. The last public update from the sheriffs office came on December 9, when officials said six search warrants had been served and another 12 were in progress - a level of investigative activity that goes beyond what would be expected in a clear-cut murder-suicide case. In a press release, the department said there was no ongoing threat to the wider public and no suspects had yet been named. Court records show Charity obtained a restraining order against Randall in February 2025 after he attacked her at home. She filed for divorce the following month, requesting sole custody of the twins due to the violence outlined in the order. Randall later pleaded guilty to domestic battery and was given a suspended sentence. Charitys son, John Powell (left, pictured with Charity's dad, Randy) told the Daily Mail he believes the deaths were the result of foul play and that suspicion should be focused on Dr. Beallis The horrifying discovery of Charity and the twins' bodies was made at the Beallis' $750,000 home in Bonanza, Arkansas, by police during a welfare check Despite the restraining order, Charitys family said she continued to fear for her safety in the months leading up to her death. In an exchange with his mother over the summer, Powell claims Charity confided that she was terrified of Randall. She told me she was going to need all the help she could get because she knew it wasnt going to end good if he didnt get what he wanted, Powell said. She was always worrying about something happening. She was fighting so hard to protect her kids. Powell said he also witnessed some of the abuse firsthand. In one confrontation with his stepfather as a teenager, Powell alleged that Randall slashed his truck tires during an argument - an account corroborated by court records. In earlier remarks to the Daily Mail, Charitys father, Randy Powell, said his daughter endured years of violence during her marriage. He beat her like youve never seen a woman beaten before, Randy said. 'The only way she could survive was to do what he said. She had to live by his rules or die. Both Powell and his grandfather believe Charity and the twins were murdered and reject the suggestion that their deaths could have been a murder-suicide. I can't picture my mom shooting with a gun and killing my little brother and sister at six years old. She had been fighting for their safety, said the younger Powell. She was terrified, and she was hoping that she could get out of there safe and go on with her life to become the person she always wanted to be. Randall (pictured) was facing domestic violence charges after he was arrested in February for choking Charity in front of the twins Three days after Charity and her children were found dead, a dumpster diver searching through trash about 15 miles from the Beallis home discovered a black garbage bag outside an apartment complex in Fort Smith containing Charitys belongings and intimate family keepsakes. Among the discarded items were photographs of Charity with her children, framed portraits, a childs painted artwork, and a delicate gold necklace belonging to Charity, engraved with the names of her children. It remains unclear how the items came to be discarded, but Powell said the discovery has only deepened his suspicions. Investigators with SCSO also called the discovery a red flag but declined to elaborate further. Powell said his concerns are compounded by another death close to his stepfather - that of his second wife, Shawna Beallis, who was found dead from an apparent gunshot in 2012. Police initially ruled her death a suicide, but Shawnas family suspected foul play. According to an incident report, police arrived at the home she shared with Randall on January 5, 2012. Randall opened the door and told investigators, She killed herself, per the records. Shawna was found dead in the couples bedroom. Randall told police he returned home from work because his wife was threatening suicide. After spending four hours at the house, he said he went back to work and later returned to find her dead. The medical examiner ultimately confirmed the death as a suicide. Then, the case was reopened briefly in 2021 after additional information was raised to local police. A report obtained by FOX24 states that Charitys father, Randy Powell, claimed Charity was involved in Shawnas death. Powell later denied he said his daughter was involved, only that she knew who pulled the trigger. Randall's previous wife, Shawna (pictured with her and the doctor's daughter), also died under mysterious circumstances in 2012 Charity's family believes the two tragic incidents are linked The case was closed again due to limited evidence. A relative of Shawnas, who asked not to be named for their own safety, told the Daily Mail they see disturbing parallels between her death and that of Charity and her children. They claimed Randall was physically abusive and would often 'fly into rages.' Shawna had too much to live for; she was like Charity, said the relative. But because he was Doctor Beallis, they didn't question him.' Powell said he shares Shawnas familys suspicions. Like his mother, Powell said he also lives in fear of Randall. Theres definitely something fishy going on, said Powell. I just dont know how there could be four lives lost to gunshot wounds in a little over a decade. And Im terrified for my life at this point. Because hes still out there. Having to watch your back everywhere you go is mentally exhausting, but I will continue fighting and speaking out until we get the truth. If Powell could speak with Randall now, he said hed simply ask where his siblings remains are, so he can start grieving their loss. Randall's attorney, Michael Pierce, told the Daily Mail last month that his client vehemently denies any allegations of wrongdoing. 'We hope that the Sheriff's office finds the truth about what happened to Mrs. Charity Beallis and their children. Mr. Beallis was not responsible for the death of Mrs. Beallis nor his children's deaths,' Pierce said. 'Mr. Beallis has given a voluntary interview and allowed access to anything requested by the Sebastian County Sheriff's office in their investigation.' If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step down as senior royals was followed by a nearly two-year media blitz about their time in the Firm. This culminated in the release of the Duke of Sussex's memoir Spare in 2023 that was notable for two reasons; first, it included several damaging claims about Prince Harry's family members. Writing about his older brother, the Prince of Wales, Harry, now 41, recounted how Prince William, 43, had 'knocked him into a dog bowl that cracked and cut his back' during a physical altercation about Meghan's behaviour towards Palace staff. What was worse for the Firm was that these intimate revelations were being drip-fed in the press as translators pored over pages of the book's leaked Spanish version in a spectacular publishing blunder. In his book, Charles III, Robert Hardman noted how 'the most carefully and expensively choreographed public relations operation in modern publishing history went careering off the tracks' three years ago. While Spare was due to be released on January 10, a bookseller in Spain accidentally put a few copies up for sale ahead of the 'globally enforced publication date' - as translated excerpts spread like wildfire around the world. Outside Buckingham Palace, these stories couldn't be printed fast enough as fans hung on every word of what Mr Hardman described as 'the most caustic and candid royal memoir ever written'. Behind the palace's closed doors, however, Prince William couldn't bring himself to read his brother's tell-all, as Mr Hardman revealed: 'His staff remain adamant that he and the Princess [of Wales] refused to open a book which has caused so much pain.' The release of the Duke of Sussex's memoir Spare in 2023 that was notable for two reasons; first, it included several damaging claims about Prince Harry's family members. It included several damaging claims about Prince Harry's family members, including his brother Prince William (pictured), that were being drip-fed after the Spare was leaked in Spain Prince Harry's ghostwritten memoir became the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever in Britain after it went on sale on January 10, 2023. More than three million copies of Spare were sold around the world in its first week alone, 1.4 million in the first 24 hours. The book was said to have been the result of a $20million deal with Penguin Random House and its widespread commercial success gave Prince Harry a new voice. Mr Hardman wrote: 'None could be unmoved by his account of his mothers [the late Princess Diana's] death and his part in her funeral procession.' The Duke also shared a number of personal anecdotes, including losing his virginity to an 'older woman' in a field outside a 'very busy pub' when Harry was 17. He wrote extensively about his experiences with drugs, including 'smoking a spliff' during his time at Eton as well as taking ketamine, cocaine, and magic mushrooms. Harry credited the use of psychedelic drugs with helping him deal with the 'grief' and 'trauma' he felt after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. He said they 'cleared away the idea' that he needed be sad to prove he 'missed' his mother as he got older. However, the book also took aim at many senior royals - including Harry's older brother and Britain's future King, William. The book was said to have been the result of a $20million deal with Penguin Random House and its widespread commercial success gave Prince Harry a new voice, as Robert Hardman noted 'none could be unmoved' by the Duke's emotional account of his mother Diana's funeral in 1997. Pictured: William, looking at the camera, and Harry, with his head bowed, at the funeral service in London on September 6, 1997 The Duke described an alleged physical altercation between William and Harry, when they began arguing abut the latter's wife Meghan on the eve of 'Megxit' in 2019. William is said to have branded Meghan 'difficult', 'rude' and 'abrasive' and insisted he was trying to help his younger brother during a meeting about 'the whole rolling catastrophe' of their failing relationship and Harry's rows with the Press. Harry accused his brother of 'parroting the Press narrative' about his American wife before a screaming match escalated into a physical fight. He said he gave William a glass of water and said: 'Willy, I can't speak to you when you're like this.' Insisting he was 'scared' of his brother, Harry continued: 'He set down the water, called me another name, then came at me. It all happened so fast. So very fast. 'He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor. I landed on the dog's bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me. I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out.' Elsewhere, he appeared to place part of the blame for his Nazi costume fiasco in 2005 on his brother and his now-wife Kate, as he claimed they thought it was funny. William was said to be 'mortified by Harry's casual betrayal of so many fraternal secrets', Mr Hardman quoted the prince's friends. Publicly, however, the heir to the throne didn't address any of Prince Harry's claims in line with the Royal Family's approach of 'never complain, never explain' - despite growing calls for comment. The Duke also shared a number of personal anecdotes, including losing his virginity to an 'older woman' in a field outside a 'very busy pub' when Harry was 17 However, the book also took aim at many senior royals - including Harry's older brother and Britain's future King, William - as Harry described a physical altercation between them over wife Meghan Markle's behaviour A senior adviser told Mr Hardman that William was briefed about the book's 'key points' but adamantly refused to read Spare after all the hurt it caused his family - including father King Charles and Queen Camilla, who Harry compared to a 'wicked stepmother'. William was being 'admirably grown-up' as he resisted pressure from the 'commentariat...to respond to some of the more incendiary charges' including claims about Kate, the author said It appeared he was also guided by a desire to uphold the Royal Family's values of privacy and stoicism - especially as future King - with one member of Prince William's team telling Mr Hardman: My boss would say: Whatever the rights and wrongs, I hope that people feel I behaved properly in keeping my counsel. 'You can imagine what he feels about this, especially regarding what has been said about his wife. But he is being admirably grown-up.' While Mr Hardman claimed the future King was briefed about the book, Sussex biographer Omid Scobie said William had 'read passages' of Spare following its release. In his book Endgame, Mr Scobie recounts meeting one of the royal's former aides and asking them whether William and Kate have made note of the 'difficulties of being the spare to the heir'. The source allegedly said: '[Prince William] has read passages but not the full thing... 'Harry's experience is very different to [that of William's] own children.' Mr Scobie - known for his sympathetic coverage of Harry and Meghan - also alleged that William had rebuffed his younger brother's attempts to set up a meeting shortly after Spare was published. He claimed Prince Harry tried to reach out to William on two separate occasions while visiting London - but to no avail. 'In February and March, the Prince turned to a mutual friend in London to try to set up a conversation with his brother, but the attempts were ignored,' Mr Scobie wrote. 'Harry, said a source, chose to "keep focused on the future, not the past."' The second cousins seem to share the same sense of humour If Prince Louis can be a handful at public engagements, his cousin Lena Tindall is certainly not far behind. The Prince and Princess of Wales's youngest child, Louis and Lena, the youngest daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall, are both seven and are already believed to be best friends. But their birth year isn't the only thing the two royal children have in common, as Lena and Louis seem to share the same sense of humour. Like her cousin, Lena can be seen pulling near-identical funny faces as Louis at the cameras - and even the grown-ups - during formal outings since her first official appearance during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. And no one seemed to be having a better time at Christmas than Lena when she joined the royals for their morning church service and walkabout in Sandringham last December. At one point, Lena's comical expression during an interaction with Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi was compared to Louis's trademark, wide-eyed and open-mouthed look of mock surprise seen on several occasions. And both Lena and Louis have separately stuck their tongues out at their mothers, with the youngest Wales photographed in a moment of mischief when he attended the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. From looking serious during fleeting moments of focus to the unbridled look of joy on their faces when accepting sweet treats, Lena and Louis are like two peas in a pod. Prince Louis's (left) crown as the most mischievous royal could soon be seized by a lesser-known youngster in the Firm: Zara Tindall's seven-year-old daughter, Lena (right) Lena Tindall (right), seven, is certainly giving seven-year-old Prince Louis (left) a run for his money, with the second daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall often caught pulling funny faces at the camera and getting up to mischief at public engagements Louis became an internet sensation when the then-four-year-old was spotted covering his ears during a flypast on Trooping the Colour in 2022. When he attended the Platinum Pageant alongside the Princess of Wales, Louis was seen sticking his tongue out at Kate - but it was later Lena who put him in his place. The pair got into a lighthearted spat during the official engagement when Lena glowered at Louis after he tried to grab her sweets. The sassy toddler then walked up to Louis's older brother Prince George to offer him one instead as social media users declared Lena 'was a whole mood'. One royal fan commented: 'This was such a funny moment!! They must make their parents go crazy when they are playing together!' Both Louis and Lena's mischievous sides have appeared to come out when they are with their mothers - with the prince (left) pictured sticking his tongue out at Kate at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in June 2022, while Lena was seen doing the same in January 2023 Another described the young royal duo as big 'characters' while several onlookers praised the pair for being 'so adorably normal' despite their royal upbringing. 'They're only a few weeks apart in age. I think this could be a long term rivalry!' a fan jokingly exclaimed. Held on June 5, 2022, the Platinum Pageant was the spectacular finale of celebrations to mark the Queen's 70-year reign. Yet the significance of the historic event was seemingly lost on the pair as they appeared more interested in winding up their parents. Louis's mischievous side was on full display as he sat alongside his mother with his mouth open, perhaps concealing what appeared to be a slight yawn, while he also kept the Princess of Wales entertained with his hilariously animated expressions. The historic event also marked Lena's first official public appearance, as the seven-year-old royal does not have a HRH title and has mainly been kept out of the spotlight by her conscientious parents. But the youngster, dressed in a denim jacket and adorable green headband, clearly knew how to make an impression and quickly rivalled Louis's widened eyes and look of comic disbelief as she sat on Zara's knee. At another point during the Platinum Pageant, Kate appeared to make a desperate attempt to reason with her understandably restless four-year-old, but was instead met with a defiant Louis, who stuck his tongue out in response. Lena copied her royal cousin when she attended the New Year's Day races at Cheltenham in 2023, as she was photographed recreating the pose. For the young royal duo, the annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham may have been rather taxing, with the pair both pictured making animated facial expressions that strongly resembled one another The mischievous resemblances between the two royal second cousins was also on clear display last Christmas - with Louis and Lena seen making facial expressions that showed their mouths hung open in bewilderment The now seven-year-olds were seen making a similarly adorable display of bewilderment that showed their new adult teeth Both Lena and Louis have been able to enjoy being a member of the Royal Family without a significant amount of pressure or royal duties placed upon them. Louis is fourth in line to the throne, while Lena is 24th Later that year, Lena joined several other members of the Firm for their annual Christmas festivities at Sandringham, Norfolk. But it appeared that the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church was perhaps slightly too long for then five-year-old Lena, with the animated young royal captured holding onto Zara's arm with her mouth held open. Lena clearly wasn't alone in her frustrations at the lengthy Christmas service, with Louis also captured making a face of seeming dismay while staring directly at the camera as he walked alongside his mother. Their copycat expressions were also on full display last Christmas, when Lena was seen clutching her jacket as she walked with her mouth wide open. When Prince Louis exited the church, he was also seen making a rather animated facial expression of bewilderment towards the camera that strongly resembled his cousin's demeanour. And when she made a second appearance at the Cheltenham races alongside her equestrian mother in the New Year, she wore an awe-struck expression. It strongly resembled Louis's adorable toothless grin adored by royal fans as he stood on Buckingham Palace balcony with the Royal Family for the VE Day celebrations in March last year. Panic is growing in Americas housing market as almost the entire country tips decisively into buyers market territory leaving just seven pockets where sellers still hold the upper hand. A buyer's market happens when homes for sale outnumber buyers, who are then in a strong position to negotiate lower prices, demand concessions, and take their time choosing the right property. The opposite is true in a sellers market, where limited homes and intense competition push prices above asking and leave buyers with little room to negotiate. Nationwide, there are 37 percent more sellers than buyers placing the country as a whole firmly in buyer's market territory. It is the widest gap in a decade, and a sign that price cuts are likely to spread. On a local level, the imbalance is even starker. Just seven metro areas remain sellers markets: six located in the Northeast and Midwest and one on the West Coast. Nassau County, NY, is the strongest seller's market, with buyers outnumbering sellers by around 40 percent meaning there are about 140 active buyers for every 100 homes listed for sale. Montgomery County, PA; Newark, NJ; and New Brunswick, NJ have also managed to cling to seller-friendly conditions. San Francisco, CA; Milwaukee, WI; and Cleveland, OH are the final metros where demand still clearly exceeds supply. Your browser does not support iframes. Nassau County, NY, is the strongest seller's market (pictured: homes in Nassau County) These areas have a few things in common: they all have stable and diversified job markets and a very tight housing supply, so demand stays strong even as national markets cool. Most are more affordable areas near big cities, so buyers who can't afford the core move there instead. Because they weren't heavily driven by investors, inventory stays low and sellers keep the advantage. Milwaukee realtor Ben Ambroch told the Daily Mail that, even though the city favors sellers according to housing data: 'I'd call it more of a balanced market than a sellers market.' Ambroch said that pricing is key sellers usually wont sell unless they get the amount they need for a comfortable monthly payment. With rates expected to remain stable in the new year, Ambroch anticipates that Milwaukee's market will stay fairly balanced. 'Overall, we still have affordable homes, low risk from climate events, and are attractive to buyers relocating from other markets, keeping us slightly favorable to sellers compared to national trends.' By contrast, many Sun Belt markets have softened, with rising inventory, slower price growth, and more negotiating power for buyers because of overbuilding and cooling demand. Buyers in Florida and Texas control the market by leaps and bounds. Sun Belt states have some of the strongest buyers markets because many areas overdeveloped when the market heated up during the pandemic (pictured: homes in Fort Lauderdale) Nashville (pictured) is another city that has been in buyer's market territory for many months Austin (pictured) had over 100 percent more sellers than buyers in November These states saw a buying boom during the pandemic, when people took advantage of low mortgage rates and set out to buy houses with space and sunshine amidst lockdowns. However, now the frenzied interest in those areas has calmed, but because more homes were developed to meet the momentary demand, there are far more houses for sale than people to buy them. Redfin senior economist Asad Khan When supply exceeds demand, prices decline, homeowners lose equity, and people who bought recently may even be underwater meaning they owe more than their home is worth. Austin, San Antonio, Nashville, and Fort Lauderdale all have over 100 percent more sellers than buyers an extremely concerning sign for the state of the housing market and the economy. In July, Redfin senior economist Asad Khan said that the last time the housing market was this buyer-friendly was during the 2008 financial crisis: 'Back then, inventory piled up as foreclosures surged, and demand was weak, meaning buyers had negotiating power.' Based on the latest Redfin housing report, Khan has a more optimistic outlook for 2026: 'A modest improvement in housing affordability could bring some homebuyers off the sidelines in 2026, which could narrow the gap between homebuyers and sellers.' 'But the housing market is likely to remain in buyer's market territory for the foreseeable future, with sellers cutting prices or offering concessions to lure buyers,' Khan said. American migration patterns are changing drastically as the rocky economy reshapes where and why people move. The long-standing flow from colder Northern and Midwestern states to the warmer South and West is continuing, but new migration patterns are emerging. These new patterns are driven first by the desire to be closer to family and then by job opportunities, a new study found. New data tracking interstate moves shows that some states are now attracting far more newcomers than they are losing with Oregon leading the country. In a study by relocation company United Van Lines, a moving company which tracked inbound and outbound household moves, Oregon recorded the highest share of inbound migration at 65 percent. Put simply, for every 100 people who used United Van Lines in Oregon, 65 moved into the state while 35 moved out. That pushed Oregon up from eighth place in 2024. People are being drawn to the Beaver State largely by growing job opportunities in tech and health care. The state's EugeneSpringfield metro area emerged as the strongest magnet of all, with 85 percent of moves there classified as inbound. The areas lower cost of living compared with other Oregon metros combined with its proximity to both Eugene and Portland has added to its appeal. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Oregon took the top spot for inbound migration for the first time ever in 2025, leading the list with the highest percentage of inbound migration at 65 percent West Virginia landed second on the list for inbound migration for its slower pace of life and cheaper living Inbound migration is now so high in Oregon, the report said, that it is likely to drive meaningful population changes, particularly in its metro areas. 'The data reveals Americans are seeking a different pace of life, and destinations like Oregon, the Carolinas and the south are delivering it,' said Eily Cummings, vice president of corporate communications at United Van Lines. '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.' After Oregon was West Virginia and third was South Carolina. Following those were Delaware, Minnesota, Idaho, North Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama and Nevada. While Americans are still heading to southern regions the Florida and the Carolinas for lifestyle and affordability, migration patterns are more even than they were in the Covid years, according to the report. The data shows a growing split by age. Younger Americans are increasingly moving to smaller, more affordable Midwestern markets, while older generations still tend to retire in the South though at lower rates than in the past. Michael A. Stoll, an economist at the University of California, Los Angeles, said: 'In general, population movement continues from North and Midwest regions to Southern states and again top inbound locations dominated by smaller to medium size metro areas,' he said. 'This reflects a legacy of Covid-era preferences for lower-density living, combined with the reality that housing costs continue to drive people toward more affordable regions.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Greenville, South Carolina, where Americans are flocking to for affordability and a better quality of life Oregon topped the list with the highest percentage of inbound migration (65 percent), moving up from number 8 inbound in 2024 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the fourth on the list of inbound migration in the US for its affordability Minneapolis, Minnesota, a state that landed on the popular inbound migration list from a new survey asking where Americans are moving A shift in moving patters saw people moving to Idaho, which is attracting professionals and families looking for an easier way of life Eily Cummings, vice president of corporate communications at United Van Lines Meanwhile, at the city level, younger millennials and Gen Z are picking New Jersey over New York City for its affordability. New Jersey has ranked among the top ten outbound for more than 15 years, according to the report. However, 21 percent of inbound moves to New Jersey were movers aged 18-34, as the state is considered a 'launch state' for younger families and those looking to start careers. It ranked high for outbound because of a high number of retirees leaving the state. While New York and California also pull ambitious job seekers, they also lose more people who are retiring and want affordability and lifestyle changes. New York and California both saw 58 percent outbound moves. Following those two states was North Dakota, then Colorado, Mississippi, and Massachusetts. The study also determined some states, like Illinois, were 'balanced,' with nearly equal inbound and outbound movement. A former Apple engineering program manager has accused the tech giant of exposing her and her neighbors to toxic chemicals at its Santa Clara chipmaking facility. Ashley Gjovik filed a federal lawsuit in September 2025 in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, claiming Apple's operations at 3250 Scott Boulevard violated environmental laws by mishandling and releasing hazardous substances. Gjovik alleged in the complaint that the apartment complex where she lived is located less than 300 feet from Apple's exhaust stacks. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people living within 300 feet of air pollution sources are exposed to higher levels of contaminants that contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Air monitors in her apartment allegedly detected spikes in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) around 3am multiple times, according to the lawsuit. She claimed to the Daily Mail that she moved out in October 2021 because she was constantly getting sick. 'I nearly died in 2020,' she said, describing symptoms that escalated to multiple emergency room visits. Gjovik also claimed in the lawsuit that other residents experienced similar problems, including asthma flare-ups and sleep disturbances. The complaint alleged that the emissions 'caused severe chemical poisoning of nearby residents, including documented presence of arsenic, mercury and industrial solvents in victim's blood and urine, consistent with acute toxic gas exposure.' The lawsuit was filed one month before the EPA reached a settlement with Apple over hazardous waste violations. Ashley Gjovik (pictured) filed a federal lawsuit in September in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, claiming Apple's operations at 3250 Scott Boulevard violated environmental laws by mishandling and releasing hazardous substances 'During a recent site visit, the EPA identified compliance issues at one of our facilities related to labeling, documentation and management of a conveyance system,' an Apple spokesperson told the Daily Mail. 'The issues posed no risks to the environment and were quickly resolved, and we remain deeply committed to protecting the environment everywhere we operate.' According to the EPA's official press release on the matter, inspections conducted in 2023 and 2024 found that Apple failed to properly store and label hazardous waste, did not adequately control air emissions and neglected required daily inspections - violations that created potential risks to workers and nearby residents. As part of the settlement, Apple agreed to upgrade its solvent waste handling systems, install new emissions-control equipment and pay a $261,283 civil penalty. Gjovik's lawsuit goes further, alleging that those violations placed thousands of residents at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. The lawsuit alleges that the 'Plaintiff had described the experience as "thinking she was dying" but did not realize she likely could have actually died.' However, Apple's motion to dismiss the filing claimed that the 'Plaintiff is a serial litigant, and Apple is her main target. 'This case is the latest in a series of cases and administrative actions she has filed against the Company over the same alleged environmental conditions near Apple's facility at 3250 Scott Boulevard in Santa Clara ("Facility"). Pictured is a Google Map image of the Apple facility (circled), sitting across from the apartment complex where Gjovik lived 'This case is not a legitimate environmental enforcement action. It is an attempt to resurrect claims dismissed or resolved elsewhere, including by this District.' Reports have suggested that Gjovik filed more than 25 legal claims, investigations or complaints against Apple in courts and agencies in the US and abroad. Many of her past claims have been dismissed or rejected by courts or agencies because they lacked merit, were filed too late or were already resolved. Gjovik was employed at Apple from 2015 until 2021. She joined the company shortly after it reportedly started semiconductor manufacturing in Santa Clara, and has claimed her 2021 termination was retaliation for raising environmental health and safety concerns. While the court dismissed some of her prior claims, it moved forward with her 2025 environmental citizen suit. The current status of the case is 'active and pending,' with recent docket activity including filings by Gjovik (eg, notices regarding Apple's motions) and no orders indicating dismissal or termination. In 2025, Gjovik said she conducted months of independent research into the site's history, reviewing land-use records, stormwater systems and regulatory filings. Apple has filed a motion to dismiss, claiming Gjovik is a 'serial litigant' and Apple is her 'main target' She compiled her findings into a 60-day notice and formal complaint, which she filed pro se - meaning she will represent herself. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to halt alleged violations, civil penalties, funding for supplemental environmental projects and a declaratory judgment regarding contamination at the site. It also invokes California's public nuisance law, alleging Apple's actions interfered with public health and safety. Apple's motion to dismiss the filing stated: 'She concedes that she moved across the country years ago, has no ongoing grievances resulting from the alleged violations, and has no continuing connection to the facility or the surrounding environment.' Gjovik has responded to these motions and requested case management guidance from the court. Approximately 3,000 residents currently live near the facility, and the complaint highlights potential risks to families using adjacent parks and playgrounds. Gjovik alleged in the complaint that she provided anonymized testimony and documentation to the EPA, which she said contributed to inspections and enforcement actions. America's food is being grown with human sewage tainted with toxic 'forever chemicals,' raising questions about what is ending up on dinner plates across the country. The treated sewage sludge, known as biosolids, is commonly spread on farmland as fertilizer because of its nutrient and organic matter content, even though it can contain 'forever chemicals. Formally known as PFAS, these human-made chemicals do not break down easily in the environment or the body and have been linked to cancers, hormone disruption and immune system problems. Nearly 70 million acres of US farmland could be contaminated with PFAS, according to estimates from biosolids industry groups. Virginia appears to be bearing a disproportionate burden, emerging as a major destination for PFAS-contaminated sludge pushed out of neighboring Maryland after that state imposed stricter limits. Virginia Sen Richard Stuart warned that the material is being spread on farmland without mandatory testing. 'The sludge is coming onto our fields, and it's got PFAS in it. The farmers don't want it, and the last thing they want to do is pollute the land from which they make their living,' Stuart told the Daily Mail. Residents in affected areas have reported health concerns and impacts on well water where biosolids are applied. The treated sewage sludge, known as biosolids, is commonly spread on farmland as fertilizer because of its nutrient and organic matter content, even though it can contain 'forever chemicals With no statewide PFAS testing requirement and regulatory limits still under debate, communities and lawmakers are pressing for action to stop the chemicals from entering the food supply. Virginia grows a diverse range of foods, ranking in the top 10 nationally for products such as poultry, apples, peanuts, and tobacco, making the issue particularly consequential for the U.S. food system. When asked if the PFAS in the sludge is accumulating in crops, Stuart said: 'You would think, right? 'You're getting PFAS in your body every time you use dental floss and eat something. What's the acceptable limit? I don't know the answer to that. What's the acceptable limit on land where you grow food? Stuart is currently working on legislation that would require anyone generating or applying biosolids to certify that the material is PFAS-free. He wants to begin with a zero-tolerance policy, though he acknowledges that such a standard may not fully pass, and instead aims to set limits lower than Maryland's. The proposal would allow random testing, with violators facing a minimum $5,000 fine per offense to help fund enforcement by the Department of Environmental Quality. Officials have warned that the sludge contains high levels of PFAS that could be making their way into American's food 'I think it's important that we at least meet or go below Maryland's threshold, because if we don't, they're going to keep sending it across the river with us,' Stuart said. 'The EPA guidelines are much higher than Maryland's threshold. So we're not going to be able to rely on the EPA.' Virginia currently has no specific regulatory threshold for PFAS in sewage sludge applied to farmland. Maryland limits PFAS in biosolids used on farmland to five parts per billion, barring higher concentrations from agricultural use, while the EPA has not set any federal numeric limit. In a Draft Risk Assessment, the EPA warned that exposure to certain PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, could pose health risks at levels as low as one part per billion, particularly for farmers and nearby communities. 'At a minimum, we've got to stop applying it on farmland while we figure out the rest of the problem,' Stuart said. 'Farmers don't want this, and we can't let it keep going into the food we eat.' Maryland first uncovered widespread PFAS contamination at wastewater treatment plants in 2023, prompting officials to restrict the use of sewage-based fertilizer to protect food and drinking water. As those restrictions took effect, biosolids operator Synagro began seeking permits to apply the same material on farmland across the border in Virginia. Synagro is controlled by a Goldman Sachs investment fund. Kip Cleverley, Synagro's chief sustainability officer, said in a statement that the fact that the fertilizer 'may contain trace levels of PFAS does not mean that they are contaminated.' A Synagro spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'Synagro supports legislation to remove PFAS from consumer products that may eventually get into waste products, including biosolids, and ultimately into our environment. 'We also support setting PFAS effluent discharge limitations on manufacturers and businesses. For the effective development of rules, we also support science-based standards for PFAS and biosolids. 'The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has already established PFAS guidance standards with tiered limits, and Synagro has opted to comply voluntarily with these standards while we and our stakeholders continue to collect more data. 'Consistent with the assertions of our municipal customers, Synagro believes that there is a need for additional data collection in order to help determine appropriate guidance standards.' Industry surveys from the National Biosolids Data Project estimate that about 18 percent of U.S. farmland, nearly 70 million acres, an area roughly the size of Nevada, may be treated with biosolids. The estimate includes only Class B biosolids, which require permits and reporting. Class A biosolids, which do not require the same oversight, are excluded, meaning PFAS contamination could be far more widespread than the data suggests. British deer could face the same fate as the red squirrel, experts have warned as a study reveals they are being outcompeted by a hardier, more aggressive species. Researchers have discovered that invasive sika deer are experiencing a population boom while our native red deer struggles to maintain numbers. The sika, which were introduced to Britain in the 19th century from east Asia, are smarter and more fertile than their British counterparts. They can also tolerate poorer habitats and weather, maintain better overall condition on the same feed and are harder to hunt. This species is recognisable by their small head and pointy antlers and have a grey winter coat which turns brown with white spots during the summer months. Now, experts are warning that the UK needs to focus culls on the invasive species to secure the future of our majestic native deer. If efforts are unsuccessful, the red deer could face the same fate as red squirrels, whose numbers have been decimated as a result of the introduction of the grey squirrel from North America, experts say. A study, published in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence, looked at deer populations on estates in Scotland. A herd of red deer stag are pictured in the bracken in Richmond Park, south west London early in the morning of January 3 The sika are recognisable by their small head and pointy antlers and have a grey winter coatwhich turns brown with white spots during the summer months Analysis showed that despite increased culling, sika populations grew by 10 per cent in 202425 while the red deer population declined by 22 per cent. Scientists have now warned that the sika's advantages could see the red deer struggle to survive, as current culling approaches do not discern between species. Calum Brown, lead author of the study from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and cochief scientist at Highlands Rewilding, said land managers were 'finding equivalents' in deer populations with what happened to red squirrels. 'It is often mostly sika and there are very few native deer around, and that might be something that happens more and more,' he told the Sunday Telegraph. 'We could actually move in the wrong direction if sika gets a toehold across larger areas.' It is possible the situation in Scotland is being replicated across the country, he said, adding that a national and local strategy needs to be introduced to better control deer populations. 'Sika do better in poor weather and with poor resources,' he added. 'They do better on limited food, they can survive without problems at high densities that would cause issues for other species, they breed more, and when you combine that with their tolerance for poor conditions it means the populations are growing faster than native species. The natural advantages that sika have in each stage of their life cycle, which make them more likely to outcompete native red deer in the same area, Analysis showed that despite increased culling, sika populations grew by 10 per cent in 202425 while the red deer population declined by 22 per cent. Pictured: Red deer at Raby Castle 'They're then really hard to cull too and they are a very clever species. They learn and adapt very quickly. They seem more tolerant of parasites and pathogens and they eat a wider range of things.' Experts also warned that sika and red deer can mate and that the hybrid young may also have competitive advantages that make it even harder for native deer to thrive. 'Our article highlights the risk that, by managing all deer in the same way, we could inadvertently favour Sika deer over native species,' Highlands Rewilding said. 'Without strategic action, Scotland could find itself with a landscape increasingly dominated by a species that is more invasive, more prolific and harder to manage than its native cousins.' With the launch of a new airline and the recovery made by a struggling one, Vietnamese air travel is set to see more competition this year, analysts said. Already this year Sun PhuQuoc Airways, which began flying last November, and budget carrier Vietjet Air have received new aircraft. SPA now has six jets and Vietjet has over 100, of which more than 20 were added in the last month. The newcomer has also been ramping up personnel recruitment since its launch. Struggling Bamboo Airways was bought back by property developer FLC Group last September and has since been expanding its fleet. Analysts at securities firm MBS expect Vietnamese airlines' fleet expansion to outpace passenger growth in 2026. "The entry of Sun PhuQuoc and the return of Bamboo Airways after restructuring will put pressure on other companies in the sector." The competition would be especially fierce between the three smaller airlines, Sun PhuQuoc, Bamboo and Vietravel Airlines, it added. SPA plans to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft and start operating international flights as early as this year. Bamboo has eight planes and aims to add eight to 10 more every year until 2030 and expand its network. Most of its current flights are between Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and a few other tourist destinations. Vietravel Airlines, backed by conglomerate T&T Group, only has three aircraft despite earlier plans to have 10 by the end of last year. MBS said the growing competition is unlikely to affect Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines, who account for 90% of the aviation market, as they mostly focus on expanding their international networks. In the last two years Vietjet added services to Northeast Asia, India and Australia while Vietnam Airlines launched long-haul flights to Europe. Aircraft of Vietnamese airlines at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, September 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy But the two have to compete with foreign airlines, many of which began flying to Vietnam last year, and not just on prices but also service quality, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam warned. Some 28 aircraft, mostly belonging to the two, are under maintenance with engine issues. Geopolitical factors impacting fuel prices and international route networks, and flight delays due to abnormal weather and traffic congestion at major airports are also likely to pose challenges to Vietnamese airlines this year, the agency said. Analysts said the number of passengers grew last year and is expected to again do so this year. Data from the aviation authority shows the number last year was 83.5 million, including 44.6 million international passengers. Vietnam ranks 8 among Asia-Pacific's biggest aviation markets, according to data from the International Air Transport Association. Sheldon Hee, regional vice president of Asia-Pacific at the International Air Transport Association, said over the last decade Vietnam has ranked among the 10 fastest growing aviation markets in the region. But Vietnamese airlines still have plenty of room for growth as the country only has direct flights to around 30 countries while Thailand and Singapore are connected with over 50, he said. "The number of international visitors to Vietnam is rising, reflecting the countrys growing appeal. Demand among Vietnamese travelers for overseas travel is also increasing." An individual who worked on the set of Netflix hit Stranger Things has revealed what Millie Bobby Brown is like off camera. The hit show recently wrapped up its five-season run, which spanned across a decade. Viewers saw Millie, 21, play key character Eleven - aka Jane Hopper/Ives - for the series' entire duration. On a Substack blog called St Luke's Sketchbook, Dominic Morlino wrote about his experience working as a production assistant (PA) on the set. Already having a desire to become a filmmaker, he and a friend landed PA positions via the friend's father, who worked on the crew. The friend, Jacob, began working on set first in June 2021 - with Dominic later getting the call to join him in mid-July. A former Stranger Things production assistant recalled his experience meeting Millie Bobby Brown (R) on set Millie, 21, played the key character of Eleven throughout the entire five-season run of Stranger Things The highly anticipated finale saw the heroes face off against bad guy Vecna for one final battle in fictional Indiana town Hawkins Recounting his early moments on set - including meeting Millie - Dominic penned: 'Jacob calls: hey do you want to meet Millie Bobby Brown? 'She was super nice and gave me a hug on meeting me. 'Apparently she loves getting to know everyone on set, especially the PAs. I dont even think she was filming that day, she just wanted to hang out. 'Also, good for her for not being freaked out by COVID; this was 2021 and everyone else in CA and Atlanta still was.' He was interested to speak with the script supervisor - thinking it could be a good pipeline for his career. Although Dominic did not get the opportunity, he recalled overhearing a conversation the script supervisor had with actors Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo, who play Mike and Dustin respectively. Dominic wrote: 'From the little conversation I overheard, they were talking about how different season 4 was from season 1, where they didnt have craft services (24/7 snacks on set) or a video village (a tent with monitors for immediate playback of shots for directors/producers/actors). 'It sounded to me like Matarazzo was playfully lamenting how big the show had gotten, but maybe that was just me.' As the new guy, Dominic had the unenviable task of remaining until all trucks were packed and headed out. He left the set at 2am, having arrived at 7am the previous day - doing a 17 hour shift altogether. While Dominic waited to be called back for more days on set, this ultimately never came to pass. He said: 'I got my one day on set and that was it. Honestly, I kinda knew thats how it would go. I truly wasnt needed that day. There were like 10 other PAs and I was the extra extra help.' Despite this, a contact he met during his time on the Stranger Things set got him some work on a Rob Lowe Netflix film called Dog Gone. Elsewhere, Stranger Things fans were convinced that a secret 'missing' final episode would land on Netflix on January 7 - after spotting a series of clues through season five. (From L to R): Stranger Things stars Noah Schnapp (Will), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin) and Finn Wolfhard (Mike) Stranger Things premiered on Netflix in 2016 and made its young stars household names, including Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard 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. They suggested the finale was just an illusion created by show villain Vecna - who is still alive. Fans took 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). Members of the Wheeler family, including Nancy, Mike and mum Karen (Cara Buono) also debut hairstyles that are eerily similar to Henry's. However, ultimately no episode dropped on that date - proving the theory was untrue all along. All seasons of Stranger Things are available to stream on Netflix. The iconic Emmerdale post office is going up for sale this month with bidding set to begin - but with a major catch. Situated in Esholt, a village near Bradford, the property is very familiar to soap viewers for its use in the long-running ITV soap. The post office has appeared in hundreds of scenes, becoming a staple landmark for the progamme. However, the building will be going under the hammer this month after being put up for auction. Last month, local resident and Emmerdale fan Helen Myers bought the post office business itself. The post office business continues under the new ownership and is on a six-year lease that will be up for renewal in 2031. Emmerdale's iconic post office building is going up for auction later this month - but there's a catch Situated in the village of Esholt, the property is very familiar to soap viewers for its use in the ITV soap The post office has appeared in numerous scenes, becoming an iconic location on the programme The catch is that you won't be able to move in and will instead have to take it on as a landlord, with the premises generating an annual rental income of more than 11,000. Emmerdale relocated to Esholt from the soap's original filming base of Arncliffe in Littondale. In 1998, filming moved to a set on the Harewood estate when Esholt's time as home of the show concluded On January 28, the building will appear in an online auction held by Pugh, part of Eddisons, with a guide price of 200,000. The online auction opens on 27 January and closes the following day. Auctioneers say the sale offers the chance to acquire a building with both commercial potential and television heritage. Pugh director Will Thompson said: 'Esholt post office is not only an attractive and characterful building in a sought-after village, but it also has a special place in the hearts of Emmerdale viewers across the country. 'The business sold before Christmas to a new owner who is enthusiastic about running the post office as a real community asset for the people of Esholt - and the auction of the property itself is an exciting opportunity for buyers looking for something genuinely unique.' It comes as Emmerdale recently joined forces with fellow ITV soap Coronation Street for the explosive Corriedale crossover. Earlier this month, Emmerdale came together with fellow ITV soap Coronation Street for the explosive Corriedale crossover The one-off event saw characters from both shows involved in a terrifying car pile-up - and not everyone made it out alive. Coronation Street's beloved vicar Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) perished after villain Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) left him to die. While Emmerdale killer John Sugden's (Oliver Farnworth) reign of terror finally came to an end, as he met his maker. Ahead of the special, soap boss Iain McLeod shared his verdict on the shows' futures post-Corriedale. He told The Sun: 'People love Corrie and people love Emmerdale and their distinct entities. 'They have their own tone of voice and their own sense of humour and their way of telling stories, and they wouldn't blend long-term at all. 'I think it's brilliant to bring them together for this but no, there are no plans to do anything similar in the future. 'Sorry to be the killjoy, those of you who were hoping there was more.' Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX. Matt Richardson has accused his former bosses at Xtra Factor of 'lying to him' as he revealed the brutal way he found out he was axed. The comedian, 34, presented the spin-off show over 12 years ago alongside Caroline Flack before he was let go. In a new TikTok video, Matt told his followers that he found out he was being sacked after reading it in the news. He explained how his bosses at Fremantle originally 'lied' and denied that he was being fired, only to find out days later he was axed. Speaking about his departure, Matt said: 'I found out in the newspaper that Xtra Factor were letting me go - true story!' 'For those who don't know I did the Xtra Factor back in 2013, me and Caroline Flack and we did a series together. It had gone ok-ish. I was quite inexperienced; they didn't quite know what to do with me. Matt Richardson, 34, has accused his former bosses at Xtra Factor of 'lying to him' as he revealed the brutal way he found out he was axed The comedian, 34, presented the spin-off show over 12 years ago alongside Caroline Flack before he was let go (pictured together in 2013) 'I changed agents, and then we're in March, April time. We were talking about the next year and I'd seen the exec and he was like, "It's all good, it's going to happen again, really excited to go again". 'The channel were like, "Yeah we think it went well, we'll go again". All of a sudden, some news stories start to appear in the papers and they're like, "Matt and Caroline are being fired from the Xtra Factor". 'Then my agent is then ringing Xtra Factor, production company Freemantle and the channel going, "What's going on?" 'They're going, "Rubbish, don't listen to them, how dare they write that stuff". That went back and forth. More stories and then we rang up one day and they were like, "Actually, we're going to get rid of you. Bye". 'Okay then, why lie? Why say you weren't going to get rid of me. Just say that you are, rip off the bandaid.' Daily Mail has contacted Fremantle for comment. The show's hosts previously included Holly Willoughby, Caroline and Konnie Huq and Fearne Cotton. The show was last presented by Rylan Clark and Matt Edmondson in 2016, before it was axed entirely. In a new TikTok video, Matt told his followers that he found out he was being sacked after reading it in the news Matt was also set to host the Xtra Factor in 2011 before he was replaced at the very last minute by Olly Murs Rylan and Matt Edmondson took over from Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom in 2015. Sarah Jane Crawford presented the show in 2014. Olly Murs and Caroline Flack presented in 2011 and 2012 while Caroline and Matt Richardson joined up 2013. Matt was also set to host the Xtra Factor in 2011 before he was replaced at the very last minute by Olly Murs. Until series three, The Xtra Factor was hosted by Ben Shephard. Fearne Cotton took over as presenter, for series four only, before leaving the show to concentrate on her career in America. Fearne was replaced by presenter and close friend Holly Willoughby. Willoughby first presented The Xtra Factor on 9 August 2008, a week before series five was broadcast. Konnie Huq replaced Willoughby as the new Xtra Factor presenter for series seven. Coronation Street will reveal all about newcomer Jodie's mysterious connection to Emmerdale character Graham Foster, after she was seen escaping from his clutches in shocking scenes from the Corriedale special. The historic episode saw the residents from both Weatherfield and the Dales, brought together in a catastrophic car pile-up, with several people not making it out alive. But the biggest shock of the night, saw the return of Andrew Scarborough as Graham, six years after he was killed off from Emmerdale. Hiding his face under his hood for the majority of the jam-packed episode, he was seen driving a van with a tied up Jodie, played by Olivia Frances Brown, in the back. She managed to get out of her restraints and took off running into the woods with Graham in hot pursuit, before she was thankfully found by police officer Kit Green (Jacob Roberts). Since the crossover, Corrie fans have discovered that Jodie is none other than the sister of Shona Platt (Julia Goulding), with both women sharing the same tree tattoo. Coronation Street will reveal all about newcomer Jodie's mysterious connection to Emmerdale character Graham Foster, after she was seen escaping from his clutches in shocking scenes from the Corriedale special The historic episode saw the residents from both Weatherfield and the Dales, brought together in a catastrophic car pile-up, with several people not making it out alive But the biggest shock of the night, saw the return of Andrew Scarborough as Graham, six years after he was killed off from Emmerdale But, the reason for why she was fleeing for her life from a seemingly back-from-the- dead Graham has yet to be revealed. However, series producer Kate Brooks, has confirmed that viewers will get answers about Jodie's past, and why Graham had her tied up in his van. She told The Mirror: 'We will reference what happened, we'll find out exactly why she was in that van, we'll find out what her link to Graham is. 'We'll reveal what went on between them, and how Jodie ended up running for a life and what Graham's role was in it all. It's a story that goes on to be really big as we get into spring and summer.' Meanwhile, Emmerdale's producer Laura Shaw has said that Graham's shocking return will also cause ripples in the Dales. In a statement this week, she said: 'A familiar face is returning to the village full-time! None other than Graham Foster will make a sensational comeback. 'His return will have massive repercussions for both Kim, with whom he shares a complex love and hate relationship, and Rhona, who was about to run away with him. 'Graham will explain exactly what happened six years ago when he was killed, but the question will be whether Joe can ever forgive his father-figure for allowing him to believe he was dead.' Since the crossover, Corrie fans have discovered that Jodie is none other than the sister of Shona Platt ( Julia Goulding), with both women sharing the same tree tattoo (pictured together) However, series producer Kate Brooks, has confirmed that viewers will get answers about Jodie's past, and why Graham had her tied up in his van Confirmation that she was her long-lost sibling came this week, after Shona gave birth to a baby girl named Harper, and watching through the window, Jodie identified herself as the newborn's auntie Jodie was reunited with her sister after being taken to the same hospital, after Shona went into premature labour after the crash. Catching a glimpse of Shona in the corridor, she was seen frozen in shock, with the doctor saying she looked like shed seen a ghost. Confirmation that she was her long-lost sibling came this week, after Shona gave birth to a baby girl named Harper, and watching through the window, Jodie identified herself as the newborn's auntie. Coming to congratulate the family on their bundle of joy, Shona confirmed to her husband David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd): 'I know who that is' before Jodie added: 'Hi sis'. However, while Shona apologised for losing touch with Jodie, she declared it wasn't a good time for the sibling to rekindle their relationship, telling her she'd get in contact when things had settled down. The soap is expected to delve further into Shona's past, as she finally reconnects with her sister after years apart. Greg Evans made his mark as one of Australia's most beloved television hosts. In recent years, he has shunned the limelight, living a quiet life as a wedding celebrant. But the 72-year-old resurfaced this week to share an update on his health after undergoing quadruple heart bypass surgery just two days before Christmas. Evans discovered the health issue after visiting a GP who then sent him to a cardiologist. The specialist discovered blockages in Evans' heart which were so serious that he was rushed into emergency surgery the following day. 'I found out that I had coronary heart disease,' the television star told the Herald Sun on Sunday. Greg Evans made his mark as one of Australia's most beloved television hosts. In recent years, he has shunned the limelight. Pictured with his wife Sue 'It was bad news. It was too bad for them to put a stent in or anything like that and I was told "you need open heart bypass surgery".' Evans says he was 'very, very lucky' that the issue was caught when it was, and says he is now on the mend. 'I've been told it will be a few months before I am feeling a lot better and maybe six months before I'm back to normal, but I am getting better and stronger each day,' he said. Evans has put his television career largely behind him in recent years. In the 1980s, the charismatic star was the face of Perfect Match, the country's most beloved dating show. In 2022, he emerged in an advertisement for Super Sleeper Pro mattresses, which aired on Sky. Greg hosted Perfect Match on Channel Ten between 1984 and 1989, overseeing the union of thousands of couples. After a break in 1990, the show returned in 1991, now called Blind Date, again with household name Evans at the forefront. It was in 2007 that the television icon had his sea change - turning his interests to becoming a marriage celebrant Collectively, Greg hosted 1,400 episodes of the show and was nominated for a Gold Logie three times. In 1992, he moved on to radio, hosting Melbourne's number one breakfast talkback radio show on 3AW. He went on to host a drive time show on 104.3 GOLD FM in 1994 before moving to the network's breakfast slot in 1996. A return to television followed in 1997, with Greg helming Channel Ten's Monday to Friday. The big screen then beckoned, with the star scoring an acting role in The Craic in 1999. Between 1999 and 2002, Greg starred on Melbourne Talk Radio Station 3AK, before joining Radio 3MP between 2005 and 2006. In 2001, he appeared in the comedy series Pizza, in the relevant role of the Dating Show Host. It was in 2007 that the television icon had his sea change - turning his interests to becoming a marriage celebrant. Greg hosted Perfect Match on Channel Ten between 1984 and 1989, overseeing the union of thousands of couples In 2022, he emerged in an advertisement for Super Sleeper Pro mattresses, which aired on Sky Greg graduated from The International College of Marriage Celebrants that same year. Much like he did on television, Greg has united hundreds of couples in love, and is currently working as 'Melbourne's premier marriage celebrant'. His social media documents just some of hundreds of weddings he has officiated, with the former host clearly loving his duties. Greg and his wife of almost 50 years, Sue, have taken to the road in recent years, travelling around Australia in a caravan. They split their time between an apartment in Melbourne and a lakeside cottage in Bonnie Doon before heading out on adventures. Former Married at First Sight star Lucinda Light has taken to social media to update followers after the raging bushfire in Victoria threatened to destroy her regional property. The 44-year-old, who is currently in London, shared the shocking news that her elderly mother has fled her property on The Great Ocean Road south of Bells Beach. The state is under a total fire ban after bushfires have killed one person, destroyed at least 10 homes, and razed more than 50,000 hectares of bushland. In a lengthy and emotional post she shared on Sunday morning, Lucinda said her mother and nephew left the area because it was no longer safe. Alongside a confronting image of the raging bushfire and smoke-filled sky, Lucinda's Instagram message also paid tribute to firefighters currently battling the blaze. 'My heart's been heavy watching the fires in my home state of Victoria, Australia, the last couple of days,' she began. Former Married at First Sight star Lucinda Light has taken to social media to update followers after the raging bushfire in Victoria threatened to destroy her regional property The 44-year-old, who is currently in London, shared the shocking news that her mother has fled her coastal property. Pictured: Longwood, Victoria, north of Melbourne 'So many places have been ablaze and are under immediate threat. 'We love our sunburnt country, our land of sweeping plains but come summer, soaring heatwaves and fires regularly threaten our homes, farms, animals and our people. 'My mum and nephew, Willow, have evacuated from our home on the Great Ocean Rd. Mum felt it safer to go to her sister's on the Peninsula...' Lucinda declared 'massive gratitude' to the 'wonderful and brave' firefighting folks and all the volunteers who have tirelessly fought to contain the fires. She continued: 'Bloody legends! To all those that have lost their homes - I'm so f***ing sorry. 'I just checked numbers online and about 130 so far have been destroyed. Question: Have you made a fire escape bag with first aid kit, spare water, blanket, torch etc? What's in yours? 'Stay safe. Look out for your neighbours. It happens all so quickly! My love and thoughts are with you all from London,' she said and signed the message, 'Lu' with a kiss. Meanwhile, Getaway host Livinia Nixon also shared her feelings about the human cost of the natural disaster. Meanwhile, Getaway host Livinia Nixon also shared her feelings about the human cost of the bushfires Livinia then shared she had a personal connection to Fowles Winery, which she visited, and has now been destroyed 'Heartbroken to hear of the devastation around Victoria with the bushfires,' she said in a recent Instagram story. She then shared she had a personal connection to Fowles Winery, which she had visited, and which has now been destroyed. 'So much work poured into that property, and the fires ripped through, decimating everything in its path. Sending love to all in unimaginably stressful times.' Bachelor star Alex Nation also took to her Instagram to share how she has been touched by the bushfires. Posting a photo taken from her driveway, the image showed a gigantic, ominous cloud of smoke rising over the horizon just outside her home. She also shared a very harrowing message on another news photo that showed a plane flying amid a sickening cloud of thick smoke. 'Last night, life felt like it was balanced on a knifes edge,' she began. Referencing her earlier post, Alex, 35, added that watching the hill just outside her home was the 'hardest part' of the ordeal. 'Communities are losing homes, livelihoods, pieces of themselves, and the grief of that loss hangs thick in the air, even from afar.' The mother-of-three went on to praise the hard work and bravery of emergency service workers and volunteers. 'And through it all, there is nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for our firefighters, SES workers and volunteers,' she added. 'The courage it takes to stand in front of something so fierce and unpredictable is beyond words. They are risking their lives to protect strangers, homes, forests, livestock, wildlife, beloved pets and futures.' Premier Jacinta Allan announced overnight a state of disaster had been declared across 18 local government areas and the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, as authorities in Wahring warned some communities had been 'completely obliterated'. She said the declaration was made due to the threat to life or property and 'sends a clear message to those who have been advised to leave: If you can, you must'. State authorities have described the crisis as the worst bushfires since the 2019-2020 Black Summer blazes. Freddy Brazier's pregnant ex-girlfriend, Holly Swinburn, has revealed she is expecting a baby girl. Holly, 22, who split from Freddy, 21, in November and is due to give birth at the end of March, shared that the former couple plan to honour Freddy's late mother, Jade Goody, by using her name. Speaking to The Sun, Holly said: 'Im so excited to be having a baby girl. 'We like the idea of Jade as a middle name. I told Freddy I would happily call the baby Jade as a first name if thats what he wanted. 'But I think he felt it might come with too much expectation, pressure and comparisons.' Holly went on to reveal that she loves the name Isla as a first name and believes using Jade as a middle name would be a nice way for them to honour his mother's memory. Freddy Brazier's pregnant ex-girlfriend, Holly Swinburn, has revealed she is expecting a baby girl (both pictured last October) Holly, 22, who split from Freddy, 21, in November and is due to give birth at the end of March, shared that the former couple plan to honour Freddy's late mother, Jade Goody, by using her name (Jade pictured 2005) Sharing ultrasound pictures with the publication, Holly said she and Freddy are thrilled to be having a girl and confirmed that he has attended scans with her. Jade died from cervical cancer aged 27 in 2009, when Freddy was just four years old, and his brother Bobby was five. Elsewhere in the interview, Holly revealed that Freddy's father, Jeff, 46, has been encouraging the former couple to prepare for parenthood, describing him as 'a big help' and 'very generous'. The news comes after Holly revealed that she ended her relationship with Freddy after discovering he had 'partied with girls and smoked cannabis in her home' while she was abroad. Holly said she had been on a pre-booked family holiday when she learned that Freddy had invited multiple people back to her flat and left her dog Pablo alone for long periods. Speaking for the first time after their split, Holly claimed that she had supported Freddy emotionally and financially, but the situation became untenable once she discovered what had happened in her home during her trip. She added that lots had been said which was false, and she felt like she needed to have her say. Speaking to The Sun via a video, she said: 'While I have been on a pre-booked holiday with my mum, nan and brother, I trusted Freddy with my house and my dog Pablo. Speaking to The Sun, Holly said: 'Im so excited to be having a baby girl. We like the idea of Jade as a middle name. I told Freddy I would happily call the baby Jade as a first name if thats what he wanted' Jade died from cervical cancer aged 27 in 2009, when Freddy was just four years old, and his brother Bobby was five (pictured 2006) Elsewhere in the interview, Holly revealed that Freddy's father, Jeff, 46, has been encouraging the former couple to prepare for parenthood, describing him as 'a big help' and 'very generous' 'Ive since found out that the dog was left alone for long periods, and Freddy was bringing people into my home without my permission. 'He messaged me at 3am with a picture of five people, including two girls. He told me he had been in my flat smoking weed with them.' Holly went on to say how her neighbours had complained about the noise, and she knew that she could not put up with any more, so she decided to end things for good. Wearing a pastel yellow halter neck dress, whilst walking in Krabi Island, Thailand, Holly revealed that she also faced verbal abuse from both Freddy and his grandmother, Jackiey Budden. She claimed the pair regularly insulted her and made degrading comments about her appearance, calling her fat, a s**g and a w***e. The 'whirlwind romance' started after Freddy contacted Holly in June on TikTok, where she boasts over 90k followers. She said that whilst she tried to stay in the relationship for the sake of their unborn child, ongoing arguments, trust issues, and concerns around Freddys behaviour led her to walk away. Freddy's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We are aware of the claims that have been made and have made the decision not to address them at this time. 'Freddie remains committed to cooperating where appropriate and to making the right decisions for the wellbeing of everyone involved, especially the child on the way. 'We ask that matters are given the space to be handled privately and respectfully.' The Daily Mail reached out to Holly's representatives for comment at the time. Nicola Peltz has removed all traces of the Beckham family from her social media after her husband Brooklyn blocked his parents and brothers. The actress, 31, notably deleted a post which included a birthday tribute to her mother-in-law Victoria, amongst others. Brooklyn's younger brother Cruz previously confirmed that Brooklyn had blocked his entire family on social media following reports they had unfollowed him. Now, Nicola has taken it one step further and erased all content of the family from her Instagram account. Back in 2024, when Victoria turned 50, she was greeted with a slew of incredibly sweet messages from family, friends and fans alike, with Nicola being one of them. Nicola penned: 'Happy birthday to my beautiful mil @victoriabeckham I love you so much and love being your dance partner forever', to which the Spice Girl swiftly responded: 'Love you so much!!!!! xxxxxxx kisses xxxxxxx.' Nicola Peltz has removed all traces of the Beckham family from her social media after her husband Brooklyn blocked his parents and brothers The actress, 31, notably deleted a post which included a birthday tribute to her mother-in-law Victoria (pictured), amongst others At the time, the post silenced rumours of ill-feeling between the pair, however Nicola has now removed it from her profile. The Daily Mail has contacted Nicola's representatives for comment. Rumours of fall out between the actress and Victoria emerged after Nicola's multi-million dollar wedding to Brooklyn in April 2022. Whispers of ructions launched when it was claimed that Nicola refused to wear one of Victoria's eponymous designs - instead opting for various designs from Valentino, Christian Dior and Versace. As the wedding plans were underway, insiders alleged Victoria was displeased with Nicola's reluctance to involve her in the plans for the lavish affair. It was claimed the Beckhams' took a backseat on the big day - leading to yet more fury from Victoria, with a source telling Daily Mail: ''The top table was all Peltzs and it really felt as though the Beckhams were not at the forefront... 'There was a feeling that the wedding was all about the Peltz family, as you can imagine, as it was their house and their daughter and their son making the speeches.' Nicola later confirmed the rumours had begun after she didn't wear Victoria's design. While she denied there was a 'feud', she explained that Victoria's atelier simply hadn't had time to make the dress, as she insisted: 'No family is perfect.' Brooklyn's younger brother Cruz previously confirmed that Brooklyn had blocked his entire family on social media following reports they had unfollowed him Back in 2024, when Victoria turned 50, she was greeted with a slew of sweet messages from family, friends and fans alike with Nicola being one of them. However it is now gone Nicola said: 'It's not a feud! I keep seeing everywhere that word, 'feud, feud, feud!?' I mean, maybe they picked up on something? And now they're labelling it feud?' 'I think it all started, and I've said this before, because I didn't end up wearing Victoria's wedding dress, but the real truth is, I really, really wanted to wear it and I thought it was so beautiful that Brooklyn's mom got to make that for me!... 'And I was really excited to wear it! And I didn't end up wearing it. But I, truthfully, was really excited to wear her dress. It makes me sad when I read things that people say I was never planning on wearing it. That's just not true.' Nicole and Brooklyn were hardly seen with the Beckham family in the months that followed, however continually quashed any speculation of a row - until recently. Last month, Cruz confirmed that Brooklyn had blocked his entire family on social media following reports they had unfollowed him. In an update, he wrote: 'My mum and dad would never unfollow their son... Let's get the facts right. They woke up blocked... as did I.' The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Brooklyn for comment on Cruz's claims. It is the most public sign yet that there has is no communication between them amid their spiralling family feud. Then, on Thursday, the Daily Mail revealed that relations between the Beckhams broke down so completely last summer that at one point, Brooklyn asked his parents David and Victoria to contact him only via his lawyers. It was also claimed that despite his feud with his parents, he has been in regular contact with four family members - both sets of his grandparents. Brooklyn said he didn't want his parents to contact him, or make public statements about him on social media. There was no legal action between them and no legal basis for the letter, which was simply a request. But it followed what Brooklyn considered to be a series of 'nasty' briefings about his wife Nicola, including the suggestion that he was a 'hostage' being 'controlled' by his wife. This week, publicists and friends on both sides refused to discuss the matter, still hoping that things will calm down and be resolved. It is the most public sign yet that there has is no communication between them amid their spiralling family feud The Beckham clan, without son Brooklyn, in Florida last month However one source said: 'David was told to speak to them via Schillings. That was the only way for them to communicate.' The 'talk to my lawyers' move might explain why Brooklyn opted to block his parents and siblings Romeo, Cruz and Harper on social media just before Christmas. The family had been viewing and liking his cooking posts. And it was felt this was contrary to Brooklyn's wish they would leave him and his wife alone. 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.' Brooklyn has 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. 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.' An air of discomfort may settle over Leonardo DiCaprio's table at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday when the Golden Globe Awards take place there. The seating chart was released earlier this week, leaving fans excitedly examining who has been assigned to spend the evening next to whom. One table in particular seems certain to draw attention, with acting nominee DiCaprio seated next to best original song nominee Miley Cyrus. Their side-by-side placement comes a decade after Cyrus publicly excoriated DiCaprio for neglecting to share his vape pen with her at a party. She argued that 'theres an etiquette of: "You need to pass that s***, Leo,"' while telling the story on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2015. Cyrus' oral hygiene raised fans' eyebrows the following year when she posted to Instagram that she had worn a friend's retainer. An air of discomfort may settle over Leonardo DiCaprio's table at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday for the Golden Globes; pictured last week at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards He is seated next to Miley Cyrus, who is pictured at last week's Palm Springs International Film Festival, which he skipped because he was marooned in the Caribbean by the Venezuela raid If DiCaprio hopes to avoid a conversation with Cyrus at the Golden Globes, he may be able to occupy himself with Marlon Wayans, who will be seated on his other side. Cyrus took aim at DiCaprio in 2015 when she told a story about coming across him at a party for the 40th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. 'I was like 20 feet, 15 feet from Leonardo DiCaprio sitting there with his mom,' she explained, adding that the Titanic star was 'hitting a vape pen' at the time. In her view, good manners dictated that he 'pass that s***' to her, but 'he never did, so that was weird to me,' she shared with Jimmy Fallon. Fallon asked: 'He was bogarting the vape?' and she confirmed: 'He wasn't passing the vape,' while impersonating DiCaprio with his eyes half-closed. Cyrus has landed a Best Original Song nod at Sunday's Golden Globes for Dream As One, the number she sang and co-wrote for Avatar: Fire and Ash. Meanwhile DiCaprio is nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for his turn in One Battle After Another, a darkly satiric caper by Paul Thomas Anderson that centers on leftist militants. The Golden Globes come a week after DiCaprio had to skip getting an award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, owing to travel restrictions that were enacted in response to the American airstrikes on Venezuela. The seating chart for the Golden Globes was released earlier this week, showing DiCaprio placed between Cyrus and comedian Marlon Wayans Their side-by-side placement comes a decade after Cyrus publicly excoriated DiCaprio on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon; Cyrus is pictured during that interview DiCaprio and his 27-year-old girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti had been glimpsed New Year's Eve relaxing on Jeff Bezos' yacht in the Caribbean Sea, just off St. Barts. Venezuela, which has a Caribbean coastline, came under U.S. bombardment in the early hours of January 3 in a raid that resulted in the abduction of Marxist dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were flown to New York and jailed. Caribbean air travel was thrown into disarray, and amid the chaos DiCaprio's trip to Palm Springs to be honored at the festival that day was scuttled. He was scheduled to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for One Battle After Another, which has emerged as one of the toasts of awards season. However an insider told the Daily Mail it was announced at the ceremony that DiCaprio could not attend because of restricted airspace. 'It was, however, a wonderful moment in the room,' the source shared exclusively with the Daily Mail. 'A beautiful tribute from his co-stars and an amazing reel.' DiCaprio accepted the award via video and his speech was a 'hit,' the insider said, adding that he received applause both for the honor and for his remarks. Power couple Justin Hemmes and Madeline Holtznagel were spotted out and about on Sydney Harbour on Saturday. Appearing unfazed by the sweltering conditions, the model and hospitality baron took in the famous tourist destination from the vantage point of Justin's speedboat. New mum Madeline showed off her summer body in a barely-there g-string bikini from Aussie label Bamba. Taking sun protection seriously, the 28-year-old beauty wore a wide-brimmed straw hat and accessorised with a set of fashionable eyewear, as her blonde hair flowed freely around her shoulders. Meanwhile, her Merivale tycoon partner Justin, 53, sported some stylish sunglasses and showed off his trim and tanned torso as he took the wheel of his $1million boat wearing only board shorts. The pair were later seen picking up a group of friends and ferrying them to Rose Bay Wharf in Sydney's ritzy eastern suburbs. Power couple Justin Hemmes and Madeline Holtznagel were spotted out and about on Sydney Harbour on Saturday. Pictured: Madeline New mum Madeline showed off her summer body in a barely-there g-string bikini from Aussie label Bamba Appearing unfazed by the sweltering conditions, the model and hospitality baron took in the famous tourist destination from the vantage point of Justin's speedboat. (Both pictured) The pair were later seen picking up a group of friends and ferrying them to Rose Bay Wharf in Sydney's ritzy eastern suburbs Taking sun protection seriously, the 28-year-old beauty wore a wide-brimmed straw hat and accessorised with a set of fashionable eyewear It comes after Madeline announced the arrival of her first child with the hospitality king on Instagram in June, alongside a gallery of sweet photos. 'Jaeger Justin Hemmes. 1.06.25,' she captioned the post. Justin shares two daughters - Alexa, nine, and Saachi, seven - with his ex-partner Kate Fowler. Sydney's nightlife went into overdrive last month as hundreds of eager patrons queued up to experience billionaire Justin Hemmes' latest hospitality venture. In footage shared to social media, an enormous crowd stretching down the street was seen as patrons waited to enter the iconic RSL, Club Rose Bay, located in the upmarket suburb of the same name. The atmosphere was electric, with every inch of the venue seemingly packed as eager patrons lined up for the opening. The clip was captioned with some telling words: 'Holy moly. Apparently they were anticipating a much older demographic. 'Instead, every young eastern suburbs Merivale lover has swarmed the joint.' Meanwhile, her Merivale tycoon partner Justin, 53, sported some stylish sunglasses and showed off his trim and tanned torso as he took the wheel of his $1million boat wearing only board shorts Justin and Madeline looked every inch the power couple It comes after Madeline announced the arrival of her first child with the hospitality king on Instagram in June, alongside a gallery of sweet photos In October 2024, Justin revealed his ambitious plans to transform five heritage buildings in the heart of Sydney's CBD into a hospitality precinct The upmarket pub tycoon, who is the CEO of Merivale and runs Hemmes Hermitage along with his sister and mother, unveiled plans to transform an area formerly known as Kings Green The weekend's celebrations were far from low-key, with Justin and his glamorous girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel unveiling a new $1million speedboat as part of the festivities, marking the launch in true Merivale style. Justin and Madeline rocked contrasting monochromatic outfits as they took in the sights of Sydney Harbour. The loved-up couple appeared in high spirits as they soaked up the sunshine, smiling broadly as they toasted to their success. In October 2024, Justin revealed his ambitious plans to transform five heritage buildings in the heart of Sydney's CBD into a hospitality precinct. The upmarket pub tycoon, who is the CEO of Merivale and runs Hemmes Hermitage along with his sister and mother, unveiled plans to transform an area formerly known as Kings Green. The company hopes to transform five heritage buildings on the block bounded by King, York, Clarence and Barrack streets into a hospitality precinct. The sovereign of Usui, a traditional kingdom in the south of the African country, focuses her mandate on defending the rights of girls Enthroned at just 14 years old, Alissumoye Diedhiou has just celebrated a quarter of a century on the throne of Usui, a traditional kingdom in southern Senegal. Her reign focuses primarily on guaranteeing the rights of girls, perhaps because she herself identifies as a victim of early and forced marriage, despite the honor she feels at having been chosen queen by the ancestors of the community. She greets us at her home while briskly tidying the small living room that serves as an anteroom to her bedroom. Nothing in her modest quarters suggests that Alissumoye Diedhiou (Cabrousse, 1986) is the sovereign of the approximately 50,000 people who inhabit the kingdom of Usui, in southern Senegal. Photographs of her enthronement in 2000, portraits with her husband, King Sibulumbai Diedhiou, and other images of her surrounded by smiling young people hang on the walls. A large flat-screen television plays a Nigerian romantic drama. The queen quickly prepares for the interview: she dons a traditional dress and a crown of beads and shells, worn as a sign of respect. In one hand she holds a royal scepter made of cows tail; in the other, a state-of-the-art mobile phone that keeps ringing. Before departing for the sacred grove, she bids farewell to the kings three other wives. Only she holds the title of sovereign, but they all live together on the sprawling mud-brick estate, adorned with charms and posters. The one at the entrance announces a breast cancer screening campaign under the slogan Pink October. This is how Alissumoye Diedhiou lives, and this is how she reigns: navigating between respect for ancestral customs and a touch of modernity in keeping with the times, within one of West Africas most enduring and renowned traditional societies. In one hand, Diedhhiou holds a royal scepter made from a cow's tail; in the other, a state-of-the-art cell phone that won't stop ringing. Marta Moreiras On the walls of her home hang photographs of her coronation in 2000, when she was only 14 years old, and portraits with her husband, King Sibulumbai Diedhiou. Marta Moreiras Photograph of the mud house where Diedhiou lives. Marta Moreiras The living room that serves as an antechamber to Diedhiou's bedroom. Marta Moreiras Question. You have been the queen of Usui for a quarter of a century, having acceded to the throne at a very young age. What is your assessment of these past 25 years? Answer. The early days were very complicated. I was very young and didnt know what a monarchy was: we hadnt had a king for 16 years, since the previous one had died in 1984 and I was born in 1986. Through a dream, my ancestors told me that I was chosen for this position, which was ratified by the Usui royal council shortly after the enthronement of King Sibulumbai Diedhiou in 2000. At first, I wasnt prepared for the life I was given; I was very young. I was already a mother at 16, and then pregnancies followed one after another as I learned to be queen. One of my duties is to listen to the people. At first, when someone came to tell me their problems, I struggled to manage my own feelings, and their stories affected me deeply. I also had to learn to look older people in the eye, before whom, out of respect, a young woman should lower her gaze. Today I feel strong and at peace with myself, and I feel that there is no difficulty I cannot overcome. In 25 years I have accumulated many experiences that have strengthened me, although we continue to face difficulties. Q. One of the cornerstones of your mandate is your commitment to the rights of girls and women, both within and outside your community. What are your main demands in this regard? A. I was married very young, at 14. Its not an appropriate age for marriage, even though its culturally accepted here. I recognize that I was a victim of early and, in a way, forced marriage. Thats why Im committed to caring for girls between the ages of nine and 25, supporting their education and making them aware of their rights. We discuss these issues among sisters in an association we have called Batuyaay, which in our Diola language means sisterhood. We talk openly about issues that concern them and for which we sometimes struggle to find answers: life is constantly changing, and we must learn to adapt to the times without losing sight of our principles. I also support them with their schooling, especially those who live outside the villages and have difficulty accessing school. Internationally, Im a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador committed to fighting child marriage and female genital mutilation, as well as other forms of violence against women. I consider this to be part of my role as queen. Q. What is a typical day like in the life of a queen? A. Normal (laughs). In the past, the queen lived with a retinue of young women who took care of her daily needs. But things have changed, and like any mother, my biggest concern is that my children study and have everything they need. So I lead the life of a housewife, an ordinary Diola woman: I sweep, I wash dishes, I pound rice, I cook I combine that with my duties of receiving people who come to tell me about their personal or social needs and of performing sacred ceremonies in the sacred grove with the king. I live between my houses courtyard and the royal palace. Q. How do you survive financially? A. Neither the king nor I receive a salary, and we live austerely. We live on what people give us, and we must manage it responsibly, prioritizing the health and education of our children, since in a time of financial need, it wouldnt be right to have to ask for money. There have been times when Ive struggled to make ends meet. Q. The Kingdom of Usui, comprising 22 villages, is an international benchmark for managing contemporary challenges from a traditional perspective. The kings directives, always reached by consensus, are followed without hesitation by the population. Could you share some of the strategies you and your husband use to achieve this? A. Our primary mandate is to guarantee social cohesion and peace. In our community, we encounter all sorts of conflicts: territorial, agricultural, familial, or neighborly, including thefts or disputes between ethnic groups. Our population also faces significant economic challenges, so we collectively cultivate rice to distribute to those most in need. When people experience conflict, we listen to them and engage in dialogue without prejudice. When someone makes a mistake, they must apologize to the community. Our traditional religion provides us with tools for managing these conflicts, primarily through prohibitions or taboos (ni ni in Diola) and moments of communion through the veneration of our gods. Personally, as the moral authority of this royalty representing women, I ensure that nothing said will offend or hurt them. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Grateful Dead guitarist and founding member Bob Weir has died at 78, his official Instagram account confirmed on Saturday. The post revealed that Weir passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, after battling cancer and ultimately succumbing to underlying lung issues. 'It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues,' the message read. 'Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music,' the statement added. 'His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them. 'Every chord he played, every word he sang was an integral part of the stories he wove. There was an invitation: to feel, to question, to wander, and to belong.' Weir had been diagnosed with cancer last summer, shortly before headlining a series of shows at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Grateful Dead guitarist and founding member Bob Weir has died at the age of 78, the news confirmed in a statement on his official Instagram account The post revealed that Weir passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, after battling cancer and ultimately succumbing to underlying lung issues; (Weir in 1970) Weir had been diagnosed with cancer last summer, shortly before headlining a series of shows at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco; (The Grateful Dead pose on the corner of 20th and Connecticut in Potrero Hill, San Francisco, California, circa 1965. Left to right: Phil Lesh, Jerry Garcia (1942 - 1995), Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan (1946 - 1973), Bob Weir and Bill Kreutzmann) His musical journey began at just 16, when he wandered into a Palo Alto music store following the sound of a banjo and met Jerry Garcia, who was strumming inside, per reports. The pair played together all night, sparking the formation of The Grateful Dead alongside Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann - the bands five founding members. Weir was born Robert Hall Weir in San Francisco on October 16, 1947, and was adopted as an infant. He grew up in the Bay Area, struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia and behavioral challenges, per reports. He started playing guitar at 13 and performed at local folk clubs. In 1965, he met Garcia in the Palo Alto music store and the two formed Mother McCrees Uptown Jug Champions, which later became the Warlocks and eventually the Grateful Dead. Weir briefly left the band in 1968 but returned to continue contributing to its mix of country-rock and improvisational music. 'It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues,' the message read; (L-R: Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh in 1968) In 1965, he met Garcia in the Palo Alto music store and the two formed Mother McCrees Uptown Jug Champions, which later became the Warlocks and eventually the Grateful Dead; (Bill Kreutzman (striped shirt), Jerry Garcia (black shirt and jacket), Mickey Hart ("God is Sound" T-shirt), Phil Lesh (white T-shirt), Bob Weir (Duke sweatshirt), and Brent Mydland in 1979) His musical journey began at just 16, when he wandered into a Palo Alto music store following the sound of a banjo and met Jerry Garcia, who was strumming inside; (Phil Lesh (L) and Bob Weir in 1993) Weir was born Robert Hall Weir in San Francisco on October 16, 1947, and was adopted as an infant; (pictured 1997) After the death of fellow founding member Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan in 1972, Weir assumed a larger role as a vocalist and songwriter. He released solo albums including Ace and Heaven Help the Fool and performed with several side projects, including Kingfish, the Bob Weir Band, Bobby and the Midnites, RatDog, Furthur, and The Other Ones. He also took on leadership roles within the band, helping guide its direction after Garcias health and addiction challenges. Weir pressed on after the sudden loss of Garcia, who died of a heart attack in 1995 at age 53, continuing to tour and record. He fronted RatDog, a long-running project that mixed Grateful Dead staples with original material, and later stepped into singing Garcias songs with various post-Dead lineups, including the Other Ones, the Dead, and Furthur. In 2013, Weir collapsed during a Furthur show, and the following year RatDog dates were scrapped as he later acknowledged struggling with an addiction to prescription painkillers. He eventually returned to the spotlight, reuniting with fellow survivors Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann for the Grateful Deads 50th anniversary Fare Thee Well concerts in 2015. That celebration led to the formation of Dead & Company, with John Mayer joining Weir, Hart, Kreutzmann and longtime Dead collaborators. In 2013, Weir collapsed during a Furthur show, and the following year RatDog dates were scrapped as he later acknowledged struggling with an addiction to prescription painkillers; (Weir, Bobby Keys of The Rolling Stones, and Grace Potter of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals perform in 2012) Taylor Swift posed with Weir at the 67th Grammy Awards in 2025 The group carried the bands catalog into a new era, wrapping a decade-long run with a 2023 'Final Tour' and multiple residencies at Las Vegas Sphere. In December 2024, following the death of bassist Phil Lesh two months earlier, Weir and the remaining members were honored at the Kennedy Center. His final appearances came in August, when Dead & Company headlined three shows at Golden Gate Park marking the Grateful Deads 60th anniversary. He leaves behind his wife of more than two decades Natascha Weir, and their daughters, Monet and Chloe. With Weirs passing - following the deaths of Garcia and Lesh only Mickey Hart, 82, and Bill Kreutzmann, 79, remain from the Grateful Deads original lineup. The statement announcing his death highlighted his long-term vision for the bands legacy: 'There is no final curtain here, not really He often spoke of a 300-year legacy, determined to ensure the songbook would endure long after him. 'May that dream live on through future generations of Dead Heads.' Kimberley Garner sent temperatures soaring as she modelled her new Spring/Summer 2026 Kimberley London swimwear line on a sun-soaked beach in St Barts on Saturday. The swimwear designer, 34, looked sensational in a skimpy lilac swimsuit as she struck a series of sultry poses on the sand. The stylish one-piece featured a plunging V-neckline, delicate shoulder straps and a figure-hugging fit, with an open back and cheeky thong-style bottom. Flaunting her toned physique and peachy bottom, Kimberley accessorised the look with a matching lilac scarf. For the shoot, the beauty opted for a glowing make-up look and kept accessories minimal, accessorising with a pair of diamond stud earrings. She styled her blonde tresses in loose beachy waves, letting them cascade freely over her shoulders. Kimberley Garner sent temperatures soaring as she modelled her new Spring/Summer 2026 Kimberley London swimwear line on a sun-soaked beach in St Barts on Saturday The swimwear designer, 34, looked sensational in a skimpy lilac swimsuit as she struck a series of sultry poses on the sand At one point, Kimberley reclined on the sand for a series of eye-catching shots before cooling off with a dip in the crystal-clear blue sea. She appeared in great spirits as she paused on the shoreline for several stunning snaps after entering the water. During the photoshoot, a photographer could be seen directing Kimberley from the beach to ensure every angle was captured. The former reality TV star launched her swimwear line in 2013 and it has continued to flourish over the years. Despite now enjoying huge fame as a swimwear designer, Kimberley previously revealed how she used to pretend to be an intern when she first started the business as nobody took her seriously. However, the property heiress insisted she's more than just the face of her line Kimberley London and is involved with every aspect of creating her sell-out swimwear range. She previously told DailyMail: 'I think people sometimes think that Im only the face, but I am responsible for every bit of the business. 'I was 18 when I started my first company - I came up with an idea, stayed up for days learning how to register the company and teaching myself. It became very successful overnight.' The stylish one-piece featured a plunging V-neckline, delicate shoulder straps and a figure-hugging fit, with an open back and cheeky thong-style bottom Flaunting her toned physique and peachy bottom, Kimberley accessorised the look with a matching lilac scarf For the shoot, the beauty opted for a glowing make-up look and kept accessories minimal, accessorising with a pair of diamond stud earrings At one point, Kimberley reclined on the sand for a series of eye-catching shots She then cooled off with a dip in the crystal-clear blue sea She paused on the shoreline for several stunning snaps after entering the water During the photoshoot, a photographer could be seen directing Kimberley from the beach to ensure every angle was captured She explained: 'However, as I was only 18, no one ever imagined it was mine. I was a young blonde girl with a soft voice. 'No one would take me seriously or realise it was my company. So, I pretended to be the Intern! 'I handled all the meetings, phone calls, and emails for the company. When it became a success, I put all the revenues into starting Kimberley London.' She explained: 'However, as I was only 18, no one ever imagined it was mine. I was a young blonde girl with a soft voice. 'No one would take me seriously or realise it was my company. So, I pretended to be the Intern! 'I handled all the meetings, phone calls, and emails for the company. When it became a success, I put all the revenues into starting Kimberley London.' The Traitors star Amanda said she suffered a horrific bike crash that left her in the 'most pain of her life' and needing emergency surgery. Speaking in an interview on Sunday, the retired senior detective, 57, recalled how she crash at speed into a wall while riding a bicycle. Amanda, who was banished from the castle earlier this week, was on holiday with her wife Caroline in 2022 when she suffered a broken collar bone which needed operating on. She said: 'We were in a camper van in the Loire Valley and decided to have a bike ride on the last day. 'Caroline accidentally clipped my wheel and it sent me headfirst into a flint wall. I was wearing a helmet but realised I had to turn my body or I would break my neck.' Amanda learnt that she would need an operation to fix her broken bone after 'smashing her shoulder' on the rock. The Traitors star Amanda said she suffered the 'most painful moment of her life' and was left needing emergency surgery as she recalled a horrific bike crash Speaking in an interview on Sunday, the retired senior detective, 57, recalled how she crash at speed into a wall while riding a bicycle She added to The Sun: 'My shoulder smashed into the hard rock. I have never been in so much pain. I had to be pumped full of morphine.' Amanda said that while she 'was fine' doing the challenges on The Traitors, after having metal inserted into her collarbone she still suffers 'twinges.' Following her banishment from the show on Thursday, Amanda was left gobsmacked when she discovered the truth about her 'best friend' Rachel while Maz revealed his own secret. Joining the spin-off show Uncloaked, the retired senior detective was handed an envelope in which the names of the three Traitors were finally revealed to her. Maz discovered their identities when he was murdered face-to-face at the start of the episode, after being left in a cage overnight and ultimately murdered. Later on Amanda, being one of the nine up for murder, decided to turn to her closest friend in the castle, Rachel, and revealed her former job in the Met Police. Fans at home of course knew the almighty blunder that Amanda had made as she unknowingly told a Traitor her secret. Speaking to Maz after their respective departures, she told him about her former role, to which he replied: 'Well Amanda, I've also got a secret, I am a retired police officer.' Following her banishment from the show on Thursday, Amanda was left gobsmacked when she discovered the truth about her 'best friend' Rachel while Maz revealed his own secret Joining the spin-off show, shortly after her banishment from the castle, the retired senior detective was handed an envelope in which the names of the Traitors were revealed Maz then handed over an envelope containing all three of their names, Amanda gasped: No! Oh my God! No way... Rachel! 'Brilliant. All I can say is... I was saying earlier that I hope she wins' He went on to ask who she thought might be amongst the Traitors, with Amanda explaining: 'I can't go there because I just don't know. 'Jade was on my radar but for no reason. She did a few odd things... but she just seems quite shy.' Maz then handed over an envelope containing all three of their names, Amanda gasped: No! Oh my God! No way... Rachel! 'Brilliant. All I can say is... I was saying earlier that I hope she wins.' Speaking to hosts Ed Gamble and Wilfred Webster, she added: 'In a split second I thought, I look really stupid. 'She was my best friend in the castle. But she's just brilliant. 'Every day I was thinking why have I not been murdered, I would murder me. I wanted to tell Rachel because she could use it for good... or evil. 'Watching it, it just looks ridiculous. I deserved to be banished. I had all this information in my head and I just wanted to help. But I got called an influencer.' Disney Channel star Matt Prokop's ex-girlfriend has broken her silence after the news of his shocking child pornography charge came to light. The 35-year-old actor, who is known for starring in Disney projects such as Geek Charming and High School Musical 3: Senior Year, was arrested on Christmas Eve in Texas. Prokop is being held without bail at a jail in Victoria County. He was initially booked for violating his bond conditions from a previous set of charges filed in 2024, as well as evading and resisting arrest. But an additional charge for 'possession or promotion of child pornography' was tacked on after a warrant was signed on December 31. Now, Prokop's ex-girlfriend has detailed the alleged years of abuse she suffered during their relationship, as the actor faces the new set of charges. Disney Channel star Matt Prokop's ex-girlfriend has broken her silence after the news of his shock child pornography charge came to light. Prokop seen in 2013 in West Hollywood Prokop is currently being held without bail at a jail in Victoria County - and was initially booked for violating his bond conditions, as well as evading and resisting arrest His former partner told the Daily Mail: 'After many years of abuse, the effects are still very real and continue to impact my life. 'Right now, I'm taking time to heal privately, with the support of close friends and family. 'Taking this time does not lessen the seriousness or harm of his actions. 'As more information comes out, I ask that all victims be treated with care, dignity, and respect.' Prokop's ex met him on social media at a young age, but their romantic relationship didn't begin until she was an adult. The pair became engaged in January 2024. The Daily Mail has reached out to Prokop's representatives for comment regarding the allegations. Prokop was previously arrested in Texas, where he is from, in May 2024 after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. According to Victoria Police Department at the time, the pair was on a weekend outing when Prokop's girlfriend allegedly told someone he assaulted her. Officers responded to a disturbance in another area about an hour later, where they found Prokop and his girlfriend. The woman sustained enough injuries to warrant an arrest, as the investigation found that Prokop allegedly pushed her and slammed her head into something. Prokop reportedly tried to pull away from officers and run as they arrested him. Prior to that incident, his ex-girlfriend and former Disney co-star Sarah Hyland, now 35, filed a restraining order against him. 'After many years of abuse, the effects are still very real and continue to impact my life. Right now, I'm taking time to heal privately, with the support of close friends and family,' his ex alleged to the Daily Mail. Prokop is seen in 2010 Prokop was previously arrested in Texas, where he's from, in May 2024 after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend The actors dated from 2008 to 2014, after meeting at an audition for High School Musical 3: Senior Year, in which he played Jimmie. He appeared in a 2012 episode of Modern Family with the actress, as well as the movies Geek Charming (2011), Struck by Lightning (2012) and April Apocalypse (2013). Prokop was also credited as a producer on her 2015 movie See You In Valhalla. Hyland claimed that Prokop was verbally and physically abusive for four years of their relationship, until her Modern Family onscreen mother Julie Bowen stepped in and helped her end things. In her legal filing she recounted an incident in which Prokop allegedly pinned her against a car and choked her. 'His grip was so tight that I could not breathe or speak,' Hyland said in the court documents. 'I was scared and in fear for my life.' After Prokop entered rehab in August 2014, someone from the institution called to warn her of his mental state when he was released, recommending she get a restraining order. Hyland was granted a temporary restraining order that September, which became permanent a month later and required him to stay at least 300 feet away from her and her dog. Prokop's representatives did not respond to Daily Mail's or other outlets' requests for comment at the time about Hyland's allegations. The actors dated from 2008 to 2014, after meeting at an audition for High School Musical 3: Senior Year, in which he played Jimmie; seen above (middle) in High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008) Hyland claimed that Prokop was verbally and physically abusive for four years of their relationship, until her Modern Family onscreen mother Julie Bowen stepped in and helped her end things; seen in 2014 in London Back in October 2024, the actress said that she is still 'triggered' by a past abusive relationship. She talked about her experience as a domestic violence survivor during an interview with Variety. Hyland expressed that it is 'really important' to openly have conversations about domestic violence and talked about the long-lasting PTSD survivors can have. However, the Modern Family alum did not name the boyfriend who hit her at the time. '[It stays] in that abused place of your soul, where you think it's your fault the whole time and you could have done better, you could have gotten out sooner, you could have told people.' The actress added that eventually, 'you don't wanna talk about it anymore. You want it to be done, and that's that. 'I completely understand the dissociation pattern of it. I am very much guilty about it myselfuntil something happens where I'm triggered, and I didn't realize that part of myself had been healed.' Hyland then admitted, 'I don't know if that part [of] any woman will ever be fully healed from that. Back in October 2024, the actress said that she is still 'triggered' by a past abusive relationship; Hyland seen in 2024 in L.A. 'It's something that kind of scars her soul a little bit. It's more so putting love towards that scar instead of hating it and ignoring it.' Hyland also said of domestic violence that, 'For thousands of years now, we didn't talk about it. The community hasn't shared enough, I believe. 'And I feel that if we talk about it more, more women - and men and just human beings in general in abusive relationships - will feel more comfortable to be able to talk about it with their loved ones. 'Instead of letting their abuser isolate them from everyone, which is the first thing that they do, so that you don't have that community.' Emily Blunt has revealed that she never expected to be an actress after a bad stutter left her thinking it was 'completely out of reach'. The actress, 42, confessed that growing up, she was a 'shy kid' and had difficulty speaking while growing up, according to the Mirror. She explained that because of her 'bad stutter' she believed that a job which involved a lot of speaking was 'out of reach' for her. Emily told the publication: 'I was quite a shy kid. I had a really bad stutter so I didn't speak that readily. 'So to end up in a job where I would have to speak was sort of completely out of reach for me.' This may shock fans as she has seen a very successful career in acting as she has starred in The Devil Wears Prada, A Quiet Place and The Smashing Machine. Emily Blunt, 42, has revealed that she never expected to be an actress after a bad stutter left her thinking it was 'completely out of reach' The actress confessed that growing up, she was a 'shy kid' and had difficulty speaking while growing up, according to the Mirror (pictured in Disclosure Day) And her appreciation for the craft of acting has been a focal point for her in recent months. Her confession comes after she branded AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood 'terrifying' and begged talent agencies not to sign her. AI talent studio Xicoia created the digital performer, a young brunette actress, with Eline Van der Velden unveiling the project at the Zurich Film Festival. Tilly has started attracting interest from talent agents, and Smashing Machine actress Emily confessed she is horrified at the prospect. Shown a report on Tilly, Emily told Variety: 'Does it disappoint me? I don't know how to quite answer it, other than to say how terrifying this is. 'No, are you serious? That's an AI? Good Lord, we're screwed. That is really, really scary. 'Come on, agencies, don't do that. Please stop. Please stop taking away our human connection.' Emily was told that Tilly was designed to resemble a composite of familiar stars and was told she was designed as 'the next Scarlett Johansson'. Join the debate Should AI-generated actors be allowed to compete with real humans for roles in movies? She explained that because of her 'bad stutter' she believed that a job which involved a lot of speaking was 'out of reach' for her (pictured in The Devil Wears Prada in 2006) To which Emily replied: 'But we have Scarlett Johansson.' And she wasn't the only Hollywood star voicing their criticisms. Scream actress Melissa Barrera branded the arrival of Tilly 'gross' as she posted an Instagram Story about the news. She captioned it: 'Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$. How gross, read the room.(sic)' Kathy Bates continued to show off her dramatically slimmed-down physique as she joined fellow A-listers at AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards in Beverly Hills on Saturday night. The Oscar-winning actress, 77, has lost over a 100 pounds since turning to the type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic - now better known for its impact on tackling obesity. She looked very slender as she hit the red carpet in a flowing white dress with a stylish high-low blazer. Bates carried a bedazzled clutch and gave her all-white outfit at fun pop of color by wearing a red lip. The Matlock star's gray hair was pushed back off her face in elegant waves. A sparkly necklace and stud earrings provided added glamour to Bates' awards ceremony look. Kathy Bates continued to show off her dramatically slimmed-down physique as she joined fellow A-listers at the Movies for Grownups Awards in Beverly Hills on Saturday night The star got serious about her health following her diagnosis for type 2 diabetes in 2017, but there was a moment six years prior that truly sparked her weight-loss journey. At the time, the Oscar winner was portraying sarcastic criminal defense attorney Harriet 'Harry' Korn in David E. Kelley's legal comedy Harry's Law, which aired for two seasons on NBC before being canceled in 2012. 'When I was so heavy in Harry's Law, I had to sit down in between every take, and it was awful,' Kathy recalled to People last year. 'I'm ashamed to have put myself through that, to be honest.' Bates successfully shed 80lbs off her 5ft3in frame before hopping aboard the trendy Ozempic train and dropping an additional 20lbs, which made 'working a lot easier.' 'But now that I've been able to get really healthy, I can move, I can breathe, I can have fun, I'm not sore,' the Matlock producer-star, who also uses a treadmill, added. 'I get tired and realize I'm like an old lady, but even the kids get tired. But it's been a magnificent experience. I never expected to have this at my age, at the end of my career.' Bates previously told People in October 2024: 'Physically, I'm capable of doing this show. I don't have to sit down. I can stand up all day long and walk and move and breathe and do so many things that I couldn't before.' The actress, who survived ovarian cancer and breast cancer, has even seen an improvement in her lymphedema since shedding weight and she no longer has to wear compression sleeves on her arms. The Oscar-winning actress, 77, has lost over a 100 poundssince turning to the type 2 diabetesmedication Ozempic - now better known for its impact on tackling obesity She looked very slender as she hit the red carpet in a flowing white dress with a stylish high-low blazer Sharon Stone was also on hand for the festivities in Beverly Hills, which were held the day before the Golden Globes Stone, 67, looked phenomenal in a dramatic black and tan patterned skirt and top that exaggerated the star's hourglass frame Amanda Seyfried modeled a tiny bra top under a classic black blazer during her red carpet stint The Mean Girls icon, 40, completed her outfit with slim trousers and sandal heels Seyfried was among the presenters at the star-studded event AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards celebrate 'the years best film and TV projects featuring older performers and directors,' over the age of 50, according to the official website. While the ceremony was held on January 10, it will not air until February 22 on Great Performances on PBS. Bates won the award for Best Actress (TV) for her work on CBS gender-swapped reboot of Matlock. Sharon Stone was also on hand for Saturday's film festivities in Beverly Hills, which were held the day before the Golden Globes. Stone, 67, looked phenomenal in a dramatic black and tan patterned skirt and top that exaggerated the star's hourglass frame. She wore her signature blonde hair in a curly updo and accessorized with a black choker necklace and gold-framed cateye sunglasses. Amanda Seyfried modeled a tiny bra top under a classic black blazer during her red carpet stint. Elle Fanning donned a nearly identical look to Seyfried's as she posed for photographers in an oversized black blazer and flared black pants Fanning pulled up her bright blonde hair in a bun and popped on some bright red lipstick Laura Dern looked elegant in a floor-length gown with a sheer polkadot bodice and curve-clinging black skirt Adam Sandler suited up for occasion in blue jacket and pants. The comedian, 59, was joined by his stunning wife Jackie Sandler, 51 Sinners star Delroy Lindo, 73, looked sharp in a pinstripe suit as he cozied up to his wife of 35 years Nashormeh N. R. Lindo The Mean Girls icon, 40, completed her outfit with slim trousers and sandal heels. Elle Fanning donned a nearly identical look to Seyfried's as she posed for photographers in an oversized black blazer and flared black pants. Fanning pulled up her bright blonde hair in a bun and popped on some bright red lipstick. Laura Dern, who won Best Actress for her work in Is This Thing On?, looked elegant in a floor-length gown with a sheer polkadot bodice and curve-clinging black skirt. Adam Sandler suited up for occasion in blue jacket and pants. The comedian, 59, was joined by his stunning wife Jackie Sandler, 51. Sinners star Delroy Lindo, 73, who won for Best Supporting Actor, looked sharp in a pinstripe suit as he cozied up to his wife of 35 years Nashormeh N. R. Lindo. The Pitt's Noah Wyle rocked a navy blue suit and tie for the ceremony, which was also attended by his former ER co-star George Clooney Stellan Skarsgard, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Sentimental Value, looked handsome in skinny tie and black suit Alan Cumming stood out form the crowd as he channeled Willy Wonka in a vibrant purple velvet suit George Clooney took home the Best Actor award for his role in Jay Kelly Clooney posed up backstage with his Best Actor award Laura Dern won Best Actress for her work in Is This Thing On? The honor was presented to Dern by comedian Will Arnett Delroy Lindo won Best Supporting Actor for Sinners. He was joined onstage by Sinners director Ryan Coogler and co-star Wunmi Mosaku Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley and Hamnet director Chloe Zhao accepted the award for Best Movie for Grownups Kathy Bates won Best Actress (TV) for her role on CBS's Matlock Jason Ritter presented Bates with the award Noah Wyle was recognized in the Best Actor (TV) for his role in HBO's The Pitt The honor was fittingly presented to Wyle by his ER co-star George Clooney Adam Sandler received AARP's Career Achievement award during the ceremony The Pitt also won Best TV Series. Wyle accepted the award along with series creator R. Scott Gemmill The Pitt star Noah Wyle, who won Best Actor (TV), rocked a navy blue suit and tie for the ceremony, which was also attended by his former ER co-star George Clooney. Stellan Skarsgard, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Sentimental Value, looked handsome in skinny tie and black suit. Alan Cumming stood out form the crowd as he channeled Willy Wonka in a vibrant purple velvet suit. The Australian media industry is in mourning following the death of esteemed celebrity jewellery designer Jan Logan, who passed away earlier this month at 86. Renowned for creating stylish accessories for a host of A-list clients, including Rose Byrne, Taylor Swift and Tina Arena, Logan's passing was announced on social media overnight. The family has not made any details of her death public as of Sunday. A tribute was included on the jeweller's own JL brand Instagram, which featured an elegant black and white portrait of Logan. Well-known and much admired among creatives in the Australian film and TV industry, Logan was 50 years old when she started her first boutique in 1989. In 2001, she became a sponsor of the Australian Film Awards - Some of her beautiful works can be seen worn by Rose Byrne in the 2008 Aussie movie The Tender Hook. The Australian media industry is in mourning following the death of esteemed celebrity jewellery designer Jan Logan, who passed away earlier this month at 86. Pictured Logan's family provided an obituary on the JL social media with the caption '1939 - 2025.' 'With great sadness, we announce that our founder, Jan Logan, passed away peacefully in Sydney earlier today, surrounded by family,' the tribute began. 'Born in Narrabri [in 1939], Jan raised her family on a farm before moving to Sydney. 'Jan's country upbringing fed her imagination and nurtured her pragmatic and indomitable spirit. 'Launching the business in 1989 at the age of 50, Jan went on to build a loyal following of her signature designs that blended classic elements with a contemporary edge. 'Jan's impeccable style and creativity remained firmly anchored to the principles of quality, wearability and timelessness. 'She was a storyteller who understood that a piece of jewellery marked a moment to be treasured by future generations. 'Infused our boutiques with her genuine warmth, style and a flawless eye for detail. Jan cherished the connections she made with clients, staff and peers over the decades. Some of her beautiful works can be seen worn by Rose Byrne in the 2008 Aussie movie The Tender Hook. Pictured Well-known and much admired among creatives in the Australian film and TV industry, Logan was 50 years old when she started her first boutique in 1989. Pictured: Logan and TV presenter Georgie Gardner in 2010 'Jan's influence on Australian creative industries was considerable. While we mourn the loss of a visionary and beloved matriarch, we celebrate the enduring beauty she left behind - a legacy that will continue for years to come.' News of Logan's passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from her famous fans. 'Cannot imagine life without my dear friend, our beloved Jan,' Australian actress Kerry Armstrong messaged. She continued: 'I am absolutely heartbroken and send all my love to her wonderful family, whom she adored. 'Jan was one of my greatest role models, inspirational in every way and I have worn her exquisite jewellery exclusively with pride since the day we met over two decades ago.' Adding that Logan was one of the performer's most 'cherished friends' she said: 'Vale gracious, beloved Jan. I will miss you every day, xx.' Tina Arena was another admirer who posted: 'Condolences to the family. Jan is one of the great legends of exquisite jewellery making. A true Artisan. Will be missed by many.' Melissa Hoyer also paid tribute, revealing that she had two JL pieces in her collection. 'One of the most elegant, beautiful and talented women ever,' she posted. 'Jan always had time for everyone and in amongst that extraordinary creative eye, she would always ask how you *really* were & ask after family members, by name!' Hoyer said. 'As I read this news, I looked at two rings on my fingers both from Jan a remarkable woman and beautiful family. Sending loads of love & support. Will be sorely missed.' 'I'm so sorry to hear this,' radio star Amanda Keller posted, adding: 'What an elegant, creative and legendary woman.'. Kylie Gillies also sent a personal message: 'What a lady. Condolences to Jan's beautiful family.' Nickelodeon composer Guy Moon passed away at the age of 63 on Thursday as his family grieves the loss of the star. The Emmy-nominee tragically died in a car accident in Los Angeles on the morning of January 8 and succumbed to traumatic injuries, per the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner's report. Moon had been known for working on a number of beloved animated shows over the years including The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom. His family issued a statement on Facebook confirming his death and wrote, 'We are overcome with grief to announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, Guy Moon. 'He was killed on Thursday morning in a traffic collision,' his loved ones shared. 'We feel singularly blessed to have been able to call him dad and husband.' Moon's family then paid tribute to his 'beautiful life' while reflecting on his 'legacy' in the industry. Nickelodeon composer Guy Moon passed away at the age of 63 on Thursday as his family grieves the loss of the star Moon had been known for working on a number of beloved animated shows over the years including The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom 'As we stand together at the base of what seems to be an insurmountable grief, we are emboldened to grieve him with honor and courage with the tools that he equipped us with in his beautiful life.' They added that Moon 'has left an unmistakable legacy, and will be profoundly missed by us, his family, and countless others whose lives he impacted.' The late star's loved ones closed out the emotional statement by revealing they plan to hold a celebration of life for Moon on what would have been his 64th birthday in February 7 in Los Angeles. Another ceremony will take place in his home state of Wisconsin. Moon was born in 1962 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and attended the University of Arizona in 1980. Six years later, the composer relocated to California where he began to pursue his passion for music professionally and wrote music for a variety of animated shows. His first credit as a composer was for the sitcom Square Pegs in 1983 and he later composed for the sci-fi horror film Creepozoids in 1987. In the 90s, Moon's career continued to kick off when he was attached to other projects such as The Addams Family (1992), The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), The Real Adventures Of Jonny Quest (1996-1997) and Cow And Chicken (1997-1999). 'He was killed on Thursday morning in a traffic collision,' his loved ones shared. 'We feel singularly blessed to have been able to call him dad and husband' They added that Moon 'has left an unmistakable legacy, and will be profoundly missed by us, his family, and countless others whose lives he impacted' He also was a composer on a number of animated shows created by Butch Hartman including The Fairly Oddparents, T.U.F.F. Puppy and Danny Phantom He also was a composer on a number of animated shows created by Butch Hartman including The Fairly Oddparents, T.U.F.F. Puppy and Danny Phantom. Moon additionally worked on Grim & Evil, ChalkZone, Back At The Barnyard and wrote the main title them for the series Yin Yang Yo! Another Nickelodeon show he helped compose for was Big Time Rush and the 2012 film Big Time Movie. He was a composer for 30 episodes on the Netflix revival show Johnny Test as well as the 2024 drama series The Green Veil. Most recently, Moon worked on the 2025 murder mystery series titled The Artist - which premiered late last year in November, per his official IMDB page. Hartman took to his Instagram stories on Saturday to pay tribute to Moon upon hearing the news of his passing. Alongside a reposted photo of the late composer, the animator wrote: 'I have no words yet because there are none adequate enough. I will be making a statement soon. Guy was my friend. My brother. My family.' Fans of Moon and his work also mourned the loss of the star on X after learning of his death. Hartman took to his Instagram stories on Saturday to pay tribute to Moon upon hearing the news of his passing He was a composer for 30 episodes on the Netflix revival show Johnny Test as well as the 2024 drama series The Green Veil; seen with TV and film producer Albie Hecht Fans of Moon and his work also mourned the loss of the star on X after learning of his death One penned, 'This is heartbreaking. Guy was an absolutely unbelievable talent with an unmistakable style. I'm speechless.' Another typed, 'R.I.P. to a huge part of our childhoods,' and an X user added, 'Horrific :( Rest in peace.' 'Rest in peace, he made our childhoods so much better,' a fan said, and another commented, 'OH NO!!! NOT GUY MOON!!! I really loved his music on those shows... May he rest in peace...' Throughout the span of his decades-long career, Moon had notably garnered four Emmy nominations. Nicola Peltz pointedly paid tribute to 'my crew' as she shared family snaps to her socials on Saturday - after deleting all traces of the Beckhams on Instagram amid her and her husband Brooklyn's feud with them. The actress, 31, removed all traces of the Beckham family from her social media after her husband Brooklyn blocked his parents and brothers. She notably deleted a post which included a birthday tribute to her mother-in-law Victoria, amongst others. Brooklyn's younger brother Cruz previously confirmed that Brooklyn had blocked his entire family on social media following reports they had unfollowed him. And soon after she made it clear her own family were her priority and sticking by her side as she called them 'her crew' and posted sweet snaps with them. One saw her strolling by a huge pool at one of her parents Nelson and Claudia's lavish homes as they all put their arms around each other. Nicola Peltz pointedly paid tribute to 'my crew' as she shared family snaps to her socials on Saturday - after deleting all traces of the Beckhams on Instagram (seen with her parents) She has made it clear her own family were her priority and sticking by her side as she called them 'her crew' and posted sweet snaps with them She also shared a grid post which featured more family snaps from her recent birthday celebrations and ones of Brooklyn with their dogs. Nicola penned in the caption: 'some of my favorite memories at home - and oh my goodness my mama is the most beautiful human inside and out i wanna be just like her .' Over the weekend Nicola erased all content of the Beckham family from her Instagram account. Back in 2024, when Victoria turned 50, she was greeted with a slew of incredibly sweet messages from family, friends and fans alike, with Nicola being one of them. Nicola penned: 'Happy birthday to my beautiful mil @victoriabeckham I love you so much and love being your dance partner forever', to which the Spice Girl swiftly responded: 'Love you so much!!!!! xxxxxxx kisses xxxxxxx.' At the time, the post silenced rumours of ill-feeling between the pair, however Nicola has now removed it from her profile. The Daily Mail has contacted Nicola's representatives for comment. Rumours of fall out between the actress and Victoria emerged after Nicola's multi-million dollar wedding to Brooklyn in April 2022. She also shared a grid post which featured more family snaps from her recent birthday celebrations and ones of Brooklyn with their dogs She shared a snap of various flower arrangements she had been gifted for her 31st birthday recently Nicola penned in the caption: 'some of my favorite memories at home...' and shared a sweet snap with one of their rescue dogs The star finished with a mirror selfie where she flashed her toned abs The actress, 31, removed all traces of the Beckham family from her social media after her husband Brooklyn blocked his parents and brothers Whispers of ructions launched when it was claimed that Nicola refused to wear one of Victoria's eponymous designs - instead opting for various designs from Valentino, Christian Dior and Versace. As the wedding plans were underway, insiders alleged Victoria was displeased with Nicola's reluctance to involve her in the plans for the lavish affair. It was claimed the Beckhams' took a backseat on the big day - leading to yet more fury from Victoria, with a source telling Daily Mail: 'The top table was all Peltzs and it really felt as though the Beckhams were not at the forefront... 'There was a feeling that the wedding was all about the Peltz family, as you can imagine, as it was their house and their daughter and their son making the speeches.' Nicola later confirmed the rumours had begun after she didn't wear Victoria's design. While she denied there was a 'feud', she explained that Victoria's atelier simply hadn't had time to make the dress, as she insisted: 'No family is perfect.' Nicola said: 'It's not a feud! I keep seeing everywhere that word, 'feud, feud, feud!?' I mean, maybe they picked up on something? And now they're labelling it feud?' 'I think it all started, and I've said this before, because I didn't end up wearing Victoria's wedding dress, but the real truth is, I really, really wanted to wear it and I thought it was so beautiful that Brooklyn's mom got to make that for me!... She notably deleted a post which included a birthday tribute to her mother-in-law Victoria (pictured), amongst others 'And I was really excited to wear it! And I didn't end up wearing it. But I, truthfully, was really excited to wear her dress. It makes me sad when I read things that people say I was never planning on wearing it. That's just not true.' Nicole and Brooklyn were hardly seen with the Beckham family in the months that followed, however continually quashed any speculation of a row - until recently. Last month, Cruz confirmed that Brooklyn had blocked his entire family on social media following reports they had unfollowed him. In an update, he wrote: 'My mum and dad would never unfollow their son... Let's get the facts right. They woke up blocked... as did I.' The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Brooklyn for comment on Cruz's claims. It was the most public sign yet that there has is no communication between them amid their spiralling family feud. Then, on Thursday, the Daily Mail revealed that relations between the Beckhams broke down so completely last summer that at one point, Brooklyn asked his parents David and Victoria to contact him only via his lawyers. It was also claimed that despite his feud with his parents, he has been in regular contact with four family members - both sets of his grandparents. Brooklyn said he didn't want his parents to contact him, or make public statements about him on social media. There was no legal action between them and no legal basis for the letter, which was simply a request. But it followed what Brooklyn considered to be a series of 'nasty' briefings about his wife Nicola, including the suggestion that he was a 'hostage' being 'controlled' by his wife. This week, publicists and friends on both sides refused to discuss the matter, still hoping that things will calm down and be resolved. However one source said: 'David was told to speak to them via Schillings. That was the only way for them to communicate.' The 'talk to my lawyers' move might explain why Brooklyn opted to block his parents and siblings Romeo, Cruz and Harper on social media just before Christmas. The family had been viewing and liking his cooking posts. And it was felt this was contrary to Brooklyn's wish they would leave him and his wife alone. 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. Brooklyn's younger brother Cruz previously confirmed that Brooklyn had blocked his entire family on social media following reports they had unfollowed him Back in 2024, when Victoria turned 50, she was greeted with a slew of sweet messages from family, friends and fans alike with Nicola being one of them. However it is now gone 'There is a lot of love for them, and that has never faltered.' Brooklyn has 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. 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.' Aimee Lou Wood made a rare public appearance with her boyfriend Adam Long on Saturday, as the glamorous couple attended the 2026 BAFTA Tea Party at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. The actress, 31, looked sensational in a polka dot miniskirt and a matching lace-up corset, that cinched her in at her tiny waist. While fellow actor Adam, 34, cut a dashing figure for the prestigious soiree in a pinstripe double-breasted blazer, with an open-collared teal button-up. Looking like a true Hollywood starlet, Aimee clutched a small black purse and hid her face beneath a pair of chic shades as she cosied up to her boyfriend at the star-studded bash. The couple met and fell for each other on the set of TV series, Film Club, which began filming in late 2024 and aired on BBC Three in October last year. The hit series starred Aimee in the lead role of Evie, a movie enthusiast with agoraphobia, while Adam starred as her boyfriend Josh on the show. Aimee Lou Wood made a rare public appearance with her boyfriend Adam Long on Saturday, as the glam couple attended the 2026 BAFTA Tea Party at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills The actress, 31, looked sensational in a polka dot miniskirt and a matching lace-up corset, that cinched her in at her tiny waist While fellow actor Adam, 34, cut a dashing figure for the prestigious soiree in a pinstripe double-breasted blazer, with an open-collared teal button-up Speculation that the pair had struck up a romantic connection offscreen began in June last year, after they were seen cuddling and kissing during a coffee date in London. And they both shared subtle hints towards their relationship on social media and during the promotional trail for Film Club. Aimee had been a prolific 'liker' of all of Adam's Instagram posts and praised his competition of a sponsored run in aid of Movember and men's mental health awareness, by commenting: 'YOU DID IT!!!!!!! ' While Adam was quick to heap praise on his girlfriend when discussing the series, stating: 'I think what makes Film Club really stand out though is Aimee. As a person she is so completely unique, and her voice runs so deeply through the series.' They eventually confirmed their romance in September, as they made their first public appearance as a couple at the Emmy Awards, which was also attended by her White Lotus co-star Walton Goggins and his wife. Aimee met Adam a year after she spent time in Thailand filming the third season of the popular HBO show, which brought her to global fame and awards success. However, the series premiered in February, much scrutiny was placed on her relationship with co-star Walton, 54, who played her on-screen lover, Rick. Aimee and Walton's sizzling on-screen chemistry and social media activity sparked questions about their relationship off-camera. Looking like a true Hollywood starlet, Aimee clutched a small black purse and hid her face beneath a pair of chic shades as she cosied up to her boyfriend at the star-studded bash The couple met and fell for each other on the set of TV series, Film Club, which began filming in late 2024, and saw the pair play lovers (pictured together on show) They eventually confirmed their romance in September, as they made their first public appearance as a couple at the Emmy Awards (pictured) Yet they were then reported to be locked in an intense feud after they unfollowed each other on Instagram. Fans were also left questioning about Walton and Aimee's status when he notably walked out of an interview with The Times when the actress was brought up on more than one occasion. He had told the publication: 'I'm not gonna have that conversation. There is no conversation to be had about that.' In June, the pair finally addressed the speculation about their relationship, with Aimee declaring: 'I think its such a comment on where were at culturally,' she said over the online fury. 'Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? That is irrelevant. We dont give a s**t about Instagram.' Meanwhile, Walton - who has been married to director Nadia Conners since 2011 - declared: 'I love this woman [Aimee] madly, and she is so important to me.' Adam who is best known for his role as convict Lewis Whippey in Happy Valley has not spoken publicly about his love life. Aimee's last known relationship was with her Sex Education co-star Connor Swindells, who she split from in 2020 after two years together. Aimee met Adam a year after filming The White Lotus, which saw much scrutiny placed on her relationship with co-star Walton Goggins, 54, who played her on-screen lover, Rick (pictured) Aimee's last known relationship was with her Sex Education co-star Connor Swindells, who she split from in 2020 after two years together (pictured in 2020) Previously discussing the reason behind their split, Aimee noted that relationships don't have to consist of a 'goodie' and a 'baddie', but sometimes the combination of two personalities in a dynamic can result in 'unhealthy themes'. She said in an interview with Grazia: 'We'd had some time apart and then we realised that maybe the relationship wasn't serving us both,' before stating that she and Connor still love each other and respect each other. Aimee insisted the breakup was amicable and wasn't dramatic, comparing the moment she became single to a dam bursting wide open. She added: 'When I'm in a relationship I find it hard to maintain my sense of self. I'm very independent but also quite impressionable.' By Peter Tase Baku Slavic University has embraced the teaching of the core tools of statecraft, as global tensions rise and geopolitical interests are breaking down the old traditions of international politics and rules based international order. Over the last eighty years, this university has made a lasting impact in driving the national economy forward and adopting curriculum tradition from which local students have greatly benefited. Today Baku is experiencing significant and top quality results as Azerbaijan has become a driving force of international diplomacy in Eurasia. As a result of the great leadership of Azerbaijans national leader Heydar Aliyev, thanks to his steadfast efforts, the gradual education reforms in Azerbaijan in the early 1990s, at all stages and levels, have already shown their effectiveness and results. The education system of the nation has improved through the guidance of a defined set of goals set within the framework of National Strategy for the Development of Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which enabled every public servant to look upon this university with pride and encouragement. The leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and his executive decrees and orders aimed at improving the education system in accordance with the highest standards and the achievement of concrete targets, state programs have adopted scholarship programs that are sending the Azerbaijani youth to prestigious educational institutions abroad. These are the message and instructions for all national higher institutions, in their road towards a more sustainable future. The main feature of dialectics and philosophy, as well as future plans of Azerbaijans education system is to save the experience gained through past decades and to preserve the admirable experiences and academic legacy while respecting a set of the values, traditions, national mentality and the principles of loyalty. Baku Slavic University, which commemorates its 80th anniversary this year, is committed to these principles and carries out its current and future activities in accordance with these principles. In the 1940s after the Second World War, Baku Slavic University, which was established and functioned under different names in different periods, has aimed for a long time to prepare professionals of the Russian language and literature teachers, currently it is a center of scientific and educational activities assigned to train high-skilled specialists in Russian language and literature, Slavonic studies, Translation art, International relations and pedagogical specialties. Equipped with a wise foresight by the great national leader Heydar Aliyev, the profile of Azerbaijani Pedagogical Institute of Russian Language and Literature was expanded with the aspiration to further develop the educational, literary, cultural, political, diplomatic and socio-economic relations with its neighbor country, Russia, the CIS, Eastern, Central and Southern European countries and the Slavic-Greek world. Baku Slavic University, a unique public institution of higher education, was established in 2000. Unlike other Slavic universities in the CIS, Baku Slavic University was established with the initiative of Azerbaijani Government and aims at meeting the educational needs and fulfilling its national strategy of tertiary education objectives. At a time when the Russian language evokes a great interest in Baku, the University has made the preparation of pedagogical expertise as its top priority, prepares textbooks on the Russian language and literature for secondary schools, remains a scientific and methodological centre for the Russian-language schools and for all of these reasons Baku Slavic University carries out joint projects with leading Universities and scientific and methodological centers in Russia. Today Baku Slavic University functions as one of the biggest centers of Russian Slavonic philology in the Caucasus and Transcaucasia and it carries out scientific researches in Azerbaijani, Turkish-Slavic and European studies, promotes multicultural studies of the Azerbaijani people in the world, as well as holds international scientific conferences. Students from all over the world learn the Azerbaijani and the Russian language at Baku Slavic University and have the chance to get the bachelors, masters and postgraduate degrees in different specialties. Baku Slavic University is an institute of higher education with great scientific and pedagogical potential. There are more than 70 candidates of science, professors, and more than 200 Ph.D. Professors and Assistant Professors. There are plenty of cooperation agreements with foreign universities which make it possible for specialists from other Universities, as well as our teaching staff to get the chance of working here and abroad. The worlds prominent political leaders, religious and public figures are among the honorary doctors of our University. Lectures delivered by the honorary doctors, especially by political leaders, educational and cultural centers inaugurated in their presence, the attention paid by most of them to relations between their countrys universities and BSU has made a unique impression on its professors and students. As a continuation to the wonderful and impressive legacy of Academician Kamal Abdullayev, BSU pays a great attention to the accomplishment and realization of the scientific potential of the University, promotion and publication of research projects carried out by department chairs and scientific and research laboratories, regular publication of scientific works, etc. On September 14, 2010, the Chancellor of the Baku Slavic University (BSU), associate member of ANAS Kamal Abdulla was awarded Dede Gorgud prize of the Dede Gorgud National Foundation and gold medal. A ceremony was organized in the University on the occasion of the presentation of the awards. Addressing the event, president of the Dede Gorgud National Foundation, founder and editor-in-chief of the World of Azerbaijan magazine Eldar Ismayilov highlighted the scientific activities of Kamal Abdulla. The same day, Kamal Abdulla`s book entitled Let`s speak in Azerbaijani language was published in Bucharest. The University publishes Scientific Works (Language and Literature, Social Science Series), as well as a number of scientific publications prepared jointly with various foreign universities, the magazine The Russian language and literature, scientific journal Tagiyevs readings, thematic and high school yearbooks, various dictionaries and reference books, encyclopedias, textbooks and monographs. It is not a coincidence that the scientific research schools at the University, formed during the period of the Former Soviet Union have fulfilled their mission and have expanded the scope of research today. Indeed, there are honorable successors of these scientific schools including professors Mehmet Tagiyev and Ali Huseynov with their work on lexicography and phraseology; literary relations and investigation founded by professors Michayil Rafili, Murtuz Sadikhov, Habib Babayev, pedagogical and methodological departments directed and formed by professors Leila Vakilova, Bashir Ahmadov, Chingiz Badalov; Translation and Azerbaijani studies and multiculturalism departments, established during the modern development stage and due to efforts and the effective initiative of Honorable Academician Kamal Abdulla; Dostoevskys studies, carried out by Prof. Mammad Qojayev and many others. Baku Slavic University carries out preparation of experts for the unique majors in bachelors, masters and postgraduate degrees. Students and professionals from more than 15 countries get their education in our campus. The university focuses on the implementation of the concept of continuous education and as a result the University involves the School and Lyceum Complex under Baku Slavic University, where students get elementary, secondary and higher education. The Department of Additional Education, which includes professional development, retraining and probation, is another effective way to strengthen the potential of its future experts. The Graduate Dissertation board carries out training of young and new scientific and scientific-pedagogical researchers in the Russian language and literature, literary theory, comparative linguistics and the like. The students of our University, Eldar Gasimov and Aysel Teymurzadeh, who graduated from the School and Lyceum Complex under Baku Slavic University, represented Azerbaijan at the Eurovision song contest. Students from philological faculty, have collected interesting samples of folklore during their expeditions in Ivanovka village of Ismayilli Region, populated by the Russian population, and they have published a book volume of fascinating folklore samples named: Russian folklore of Azerbaijan. The University marks its 80th anniversary with great expectations for the future. This anniversary is not only for the professors and students, but also for local and foreign friends of BSU, graduates, for everyone who cooperates with this prestigious institution, incoming students and their parents. ------ Peter Tase is a freelance writer and journalist of International Relations, Latin American and Southern Caucasus current affairs. He is the author of America's first book published on the historical and archeological treasures of the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan (Republic of Azerbaijan); has authored and published four books on the Foreign Policy and current economic political events of the Government of Azerbaijan. Tase has written about International Relations for Eurasia Review Journal since June 2012. Signs of US hostility, such as threats to Greenland, sanctions against prominent figures, and the new national security strategy, are causing disquiet in a continent still dependent on Washington Europe has entered a new state of alert in the face of increasingly explicit signs that the United States not only no longer wants to bear the burden of guaranteeing the continents security, but is also displaying open hostility in areas that go beyond simple economic and technological competition and touch the deepest core of strategic and security issues. Donald Trump recently asserted that his country needs Greenland an autonomous territory belonging to Denmark, a NATO ally for national security, a day after U.S. forces staged an incursion into Venezuela, during which Nicolas Maduro was captured and transported to New York. 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, Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, said during a subsequent interview with CNN. At the beginning of December, Washington published its new National Security Strategy, in which it launches an explicit attack on the EU, describing it as an entity that undermines political liberty and promotes censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, while promising to cultivate resistance to Europes current trajectory within European nations, which means a campaign of support for European nationalist forces that seek to dismantle the community integration project and harassment of those who promote them. Another serious example of hostility surfaced in late December, with the sanctions imposed by Washington on former European Commissioner Thierry Breton former head of technology regulations on online content moderation and hate speech and on leaders of organizations that combat illegal and extremist content. This is yet another pressure tactic by Washington to get Brussels to soften its rules for American companies and to benefit the tech oligarchs who are now part of the Trumpian ecosystem. The U.S. initiative, while not binding on sitting political leaders, is extremely serious, says a senior EU source. It is further proof that Washington sees Europe as a colony, wants to maintain its subservience, and will do everything possible to impose its rules here, says the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss this highly sensitive matter. These episodes exemplify a hostile attitude from the U.S. toward Western Europe unseen since the end of World War II. There are others, ranging from threats or insinuations of withdrawing the security umbrella that covers NATO allies an organization to which the U.S. contributes not only vast capabilities and irreplaceable leadership, but also the crucial issue of nuclear deterrence to the trade war. They want to destroy us As far as Europe is concerned, Trump and his administration have shown great consistency and predictability: they want to destroy us, warns Nathalie Tocci, director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali. Today, the United States considers liberal democracy and European integration to be adversaries. Its not all bad news coming out of Washington for Europe. Last month, Congress approved a 2026 budget for the Pentagon that includes measures that break with Trumps policies and seek to solidify the security relationship with Europe. The legislation includes, albeit meager, aid for Ukraine $800 million spread over two years and, most importantly, provisions to limit the Secretary of Defenses ability to reduce U.S. troop numbers in Europe to fewer than 76,000 (a deployment estimated at around 84,000 earlier this year by the Council on Foreign Relations). It also prohibits the head of the U.S. European Command from relinquishing the title of Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. This piece of legislation shows that within the American political establishment as well as the military there remains broad consensus on the strategic importance of maintaining a strong security relationship with Europe. However, unlike during Trumps first term, these positions are not represented in his administration. In light of these events, even the most pro-NATO European countries are reassessing their strategies, understanding the profound risk of relying on U.S. support. In December, Denmarks military intelligence services defined the U.S., for the first time, as a potential threat to its national security. The United States uses economic power, including in the form of threats of high tariffs, to enforce its will and no longer excludes the use of military force, even against allies, its report emphasized. In the wake of the U.S. operation in Venezuela, European leaders issued a statement urging Washington to respect Greenlands integrity. Unfortunately, I think the American president should be taken seriously when he says he wants Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said last Monday. But I will also make it clear 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. If the hostility of the United States is compounded by the activities of a Russia that continues its aggression against Ukraine and deepens its sabotage actions in Europe, the perception of risk increases. Dependency The key factor driving Europes state of alert is its heavy reliance on the U.S. for security. This has a direct impact on its capacity for independent self-defense and an indirect effect on shaping Europes position across the entire spectrum of its relations with Washington. EU countries invest a considerable amount in defense approximately 380 billion ($447 billion) in 2025, a figure higher than that of China or Russia in nominal terms although not if calculated in purchasing power parity. However, that figure is misleading, as it does not translate into a truly deterrent, autonomous defensive capability. Among other reasons, this is because Europe depends on the U.S. for key operational aspects, and because the total expenditure on paper ignores a reality marked by national fragmentation. The only effective coordinating body is NATO, dominated by Washington. The dependencies are both quantitative with limitations in arsenals and industrial production capacity and qualitative. A report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies concludes that Europeans are dependent on the U.S. for key activities such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, for which they lack sufficient air and space assets. Other hardware deficits include inadequate air defenses and long-range missile capabilities. In the software arena, for example, Europe lacks sovereign cloud computing capabilities. With regards to nuclear weapons, two countries possess the capability (France and the U.K.), but their arsenals are far smaller than those of Russia and the U.S. In a clear symptom of the connection between Washingtons political and cultural attack on Europe and the issue of defense, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said in a recent interview: France and the U.K. have nuclear weapons. If they allow themselves to be overwhelmed with very destructive moral ideas, then you allow nuclear weapons to fall in the hands of people who can actually cause very, very serious harm to the U.S. In this context of American disengagement and weariness, an exclusive report by Reuters in early December sparked alarm. According to the report, Washington wants Europe to take over most of the continents conventional defense capabilities by 2027, an extremely early date for matters of this magnitude. The message, according to the report, was conveyed to several European delegations by Pentagon representatives at a meeting in the U.S. capital. Danish soldiers during military exercises in Greenland in September. Guglielmo Mangiapane (REUTERS) The 2027 deadline has been met with dismay in some circles. However, the U.S. has not formally or informally informed all its allies of this intention, according to NATO sources. Furthermore, these same sources say that it is highly unlikely that this transfer will happen in the short term. Within the military alliance, there is a tendency to avoid political discussions and to seek distance from the noise and pronouncements of the Trump administration. Its as if addressing the issue would accelerate a divorce that could change NATO forever. Another report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies estimates that to replace the conventional capabilities that is, excluding nuclear ones that the U.S. has allocated to the Euro-Atlantic scenario, European states would need to invest around $1 trillion above current investments to cover a 25-year defense cycle. Jamie Shea, a researcher at the think tank Friends of Europe and a senior NATO official until 2018, argues that it is unrealistic for Europeans to be self-sufficient in terms of capabilities, defense spending, and nuclear deterrence. Europe has an interest in retaining as much U.S. capability as possible in Europe and NATO for as long as possible to allow for a more strategic and military transition. But it must maintain this effort even if the U.S. posture becomes less hostile, he asserts. The old Cold War U.S. is not coming back, Shea stresses. Europe must have a clear strategy and the resources to achieve credible self-defense by 2030. Luis Simon, director of the Brussels office of the Elcano Institute, believes that a reduction in U.S. capabilities and presence in Europe is very likely, as Washington wants to focus on other scenarios, but he does not believe it will be total. Today, Europeans are not in a position to maintain a command structure with all that it entails, and they wont be in a position to do so for the next five or even 10 years. They lack the technical capacity, and no state has the political legitimacy to replace the U.S., says Simon. So, if it isnt done in a coordinated and structured way, with the U.S. leading the charge and maintaining command positions within the NATO structure, it would surely be a chaotic and divisive process, which could lead to fragmentation and a command and deterrence structure in Europe centered around subregional groups, notes the expert, who is also a professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The underlying issue is that the U.S. wants Europeans to take charge of their defense, but the Trump administration has opted for a very ideological strategy that wants a divided Europe, dominated by nationalist forces, thus hindering the development of capabilities at a European scale, under the EU umbrella or as a European pillar within NATO, says Pol Morillas, director of the CIDOB think tank. This political attitude, this hostility, also casts a shadow over Europes weaponry. The specter of the kill switch mechanisms by which the manufacturer can remotely disable the system is haunting the sector. Even without total inoperability, the mere interruption of software updates can severely impair the operational capabilities of key assets such as F-35 fighter jets or European naval vessels operating with the Aegis system. This concern arises in an unfavorable context. Data compiled by Juan Mejino-Lopez and Guntram B. Wolff of the Bruegel Institute show an increase in purchases from the U.S. in recent years. European NATO countries spent 50% of their military equipment investment on purchases from the U.S. in the 2022-24 period, compared to 28% in the 2019-21 period. This makes sense considering the threat situation in Europe and the war in Ukraine. A significant portion of purchases are directed to the American defense industry because there is limited production capacity in Europe, says Mejino-Lopez. The problem is that in a context where you see signs of hostility from the Washington administration every month or even every week, this dependence comes at a very high price when it comes to decision-making, as we have seen with the trade agreement, the expert says. But the path to overcoming this dependency is hampered not only by ideological resistance from nationalists, but also by minor albeit serious clashes of national interests. Morillas author of In the Senior Citizens Playground: Europe Facing a Hostile World (Debate) points, for example, to the failure to get the FCAS project off the ground, a new-generation fighter jet system that Dassault, Airbus, and Indra were supposed to develop, but which is languishing due to the power struggle between France and Germany. Progress All of this does not mean that Europe is not making significant progress. EU military spending has risen from 260 billion ($304 billion) in 2022, the year of Russias major invasion of Ukraine, to 380 billion ($445 billion) this year. Many countries have introduced new mechanisms to increase their troop numbers. The 27 member states have agreed to use the significant instrument of common borrowing both for the SAFE program, which aims to finance coordinated arms projects, and to provide financial stability to Ukraine, and have agreed on an escape clause in the fiscal stability pact regarding military spending. Likewise, the industrial sector has taken steps in recent years toward increasing production capacity, while on the political front a core of European countries has formed an informal council that has gained a certain degree of influence in the negotiations related to Ukraine. Several analysts believe that to move forward, it is necessary to abandon systems that require unanimity and instead form coalitions of volunteers. Its the only way I see possible, to do it outside of established structures, outside of discussions requiring unanimity, says Morillas. That ties in closely with the pragmatic federalism that Mario Draghi talks about, the expert points out. The loan recently granted to Ukraine through the issuance of eurobonds without the participation of Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia is an example. As a top priority to reduce dependencies and this enormous vulnerability, Europe should try to replace the 20,000 troops the United States deployed at the start of the Ukraine crisis, who will most likely be withdrawn (Washington has already pulled some from Romania), emphasizes a report from the Belfer Center at Harvard University, coordinated by researcher Daniela Schwarzer. An alliance that remains overly dependent on Washington faces the risk of fracturing. A Europe that remains without adequate defense could suffer a military defeat, dealing a blow to security and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, it states. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Donna Air showed off her ageless physique in a burgundy bikini as she enjoyed a lavish winter break in the Caribbean island of Mustique. The English actress, 46, bid farewell to the stunning holiday destination on Sunday after making 'magical memories' with her lookalike daughter Freya Aspinall, 22. She wrote: 'The hardest part of the holidays is saying goodbye. I love making memories with you @freyaaspinall and so grateful for this magical trip. Back to work tomorrow!! #letsgo #newyear #mamadaughtertime.' The Split star, who shares daughter Freya Aspinall with ex Damian Aspinall, looked nothing short of sensational in the swimsuit snap. Donna shot to fame at just ten years old on the iconic BBC series Byker Grove. She was just 21 when she met and fell in love with multimillionaire Damian, who was 40 at the time. Donna Air, 46, showed off her ageless physique in a burgundy bikini as she enjoyed a lavish winter break in the Caribbean island of Mustique The English actress bid farewell to the stunning holiday destination on Sunday after making 'magical memories' with her lookalike daughter Freya Aspinall, 22 They were introduced at a dinner party in 2000 by their mutual friend, former It Girl Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, and went on to have a seven year relationship, before their amicable split in July 2007. Damian owns The Aspinall Foundation, which partners with Howletts Wild Animal Park, founded by his father John Aspinall. The Aspinall Foundation is British charity founded in 1984 that strives to promote wildlife conservation and return captive animals back to the wild, while also running projects abroad to protect endangered species. It runs both Howletts and Port Lympne park, which is set in 600 acres and houses many rare and endangered species, with the largest breeding herd of black rhinos in the UK. Freya has inherited her father's love of conservation and dedicates her time to caring for various animals in the sanctuary and is being lined up to one day inherit his position as chair of the Aspinall Foundation. She has also inherited her mother's stunning good looks and became the youngest model on the books of Storm, the agency discovered by Kate Moss, in 2018. But rather than pass most of her time on the runway, she spends her days in the park caring for orphaned lion cubs and gorillas, or in Africa to release them back into the wild. The influencer uses her Instagram to promote the importance of conversation work, sharing heartwarming videos of her cuddling with big cats and feeding gorillas by hand in their enclosures, raking in an impressive 1.5 million followers. The Split star, who shares daughter Freya Aspinall with ex Damian Aspinall, looked nothing short of sensational in the swimsuit snap Freya has inherited her father's love of conservation and dedicates her time to caring for various animals in the sanctuary and is being lined up to one day inherit his position as chair of the Aspinall Foundation She has also inherited her mother's stunning good looks and became the youngest model on the books of Storm, the agency discovered by Kate Moss, in 2018 Freya has shown she's not a typical 'nepo baby', with it being reported that when she signed her modelling contract she insisted she would use her profile to promote conservation issues. Calling herself a 'mini version' of dad Damian, she has said if she ever books a magazine cover it will be as a conservationist rather than a model. Speaking to the Financial Times, she admitted: 'I grew up with animals and couldn't imagine my world without them. This is in my blood I've always known what I wanted to do.' And it's no wonder she shares such a close bond with animals, after being placed in in a gorilla enclosure at Howletts as a baby to be carried off by the female of the group. It was a ritual Damian had carried out with his first two daughters, Tansy and Clary, from his 15-year marriage to Louise Sebag-Montefiore. Describing his plans for Freya at the time, he told London's Evening Standard: 'It's a ritual. I'll probably give her to the dominant female who will take her off, sex her, and introduce her to the others. I did this with my other daughters, now it's Freya's turn.' While Donna fully approved of the plan because she did not believe that Freya would be in any danger. Damian added: 'Why would I not trust them? I know them, I grew up with them. They are my friends.' Actress Donna was just 21 when she met and fell in love with multimillionaire Damian, who was 40 at the time, dating for seven years and welcoming Freya in 2001 (trio seen in 2013) But rather than pass most of her time on the runway, she spends her days in the park caring for orphaned lion cubs and gorillas, or in Africa to release them back into the wild And Freya is certainly not afraid of getting up and close to exotic animals at the family wildlife park. She has described Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent where she loves to feed the giraffes as one of her 'favourite places to be'. She's often seen cuddling and feeding treats to a pair of gorillas, Silverback Kifu and Tambabi, that she has known since birth. Love Island: All Stars has reportedly been forced to postpone the start of filming for the upcoming series again due to the South Africa wildfires. On Saturday, just days ahead of the launch on Monday, ITV confirmed that the first episode had been cancelled after wildfires caused a road closure near the villa. The new series, which features returning contestants looking for another shot at love, was due to begin filming this weekend. The Sun now reports that filming has been pushed back indefinitely after local reports have revealed emergency workers battled through the night again to bring things under control in the area of Wemmershoek. A source told the publication: 'Bosses have no choice but to wait for the area to be deemed completely safe. 'The desire is to be back as soon as possible but risk and health and safety assessments are still ongoing.' Love Island: All Stars has reportedly been forced to postpone the start of filming for the upcoming series again due to the South Africa wildfires On Saturday, just days ahead of the launch on Monday, ITV confirmed that the first episode had been cancelled after wildfires caused a road closure near the villa The Daily Mail has contacted ITV for comment on the matter. A statement from ITV on Saturday read: 'Further to a production evacuation owing to ongoing wildfires in the area, our assessment of the location site has concluded that filming will need to be postponed. 'Health and safety is our greatest priority and will always come first, and therefore the transmission of Love Island: All Stars will be delayed until a date to be confirmed.' Multiple wildfires have been burning across the Western and Eastern Cape due to high temperatures, shifting winds and prolonged dry conditions. Residents of Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay Road, Kromme River and Riverside areas in the Eastern Cape were evacuated while fires also broke out in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. The Love Island villa is in the Ludus Magnus Estate, located about an hour from Cape Town in the Western Cape. Earlier on Saturday it was revealed the villa had been evacuated as a precaution and shooting the launch episode had to be postponed. Producers were said to be 'scrambling' to ensure the launch episode could still run smoothly, but it has now been confirmed Monday's episode is cancelled. The Love Island villa is in the Ludus Magnus Estate, located about an hour from Cape Town in the Western Cape A statement from the producers of Love Island confirming the postponement of the latest series of All Stars on Saturday An ITV spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Mail: 'Owing to an ongoing wild fire in the area, we have evacuated the Love Island production site as a precautionary measure.' It comes after the Daily Mail exclusively revealed the line-up, which includes two former winners, two nepo babies and a finalist whose bitter split from her ex still rumbles on. Whitney Adebayo, 28, Millie Court, 29, Belle Hassan, 27, Helena Ford, 29, Jess Harding, 25, and Leanne Amaning, 28, are the girls taking part. They will have to couple up with Ciaran Davies, 23, Jack Keating, 26, Sean Stone, 26, Tommy Bradley, 22, Charlie Frederick, 31, or Shaq Muhammad, 27. Elsewhere, the show's host Maya, 31, shared a health update after pulling out of the Love Island: All Stars launch event days before the hit ITV2 dating series was due to begin. 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. Elsewhere, the show's host Maya, 31, shared a health update after pulling out of the Love Island: All Stars launch event days before the hit ITV2 dating series was due to begin She flashed a small smile as she posed for a selfie while preparing to get some sleep as she jetted off to Cape Town to host Love Island. Maya 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].' Camila Morrone has gushed over her 'stepfather' Al Pacino as she opens up about their close bond. Hollywood legend Al, 85, dated Camila's mother, Argentine actor Lucila Sola, 49, from 2008 to 2018. In a new interview, the 28-year-old actress, who famously dated Leonardo DiCaprio, opened up about growing up with Al, whom she calls her 'stepdad' even though he was never married to her mother. She told The Times: 'How lucky am I to have known him and to have been raised in his presence. 'I mean, he's the Messi of my industry. 'I think I'll always look back on my childhood and be in awe that I was in the presence of someone like him.' Camila Morrone has gushed over her 'stepfather' Al Pacino as she opens up about their close bond in a new interview Hollywood legend Al, 85, dated Camila's mother, Argentine actor Lucila Sola (also known as Lucila Polak), from 2008 to 2018 (pictured Camila, Al and Lucila in 2014) It comes after Camila admitted that she 'loves it that men are eating out of her hands' as she teased scenes in The Night Manager season 2. The actress plays Roxana Bolanos in the upcoming series, which landed this month. Appearing at the premiere in London last month, Camila discussed her siren character in a new interview. She told The Sun: 'As women, we're very good and intuitive at knowing who we have to be, and when and at what time, and then switching being these chameleons. 'My character's this hustler, she's the smartest person in any room, which I love, and she has all the men eating out of the palm of her hand. 'It was really great to figure out what her motivation was in playing with the big guys.' At the premiere, Camila stunned in a 3,300 gold corset bustier paired with a sheer black skirt from Carolina Herrera on the red carpet. Flashing a glimpse of her long, toned legs and peachy derriere, Camila added inches to her frame with black strappy heels. It comes after Camila admitted that she 'loves it that men are eating out of her hands' as she teased scenes in The Night Manager season 2 She accessorised with a gold-toned choker necklace, while her long brunette locks were styled in a voluminous blowout. In high spirits throughout the evening, Camila was joined by co-stars Tom Hiddleston, 44, and Diego Calva, 33, for a series of snaps. The trio larked about for the cameras on the red carpet before heading into the BFI Southbank cinema. The Night Manager, which made Tom a national heartthrob, is back after nine years off screens - and it is racier than ever with threesomes and steamy shower scenes. The actor reprises his role as former British intelligence operative, Jonathan Pine, while Olivia Colman, 51, will return as Angela Burr for the six-part series. Meanwhile, Camila will replace Elizabeth Debicki as the show's main love interest, helping Hiddleston's character Jonathan Pine, a former military officer and hotel night manager, in infiltrating an arms gang in Colombia. While she has had a number of acting roles, the model is best known as the ex-love of movie star Leonardo, 51, whom she dated from 2016-2022. Previously discussing his role in the series, Tom told British Vogue: 'It's unlike any character I've ever played. Tom reprises his role as Jonathan Pine, while Camila (seen) Elizabeth Debicki as the show's main love interest, helping Hiddleston's character, a former military officer and hotel night manager, in infiltrating an arms gang in Colombia While she has had a number of acting roles, the model is best known as the ex-love of movie star Leonardo, 51, whom she dated from 2016-2022 (both pictured 2018) 'If somebody stops me in the street or I find myself at a social gathering, people will bring up The Night Manager. The association is really strong.' Emmy Award nominee Camila revealed she was a huge fan of the show before being cast for its long-awaited second season. She said: 'I'm supposed to be doing my lines, and instead I'm binge-watching all six episodes, which ended up paying off in the long run.' The trailer opens with Tom's character, Jonathan, being told: 'A lot of intelligence officers come through this room. 'They sit there, and they smile just like you. The ones I really worry about say nothing, and then one day they explode. Tell me who you really are.' To which he replies, as action-packed scenes including explosions and high-speed chases play out: 'I am the man who will not explode'. The action is expected to expand the story of the novel of the same name by writer John le Carre, which follows an ex-soldier helping penetrate the secret world of ruthless arms dealers. The synopsis teases 'betrayal at every turn' that will see the MI6 operative having to decide who he can trust, and how far he's willing to go before it's too late. Melissa Gilbert has deactivated her Instagram account amid husband Timothy Busfield's child sex abuse allegations. The 61-year-old actress who spoke out against child abuse on her Instagram account in November removed her profile after authorities in New Mexico issued an arrest warrant for Busfield, 68, on Friday. The warrant alleged that the Emmy-winning director and actor engaged in sexual conduct with two boys. An investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department filed a criminal complaint in support of the charge, which says a child reported that Busfield touched him inappropriately. The incidents allegedly occurred on the set of The Cleaning Lady, a TV series Busfield directed and acted in between January 2022 and June 2025. The child said the abuse initially occurred when he was seven-years-old and Busfield touched him three or four times. Busfield also allegedly touched him five or six times when he was eight. Melissa Gilbert has deactivated her Instagram account amid husband Timothy Busfield's child sex abuse allegations; pictured in January 2025 The 61-year-old actress removed her profile after authorities in New Mexico issued an arrest warrant for Busfield, 68, on Friday; pictured in October The warrant alleged that the Emmy-winning director and actor engaged in sexual conduct with two boys; pictured in September 2025 According to an account from People, the Albuquerque Police Department's Officer Marvin Brown alleged in the warrant that 11-year-old twins were the subject of the sex crimes by Busfield. The children's identities are being withheld from the public. The arrest warrant, which was signed by a judge, said the charge is for two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor. The kids' mother reported to Child Protective Services that the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024, the complaint said. The investigation began in November 2024, prompted by a call from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital. The minors' parents had gone there at the recommendation of a law firm, the complaint said. On November 15, seven weeks before the charges against her husband, Gilbert reflected on her experience as a child actor on The Little House on the Prairie. As a teenager on the drama series, she filmed romantic scenes with a love interest played by Dean Butler, who is nine years older than her. In November Gilbert posted a photo of herself at age 15 to depict how young she was on the set of Little House on the Prairie. She was expected to film mature, romantic scenes with an actor much older than her, something she has a different outlook on today Gilbert, pictured as Laura Ingalls at age 15, kissed Dean Butler, 24, as Almanzo Wilder in a scene that aired in 1979 Gilbert and Busfield, married since 2013, pictured in 2023 'So, I debated posting this but, I feel compelled to share. After seeing many women's posts with the hashtags #iwasfifteen #imfifteen #iwasachild, I decided to Google search myself at that age and see what came up. And this is some of what I found,' Gilbert wrote in the caption of her Instagram post at the time. 'And now, at this age, at this time, I am actually nauseated. The girl on vacation in Hawaii with her family, is the same girl who was expected to 'fall in love with' and kiss a man on film who was several years older than she was,' she continued, referring to working with Butler, who is now 69. 'Through the lens of today, this is shocking. I have no words other than to say, I WAS A CHILD,' Gilbert added. 'Thank God my mom and Michael and so many others were there to make sure I was safe. Can you imagine if I hadnt had them all? I am so fortunate (Sort of). Many other young women arent.' Glibert made the post in response to Megyn Kelly downplaying the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein by questioning whether he was really a pedophile. Conan O'Brien has been seen after hosting a December holiday party which was attended by director Rob Reiner and his son Nick. The bash took place on December 13, just hours before Reiner and his wife Michele were murdered allegedly by Nick inside their Los Angeles home. The talk show host looked to be in good spirts as he posed with fellow comedians such as Tig Notaro, Stephanie Allynne, Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Alex Edelman on Saturday. He was attending SiriusXM Presents Before The Buzz at Max & Helen's. The star wore a brown jacket over a blue hoodie and blue denim jeans. He added brown-tinted sunglasses that hid his eyes before he entered the venue. Conan O'Brien has been seen after hosting a December holiday party which was attended by director Rob Reiner and his son Nick. The bash took place on December 13, just hours before Reiner and his wife Michele were murdered allegedly by their son inside their Los Angeles home The talk show host looked to be in good spirts as he poses with fellow comedians on Saturday Last month Daily Mail reported exclusively that O'Brien stopped a friend from calling 911 during an explosive fight between Rob and Nick at the comedian's Christmas party just hours before the director's son allegedly cut his parents' throats, guests have revealed. Multiple attendees have reported witnessing Rob, 78, and wife Michele, 70, having a heated argument with 32-year-old Nick at O'Brien's Los Angeles mansion. Nick is said to have been behaving erratically all evening, but one source familiar with the party has now told the Daily Mail the spat grew so intense that at least one guest suggested calling the cops to intervene. 'They got in an argument, the father and son. It got so bad and loud someone wanted to call the police to report it,' the insider claimed. 'But Conan stepped in and said, "It's my house, my party, I'm not calling the police." He talked them out of calling the police.' O'Brien, 62, did not respond to the Daily Mail's requests for comment. Another source corroborated the account, saying party guests had raised concerns about Nick's mental state and suggested contacting the cops before O'Brien shut the idea down. 'When the s**t was hitting the fan, somebody said we need to call the police. The conversation was about getting this kid put into a mental-health hold,' the second source told the Daily Mail. He was attending SiriusXM Presents Before The Buzz at Max & Helen's. Seen holding a mug as he posed with Alex Edelman O'Brien with Francesca Bateman, Jason Bateman, and Will Arnett Seen with Scott Greenstein Here he had his arm around Jennifer Witz O'Brien stopped a friend from calling 911 during an explosive fight between Rob and Nick Reiner at the comedian's Christmas party; seen in 2022 One source familiar with the party said the spat grew so intense that at least one guest suggested calling the cops to intervene 'Conan O'Brien stepped in and said, "No, I don't want the police at my house". It makes sense; who wants the cops showing up creating a scene?' the insider added. 'But the argument between Rob and Nick was pretty intense.' A source close to the Los Angeles Police Department said there were no 911 calls from O'Brien's house that night. And despite partygoers' concerns, nobody predicted what would happen next: that Rob and Michele Reiner would be found dead from knife wounds less than 24 hours later. 'Only the murderer is responsible,' the first source said. 'But it must be gut-wrenching for Conan to learn that this is how things turned out. I'm sure that night is replaying for him over and over. 'It's just so awful and sad.' In another haunting revelation, the Daily Mail has also learned that Rob had confided to friends at the O'Brien party about being scared of his own son. The beloved filmmaker, 78, and his wife Michele Reiner, 70, were found dead at their Brentwood home on Sunday December 14 'They got in an argument, the father and son. It got so bad and loud someone wanted to call the police to report it,' one insider claimed. (Pictured: Albert Brooks, O'Brien and Reiner in 2024) 'I'm petrified of him. I can't believe I'm going to say this but I'm afraid of my son. I think my own son can hurt me,' Reiner allegedly said immediately after his altercation with Nick. Those comments resurfaced at an impromptu memorial attended by Hollywood A-listers, where the details of the party were discussed, according to a source. The insider told the Daily Mail that several attendees were left in tears upon hearing what Rob had said. The Daily Mail contacted representatives for all the stars in attendance at the impromptu memorial. One spokesman denied that Rob had made the comments about Nick at O'Brien's party. TMZ first reported that Reiner had had a 'very loud argument' with his son at the holiday party, after which the legendary movie director and his wife left. The Reiners had reportedly brought Nick to the star-studded event to 'keep an eye on him.' Rylan Clark's mum Linda Clark has revealed she was rushed to hospital after suffering a horror fall outside of her home. The 73-year-old, who has appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox, slipped after mistaking ice for water while taking out the rubbish, resulting in a fractured shoulder. Speaking live on air to Rylan on his Radio 2 show on Saturday, she told listeners: 'I just went flying and I hurt my arm again.' She confirmed she had fractured her shoulder, saying her arm was 'black' from bruises and 'so sore.' Addressing the moment he found out about the fall, Rylan said: 'Well that was a lovely phone call I got that morning, you on your way to the hospital. 'But it could've been worse, it could've been your arm and your leg like we've had before.' Rylan Clark's mum Linda Clark has revealed she was rushed to hospital after suffering a horror fall outside of her home The 73-year-old, who has appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox, slipped after mistaking ice for water while taking out the rubbish, resulting in a fractured shoulder He urged his mum to 'be careful' and rest to not make it any worse. After playing a song at his mum's song on request, Rylan thanked his listeners for their supportive messages. He said: 'So many of you getting in touch, thank you, yeah she is alright by the way. 'She's fractured her shoulder, I just can't help her, you know what she's like, rushing around doing stuff. 'In all fairness though, it was an accident, she just slipped on some ice.' He finished by reassuring fans that she is being well looked after while she recovers. It comes just months after Rylan revealed Linda had been rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in july. The star announced the news in a statement on Instagram as he thanked the emergency team for looking after her. It comes just months after Rylan revealed Linda had been rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in july Rylan and his mother Linda on Celebrity Gogglebox The TV presenter shared his mother 'isn't well' as he confirmed he won't be hosting his BBC Radio 2 show. He wrote: 'Mummy Linda isn't well sadly so I won't be hosting the show tomorrow. 'Thank you to the emergency team at Princess Alexandra Hospital. Especially Tanya who really looked after my mum. 'Will keep you updated as she's on the mend. She's a trooper x' Rylan previously shared in 2023 his mother suffered a horror fall in Marbella and had to have emergency surgery before they both flew home on a private plane. Rylan later gave fans an update on her mother's health, writing: 'She's doing really well thankfully. All going good. Cheers for all ur messages x' He added: 'She's doing really well. Now chatting away with a lovely lady next to her. On the mend! Cheers for ur messages. X' The mother-son duo have been favourites on Channel 4's Gogglebox since 2019, yet they had to miss the latest series due to Linda's health. Rylan has also previously opened up about his mother's battle with Crohn's disease. Linda has battled with Crohn's since her 30s, a condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. She often has to undergo multiple operations to remove damaged parts of her bowel and takes numerous medicines each day for her condition. Crohn's disease is a chronic condition, which affects around one in 1,200 people in the UK, causing inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, although it is most commons in the intestines. Rylan later gave fans an update on her mother's health, writing: 'She's doing really well thankfully. All going good. Cheers for all ur messages x' Rylan previously shared in 2023 his mother suffered a horror fall in Marbella and had to have emergency surgery before they both flew home on a private plane It causes symptoms including diarrhoea, intense abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. Linda had to endure a six-week hospital stay due to her ongoing battle with Crohn's disease back in 2017. 'She's not in the best health with her other conditions and this has made it more complicated,' Rylan previously said. In October that year, Rylan revealed that Linda had become well enough to visit his house for the first time in two months amid her health struggles. Linda also contracted sepsis in 2018, which almost killed her. Rylan previously opened up to the Daily Mail about his mum's battle with the illness, which has affected many aspects of her life. He explained: 'My mum lost her job because of the disease - it totally dictates her life. When she was diagnosed it really hit her hard because it wasn't picked up early enough. 'The earlier you pick it up the easier it is to control. I grew up with the disease as well because she was ill - it is life-threatening. It's scary. 'It could be difficult when I was young because sometimes she couldn't come on school trips and other times she was so embarrassed about her symptoms that I couldn't have my mates to stay over.' Maya Jama shared a string of sizzling bikini snaps to Instagram on Sunday while holed up at her South African villa, after bosses were forced to delay the new series of Love Island: All Stars due to devastating wildfires. The TV presenter, 31, looked incredible in a brown halterneck bikini as she posed up a storm while sunbathing in her villa. Maya soaked up the sun while sitting poolside, as like many of this year's Love Island stars, she waited for the all-clear to begin filming for the new series. Hinting that like many fans she was impatiently waiting for the series to kick off, Maya captioned her post with a clock emoji. On Sunday, it was reported that filming for Love Island: All Stars had to be postponed again due to the wildfires in South Africa. On Saturday, just days ahead of the launch on Monday, ITV confirmed that the first episode had been cancelled after wildfires caused a road closure near the villa. Maya Jama, 31, shared a string of sizzling bikini snaps while holed up at her South African villa, after bosses were forced to delay the new series of Love Island: All Stars due to wildfires The TV presenter looked incredible in a brown, fabric, two-piece, halterneck bikini as she posed up a storm while sunbathing in her villa The new series, which features returning contestants seeking another chance at love, was scheduled to begin filming this weekend. The Sun now reports that filming has been pushed back indefinitely after local reports revealed that emergency workers battled through the night again to bring the situation under control in the Wemmershoek area. A source told the publication: 'Bosses have no choice but to wait for the area to be deemed completely safe. 'The desire is to be back as soon as possible, but risk and health and safety assessments are still ongoing.' The Daily Mail contacted ITV for comment on the matter earlier this week. A statement from ITV on Saturday read: 'Further to a production evacuation owing to ongoing wildfires in the area, our assessment of the location site has concluded that filming will need to be postponed. 'Health and safety is our greatest priority and will always come first, and therefore the transmission of Love Island: All Stars will be delayed until a date to be confirmed.' Multiple wildfires have been burning across the Western and Eastern Cape due to high temperatures, shifting winds and prolonged dry conditions. Maya's sunny post comes as Love Island: All Stars has reportedly been forced to postpone the start of filming for the upcoming series again due to the wildfires in South Africa On Saturday, just days ahead of the launch on Monday, ITV confirmed that the first episode had been cancelled after wildfires caused a road closure near the villa Residents of Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay Road, the Kromme River, and Riverside areas in the Eastern Cape were evacuated, while fires also broke out in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. The Love Island villa is situated on the Ludus Magnus Estate, approximately an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape. Earlier on Saturday, it was revealed that the villa had been evacuated as a precaution and the launch episode had to be postponed. Producers were said to be 'scrambling' to ensure the launch episode could still run smoothly, but it has now been confirmed that Monday's episode is cancelled. Heidi Klum went topless while enjoying a beach day in St. Barths with husband Tom Kaulitz last week. The 52-year-old German supermodel who has since returned to the states with her longtime love, 36 ditched her bikini top while strolling the sand and rocking brown tie-string bottoms. The age-cap couple proved they are more in love than ever as they could not keep their hands off each other during the outing. Klum and Kaulitz canoodled nonstop and at one point the mom-of-four threw her red-manicured hands around her husband while kissing him in the ocean. For his part, the Tokio Hotel music artist was clad in black and white bandana patterned swim trunks. He wore gauges in his ears, as well as a long gold chain around his neck and matching bracelets. Heidi Klum went topless while enjoying a beach day in St. Barths with husband Tom Kaulitz last week The age-cap couple proved they're more in love than ever as they couldn't keep their hands off each other during the outing At one point the mom-of-four threw her red-manicured hands around her husband while kissing him in the ocean The Germany's Next Top Model judge wore stylish sunglasses and let her textured blonde hair flow freely. When she was feeling slightly modest she covered her chest in a flowy lime-yellow top. The two stars, who tied the knot on February 22, 2019, will celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary in a few weeks. They got engaged after one year of dating and exchanged vows in a private ceremony on a luxury yacht. The catwalk favorite often shares outtakes from her life with her husband on social media, and days ago posted scenes from a date night in New York City. Klum was previously married to British singer Seal from 2005 to 2014. The exes share sons Henry, 20, Johan, 19, and Lou, 16. During their marriage the 62-year-old music artist also adopted her daughter Leni, 21, when she was five-years-old. Klum and Kaulitz canoodled nonstop. The Tokio Hotel music artist was clad in black and white bandana patterned swim trunks The Germany's Next Top Model judge wore stylish sunglasses and let her textured blonde hair flow freely The two stars, who tied the knot on February 22, 2019, will celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary in a few weeks The catwalk favorite often shares outtakes from her life with her husband on social media, and days ago posted scenes from a date night in New York City Klum told Daily Mail in 2024 that she 'grew up with a lot of nudity' and encourages others to strip off on the beach. 'It's so funny how many people talk about that,' she said of fans' reaction to photos of her going topless during a vacation. '[They] should try it sometime.' She also noted that when photos of her in the bare were snapped she was in a place where beach nudity isn't scandalous. 'Even though I am American, I'm also very much European, so I grew up with a lot of nudity on the beach,' the multihyphenate explained. 'So for me, this would be no big deal. Plus I was on a French island, and if you look around, most girls are topless, so it's just a very common thing.' The Project Runway alum reiterated: 'So it's not like I'm doing something weird... and I always go to a beach when there's not a lot of people there. 'So I feel like I get into those things when no one is around.' Paris Jackson turned heads while exiting the star-studded W Magazine party at the famed Chateau Marmont on Saturday night. The 27-year-old daughter of Michael Jackson dazzled in a daring black mini dress with a plunging neckline that looked runway-ready. Her sandy blonde hair was swept into a messy bun, highlighting her striking features and effortless beauty. But it was her leggy display that stole the show, the thigh-skimming hem flaunting her statuesque figure with every step. Jackson mingled with Hollywood heavyweights including Jennifer Lopez, Sydney Sweeney and Kaye Hudson, making the event feel like a whos who of Tinseltown. The glamorous outing came shortly after Paris spoke candidly about her six-year journey to sobriety, reflecting on the changes that have shaped her life. Paris Jacksonturned heads while exiting the star-studded W Magazine partyat the famed Chateau Marmont on Saturday night It was her leggy display that stole the show, the thigh-skimming hem flaunting her statuesque figure with every step Ahead of her sixth sobriety anniversary, she opened up about the journey in an Instagram post. Getting sober ain't always the indication that life is perfect, she wrote last week. A few years in it all got very, very hard for what felt like an eternity. And I didn't have the same survival skills I was used to having to cope. I had to learn to live life on life's terms. She also revealed her ongoing struggles with major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Treatment-resistant, major depressive disorder is a bi***. So is CPSTD and OCD, she said. If you've got this s***, or anything of the sort, you're not alone. Hang in there and if no one's told you they love you today, I love you. The Instagram post comes nearly two months after Paris Jackson revealed one of the lasting effects her years of drug use took on her body in a social media video. In a clip reposted by a TikTok fan account, she admitted she had a hole in the middle of her nose caused by drug use. I realized I never addressed this and it can sometimes be very noticeable, Jackson said. I have a really loud whistle because you can hear it when I breathe through my nose and that is because I have what is called a perforated septum. She then gave fans a closer look by shining her cell phone flashlight inside her nostril, revealing a tunnel between the nostrils visible on camera. Her sandy blonde hair was swept into a messy bun, highlighting her striking features and effortless beauty The glamorous outing came shortly after Paris spoke candidly about her six-year journey to sobriety, reflecting on the changes that have shaped her life Jackson explained that the whistle sound could even be heard in a previous video she had shared online. A perforated septum, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is a hole in the tissue that separates the nostrils, known as the septum, which is made up of bone, cartilage and soft tissue. It can be caused by inhaling cocaine or other drugs, but may also result from excessive use of nasal sprays, injuries, exposure to chemicals, infections, autoimmune conditions, or tumors. Jackson, who has been open about her past drug use, hinted at the cause of her condition: its exactly where you think its from, adding that she has been living with it for around seven years, since she was about 20. Toward the end of the video, she looked into the camera and warned, Dont do drugs kids. But she didnt stop there, clarifying: Or do [use drugs], I mean, everyone is going to have the experience they need to have with life. Im not going to tell anyone what to do. She added, I dont recommend it because it ruined my life. Jackson said she had been hesitant to undergo surgery to repair the perforation, fearing the after-effects could trigger a relapse. You have to take pills when you do a surgery that gnarly, she shared. And I dont want to f*** with that. The Instagram post comes nearly two months after Paris Jackson revealed one of the lasting effects her years of drug use took on her body in a social media video In January 2025, she marked five years clean from drugs and alcohol, admitting she had battled a heroin addiction. hi, im pk and im an alcoholic and a heroin addict, she wrote on social media. today marks 5 years clean & sober from all drugs and alcohol. to say that im thankful would be a poor euphemism. gratitude hardly scratches the surface. its because im sober that i get to smile today. She continued, i get to make music. i get to experience the joy of loving my dogs and cat. i get to feel heartbreak in all its glory. i get to grieve. i get to laugh. i get to dance. i get to trust. i feel the sun on my skin and its warm. ive found that life keeps happening regardless of whether im sober or not, but today i get to show up for it. Jackson has previously spoken about her struggles with drug use and depression, telling Rolling Stone in 2017 that some of her tattoos conceal both track marks from her past drug use and self-harm scars. Grateful Dead guitarist and founding member Bob Weir has died at 78, his official Instagram account confirmed on Saturday. The post revealed that Weir passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, after battling cancer and ultimately succumbing to underlying lung issues. Soon after tributes started popping up. Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder shared a picture of himself and Weir on Instagram and wrote: 'Just heard of the passing of @bobweir. I first saw Bob at Woodstock with the Grateful Dead and was blown away by that whole band, and the musicianship. I feel so blessed to have been able to have him sing on Rock You from American Rock and Roll. Until we meet again, amigo. #FreeAtLast #GratefulDead #BobWeir.' And musician Michael Franti who was a close friend and performed with Weir many times posted a lengthy tribute on his own Instagram page. The post revealed that Weir passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, after battling cancer and ultimately succumbing to underlying lung issues; (Weir in 1970) In 1965, he met Garcia in the Palo Alto music store and the two formed Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions, which later became the Warlocks and eventually the Grateful Dead; (Bill Kreutzman (striped shirt), Jerry Garcia (black shirt and jacket), Mickey Hart ('God is Sound' T-shirt), Phil Lesh (white T-shirt), Bob Weir (Duke sweatshirt), and Brent Mydland in 1979) He wrote: 'I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Weir. He inspired me in so many ways as a musician, an activist, an athlete and mostly a friend. 'We shared the stage many times and he was always eager, wildly curious, and ready to try anything. The first time we played together was at a Peace Concert my team put on after the events of 9 11. We were joined by Flea on bass and Woody Harrelson on vocals. Bobby looked like a kid in a candy store playing with such a wonderfully odd crew. I could not believe that a true giant in music made time to stand in a park with a few hundred people and help us send a musical message of peace. 'We stayed in touch over the years and played again with also a dear friend Sammy Hagar while supporting a solar energy bill in California, which passed by the way. He sat in with my band several other times and they invited me to join them too. Each moment felt like MAGIC.' He also shared how Bob supported him after his child was diagnosed with kidney disease. He said: 'At one of those times he moved me deeply with the concern he showed for me and my family at The Sweetwater in Mill Valley. Just that day we have received the news that my middle child had just been diagnosed with a kidney disease that later required a transplant. I was distraught. Bobby came backstage before the set, talked with me, and sat with me as I cried. I will never ever forget that. 'In recent years I loved watching his fitness reels and his dedication to becoming his strongest self. He was hilarious, caring, wildly creative, and a true genius all at once. 'I am blessed for the time we shared and for all the beauty he brought into this world. 'Growing up in the Bay Area, Bobby was such an icon and ever present figure. It's hard to think of him not being there. Rest in love Bobby. I will miss you.' Taylor Swift posed with Weir at the 67th Grammy Awards in 2025 Weir's death was announced via a message on his Instagram page and a number of celebrities took to the comments of the post to share tributes. Andy Cohen commented: 'Bobby will live through the music and the people who love it around the world forever. What a gift he is for us all. We love you Weir family.' Aaron Dessner wrote: 'So deeply grateful for all the music and to have known him and crossed paths musically....truly one of a kind.' Maggie Rogers wrote: 'forever and ever,' while Margo Price said: 'I was just thinking of you last night Bobby. Love you forever.' Bob is survived by his wife, Natascha, and their two daughters, Shala Monet and Chloe Kaelia. 'It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues,' the message read. 'Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music,' the statement added. 'His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them. 'Every chord he played, every word he sang was an integral part of the stories he wove. There was an invitation: to feel, to question, to wander, and to belong.' Weir had been diagnosed with cancer last summer, shortly before headlining a series of shows at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Grateful Dead guitarist and founding member Bob Weir has died at the age of 78, the news confirmed in a statement on his official Instagram account Weir had been diagnosed with cancer last summer, shortly before headlining a series of shows at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco; (The Grateful Dead pose on the corner of 20th and Connecticut in Potrero Hill, San Francisco, California, circa 1965. Left to right: Phil Lesh, Jerry Garcia (1942 - 1995), Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan (1946 - 1973), Bob Weir and Bill Kreutzmann) His musical journey began at just 16, when he wandered into a Palo Alto music store following the sound of a banjo and met Jerry Garcia, who was strumming inside, per reports. The pair played together all night, sparking the formation of The Grateful Dead alongside Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann - the band's five founding members. Weir was born Robert Hall Weir in San Francisco on October 16, 1947, and was adopted as an infant. He grew up in the Bay Area, struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia and behavioral challenges, per reports. He started playing guitar at 13 and performed at local folk clubs. In 1965, he met Garcia in the Palo Alto music store and the two formed Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions, which later became the Warlocks and eventually the Grateful Dead. Weir briefly left the band in 1968 but returned to continue contributing to its mix of country-rock and improvisational music. 'It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues,' the message read; (L-R: Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh in 1968) His musical journey began at just 16, when he wandered into a Palo Alto music store following the sound of a banjo and met Jerry Garcia, who was strumming inside; (Phil Lesh (L) and Bob Weir in 1993) Weir was born Robert Hall Weir in San Francisco on October 16, 1947, and was adopted as an infant; (pictured 1997) After the death of fellow founding member Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan in 1972, Weir assumed a larger role as a vocalist and songwriter. He released solo albums including Ace and Heaven Help the Fool and performed with several side projects, including Kingfish, the Bob Weir Band, Bobby and the Midnites, RatDog, Furthur, and The Other Ones. He also took on leadership roles within the band, helping guide its direction after Garcia's health and addiction challenges. Weir pressed on after the sudden loss of Garcia, who died of a heart attack in 1995 at age 53, continuing to tour and record. He fronted RatDog, a long-running project that mixed Grateful Dead staples with original material, and later stepped into singing Garcia's songs with various post-Dead lineups, including the Other Ones, the Dead, and Furthur. In 2013, Weir collapsed during a Furthur show, and the following year RatDog dates were scrapped as he later acknowledged struggling with an addiction to prescription painkillers. He eventually returned to the spotlight, reuniting with fellow survivors Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann for the Grateful Dead's 50th anniversary Fare Thee Well concerts in 2015. That celebration led to the formation of Dead & Company, with John Mayer joining Weir, Hart, Kreutzmann and longtime Dead collaborators. In 2013, Weir collapsed during a Furthur show, and the following year RatDog dates were scrapped as he later acknowledged struggling with an addiction to prescription painkillers; (Weir, Bobby Keys of The Rolling Stones, and Grace Potter of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals perform in 2012) The group carried the band's catalog into a new era, wrapping a decade-long run with a 2023 'Final Tour' and multiple residencies at Las Vegas' Sphere. In December 2024, following the death of bassist Phil Lesh two months earlier, Weir and the remaining members were honored at the Kennedy Center. His final appearances came in August, when Dead & Company headlined three shows at Golden Gate Park marking the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary. He leaves behind his wife of more than two decades Natascha Weir, and their daughters, Monet and Chloe. With Weir's passing - following the deaths of Garcia and Lesh only Mickey Hart, 82, and Bill Kreutzmann, 79, remain from the Grateful Dead's original lineup. The statement announcing his death highlighted his long-term vision for the band's legacy: 'There is no final curtain here, not really He often spoke of a 300-year legacy, determined to ensure the songbook would endure long after him. 'May that dream live on through future generations of Dead Heads.' Now that the US has control of Venezuelas crude oil, the spotlight is turning to Mexican shipments of hydrocarbons to the island. Pressure could come through the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement The oil tanker Ocean Mariner departed Coatzacoalcos, in the Mexican state of Veracruz, on Monday. It was bound for Havana, and was scheduled to arrive on the island Thursday afternoon. It might seem like just another one of the thousands of vessels that transport crude oil daily around the world, but this Liberian-flagged ship is carrying a cargo of Mexican oil that could provide Cuba with the energy it needs to survive another day. Following the United States attack on Venezuela, President Donald Trump announced that his country would take over the export of Venezuelan oil, effectively ending shipments from that country to Cuba. In a matter of days, Mexico and the Ocean Mariner have become one of the few remaining options for supplying fuel to the island. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged on Wednesday that the new regional landscape has positioned Mexico as a significant supplier of oil to Cuba. Sheinbaum has been insisting for weeks that the relationship between the two countries is longstanding and that, ever since the presidency of Carlos Salinas de Gortari (1988-1994), the Mexican government has been sending hydrocarbons to the island as a humanitarian act. The president admitted that the shipments made since 2023 include both solidarity contributions and some contracts signed with the Cuban regime. The figures are not entirely clear. Some energy monitoring firms report data that would place Mexico at the forefront of oil contributions to the island amid the crisis in Venezuela. However, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the state-owned oil company, has yet to clarify the terms of the shipments, their contents, or their cost. We are not sending more oil than has been sent historically. There is no particular shipment, Sheinbaum insisted. The Ocean Mariners voyage to Cuba is its second in less than a month. Two weeks ago, the University of Texas Energy Institute located the vessel leaving the Pajaritos terminal in Coatzacoalcos, en route to the island via the Gulf of Mexico. At that time, monitoring estimated that Mexico delivered 80,000 barrels of hydrocarbons. During 2025, this vesselwith a capacity of up to 110,000 barrelsmade several trips between the Mexican port and various points in Cuba. The shipments have not gone unnoticed in the United States, where several members of Congress have alerted the State Department and even suggested that the Trump Administration exert pressure on Mexico through the review of the free trade agreement (USMCA), scheduled for July. Make no mistake: if the Sheinbaum government continues to give away free oil to the terrorist dictatorship in Havana, there will be serious consequences as we renegotiate the USMCA, threatened Florida Republican Congressman Carlos Gimenez. Drilling Rig In The Gulf Of Mexico. Getty Images The energy industry in the United States has also drawn the Trump Administrations attention to Pemexs dominant role in Mexico. In November, a group of congressmen announced a proposed law to include dispute resolution panels for the energy sector within the USMCA. The proposal stemmed from the same argument that executives from major oil companies have been making to Mexico since 2018: the Latin American country monopolizes the market with its state-owned company and prevents investment from US firms. Trade is one of the most sensitive issues in the relationship between Mexico and the United States, which in the last yearthe first of Trumps second termhas forced the Sheinbaum administration to work at breakneck speed on agreements outside the USMCA on issues such as migration and security. Pemex has reported to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that since July 2023 it has been shipping various hydrocarbons to Cuba through its subsidiary, Gasolinas del Bienestar. The state-owned oil company estimated in its latest report that, through this model, Mexico exported 17,200 barrels of crude oil per day in the first nine months of 2025, representing 3.3% of its total exports. It is currently unknown whether other countries besides Cuba receive hydrocarbons through Pemexs subsidiary. Gasolinas del Bienestar was created during the administration of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (2018-2024) with the aim of opening gas stations in rural and remote regions of Mexico, where fuel is sold at lower prices than the market rate. Since 2023, Lopez Obrador has promoted the shipment of energy to Cuba, while simultaneously strengthening relations with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel. In 2024, with Sheinbaum already in the presidency, the Mexican government made an extraordinary shipment to the island following Hurricane Rafael and the growing energy crisis, which has persisted throughout 2025. The latest oil shipments to Cuba have sparked criticism from a weakened opposition to Morena, the ruling party. Of course, the truly responsible thing would have been to cut off their power, paralyze transportation, and shut down hospitals. Because nothing combats an ideology better than directly punishing the civilian population. An impeccable humanitarian strategy, without a doubt, Jose Ramon Lopez Beltran, Lopez Obradors son, responded ironically to the opposition in a social media post. Following the U.S. operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the arrest of Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores, uncertainty has grown in Cuba due to shortages and the uncertain future of oil imports. Meanwhile, critics of the Cuban regime in the United States are pointing the finger at Mexico, hoping Trump will censor the oil activities of his southern neighbor. Mexico continues to finance the tyranny, sending resources to a criminal regime while the Cuban people suffer hunger and repression. This hemisphere does not need neutrality. Neutrality is complicity. Mexico is too large and too important to serve as a lifeline to dictators in Havana and Caracas, declared Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Shares of Associated British Foods plc (LON:ABF Get Free Report) traded down 10.4% during trading on Thursday after Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on the stock from GBX 2,100 to GBX 1,925. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a hold rating on the stock. Associated British Foods traded as low as GBX 1,844 and last traded at GBX 1,926.58. 4,048,014 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 53% from the average session volume of 8,639,694 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2,151. Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated an underperform rating and set a GBX 1,650 price objective on shares of Associated British Foods in a research report on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Associated British Foods from GBX 2,095 to GBX 1,940 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday. Shore Capital lowered Associated British Foods to a hold rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Associated British Foods from GBX 1,830 to GBX 1,840 and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Associated British Foods has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of GBX 1,931. Get Associated British Foods alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Associated British Foods Insider Activity Associated British Foods News Summary In other Associated British Foods news, insider George G. Weston sold 43,660 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 2,103, for a total transaction of 918,169.80. Also, insider Eoin Tonge sold 34,818 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 2,103, for a total value of 732,222.54. Company insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Here are the key news stories impacting Associated British Foods this week: Associated British Foods Trading Up 0.5% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 32.88, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 0.93. The firm has a market cap of 13.15 billion, a PE ratio of 13.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 1.24. The companys 50 day moving average price is GBX 2,132.80 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 2,147.53. Associated British Foods (LON:ABF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported GBX 174.90 EPS for the quarter. Associated British Foods had a net margin of 7.25% and a return on equity of 13.07%. As a group, analysts forecast that Associated British Foods plc will post 188.0990415 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Associated British Foods (Get Free Report) Associated British Foods is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of 13.9bn, 128,000 employees and operations in 53 countries across Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Our purpose is to provide safe, nutritious, affordable food, and clothing that is great value for money. With the breadth of our business, our brands and global reach, ABF aims to consistently deliver value to its stakeholders. Our business is split into five segments: Grocery; Sugar; Agriculture; Ingredients; and Retail. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Associated British Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Associated British Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eagle Materials (NYSE:EXP Free Report) had its price target lowered by Citigroup from $233.00 to $232.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. Citigroup currently has a neutral rating on the construction companys stock. Several other analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Zacks Research raised Eagle Materials from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, January 1st. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on Eagle Materials from $261.00 to $251.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and set a $226.00 price target on shares of Eagle Materials in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Stifel Nicolaus set a $246.00 price objective on shares of Eagle Materials in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, DA Davidson dropped their price target on shares of Eagle Materials from $245.00 to $225.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Eagle Materials presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $236.20. Get Eagle Materials alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Eagle Materials Eagle Materials Stock Performance Eagle Materials stock opened at $235.12 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 2.72 and a quick ratio of 1.22. Eagle Materials has a 12 month low of $191.91 and a 12 month high of $265.42. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $214.35 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $222.70. The company has a market cap of $7.54 billion, a PE ratio of 17.35 and a beta of 1.36. Eagle Materials (NYSE:EXP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The construction company reported $4.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.35 by ($0.12). The business had revenue of $638.91 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $635.55 million. Eagle Materials had a return on equity of 30.13% and a net margin of 19.41%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $4.31 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Eagle Materials will post 14.39 earnings per share for the current year. Eagle Materials Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 12th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.4%. Eagle Materialss dividend payout ratio is 7.38%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director David E. Rush bought 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $208.08 per share, with a total value of $208,080.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 4,173 shares in the company, valued at approximately $868,317.84. The trade was a 31.52% increase 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. 1.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Eagle Materials Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its position in Eagle Materials by 130.9% in the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 127 shares of the construction companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Eagle Materials during the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Eagle Materials in the 3rd quarter worth $34,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its position in shares of Eagle Materials by 7,750.0% during the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 157 shares of the construction companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares during the period. Finally, MAI Capital Management lifted its holdings in shares of Eagle Materials by 3,060.0% during the second quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 158 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.07% of the companys stock. Eagle Materials Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eagle Materials Inc (NYSE:EXP) is a Dallas, Texasbased manufacturer of building materials serving construction and heavy industry markets across the United States. The companys primary products include portland and masonry cements, gypsum wallboard, lightweight aggregate, paperboard packaging, and roofing granules. These product lines support a wide range of end usesfrom residential and commercial buildings to infrastructure projects and industrial applications. Since its spin-off from a major homebuilding company in 2004, Eagle Materials has grown through targeted facility expansions and strategic acquisitions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Eagle Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eagle Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH Get Free Report)s share price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $3.19 and traded as high as $3.41. Community Health Systems shares last traded at $3.3550, with a volume of 1,008,223 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CYH has been the topic of a number of research reports. Truist Financial set a $4.50 target price on shares of Community Health Systems in a report on Monday, January 5th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Community Health Systems in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on Community Health Systems from $3.00 to $2.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. UBS Group boosted their target price on Community Health Systems from $3.20 to $3.60 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Community Health Systems from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, November 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $3.60. Get Community Health Systems alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on CYH Community Health Systems Stock Down 1.0% The stock has a market capitalization of $459.19 million, a PE ratio of 4.31 and a beta of 2.04. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $3.34 and its 200-day moving average price is $3.19. Community Health Systems (NYSE:CYH Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $1.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.30) by $1.57. Community Health Systems had a net margin of 2.60% and a negative return on equity of 6.90%. The company had revenue of $3.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned ($0.30) EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. Community Health Systems has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.800-0.900 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Community Health Systems, Inc. will post -0.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Community Health Systems Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Nomura Holdings Inc. grew its position in shares of Community Health Systems by 25.9% in the 2nd quarter. Nomura Holdings Inc. now owns 7,271,079 shares of the companys stock worth $24,722,000 after buying an additional 1,494,378 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in shares of Community Health Systems by 112.4% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,872,343 shares of the companys stock worth $6,366,000 after purchasing an additional 991,014 shares in the last quarter. Aberdeen Group plc lifted its holdings in shares of Community Health Systems by 141.2% during the 3rd quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 1,429,780 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,490,000 after purchasing an additional 837,068 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its stake in Community Health Systems by 1,073.2% during the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 476,300 shares of the companys stock worth $1,619,000 after buying an additional 435,700 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Owl Creek Asset Management L.P. increased its position in Community Health Systems by 26.4% during the 2nd quarter. Owl Creek Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,863,221 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,335,000 after buying an additional 388,826 shares in the last quarter. 84.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Community Health Systems Company Profile (Get Free Report) Community Health Systems, Inc (NYSE: CYH) is one of the largest publicly traded hospital operators in the United States. Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, the company owns, leases and manages general acute care hospitals and outpatient facilities, primarily in non-urban and mid-market communities. CHS is focused on delivering locally accessible healthcare services through its network of affiliated hospitals, clinics and post-acute providers. The companys core offerings include inpatient medical and surgical care, emergency services, critical care, diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Community Health Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Health Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MNTN (NYSE:MNTN Get Free Report) is one of 258 public companies in the Technology Services industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare MNTN to similar companies based on the strength of its profitability, dividends, earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, institutional ownership and risk. Institutional and Insider Ownership 72.9% of MNTN shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 37.4% of shares of all Technology Services companies are owned by institutional investors. 60.3% of MNTN shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 19.5% of shares of all Technology Services companies 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. Get MNTN alerts: Valuation and Earnings This table compares MNTN and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio MNTN $225.57 million -$32.88 million -8.56 MNTN Competitors $1.26 billion $25.72 million -0.56 Profitability MNTNs competitors have higher revenue and earnings than MNTN. MNTN 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. This table compares MNTN and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets MNTN -16.47% -30.86% -7.56% MNTN Competitors -387.30% -626.65% -14.28% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for MNTN and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score MNTN 1 1 10 2 2.93 MNTN Competitors 1540 2693 5268 315 2.44 MNTN currently has a consensus target price of $26.50, suggesting a potential upside of 119.66%. As a group, Technology Services companies have a potential upside of 18.11%. Given MNTNs stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe MNTN is more favorable than its competitors. Summary MNTN beats its competitors on 9 of the 12 factors compared. MNTN Company Profile (Get Free Report) MNTN is on a mission to transform Connected TV (CTV) into a next-generation performance marketing channel. Our revolutionary Performance TV (PTV) software platform allows marketers to combine the powerful storytelling format of TV advertising with the targeting, measurement and attribution capabilities of paid search and social advertising. Our self-serve software platform enables marketers to precisely target audiences through our MNTN Matched technology and then directly attribute each view to a purchase or other action. Marketers can set performance goals, such as return on ad spend (ROAS), and our algorithms continuously optimize a campaign to achieve those goals. Our company has experienced rapid growth due to the robust performance our platform delivers to customers, with the number of PTV Customers increasing from 142 in 2019 to 2,225 in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 73.4%. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the number of PTV customers increased 88.6% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. We believe advertisements on our platform have generated an aggregate of $27.1 billion of revenue for our customers from 2019 to 2024. Our market opportunity sits at the center of three large advertising markets: performance marketing, traditional TV advertising, and CTV advertising. Today, performance marketing, also known as direct response marketing, is the dominant form of digital advertising, giving marketers the ability to leverage data to target specific audiences and drive measurable outcomes. By the end of 2025, performance marketing spend in the United States is expected to reach $285.4 billion and is expected to grow at a 9.7% CAGR to $343.6 billion by 2027, according to Magna Global. TV has historically lacked the targeting, measurement and attribution capabilities necessary for performance marketing, but TVs unmatched storytelling experience, massive audience reach and viewership minutes continues to make it a preferred premium channel for marketers seeking to increase brand awareness. The average American household was expected to watch approximately three hours of TV daily in 2024 and brand marketers spent $59.7 billion on advertising on linear TV, including broadcast and cable TV, in 2024, according to eMarketer. In recent years, the TV industry has undergone a digital revolution with the advent of CTV. CTV adoption continues to grow rapidly as audiences are empowered to watch what they want when and where they want it, resulting in TV audiences moving from traditional TV to CTV. In 2024, U.S. consumers streamed approximately 23 million years of streaming content, a 10% increase from approximately 21 million years of streaming content in 2023. Furthermore, CTV represented 45.8% of total TV viewing time across the United States in 2024. As a result of CTVs digital infrastructure and rapid audience adoption, CTV advertising is the fastest growing advertising channel in the world, with TV marketers (defined as brands that advertise on linear TV) rapidly shifting ad budgets from linear TV to CTV. Since 2017, annual ad spend on CTV has grown from $2.8 billion to an estimated $33.4 billion in 2025, according to eMarketer. Although initial adoption of CTV was driven by subscription streaming services (SVOD), ad-supported streaming services (AVOD) is growing faster, and eMarketer estimates U.S. AVOD ad revenues will grow by 23% in 2025, compared to an estimated U.S. SVOD subscription revenue growth of 10%. Netflix, Amazon Prime and other platforms have introduced AVOD content and have experienced strong growth largely driven by consumers willingness to watch ad-supported content in lieu of paying higher subscription fees. This has led to a significant increase in available TV advertising inventory for marketers, bringing more ad dollars into the ecosystem. CTV advertising, like traditional TV advertising, has been entirely brand marketing in nature, focused on maximizing reach and frequency versus driving measurable performance-driven outcomes. With our transformative PTV technology, we believe we are unlocking CTVs potential to become the next dominant performance marketing channel. As performance marketers seek new channels for growth, and as CTV marketers increasingly embrace the technology underlying performance marketing, we expect PTV to capture a significant portion of performance marketing and CTV ad spend. Our diversified customer base consists of brands of a broad range of sizes. Our intuitive, accessible platform and direct-to-brand approach enables marketers of a broad range of sizes to engage audiences through CTV as easily as they do in social or search, opening TV advertising to brands of any size. In 2024, 92% of our PTV revenue was generated by SMBs, of which 86% was from mid-sized businesses. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, we continued to increase the number of PTV customers who are SMBs. As a result, during this period 12% of our PTV revenue was generated by small businesses and 79% was generated by mid-sized businesses. Our customers include both experts in performance marketing as well as marketers who are just beginning to leverage the benefits of data-driven performance marketing. Given the disruptive nature of our platform as well as its ease of use, we believe we are well suited to serve both first time and experienced TV advertisers. As of March 31, 2025, approximately 96% of our customers had never advertised on TV before. Our PTV customers often allocate budgets which grow over time as customers meet their ROAS goals. As customers leverage the full targeting, measurement and attribution capabilities of our platform, similar to their experience across paid search and paid social, they typically generate more spend on our platform. For the year ended December 31, 2024, 421 customers generated over $100,000 of net revenue on our platform, compared to 297 customers over the same period in 2023. We offer marketers a comprehensive and fully integrated software solution that combines targeting, measurement and attribution capabilities for performance marketing on CTV. Our Verified Visits technology links Internet-connected devices in the household to TV, which allows our software to attribute consumers actions, including sales leads and app installs across devices after they view a CTV ad. Our PTV self-serve software platform has a highly intuitive user interface enabling marketers to intelligently plan and launch CTV campaigns, set ROAS and other campaign goals, match advertisers with their target audiences using MNTN Matched, measure and attribute performance and optimize campaign outcomes in a highly automated manner. Our platform provides marketers easy access to premium inventory across multiple networks and is designed to ensure brand safe and visually captivating advertising environments, which we believe both search and social channels lack. Marketers across a broad range of sizes are attracted to MNTN because we deliver measurable results. We believe SMB customers, in particular, are also attracted to MNTN for the ability to set up campaigns, upload creative and set goals in a matter of minutes with minimal dedicated resources. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, our SMB Net Revenue Retention Rate was 111%, which increased from 108% for the year ended December 31, 2024. We believe this validates the value proposition that we deliver to SMBs. Our customers can easily manage PTV campaigns and reach nearly all CTV households in the United States. Using our platform, we are able to unlock CTV as a performance marketing channel for our customers, many of which have never advertised on TV before. The key functions and features of our PTV platform include: Targeting: Our revolutionary AI targeting technology, MNTN Matched, matches consumers with brands that they are most likely to engage with to achieve our customers ROAS goals. Through our advanced technology, brands of all sizes have the flexibility to run campaigns that reach segments of consumers with specific product interests or broad groups of consumers for greater reach. Our targeting capabilities are driven by a robust keyword- and intent-based predictive audience builder for CTV using AI technologies, which includes generative and predictive artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, giving advertisers control and transparency over the households that see their ads. Measurability: Our proprietary measurement technology makes it possible for marketers to granularly track CTV ad impressions for every campaign on our platform. Attribution: We leverage measurement data obtained through our Verified Visits technology to attribute a CTV campaign impression to the corresponding user action, such as sales or leads. We make these connections across 400 million devices through third-party and first-party data, including CRM data, which helps advertisers understand the performance of their campaigns on our platform. Automated Optimization: We have developed algorithms which automate and continuously optimize our targeting capabilities and programmatic ad execution (including automating creative and price optimization), as well as other campaign elements to drive better performance. Our technology measures and incorporates a wide range of data signals, such as time of day and geography, resulting in hundreds of thousands of daily and real-time optimizationsincluding what ad inventory to buy, when to buy it and where to buy it. Automated optimization drives higher ROAS and other campaign goals for our customers. Delivers Stunning Ads: Because approximately 96% of our customers have never advertised on TV before, we offer creative solutions to enable them to create and refresh ads quickly and cost-effectively. Our software controls the quality and format of video ads by automatically screening creative for TV network formats and standards. We ensure ads are not rejected due to a failure to meet a content providers technical requirementsone of the common barriers for smaller brands to advertise. Self-Serve: Our software platform delivers an intuitive, customizable user interface that simplifies campaign planning and execution, with a self-serve software platform built for marketers of a broad range of sizes. With our platform, marketers can easily manage PTV campaigns with minimal dedicated resources. We believe we are the first mover and category creator of PTV. Our easy-to-use software platform is differentiated by our revolutionary targeting technology, our measurement and attribution capabilities, and our solutions for TV creative. We benefit from a powerful flywheel effect as a result of our first mover advantage in the PTV ecosystem. We continuously develop enhancements to existing features and add new capabilities, such as MNTN Matched, to deliver higher ROAS for our customers. We source inventory on behalf of our customers from premium TV networks, including NBC, Paramount, Fox and other streaming networks, driving higher ROAS for our customers due to the level of engagement and visibility this premium inventory provides. As customers increase spend on our platform because of this higher ROAS, we are able to negotiate preferential ad inventory pricing on their behalf. TV networks, motivated to capture this large and growing opportunity of predominantly new TV advertisers, often reduce inventory prices to increase demand, thereby further enhancing ROAS for our customers. This powerful flywheel effect has enabled us to decrease the cost of premium inventory for our customers approximately 8% per quarter on average since the first quarter of 2022. Our focus on building a leading PTV platform has contributed to our rapid growth. Our revenue grew by 47.3% to $64.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $43.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and by 27.9% to $225.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $176.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, driven by our unique and powerful value proposition, as well as our ability to efficiently attract new customers to the platform and increase usage for existing customers. Our corporate headquarters are located in Austin, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for MNTN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MNTN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending (NYSE:NCDL Get Free Report) and Stellus Capital Investment (NYSE:SCM Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability, dividends, institutional ownership and risk. Institutional and Insider Ownership 13.2% of Stellus Capital Investment shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.6% of Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 4.0% of Stellus Capital Investment shares are owned 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. Get Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending alerts: Volatility and Risk Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending has a beta of 0.4, meaning that its stock price is 60% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Stellus Capital Investment has a beta of 0.66, meaning that its stock price is 34% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending 36.83% 11.13% 4.83% Stellus Capital Investment 29.77% 10.72% 3.95% Earnings & Valuation This table compares Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending and Stellus Capital Investments net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This table compares Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending and Stellus Capital Investments gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending $224.04 million 2.98 $116.32 million $1.53 8.83 Stellus Capital Investment $104.74 million 3.63 $45.85 million $1.09 12.04 Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending has higher revenue and earnings than Stellus Capital Investment. Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Stellus Capital Investment, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings for Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending and Stellus Capital Investment, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending 1 3 1 0 2.00 Stellus Capital Investment 0 3 0 0 2.00 Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending presently has a consensus price target of $15.75, indicating a potential upside of 16.55%. Stellus Capital Investment has a consensus price target of $13.00, indicating a potential downside of 0.95%. Given Nuveen Churchill Direct Lendings higher probable upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending is more favorable than Stellus Capital Investment. Dividends Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending pays an annual dividend of $1.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 13.3%. Stellus Capital Investment pays an annual dividend of $1.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 12.2%. Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending pays out 117.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Stellus Capital Investment pays out 146.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Summary Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending beats Stellus Capital Investment on 10 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending (Get Free Report) Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending Corp. is a specialty finance company focused primarily on investing in senior secured loans to private equity-owned U.S. middle market companies. It has elected to be regulated as a business development company. Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending Corp. is based in NEW YORK. About Stellus Capital Investment (Get Free Report) Stellus Capital Investment Corporation is a business development company specializing in investments in private middle-market companies. It invests through first lien, second lien, unitranche, and mezzanine debt financing, often with a corresponding equity investment. The fund prefers to invest in US and Canada. The fund seeks to invest in companies with an EBITDA between $5 million and $50 million. Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSEARCA:HHH Get Free Report) shares were up 2.2% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $82.75 and last traded at $82.34. Approximately 322,746 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 12% from the average daily volume of 367,508 shares. The stock had previously closed at $80.56. Howard Hughes Trading Up 0.3% The company has a market cap of $4.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.28 and a beta of 1.22. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $83.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $78.17. The company has a quick ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39. About Howard Hughes (Get Free Report) Howard Hughes Holdings Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a real estate development company in the United States. It operates in four segments: Operating Assets; Master Planned Communities (MPCs); Seaport; and Strategic Developments. The Operating Assets segment consists of developed or acquired retail, office, and multi-family properties along with other retail investments. Its MPCs segment develops, sells, and leases residential and commercial land designated for long-term community development projects in and around Las Vegas, Nevada; Houston, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Howard Hughes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Howard Hughes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ivanhoe Mines (TSE:IVN Free Report) had its target price upped by Scotiabank from C$18.50 to C$20.00 in a research note released on Thursday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. Scotiabank currently has an outperform rating on the stock. IVN has been the subject of several other reports. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$16.00 to C$18.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Jefferies Financial Group cut Ivanhoe Mines from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the stock from C$18.00 to C$16.00 in a report on Monday, December 8th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on Ivanhoe Mines from C$14.00 to C$16.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. TD Securities raised their price objective on Ivanhoe Mines from C$13.00 to C$16.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their target price on Ivanhoe Mines from C$14.00 to C$18.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Ivanhoe Mines has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of C$17.55. Get Ivanhoe Mines alerts: Get Our Latest Report on IVN Ivanhoe Mines Stock Performance Shares of IVN stock opened at C$16.23 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of C$14.21 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$13.10. Ivanhoe Mines has a one year low of C$8.76 and a one year high of C$17.47. The stock has a market cap of C$23.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 73.77 and a beta of 1.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.48, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 20.86. Ivanhoe Mines (TSE:IVN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported C$0.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$180.18 million during the quarter. As a group, equities analysts predict that Ivanhoe Mines will post 1.0136483 EPS for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Mark Sean Farren sold 14,300 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$13.38, for a total value of C$191,334.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 270,623 shares in the company, valued at C$3,620,935.74. The trade was a 5.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Also, insider Citic Metal Africa Investments Limited sold 350,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$15.71, for a total transaction of C$5,498,500.00. Insiders sold 550,290 shares of company stock valued at $8,186,323 over the last 90 days. 44.96% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Ivanhoe Mines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ivanhoe Mines Ltd is a mineral exploration and development company. The company, together with its subsidiaries, explores, develops, and recovers minerals and precious gems from its property interests located in Africa. The group explores platinum, nickel, copper, gold, silver, cobalt, iron, vanadium, and chrome. It operates in four segments: Platreef property, Kamoa Holding joint venture, Kipushi properties, and the Companys treasury offices. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ivanhoe Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ivanhoe Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pentair plc (NYSE:PNR Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twenty ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have given a hold recommendation, eleven have issued a buy recommendation and two have assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $116.3125. A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on PNR shares. Robert W. Baird set a $130.00 price target on shares of Pentair in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Pentair from $116.00 to $126.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on Pentair from $121.00 to $124.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. BNP Paribas lowered Pentair from a hold rating to a strong sell rating and set a $90.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Cowen cut Pentair from a buy rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Get Pentair alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Pentair Pentair Price Performance PNR stock opened at $103.12 on Thursday. Pentair has a 52-week low of $74.25 and a 52-week high of $113.95. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The stock has a market cap of $16.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 1.22. The business has a fifty day moving average of $104.97 and a two-hundred day moving average of $106.49. Pentair (NYSE:PNR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The industrial products company reported $1.24 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.18 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $1.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1 billion. Pentair had a return on equity of 21.83% and a net margin of 15.84%.The companys revenue was up 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.09 EPS. Pentair has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.110-1.160 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 4.850-4.900 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Pentair will post 4.77 earnings per share for the current year. Pentair Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be paid a dividend of $0.27 per share. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. This is a boost from Pentairs previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Pentairs payout ratio is currently 25.38%. Insider Activity at Pentair In related news, Director T Michael Glenn sold 6,558 shares of Pentair stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.33, for a total value of $684,196.14. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 31,192 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,254,261.36. The trade was a 17.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Robert P. Fishman sold 7,786 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.42, for a total transaction of $820,800.12. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 63,164 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,658,748.88. The trade was a 10.97% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Pentair Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PNR. Neuberger Berman Group LLC increased its position in shares of Pentair by 40.0% in the second quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 52,886 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,429,000 after acquiring an additional 15,105 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its position in Pentair by 19.1% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 4,129,805 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $361,275,000 after purchasing an additional 661,154 shares during the period. United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund acquired a new stake in Pentair in the 2nd quarter valued at $380,000. Valley National Advisers Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Pentair by 46,124.4% during the third quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. now owns 18,952 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,098,000 after purchasing an additional 18,911 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vinva Investment Management Ltd boosted its position in shares of Pentair by 191.1% in the second quarter. Vinva Investment Management Ltd now owns 11,151 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,155,000 after buying an additional 7,321 shares during the period. 92.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Pentair Company Profile (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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Pentair Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pentair and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Hold by the seventeen brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $197.2667. A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Mizuho lifted their price objective on Quest Diagnostics from $190.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Piper Sandler upped their price objective on Quest Diagnostics from $190.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Quest Diagnostics from $200.00 to $215.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $195.00 to $205.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Get Quest Diagnostics alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on DGX Insider Buying and Selling at Quest Diagnostics Institutional Trading of Quest Diagnostics In related news, Director Gary M. Pfeiffer sold 1,482 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $182.40, for a total value of $270,316.80. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 29,431 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,368,214.40. This represents a 4.79% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Also, Director Vicky B. Gregg sold 1,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $191.76, for a total transaction of $239,700.00. Following the sale, the director owned 17,037 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,267,015.12. The trade was a 6.84% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing . Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 65,771 shares of company stock worth $12,588,676. 8.16% of the stock is owned by insiders. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of DGX. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 14,233,576 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $2,556,777,000 after buying an additional 296,860 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its holdings in Quest Diagnostics by 0.8% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,223,930 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $995,577,000 after acquiring an additional 38,931 shares during the period. Boston Partners lifted its position in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 32.8% in the third quarter. Boston Partners now owns 4,036,881 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $767,978,000 after acquiring an additional 997,033 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 7.5% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,982,415 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $533,563,000 after acquiring an additional 208,261 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in shares of Quest Diagnostics by 0.3% during the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,907,510 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $363,509,000 after purchasing an additional 6,155 shares in the last quarter. 88.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Quest Diagnostics Price Performance Shares of NYSE:DGX opened at $174.59 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.13. The firm has a market cap of $19.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 0.64. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $181.27 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $179.61. Quest Diagnostics has a fifty-two week low of $148.70 and a fifty-two week high of $197.55. Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The medical research company reported $2.60 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.51 by $0.09. Quest Diagnostics had a net margin of 8.91% and a return on equity of 15.47%. The firm had revenue of $2.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.73 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.30 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.2% on a year-over-year basis. Quest Diagnostics has set its FY 2025 guidance at 9.760-9.840 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Quest Diagnostics will post 9.7 earnings per share for the current year. Quest Diagnostics Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.80 per share. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 13th. Quest Diagnosticss dividend payout ratio is currently 37.56%. Quest Diagnostics Company Profile (Get Free Report) Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) is a leading provider of diagnostic information services that supports clinical decision-making for patients, physicians and healthcare organizations. The company operates a network of clinical laboratories and patient service centers that perform a broad range of laboratory tests and diagnostic assays used in routine care, disease diagnosis, monitoring and screening. Its services span core clinical laboratory testing, anatomic pathology, molecular and genomic diagnostics, infectious disease testing and toxicology. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Quest Diagnostics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quest Diagnostics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Albertsons Companies (NYSE:ACI Free Report) had its price objective lowered by UBS Group from $25.00 to $23.00 in a research note released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. UBS Group currently has a buy rating on the stock. A number of other research firms have also commented on ACI. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Albertsons Companies from $27.00 to $24.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Albertsons Companies from $19.00 to $17.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Evercore ISI lowered their price target on Albertsons Companies from $21.00 to $20.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Telsey Advisory Group dropped their price objective on Albertsons Companies from $24.00 to $22.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Albertsons Companies from $23.00 to $21.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $22.85. Get Albertsons Companies alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Albertsons Companies Albertsons Companies Stock Performance Albertsons Companies stock opened at $16.67 on Thursday. Albertsons Companies has a fifty-two week low of $15.80 and a fifty-two week high of $23.20. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $17.51 and its 200-day simple moving average is $18.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.36, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.20. The company has a market cap of $8.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 0.48. Albertsons Companies (NYSE:ACI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 7th. The company reported $0.72 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.05. Albertsons Companies had a return on equity of 38.00% and a net margin of 1.06%.The business had revenue of $19.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.18 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.71 earnings per share. Albertsons Companiess revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Albertsons Companies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.080-2.16 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Albertsons Companies will post 2.14 EPS for the current year. Albertsons Companies Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.6%. Albertsons Companiess payout ratio is currently 38.71%. Insider Buying and Selling at Albertsons Companies In related news, EVP Michael T. Theilmann sold 100,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.35, for a total value of $1,935,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 338,429 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,548,601.15. This represents a 22.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Anuj Dhanda sold 230,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.25, for a total value of $4,427,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 300,577 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,786,107.25. This represents a 43.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 1.35% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Albertsons Companies Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its position in Albertsons Companies by 48.5% in the first quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 977,163 shares of the companys stock worth $21,488,000 after purchasing an additional 319,093 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its position in shares of Albertsons Companies by 24.4% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 354,777 shares of the companys stock worth $7,802,000 after buying an additional 69,694 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Albertsons Companies by 109.5% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,542,468 shares of the companys stock worth $33,919,000 after buying an additional 806,336 shares during the last quarter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. acquired a new position in Albertsons Companies in the first quarter valued at approximately $325,000. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC acquired a new position in Albertsons Companies in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,090,000. 71.35% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. More Albertsons Companies News Here are the key news stories impacting Albertsons Companies this week: Positive Sentiment: Q3 earnings beat Albertsons reported $0.72 EPS vs. $0.67 expected, which supports the case that operating performance is holding up. Earnings Call Transcript Q3 earnings beat Albertsons reported $0.72 EPS vs. $0.67 expected, which supports the case that operating performance is holding up. Positive Sentiment: Dividend & yield Board declared a $0.15 quarterly dividend (exdiv Jan 23), yielding roughly 3.53.6%, which supports incomeoriented investors and underpins the value case. Dividend & yield Board declared a $0.15 quarterly dividend (exdiv Jan 23), yielding roughly 3.53.6%, which supports incomeoriented investors and underpins the value case. Positive Sentiment: Analysts keep bullish ratings despite cuts Multiple firms cut targets (JPMorgan, UBS, BMO, Telsey, Wells Fargo) but maintained buy/overweight/outperform stances, implying sizable upside from current levels. Analyst Notes Analysts keep bullish ratings despite cuts Multiple firms cut targets (JPMorgan, UBS, BMO, Telsey, Wells Fargo) but maintained buy/overweight/outperform stances, implying sizable upside from current levels. Positive Sentiment: Value thesis & retailmedia optionality MarketBeat and other analysts highlight deep valuation (singledigit P/E vs. peers), institutional accumulation and growth potential from the companys retail media network as catalysts for a multiquarter rebound. MarketBeat Article Value thesis & retailmedia optionality MarketBeat and other analysts highlight deep valuation (singledigit P/E vs. peers), institutional accumulation and growth potential from the companys retail media network as catalysts for a multiquarter rebound. Neutral Sentiment: New coverage: Deutsche Bank initiated coverage with a hold adds another voice but not a clear directional catalyst. New coverage: Deutsche Bank initiated coverage with a hold adds another voice but not a clear directional catalyst. Neutral Sentiment: Technical setup Several pieces note ACI is oversold and could be ripe for a trend reversal; that reduces downside risk but timing is uncertain. Zacks Technical Note Technical setup Several pieces note ACI is oversold and could be ripe for a trend reversal; that reduces downside risk but timing is uncertain. Negative Sentiment: Tepid / narrowed guidance Management narrowed FY guidance and warned FY sales/profit will be hurt by lower Medicare drug pricing and a SNAP reimbursement impact; thats the main driver of the recent negative rerating. Guidance Article Tepid / narrowed guidance Management narrowed FY guidance and warned FY sales/profit will be hurt by lower Medicare drug pricing and a SNAP reimbursement impact; thats the main driver of the recent negative rerating. Negative Sentiment: Margin pressure & pricing investments weighed on the stock Even with an EPS beat, investors reacted to margin compression from pricing investments and lower pharmacy mix, driving a pullback after results. Zacks Earnings Reaction Margin pressure & pricing investments weighed on the stock Even with an EPS beat, investors reacted to margin compression from pricing investments and lower pharmacy mix, driving a pullback after results. Negative Sentiment: Some bearish analyst moves Barclays cut its target to $17 and moved to underweight, adding a lowerend view that could pressure sentiment if others follow. Barclays Note About Albertsons Companies (Get Free Report) Albertsons Companies, Inc (NYSE: ACI) is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, operating a diversified portfolio of grocery store banners. Founded in 1939 by Joe Albertson in Boise, Idaho, the company has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Its core business activities encompass the sale of fresh produce, meat, bakery items, deli offerings, pharmacy services, and general merchandise. The companys retail operations are complemented by an in-house private-label program, featuring brands such as O Organics, Open Nature, and Lucerne, which cater to a range of customer preferences and price points. Throughout its history, Albertsons Companies has pursued growth via mergers and partnerships. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Albertsons Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Albertsons Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The low birth rate is one of the greatest headaches for Beijing, which in just 10 years has moved from strict family-planning rules to incentives for having children The one-child policy was perhaps the greatest social experiment in human history. With the goal of curbing population growth at all costs, for just over 35 years China only allowed families to have one child. Communist leaders outlined the measures with a slogan in 1978: One is better, two at most, leaving a three-year gap. In 1980 it became state policy. By 1982, 96% of families in cities were having only one child, according to the Urban Household Survey. Through a system of fines and penalties for non-compliance, the birth rate of what was then the worlds most-populous country was brought to a screeching halt. Until the policy itself became a problem. With the population pyramid inverting, Beijing put an end to the one-child policy in 2016, allowing couples to have two children to balance demographic development and address the challenge of an aging population. It hasnt succeeded. Ten years later, the declining birth rate is one of the biggest headaches for the Chinese government. The shadow cast is long. During its implementation, the one-child policy gave rise to horrific stories of abortions, abandonment, and children who grew up unregistered. It particularly targeted girls, whom many families rejected. At the same time, a new kind of only-child society was shaped, known as little emperors hyper-developed, pampered children who have grown into adults while Chinas GDP grew at an average rate of 10% and the country ascended to the pantheon of superpowers. Ma Li, 53, raised her only daughter (now 24) hoping she would have the same rights and opportunities as a boy. I raised her to be brave and know how to stand up for herself, she says over the phone. After giving birth, she had an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted, as millions of women did during the years when birth control was widely available. She maintains that in her case it was a voluntary decision, although human rights organizations have documented that it was a widespread medical practice and, in many cases, subject to administrative pressure. A nurse observes a baby at a hospital in Lianyungang, China. VCG (VCG via Getty Images) She acknowledges that, had she had the option, she would have wanted more children. But she maintains the policy freed women from having a permanent reproductive function. Each era has its own logic, she reflects. Now many dont want to have them. Some dont even want to get married. In rural areas, the rule was not always followed with the same rigor. Distance from centers of power, the need for labor, and the demographic realities themselves meant that its application was uneven and, at times, more lax. In many villages, informal exceptions, delays in registration, or births that went unnoticed by the bureaucracy were tolerated. Some families made decisions outside the system, like that of Ms. Mei, a 49-year-old from Sichuan. We rural people didnt understand the reason for the controls, she explains in a message. She describes how almost every house in her area had several children. So, when her second child was born (her firstborn was a girl), she registered him in her sisters family registry. She regularized the situation in 2015 the year the policy was abolished and paid the corresponding fine, which, she says, was no longer comparable to what she would have had to pay in 2003. For 12 years, in the eyes of the authorities, the child was his aunts son. In Ms. Meis opinion, raising children used to be simple. Having something to eat was enough. She attributes the low birth rate to enormous current demands and a combination of factors: stagnant wages, high stress levels, and a lack of shared domestic responsibility. In China, the fertility rate continues its freefall, despite the fact that in 2021 married couples were allowed to have up to three children. According to the World Bank, only one child is born to every woman, one of the lowest replacement rates on the planet (for the population not to decline, 2.1 children must be born per woman). In 2022, the countrys population decreased for the first time since the 1960s. In 2023, it was surpassed by India as the most populous country. China is aging rapidly, and society is sustained by a shrinking number of working-age citizens. The birth rate and the number of newborns declined for seven consecutive years before experiencing a slight rebound in 2024. The United Nations projects that Chinas population will shrink from its current 1.4 billion to 633 million by 2100, a change that could hinder growth. Thus, these issues have become a national security priority. The rise and fall of major powers are often profoundly affected by population conditions, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a 2023 speech. Therefore, demographic security must be incorporated into the broader framework of national security and carefully planned. The leader advocated shifting from primarily regulating quantity to focusing on improving quality, stabilizing the total population, optimizing the demographic structure, and enhancing population mobility. Analysts interpreted this as a shift in approach: from control to incentives. Authorities are now promoting what they call a new culture of marriage and parenthood. Policies are being rolled out on numerous fronts, from longer parental leave to tax breaks. Local governments are holding mass ceremonies to encourage marriage. Since May, couples have been able to marry anywhere in the country without needing to register the union in their home district (the so-called hukou). Officials are even available to register unions at tourist resorts, nightclubs, and music festivals. This year, for the first time, the Government Work Report, an annual document that reviews policies and sets goals, mentioned the need to provide childcare subsidies and develop daycare services. In July, a nationwide aid program of 3,600 yuan (around $515) per child under three was approved. And last week, the National Health Security Administration pledged to basically achieve that by 2026 citizens will not have to pay out of pocket for hospital childbirth expenses, which amount to about 5,000 yuan for a vaginal delivery and 10,000 yuan for a cesarean section (around $715 and $1,430, respectively), according to the Shanghai Observer. Currently, most provinces have a co-payment system for medical expenses, including those related to childbirth. In another sign of the changing times, starting in 2026, condoms will be more expensive: 13% VAT will be applied to condoms and other contraceptives, which had been exempt since 1993 as part of the one-child policy. The decline in the fertility rate is inevitable, like a giant boulder rolling downhill, says Yi Fuxian, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is a consequence of developed societies, and Asia is a prime example, with plummeting rates in Japan and South Korea. Chinas one-child policy accelerated the process, adds the author of Big Country with an Empty Nest (2007). He believes that, despite the Chinese governments efforts, it will be very difficult to roll that boulder back uphill. A woman with a young child on November 26, 2025, in Chongqing, China. Cheng Xin (Getty Images) Yi believes the one-child policy has changed attitudes toward motherhood and fatherhood and distorted moral values about life, he writes in an email. Having only one child or no children at all has become the social norm. He predicts that marriages will continue to decline (despite brief upticks in 2023 and 2025) and couples will postpone having children. He doesnt think the policies introduced will achieve much. What China is trying to do, Japan has already done. And unsuccessfully. The country is aging before it gets rich, he concludes. And doesnt have the financial resources to fully follow Japans path. Economist Keyu Jin, born in 1982 and an only child like the vast majority of her generation, believes that the implementation of the one-child policy led to numerous horror stories and has profoundly marked the country. But not only for the worse: It can help explain the high savings rate of urban Chinese households [and] the extraordinary increase in the level of higher education, notes this professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in The New China Playbook (2023). In a surprising twist, having fewer children dramatically raised the status of women, she adds. Statistics show that there are about 30 million more men than women in China, an anomaly stemming from the preference for sons during the one-child policy. But those like Jin herself havent had to compete with siblings for resources, particularly in education. Numerous studies prove that women have, on average, received more years of schooling than men, she writes. And this has contributed to giving their peers greater social and professional standing. It has also given rise to a generation of more independent women, both economically and personally, and more self-assured. Now there are more sisters who are raising their voices and showing others that we have to fight for more rights and autonomy, says Winnie Tang, 27, founder of Spring Reel, a series production company, in an exchange of messages. For her, womens liberation means having the right to refuse and not accept imposed demands. In her mothers time, starting a family was the highest destiny a woman could aspire to. Her generation, however, prioritizes other goals, such as developing a career we are passionate about or enjoying the pleasure of doing the things we love. Zimeng Yan contributed to the preparation of this report. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Truist Financial upgraded shares of Veeva Systems (NYSE:VEEV Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report released on Thursday morning, Marketbeat reports. A number of other analysts also recently commented on VEEV. BMO Capital Markets initiated coverage on shares of Veeva Systems in a report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a market perform rating and a $300.00 target price on the stock. KeyCorp restated a sector weight rating on shares of Veeva Systems in a research report on Friday, December 12th. TD Cowen raised Veeva Systems from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $297.00 to $380.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Barclays cut their price objective on Veeva Systems from $325.00 to $305.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and issued a $330.00 target price on shares of Veeva Systems in a report on Monday, November 24th. Nineteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Veeva Systems currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $307.42. Get Veeva Systems alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Veeva Systems Veeva Systems Price Performance VEEV opened at $240.31 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $246.97 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $271.04. The company has a market capitalization of $39.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.07. Veeva Systems has a 1-year low of $201.54 and a 1-year high of $310.50. Veeva Systems (NYSE:VEEV Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The technology company reported $2.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.95 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $0.81 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $792.37 million. Veeva Systems had a return on equity of 13.68% and a net margin of 27.93%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 16.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.75 EPS. Veeva Systems has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.930-7.93 EPS and its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.920-1.920 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Veeva Systems will post 4.35 EPS for the current fiscal year. Veeva Systems declared that its board has authorized a stock repurchase plan on Monday, January 5th that allows the company to buyback $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the technology company to purchase up to 5.5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Veeva Systems Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Veeva Systems by 3.1% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 15,429,231 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,596,522,000 after purchasing an additional 457,806 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. boosted its stake in shares of Veeva Systems by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 5,941,631 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,770,071,000 after acquiring an additional 235,983 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Veeva Systems by 11.2% during the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 3,846,877 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,146,040,000 after acquiring an additional 388,864 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its stake in shares of Veeva Systems by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,503,730 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,043,796,000 after acquiring an additional 76,397 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in Veeva Systems by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,476,258 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,035,622,000 after purchasing an additional 159,984 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.20% of the companys stock. Key Veeva Systems News Here are the key news stories impacting Veeva Systems this week: About Veeva Systems (Get Free Report) Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV) is a cloud software company that develops industry-specific applications and data solutions for the global life sciences sector. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Veeva focuses on helping pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and consumer health companies manage regulated content, clinical and regulatory processes, quality systems, and commercial operations in a compliant, cloud-native environment. The company completed its initial public offering in 2013 and has since expanded its product suite and international footprint. Veevas product portfolio centers on its Vault platform and related application suites, which provide content and data management, clinical trial and regulatory workflows, quality management, and structured commercial capabilities such as customer relationship management and promotional content management. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Veeva Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Veeva Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Acadia Realty Trust (NYSE:AKR Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Hold by the five analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have assigned a hold recommendation and two have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price objective among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $22.00. A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Acadia Realty Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, December 27th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Acadia Realty Trust from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Truist Financial dropped their price target on Acadia Realty Trust from $23.00 to $22.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Acadia Realty Trust in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Get Acadia Realty Trust alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on AKR Acadia Realty Trust Stock Performance NYSE:AKR opened at $20.94 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $2.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 174.55, a PEG ratio of 3.59 and a beta of 1.13. Acadia Realty Trust has a 1 year low of $16.98 and a 1 year high of $24.95. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $20.26 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $19.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 1.06. Acadia Realty Trust (NYSE:AKR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.33. Acadia Realty Trust had a net margin of 4.21% and a return on equity of 0.63%. The firm had revenue of $101.01 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $92.78 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.32 earnings per share. Acadia Realty Trusts revenue for the quarter was up 15.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Acadia Realty Trust has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.320-1.340 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Acadia Realty Trust will post 1.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Acadia Realty Trust Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.8%. Acadia Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 666.67%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Acadia Realty Trust Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its stake in shares of Acadia Realty Trust by 83.2% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 42,246 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $885,000 after purchasing an additional 19,184 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Acadia Realty Trust by 4.6% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 69,734 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,461,000 after buying an additional 3,045 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Acadia Realty Trust by 31.1% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 811,139 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $16,993,000 after buying an additional 192,267 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its holdings in shares of Acadia Realty Trust by 11.3% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 818,397 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $17,145,000 after buying an additional 82,974 shares during the period. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Acadia Realty Trust during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,284,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.65% of the companys stock. Acadia Realty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Acadia Realty Trust (NYSE: AKR) is a Maryland real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on the acquisition, development, ownership and operation of grocery-anchored and necessity-based shopping centers. The company targets retail properties that serve densely populated urban and suburban markets and typically feature essential tenants such as supermarkets, drugstores, fitness centers and other service-oriented retailers. As a self-managed REIT, Acadia oversees leasing, property management, financing and construction activities through its in-house platform. Acadias portfolio is diversified across property types and lease structures, with an emphasis on sites that benefit from long-term consumer traffic and resilient tenancy. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Acadia Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Acadia Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of 3M Company (NYSE:MMM Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eleven research firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $175.40. MMM has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of 3M from $180.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Morgan Stanley set a $160.00 target price on shares of 3M and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of 3M from $184.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on shares of 3M from $120.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on 3M from $175.00 to $178.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Get 3M alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on 3M 3M Stock Performance Shares of MMM opened at $165.27 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.54. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $165.50 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $158.85. 3M has a 12 month low of $121.98 and a 12 month high of $174.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $87.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 1.09. 3M (NYSE:MMM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 21st. The conglomerate reported $2.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. 3M had a return on equity of 98.47% and a net margin of 13.70%.The company had revenue of $8.38 billion for the quarter. 3M has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.950-8.05 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that 3M will post 7.8 EPS for the current year. 3M Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a $0.73 dividend. This represents a $2.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. 3Ms dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.65%. Insider Buying and Selling In other 3M news, EVP Mark W. Murphy sold 19,061 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $166.55, for a total transaction of $3,174,609.55. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 6,594 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,098,230.70. The trade was a 74.30% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Zoe L. Dickson sold 13,826 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.78, for a total transaction of $2,347,378.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 6,162 shares in the company, valued at $1,046,184.36. This trade represents a 69.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 46,516 shares of company stock worth $7,836,465 over the last ninety days. 0.34% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On 3M Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. GFG Capital LLC bought a new position in 3M in the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. J.Safra Asset Management Corp purchased a new stake in shares of 3M in the third quarter worth approximately $34,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of 3M by 77.4% in the third quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 243 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares in the last quarter. Cloud Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of 3M during the third quarter valued at approximately $50,000. Finally, Collier Financial bought a new stake in 3M during the third quarter worth $52,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.25% of the companys stock. About 3M (Get Free Report) 3M Company, originally founded in 1902 as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is a diversified global technology and manufacturing firm headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. Over its history the company has expanded from mineral mining into a broad portfolio of industrial, safety, healthcare and consumer products, building a reputation for applied science and product innovation across many end markets. 3Ms businesses span a wide range of product categories including adhesives and tapes, abrasives, filtration and separation technologies, personal protective equipment such as respirators, medical and dental products, industrial and automotive solutions, and a suite of consumer brands (for example, well-known office and home products). Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for 3M Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 3M and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI Free Report) by 37.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 40,633 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 11,059 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Armstrong World Industries were worth $7,964,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wealth Alliance LLC increased its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 2.5% in the second quarter. Wealth Alliance LLC now owns 2,339 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $380,000 after buying an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,548 shares of the construction companys stock worth $303,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 16,398 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,664,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 28.9% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 459 shares of the construction companys stock worth $75,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares during the period. Finally, State of Wyoming lifted its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 3.6% during the second quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 3,194 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $519,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.93% of the companys stock. Get Armstrong World Industries alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on AWI shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Armstrong World Industries from $210.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Armstrong World Industries in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Armstrong World Industries from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Vertical Research assumed coverage on shares of Armstrong World Industries in a research note on Monday, October 20th. They issued a buy rating and a $238.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $205.00 to $220.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five 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 a consensus price target of $207.50. Armstrong World Industries Stock Performance Shares of AWI opened at $200.55 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $8.65 billion, a PE ratio of 28.69, a PEG ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.52. The companys 50 day moving average price is $188.38 and its 200 day moving average price is $187.96. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. has a 52 week low of $122.37 and a 52 week high of $206.08. Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 6th. The construction company reported $1.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Armstrong World Industries had a net margin of 19.08% and a return on equity of 38.97%. The company had revenue of $325.00 million during the quarter. Armstrong World Industries has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.450-7.550 EPS. Research analysts expect that Armstrong World Industries, Inc. will post 6.18 EPS for the current fiscal year. Armstrong World Industries Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 6th were paid a $0.339 dividend. This represents a $1.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. This is an increase from Armstrong World Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 6th. Armstrong World Industriess dividend payout ratio is presently 19.46%. About Armstrong World Industries (Free Report) Armstrong World Industries, Inc is a leading global manufacturer of commercial ceiling and wall solutions. The company offers a diverse portfolio of acoustical, decorative and specialty ceiling systems designed to enhance interior environments in offices, healthcare facilities, schools, retail outlets and other non-residential settings. Through its focus on performance, aesthetics and sustainability, Armstrong World Industries addresses both functional and design requirements for architects, contractors and building owners. Armstrongs product range includes mineral fiber, fiberglass, wood wool, metal and stone wool ceiling panels, as well as suspension and grid systems. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AWI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Armstrong World Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armstrong World Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the twenty-two brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $60.3333. A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating and issued a $69.00 price objective on shares of Citizens Financial Group in a report on Tuesday. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $57.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Citizens Financial Group in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Barclays set a $77.00 price objective on shares of Citizens Financial Group and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Robert W. Baird restated a neutral rating and set a $60.00 target price on shares of Citizens Financial Group in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Get Citizens Financial Group alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Citizens Financial Group Hedge Funds Weigh In On Citizens Financial Group Citizens Financial Group Stock Performance A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Investors Research Corp lifted its position in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 344.8% during the second quarter. Investors Research Corp now owns 645 shares of the banks stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont grew its holdings in Citizens Financial Group by 177.5% during the 2nd quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 641 shares of the banks stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 410 shares in the last quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC increased its stake in Citizens Financial Group by 16,900.0% during the 2nd quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 680 shares of the banks stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 676 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC lifted its holdings in Citizens Financial Group by 891.5% in the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 585 shares of the banks stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 526 shares in the last quarter. Finally, REAP Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in Citizens Financial Group by 72.4% in the 2nd quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 736 shares of the banks stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 309 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.90% of the companys stock. NYSE:CFG opened at $60.51 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $25.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.95, a P/E/G ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 0.72. The firms 50 day moving average is $55.90 and its two-hundred day moving average is $52.02. Citizens Financial Group has a fifty-two week low of $32.60 and a fifty-two week high of $62.16. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. Citizens Financial Group (NYSE:CFG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The bank reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.02. Citizens Financial Group had a return on equity of 7.48% and a net margin of 14.17%.The business had revenue of $2.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.10 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.79 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Citizens Financial Group will post 3.92 EPS for the current year. Citizens Financial Group Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 29th were issued a dividend of $0.46 per share. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 29th. This is an increase from Citizens Financial Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. Citizens Financial Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.54%. Citizens Financial Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Citizens Financial Group, Inc (NYSE: CFG) is a bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individuals, small and middle-market businesses, corporations and institutional clients. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens conducts its banking operations principally through its primary banking subsidiary, Citizens Bank, and serves customers through a combination of branch locations, ATMs and digital channels. The company is publicly traded and operates under the regulatory framework applicable to U.S. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Citizens Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citizens Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Hold from the twenty research firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $287.0938. ESS has been the topic of a number of research reports. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $290.00 target price on shares of Essex Property Trust in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Essex Property Trust from $283.00 to $273.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Essex Property Trust from $280.00 to $268.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and issued a $282.00 target price (down from $304.00) on shares of Essex Property Trust in a report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Mizuho increased their price target on Essex Property Trust from $275.00 to $284.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Get Essex Property Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Report on ESS Essex Property Trust Stock Down 2.3% Shares of ESS opened at $251.06 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $258.10 and a 200-day moving average price of $264.87. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.08, a P/E/G ratio of 5.98 and a beta of 0.73. Essex Property Trust has a 12-month low of $243.25 and a 12-month high of $316.29. Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $3.97 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.96 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $473.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $472.11 million. Essex Property Trust had a net margin of 45.46% and a return on equity of 14.68%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.91 EPS. Essex Property Trust has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 3.930-4.030 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 15.890-15.990 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Essex Property Trust will post 15.96 earnings per share for the current year. Essex Property Trust Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be issued a dividend of $2.57 per share. This represents a $10.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. Essex Property Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 78.12%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Essex Property Trust Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Richardson Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Essex Property Trust by 300.0% during the second quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 100 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. Ransom Advisory Ltd purchased a new stake in Essex Property Trust during the first quarter worth $31,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its holdings in Essex Property Trust by 57.5% during the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 115 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 42 shares during the period. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Essex Property Trust during the 2nd quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, Tobam increased its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 167.3% in the 2nd quarter. Tobam now owns 131 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 82 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 96.51% of the companys stock. About Essex Property Trust (Get Free Report) Essex Property Trust, Inc (NYSE: ESS) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that acquires, develops, owns and operates multifamily residential properties. The company focuses on market-rate apartment communities and delivers a full suite of property services including leasing, resident services, asset management, and capital improvement programs designed to preserve and enhance longterm property values. Essex concentrates its portfolio in West Coast markets, with a significant presence in California and the Pacific Northwest. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Essex Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essex Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. (NYSE:ECO Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, two have given a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $37.00. ECO has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Clarkson Capital upgraded Okeanis Eco Tankers to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Zacks Research upgraded Okeanis Eco Tankers from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Finally, UBS Group lowered Okeanis Eco Tankers from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Get Okeanis Eco Tankers alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Okeanis Eco Tankers Institutional Investors Weigh In On Okeanis Eco Tankers Okeanis Eco Tankers Stock Performance Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ECO. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers by 56.8% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 150,568 shares of the companys stock worth $3,328,000 after acquiring an additional 54,528 shares during the period. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. grew its stake in Okeanis Eco Tankers by 210.9% during the 1st quarter. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 122,529 shares of the companys stock worth $2,906,000 after purchasing an additional 83,122 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC increased its holdings in Okeanis Eco Tankers by 108.2% during the 2nd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 420,789 shares of the companys stock worth $9,144,000 after purchasing an additional 218,717 shares during the period. S.E.E.D. Planning Group LLC acquired a new stake in Okeanis Eco Tankers in the 3rd quarter valued at about $234,000. Finally, Verition Fund Management LLC acquired a new stake in Okeanis Eco Tankers in the 3rd quarter valued at about $211,000. ECO stock opened at $38.12 on Friday. Okeanis Eco Tankers has a one year low of $17.91 and a one year high of $39.77. The firms 50 day moving average price is $35.44 and its 200-day moving average price is $30.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.69, a current ratio of 2.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.33. Okeanis Eco Tankers (NYSE:ECO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.29 by $0.48. Okeanis Eco Tankers had a net margin of 21.92% and a return on equity of 18.05%. The firm had revenue of $90.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $51.29 million. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Okeanis Eco Tankers will post 1.34 EPS for the current year. Okeanis Eco Tankers Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.75 per share. This is a boost from Okeanis Eco Tankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.70. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 2nd. Okeanis Eco Tankerss dividend payout ratio is currently 125.52%. Okeanis Eco Tankers Company Profile (Get Free Report) Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. is a Marshall Islandsincorporated, publicly traded shipping company specializing in the ownership and operation of eco-design product tankers. The company made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker ECO in May 2019 following an initial public offering. It focuses on the acquisition of newbuilding medium-range (MR) and long-range (LR) product tankers designed to deliver enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. As of its public listing, Okeanis Eco Tankers fleet comprises twelve eco-efficient vessels built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in South Korea. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Okeanis Eco Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Okeanis Eco Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Ralliant Corporation (NYSE:RAL Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twelve analysts that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $58.00. A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Ralliant from $45.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Citigroup upgraded Ralliant from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $53.00 to $61.00 in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Ralliant in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Truist Financial started coverage on Ralliant in a research note on Friday, December 12th. They set a buy rating and a $62.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Barclays upped their price objective on Ralliant from $59.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Get Ralliant alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Ralliant Institutional Inflows and Outflows Ralliant Stock Up 2.5% Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Ralliant in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Manchester Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Ralliant in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Westfuller Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Ralliant during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Palisade Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Ralliant during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. acquired a new position in shares of Ralliant in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. NYSE:RAL opened at $52.48 on Tuesday. Ralliant has a twelve month low of $40.70 and a twelve month high of $55.08. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $49.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.92 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.33. Ralliant (NYSE:RAL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.60 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $529.10 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $519.14 million. Ralliant has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.620-0.680 EPS. Ralliant Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 8th were issued a dividend of $0.05 per share. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.4%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 8th. Ralliants payout ratio is 15.75%. About Ralliant (Get Free Report) Ralliant, Inc (NYSE: RAL) is a medical technology company focused on enabling point-of-care cell therapy solutions in the field of regenerative medicine. The company develops and markets systems that isolate, concentrate and store adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells directly from a patients own fat tissue, facilitating same-day, autologous treatments without the need for extensive laboratory infrastructure. The companys core product portfolio includes proprietary device platforms and single-use processing kits engineered to streamline the workflow for clinicians. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ralliant Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ralliant and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Chemed Corporation (NYSE:CHE Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six research firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $574.25. A number of research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Chemed from $589.00 to $572.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Zacks Research raised shares of Chemed from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Chemed in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Get Chemed alerts: Read Our Latest Report on CHE Chemed Stock Down 1.1% CHE stock opened at $444.30 on Friday. Chemed has a 52-week low of $408.42 and a 52-week high of $623.60. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $434.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is $446.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 0.44. Chemed (NYSE:CHE Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $5.27 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.39 by ($0.12). Chemed had a net margin of 11.02% and a return on equity of 25.89%. The business had revenue of $624.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $626.04 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $5.64 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Chemed has set its FY 2025 guidance at 22.000-22.300 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Chemed will post 21.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Chemed Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. Chemeds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 12.69%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Chemed news, CEO Kevin J. Mcnamara sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $437.55, for a total transaction of $875,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 94,197 shares in the company, valued at $41,215,897.35. This represents a 2.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 3.29% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Chemed A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Vontobel Holding Ltd. boosted its position in Chemed by 44.5% during the 2nd quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 2,821 shares of the companys stock worth $1,374,000 after purchasing an additional 869 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Chemed in the second quarter valued at about $342,000. Signal Advisors Wealth LLC lifted its stake in shares of Chemed by 49.5% during the second quarter. Signal Advisors Wealth LLC now owns 9,586 shares of the companys stock worth $4,667,000 after purchasing an additional 3,174 shares in the last quarter. Covea Finance boosted its position in shares of Chemed by 52.3% in the second quarter. Covea Finance now owns 9,900 shares of the companys stock worth $4,821,000 after buying an additional 3,400 shares during the period. Finally, Fenimore Asset Management Inc grew its stake in shares of Chemed by 28.3% in the third quarter. Fenimore Asset Management Inc now owns 37,240 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,674,000 after buying an additional 8,222 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.85% of the companys stock. About Chemed (Get Free Report) Chemed Corporation is a diversified provider of essential home services and healthcare solutions in the United States. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company operates through two principal business segmentsRoto-Rooter and Vitas Healthcare. Since its founding in 1974, Chemed has built a reputation for reliability and expertise, serving both residential and commercial customers across a broad range of markets. The Roto-Rooter segment offers a comprehensive suite of plumbing, drain cleaning and water restoration services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chemed Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chemed and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Owens Corning (NYSE:OC Free Report) had its target price lowered by Citigroup from $137.00 to $135.00 in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the construction companys stock. Several other analysts have also weighed in on OC. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Owens Corning in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on Owens Corning from $174.00 to $145.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Barclays set a $130.00 price target on Owens Corning in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on shares of Owens Corning from $121.00 to $117.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of Owens Corning from $150.00 to $130.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $147.83. Get Owens Corning alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Owens Corning Owens Corning Stock Up 4.5% OC stock opened at $122.34 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -21.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 11.68 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a 50-day moving average of $111.09 and a two-hundred day moving average of $131.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 0.86. Owens Corning has a 52-week low of $97.53 and a 52-week high of $192.96. Owens Corning (NYSE:OC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The construction company reported $3.67 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.64 by $0.03. Owens Corning had a positive return on equity of 24.42% and a negative net margin of 4.46%.The company had revenue of $2.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.71 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $4.38 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Owens Corning will post 15.49 EPS for the current year. Owens Corning Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 21st. Investors of record on Monday, January 5th will be issued a dividend of $0.79 per share. This represents a $3.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 5th. This is an increase from Owens Cornings previous quarterly dividend of $0.69. Owens Cornings payout ratio is -55.24%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Owens Corning A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in OC. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Owens Corning during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Bangor Savings Bank bought a new stake in shares of Owens Corning in the second quarter worth $28,000. Rexford Capital Inc. bought a new stake in Owens Corning in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Owens Corning during the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC increased its position in Owens Corning by 149.4% in the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 222 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 133 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.40% of the companys stock. Owens Corning Company Profile (Get Free Report) Owens Corning is a global leader in composite materials and building products, with a primary focus on insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites. The company serves professional contractors, builders and industrial manufacturers by providing solutions designed to improve energy efficiency, structural performance and durability. Its products are used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications worldwide. The companys core product lines include fiberglass insulation for thermal and acoustic comfort, roofing shingles and underlayment systems engineered for weather protection, and advanced composite materials for markets such as wind energy, automotive, marine and infrastructure. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Owens Corning Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Owens Corning and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. An abandoned tank on a central street in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, in a photograph from 2013. Reporters face censorship, threats, arrest and the risk of exile when they delve into possible violations committed by the countrys authoritarian government Congolese journalist Rosie Pioth, 43, had no intention of leaving her country. However, at the end of July, after receiving death threats, she was forced to pack her bags. Pioth is a correspondent for France 24 and director of the news website Fact-Check Congo. Her crime was publishing an article about the anniversary of one of the most violent events in the history of the Republic of the Congo: the 1982 bombing of the Maya-Maya International Airport in the capital, Brazzaville. In her report, Pioth stated that, 43 years later, the victims families were still demanding justice and compensation. She also opined that the investigation into what happened should continue. The investigation revealed contradictions in the presidential pardons granted to the defendants in the 1986 trial. It also highlighted the fact that one of the convicted men said he learned of his sentence through the press, without anyone questioning him when he returned to Congo a year later, and that the promised compensation to the victims families was never paid out, Pioth explains to EL PAIS in a WhatsApp message. All of this demonstrates that the judicial, political and human treatment of the attack was incomplete. Thats probably why I received threats, she notes. I knew I was taking a risk doing this kind of an investigation, but I never imagined Id have to get out so suddenly and leave my family behind Rosie Pioth, Congolese journalist Pioth lived in hiding for days, hoping that the threatening phone calls and messages would stop, but they didnt. And so she had no choice but to leave. I knew I was taking a risk doing this kind of investigation, but I never imagined having to get out [of the country] so suddenly and leave my family behind, she sighs. My whole life has been turned upside down: my home, school, my income, my familys stability Professionally, I had to stop going to report in person and prioritize working remotely. [I also had to] strengthen my digital and physical security, and put some projects on hold. Today, Im safe. But Im facing significant material and administrative hardship, she adds. Self-censorship for fear of reprisals Pioths ordeal has once again highlighted concerns about the state of press freedom in the Republic of Congo, where journalists are increasingly subjected to intimidation although not to the same extent as in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks the Republic of Congo 71st out of 180 countries in its annual ranking. Congo-Brazzaville is no haven for press freedom. Although there are a significant number of media outlets, the authorities continue to influence content, [while] security conditions are poor. Rosie Pioths case is a prime example, Sadibou Marong explains, in a Whatsapp message to this newspaper. Hes the director of RSFs Sub-Saharan Africa bureau. She and her family have been living in alarming conditions since July. But the message sent by the Congolese media regulator [the institution thats] responsible, among other things, for protecting journalists to the rest of the profession is dramatic: it encourages self-censorship, instead of implementing concrete measures to guarantee the safety of investigative journalists, he affirms. Although there are a significant number of media outlets, the authorities continue to influence content. Security conditions are not good RSF The Republic of Congo has long been a country of great concern to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). In this country which has been ruled by the authoritarian regime of Sassou Nguesso, president from 1979 to 1992 and again from 1997 to the present journalists have suffered arrests and persecution for doing their work. Journalist Ghys Fortune Dombe Bemba was imprisoned for nearly 18 months in 2017 and 2018. Raymond Malonga, a magazine editor, has been imprisoned twice since 2013. And the recent death threats received by journalist Rosie Pioth have raised further fears for the safety of the press in the country, says Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa director, in a WhatsApp message. Unfortunately, these are common dangers for journalists across Africa, but the Republic of Congo is particularly repressive; critical reporting faces many restrictions, she explains. Fact-Check Congo has suspended publication of the remainder of Pioths report, which was set to be released in three installments, pending full guarantees for her and her familys safety. When she received death threats, Pioth filed a complaint through a human rights organization. However, she says that, to date, she has received no clear response from the authorities. The incident, in July 2025, was not the first time she had faced pressure or intimidation for her work, but never before had she suffered such serious threats. Press freedom in the Republic of Congo is conditional. Some topics are tolerated, and others, much less so, Pioth points out. Access to official sources is limited, protection for journalists is insufficient and threats often go unpunished, she adds. The Congolese government did not like my reports, which put them in a compromising position. And, since they couldnt stop me or shut me up, they ordered my physical elimination Christian Perrin, journalist Detention and torture Ghys Fortune Dombe Bemba, director of Talassa, an independent newspaper, has lived in exile in France since 2018, after spending 28 months in pre-trial detention in his country. Bemba was arrested in January of 2017, accused of being an accomplice in maneuvers to undermine state security. This occurred because of an article he published about high-ranking army officers, which included comments from former rebel leader Pastor Ntumi, who is wanted by the Congolese government for terrorism. It wasnt a legal arrest, but a kidnapping, because they didnt present me with any arrest warrant, he explains via WhatsApp. I was about to board my flight to Paris when five armed men in civilian clothes grabbed me and dragged me into a vehicle. They took me to the jail for political prisoners, where I was tortured for two days. And then, they took me to the gendarmerie headquarters, where I was subjected to continuous interrogations for a week before being brought before the prosecutor, he recalls. Bemba was accused of being a murderer and a terrorist who had been caught red-handed in an operation against state security. He was held in pre-trial detention. I lived through hell: they kept me in complete isolation, didnt allow any family members to visit me and locked me in a small, dark cell, Bemba recalls. He has recounted his terrible experience in a 2019 book titled De lenfer a la liberte (From hell to freedom). I defecated right there, in a small bucket that served as a toilet. I became seriously ill. The only time I saw several hours of daylight was when I was rushed to a clinic in the city because I was on the verge of death, he says, explaining that his health deteriorated irreversibly during this time. Access to official sources is limited, protection for journalists is insufficient and threats often go unpunished Rosie Pioth, journalist After his release, Bemba went into exile in France. But in 2024, he was stabbed in the neck at the train station in Corbeil-Essonnes, a town on the outskirts of Paris. The journalist is convinced that the attacker was hired by his countrys government. The French prosecutors office later announced that it had opened an investigation for attempted murder to determine the motive for the attack. I lost more than a liter of blood. I was on sick leave for a month. Im sure this was the work of the Brazzaville government, which doesnt tolerate my accusations against it, he reiterates. Living in constant fear Christian Perrin, 55, also had to leave the country because of death threats related to his profession. His troubles began when he reported on the massacre of dozens of young Congolese men in the city of Pointe-Noire, between October 17 and 20 of 2015, by the army and police. This coincided with the campaign for the referendum on President Denis Sassou Nguessos continued rule. The Congolese government didnt like my reporting, which put them in a compromising position. And, since they couldnt stop me or shut me up, they ordered my physical elimination, this journalist, who fled the country with his family in March 2016, states in a WhatsApp message. Starting a new life as a refugee was difficult. And, according to Perrin, the persecution never stopped. Despite their bitter experiences, Perrin, Pioth and Bemba havent lost their desire to return to their homeland. Perrin says that practicing journalism in the Republic of Congo means choosing between two options: supporting government propaganda to be able to work without hindrance, or practicing the profession according to ethical principles and accepting the consequences, including the possibility of losing ones life. Freedom of the press is a concept that doesnt exist in Congolese society, he asserts. Bemba says that being a journalist in Congo means constantly living in fear. The political situation is precarious, he emphasizes. Freedoms are being suppressed, judges obey [government] orders, public safety isnt guaranteed and armed gangs do as they please in our cities. Of course, prison or death remain a risk, but I dont rule out returning to Congo someday. Translated by Avik Jain Chatlani. Deltec Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in QXO, Inc. (NYSE:QXO Free Report) by 283.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 134,100 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 99,100 shares during the quarter. Deltec Asset Management LLCs holdings in QXO were worth $2,556,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Farther Finance Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of QXO during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. American Capital Advisory LLC boosted its stake in QXO by 258.0% during the 2nd quarter. American Capital Advisory LLC now owns 1,167 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 841 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP boosted its stake in QXO by 1,740.9% during the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,215 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 1,149 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of QXO during the second quarter worth $28,000. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of QXO in the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.68% of the companys stock. Get QXO alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $30.00 price objective on shares of QXO in a research note on Friday. Vertical Research began coverage on QXO in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. They issued a buy rating and a $30.00 price target for the company. Loop Capital assumed coverage on QXO in a report on Thursday, December 11th. They issued a buy rating and a $31.00 price target for the company. William Blair reissued an outperform rating on shares of QXO in a research note on Wednesday, December 31st. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of QXO in a report on Monday, December 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $32.21. QXO Stock Up 1.4% Shares of NYSE:QXO opened at $25.00 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $16.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -56.81, a PEG ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 2.44. QXO, Inc. has a 12-month low of $11.85 and a 12-month high of $25.05. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $19.82 and a 200 day moving average price of $20.14. The company has a current ratio of 3.06, a quick ratio of 2.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. QXO (NYSE:QXO Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.12 by $0.02. QXO had a negative net margin of 3.81% and a positive return on equity of 3.70%. The company had revenue of $2.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.78 billion. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 20726.7% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that QXO, Inc. will post -0.13 EPS for the current year. About QXO (Free Report) QXO, Inc operates as a business application, technology, and consulting company in North America. The company provides solutions for accounting and business management, financial reporting, enterprise resource planning, human capital management, warehouse management systems, customer relationship management, and business intelligence. It also offers value-added services that focuses on consulting and professional, specialized programming, training, and technical support services. In addition, the company provides information technology managed services, such as cybersecurity, application hosting, disaster recovery, business continuity, cloud, and other services; and data back-up, network maintenance, and upgrade services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QXO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for QXO, Inc. (NYSE:QXO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for QXO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for QXO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the twelve brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have given a hold recommendation and five have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $14.3182. A number of analysts recently commented on FLG shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Morgan Stanley set a $14.00 price objective on Flagstar Bank, National Association and gave the company an underperform rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Barclays upped their target price on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association from $13.00 to $11.50 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, DA Davidson restated a buy rating and set a $14.50 price target on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Get Flagstar Bank National Association alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on FLG Hedge Funds Weigh In On Flagstar Bank, National Association Flagstar Bank, National Association Stock Down 0.6% Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FLG. Inspire Investing LLC bought a new position in Flagstar Bank, National Association during the first quarter valued at $422,000. Mendon Capital Advisors Corp bought a new stake in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association in the first quarter valued at $2,403,000. Comerica Bank purchased a new position in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association during the 1st quarter valued at $990,000. American Century Companies Inc. bought a new position in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association during the 1st quarter worth $405,000. Finally, Investors Research Corp purchased a new stake in Flagstar Bank, National Association in the 2nd quarter worth about $233,000. Institutional investors own 67.88% of the companys stock. Shares of NYSE FLG opened at $13.05 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. The firm has a market cap of $5.42 billion, a PE ratio of -13.45, a P/E/G ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 1.09. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $12.19 and its 200 day simple moving average is $11.94. Flagstar Bank, National Association has a 12-month low of $8.56 and a 12-month high of $13.85. Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.07) earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $498.00 million during the quarter. Flagstar Bank, National Association had a negative net margin of 7.06% and a negative return on equity of 3.80%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Flagstar Bank, National Association will post -0.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Flagstar Bank, National Association Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Stockholders of record on Sunday, December 7th were given a dividend of $0.01 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.3%. Flagstar Bank, National Associations payout ratio is presently -4.12%. Flagstar Bank, National Association Company Profile (Get Free Report) Flagstar Financial Corporation (NYSE: FLG) is a bank holding company whose principal subsidiary, Flagstar Bank, provides a range of financial services across the United States. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Flagstar combines commercial banking, mortgage lending and servicing, and deposit products to serve individuals, businesses and public entities. As a publicly traded company, Flagstar leverages its banking charter and national mortgage platform to deliver tailored financial solutions through both digital and branch channels. The companys mortgage business is one of the largest residential originators and servicers in the nation, offering retail, wholesale and correspondent lending channels. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Flagstar Bank National Association Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flagstar Bank National Association and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Forge Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:FRGE Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the seven ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have issued a hold recommendation and one has given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $42.00. A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on FRGE. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Forge Global in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen raised Forge Global from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Citizens Jmp restated a market perform rating on shares of Forge Global in a report on Friday, December 12th. Piper Sandler cut Forge Global from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $45.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Citigroup lowered shares of Forge Global from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Get Forge Global alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on FRGE Forge Global Trading Down 0.3% Institutional Trading of Forge Global Shares of FRGE opened at $44.66 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $43.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $27.01. Forge Global has a 12-month low of $6.60 and a 12-month high of $44.88. The firm has a market cap of $607.31 million, a PE ratio of -8.59 and a beta of 2.18. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Forge Global during the 2nd quarter valued at $728,000. Truist Financial Corp bought a new position in Forge Global during the second quarter valued at $190,000. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey purchased a new stake in shares of Forge Global in the second quarter valued at $47,000. Brendel Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Forge Global in the second quarter valued at $209,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Forge Global in the 2nd quarter worth about $1,891,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 40.67% of the companys stock. Forge Global Company Profile (Get Free Report) Forge Global is a financial technology company that operates a digital marketplace for trading shares in private companies. The platform connects shareholders, including employees and early investors, with accredited and institutional buyers seeking exposure to late-stage private ventures ahead of their initial public offerings. By facilitating secondary transactions, Forge Global aims to provide liquidity solutions that traditionally have been limited in private markets. The companys core services include trade execution, settlement, and custody for pre-IPO securities, supported by an integrated suite of portfolio management and data-analytics tools. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Forge Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Forge Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Forum Financial Management LP increased its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 10.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 59,484 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 5,598 shares during the period. Forum Financial Management LPs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $4,986,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Hilton Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 2nd quarter worth $3,656,000. Three Bridge Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the second quarter valued at about $364,000. Board of the Pension Protection Fund bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the second quarter worth about $40,000. Canoe Financial LP lifted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 21.7% during the second quarter. Canoe Financial LP now owns 3,394,260 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $271,948,000 after purchasing an additional 604,930 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Synergy Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 3rd quarter worth about $10,729,000. Institutional investors own 75.90% of the companys stock. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wells Fargo & Company News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Wells Fargo & Company this week: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings upgraded Wells Fargo & Company from a hold (c) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $92.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. HSBC reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $74.00 price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Wednesday. Evercore ISI reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $110.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Cfra Research upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $93.91. Get Our Latest Report on WFC Wells Fargo & Company Stock Up 0.4% Shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock opened at $95.94 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.84. Wells Fargo & Company has a 52-week low of $58.42 and a 52-week high of $97.76. The companys 50 day moving average price is $89.74 and its 200-day moving average price is $84.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $301.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.78, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.09. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.73 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.55 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $21.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.11 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 17.18% and a return on equity of 12.51%. The firms revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.42 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 EPS for the current year. Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th were issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 29.61%. Wells Fargo & 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Great Bear Royalties Corp. (OTC:GBRBF Get Free Report) traded up 0.3% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$5.14 and last traded at C$5.12. 135,900 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 776% from the average session volume of 15,520 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$5.10. Great Bear Royalties Price Performance The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$5.12 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$5.12. Great Bear Royalties Company Profile (Get Free Report) Great Bear Royalties Corp. operates as a precious metals royalty and streaming company in Canada. The company's principal asset is the Dixie project that consists of 494 mineral claims covering an area of approximately 9,140 hectares located in the Red Lake district of Ontario, as well as a portfolio of equity investments in resource-focused public companies. The company was incorporated in 2020 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Great Bear Royalties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Great Bear Royalties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HB Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Manulife Financial Corp (NYSE:MFC Free Report) (TSE:MFC) by 42.8% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 57,011 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 17,076 shares during the quarter. HB Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Manulife Financial were worth $1,776,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Manulife Financial during the 2nd quarter valued at about $632,238,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc grew its holdings in shares of Manulife Financial by 814.3% during the 2nd quarter. MUFG Securities EMEA plc now owns 6,399,999 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $204,544,000 after purchasing an additional 5,699,999 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Manulife Financial by 19.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 14,008,595 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $453,798,000 after purchasing an additional 2,276,251 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Manulife Financial by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 76,336,875 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,440,795,000 after purchasing an additional 2,003,226 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Picton Mahoney Asset Management purchased a new stake in Manulife Financial during the second quarter worth about $63,255,000. 52.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Manulife Financial alerts: Manulife Financial Stock Performance NYSE MFC opened at $37.39 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $62.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.62 and a beta of 0.83. The firms 50 day moving average price is $35.27 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $32.62. Manulife Financial Corp has a twelve month low of $25.92 and a twelve month high of $37.58. Manulife Financial Increases Dividend Manulife Financial ( NYSE:MFC Get Free Report ) (TSE:MFC) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.84 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $12.90 billion for the quarter. Manulife Financial had a net margin of 9.81% and a return on equity of 16.11%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.00 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Manulife Financial Corp will post 2.87 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th were paid a $0.44 dividend. This is an increase from Manulife Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.32. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $1.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.7%. Manulife Financials payout ratio is 55.56%. Analyst Ratings Changes MFC has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Cibc Captl Mkts raised shares of Manulife Financial from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b+) rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Manulife Financial from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $51.00 price target on Manulife Financial in a report on Monday, December 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and six have given a Buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $51.50. Check Out Our Latest Report on Manulife Financial Manulife Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Manulife Financial Corporation is a multinational insurance and financial services company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in the late 19th century as The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, Manulife provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual and institutional clients. Its core businesses include life and health insurance, retirement and pension solutions, wealth and asset management, and group benefits. In wealth and asset management, Manulife operates through Manulife Investment Management and offers mutual funds, segregated funds, institutional asset management, and retirement plan solutions. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Manulife Financial Corp (NYSE:MFC Free Report) (TSE:MFC). Receive News & Ratings for Manulife Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manulife Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ibstock plc (LON:IBST Get Free Report) shares traded up 1.3% on Friday . The company traded as high as GBX 137.60 and last traded at GBX 137.20. 745,310 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 66% from the average session volume of 2,201,810 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 135.40. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In IBST has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on Ibstock from GBX 188 to GBX 143 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on Ibstock from GBX 210 to GBX 190 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Berenberg Bank lowered their price target on Ibstock from GBX 170 to GBX 150 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price objective on shares of Ibstock from GBX 210 to GBX 170 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 163.25. Get Ibstock alerts: View Our Latest Report on IBST Ibstock Stock Up 1.3% Ibstock Company Profile The businesss fifty day moving average price is GBX 134.26 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 138.69. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 46.91. The firm has a market capitalization of 541.50 million, a PE ratio of 45.73, a PEG ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.34. (Get Free Report) Ibstock plc manufactures and sells clay and concrete building products and solutions to customers in the residential construction sector in the United Kingdom. The company offers bricks and masonry, which includes facing and engineering bricks, brick slips, special shaped bricks, walling stone, architectural masonry, prefabricated components, eco-habitats, and padstones and lintels, as well as facade systems; roofing products comprising roof tiles and accessories, and chimneys; and flooring and lintels, such as beam and block flooring, insulated flooring, hollowcore, and screed rails. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ibstock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ibstock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IMI plc (LON:IMI Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the seven research firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is GBX 2,670.71. A number of research firms have commented on IMI. Royal Bank Of Canada cut IMI to a sector perform rating and upped their price target for the stock from GBX 2,475 to GBX 2,500 in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Berenberg Bank increased their target price on IMI from GBX 2,550 to GBX 2,900 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Panmure Gordon restated a buy rating and set a GBX 2,760 target price on shares of IMI in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on IMI from GBX 2,850 to GBX 2,960 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Get IMI alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on IMI IMI Stock Performance IMI Company Profile LON:IMI opened at GBX 2,630 on Friday. IMI has a fifty-two week low of GBX 1,555.96 and a fifty-two week high of GBX 2,655.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 68.33, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.36. The company has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 2,461.59 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 2,321.95. The stock has a market capitalization of 6.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.19, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.08. (Get Free Report) IMI plc is a specialist engineering company operating in fluid and motion control markets. We combine our deep engineering knowledge with strong applications expertise to develop solutions for the most acute industry problems. We help our customers become safer, more sustainable and more productive. IMI employs around 10,000 people, has manufacturing facilities in 19 countries and operates a global service network. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for IMI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IMI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Independence Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF (NYSEARCA:FCOM Free Report) by 9.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 160,321 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 13,880 shares during the quarter. Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF makes up 3.5% of Independence Financial Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Independence Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF were worth $11,378,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in FCOM. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new position in shares of Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF in the second quarter worth about $26,000. Private Trust Co. NA grew its stake in shares of Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF by 1,737.5% during the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 441 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 417 shares during the last quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $40,000. New Millennium Group LLC raised its position in Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF by 38.2% in the 2nd quarter. New Millennium Group LLC now owns 727 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 201 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its holdings in Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF by 14.4% during the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 1,595 shares of the companys stock worth $103,000 after buying an additional 201 shares in the last quarter. Get Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF alerts: Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF Stock Performance Shares of FCOM opened at $73.92 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $71.64 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $69.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.08 and a beta of 1.06. Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF has a 52 week low of $48.96 and a 52 week high of $74.14. Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF Company Profile The Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF (FCOM) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in communication services equity. The fund tracks a market-cap-weighted index of stocks in the US communication services sector. FCOM was launched on Oct 21, 2013 and is managed by Fidelity. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FCOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF (NYSEARCA:FCOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Invesco (NYSE:IVZ Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Saturday. IVZ has been the topic of several other research reports. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Invesco from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Fundamental Research set a $27.00 price target on Invesco in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Bank of America increased their price target on Invesco from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on Invesco from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Invesco from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and thirteen have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $24.70. Get Invesco alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on IVZ Invesco Price Performance Invesco stock opened at $28.61 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.46, a PEG ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 1.65. Invesco has a 52-week low of $11.60 and a 52-week high of $28.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.23. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $25.43 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $22.65. Invesco (NYSE:IVZ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The asset manager reported $0.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $1.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.17 billion. Invesco had a net margin of 14.15% and a return on equity of 9.11%. Invescos revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.44 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Invesco will post 1.87 earnings per share for the current year. Invesco Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a dividend of $0.21 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.9%. Invescos dividend payout ratio is 57.14%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Invesco news, Director Douglas J. Sharp sold 160,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.56, for a total transaction of $3,769,600.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 192 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,523.52. This trade represents a 99.88% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.21% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wedmont Private Capital grew its position in Invesco by 2.2% in the 4th quarter. Wedmont Private Capital now owns 21,236 shares of the asset managers stock worth $588,000 after purchasing an additional 456 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco by 18.4% in the third quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 3,031 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $70,000 after acquiring an additional 472 shares in the last quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco by 0.6% in the third quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 85,723 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,966,000 after acquiring an additional 474 shares in the last quarter. CI Investments Inc. increased its position in shares of Invesco by 21.5% during the third quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 2,780 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $64,000 after acquiring an additional 491 shares during the last quarter. Finally, US Bancorp DE lifted its holdings in Invesco by 4.1% during the third quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 12,879 shares of the asset managers stock worth $295,000 after acquiring an additional 510 shares during the period. 66.09% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Invesco Company Profile (Get Free Report) Invesco Ltd. is an independent global investment management firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IVZ). With origins dating back to 1935, the company is dedicated to offering a wide array of investment strategies and solutions to both individual and institutional clients worldwide. The firms product suite encompasses actively managed equity and fixed income funds, passive index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts, alongside specialized offerings such as private markets, real estate, and structured products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data Welcome to the new War Department the era of the Defense Department is over. With these words, Donald Trumps Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a radical change in the role and mission of his department and of the United States Armed Forces. In late September, at an exceptional and hastily arranged meeting, Hegseth convened more than 800 generals and admirals of the U.S. military at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, a few miles from Washington, D.C. Many of them traveled for hours to hear the secretarys impassioned proclamation. The theatrical and liturgical display of the meeting was unprecedented, unusual in peacetime, and grandiose. Like everything surrounding the communication of Trump and his entourage. Hegseth sought a historic moment, although it was nothing more than a histrionic, excessive, and unprofessional one. But he announced it. That is the reality, and the fact. All of Trumps excesses, ranging from his provocative threats to crude mockery, hurtful comparisons, and public contempt, paint a picture of a narcissistic and alcoholic personality, as defined by Susie Wiles, the presidents all-powerful chief of staff. And, although they shock us, they reveal something very important: Trump cannot stop saying what he thinks and what he is going to do. He acts without restraint, without a seatbelt, without an airbag. His need for absolute and global prominence leads him to lay bare his obsessions and visions. There is no more calculation, no possibility of underestimation. Trump is dying to make all his verbal fantasies a reality, to turn words into actions. There is no turning back. And the world has been warned. There is no need to speculate, interpret, or decipher. Its all crystal clear, blatantly clear. Welcome to the new War Department, we were warned. Hegseths speech and Trumps latest statements reflect that words though lacking any literary brilliance, not that any is desired are now the preferred weapons of this megalomaniacal imperial vision. A crude, brutal, aggressive, and insulting rhetoric. But one that is increasingly mimicked and subservient to the militarization of politics (from deterrence to action)... and of communication. Not only are conflicts militarized, but also the stagecraft of power: there are surgical operations, war as a media spectacle, performative leadership (Trump as a showrunner). Foreign policy is becoming content for domestic consumption. Donald Trump signs the executive order restoring the name Department of War to the Pentagon, on September 5, 2025. To better understand the role of language and its staging in Trumps hyper-leadership, one must turn to semioticians, philologists, and linguists. The book Eternal Fascism replicates a lecture given by the Italian semiotician Umberto Eco at Columbia University on April 25, 1995. Eco aimed to warn that fascism can return at any moment, and we shouldnt wait for it to take the same form as it did in the totalitarian movements and governments that ravaged Europe before World War II. The author starts from the premise that linguistic habits are often important symptoms of unexpressed feelings. Therefore, words are the new mental and physical maps. Trump expresses hidden, unconfessable, shameful feelings. It awakens the autocrat, misogynist, and racist within us. Eco warns against the cult of action for actions sake. Action is beautiful in itself and, therefore, must be carried out without any reflection. Thinking is a form of castration. For this reason, culture is suspect, since it is identified with critical attitudes. In short, for Eco, fascism is all around us, but in forms far less recognizable than we would like to believe. It can return, and do so with the most innocent appearances. That is why he emphasizes that our duty is to unmask it and point out each of its new forms. Despite his limited vocabulary and arguments, Trump is using words like a broad brush to redefine the limits of the world, the limits of thought. And he does so not because he knows, believes, or wants to but because he can. The limits of my language are the limits of my world, stated the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, highlighting the profound connection between language and our understanding of the world. Never has a quote been more apt. Lets return to Hegseths speech and his reckless fascination with proclaiming his vision, his irrepressible desire to break boundaries, his vital need to demonstrate that he can speak without restraint: War is something you do sparingly on our own terms and with clear aims. We fight to win. We unleash overwhelming and punishing violence on the enemy. We also dont fight with stupid rules of engagement. We untie the hands of our warfighters to intimidate, demoralize, hunt, and kill the enemies of our country. All very clear, premonitory, and prophetic. IRON Financial LLC lowered its position in McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report) by 75.5% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 878 shares of the fast-food giants stock after selling 2,708 shares during the period. IRON Financial LLCs holdings in McDonalds were worth $267,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of McDonalds in the second quarter valued at approximately $2,780,712,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in McDonalds by 29,382.3% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,737,548 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $1,676,339,000 after buying an additional 5,718,087 shares in the last quarter. Soundwatch Capital LLC bought a new stake in McDonalds during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,412,069,000. Viking Global Investors LP lifted its position in shares of McDonalds by 171.7% during the second quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 3,125,432 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $913,157,000 after acquiring an additional 1,974,998 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Amundi lifted its position in shares of McDonalds by 96.0% during the second quarter. Amundi now owns 4,032,676 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $1,188,147,000 after acquiring an additional 1,974,751 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.29% of the companys stock. Get McDonald's alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes MCD has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley set a $335.00 price objective on McDonalds in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of McDonalds in a report on Thursday. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of McDonalds from $381.00 to $375.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of McDonalds from $340.00 to $345.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their target price on shares of McDonalds from $350.00 to $356.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $328.88. McDonalds Trading Down 0.5% Shares of NYSE MCD opened at $307.27 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $307.93 and a 200-day moving average of $304.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $218.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.22, a PEG ratio of 3.05 and a beta of 0.53. McDonalds Corporation has a 12 month low of $276.53 and a 12 month high of $326.32. McDonalds (NYSE:MCD Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The fast-food giant reported $3.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.33 by ($0.11). The company had revenue of $7.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.10 billion. McDonalds had a net margin of 32.04% and a negative return on equity of 280.89%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $3.23 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 earnings per share for the current year. McDonalds Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a $1.86 dividend. This is a boost from McDonaldss previous quarterly dividend of $1.77. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. McDonaldss payout ratio is currently 63.48%. Insider Transactions at McDonalds In other McDonalds news, CFO Ian Frederick Borden sold 17,134 shares of McDonalds stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $310.00, for a total transaction of $5,311,540.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 26,353 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,169,430. The trade was a 39.40% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Desiree Ralls-Morrison sold 2,486 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $320.00, for a total value of $795,520.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 6,268 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,005,760. The trade was a 28.40% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 42,516 shares of company stock worth $13,036,090. Company insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock. More McDonalds News Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week: About McDonalds (Free Report) McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is a global quick-service restaurant company best known for its hamburgers, French fries and breakfast offerings. The company develops, operates and franchises a system of restaurants that sell a range of food and beverage items, including signature products such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, McCafe coffee beverages and a variety of salads, desserts and seasonal menu items. McDonalds serves customers through company-operated restaurants and franchised locations, and it supports sales via dine-in, drive-thru, digital ordering platforms and third-party delivery partnerships. Founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald as a single San Bernardino, California restaurant, the business was transformed into a franchising model after Ray Kroc joined in the mid-1950s and led the brands national and international expansion. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MCD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for McDonald's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McDonald's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IRON Financial LLC bought a new stake in Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE:CHD Free Report) during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund bought 9,093 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $797,000. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. True Wealth Design LLC increased its position in shares of Church & Dwight by 935.5% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 321 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares during the last quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Church & Dwight during the second quarter worth approximately $45,000. Kennebec Savings Bank lifted its holdings in shares of Church & Dwight by 49.7% in the 3rd quarter. Kennebec Savings Bank now owns 675 shares of the companys stock worth $59,000 after acquiring an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC bought a new stake in shares of Church & Dwight in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $62,000. Finally, MUFG Securities EMEA plc purchased a new stake in shares of Church & Dwight in the 2nd quarter valued at $70,000. Institutional investors own 86.60% of the companys stock. Get Church & Dwight alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages recently commented on CHD. Citigroup upgraded shares of Church & Dwight from a sell rating to a neutral rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $85.00 to $87.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a $100.00 target price (down from $102.00) on shares of Church & Dwight in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $102.00 price target on shares of Church & Dwight in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Church & Dwight in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Barclays set a $82.00 price target on Church & Dwight and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $98.95. Church & Dwight Stock Performance Shares of CHD opened at $85.76 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $84.54 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $89.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.59 billion, a PE ratio of 26.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.95 and a beta of 0.46. Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has a one year low of $81.33 and a one year high of $116.46. Church & Dwight (NYSE:CHD Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.73 by $0.08. Church & Dwight had a return on equity of 19.32% and a net margin of 12.74%.The firm had revenue of $1.59 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.54 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.79 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Church & Dwight has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.830-0.83 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 3.490-3.49 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Church & Dwight Co., Inc. will post 3.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. Church & Dwight Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a $0.295 dividend. This represents a $1.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. Church & Dwights dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 37.11%. Church & Dwight Profile (Free Report) Church & Dwight Co, Inc is a U.S.-based consumer products company best known for its Arm & Hammer baking soda business. Founded in 1846 with the manufacture and marketing of sodium bicarbonate, the company has grown into a diversified maker and marketer of household, personal care and specialty products. Church & Dwight is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CHD and is headquartered in Ewing, New Jersey. The companys portfolio spans a range of categories including household cleaning and laundry, oral care, personal care, sexual wellness and health & wellness. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CHD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE:CHD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Church & Dwight Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Church & Dwight and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 56.2% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 11,955,236 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,301,015 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF accounts for approximately 30.9% of Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its largest position. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $8,001,639,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Nvwm LLC lifted its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 210.5% during the second quarter. Nvwm LLC now owns 59 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the period. Hager Investment Management Services LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $61,000. Rice Partnership LLC boosted its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 460.0% in the 2nd quarter. Rice Partnership LLC now owns 112 shares of the companys stock valued at $70,000 after buying an additional 92 shares in the last quarter. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $80,000. Finally, Missouri Trust & Investment Co grew its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 33.0% in the second quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 133 shares of the companys stock valued at $83,000 after acquiring an additional 33 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 70.12% of the companys stock. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Price Performance iShares Core S&P 500 ETF stock opened at $697.08 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $763.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $683.17 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $661.77. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 52-week low of $484.00 and a 52-week high of $698.37. About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legacy Trust increased its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 5.6% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 43,536 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,302 shares during the period. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing accounts for 2.4% of Legacy Trusts holdings, making the stock its 10th largest position. Legacy Trusts holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $12,159,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Catalyst Private Wealth LLC boosted its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. Catalyst Private Wealth LLC now owns 1,407 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $393,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC now owns 3,540 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $989,000 after purchasing an additional 39 shares in the last quarter. Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors P.L.L.C. lifted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors P.L.L.C. now owns 1,652 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $461,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.4% in the second quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,815 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $411,000 after buying an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pflug Koory LLC boosted its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 3.9% in the second quarter. Pflug Koory LLC now owns 1,133 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $257,000 after buying an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.51% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Key Headlines Impacting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Here are the key news stories impacting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing this week: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, December 29th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and issued a $360.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Wall Street Zen lowered Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $355.00. Read Our Latest Research Report on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Price Performance Shares of TSM stock opened at $323.71 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $1.68 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.20, a PEG ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.29. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 12 month low of $134.25 and a 12 month high of $333.08. The company has a quick ratio of 2.47, a current ratio of 2.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $295.56 and a 200 day moving average price of $270.09. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last issued 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 net margin of 43.72% and a return on equity of 34.34%. Research analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.9678 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. This represents a $3.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Live Oak Bancshares (NYSE:LOB Get Free Report) is one of 20 publicly-traded companies in the State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare Live Oak Bancshares to related companies based on the strength of its institutional ownership, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk, earnings and dividends. Profitability This table compares Live Oak Bancshares and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Live Oak Bancshares alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Live Oak Bancshares 6.94% 6.61% 0.51% Live Oak Bancshares Competitors 7.23% 6.94% 0.79% Volatility and Risk Live Oak Bancshares has a beta of 2.02, suggesting that its stock price is 102% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Live Oak Bancshares competitors have a beta of 1.01, suggesting that their average stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Live Oak Bancshares $533.05 million $77.47 million 24.61 Live Oak Bancshares Competitors $647.02 million $95.99 million 39.72 This table compares Live Oak Bancshares and its competitors revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Live Oak Bancshares competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Live Oak Bancshares. Live Oak 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. Dividends Live Oak Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. Live Oak Bancshares pays out 8.1% 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. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Live Oak Bancshares and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Live Oak Bancshares 0 2 0 1 2.67 Live Oak Bancshares Competitors 29 167 197 19 2.50 As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 5.58%. Given Live Oak Bancshares competitors higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Live Oak Bancshares has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Insider and Institutional Ownership 64.0% of Live Oak Bancshares shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.2% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are held by institutional investors. 23.4% of Live Oak Bancshares shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 6.7% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Live Oak Bancshares competitors beat Live Oak Bancshares on 10 of the 15 factors compared. Live Oak Bancshares Company Profile (Get Free Report) Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Live Oak Banking Company that provides various commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, and professionals in North Carolina, the United States. The company accepts various deposit products, including noninterest-bearing demand, as well as interest-bearing checking, money market, savings, and time deposits. It also offers commercial and industrial loans; construction and development loans; owner occupied and non-owner occupied collateral commercial real estate loans; and commercial land loans. In addition, the company provides settlement, accounting, and securitization services for government guaranteed loans; wealth and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals and families; investment advisory services to a series of funds focused on providing venture capital to new and emerging financial technology companies; and an on-site restaurant location to company employees and business visitors. Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. Receive News & Ratings for Live Oak Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Live Oak Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Horizon Group (OTCMKTS:HGPI Get Free Report) and Macerich (NYSE:MAC Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends and profitability. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Horizon Group and Macerich, as reported by MarketBeat. Get Horizon Group alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Horizon Group 0 0 0 0 0.00 Macerich 3 4 5 0 2.17 Macerich has a consensus target price of $19.67, indicating a potential upside of 7.53%. Given Macerichs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Macerich is more favorable than Horizon Group. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Horizon Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Macerich $918.20 million 5.10 -$194.12 million ($1.59) -11.51 This table compares Horizon Group and Macerichs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Horizon Group has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Macerich. Profitability This table compares Horizon Group and Macerichs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Horizon Group N/A N/A N/A Macerich -37.97% -14.21% -4.47% Volatility & Risk Horizon Group has a beta of -0.21, suggesting that its share price is 121% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Macerich has a beta of 2.06, suggesting that its share price is 106% more volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership 87.4% of Macerich shares are owned by institutional investors. 15.9% of Horizon Group shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.2% of Macerich shares are owned 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. Summary Macerich beats Horizon Group on 6 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Horizon Group (Get Free Report) Based in Chicago, Illinois, Horizon Group Properties, Inc. has 12 operating factory outlet centers and one power center in 10 states totaling more than 2.6 million square feet. About Macerich (Get Free Report) Macerich is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT). As a leading owner, operator and developer of high-quality retail real estate in densely populated and attractive U.S. markets, Macerichs portfolio is concentrated in California, the Pacific Northwest, Phoenix/Scottsdale, and the Metro New York to Washington, D.C. corridor. Developing and managing properties that serve as community cornerstones, Macerich currently owns 47 million square feet of real estate consisting primarily of interests in 44 regional town centers. Macerich is firmly dedicated to advancing environmental goals, social good and sound corporate governance. A recognized leader in sustainability, Macerich has achieved a #1 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) ranking for the North American retail sector for nine consecutive years (2015-2023). Receive News & Ratings for Horizon Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Horizon Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Magellan Financial Group Limited (OTCMKTS:MGLLF Get Free Report) traded up 4,210,652.2% on Friday . The company traded as high as C$214,748.36 and last traded at C$214,748.36. 19,073,055 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 19,072,955% from the average session volume of 100 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$5.10. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group cut Magellan Financial Group to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Magellan Financial Group presently has an average rating of Sell. Get Magellan Financial Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on MGLLF Magellan Financial Group Stock Performance About Magellan Financial Group The stocks fifty day moving average price is C$4,301.24 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$1,508.09. (Get Free Report) Magellan Financial Group Ltd is a global investment manager headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 2006 by Hamish Douglass and Chris Mackay, the firm offers a range of investment strategies focused on high-quality global equities and listed infrastructure assets. Magellans core business activities include the management of funds and mandates for retail, wholesale and institutional clients, with an emphasis on capital preservation and long-term value creation. The companys flagship products include its Global Fund, which targets established companies with sustainable competitive advantages, and its Infrastructure Fund, which invests in essential global infrastructure businesses such as utilities, transportation and toll roads. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Magellan Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magellan Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MASTERINVEST Kapitalanlage GmbH lifted its stake in Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 31.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,455 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 3,740 shares during the period. MASTERINVEST Kapitalanlage GmbHs holdings in Chevron were worth $2,400,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Quaker Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Chevron by 197.7% in the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 217 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 439 shares in the last quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC grew its stake in Chevron by 86.1% during the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 255 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in Chevron by 52.3% in the 2nd quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 265 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 91 shares during the period. GFG Capital LLC bought a new position in Chevron in the 2nd quarter valued at about $42,000. Finally, Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Chevron by 306.1% in the 3rd quarter. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 268 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 202 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.42% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Chevron Stock Up 1.8% Shares of NYSE:CVX opened at $162.15 on Friday. Chevron Corporation has a 52-week low of $132.04 and a 52-week high of $168.96. The company has a market capitalization of $326.49 billion, a PE ratio of 22.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 10.15 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.15. The company has a fifty day moving average of $152.31 and a 200-day moving average of $153.49. Chevron Announces Dividend Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.85 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.14. Chevron had a return on equity of 8.74% and a net margin of 6.57%.The business had revenue of $48.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $46.99 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.48 EPS. Chevrons quarterly revenue was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th were issued a dividend of $1.71 per share. This represents a $6.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. Chevrons payout ratio is 96.20%. Insider Transactions at Chevron In other news, Director John B. Hess sold 275,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.75, for a total value of $41,456,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 1,128,045 shares of the companys stock, valued at $170,052,783.75. This represents a 19.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Alana K. Knowles sold 7,956 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $165.05, for a total transaction of $1,313,137.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 1,207 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $199,215.35. This trade represents a 86.83% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders have sold 631,990 shares of company stock valued at $99,716,808. 0.21% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms recently issued reports on CVX. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Chevron from $160.00 to $158.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. HSBC set a $169.00 target price on Chevron and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Bank of America decreased their price target on Chevron from $183.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Chevron from $177.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein raised their price objective on Chevron from $170.00 to $172.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $167.14. Get Our Latest Stock Report on CVX Key Stories Impacting Chevron Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week: Positive Sentiment: Chevron is in advanced talks with the U.S. government to expand its Venezuela license, which would allow higher exports to Chevrons refineries and third parties a clear potential earnings and volume catalyst. Read More. Chevron is in advanced talks with the U.S. government to expand its Venezuela license, which would allow higher exports to Chevrons refineries and third parties a clear potential earnings and volume catalyst. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Shipping and operational activity is picking up: data and filings show Chevron loading Venezuelan crude and contracting multiple tankers, signalling the company can scale flows quickly if approvals hold. Read More. Shipping and operational activity is picking up: data and filings show Chevron loading Venezuelan crude and contracting multiple tankers, signalling the company can scale flows quickly if approvals hold. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Market positioning and deal activity: reports show Chevron competing with traders and partners to control Venezuelan exports and lining up bids for international assets moves that could expand supply links and reserves. Read More. Market positioning and deal activity: reports show Chevron competing with traders and partners to control Venezuelan exports and lining up bids for international assets moves that could expand supply links and reserves. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analyst support: Bernstein and other outlets have recently raised targets or reiterated bullish theses on CVX amid the Venezuela angle, providing analyst-driven validation. Read More. Analyst support: Bernstein and other outlets have recently raised targets or reiterated bullish theses on CVX amid the Venezuela angle, providing analyst-driven validation. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: White House engagement: President Trump met with oil executives to discuss Venezuela reconstruction policy backing could help but details, guarantees and timelines remain uncertain. Read More. White House engagement: President Trump met with oil executives to discuss Venezuela reconstruction policy backing could help but details, guarantees and timelines remain uncertain. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Companies want guarantees: FT/Reuters reporting that U.S. majors want formal guarantees from Washington before committing large capital, implying any large-scale Venezuela rebuild will be phased and conditional. Read More. Companies want guarantees: FT/Reuters reporting that U.S. majors want formal guarantees from Washington before committing large capital, implying any large-scale Venezuela rebuild will be phased and conditional. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Distribution risk: some shipments to traditional buyers (notably Chinese buyers) are paused, tempering near-term cash conversion despite increased loading activity. Read More. Distribution risk: some shipments to traditional buyers (notably Chinese buyers) are paused, tempering near-term cash conversion despite increased loading activity. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Large insider selling disclosed (CEO, CFO and other insiders sold sizable blocks in early January), which can be perceived negatively and add short-term selling pressure. Read More. Large insider selling disclosed (CEO, CFO and other insiders sold sizable blocks in early January), which can be perceived negatively and add short-term selling pressure. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Analyst downgrades and sell-side caution: at least one firm cut CVX to Strong Sell and others trimmed price targets, reflecting some skepticism about sustainable upside after the recent run. Read More. Read More. Analyst downgrades and sell-side caution: at least one firm cut CVX to Strong Sell and others trimmed price targets, reflecting some skepticism about sustainable upside after the recent run. Read More. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Political/reputational risk: high-profile criticism and scrutiny around U.S. handling of Venezuela investments raise execution and regulatory uncertainty. Read More. Chevron 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MASTERINVEST Kapitalanlage GmbH acquired a new position in shares of Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 5,690 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,115,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of VST. State Street Corp boosted its stake in Vistra by 1.4% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 16,660,027 shares of the companys stock worth $3,228,880,000 after buying an additional 226,514 shares during the period. Lone Pine Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Vistra by 40.5% during the 2nd quarter. Lone Pine Capital LLC now owns 6,469,719 shares of the companys stock worth $1,253,896,000 after purchasing an additional 1,864,931 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its holdings in Vistra by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 6,175,553 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,196,884,000 after purchasing an additional 258,983 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Vistra in the second quarter valued at approximately $930,080,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its stake in Vistra by 25.2% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,537,384 shares of the companys stock worth $879,390,000 after purchasing an additional 913,350 shares in the last quarter. 90.88% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Vistra alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Vistra news, CEO James A. Burke sold 41,426 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.32, for a total value of $8,339,882.32. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 246,522 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $49,629,809.04. This trade represents a 14.39% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Scott A. Hudson sold 56,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.86, for a total value of $9,456,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 306,600 shares in the company, valued at approximately $51,772,476. This represents a 15.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 405,876 shares of company stock worth $76,995,686. Corporate insiders own 1.42% of the companys stock. Key Vistra News Positive Sentiment: Vistra announced 20-year power purchase agreements with Meta that will deliver more than 2,600 MW of zero-carbon energy (2,176 MW operating + 433 MW uprates) from three Vistra nuclear plants in PJM described as the largest corporate-supported nuclear uprates in the U.S. This underpins long-term contracted revenue and demand from hyperscale customers. PR Newswire Vistra announced 20-year power purchase agreements with Meta that will deliver more than 2,600 MW of zero-carbon energy (2,176 MW operating + 433 MW uprates) from three Vistra nuclear plants in PJM described as the largest corporate-supported nuclear uprates in the U.S. This underpins long-term contracted revenue and demand from hyperscale customers. Positive Sentiment: Major outlets (WSJ, Yahoo Finance and others) picked up the Meta-Vistra deal; coverage emphasized that Meta is turning to nuclear to power AI data centers, which amplified investor interest in Vistra as a strategic supplier to tech hyperscalers. WSJ: Metas Nuclear Deals Major outlets (WSJ, Yahoo Finance and others) picked up the Meta-Vistra deal; coverage emphasized that Meta is turning to nuclear to power AI data centers, which amplified investor interest in Vistra as a strategic supplier to tech hyperscalers. Positive Sentiment: Market headlines and premarket commentary flagged a multi-dealer lift in Vistra and peer Oklo after Metas announcement, which likely triggered momentum buying and higher volume. Yahoo Finance Market headlines and premarket commentary flagged a multi-dealer lift in Vistra and peer Oklo after Metas announcement, which likely triggered momentum buying and higher volume. Neutral Sentiment: Investor pieces and analysts note Vistras positioning to benefit from rising data-center electricity demand; some articles highlight the companys pricing power and long-term case for utility-like stability. The Motley Fool Investor pieces and analysts note Vistras positioning to benefit from rising data-center electricity demand; some articles highlight the companys pricing power and long-term case for utility-like stability. Neutral Sentiment: Valuation and prior share weakness pieces appeared this week, which provide context on why a confirmed long-term PPA matters for re-rating multiples the deal reduces revenue uncertainty but valuation still reflects elevated expectations. Yahoo: Valuation Valuation and prior share weakness pieces appeared this week, which provide context on why a confirmed long-term PPA matters for re-rating multiples the deal reduces revenue uncertainty but valuation still reflects elevated expectations. Negative Sentiment: Unusually heavy put buying was reported the day before the announcement (53,525 puts), indicating some traders were positioned for downside or hedging; that activity could have amplified volatility around the news. (No article link provided) Unusually heavy put buying was reported the day before the announcement (53,525 puts), indicating some traders were positioned for downside or hedging; that activity could have amplified volatility around the news. (No article link provided) Negative Sentiment: Recent fundamentals: Vistras last reported quarter missed revenue/was slightly below EPS consensus and the company carries relatively high leverage (debt/equity), which keeps downside risk if power markets or margins weaken. (See company filings/earnings release for details.) Vistra Stock Up 10.6% Here are the key news stories impacting Vistra this week: Shares of Vistra stock opened at $166.60 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $56.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 60.14, a PEG ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 1.41. The stocks 50-day moving average is $170.87 and its 200 day moving average is $188.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.74, a current ratio of 0.99 and a quick ratio of 0.88. Vistra Corp. has a one year low of $90.51 and a one year high of $219.82. Vistra (NYSE:VST Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 7th. The company reported $1.75 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.78 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $4.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.60 billion. Vistra had a net margin of 6.70% and a return on equity of 64.04%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Vistra Corp. will post 7 EPS for the current year. Vistra Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 22nd were paid a dividend of $0.227 per share. This is an increase from Vistras previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 22nd. This represents a $0.91 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. Vistras dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 32.85%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $230.00 price objective (down from $241.00) on shares of Vistra in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Daiwa America raised Vistra from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Vistra in a research note on Monday, October 27th. They set an overweight rating and a $238.00 price target on the stock. Scotiabank began coverage on shares of Vistra in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. They set a sector outperform rating and a $256.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Cowen began coverage on shares of Vistra in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $231.40. View Our Latest Report on VST Vistra Company Profile (Free Report) Vistra (NYSE: VST) is an integrated power company that develops, owns and operates electricity generation and retail businesses in the United States. The companys operations span wholesale power productionthrough a diversified fleet of thermal and lowercarbon generation assetsand retail electricity supply to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Vistra serves organized wholesale markets and competitive retail markets, with a notable presence in Texas and other regional U.S. power markets. Vistras core activities include the ownership and operation of generation facilities, the commercial dispatch and optimization of those assets into wholesale markets, and the sale of electricity and related services to end-use customers through its retail brands. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VST? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vistra Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vistra and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mid-America Apartment Communities (NYSE:MAA Free Report) had its price objective boosted by UBS Group from $132.00 to $134.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. UBS Group currently has a neutral rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. MAA has been the subject of a number of other reports. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on Mid-America Apartment Communities from $144.00 to $143.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 15th. BNP Paribas downgraded Mid-America Apartment Communities from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. They set a neutral rating and a $150.00 price target on the stock. BTIG Research restated a buy rating and set a $160.00 price objective on shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Scotiabank lowered shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and decreased their target price for the company from $146.00 to $142.00 in a report on Friday, December 5th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Mid-America Apartment Communities has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $155.16. Get Mid-America Apartment Communities alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on MAA Mid-America Apartment Communities Trading Down 2.0% Shares of MAA opened at $135.74 on Thursday. Mid-America Apartment Communities has a 52-week low of $125.75 and a 52-week high of $173.38. The stock has a market cap of $15.89 billion, a PE ratio of 28.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.87 and a beta of 0.78. The firms fifty day moving average is $133.88 and its two-hundred day moving average is $139.14. The company has a quick ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 0.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87. Mid-America Apartment Communities (NYSE:MAA Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.16 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.17 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $554.37 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $557.22 million. Mid-America Apartment Communities had a net margin of 25.23% and a return on equity of 9.14%. Mid-America Apartment Communitiess quarterly revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.21 earnings per share. Mid-America Apartment Communities has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.680-8.800 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 2.170-2.290 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Mid-America Apartment Communities will post 8.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Mid-America Apartment Communities Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 15th will be given a $1.53 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 15th. This is a positive change from Mid-America Apartment Communitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.52. This represents a $6.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.5%. Mid-America Apartment Communitiess dividend payout ratio is presently 128.39%. Insider Transactions at Mid-America Apartment Communities In related news, EVP Robert J. Delpriore sold 5,426 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.23, for a total transaction of $750,035.98. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 49,745 shares in the company, valued at $6,876,251.35. This trade represents a 9.83% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Amber Fairbanks sold 233 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $136.50, for a total transaction of $31,804.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 3,799 shares in the company, valued at $518,563.50. This trade represents a 5.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 6,079 shares of company stock valued at $838,698. Corporate insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Mid-America Apartment Communities during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities in the second quarter valued at $26,000. Tobam purchased a new position in Mid-America Apartment Communities in the third quarter valued at $26,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC grew its stake in Mid-America Apartment Communities by 972.2% during the 2nd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 193 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ransom Advisory Ltd purchased a new stake in Mid-America Apartment Communities during the 1st quarter worth about $36,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.60% of the companys stock. More Mid-America Apartment Communities News Here are the key news stories impacting Mid-America Apartment Communities this week: Positive Sentiment: BMO Capital Markets upgraded MAA from Market Perform to Outperform and raised its price target to $158 (from $150), signaling meaningful upside vs. the current share level; this upgrade is a clear nearterm bullish catalyst. BMO Capital upgrades MAA BMO Capital Markets upgraded MAA from Market Perform to Outperform and raised its price target to $158 (from $150), signaling meaningful upside vs. the current share level; this upgrade is a clear nearterm bullish catalyst. Positive Sentiment: MAA announced a slight raise to the quarterly dividend ($1.53/sh, annualized $6.12, 4.4% yield), which supports income investors and REIT valuation stability. MarketBeat MAA summary MAA announced a slight raise to the quarterly dividend ($1.53/sh, annualized $6.12, 4.4% yield), which supports income investors and REIT valuation stability. Positive Sentiment: Several institutional investors and hedge funds have been increasing positions (Goldman Sachs, UBS asset managers, etc.), indicating buy interest from large holders that can underpin the stock. Institutional holdings report Several institutional investors and hedge funds have been increasing positions (Goldman Sachs, UBS asset managers, etc.), indicating buy interest from large holders that can underpin the stock. Neutral Sentiment: UBS nudged its price target higher (from $132 to $134) but kept a Neutral rating a mild constructive sign but not a catalyst likely to drive strong upside on its own. UBS price target update UBS nudged its price target higher (from $132 to $134) but kept a Neutral rating a mild constructive sign but not a catalyst likely to drive strong upside on its own. Neutral Sentiment: Analysts expect Q4 (FY2025) FFO/earnings to be roughly flat yearoveryear; an inline print would likely produce limited stock reaction, while any surprise (positive or negative) could move the shares around earnings release. Earnings preview Analysts expect Q4 (FY2025) FFO/earnings to be roughly flat yearoveryear; an inline print would likely produce limited stock reaction, while any surprise (positive or negative) could move the shares around earnings release. Negative Sentiment: Several executive VPs disclosed small sales of stock (Amber Fairbanks, Timothy Argo, Aubrey Clay Holder trades at roughly $135/sh); while volumes are modest relative to total shares outstanding, insider selling can trigger shortterm pressure or signal personal liquidity moves. SEC Form 4 (example) About Mid-America Apartment Communities (Get Free Report) Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc (NYSE: MAA) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the acquisition, development, redevelopment and operation of multifamily residential properties. The company focuses on high-barrier-to-entry apartment communities, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes designed to meet the needs of diverse renter demographics. Its integrated business model encompasses property management, leasing, maintenance and customer service, providing residents with a comprehensive living experience under one ownership platform. MAAs portfolio comprises more than 100 communities and over 40,000 apartment homes across key Sun Belt markets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mid-America Apartment Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mid-America Apartment Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The deputy chief of staff for domestic policy, one of the most influential advisors in the White House, advocates for the annexation of Greenland and will be one of the presidents point people on Venezuela When Stephen Miller declares that the United States has the right to annex Greenland or when he talks about anything at all you have to listen. The 40-year-old, a lover of tailored suits and the White House deputy chief of staff for domestic policy, is, despite his seemingly insignificant official position, one of the most influential figures in the administration. Perhaps hes even the most influential, aside from President Donald Trump (who trusts him completely). A champion of ultraconservative ideas, Miller is Trumps chief ideologue. Hes the presidents advisor on domestic policy and homeland security, as well as the architect of some of his harshest initiatives, including the mass deportation strategy. And his influence is increasingly extending into foreign policy as well. Millers ultranationalist ideas fit like a glove with Trumps worldview, in which the United States dictates the terms through negotiation or coercion (the former for friendly countries, the latter for more rebellious governments), while respecting the lebensraum of other great powers. The rest of the countries, meanwhile, become mere vassals: they must simply comply with the directives, without the right to an opinion. Miller, in the background of the image, follows Trump's remarks aboard Air Force One, on July 29, 2025. Jacquelyn Martin (AP) 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, he argued in an interview with CNN on January 5, in which he defended the United States claim to Greenland because were a superpower. This move has sparked concern among European foreign ministries. These are the iron laws of the world, Miller shrugged. This view permeates Trumps new foreign policy, starkly laid out in the National Security Strategy published last month, in which the White House declares the Americas its top priority. The document identifies immigration and drug trafficking Millers greatest phobias as being the main international risks that the U.S. faces. The White House domestic policy advisor will be part of the quartet along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, and Vice President J.D. Vance that will coordinate U.S. oversight of a post-Maduro Venezuela. Miller will be responsible for deciding the political strategy parallel to the economic one, which is based on the oil sector. This strategy is expected to focus on reversing mass Venezuelan migration to the United States and eradicating drug trafficking. Stephen Miller speaks from the White House press room on May 1, 2025. Evan Vucci (AP) The United States is in charge. But obviously that doesnt mean President Trump is setting the bus fare schedule inside the country. We are in charge because we have the United States military stationed outside the country. We set the terms and conditions, he declared, in the same CNN interview. Trump has little interest in limiting his allys opinions. Although, on occasion, even the president himself never one to filter his comments has indicated that his advisors views sometimes seem too extreme. I would love to have him come up and explain his true feelings. Maybe not his truest feelings. That might be going a little bit too far, Trump joked, while speaking at an event with business leaders in October of 2025. The president and his advisor share numerous affinities, beyond ideology. They often express themselves with phrases and ideas borrowed from each other. For instance, Trump had also spoken of the ironclad rules of the world less than 24 hours before Miller made his remarks. And none of this is by chance: at the start of the Republicans first term, Miller was the speechwriter for the inaugural address. But both men also come from families that have made their fortunes in real estate. They share an attraction to casinos, they like to embellish their narratives with vivid details and they have a penchant for provocation. Millers family originated in what is now Belarus and arrived in New York in 1903, fleeing persecution against Jews. The high-ranking official was born in the affluent and progressive city of Santa Monica, California, where his father, Michael, made his fortune with a real estate company. President Trump listens to Miller's speech during the event in Michigan marking his first 100 days in office. Paul Sancya (AP) The future presidential advisors childhood unfolded in a liberal environment, an oasis amid a California still reeling from the unrest following the 1991 police beating of Rodney King. However, as he entered his teens, a financial setback for the family business forced the Millers to move to a less affluent area with a larger Hispanic population. This period coupled with his voracious appetite for conservative talk radio shaped his xenophobic views against any form of multiculturalism and bilingualism, leading to clashes with students and teachers at his high school. During this time, Miller discovered his love for arguing, contradicting others and being the center of attention. His classmates recall frequent debates in which, among other things, he complained about the ushers not properly collecting the trash, or invoked patriotism to defend his nationalist positions. After the familys financial situation stabilized, the young Miller attended Duke University in North Carolina. There, he became famous for defending the white players on a lacrosse team accused of raping a Black woman in the media. The accusations against the athletes turned out to be false. After graduating, he began working on the staff of Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, then a leading figure in the Republican Partys most conservative wing. From there, he moved to the office of Senator Jeff Sessions, another prominent conservative with strong nationalist views. During this time, he began to develop connections with figures of the alt-right, such as Steve Bannon. Even before Trump considered entering politics, the young Miller had expressed his admiration for him and his false claims that President Barack Obama was not born in the United States and, therefore, could not hold office. When the real estate mogul finally announced his candidacy, Miller was among the first to join his campaign. His messages against the Salvadoran criminal gang Mara Salvatrucha (originally from California) and other xenophobic narratives such as alleged massacres taking place against Americans, or the myth that immigrants seek to replace the white majority began to appear regularly at Trumps campaign rallies, capturing the attention of part of the electorate. Miller, on the far right of the image, watches the military intervention in Venezuela alongside the rest of Trump's team on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in a photograph released by the White House. Associated Press/LaPresse (APN) Their shared worldview and political acumen (along with Millers deft touch for dealing with the unpredictable billionaire) helped the speechwriter survive Trumps chaotic first term (2017-2021), while other more powerful or famous figures fell one after another, including Bannon himself. From speechwriter, Miller became an immigration policy advisor. Inspired by readings such as Jean Raspails xenophobic French novel, The Camp of the Saints (1973), he opposes even legal immigration in most cases. His position allows Trump to give free rein to his instincts. And the president respects every opinion that comes from his subordinate who, during the first term, devised the ban on citizens from a dozen Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States, as well as the strategy of separating undocumented families who had been detained. For now, Miller will be able to take his radical positions to the international arena. And his own wife Katie Miller, a former White House advisor herself has made a statement of intent. Just hours after Maduros capture in Venezuela on Saturday, she posted a map of Greenland on social media, with the colors of the American flag and one word: Soon. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Buy from the nine ratings firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation, seven have assigned a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $28.2857. Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Evercore ISI began coverage on Mirion Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. They issued an outperform rating and a $29.00 price target for the company. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Mirion Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Mirion Technologies from $28.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Northland Securities lifted their price target on shares of Mirion Technologies from $26.00 to $29.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Mirion Technologies from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. Get Mirion Technologies alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on MIR Mirion Technologies Trading Up 7.2% Mirion Technologies stock opened at $26.02 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $6.60 billion, a PE ratio of 236.53 and a beta of 0.95. Mirion Technologies has a 12 month low of $12.00 and a 12 month high of $30.28. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $25.02 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $23.28. The company has a current ratio of 4.83, a quick ratio of 4.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. Mirion Technologies (NYSE:MIR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.10 by $0.02. Mirion Technologies had a net margin of 2.93% and a return on equity of 7.09%. The firm had revenue of $223.10 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $222.17 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.08 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 7.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Mirion Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.480-0.520 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Mirion Technologies will post 0.39 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Mirion Technologies In related news, Director Lawrence D. Kingsley sold 350,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.73, for a total value of $8,655,500.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 3,509,075 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $86,779,424.75. This trade represents a 9.07% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 6.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mirion Technologies Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Advisory Services Network LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Mirion Technologies during the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Mirion Technologies during the third quarter worth $26,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Mirion Technologies in the third quarter valued at about $30,000. Fortress Investment Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mirion Technologies in the second quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Mirion Technologies by 470.1% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,642 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 1,354 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.51% of the companys stock. About Mirion Technologies (Get Free Report) Mirion Technologies Inc (NYSE: MIR) is a leading global provider of radiation detection, measurement and monitoring solutions. The companys portfolio includes instrumentation, software and service offerings designed to detect, quantify and manage radiation in nuclear power, oil and gas, defense and homeland security, medical imaging and diagnostic applications. Mirions product suite spans personal and environmental dosimetry, area monitors, digital imaging detectors and turnkey solutions for decommissioning and environmental remediation projects. Mirion traces its origins to the combination of several established radiation measurement businesses, including the former Canberra nuclear instrumentation division, and has been supported by private equity investors before completing its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 2023. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Mirion Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mirion Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China CITIC Bank (OTCMKTS:CHCJY Get Free Report) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (NYSE:MUFG Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends, profitability, valuation and risk. Dividends China CITIC Bank pays an annual dividend of $0.81 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group pays an annual dividend of $0.38 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. China CITIC Bank pays out 24.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group pays out 33.9% 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. China CITIC Bank is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get China CITIC Bank alerts: Risk & Volatility China CITIC Bank has a beta of 0.45, suggesting that its share price is 55% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has a beta of 0.35, suggesting that its share price is 65% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China CITIC Bank $47.42 billion N/A $9.54 billion $3.27 5.49 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group $89.51 billion 2.27 $8.36 billion $1.12 15.26 This table compares China CITIC Bank and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Groups gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. China CITIC Bank has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. China CITIC Bank is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for China CITIC Bank and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China CITIC Bank 0 0 0 0 0.00 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group 0 2 0 0 2.00 Profitability This table compares China CITIC Bank and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China CITIC Bank 20.20% 8.55% 0.72% Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group 13.98% 9.39% 0.49% Institutional and Insider Ownership 13.6% of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group shares are held by institutional investors. 0.0% of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group 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. Summary China CITIC Bank beats Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group on 7 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About China CITIC Bank (Get Free Report) China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited provides various banking products and services in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company operates in segments, such as Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, and Financial Market business. It accepts deposits; offers corporate and personal loans; and provides securities agency, remittance and settlement, and guarantee services, as well as investment banking and international services. The company also engages in the capital markets operations and inter-bank operations, including inter-bank money market transactions, repurchase transactions, investments, and trading in debt instruments; and derivatives and forex trading. In addition, it offers asset management, finance leasing, wealth management, ageing finance, private banking, credit card, payroll, and other non-banking financial services. The company serves corporations, government agencies, and non-financial institutions; and individual customers and micro and small enterprises. The company operates tier-one branches, tier-two branches, and sub-branches; self-service banks; and self-service terminals, as well as smart teller machines. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited operates as a subsidiary of CITIC Financial Holdings Co., Ltd. About Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (Get Free Report) Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. operates as the bank holding company, that engages in a range of financial businesses in Japan, the United States, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Digital Service, Retail & Commercial Banking, Japanese Corporate & Investment Banking, Global Commercial Banking, Asset Management & Investor Services, Global Corporate & Investment Banking, and Global Markets. The company offers commercial banking, trust banking, and securities products and services to retail, and small and medium-sized enterprise customers. It also provides mergers and acquisition, debt and equity issuance, financial advice, and real estate-related services; digital-based financial services; credit cards; and trust banking and securities products and services, as well as engages in the lending, fund settlement, and foreign exchange businesses. In addition, the company offers corporate banking services, such as project export credit agency finance, and financing through asset-backed commercial paper; investment and transaction banking services for corporations, financial institutions, sovereign and multinational organizations, and institutional investors; and asset management and investor services, including pension fund management and administration, pension structure advisory, beneficiary payment, and investment trust services for retail customers. Further, it provides loans, deposits, fund transfers, hedging, and investments services for retail, small and medium-sized enterprise, as well as corporate customers; financing for automotive and consumer goods; sells and trades in fixed income instruments, currencies, equities, and equities; offers investment products comprising mutual funds, structured bonds, and notes; originates and distributes of financial products; and provides insurance and treasury services. The company was founded in 1880 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for China CITIC Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China CITIC Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System lessened its position in Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ Free Report) by 1.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 3,537,957 shares of the cell phone carriers stock after selling 40,462 shares during the quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in Verizon Communications were worth $155,493,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bulwark Capital Corp bought a new stake in shares of Verizon Communications in the second quarter worth $25,000. Advantage Trust Co lifted its position in Verizon Communications by 549.5% during the 2nd quarter. Advantage Trust Co now owns 591 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. TruNorth Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Verizon Communications by 95.3% during the 3rd quarter. TruNorth Capital Management LLC now owns 625 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 305 shares during the last quarter. RMG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Verizon Communications during the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Global Wealth Strategies & Associates grew its holdings in shares of Verizon Communications by 739.5% in the 3rd quarter. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates now owns 680 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 599 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 62.06% of the companys stock. Get Verizon Communications alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In VZ has been the topic of several analyst reports. Scotiabank upped their target price on Verizon Communications from $50.50 to $51.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. BNP Paribas cut Verizon Communications from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. TD Cowen decreased their target price on shares of Verizon Communications from $56.00 to $51.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Verizon Communications from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane cut shares of Verizon Communications from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $44.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and eleven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Verizon Communications currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $47.47. More Verizon Communications News Here are the key news stories impacting Verizon Communications this week: Positive Sentiment: Unusually large call buying Investors purchased ~276,566 call options on VZ Friday (+278% vs. typical volume), signaling short-term bullish bets or hedging ahead of catalysts. This elevated options flow can increase near-term upside trading interest. Unusually large call buying Investors purchased ~276,566 call options on VZ Friday (+278% vs. typical volume), signaling short-term bullish bets or hedging ahead of catalysts. This elevated options flow can increase near-term upside trading interest. Positive Sentiment: Outpacing the wireless industry Zacks highlights VZ outperforming peers over the past year thanks to 5G upgrades, network slicing and new partnerships, suggesting operational momentum that could support longerterm revenue growth. Article Title Outpacing the wireless industry Zacks highlights VZ outperforming peers over the past year thanks to 5G upgrades, network slicing and new partnerships, suggesting operational momentum that could support longerterm revenue growth. Positive Sentiment: Near-term market beat Zacks also notes VZ outpaced the broader market on Jan. 8, reflecting supportive sentiment from investors reacting to recent operational/news items. Article Title Near-term market beat Zacks also notes VZ outpaced the broader market on Jan. 8, reflecting supportive sentiment from investors reacting to recent operational/news items. Positive Sentiment: Product/IoT initiatives highlighted Coverage on Verizons event perks and Industrial IoT push points to potential revenue diversification beyond consumer wireless, a positive catalyst if adoption accelerates. Article Title Product/IoT initiatives highlighted Coverage on Verizons event perks and Industrial IoT push points to potential revenue diversification beyond consumer wireless, a positive catalyst if adoption accelerates. Positive Sentiment: Highyield appeal The Motley Fool recommends VZ as a top highyield dividend stock (yield ~7%), which can attract income-focused investors, especially if rate cuts materialize. Article Title Highyield appeal The Motley Fool recommends VZ as a top highyield dividend stock (yield ~7%), which can attract income-focused investors, especially if rate cuts materialize. Neutral Sentiment: Macro rate narrative Commentary that the Fed should cut rates this year could be supportive for highyield telecoms like VZ if realized, but this is speculative and timing/scale of cuts remain uncertain. Article Title Macro rate narrative Commentary that the Fed should cut rates this year could be supportive for highyield telecoms like VZ if realized, but this is speculative and timing/scale of cuts remain uncertain. Negative Sentiment: Jobcut chatter and dividend concerns Social media summaries report large workforce reductions and debate over dividend sustainability ahead of earnings, raising shortterm sentiment risk and questions about execution and cost structure. Article Title Jobcut chatter and dividend concerns Social media summaries report large workforce reductions and debate over dividend sustainability ahead of earnings, raising shortterm sentiment risk and questions about execution and cost structure. Negative Sentiment: New 12month low flagged Coverage noting VZ reached a new 12month low raises caution for momentum investors and underscores current downside pressure for the stock. Article Title Verizon Communications Trading Down 0.3% VZ stock opened at $40.46 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.69. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $40.54 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $41.88. Verizon Communications Inc. has a one year low of $37.58 and a one year high of $47.35. The stock has a market cap of $170.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.52 and a beta of 0.34. Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The cell phone carrier reported $1.21 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.19 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $33.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $34.19 billion. Verizon Communications had a net margin of 14.43% and a return on equity of 19.31%. The companys revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.19 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Verizon Communications Inc. will post 4.69 EPS for the current year. Verizon Communications Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 12th will be given a dividend of $0.69 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 12th. This represents a $2.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.8%. Verizon Communicationss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 58.97%. Verizon Communications Company Profile (Free Report) Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ) is a major U.S.-based telecommunications company that provides a broad range of communications and information services. Its operations span consumer and business markets, with core offerings that include wireless voice and data services, fixed-line broadband and fiber-optic services, and enterprise networking solutions. Verizon is headquartered in New York City and operates a nationwide wireless network that supports consumer subscribers as well as business and government customers. The companys consumer products include mobile phone plans, unlimited data services, and Fios, its branded fiber-optic internet, television and voice service for homes and small businesses. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Verizon Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Verizon Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System reduced its stake in Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report) by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 456,642 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 17,851 shares during the quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in Union Pacific were worth $107,936,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new stake in Union Pacific in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Union Pacific during the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Total Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Union Pacific during the second quarter worth approximately $31,000. Access Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Union Pacific during the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Sagard Holdings Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Union Pacific in the 2nd quarter worth $33,000. Institutional investors own 80.38% of the companys stock. Get Union Pacific alerts: Union Pacific Trading Down 0.7% NYSE:UNP opened at $228.30 on Friday. Union Pacific Corporation has a 52 week low of $204.66 and a 52 week high of $256.84. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $229.76 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $227.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.75. The firm has a market cap of $135.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 0.99. Union Pacific Announces Dividend Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.99 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $6.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.24 billion. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 42.23% and a net margin of 28.73%.Union Pacifics quarterly revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.75 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th were given a dividend of $1.38 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 46.90%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have weighed in on UNP. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Union Pacific from $265.00 to $267.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $263.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Barclays reissued an overweight rating and set a $285.00 price objective (up from $270.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, UBS Group set a $253.00 target price on Union Pacific and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and twelve have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Union Pacific presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $259.46. View Our Latest Report on Union Pacific Union Pacific 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund raised its holdings in Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR Free Report) by 32.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 91,379 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 22,511 shares during the quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Carrier Global were worth $5,455,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Spirepoint Private Client LLC boosted its position in Carrier Global by 547.7% during the third quarter. Spirepoint Private Client LLC now owns 60,694 shares of the companys stock worth $3,623,000 after acquiring an additional 51,324 shares during the last quarter. Oak Thistle LLC acquired a new position in Carrier Global in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,986,000. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Carrier Global by 24.1% during the 3rd quarter. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 216,777 shares of the companys stock worth $12,931,000 after purchasing an additional 42,161 shares during the period. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Carrier Global during the second quarter worth $1,421,000. Finally, Brookstone Capital Management grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 220.8% in the third quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 51,852 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,096,000 after purchasing an additional 35,691 shares during the period. 91.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Carrier Global alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently weighed in on CARR. Oppenheimer reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Carrier Global in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Carrier Global from $62.00 to $59.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Mizuho decreased their target price on shares of Carrier Global from $75.00 to $67.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their target price on shares of Carrier Global from $70.00 to $64.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Carrier Global from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $71.12. Carrier Global Stock Up 4.5% Shares of NYSE:CARR opened at $56.27 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $53.99 and a 200-day simple moving average of $61.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $47.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.59, a PEG ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 1.31. Carrier Global Corporation has a 1 year low of $50.24 and a 1 year high of $81.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 1.14. Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $5.58 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.65 billion. Carrier Global had a net margin of 18.05% and a return on equity of 16.65%. Carrier Globals revenue for the quarter was down 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.83 earnings per share. Carrier Global has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.650-2.650 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Carrier Global Corporation will post 2.99 earnings per share for the current year. Carrier Global Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 20th. This is a positive change from Carrier Globals previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 20.13%. Carrier Global declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback program on Tuesday, October 28th that authorizes the company to buyback $5.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to buy up to 10.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are typically an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Carrier Global Profile (Free Report) Carrier Global Corporation is a leading global provider of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire and security, and building automation solutions. The company designs, manufactures and sells a broad portfolio of products that includes air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, chillers, rooftop units, commercial refrigeration systems, fire and smoke detection and suppression systems, security sensors and access controls, and a range of building controls and analytics software. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CARR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Carrier Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carrier Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 33.8% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 90,848 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 22,935 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company comprises about 0.9% of Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings, making the stock its 13th biggest position. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $69,317,000 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. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 80,407,430 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,680,004,000 after purchasing an additional 1,183,038 shares in the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 78,621.2% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 11,552,336 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,005,392,000 after buying an additional 11,537,661 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $8,827,714,000. Jennison Associates LLC boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.3% in the second quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 5,447,636 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,246,596,000 after buying an additional 226,620 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.0% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,359,653 shares of the companys stock worth $4,178,010,000 after acquiring an additional 103,119 shares during the period. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance NYSE:LLY opened at $1,063.90 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. The company has a market capitalization of $1.01 trillion, a P/E ratio of 52.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 0.35. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $1,037.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $861.18. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $623.78 and a twelve month high of $1,133.95. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 30.99% and a return on equity of 109.52%. The business had revenue of $17.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.09 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.18 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $1.73 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. This represents a $6.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 33.86%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Erste Group Bank raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday. They issued a buy rating and a $1,250.00 price target for the company. Leerink Partnrs upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Berenberg Bank upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $830.00 to $950.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets set a $1,200.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $1,169.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company Key Headlines Impacting Eli Lilly and Company Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: About Eli Lilly and Company (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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund grew its position in Fair Isaac Corporation (NYSE:FICO Free Report) by 31.1% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 2,756 shares of the technology companys stock after buying an additional 654 shares during the quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Fair Isaac were worth $4,124,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Westside Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Fair Isaac during the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. ORG Partners LLC acquired a new position in Fair Isaac in the second quarter worth $27,000. Hilltop National Bank bought a new stake in shares of Fair Isaac during the second quarter worth $27,000. Ransom Advisory Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Fair Isaac in the third quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Fair Isaac in the second quarter valued at $31,000. 85.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Fair Isaac alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $1,950.00 price target on shares of Fair Isaac in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Fair Isaac in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research cut shares of Fair Isaac from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Fair Isaac from $2,000.00 to $2,400.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, UBS Group increased their price objective on Fair Isaac from $1,590.00 to $1,640.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 15th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $2,076.77. Fair Isaac Price Performance Shares of NYSE:FICO opened at $1,665.79 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $39.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 62.74, a P/E/G ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a 50 day moving average of $1,735.89 and a 200-day moving average of $1,623.45. Fair Isaac Corporation has a one year low of $1,300.00 and a one year high of $2,217.60. Fair Isaac (NYSE:FICO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The technology company reported $7.74 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.36 by $0.38. Fair Isaac had a net margin of 32.75% and a negative return on equity of 43.97%. The business had revenue of $515.75 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $512.38 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $6.54 earnings per share. Fair Isaacs revenue was up 13.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Fair Isaac Corporation will post 24.15 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Fair Isaac In other Fair Isaac news, CFO Steven P. Weber sold 1,426 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,810.00, for a total value of $2,581,060.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 2,804 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,075,240. This represents a 33.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO William J. Lansing sold 4,942 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,631.34, for a total value of $8,062,082.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 43,207 shares in the company, valued at approximately $70,485,307.38. This trade represents a 10.26% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 10,358 shares of company stock worth $17,517,343 in the last three months. Insiders own 3.46% of the companys stock. Fair Isaac Company Profile (Free Report) Fair Isaac Corporation, commonly known as FICO, is a data analytics and software company best known for its FICO Score, a widely used credit-scoring system that helps lenders assess consumer credit risk. Founded in 1956 by Bill Fair and Earl Isaac, the company has evolved from its origins in statistical credit scoring to a broader focus on predictive analytics, decision management and artificial intelligence-driven solutions for financial services and other industries. FICO is headquartered in San Jose, California, and operates globally, serving clients across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. FICOs product portfolio centers on analytics and decisioning technologies. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FICO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Fair Isaac Corporation (NYSE:FICO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Fair Isaac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fair Isaac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund raised its position in shares of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report) by 31.7% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 12,766 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,075 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Funds holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $4,462,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 468.8% in the 3rd quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 91 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the period. Rexford Capital Inc. purchased a new stake in Rockwell Automation in the second quarter worth $33,000. Legend Financial Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Rockwell Automation in the second quarter worth $39,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its position in Rockwell Automation by 48.7% during the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 116 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 38 shares during the period. Finally, Financial Gravity Companies Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Rockwell Automation during the 2nd quarter valued at $40,000. Institutional investors own 75.75% of the companys stock. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Rockwell Automation Trading Up 1.7% NYSE:ROK opened at $410.56 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $391.60 and its 200-day moving average price is $362.09. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a 52 week low of $215.00 and a 52 week high of $415.89. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The stock has a market cap of $46.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 53.60, a PEG ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 1.52. Rockwell Automation Increases Dividend Rockwell Automation ( NYSE:ROK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $3.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.94 by $0.40. Rockwell Automation had a return on equity of 32.69% and a net margin of 10.42%.The business had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.19 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.47 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. Rockwell Automation has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.200-12.200 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 9.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were given a dividend of $1.38 per share. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. This is a boost from Rockwell Automations previous quarterly dividend of $1.31. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 17th. Rockwell Automations payout ratio is 72.06%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Rockwell Automation news, VP Terry L. Riesterer sold 800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $392.00, for a total transaction of $313,600.00. Following the transaction, the vice president owned 1,234 shares in the company, valued at approximately $483,728. This represents a 39.33% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Cyril Perducat sold 804 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $402.05, for a total transaction of $323,248.20. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 5,858 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,355,208.90. The trade was a 12.07% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 88,053 shares of company stock worth $34,718,919 in the last three months. 0.76% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently issued reports on ROK. Zacks Research raised shares of Rockwell Automation from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Rockwell Automation from $439.00 to $466.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Rockwell Automation from $385.00 to $435.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. TD Cowen upped their price target on Rockwell Automation from $275.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating and set a $391.00 price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $406.13. View Our Latest Stock Report on ROK About Rockwell Automation (Free Report) Rockwell Automation is a global industrial automation and digital transformation company headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The firm designs, manufactures and supports control systems, industrial control hardware and software, and related services that help manufacturers and industrial operators automate processes, improve productivity and enable data-driven decision making. Rockwell traces its heritage to the Allen-Bradley and Rockwell automation businesses and positions itself as a provider of integrated automation solutions across discrete and process industries. The companys product portfolio includes programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), variable frequency drives, sensors, safety components and other industrial control hardware, often marketed under the Allen-Bradley brand. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rockwell Automation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockwell Automation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Park Avenue Securities LLC grew its position in shares of Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG Free Report) by 101.0% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 50,890 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 25,570 shares during the quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLCs holdings in Janus Henderson Group were worth $2,265,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Janus Henderson Group during the second quarter worth $86,180,000. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Janus Henderson Group by 92.1% during the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,700,170 shares of the companys stock valued at $143,715,000 after acquiring an additional 1,773,964 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its position in Janus Henderson Group by 1,924.0% during the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 279,352 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,099,000 after acquiring an additional 265,550 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its holdings in Janus Henderson Group by 16.7% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,299,921 shares of the companys stock worth $46,992,000 after acquiring an additional 186,218 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Janus Henderson Group by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,102,005 shares of the companys stock worth $198,162,000 after acquiring an additional 155,947 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.94% of the companys stock. Get Janus Henderson Group alerts: Janus Henderson Group Stock Down 0.3% Shares of NYSE:JHG opened at $47.78 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 2.15 and a current ratio of 4.02. Janus Henderson Group plc has a 52-week low of $28.26 and a 52-week high of $49.42. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $45.08 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $43.77. The firm has a market cap of $7.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.01, a PEG ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 1.54. Janus Henderson Group Dividend Announcement Janus Henderson Group ( NYSE:JHG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by $0.08. Janus Henderson Group had a return on equity of 12.35% and a net margin of 19.82%.The company had revenue of $700.40 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $695.57 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.91 earnings per share. Janus Henderson Groups revenue for the quarter was up 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Janus Henderson Group plc will post 3.75 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 10th were issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.3%. Janus Henderson Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 46.92%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Janus Henderson Group in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen raised Janus Henderson Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, December 20th. Cowen cut Janus Henderson Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Zacks Research lowered shares of Janus Henderson Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and set a $49.00 target price (down previously from $54.00) on shares of Janus Henderson Group in a research report on Monday, January 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $47.67. Get Our Latest Report on Janus Henderson Group Janus Henderson Group Profile (Free Report) Janus Henderson Group plc is a global asset manager offering a broad range of investment solutions across equities, fixed income, multi-asset and alternative strategies. The firm provides portfolio management services to institutional clients, financial intermediaries and individual investors. Its product lineup includes actively managed mutual funds, separate accounts and exchange-traded funds, designed to meet a variety of risk-return objectives and investment horizons. The company was formed in May 2017 through the merger of Janus Capital Group and Henderson Group, combining decades of investment expertise in both the U.S. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JHG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Janus Henderson Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Janus Henderson Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Philip James Wealth Mangement LLC lessened its stake in U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Free Report) by 14.6% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 76,825 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 13,122 shares during the period. Philip James Wealth Mangement LLCs holdings in U.S. Bancorp were worth $3,713,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in U.S. Bancorp during the 2nd quarter valued at $971,285,000. Davis Selected Advisers raised its holdings in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 29.8% in the second quarter. Davis Selected Advisers now owns 19,331,637 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $874,757,000 after purchasing an additional 4,442,623 shares during the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its position in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 1,589.4% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 3,472,252 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $157,119,000 after purchasing an additional 3,266,724 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 354.5% during the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,855,350 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $129,205,000 after purchasing an additional 2,227,103 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 1.4% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 143,269,275 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,482,935,000 after purchasing an additional 2,038,996 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.60% of the companys stock. Get U.S. Bancorp alerts: U.S. Bancorp Price Performance U.S. Bancorp stock opened at $55.23 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $51.07 and its 200 day simple moving average is $48.54. U.S. Bancorp has a 12 month low of $35.18 and a 12 month high of $56.19. The company has a market cap of $85.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.64, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. U.S. Bancorp Dividend Announcement U.S. Bancorp ( NYSE:USB Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.11 by $0.11. U.S. Bancorp had a return on equity of 13.34% and a net margin of 16.89%.The firm had revenue of $7.34 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.17 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.03 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that U.S. Bancorp will post 4.38 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a $0.52 dividend. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. U.S. Bancorps payout ratio is currently 47.60%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP James L. Chosy sold 26,909 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.86, for a total value of $1,260,955.74. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 226,375 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,607,932.50. The trade was a 10.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Chairman Andrew Cecere sold 140,445 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.34, for a total transaction of $6,508,221.30. Following the sale, the chairman owned 1,360,414 shares in the company, valued at $63,041,584.76. The trade was a 9.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.23% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have commented on USB shares. Morgan Stanley reiterated a positive rating on shares of U.S. Bancorp in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Truist Financial upped their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $52.00 to $58.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Wolfe Research lowered U.S. Bancorp from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Wednesday. Bank of America boosted their price objective on U.S. Bancorp from $54.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of U.S. Bancorp in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, U.S. Bancorp currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $56.30. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on U.S. Bancorp U.S. Bancorp Company Profile (Free Report) U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) is a bank holding company and the parent of U.S. Bank, a national commercial bank that provides a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services. The company operates through consumer and business banking, commercial banking, payment services, and wealth management segments. Its product set includes deposit accounts, consumer and commercial lending, mortgage origination and servicing, credit and debit card services, treasury and cash management, merchant processing, and institutional and trust services. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for U.S. Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for U.S. Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phillips Financial Management LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report) by 22.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 73,764 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 13,408 shares during the quarter. Phillips Financial Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $6,887,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 8,818.3% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,291,030 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $294,185,000 after buying an additional 3,254,128 shares in the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $209,353,000. Board of Trustees of The Leland Stanford Junior University increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 222.4% in the second quarter. Board of Trustees of The Leland Stanford Junior University now owns 3,346,434 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $299,138,000 after acquiring an additional 2,308,580 shares during the period. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 3,057.6% in the second quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,368,703 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $211,738,000 after acquiring an additional 2,293,687 shares during the period. Finally, Corient Private Wealth LLC raised its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 50.7% in the second quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 5,768,279 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $504,181,000 after purchasing an additional 1,939,941 shares in the last quarter. 79.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get iShares MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Trading Up 0.9% NYSEARCA EFA opened at $98.81 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $95.45 and its two-hundred day moving average is $93.00. The company has a market capitalization of $72.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.84. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a 1-year low of $72.14 and a 1-year high of $98.89. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance. The Index includes stocks from Europe, Australasia and the Far East. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:PCQ Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Friday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 13th will be paid a dividend of 0.036 per share by the investment management company on Monday, February 2nd. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 13th. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Stock Up 0.3% NYSE PCQ opened at $8.91 on Friday. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund has a 52 week low of $8.13 and a 52 week high of $9.36. The company has a fifty day moving average of $8.79 and a two-hundred day moving average of $8.63. Get PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund alerts: PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Company Profile (Get Free Report) PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (NYSE: PCQ) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide high current income exempt from federal and California state income taxes. The fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of municipal securities issued by entities within the State of California, with an emphasis on credit quality and income generation. Its strategy is designed to appeal to investors seeking tax-advantaged yields alongside professional portfolio management. The fund generally allocates at least 80% of its total assets to municipal securities that are of investment grade or higher, covering a broad spectrum of sectors such as transportation, utilities, education, health care and local government obligations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System reduced its position in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,854,908 shares of the companys stock after selling 29,866 shares during the period. Procter & Gamble comprises about 0.6% of New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings, making the stock its 24th largest holding. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $285,007,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble in the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Nova Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble in the first quarter worth $26,000. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 67.9% in the second quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC now owns 178 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new position in Procter & Gamble in the second quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, RMG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter worth $37,000. 65.77% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Key Stories Impacting Procter & Gamble Here are the key news stories impacting Procter & Gamble this week: Insider Buying and Selling Procter & Gamble Trading Up 0.2% In other Procter & Gamble news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 725 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.57, for a total transaction of $108,438.25. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 979 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $146,429.03. This trade represents a 42.55% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. PG opened at $141.81 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $331.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.78 and a beta of 0.39. Procter & Gamble Company has a 52 week low of $137.62 and a 52 week high of $179.99. The businesss 50 day moving average is $144.93 and its two-hundred day moving average is $151.50. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $1.99 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.90 by $0.09. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.74% and a return on equity of 32.63%. The business had revenue of $22.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.23 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.93 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.100 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current year. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Investors of record on Friday, October 24th were given a $1.0568 dividend. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 24th. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is 61.61%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have recently commented on PG. Berenberg Bank boosted their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $152.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. TD Cowen reduced their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $168.00 to $150.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $156.00 to $179.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Barclays dropped their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $153.00 to $151.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Raymond James Financial cut their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $185.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 20th. Fifteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $169.23. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Procter & Gamble 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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 contrast to its competitors? We will compare Renasant to related businesses based on the strength of its earnings, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, dividends and risk. Volatility & 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. Get Renasant alerts: Institutional and 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 endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Renasant $1.09 billion $195.46 million 18.33 Renasant Competitors $647.02 million $95.99 million 39.72 This table compares Renasant and its competitors revenue, earnings per share and valuation. 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. Dividends 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. Profitability 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% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent recommendations for Renasant and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Renasant 0 1 0 1 3.00 Renasant Competitors 29 167 197 19 2.50 As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 5.58%. Given Renasants competitors higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Renasant has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Summary Renasant beats its competitors on 10 of the 15 factors compared. Renasant Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Receive News & Ratings for Renasant Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Renasant and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profitability This table compares Community Investors Bancorp and Southern Bancs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Community Investors Bancorp 11.11% N/A N/A Southern Banc 7.55% 5.65% 0.75% Volatility and Risk Community Investors Bancorp has a beta of 0.08, indicating that its share price is 92% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Southern Banc has a beta of -0.1, indicating that its share price is 110% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Community Investors Bancorp alerts: Earnings and Valuation This table compares Community Investors Bancorp and Southern Bancs top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Community Investors Bancorp $19.58 million N/A $1.82 million $2.80 7.86 Southern Banc $12.13 million 0.67 $920,000.00 $1.21 8.31 Community Investors Bancorp has higher revenue and earnings than Southern Banc. Community Investors Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Southern Banc, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Community Investors Bancorp beats Southern Banc on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Community Investors Bancorp (Get Free Report) Community Investors Bancorp, Inc. operates as a thrift holding company for First Federal Community Bank of Bucyrus that engages in the provision of banking and financial services to individual and corporate customers in northern Ohio. The company offers deposit accounts, including demand, NOW, checking, savings, money market, Christmas club, health savings, certificates of deposit, time deposit, and individual retirement accounts. It also provides consumer loans, home equity loans, home equity line of credit, auto and RV loans, residential real estate loans, mortgage loans, and construction loans for personal use; and business loans, lines of credit, term loans, ag loans, nonresidential real estate loans, secured loans, credit cards, commercial investment real estate, construction loans, and equipment financing for business use. In addition, the company offers online and mobile banking, bill payments, e-statements, remote deposit capture, cash management, mobile and night deposits, debit cards, overdraft protection, safety deposit boxes, telephone banking, positive pay/check reconciliation, direct deposit, and ACH and payroll services. Community Investors Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1888 and is based in Bucyrus, Ohio. About Southern Banc (Get Free Report) The Southern Banc Company, Inc. operates as the holding company for The Southern Bank company that provides various banking products and services in Alabama. The companys personal banking products include checking accounts, home mortgage loans, home equity loans, auto loans, and personal loans. Its business banking products comprise business checking accounts, cash flow management, real estate lending, and equipment financing. The Southern Banc Company, Inc. was founded in 1936 and is based in Gadsden, Alabama. Receive News & Ratings for Community Investors Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Investors Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lifted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 8.1% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 100,112 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 7,541 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for about 0.8% of State of Alaska Department of Revenues portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest position. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $76,385,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in LLY. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 78,621.2% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 11,552,336 shares of the companys stock worth $9,005,392,000 after purchasing an additional 11,537,661 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth about $8,827,714,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 80,407,430 shares of the companys stock worth $62,680,004,000 after buying an additional 1,183,038 shares during the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 106.8% in the 2nd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 1,481,031 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,154,508,000 after purchasing an additional 765,010 shares during the period. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 13.4% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 4,766,865 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,715,913,000 after buying an additional 564,736 shares during the period. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance Shares of LLY stock opened at $1,063.90 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 1.55. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $1,037.16 and its 200-day moving average price is $861.18. The firm has a market cap of $1.01 trillion, a P/E ratio of 52.05, a P/E/G ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 0.35. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $623.78 and a fifty-two week high of $1,133.95. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 30.99% and a return on equity of 109.52%. The business had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.09 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.18 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be issued a $1.73 dividend. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 33.86%. Trending Headlines about Eli Lilly and Company Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. CICC Research lifted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $801.00 to $1,060.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Berenberg Bank increased their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $830.00 to $950.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,038.00 to $1,182.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Bank of America cut their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,286.00 to $1,268.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $1,169.00. View Our Latest Analysis on LLY About Eli Lilly and Company (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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue trimmed its position in shares of HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ Free Report) by 11.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 253,569 shares of the computer makers stock after selling 33,191 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in HP were worth $6,904,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fiduciary Financial Group LLC boosted its position in HP by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Fiduciary Financial Group LLC now owns 12,712 shares of the computer makers stock worth $324,000 after buying an additional 390 shares during the period. IHT Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of HP by 3.3% during the second quarter. IHT Wealth Management LLC now owns 12,470 shares of the computer makers stock valued at $305,000 after acquiring an additional 398 shares during the last quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc lifted its holdings in shares of HP by 42.9% during the third quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 1,349 shares of the computer makers stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 405 shares during the period. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. grew its stake in shares of HP by 6.4% in the second quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 6,799 shares of the computer makers stock worth $173,000 after purchasing an additional 410 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vident Advisory LLC increased its holdings in HP by 0.6% in the second quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 69,579 shares of the computer makers stock valued at $1,702,000 after purchasing an additional 444 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.53% of the companys stock. Get HP alerts: HP Stock Up 0.2% Shares of HPQ stock opened at $21.44 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $24.02 and a 200-day moving average of $25.80. The company has a market cap of $19.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.02 and a beta of 1.21. HP Inc. has a 52 week low of $20.65 and a 52 week high of $35.28. HP Increases Dividend HP ( NYSE:HPQ Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The computer maker reported $0.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.02. HP had a net margin of 4.57% and a negative return on equity of 330.68%. The business had revenue of $14.64 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.50 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.93 earnings per share. HPs revenue was up 4.2% on a year-over-year basis. HP has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.900-3.200 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.730-0.810 EPS. Analysts anticipate that HP Inc. will post 3.56 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 11th were paid a $0.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 11th. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.6%. This is a boost from HPs previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. HPs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 45.28%. Insider Activity at HP In other news, CEO Enrique Lores sold 41,922 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.00, for a total transaction of $1,089,972.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 141,456 shares in the company, valued at $3,677,856. The trade was a 22.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Ketan M. Patel sold 33,321 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.19, for a total value of $772,713.99. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 34,572 shares in the company, valued at $801,724.68. The trade was a 49.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold 110,123 shares of company stock valued at $2,784,126 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes HPQ has been the topic of several recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on HP from $30.00 to $25.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Citigroup cut their price objective on HP from $27.00 to $25.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of HP from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, October 26th. TD Cowen dropped their price target on shares of HP from $28.00 to $26.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res raised shares of HP from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, HP presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $25.69. Read Our Latest Analysis on HPQ HP Profile (Free Report) HP Inc is an American multinational information technology company that designs, manufactures and sells personal computing devices, printers and related supplies and services. Its product portfolio spans consumer and commercial notebooks and desktops, workstations, displays and accessories, as well as an extensive line of printing hardware that includes home, office and production printers. HP also provides consumables such as ink and toner, managed print services, device deployment and lifecycle support, and software for device and print management. Founded from the original HewlettPackard Company, HP Inc became a separately traded public company in 2015 following a corporate split that created Hewlett Packard Enterprise to focus on enterprise hardware and services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HPQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for HP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swmg LLC decreased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 13.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 208,921 shares of the companys stock after selling 33,649 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF accounts for about 4.3% of Swmg LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th biggest position. Swmg LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $14,280,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Atwood & Palmer Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Crewe Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Pandora Wealth Inc. bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Tripletail Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the third quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Rice Partnership LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the second quarter valued at $59,000. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Price Performance Shares of EFV stock opened at $72.50 on Friday. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a one year low of $51.05 and a one year high of $66.83. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $70.51 and a 200 day moving average price of $67.78. The stock has a market cap of $29.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value 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 Value 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 financials, energy, healthcare, telecommunication services, industrials, utilities, consumer discretionary, materials, information technology and consumer staples. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TAL Education Group (NYSE:TAL Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Hold from the six brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $13.91. Several analysts have recently commented on TAL shares. Zacks Research cut shares of TAL Education Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of TAL Education Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of TAL Education Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $16.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of TAL Education Group in a report on Monday, December 29th. Get TAL Education Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on TAL TAL Education Group Trading Down 1.6% NYSE:TAL opened at $11.10 on Friday. TAL Education Group has a 12-month low of $8.50 and a 12-month high of $15.30. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $11.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $11.04. The firm has a market cap of $6.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.26, a PEG ratio of 0.69 and a beta of 0.06. TAL Education Group (NYSE:TAL Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $861.35 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $819.03 million. TAL Education Group had a net margin of 6.45% and a return on equity of 4.71%. Research analysts forecast that TAL Education Group will post 0.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of TAL. Quarry LP purchased a new position in TAL Education Group in the third quarter worth $42,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its position in shares of TAL Education Group by 572.7% during the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 9,666 shares of the companys stock worth $108,000 after purchasing an additional 8,229 shares in the last quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group grew its stake in shares of TAL Education Group by 386.0% during the 3rd quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 11,080 shares of the companys stock worth $124,000 after purchasing an additional 8,800 shares during the period. Prelude Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of TAL Education Group during the 3rd quarter worth $142,000. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of TAL Education Group by 19.4% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 13,983 shares of the companys stock valued at $143,000 after purchasing an additional 2,268 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 37.79% of the companys stock. About TAL Education Group (Get Free Report) TAL Education Group is a leading provider of after-school tutoring services in China, specializing in K-12 academic instruction. The company offers a range of programs designed to help primary and secondary school students strengthen their core competencies in subjects such as mathematics, English, Chinese language and science. TAL leverages both in-person learning centers and digital platforms to deliver its curriculum, aiming to support student progress through interactive lessons and personalized study plans. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Beijing, TAL Education Group has grown into one of Chinas largest private education firms. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TAL Education Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TAL Education Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telecom Plus Plc (LON:TEP Get Free Report) passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 1,752.34 and traded as low as GBX 1,348. Telecom Plus shares last traded at GBX 1,376, with a volume of 170,350 shares. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TEP has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Peel Hunt reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 2,600 price objective on shares of Telecom Plus in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price target on Telecom Plus from GBX 2,580 to GBX 2,000 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 2,600 price objective on shares of Telecom Plus in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 2,400. Get Telecom Plus alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Telecom Plus Telecom Plus Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 77.52, a current ratio of 1.77 and a quick ratio of 1.29. The company has a market capitalization of 1.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.57. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 1,512.12 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 1,750.78. Telecom Plus (LON:TEP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The company reported GBX 31.50 earnings per share for the quarter. Telecom Plus had a net margin of 3.48% and a return on equity of 31.35%. On average, analysts anticipate that Telecom Plus Plc will post 118.0645161 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Telecom Plus (Get Free Report) Telecom Plus Plc provides a range of utility services in the United Kingdom. It offers various services, including gas, electricity, fixed line telephony, mobile telephony, broadband, and insurance, as well as bill protection and life cover, home insurance and boiler cover, and cashback card services under the Utility Warehouse and TML brands. Telecom Plus Plc was incorporated in 1996 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Plus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Plus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Park Avenue Securities LLC decreased its position in shares of The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW Free Report) by 21.2% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 6,505 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after selling 1,745 shares during the quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLCs holdings in Sherwin-Williams were worth $2,253,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC lifted its stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC now owns 1,885 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $647,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the period. Valley Brook Capital Group Inc. lifted its position in Sherwin-Williams by 2.4% during the second quarter. Valley Brook Capital Group Inc. now owns 1,311 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $450,000 after buying an additional 31 shares during the period. 17 Capital Partners LLC boosted its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. 17 Capital Partners LLC now owns 3,340 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,147,000 after buying an additional 31 shares during the last quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management grew its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 4.1% in the 3rd quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management now owns 781 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $270,000 after buying an additional 31 shares during the period. Finally, Jessup Wealth Management Inc increased its stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Jessup Wealth Management Inc now owns 2,341 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $804,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. 77.67% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Sherwin-Williams alerts: Sherwin-Williams Stock Performance NYSE:SHW opened at $352.87 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $333.17 and its 200 day simple moving average is $343.24. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a twelve month low of $308.84 and a twelve month high of $379.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $87.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.43, a PEG ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 1.26. Sherwin-Williams Dividend Announcement Sherwin-Williams ( NYSE:SHW Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.44 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $6.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.21 billion. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 66.75% and a net margin of 11.05%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.37 EPS. Sherwin-Williams has set its FY 2025 guidance at 11.250-11.450 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that The Sherwin-Williams Company will post 12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a dividend of $0.79 per share. This represents a $3.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. Sherwin-Williamss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.83%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently issued reports on SHW. Citigroup raised shares of Sherwin-Williams from a neutral rating to a buy rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $392.00 to $390.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $378.00 to $385.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Vertical Research upgraded Sherwin-Williams from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $371.00 price objective for the company in a report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company set a $410.00 price target on Sherwin-Williams and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Sherwin-Williams currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $388.88. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SHW Sherwin-Williams Profile (Free Report) Sherwin-Williams (NYSE: SHW) is a global manufacturer and distributor of paints, coatings and related products. Founded in 1866 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company supplies a broad range of coatings for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Its product offering includes architectural paints and stains, industrial and protective coatings, automotive finishes, and a variety of sundry products such as primers, sealants and specialty treatments used by professionals and consumers. The company sells through multiple channels, including a large network of company-operated retail paint stores that serve professional contractors and do-it-yourself consumers, as well as through distributors and mass retailers. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Toyota Tsusho Co. (OTCMKTS:TYHOF Get Free Report) rose 16.5% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $35.08 and last traded at $35.08. Approximately 100 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 81% from the average daily volume of 522 shares. The stock had previously closed at $30.10. Toyota Tsusho Trading Up 16.5% The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $30.13 and a 200 day simple moving average of $26.25. Get Toyota Tsusho alerts: About Toyota Tsusho (Get Free Report) Toyota Tsusho Corporation, a member of the Toyota Group, is a global trading and investment specialist headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. As one of Japans leading sogo shosha (general trading companies), it engages in a wide range of activities spanning automotive distribution, metals and mineral resources, machinery, energy, chemicals, and food and consumer products. The company leverages deep industry expertise and supplychain management capabilities to coordinate international trade and logistics solutions for clients worldwide. Through its automotive division, Toyota Tsusho supports vehicle manufacturers with components sourcing, parts procurement and aftermarket operations. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Toyota Tsusho Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toyota Tsusho and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Veolia Environnement SA (EPA:VIE Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of 29.48 and traded as high as 30.89. Veolia Environnement shares last traded at 30.77, with a volume of 1,648,134 shares changing hands. Veolia Environnement Price Performance The business has a 50 day moving average price of 29.29 and a 200 day moving average price of 29.48. Veolia Environnement Company Profile (Get Free Report) Veolia Environnement SA designs and provides water, waste, and energy management solutions worldwide. It operates through France and Special Waste Europe; Europe excluding France; Rest of the World; Water Technologies; and Other segments. The company is involved in resource management; customer relationship management; drinking water treatment and distribution; wastewater treatment; design and construction of treatment and network infrastructure; and sale of water treatment equipment, technologies, and facilities. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Veolia Environnement Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Veolia Environnement and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Vestis Corporation (NYSE:VSTS Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Strong Sell by the five research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and one has assigned a hold rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $5.70. A number of research firms have recently commented on VSTS. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Vestis from a neutral rating to a sell rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $6.30 to $5.30 in a report on Thursday. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on Vestis from $5.00 to $6.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Vestis in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Vestis from $5.50 to $6.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Get Vestis alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Vestis Vestis Stock Performance NYSE:VSTS opened at $6.45 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.08, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49. The company has a market capitalization of $849.88 million, a P/E ratio of -20.79 and a beta of 0.73. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $6.35 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $5.57. Vestis has a twelve month low of $3.98 and a twelve month high of $16.56. Vestis (NYSE:VSTS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, December 1st. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.03. The business had revenue of $712.01 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $690.65 million. Vestis had a positive return on equity of 2.62% and a negative net margin of 1.47%.The businesss revenue was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.11 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Vestis will post 0.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director Keith A. Meister purchased 800,222 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $6.81 per share, with a total value of $5,449,511.82. Following the transaction, the director owned 19,604,121 shares in the company, valued at approximately $133,504,064.01. The trade was a 4.26% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Douglas A. Pertz bought 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 19th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $6.90 per share, for a total transaction of $103,500.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 322,010 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,221,869. This trade represents a 4.89% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. In the last quarter, insiders purchased 1,205,810 shares of company stock valued at $8,138,302. Company insiders own 13.60% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vestis Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of VSTS. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Vestis by 471.9% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,456 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 4,502 shares in the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Vestis by 703.2% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 5,743 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 5,028 shares during the last quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vestis during the third quarter worth $46,000. Sanders Morris Harris LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vestis during the third quarter valued at $47,000. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Vestis by 331.4% during the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 9,427 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 7,242 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.40% of the companys stock. Vestis Company Profile (Get Free Report) Vestis Corporation provides uniform rentals and workplace supplies in the United States and Canada. Its products include uniform options, such as shirts, pants, outerwear, gowns, scrubs, high visibility garments, particulate-free garments, and flame-resistant garments, as well as shoes and accessories; and workplace supplies, including managed restroom supply services, first-aid supplies and safety products, floor mats, towels, and linens. The company serves manufacturing, hospitality, retail, food processing, food service, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, automotive, and cleanroom industries. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Vestis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vestis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Washington Trust Bank decreased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD Free Report) by 69.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,204 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 4,929 shares during the period. Washington Trust Banks holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF were worth $449,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Clayton Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. Advantage Trust Co acquired a new position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. RMG Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $33,000. Access Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, Clarity Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.93% of the companys stock. Get iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Price Performance iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF stock opened at $217.59 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.12 billion, a PE ratio of 18.83 and a beta of 0.89. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $208.93 and a 200-day simple moving average of $203.11. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF has a 12 month low of $163.19 and a 12 month high of $217.89. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Profile iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Value 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 large capitalization value sector of the U.S. equity market, as represented by the Russell 1000 Value Index (the Index). The Index represents approximately 50% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000 Index. The Index measures the large-capital value sector of the United States equity market. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Black Diamond Group (OTCMKTS:BDIMF Get Free Report) and Worley (OTCMKTS:WYGPY Get Free Report) are both business services companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, valuation, dividends, analyst recommendations, earnings and profitability. Profitability This table compares Black Diamond Group and Worleys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Black Diamond Group alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Black Diamond Group 8.23% 10.76% 4.79% Worley N/A N/A N/A Earnings & Valuation This table compares Black Diamond Group and Worleys gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Black Diamond Group $294.14 million 2.72 $18.72 million $0.41 28.56 Worley $7.28 billion 0.61 $264.87 million N/A N/A Worley has higher revenue and earnings than Black Diamond Group. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Black Diamond Group and Worley, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Black Diamond Group 0 0 1 0 3.00 Worley 0 0 1 0 3.00 Dividends Black Diamond Group pays an annual dividend of $0.13 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. Worley pays an annual dividend of $0.26 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.0%. Black Diamond Group pays out 31.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Risk and Volatility Black Diamond Group has a beta of 0.64, meaning that its stock price is 36% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Worley has a beta of 0.88, meaning that its stock price is 12% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Worley beats Black Diamond Group on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Black Diamond Group (Get Free Report) Black Diamond Group Limited rents and sells modular space and workforce accommodation solutions. It operates through two segments, Modular Space Solutions and Workforce Solutions. The Modular Space Solutions segment provides modular space rentals to customers in the construction, real estate development, education, manufacturing, health care, financial, government, and defense industries in North America. Its products include office units, lavatories, storage units, large multi-unit office complexes, classroom facilities, banking and health care facilities, high security modular buildings, custom manufactured modular facilities, blast resistant structures, SmartSpace interchangeable paneled units, and storage containers. This segment also sells new and used space rentals units; and provides delivery, installation, project management, and ancillary rental items, products, and services. The Workforce Solutions segment provides workforce housing solutions, including rental of accommodations and surface equipment, and provision of turnkey lodging and travel management logistics services in Canada, the United States, and Australia. This segment also provides associated services, such as installation, transportation, dismantlement, and sale of used fleet assets. This segment primarily serves the resource, infrastructure, construction, disaster recovery, and education sectors. It also provides specialized field rentals to oil and gas industries. The company markets its rental assets, custom sales, and ancillary products and services through in-house sales personnel, its website, social media, web campaigns, and its digital marketplace. Black Diamond Group Limited was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. About Worley (Get Free Report) Worley Limited provides professional project and asset services to energy, chemicals, and resources sectors worldwide. The company offers digital, consulting, engineering and design, construction management, construction and fabrication, supply chain management, project management, and operation and maintenance services, as well as maintenance, modification, and operation services. It serves new energy, power, upstream and midstream, refining and chemicals, and infrastructure markets, as well as mining, minerals, and metals markets. The company was formerly known as WorleyParsons Limited and changed its name to Worley Limited in October 2019. The company was founded in 1893 and is based in Sydney, Australia. Receive News & Ratings for Black Diamond Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Diamond Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Associated Banc Corp boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report) by 151.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 26,823 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 16,142 shares during the quarter. Associated Banc Corps holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $6,490,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get iShares Russell 2000 ETF alerts: Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of IWM. Bernard Wealth Management Corp. increased its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bernard Wealth Management Corp. now owns 5,976 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,290,000 after buying an additional 47 shares during the last quarter. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC grew its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 1.5% in the second quarter. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC now owns 3,277 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $707,000 after acquiring an additional 48 shares in the last quarter. Crowley Wealth Management Inc. increased its stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 8.1% during the third quarter. Crowley Wealth Management Inc. now owns 665 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $161,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC raised its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 1.5% during the second quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC now owns 3,396 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $733,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares during the period. Finally, Firestone Capital Management lifted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Firestone Capital Management now owns 15,459 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,336,000 after purchasing an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. iShares Russell 2000 ETF Stock Performance Shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF stock opened at $260.23 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $76.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.69 and a beta of 1.13. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $247.14 and a 200-day moving average price of $237.86. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a one year low of $171.73 and a one year high of $261.56. 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Northern Ireland Prison Service will receive the Freedom of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. The motion, proposed by Alderman Aaron Callan and seconded by Alderman Mark Fielding, was agreed at a special Council meeting held on Tuesday, January 6. Speaking about the honour, Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Richard Brown Stewart said: It is fantastic to see the Northern Ireland Prison Service awarded with this remarkable accolade for their commitment and dedication to public service. Magilligan Prison, located within the Borough, is one of Northern Irelands key custodial facilities. It provides vital employment opportunities to the local community, and through educational programs, vocational training, and other rehabilitative initiatives, plays a critical role in helping individuals reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. Alderman Callan, who proposed the motion, added: I am delighted that Council have agreed my motion to confer the Freedom of the Borough on the Northern Ireland Prison Service. NIPS has a long-standing history of dedicated service and sacrifice, playing a vital role in upholding law and order across the region. The services commitment to justice is a testament to the men and women who have served within its ranks. Their enduring contributions to the rule of law and community safety continue to be deeply valued by our residents. Alderman Callan said it was especially fitting that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council should recognise the Northern Ireland Prison Service given the presence of HMP Magilligan within the Borough and within his own District Electoral Area of Limavady. He noted that Magilligan has been a major employer and a central part of the local community for decades, and that many families across the Borough have direct links to those who have served, or continue to serve, in the prison system. Ministers seeking additional funding need to have proposals for revenue raising, the Finance Minister has said. John ODowd published his draft budget earlier this week amid an ongoing disagreement within the powersharing administration about how funds would be allocated to individual departments. He said on Sunday he had no doubt that ministerial colleagues were facing difficult positions but that the Executive was dealing with a restrained budgetary envelope due to austerity imposed on us by the British Government. Its not the amount of funding I would like to introduce into a budget, or Id like to introduce to our economy or our public services, but we have to deal with whats in front of us. The Sinn Fein minister urged fellow members of the Executive to engage with his proposals in a constructive manner on setting a multi-year budget something Stormont has been unable to do for more than 10 years. On BBC Northern Irelands Sunday Politics, Mr ODowd said: If we keep our eye on the prize of a three-year, multi-year budget, then I think we will achieve agreement on this. Because the alternative is to further hamper the delivery of our public services, hamper our economy, hamper businesses. Asked about DUP Education Minister Paul Givan saying the budget had not allocated enough money to his department, the Finance Minister said he was in listening mode but criticised ministers for engaging in megaphone negotiations. Mr ODowd said: Each minister is going to have to examine their budget and come forward to me with proposals. If they come forward to me with proposals for additional funding, then they also in my opinion have to come forward with proposals of where that funding can come from. If we examine, for instance, the Education Ministers comment that he needs an extra 800 million next year thats the entire budget for the Department for the Economy. Leader of Stormonts opposition, SDLP MLA Matthew OToole has branded the plan an unambitious ghost budget, bereft of vision. Mr ODowd said he did not know what the term ghost budget meant. Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MLA Jon Burrows has criticised a parochial suggestion that he is untested for leadership due to being co-opted into his seat. The former senior police officer announced his candidacy at a press conference at Stormont during the week. There has been speculation about whether the partys current deputy leader, Robbie Butler, will consider a run before the closure of nominations on Thursday or back Mr Burrows. Mr Burrows insisted that he would welcome a contest and stressed that there would be nothing negative from his campaign. He added: Anyone who publishes or says that my camp have briefed against Robbie Butler or anywhere else I will challenge them. Asked on BBC Northern Irelands Sunday Politics if he wanted a contest for democratic legitimacy given he had been co-opted into his seat in North Antrim, Mr Burrows said that was outside of his control and the legitimate system of co-option had to be respected. Current leader Mike Nesbitt said earlier this month he intends to step down as leader to allow someone new to take the UUP into the next Assembly elections, expected next year. He has been leader twice, with his first term coming 11 months after being elected an MLA. The Strangford MLA and Health Minister will remain in charge until an extraordinary general meeting on January 31, where members will elect a new leader and deputy. Asked about comments from Mr Nesbitt that his own first term as leader came ridiculously early, Mr Burrows who was elected as an MLA in August set out a vision for renewal and competency within the party and in Northern Ireland politics. The Ulster Unionist Party is looking for talent. The Ulster Unionist Party is prepared to see a bright new future. He added: What a statement it is that you can join the Ulster Unionist Party, be on the MLA team, and be in a position to go for leadership. Asked if he was untested, Mr Burrows described that as a parochial view by some in politics and the media. He said people in private industry often moved across sectors with transferrable skills, adding there was a need for fresh talent in Stormont. Mr Burrows was further pressed on other previous comments from Mr Nesbitt when asked whether he could succeed him as leader. The current party leader said last year it had been agreed that if Mr Burrows was co-opted into North Antrim that he would need to be focused on wining the seat in 2027. Asked if that had changed due to his focus on the leadership race, he said he was not going back on any agreement and that delivering for North Antrim will always be his priority. He added that he would not ever give himself a ministerial position as party leader. On that matter, Mr Burrows was asked to explain if a UUP health minister would be free to make their own decisions given that he has previously said he had red lines on health policy. He said it would of course be the health minister running the Department, but said he would not comment on who would be appointed. Asked about his decision to speak at a Traditional Unionist Voice conference last year before he became a UUP politician, Mr Burrows said he never considered running for the TUV and was there to speak on policing. Asked if he would speak at a Sinn Fein ard fheis if elected UUP leader, he said he would speak anywhere. Mr Burrows was also critical of Northern Ireland local representatives using time in council chambers to discuss international affairs and symbolism rather than actually doing their job. More wintry weather including snow and heavy rain is expected to batter the UK throughout Sunday in the wake of Storm Goretti. It comes after the storm brought gusts of almost 100mph and a rare red warning for dangerous, stormy winds in the South West was issued by forecasters earlier this week. Despite the worst of the storm moving away, weather warnings are in place across northern England and Scotland throughout Sunday, with two alerts continuing into Monday morning. Police said a man in his 50s was found dead in a caravan after a tree fell on to the vehicle in Helston, Cornwall, following the storm. Emergency services were called to the scene on Thursday evening and work took place on Friday to remove the tree. On Sunday afternoon, thousands of properties were still without power following the storm, according to the National Grids website, while National Rail warned disruption to train travel is possible until Monday. A yellow warning for snow and ice came into force at 2am on Sunday which covers areas in the North East and North West, Scotland and north Yorkshire until 2pm. Here, the Met Office warned that between 2 to 5cm of snow was likely before it turns to rain and up to 20cm of snow was possible above 200m elevation. In south-west Scotland, Lothian Border and Strathclyde, a yellow warning for rain is in place until the end of Sunday. Another alert for rain covers north-eastern areas of Scotland until 10am on Monday, where up to 110mm of rain could be possible over parts of Skye, Lochaber, Argyll and the Trossachs, the forecaster said. First Minister @JohnSwinney visited Aberdeen to see the response to severe weather in northern Scotland, and thank frontline staff for their hard work. Advice on dealing with severe weather can be found at https://t.co/fcXOLqZqXJ. pic.twitter.com/1baaEY94EP Scottish Government (@scotgov) January 9, 2026 A yellow warning for wind is in place for north-west Scotland, which could see gusts of up to 85mph, until 8am on Monday For the Orkney and Shetland islands, a yellow warning for wind has also been issued until 3pm on Sunday. The Met Office has advised those within regions covered by alerts to prepare for delayed journeys, potentially dangerous driving conditions and to take extra time to help avoid slips and falls on the ice. An amber alert for snow in Scotland has been lifted by the weather service, along with one for rain in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, a Government minister said it is entirely unacceptable that people in several areas in the South East and South West are experiencing water supply issues following cold weather and the storm. In a statement on Saturday evening, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs minister Mary Creagh said she had chaired a meeting with water companies and local resilience forums aimed at restoring supplies as soon as possible while prioritising vulnerable customers and essential public services. South East Water said on its website that customers in East Grinstead, West Sussex, and the surrounding areas have had no water, intermittent supply or low pressure from Saturday morning and despite work to resolve this, the company do not expect this situation to improve until the end of the weekend. Snow and icy conditions at first this afternoon across the northeast are giving way to a generally milder, wetter and windier theme across the UK Particularly wet and windy conditions will affect the north and west of Scotland Latest warnings here https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/A2xDWg0vWO Met Office (@metoffice) January 11, 2026 In Cornwall, South West Water said on Saturday morning that six major water mains in the Helston area had been damaged by Storm Goretti which was continuing to affect water supply for customers. Repair works are ongoing, the company said, adding that it had restored supplies to more than half of those affected. Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said a new weather system is expected to bring milder conditions and rain during a messy transition from Storm Goretti. He added: This time the milder air will eventually win the day and it will herald a very different flavour of weather for all of us as we go into next week, but its going to be a very kind of messy transition. Snow and ice create difficult travelling conditions. Here are some tips to stay safe and be #WeatherReady on the roads https://t.co/Tc9FU3PS4A pic.twitter.com/wYcQdmtrqP Met Office (@metoffice) January 11, 2026 Sunday is expected to be wet and windy in the southern half of the UK, but with gusts nowhere near as strong as they were for Goretti, he added. However, some gales may still hit the coastlands, Mr Snell said, adding that this was not uncommon for the time of year. Next week, the UK will see unsettled conditions but will be saying goodbye to the really cold weather, with temperatures of between 9C and 11C expected in the south and about 6-8C in the north, the forecaster said. Warnings are in place for heavy rain and strong winds of up to 85mph before warmer, unsettled weather next week, the Met Office has said. It comes after Storm Goretti brought gusts of almost 100mph and a rare red warning for dangerous, stormy winds in the South West was issued by forecasters earlier this week. As temperatures increase, the Met Office said snow melt and a rapid thaw across the north of the UK, combined with further rain, could lead to flooding concerns following the storm. As of Sunday afternoon, 12 flood alerts and three flood warnings were active on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website. In England, two flood warnings had been issued along with 62 flood alerts on the Environment Agency website while Natural Resources Wales listed three flood alerts. On Sunday afternoon, thousands of properties were still without power following the storm, according to the National Grids website, while National Rail warned disruption to train travel is possible until Monday. In south-west Scotland, Lothian Border and Strathclyde, a yellow warning for rain is in place until the end of Sunday as forecasters said up to 90mm of rainfall was possible over higher ground in Dumfries and Galloway. Another alert for rain covers north-western areas of Scotland until 10am on Monday, where up to 110mm of rain could be possible over parts of Skye, Lochaber, Argyll and the Trossachs, the Met Office said. A yellow warning for wind is in place for north-west Scotland, which could see gusts of up to 85mph, until 8am on Monday First Minister @JohnSwinney visited Aberdeen to see the response to severe weather in northern Scotland, and thank frontline staff for their hard work. Advice on dealing with severe weather can be found at https://t.co/fcXOLqZqXJ. pic.twitter.com/1baaEY94EP Scottish Government (@scotgov) January 9, 2026 Warnings for snow and ice were previously issued on Sunday for areas in northern England and Scotland and heavy rain in Northern Ireland. Forecasters have advised those within regions covered by alerts to prepare for delayed journeys, potentially dangerous driving conditions and flooding. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said Sunday night will see some wet and windy weather, adding: Combined with the rainfall, the higher temperatures we will see some flooding due to the snow melt gradually as we go through the next few days so thats the main concern. He said: We could potentially see wind gusts as high as 85mph this evening and through the early hours of Monday morning for the Outer Hebrides and the Highlands of Scotland. So that certainly could lead to some transport disruptions, such as ferry cancellations and bridge closures, but it will be the rainfall, as I say, thats more likely to impact road transport due to some flooding. On Saturday, a Government minister said it is entirely unacceptable that people in several areas in the South East and South West are experiencing water supply issues following cold weather and the storm. In a statement that evening, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs minister Mary Creagh said she had chaired a meeting with water companies and local resilience forums aimed at restoring supplies as soon as possible while prioritising vulnerable customers and essential public services. South East Water (SEW) said on its website that customers in East Grinstead, West Sussex and the surrounding areas have had no water, intermittent supply or low pressure from Saturday morning and despite work to resolve this, the company do not expect this situation to improve until the end of the weekend. The company said on Sunday the storm had affected its ability to treat water at the normal rate and that burst water mains because of freeze and thaw conditions across Kent and Sussex meant drinking water storage levels were running low. Customers in Staplehurst, Kent and the surrounding areas may experience no water, intermittent supply or low pressure, SEW added. Snow and icy conditions at first this afternoon across the northeast are giving way to a generally milder, wetter and windier theme across the UK Particularly wet and windy conditions will affect the north and west of Scotland Latest warnings here https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/A2xDWg0vWO Met Office (@metoffice) January 11, 2026 South West Water said in a statement on its website on Sunday afternoon that the impact of Storm Goretti on its water network had been devastating. The company added that six major water mains in the Helston area had been severely damaged by uprooted trees and that this was continuing to affect water supply for customers. Repair works are ongoing, the company said, adding that it had restored supplies to more than half of those affected. Police said a man in his 50s was found dead in a caravan after a tree fell on to the vehicle in Helston, Cornwall, following the storm. Snow and ice create difficult travelling conditions. Here are some tips to stay safe and be #WeatherReady on the roads https://t.co/Tc9FU3PS4A pic.twitter.com/wYcQdmtrqP Met Office (@metoffice) January 11, 2026 Emergency services were called to the scene on Thursday evening and work took place on Friday to remove the tree. Of next weeks forecast, Mr Morgan said it will begin on a milder note and frost-free. He added: It will generally be a fairly wet and windy week and unsettled week to come, showers or longer spells of rain with some dry interludes too. So most of the showers on Monday in the west, some eastern areas getting away with a largely dry day, but still very windy in the northwest of Scotland with some longer spells of rain here, and the change will be thereafter, really, with some dry interludes. Wednesday looks the more widely dry day of the week but otherwise, most days will see either scattered showers and sunny spells or generally wetter conditions, so temperatures close to average for the time of year but feeling not as cold as the last 10 days or so of January have been. On Monday, highs of around 11C in England and Wales are expected, along with up to 7C in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, the meteorologist said. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. The Government did not show coherence or capability around the Mercosur arrangement, the former leader of the Green Party has said. Eamon Ryan, who led the party for much of its term within the previous government, said procedures followed by the previous coalition did not seem to be followed. The former environment minister said the Governments communication on Mercosur had been very badly managed. It comes amid disquiet among members of the Fine Gael-Fianna Fail-Independent coalition following uncertainty over the Governments stance on the issue. On Friday, EU ambassadors approved a trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay but it still needs to be backed by the European Parliament. The Irish Government voted against the deal in its current form, with senior Cabinet figures insisting that negotiations are not finalised. The agreement involves a trade deal between the EU and four Mercosur countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Irish beef farmers are concerned that the deal could threaten their exports to Europe due to the introduction of lower-cost Brazilian beef. On Saturday, thousands of farmers gathered at the Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone to protest against the European Councils decision and call on MEPs to vote against the deal. While Mr Ryan said he would have voted in favour of the Mercosur deal, the Green Partys official line is in opposition to the agreement. Asked to assess the working of the current coalition compared with his time with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and ex-Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar, he told RTE radio on Sunday the relationships at the head of Government appear to be very different. Mr Ryan said: This was very badly managed internally. The way it works if youre going to change your position and go against something in your own Programme for Government, you would first of all address that at a party leaders (meeting). Its different to this Government because the independents it doesnt seem to me have quite the same role that we had in the previous government. But I cant imagine in this instance that the Taoiseach hadnt agreed with the Tanaiste the broad approach he wanted to take in advance of him going to China. Asked if he believed the decision to vote against the deal would have come as a surprise to independents such as the Healy-Raes, Mr Ryan said: It may have come as a surprise to the Healy-Raes because I dont think they are as integrated the same way we would have been. But I cant imagine in Fine Gael that that position would have been taken without it being cleared. Maybe not with every (Fine Gael member). What you do is you agree first at leaders level, then you go to Cabinet subcommittee, then you go to Cabinet. He said it did not appear that the decision went beyond the leaders meeting. Mr Ryan said the issue will not do fatal damage to Irelands reputation in Europe, but added: Its about coherence and capability politically and that was not shown this week, or indeed in the weeks up to it. 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. CAIRO, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Fatalities from two weeks of nationwide unrest in Iran climbed on Sunday as Tehran warned it would strike U.S. and Israeli bases if Washington attacked Iranian targets under the excuse of "protecting" protesters. State media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has topped 200, though this figure could not be independently verified. The escalating violence has been accompanied by a sharp rise in regional tensions. Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf on Sunday threatened to retaliate against U.S. and Israeli military assets across the Middle East if Washington launched strikes against Iran. "If you take action to attack Iran, both the occupied territories and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be legitimate targets," Qalibaf told parliament. His remarks followed reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering military options to "protect" protesters. Qalibaf described the situation as a "terrorist war" following the 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2025, which Tehran said killed more than 1,000 Iranians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government is "closely monitoring" the situation in Iran. "If the current leadership were overthrown, Israel and Iran would once again become faithful partners in building a future of prosperity and peace," Netanyahu said during a weekly cabinet meeting. Also on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attempted to strike a balance between conciliation and force. In a televised interview with the state-run IRIB, he stated that his government is prepared to address the economic grievances driving the protests, but warned that "rioters" will not be tolerated. "People have concerns, and we should sit with them and resolve those concerns," Pezeshkian said. "But our higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society." Pezeshkian also detailed the government's plans to implement a major subsidy reform program aimed at stabilizing markets, boosting production, and increasing purchasing power, providing an update on its current progress. The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and U.S. sanctions. To contain the unrest, the government has restricted internet access for four straight days, with monitoring group NetBlocks reporting a disruption lasting more than 60 hours. The semi-official Tasnim news agency detailed a high toll among security personnel in the provinces. In Isfahan, Governor Ali Ahmadi confirmed 30 security personnel have died and reported the death of an infant among civilian casualties. Further fatalities included 12 security personnel in Fars province and eight police Special Units members in Tehran. Tasnim also reported that 11 mosques have been set on fire in Isfahan and Mashhad, while two Red Crescent workers were killed in separate attacks in the north. While state television aired footage of quiet streets in major cities on Sunday morning to project a sense of calm, the government remains focused on implementing a major subsidy reform program. Officials said the plan is intended to stabilize markets and boost purchasing power, though the immediate fallout has instead fueled the current wave of public anger. Dundalk has fallen nine places in the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey, ranking 34th out of 40 towns and cities, and was deemed Moderately Littered by business group, IBAL. While Clanbrassil Street, the Market Square, and the Court House, were praised as being very much deserving of the top litter grade, just three sites in the town were deemed clean, while the three sites, Gray's Lane and Old Toolfix premises, basements on Francis Street and the riverbank at Castletown Bridge seeing little improvement and according to IBAL, remained stubbornly heavily littered / abused. Work by Dundalk Tidy Towns and Louth County Council over the past couple of years had seen the town climb to 25th place in the survey, and winning praise for its efforts, but IBAL said in its report that it is disappointing to see Dundalk slip back after recent improvements. It added that the presence of three heavily littered sites, with just three top ranking sites, will push a town towards the bottom of the IBAL league. Read also: Stonehouse Sanctuary in Dunleer home to Louth's first forest school Established in 1996 by businessman Dr Tom Cavanagh to promote a litter free environment, IBAL is an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity - notably in the areas of tourism, food and direct foreign investment - is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment. An Taisce conducts the surveys on behalf of IBAL The An Taisce report for Dundalk had high praise for the top ranking areas in the town, saying of the Market Square and Courthouse, that this town centre environment, which included the Maid of Erin statue and the environs of the Courthouse was exceptionally freshly presented and maintained, with some lovely paving and streetscape features. There was a complete absence of litter throughout the area surveyed. Clanbrassil Street, which also received a Grade A, was described as looking very well, with some lovely wooden seating, nice use of hanging baskets and attractive paving. It was excellent with regards to litter. Marshes Upper, the third site in Dundalk to receive a Grade A, was described as being a residential area that was very much deserving of the top litter grade, with all elements in very good order. It was a template for a Grade A site well done to all concerned. Looking at the three sites that were awarded a Grade C and dragged Dundalk down in the rankings, the An Taisce report for Gray's Lane and Old Toolfix premises said that there has been little improvement at this site, with significant levels of a wide variety of litter, primarily food related. Cars have parked between a temporary barrier fencing and the former Toolfix fencing this area was heavily littered and weeded. The overall impression was a very poor one. With regards the riverbank at Castletown Bridge, the report said that despite apparent recent clean up, there were loose food related items amongst the heavy leaf-fall along the pavements, along with a more obvious presence underneath the bridge. The basements at Francis Street was the third site that received a Grade C. The An Taisce report said that there was a mix of both recent and long-lie litter items, the latter indicating a lack of thorough cleaning for quite some time. Such an environment is only a magnet for further littering / dumping. Railings, weeds and window bars also presented poorly. Four other sites in the town were graded in the report, with the Castletown Approach Road and the N52 turn off on M1 from Dublin Approach both earning a Grade B+ and the Recycle / Bring Centre at Tesco Express and Park Street earning a Grade B. The An Taisce report said of the Castletown Approach Road that, much of this route presented well, but the road was let down by items which had been left outside Vincent de Paul premises / light litter at Maxol. It said that the N52 turn off on M1 from Dublin Approach was mixed in terms of litter, some parts were littered, others were clear of litter. The only visible issues were plastic bottles and sweet wrappers, most notably close to roundabout. With regards Park Street, the report said that as well as casually discarded food related litter items, Parks [sic] Street was also characterised by graffiti on the litter bins and electrical boxes and fly posting on street poles. Vape stickers were pronounced on some of the litter bins. It said of the Recycle / Bring Centre at Tesco Express, that the recycle bin units were freshly presented / signage associated with the use of same was in good order. However, plastic bags had been stuffed between the units and other items had been casually disposed of on the ground and between the rear of the units and the low wall. Broken glass is hazardous. Looking at the overall rankings in the report, Sligo finished atop the IBAL table for the first time in a study which showed that city areas in particular cleaned up in 2025. Drogheda also fell in the rankings, slipping to 29th and being deemed Moderately Littered. The number of towns deemed clean last year rose to 28, with Sligo finishing ahead of Leixlip, Westport and Monaghan. An Taisce, lauded the winning town for its consistently strong performance in recent years. Waterford reclaimed its customary accolade of Irelands cleanest city, ahead of Galway. Cork City Centre was also clean. While urban areas still dominate the lower reaches of the rankings, 10 of the 13 surveyed showed an improvement in cleanliness in 2025. The Department for Agriculture has confirmed that 25 million was issued in CAP payments to farmers in Louth over the course of 2025, with talks set to begin on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 202834). MEP Nina Carberry has been appointed to lead negotiations on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 202834) for the European Parliaments largest political group on the Budget Committee. In her new role, MEP Carberry will draft the Parliaments budget position on the next CAP, which remains the single largest component of the nearly 2 trillion EU fund. Speaking after her appointment in Brussels, MEP Carberry said she was honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility for the Parliaments largest party, the EPP, which has 190 MEPs: Since entering the European Parliament 18 months ago, I have been determined to deliver for my constituents. I am delighted that my colleagues in the European Peoples Party have given me the opportunity to help shape the next Common Agricultural Policy. Read also: Louth creative businesses ready to shine at Showcase 2026 MEP Carberry confirmed she will seek an increased CAP budget, with a strong focus on cutting red tape. We are starting with a proposed ring-fenced 300 billion for direct payments and basic income support, and a new minimum 10% rural target. However, this still represents a smaller share of the EU budget than in the existing CAP period, she said. There is significant work ahead to ensure that both basic income and rural development funding is increased and that the overall CAP budget reflects the importance of food security. MEP Carberry also highlighted the need to align CAP investment with research and innovation funding, which has been increased to 175 billion for the next seven-year period, and said generational renewal must be central to all elements of the next CAP. However, she expressed concern about proposals to fold CAP funding into a single EU fund. Rolling CAP into a single fund carries serious risks. CAP must remain clearly ring-fenced. Its common nature is essential - it cannot become 27 different national policies. Over the coming months, MEP Carberry said she will prepare amendments to the Parliaments budget report and begin consultation with farmers, community organisations, and other key stakeholders. Permanent upgrade works at the Cavan Hill Water Treatment Plant have been approved, bringing hopes of a major boost to water quality for Dundalk and surrounding areas. Following the success of the pilot study on new filters at the Cavan Hill Water Treatment Plant, the green light has now been given to permanent upgrade works which will commence on site later this year. Uisce Eireann say this marks a major step forward in addressing instances of intermittent water discolouration that can affect customers in Dundalk and surrounding areas. The Cavan Hill supply has experienced seasonal instances of discolouration, primarily due to elevated levels of naturally occurring manganese in raw water during the summer months. Uisce Eireann undertook a pilot study in 2024, trialling new filters specifically designed to remove manganese. Uisce Eireann say the results demonstrated a significant reduction in manganese levels, paving the way for a permanent upgrade. Uisce Eireanns Ian Walsh says he is looking forward to getting to ground on the project. We are delighted to confirm that the Cavan Hill Water Treatment Plant Upgrade will move forward in 2026.These works will ensure we can deliver long-term improvements to water quality for the communities served by Cavan Hill. The design of the project has been progressing since the pilot proved successful, so once procurement of a contractor is complete, we will be in a good position to start the works and deliver for our customers. In tandem with these preparations, Uisce Eireann say their targeted flushing programme has continued to deliver positive results for customers. Read Next: Sean Keane brings storytelling and songs to Dundalk Speaking on the effectiveness of the programme, James OHagan, Water Network Operations Manager, said: The proactive flushing programme has been hugely successful, with a significant reduction in discolouration reports this year. We are committed to maintaining these improvements and will continue to proactively manage the network to ensure the highest water quality for our customers. The contract to deliver the upgrade works is expected to be awarded early this year. A spokesperson for the company said: "Uisce Eireann is committed to keeping all stakeholders updated as the project progresses. "Uisce Eireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie " Pupils and teachers at Scoil San Nicolas, Stabannon and St Bridgids School, Ard Easmuinn were named Louth's Junior and Senior County Winners respectively, of the prestigious national art competition, Someone Like Me. The achievement secures them a place at the national awards ceremony to be held in Dublin in late January, where they will join pupils and teachers from 50 other schools to compete for the much sought-after national senior and junior titles. An initiative of the National Disability Authority, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the competition which has seen thousands of primary and special school pupils across Ireland develop an awareness and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities through the medium of art as part of the ongoing process to create a more accepting and inclusive society. Congratulating Scoil San Nicolas and St Bridgids School on being named County Winners, Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney said that the number of entries this year is a tribute to the ongoing commitment of Irelands primary and special school teachers, who continue to play an important part helping to create an ever-more inclusive Ireland. Read also: Louth TD calls for prototype grants for secondary school innovators Over the last ten years, the Someone Like Me Art Competition has created a national conversation about visible and non-visible disabilities, helping to raise awareness and, ultimately, effect positive attitudinal change within society. Because of this, the competition is an important part of the work of the National Disability Authority and has become a highlight in our calendar. It gives us the opportunity to meaningfully and creatively engage with primary and special school pupils and teachers alike in a way that will benefit society not just now, but for generations to come. Selecting the county winners was not an easy task for the judges and choosing an overall senior and junior winner will be an even harder job. And, while I know it will be an anxious wait for the pupils and teachers to hear which of the 52 county winners will be awarded the national titles, all pupils and teachers should be congratulated for their entries and for coming up with ways to include all people within society. Scoil San Nicolas and St Bridgids School will now go on to compete with 50 other schools from around the country for the overall Someone Like Me junior and senior awards which will be announced at the national awards ceremony to held at Dublin City Hall on Wednesday 28th January 2026. Speakers at the event will include James Casserly, a young disability advocate, with the national awards to be presented by the Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins T.D. The competition, which offers a range of prizes to the value of over 1,000, was open to all primary and special school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and more. Entries ranged from posters and collages to large sculptural installations and videos. Dundalk Chamber of Commerce has hailed the success of its festive North Pole Safari Trail, which saw 254 people take part and helped mark the 10-year anniversary of Dundalk Shop Local vouchers. The Christmas trail encouraged families and visitors to explore Dundalk town centre by visiting ten participating local businesses, scanning QR codes displayed in shop windows and completing two themed routes, the Workshop Route and the Winterwood Route. As part of the initiative, participants were entered into a draw to win 1,000 in Dundalk Shop Local vouchers, with Gillian Webb announced as the overall winner. The ten businesses who took part in the trail were: Rocksalt Earl Street McGuinness Pharmacy Park Street Ruby Nu Park Street Goldstar Jewellers Demesne Dundalk Tourist Office Market Square Mankind Clanbrassil Street Roe River Books Clanbrassil Street Eddie Maguires Church Street Conlons Food Hall Church Street McEvoys Clanbrassil Street Speaking following the conclusion of the trail, John McGahon, CEO of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, said: We wanted to acknowledge and celebrate ten years of Dundalk Shop Local vouchers while also bringing footfall and into the town and shops and we felt that a North Pole Safari would be good way of getting people on the streets of Dundalk. We were delighted with the level of participation and I want to sincerely thank the ten local businesses who came on board and helped make this initiative such a success. Read Next: Major Garda shake-up in Louth with some high-profile transfers and promotions Hanna McDonnell, President of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, also welcomed the success of the initiative, saying: Dundalk Shop Local continues to be one of the most effective ways of keeping money circulating within our local economy. This year alone, 2.5 million in Shop Local vouchers were sold, which is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to strength of the vouchers and how they are viewed by local businesses and shoppers alike. "The participating businesses played a vital role, and initiatives like this show how working together can create positive experiences for shoppers while supporting local business." Samaritans is searching for new volunteers to get involved with the charity and give something back to the local community, all while making a huge difference to peoples lives. As we enter the New Year, now is the perfect time to do something you can be proud of, all while helping others. Samaritans Dundalk & Newry are looking for men and women, of all ages and walks of life, to join their current volunteers in dedicating around three or four hours a week to those most in need. Samartian Dundalk & Newry said they will meet with potential volunteers over the next few weeks with the aim to start the training process in March. READ NEXT: Funding approved for new domestic violence refuge in Dundalk The training will involve a mixture of online and in person learning in our branch in St Colmans Park, Newry. They said you dont need to have any special skills to be a volunteer all they ask is that you can listen without judgement and be able to empathise with people going through a difficult time. Samaritans are best known for the vital support given to callers on its 24-hour telephone service and volunteers can also offer support by email and face-to-face in communities, festivals and outreach events. The Director of the local Samaritans Martin Darling said: Dundalk & Newry Samaritans offer round-the-clock emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope with whatever it is that life has thrown at them. Every day, volunteers around the country respond to around 10,000 calls for help. It is a real privilege to be there for somebody who is going through a difficult time. We are asking people across the South Down, South Armagh and Dundalk areas to consider making a difference to someones life by volunteering with us. It takes a huge number of volunteers to keep our service operational. We have volunteers from across Dundalk, the Cooley Peninsula and South Armagh so if you are thinking about volunteering and making a difference to peoples lives, please have a look at http://www.samaritans.org/volunteer to find out if you have what it takes to be a Samaritan. Established in Ireland in 1962, Samaritans is based in 21 towns across the island of Ireland, with over 1,800 active volunteers on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One volunteer in the Newry branch, Stephen, who has been volunteering for almost 10 years, said: People may have an idea on what types of calls we answer but the truth is, no two calls are the same. We speak to anyone who is going through a tough time. People might call us about a relationship problem, an issue at work or a million other reasons. We know how important it is to feel listened to so thats why we do what we do. You arent expected to solve peoples problems, just to give them a listening ear and empathise with what theyre going through. Youll be amazed at the positive impact this can have. If you are looking for a new experience in 2026, something that can help others and make yourself feel proud, give the Samaritans a chance. To find out more about becoming a volunteer with Samaritans of Dundalk & Newry email newry.branchrecruitment@ samaritans.org. You can also check out their website for more information on what it takes to become a Samaritan on www.samaritans.org/ volunteer. You dont have to be suicidal to call Samaritans. Whatever youre going through, call us any time from any phone on 116 123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch. Increasing pressure is being put on the Government to take action against social media platform X, with the Cork-born president of the Irish National Teachers Organisation and local councillors calling for greater regulation. After Womens Aids announcement that it will no longer have a presence on X, INTO president Anne Horan said: As Womens Aid has highlighted, the platform now facilitates the creation and sharing of AI-generated deepfakes, non-consensual intimate imagery, and the production of child sexual abuse material through Xs own AI system, Grok. The circulation of this harmful content, much of which is in breach of the platforms own rules, endangers children and young people as well as adults, with potentially devastating consequences for childrens mental health. The INTO made the decision to cease use of X in December 2024 in the Republic of Ireland, the union in the North following suit last summer. The unions account is inactive since but has been retained in order to ensure no bad actors attempt to take ownership of the organisations name, handle, and identity. The majority of INTOs membership is female. It is utterly unacceptable that legislators have failed to act decisively against a platform that is now facilitating the spread of illegal sexual material, including non-consensual intimate imagery and child sexual abuse material. We are calling for immediate government action to prevent further harm to citizens." The union will convene a roundtable next week with online safety experts to better understand the scale of harm arising from the erosion of online safety standards and weak regulation, she said. This will inform our ongoing work to hold governments and regulators to account for failures to guarantee online safety. Green Party councillor for Cork City South East, Honore Kamegni announced yesterday that he would join colleague Oliver Moran in withdrawing from the platform. Over the past three years, I have personally experienced sustained abuse on X including racism, harassment, and climate denial, but this recent development represents an entirely new and deeply disturbing category. It is something I can no longer be associated with, said Mr Kamegni. He called for action from government and regulators. There are serious questions to be asked about where we are going as a society when a company that controls such a large share of public discourse can descend to this level with what appears to be near impunity, he said. A report by the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) shows that without targeted investment and planning, Ireland is facing a potential future crisis in end-of-life care and support for people who are bereaved. In the report Dying, Death and Bereavement in Ireland 2026, the IHF reveals emerging trends in key areas relating to the experience of dying, death and bereavement in Ireland, highlighting areas of concern and outlines actions and recommendations that will deliver improvements in key areas. Irish Hospice Foundation CEO Paula OReilly explained: When IHF was established 40 years ago it was a very different environment. The population of Ireland was 3.5m, versus 5.4m today. The age demographic of that population is also radically different. Population trends show that Irelands ageing and diversifying population is going to be one of the key challenges to future end-of-life care and services. Right now, around 35,000 die each year, and the figure was very similar in 1986 when IHF was founded. However, we are going to see a massive increase in that figure over the next 20 years. When we move the clock forward to 2046 the number of annual deaths in Ireland will have increased by 40%. In a system that is already creaking at the seams, extraordinary measures will be required to ensure that every death will continue to matter and to provide the level of supports available to those who are grieving. Cork is set to see a particularly high population increase during this timeframe. The report found that two thirds of people who lost a loved one indicated the person had not been told by a medical professional that they were likely to die. This lack of communication meant that the person dying missed opportunities to make appropriate arrangements and family members were not fully aware that their loved ones death was imminent, the report states. Additionally, a lack of out-of-hours support for people receiving end-of-life care may be leading to an increase in people attending an emergency department when medical intervention is required, researchers found. Over a five-year period to 2023, almost 5,500 people died in, or on the way to, emergency departments. The report also highlights that there is currently no statutory right to bereavement leave in Ireland, which means that employers have no legal obligation to offer time off to employees who have lost a loved one. A national conversation across government is required, IHF said, to not only ensure a commitment to ageing well, but also to die and grieve well. The charity is set to focus its 40th year on this issue; engaging with a broad community, creating conversations about death and dying, and advocating for measures that will meet the challenges and opportunities brought about by Irelands rapidly ageing population. Margaret McKiernan, CEO of the Mercy University Hospital in Cork, told The Echo that the hospital recognises the significance of each death in the hospital, and has a programme in place to maintain high standards in this area. She said: Hospice Friendly Hospitals (HFH) is an Irish Hospice Foundation programme that seeks to ensure that compassionate end-of-life, palliative, and bereavement care is central to hospitals in Ireland. This programme, delivered in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE), aims to improve end-of-life care in all acute statutory and voluntary hospitals across the country, by staff using the framework of the quality standards for end-of-life care in hospitals to deliver a consistent level of quality care at end of life. Ms McKiernan, who is also chair of the National Acute Hospitals HFH Network, said that in this role, it has been her privilege at network meetings to meet and support committed and compassionate staff working across Ireland, who know the importance of honouring the wishes and preferences of patients at end-of-life and understand the impact of death on families and those left behind. A good death is possible in a hospital and the focus of the HFH standards around the needs of patient, family, staff, and the hospital as a complex system is hugely important. This is in the context of 43% of people in Ireland receiving end-of-life care and dying in hospitals. She added: Mercy University Hospital believes that the care delivered to patients and their families at end-of-life, should be the same care that we would give to our own family and loved ones. We strive at end-of-life to deliver compassionate care that respects the dignity of each individual. We recognise the significance of each death in our hospital, acknowledging that this is a unique and profound event for each family. "We have an end-of-life care coordinator, and an active end-of-life care committee with representatives across all staff in the hospital as well as a public patient representative. This is only possible with the continued support of the HFH programme. On Thursday morning, Mercy University Hospital hosted a Thank You and Tea Morning for volunteers from Iris House, the Wilton Knitting Group, and the Sisters of Mercy for the generosity of their time and donations to the hospitals patients in knitting and crafting beautiful blankets and paired hearts. A hospital spokesperson said that staff of the hospital contributed to donate wool to each group, explaining: The blankets and hearts are used for and by patients and their families at end-of-life care and we are incredibly grateful for the positive and touching impact these have on our patients and their loved ones. Ms OReilly concluded: Its essential that everyone who calls Ireland home has the opportunity to experience a good death, and that requires a set of supports and services that are wide ranging and effective. Irish Hospice Foundation is actively working to deliver and advocate for improvements in all areas of the dying, death, and bereavement space. It is clear from the report that there is a need for urgent action and creative thinking across the board. She added: Forty years ago, the Irish Hospice Foundation was focused on introducing the hospice movement to Ireland. That ambition has been almost fully achieved and over the years the organisations focus has widened to deliver practical and meaningful support services around dying, death, and bereavement in Ireland. I would like to begin by sincerely thanking everyone for the kindness, support, and warm welcome that Karen and I have received during the first six months of my mayoralty. It has been a tremendous honour to serve as Lord Mayor of Cork, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity and goodwill shown to us by people across the city. As we begin the second half of the term, we very much look forward to meeting many more individuals, community groups, organisations, and volunteers over the coming months. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and peaceful new year. The past number of weeks have been particularly busy, with the continuation of the long-standing tradition of the Lord Mayors Christmas visits. It was a privilege to visit Cork University Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital, the Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Marymount Hospice, Bon Secours Hospital, and St Finbarrs Hospital. These visits are always humbling and serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication, professionalism, and compassion shown daily by our healthcare workers. I also had the opportunity to meet the incredible teams working with the Simon Community, Cork Prison, Cuanalee, St Vincents Shelter, Edel House, Anglesea fire station and garda station, as well as Cork Penny Dinners. Each of these organisations, and the people who power them, provide vital frontline services 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Much of this work goes unseen, but it is always appreciated and never taken for granted. Their commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in our society represents the very best of Cork. This week also saw the continuation of another proud tradition, now over 80-years-old, with the presentation of the 2026 lord mayoral car. I was delighted to receive a fully electric Ford Capri Premium from John Manning, market lead with Henry Ford & Son Ltd. This marks the fifth consecutive year that an electric vehicle has been provided to support the lord mayors duties, reflecting Corks commitment to sustainability. Ford has a long and proud history in Cork, and this partnership remains a strong symbol of that enduring relationship. Looking back, 2025 was a good year for Cork, and there is a real sense of excitement and anticipation across the city. The addition of 68 new gardai, combined with four new city centre wardens, has contributed to a greater sense of safety and reassurance for residents, workers, and visitors alike. The establishment of a new city council directorate focused specifically on the city centre will help ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to its future development. Furthermore, the significant number of planning applications approved for housing and mixed-use developments throughout the city, along with positive progress on a long-awaited event centre, all point towards a city that is growing, confident, and optimistic. Corks future is bright, and I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure our city continues to thrive for generations to come. A 33-year-old woman caught driving without insurance for the fifth time showed scant regard for the law, a district judge said, as she banned her from driving for 10 years. Hayley OConnor, of Bride Valley View, Upper Fair Hill, Cork, was stopped by Garda Eoghan OMahony at lunchtime on November 11, 2025 at Fairfield Rd, Farranree, Cork. Sergeant John Dineen said that when the motorist was stopped, she admitted that she did not have insurance or a driving licence, but that she had to collect an elderly relative. Frank Buttimer, solicitor for the defendant, outlined the circumstances of the care of this relative and matters on the day that caused OConnor to drive the car. Sgt Dineen said Hayley OConnor was convicted four times previously for driving without insurance. Judge Catherine Ryan said: It is an appalling record. Mr Buttimer agreed with this description and he outlined the mitigating circumstances. However, Judge Ryan said that while OConnor may have been motivated by the desire to assist someone else, she could not drive without insurance. Judge Ryan imposed a four-month suspended prison sentence, a 10-year driving disqualification, and fines totalling 1,250. The judge concluded the case with a warning for the defendant: You are not able to drive, you are going to have to rely on other people or public transport. The court is giving you some leeway, because of your personal circumstances. The defendant was given six months in which to pay a 500 fine for having no licence and a 750 fine for driving without insurance. CAIRO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's National Elections Authority (NEA) declared on Saturday the conclusion of the 2025 House of Representatives elections, bringing to an end a months-long electoral process. NEA Chairman Hazem Badawy told a press conference that the elections, which spanned 99 days, led to the election of 568 lawmakers, thereby finalizing the composition of the House of Representatives. The NEA reported that a total of 69,891,913 voters were registered nationwide, with 22,657,211 exercising their right to vote, representing a turnout of 32.41 percent. Of the ballots cast, 21,150,656 were valid, while 1,506,555 were invalid. Following court rulings that invalidated initial results, runoff elections were held in 27 electoral districts, ultimately electing 49 lawmakers from 98 candidates across 10 governorates. Egyptians residing abroad cast their votes on Dec. 31, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026, while domestic voting was held on Jan. 3 and 4. Badawy said that the elections were conducted under full judicial supervision and secured by state institutions, adding that the process was closely monitored by local and international civil society organizations, as well as media outlets. A pod of dolphins was spotted in the River Lee in Corks city centre on Saturday, attracting a lot of attention from passers-by. Padraig Whooley of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group told The Echo that it was not a totally unusual occurence. One of the dolphins enjoying the Lee. If the dolphins are fit and healthy, which they appear to be ... 99 times out of 100 they manage to get themselves out of that situation. "Members of the public, enjoy it and not try to interfere. Let mother nature run its course. The pod of dolphins in the river. He added: "It is not an ususual event. Now I can name at least six rivers systems that have the same species of dolphin in it right now." There were 78 bus collisions in Cork city in just three months last year, as buses collided with vehicles, trees, poles, bollards, branches, fences, and hedges. New data shows that, between July and October, 80 buses were damaged in Cork, with almost all of the damage being caused as a result of collisions. The data shows that, out of 78 total collisions: 55 were between a bus and another vehicle, with a car being the most common; There were 40 incidents involving a bus and a car; A bus collided with another bus in eight instances, a van in three, a taxi in one, and a truck in another. There was also an incident where a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) collided with a bus, and one where a van collided with a bus. In 23 incidents, buses collided with stationary objects. Buses collided with a tree on four occasions and a pole on a further four. The next most common items for buses to collide with were bollards and branches, with three of each such incidents, followed by two each of collisions into fences, hedges, and an object, as it is listed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in the documentation provided. Three buses were also damaged after one collided with a stone, one with a ditch, and one with a bus shelter. Two instances of damage to buses during the three-month period were listed as incidents rather than collisions, with one incident being a passenger falling on board a bus and the other being a sudden break. The 208 (Ashmount to Curraheen via Patrick Street) and 220 (Ovens to Fort Camden via Carrigaline) buses saw the most incidents causing damage, with 14 on each route. This was followed by nine incidents on the 203 (Manor Farm to Parklands via Patrick St) and six each on the 223 (South Mall to Haulbowline via Monkstown) and 226 (Kinsale to Kent Station via Cork Airport). INCIDENTS There were five incidents each on the 202 (Hollyhill to Mahon Point via Merchants Quay), 215 (Mahon Point to Cloghroe via Blarney), and 216 (CUH to Monkstown via Grand Parade). There were three incidents each on the 205 (MTU to Kent Station via College Rd), 212 (Kent Station to Mahon Point via Blackrock Rd), and 213 (Black Ash to Patrick Street). There were two each on both the 207 (Donnybrook to Glenheights via Patrick Street) and 209 (Lotamore to Patrick Street via Audley Place), while the 206 (Grange to South Mall via Douglas), 214 (CUH to Glyntown via Patrick Street), and 225 (Kent Station to Haulbowline via Cork Airport) bus routes all saw one damage-causing incident each. The data was provided to The Echo by the NTA on foot of a Freedom of Information request and it is the first time such data was published. WORRYING Cork Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould told The Echo: This is an extremely worrying number of collisions, and highlights the pressure drivers are under. It is a miracle nobody was badly hurt in any of these incidents. A spokesperson for Bus Eireann told The Echo: The safety of our passengers, staff and the public is of paramount importance. Our fleet is maintained to the highest standards by our staff of qualified craftworkers. All vehicles are subject to mandatory regular inspections/maintenance and are fully compliant with all regulatory requirements. Irish Rail hopes to begin construction on two new rail stations in Dunkettle and Blackpool/Kilbarry this year. A key part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Strategy 2040, the two locations are part of the eight new stations planned for the city region, and approval for the first two stations could be sought within weeks. There are three new stations planned on the Mallow line at Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, and Blackpool/Kilbarry, four on the Midleton line at Tivoli, Dunkettle, Carrigtwohill West, and Water Rock, and one on the Cobh line at Ballynoe. The Blarney/Stoneview and Dunkettle stations will also have park and ride facilities on offer. An Irish Rail spokesperson confirmed to The Echo that planning is being brought forward for the proposed Blackpool/Kilbarry and Dunkettle stations. They said: Iarnrod Eireann undertook an early design public consultation in summer 2025 on the next elements of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme, including the eight new stations, new depot, and electrification. Feedback from this consultation has been incorporated into the designs where appropriate. We are planning to bring two of the stations, Dunkettle and Blackpool/Kilbarry, forward under individual planning applications, which we would hope to submit in the coming weeks. Subject to planning approval and funding, works could commence within the next 12 months. The spokesperson added: On the balance of the programme, including the other stations, design work is continuing, with a second public consultation planned for spring 2026, during which the preferred options for stations will be presented. This will be followed by the submission of a railway order later in the year and the associated statutory approvals process to An Coimisiun Pleanala. They added: Construction timelines will depend on the outcome of that statutory process. The RISE community fund, supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), has announced a new round of cash grants for national schools in Cork to promote the use of technology in education. The grants are intended to help schools fund digital learning initiatives, improve classroom technology, support connectivity projects, or enhance school operations using technology. The objective of the funding is to help young people in rural communities thrive in a digital world by complementing the national broadband plan. David McCourt, chairman of NBI and founder of the RISE community fund, said from the outset RISE was created to complement the national broadband plan by helping communities make the most of high speed connectivity. As we look ahead to completing broadband rollout in 2026, were delighted to support national schools in Co Cork, giving young people in rural communities the tools, skills and opportunities they need to thrive in a digital world. TJ Malone, chief executive officer at NBI, added: The national broadband plan is being delivered on time and on budget, and as we move towards its completion in 2026, its important that we continue to give back to the communities the project serves. Through RISE, NBI, and our partners are proud to support schools in Co Cork as they explore new ways to use technology to enhance education and improve school environments. Supported by NBI and a group of corporate partners involved in the delivery of the national broadband plan including KPMG, Circet, TLI Group, Entegro, and Obelisk, the RISE community fund plans to award cash grants to schools across 26 counties throughout 2026. With an investment of 314m, 82,000 homes, farms, businesses, and schools in Co Cork are included in NBIs rollout of the Governments national broadband plan. Over 53,800 of these premises are already able to place an order for high speed fibre broadband and take up rates exceeding 60% in areas of the country, where the network has been live the longest. By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association The Government did not show coherence or capability around the Mercosur arrangement, the former leader of the Green Party has said. Eamon Ryan, who led the party for much of its term within the previous government, said procedures followed by the previous coalition did not seem to be followed. The former environment minister said the Governments communication on Mercosur had been very badly managed. A tractor in Athlone, Co Westmeath, during a protest against the EU-Mercosur trade deal (Cillian Sherlock/PA) It comes amid disquiet among members of the Fine Gael-Fianna Fail-Independent coalition following uncertainty over the Governments stance on the issue. On Friday, EU ambassadors approved a trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay but it still needs to be backed by the European Parliament. The Irish Government voted against the deal in its current form, with senior Cabinet figures insisting that negotiations are not finalised. The agreement involves a trade deal between the EU and four Mercosur countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Irish beef farmers are concerned that the deal could threaten their exports to Europe due to the introduction of lower-cost Brazilian beef. On Saturday, thousands of farmers gathered at the Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone to protest against the European Councils decision and call on MEPs to vote against the deal. While Mr Ryan said he would have voted in favour of the Mercosur deal, the Green Partys official line is in opposition to the agreement. Asked to assess the working of the current coalition compared with his time with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and ex-Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar, he told RTE radio on Sunday the relationships at the head of Government appear to be very different. People in Athlone, Co Westmeath, protesting against the EU-Mercosur trade deal (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Mr Ryan said: This was very badly managed internally. The way it works if youre going to change your position and go against something in your own Programme for Government, you would first of all address that at a party leaders (meeting). Its different to this Government because the independents it doesnt seem to me have quite the same role that we had in the previous government. But I cant imagine in this instance that the Taoiseach hadnt agreed with the Tanaiste the broad approach he wanted to take in advance of him going to China. Asked if he believed the decision to vote against the deal would have come as a surprise to independents such as the Healy-Raes, Mr Ryan said: It may have come as a surprise to the Healy-Raes because I dont think they are as integrated the same way we would have been. But I cant imagine in Fine Gael that that position would have been taken without it being cleared. Maybe not with every (Fine Gael member). What you do is you agree first at leaders level, then you go to Cabinet subcommittee, then you go to Cabinet. He said it did not appear that the decision went beyond the leaders meeting. Mr Ryan said the issue will not do fatal damage to Irelands reputation in Europe, but added: Its about coherence and capability politically and that was not shown this week, or indeed in the weeks up to it. (Photo: @VATICAN MEDIA)Pope Leo XIV at the third session of the Extraordinary Consistory in early January 2026. In a meeting with members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV has warned that human rights and freedoms are under strain as diplomacy gives way to the logic of power and war. He warned that "war is back in vogue" and that peace is increasingly sought through force rather than justice, Vatican News reported. At the Jan. 9 meeting, the Pope appealed for humility, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to multilateralism in his address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See. He spoke during the traditional exchange of New Year greetings, and Leo cautioned that the foundations of international coexistence are being steadily undermined as diplomacy based on dialogue gives way to the logic of power and deterrence. "The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined," he said, warning that such a mindset gravely threatens the rule of law itself. The annual meeting between the Pope and Ambassadors accredited to the Holy See is considered one of the most significant moments in the Vatican's diplomatic calendar, according to Vatican News. - 'STATE OF THE WORLD ADDRESS' "Often dubbed the 'State of the World' Address, the Pope's discourses in these occasions tend to offer a moral reading of international life - an appeal not to interests, but to conscience - offered at the beginning of a new year as a call to responsibility, restraint, and renewal," commented Vatican News. The Pope bemoaned the weakening of the principle established after the Second World War, by which nations pledged not to use force to violate others' borders. "The principle... has been completely undermined," he said, warning that peace is increasingly sought "through weapons as a condition for asserting one's own dominion," a mentality that "gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence." The Pope turned repeatedly to Saint Augustine, who reflected on pride, power, and the illusion of security. Even those who wage war, the Pope recalled, ultimately desire peace - yet not peace as a shared good, but peace as possession. Citing Augustine, he said, "They do not, therefore, wish to have no peace, but only the peace that they desire." It was this distortion, the Pope implied, that led humanity into catastrophe in the 20th century, with two world wars. From tragedy, he noted, the United Nations emerged, established 80 years ago as a centre of multilateral cooperation "for safeguarding peace, defending fundamental human rights and promoting sustainable development." From the principles of law, Pope Leo moved to the concrete cost of war - especially when civilians become targets, and when essential infrastructure is destroyed. He underscored that attacks on "hospitals, energy infrastructure, homes and places essential to daily life" constitute serious violations, and reiterated the Holy See's condemnation of "any form of involvement of civilians in military operations." - ONGOING WAR IN UKRAINE Pope Leo spoke of the "ongoing war in Ukraine" (which Russia invaded in February 2022) and the suffering of civilians, reiterating "the pressing need for an immediate ceasefire," and calling for dialogue "motivated by a sincere search for ways leading to peace." He appealed to the international community not to waver, and reiterated the Holy See's willingness "to support any initiative that promotes peace and harmony." In the Holy Land, he noted that despite a truce announced in October, civilians continue to endure "a serious humanitarian crisis." He reaffirmed attention to initiatives aimed at guaranteeing Palestinians in Gaza "a future of lasting peace and justice," and reiterated that the two-State solution remains the institutional perspective for meeting the aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. He also lamented increased violence in the West Bank against Palestinian civilians, who have "the right to live in peace in [their] own land." Pope Leo also expressed concern about "escalating tensions in the Caribbean Sea and along the American Pacific coast," renewing an appeal for peaceful political solutions. And addressing the United States' military strikes on Venezuela in which it captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, Pope Leo called for respect for the will of the people and for the safeguarding of human and civil rights. He invoked the witness of two Venezuelan saints canonized in October 2025 - Jose Gregorio Hernandez and Sister Carmen Rendiles - as inspirations for building a society founded on "justice, truth, freedom, and fraternity." Leo spoke too of the violence and instability in Haiti, calling for concrete international support. Likewise, he cited the Great Lakes region of Africa, Sudan and South Sudan, tensions in East Asia, and Myanmar's humanitarian crisis, worsened by last March's earthquake, and called for "peace and inclusive dialogue" and access to humanitarian aid. - NUCLEAR RISK AND THE ETHICAL GOVERNANCE OF AI At the root of many of these crises, Pope Leo XIV said, lies the persistent belief that peace is possible only through force and deterrence. Yet peace, he warned, requires continuous construction and vigilance - especially among those with the greatest capacity for destruction. He pointed to the urgency of nuclear arms control, noting the impending expiry of the New START Treaty in February, and warned of a return to an arms race with increasingly sophisticated weapons, including those shaped by artificial intelligence. AI, he said, "requires appropriate and ethical management," together with regulatory frameworks that protect freedom and human responsibility. The Pope's defence of dignity extended to migrants and prisoners - two groups often treated as problems rather than persons. "Every migrant is a person," he said, and therefore has "inalienable rights that must be respected in every situation." Not all migration is chosen. He explained that many flee "violence, persecution, conflict, and even the effects of climate change." Marking the 75th anniversary of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Pope warned that efforts against crime and trafficking must not become a pretext "for undermining the dignity of migrants and refugees." He also spoke of prisoners, insisting they "can never be reduced to the crimes they have committed." He thanked governments that responded to Pope Francis's Jubilee appeal for gestures of clemency, and expressed hope that the Jubilee spirit would inspire justice systems "permanently and structurally," ensuring humane conditions and proportionate penalties. Above all, he stressed, this includes abolishing the death penalty, which the Pope called a measure that "destroys all hope of forgiveness and renewal." He did not forget "prisoners held for political reasons in many countries." - THE CRISIS OF LANGUAGE Another theme of the Pope's address was the warning about language itself. The Pope warned, semantic ambiguity today is not merely accidental. "Language is becoming more and more a weapon with which to deceive, or to strike and offend opponents," he said, calling for words "to express distinct and clear realities unequivocally," so that authentic dialogue can resume - in families, in politics, in the media, on social media, and in international relations. He noted a paradox: this weakening of language is often defended "in the name of freedom of expression," yet, "on closer inspection, the opposite is true," because freedom is protected precisely when language is anchored in truth. "It is painful to see how, especially in the West, the space for genuine freedom of expression is rapidly shrinking," he said, warning of "a new Orwellian-style language" which, while seeking to be inclusive, "ends up excluding those who do not conform." - FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM The Pope moved to rights increasingly threatened in contemporary societies: freedom of conscience and religious freedom. He defended conscientious objection as a safeguard for dignity, noting that "Conscientious objection is not rebellion, but an act of fidelity to oneself." It reflects the truth that a free society "does not impose uniformity but protects the diversity of consciences," preventing authoritarian tendencies and fostering ethical dialogue. Religious freedom, the Pope said, is also at risk. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he recalled it as "the first of all human rights." He noted that violations are rising worldwide, with "64 percent of the world's population" suffering serious violations of this right. The Holy See, he said, asks full respect for Christians, and "the same for all other religious communities." On the sixtieth anniversary of Nostra Aetate, he reiterated the "categorical rejection of all forms of antisemitism," and stressed the importance of Jewish-Christian dialogue and deeper common roots. At the same time, he said, the persecution of Christians remains among the most widespread human rights crises today, affecting "over 380 million believers worldwide," with high or extreme levels of discrimination and violence. He recalled victims of violence in Bangladesh, the Sahel, and Nigeria, and those killed in the terrorist attack last June on the parish of Saint Elias in Damascus, as well as victims of jihadist violence in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. He also pointed to subtler discrimination against Christians even in majority-Christian societies, including in Europe and the Americas, where Christians may be restricted from proclaiming the Gospel - especially when they defend "the dignity of the weakest, the unborn, refugees and migrants, or promote the family." - THE RIGHT TO LIFE Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed that the right to life is the foundation of every other right and warned that the contemporary human rights framework risks losing its vitality when rights become detached from reality and truth. "In the current context, we are seeing an actual 'short circuit' of human rights," he said, as fundamental freedoms - speech, conscience, religion, even life - are restricted "in the name of other so-called new rights," creating space for force and oppression. The Pope spoke about the family as the privileged place where human beings learn to love and to serve life. He described two urgent challenges: the tendency to marginalize the family's role in the international system, and the painful reality of fragile families afflicted by hardship and domestic violence. He reiterated the church's categorical rejection of practices that "deny or exploit the origin of life" as well as projects that assist people in doing so. Public resources, he said, should support mothers and families rather than "suppress life." To further push the limits of consumerism, Google has launched a new open standard for agentic commerce that's called Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). In brief, it's a framework that combines the power of AI agents and online shopping platforms to help customers buy more things. Thanks to the introduction of UCP, Google is offering three new online shopping features. To start, Google's AI mode will have a new checkout feature that allows customers to buy eligible products from certain US retailers within Google Search. Currently, this feature works with Google Pay, but it will soon add PayPal compatibility and incorporate more capabilities, like related product discovery and using loyalty points. On the merchant side, Google also established the Business Agent feature, which Google said will be "a virtual sales associate that can answer product questions in a brands voice." The Business Agent will launch tomorrow with early adopters including Lowes, Michaels, Poshmark, Reebok and more. Also for retailers, the UCP is responsible for the new Direct Offers feature, which lets companies advertising with Google to "present exclusive offers for shoppers who are ready to buy, directly in AI Mode." The Direct Offers feature will work in tandem with the ads in AI Mode that Google is testing. With UCP, Google Search, retailers and payment processors are joining forces to make online shopping even easier, whether it's figuring out what product to buy, completing the purchase or offering "post-purchase support." According to Google, UCP is compatible with existing industry protocols, like Agent2Agent, Agent Payment Protocols and Model Context Protocol. UCP was even co-developed with industry giants like Shopify, Etsy and Walmart, and was endorsed by even more companies in the commerce ecosystem, including Macy's, Stripe, Visa and more. HEFEI, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- From robots deployed at airports and hotels to autonomous vehicles navigating city roads and quantum computing tackling complex industrial calculations, innovations in China are moving rapidly from laboratories into real-world applications. At Hefei Xinqiao International Airport in Hefei, the capital of east China's Anhui Province, a wheeled humanoid robot named Zerith H1 glides through the restrooms, automatically adjusting its height to collect trash, wipe stains from countertops, and mop the floor. Developed by Hefei-based robotics company Zerith, the intelligent cleaning robot has been deployed at more than 20 venues in major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. It serves shopping malls, airports and hotels by doing cleaning and goods sorting. Founded by a team of post-2000s graduates from Tsinghua University, Zerith moved from a laboratory prototype to mass production within a year, securing orders totaling more than 100 million yuan (about 14.3 million U.S. dollars). "Based on our self-developed, scenario-specific large model, we continuously train robots, collect data and optimize algorithms in simulated real-world environments, laying the groundwork for practical deployment," said Yang Wei, Zerith's chief brand officer. Yang noted that households represent the ultimate application scenario for general-purpose robots. The startup planned to begin with business-to-business deployments in high-end hotels and laundries that closely resemble household environments, enabling it to validate technology and gather real-world data before eventually bringing products to average homes. Beyond robotics, China is accelerating the commercialization of other cutting-edge technologies as the country pushes for breakthroughs in high-tech industries. On the western outskirts of Hefei, researchers are advancing the development of fusion power generation. Using technologies originating from China's "artificial sun" project, scientists have developed security checkup equipment for subways and proton therapy systems for treating multiple cancers. Quantum mechanics, which marked its centennial in 2025, is also fueling industrial innovations. In healthcare, Origin Quantum has partnered with a medical university in Anhui to develop molybdenum-target breast cancer screening equipment, improving image analysis accuracy. In manufacturing, quantum-precision measurement instruments developed by CIQTEK can detect faint signals from magnetic impurities in raw materials for new-energy batteries, thereby boosting inspection efficiency and improving battery safety. Chinese innovations are increasingly expanding abroad. At a Chery car dealership in Kuala Lumpur, the AiMOGA humanoid robot acts as an intelligent sales consultant. Speaking fluent English, it greets customers, guides visitors through showrooms, introduces product features and even serves beverages, all with minimal human intervention. Zhang Guibing, general manager of Chery International and AiMOGA Robotics, said the robots are already deployed in over 30 countries. The team is exploring applications in high-speed rail stations, museums, hospitals and government service centers. "Next, we will focus on standardizing mature scenarios for rapid global replication," Zhang said. "We aim to turn practical demand into modular capabilities that can be continuously applied to our second- and third-generation robots." China's progress in commercializing frontier technologies has been supported by coordinated policy measures, capital investment and scenario deployment. Recommendations from China's top leadership for formulating the country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) call for significantly strengthening capacity for basic research and original innovation, and for achieving faster progress toward breakthroughs in core technologies across key fields. Local governments across China have rolled out policies to support technological innovations and future industries. In October, Shanghai released a set of measures to accelerate frontier technology innovation and foster future industries, aiming to nurture around 20 leading future industry enterprises by 2027. Shenzhen has established three investment funds totaling 22 billion yuan to support tech startups. From government procurement to diverse application scenarios such as elderly care, logistics, and urban transportation, China is providing a wide range of "real-world training grounds" for technological innovation. Platforms such as Shanghai's heterogeneous humanoid robot training facility and Hefei's Luogang Park full-space unmanned systems application zone enable lab technologies to be tested and optimized in simulated real-world environments, accelerating commercialization. Chen Jiachang, vice minister of science and technology, said in December that China will accelerate the formulation of policies to deepen the integration of technological and industrial innovation and encourage the application of scientific advances, providing strong support for the development of new quality productive forces. You Might Also Like Iran's authorities indicated they could intensify their crackdown on the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years, with the Revolutionary Guards blaming unrest on terrorists and vowing to safeguard the governing system. Geneva, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - January 11, 2026) - THORENS today announced the official revival of its mechanical lighter division under Hermann Thorens SA (Switzerland), marking a formal continuation of the brand's historical mechanical lighter designs and engineering principles. The revival enters effect following a licensed reactivation process initiated in 2024. The announcement confirms that the mechanical lighter business is being reintroduced as a continuation of THORENS' historical product lineage, rather than as a newly created or unrelated brand activity. The revived division operates in alignment with Swiss-defined engineering standards and builds upon established mechanical design foundations associated with the THORENS name. Founded in Switzerland in 1883, THORENS has been associated with multiple precision mechanical disciplines throughout its history, including musical mechanisms, timekeeping components, and mechanical lighters. Like many long-established European manufacturers, the brand has experienced different phases of product focus in response to technological and market developments, while maintaining continuity of brand identity and intellectual property within its corporate lineage. The mechanical lighter category represents one such historical phase. Early THORENS mechanical lighters, developed beginning in the early 20th century, applied principles of controlled motion, structural clarity, and mechanical reliability to ignition systems. These principles continue to inform the engineering direction of the revived division. "The revival of the mechanical lighter division represents a continuation of established engineering logic rather than a reinterpretation of the brand," said Yann David Thorens, Managing Director of Hermann Thorens SA. "Our focus remains on preserving mechanical structure, proportion, and functional clarity in accordance with the standards historically associated with the THORENS name." As part of the revival, Hermann Thorens SA has established an exclusive manufacturing structure to support contemporary production requirements. This includes the formation of Hubei Thorens Metal Co., Ltd., a wholly owned manufacturing entity operated in partnership with a premium factory possessing more than 30 years of experience in high-end lighter manufacturing. Production is conducted in accordance with engineering specifications and inspection criteria defined by Hermann Thorens SA. The company stated that the revived mechanical lighter division is intended to reflect continuity of historical design principles and mechanical standards, rather than a departure toward trend-driven or decorative product development. About THORENS Founded in Switzerland in 1883, THORENS is a heritage brand rooted in precision mechanical engineering. Throughout its history, the THORENS name has been associated with multiple mechanical disciplines, including musical mechanisms, timekeeping components, and mechanical lighters. The mechanical lighter division entered a licensed revival phase in 2024 under Hermann Thorens SA (Switzerland). Media Contact To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279994 Source: AMRYTT MEDIA Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2026) - Block & Leviton is investigating Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG) for potential securities law violations. Investors who have lost money in their Apogee Enterprises, Inc. investment should contact the firm to learn more about how they might recover those losses. For more details, visit https://blockleviton.com/cases/apog. What is this all about? Shares of Apogee Enterprises fell more than 13% in intraday trading on January 7, 2026, after the company reported quarterly results that missed analyst expectations and the company lowered its full-year outlook, citing weaker demand and margin pressure in its Architectural Glass segment. On the same day, Apogee disclosed that its Chief Financial Officer, Matthew Osberg, had resigned effective January 16, 2026. Block & Leviton is investigating. Who is eligible? Anyone who purchased Apogee Enterprises common stock and has seen their shares fall may be eligible, whether or not they have sold their investment. Investors should contact Block & Leviton to learn more. What is Block & Leviton doing? Block & Leviton is investigating whether the Company committed securities law violations and may file an action to attempt to recover losses on behalf of investors who have lost money. What should you do next? If you've lost money on your investment, you should contact Block & Leviton to learn more via our case website, by email at shareholders@blockleviton.com, or by phone at (888) 256-2510. Whistleblower? If you have non-public information about Apogee Enterprises, you should consider assisting in our investigation or working with our attorneys to file a report with the Securities Exchange Commission under their whistleblower program. Whistleblowers who provide original information to the SEC may receive rewards of up to 30% of any successful recovery. For more information, contact Block & Leviton at shareholders@blockleviton.com or by phone at (888) 256-2510. Why should you contact Block & Leviton? Block & Leviton is widely regarded as one of the leading securities class action firms in the country. Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars for defrauded investors and are dedicated to obtaining significant recoveries on behalf of our clients through active litigation in the federal courts across the country. Many of the nation's top institutional investors hire us to represent their interests. You can learn more about us at our website www.blockleviton.com, call (888) 256-2510 or email shareholders@blockleviton.com with any questions. This notice may constitute attorney advertising. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280224 Source: Block & Leviton LLP New storefront engagement platform combines visual merchandising, retail media network and latest loss prevention technologies which can help redefine the storefront experience Sensormatic Solutions FLEX platform will be on display at the 2026 NRF Big Show Sensormatic Solutions, the leading global retail solutions portfolio of Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), has added a new, highly customizable and retail-media-ready electronic article surveillance (EAS) system to its portfolio. The Sensormatic Solutions Flexible Loss-prevention Engagement Experience (FLEX) platform is designed to enhance front-of-store real estate by combining visual merchandising, digital content management tools, and a full suite of loss prevention (LP) technology. FLEX blends seamlessly into the store design, while helping deliver a gateway for the shopper experience. Those in attendance at the 2026 NRF Big Show will have the opportunity to see the solution in person at booth (#5321), Jan. 11-13. "EAS equipment can and should do so much more than detect merchandise and alert associates to incidents," said Myron Burke, solutions management leader at Sensormatic Solutions. "They're the first thing many shoppers see when entering a store, and they can be used to set the tone for the customer journey. With a sleek design, customizable sensors and alerts and enhanced visual merchandising capabilities, our new platform can help retailers and their brand partners make better use of valuable, engaging storefront space to extend branded experiences throughout shopper journeys." Sensormatic FLEX can enable a store-as-a-media-business model, meeting growing demand for solutions that support retail media network (RMN) success. The modular design strategy helps offer digital advertising, marketing, store design and merchandising teams ample opportunity to create dynamic storefront displays that align with brand aesthetics and customer expectations, while optional AM, RF and Gen2X RFID capabilities, as well as alarm options, help ensure LP teams still have what they need to help deter crime. This flexible, fully customizable approach can help retailers: Increase foot traffic and sales. Sensormatic FLEX is designed to help improve retail operations and enhance front-of-store displays, entice passersby and help retailers draw in more visitors to drive conversion and profitability by improving customer engagement and on-shelf availability while minimizing shrink. Sensormatic FLEX is designed to help improve retail operations and enhance front-of-store displays, entice passersby and help retailers draw in more visitors to drive conversion and profitability by improving customer engagement and on-shelf availability while minimizing shrink. Maintain brand experiences. The modular, customizable design of Sensormatic FLEX can help empower floor designers with more control over the direction of stores' look and feel. The modular, customizable design of Sensormatic FLEX can help empower floor designers with more control over the direction of stores' look and feel. Adjust to trends. Sensormatic FLEX is designed to empower teams pivot campaigns when circumstances change, while optional RFID capabilities help track merchandise and shrink trends in motion, helping to ensure messaging is always relevant and engaging. Sensormatic FLEX is designed to empower teams pivot campaigns when circumstances change, while optional RFID capabilities help track merchandise and shrink trends in motion, helping to ensure messaging is always relevant and engaging. Improve RMN performance. Flexible, high-quality displays in Sensormatic FLEX systems can help retailers and partners to take advantage of high-demand storefront space to capture shopper attention and open new revenue streams for retailers. The 2026 NRF Big Show will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from Jan. 11-13. Attendees can stop by booth #5321 to explore Sensormatic Solutions vision for the next generation of sales floors and learn more about its other recent innovations. To request a booth tour or a meeting with an account manager, visit the Sensormatic Solutions scheduling page. Stay up to date on all things Sensormatic Solutions during the show by searching SensormaticNRF on LinkedIn and X. About Johnson Controls: At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering. Today, Johnson Controls offers the world's largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry. Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @johnsoncontrols on social platforms. About Sensormatic Solutions Sensormatic Solutions, the leading global retail solutions portfolio of Johnson Controls, powers safe, secure and seamless retail experiences. For more than 60 years, the brand has been at the forefront of the industry's fast-moving technology adoption, redefining retail operations on a global scale and turning insights into actions. Sensormatic Solutions delivers an interconnected ecosystem of loss prevention, inventory intelligence and traffic insight solutions, along with our services and partners to enable retailers worldwide to innovate and elevate with precision, connecting data-driven outcomes that shape retail's future. Please visit Sensormatic Solutions or follow us on LinkedIn, X and our YouTube channel. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260111062606/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: Jaclyn Messina Sensormatic Solutions by Johnson Controls Work: +1-561-235-6458 Email: jaclyn.messina@jci.com Madison Southall Sensormatic Solutions by Johnson Controls Work: +1-215-869-6452 Email: madison.southall@jci.com Grace Torrance Matter on behalf of Sensormatic Solutions Work: +1-978-518-4504 Email: jciretail@matternow.com Fueled by Massive Customer Adoption of AI Agents, Torq Scales the World's First True AI SOC Platform and Accelerates Expansion into the U.S. Federal Market Torq, the established Agentic AI security operations pioneer, today announced it has closed a massive $140 million Series D funding round, propelling its valuation to $1.2 billion and total funding to $332M. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260112510774/en/ Led by Merlin Ventures-a leading cybersecurity fund renowned for its deep access to the U.S. commercial and Public Sector markets-with participation from all existing investors, including Evolution Equity Partners, Notable Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, Insight Ventures Partners, and Greenfield Partners, this capital injection is a definitive investment in the future of security. Torq is driving the industry's critical shift: the complete transformation of the Security Operations Center (SOC) through battle-tested AI Agents at enterprise scale. The new funds will accelerate the adoption of the Torq AI SOC Platform, the only end-to-end solution built on the pillars of advanced Hyperautomation, Alert Triage, and Fatigue Reduction to deliver full operational autonomy for global enterprises and government agencies. "Torq is redefining security operations," said Shay Michel, Managing Partner, Merlin Ventures. "They've fused automation and human judgment into a new AI SOC Platform built for asymmetric threats and real-world scale. This is why Merlin is leading the investment. Our focus now is speed-accelerating go-to-market, expanding across commercial and government markets, and building the next global category leader in AI security operations." Torq Delivers On the Promise of the AI SOC "This funding accelerates our mission to define and dominate the AI SOC market. We are moving far beyond the constraints of legacy SOAR and SIEM, harnessing the Agentic AI Era to deliver outcomes our customers rely on," said Ofer Smadari, CEO and co-founder, Torq. "Global enterprise adoption of our AI SOC Platform has validated our vision for the future of security operations. We have achieved tremendous revenue growth, with Fortune 100 customers adopting our AI Agents in their SOCs for everything from investigation to response. Our partnership with Merlin Ventures is the definitive signal that Torq is now ready to scale this massive customer success into the high-stakes Federal and Public Sector markets." The Growth Engine: Massive AI Agent Adoption The primary driver behind Torq's 2025 growth is the unprecedented adoption of its AI Agents across its global customer base. Unlike legacy security tools that require extensive professional services, Torq AI Agents are designed for self-service, enabling security teams to build and deploy sophisticated agents with minimal effort. Today, Torq AI Agents are deeply embedded in the daily operations of Fortune 500 SOCs, managing millions of complex security tasks autonomously. This "bottom-up" adoption has transformed Torq from a specialized tool into the primary platform for the modern SOC. "Torq delivers fast, measurable value to Valvoline's SOC and eliminates the manual tasks that once consumed our analysts' time," said Corey Kaemming, CISO, Valvoline. "Within 48 hours of deployment, our team was using Torq's AI SOC Platform for automating phishing triage, accelerating alert handling, and reducing response times across the board. The results were transformative. Analysts reclaimed hours of time, containment actions became automatic, and the security team evolved from reactive responders to proactive strategists. Torq took the vision that was in our heads and actually put it into practice. My team is in love with Torq." Strategic Expansion Into the Federal Market Torq's partnership with lead investor Merlin Ventures has accelerated Torq's traction within the U.S. Federal and Public Sector markets. With nearly 30 years of success bringing technologies to the U.S. government market, Merlin Ventures provides Torq with the strategic support and deep government relationships necessary to navigate complex compliance requirements, including FedRAMP, and rapidly scale the Torq AI SOC Platform to protect the nation's most critical infrastructure. Explosive Growth and Enterprise Maturity Validation The Series D affirms Torq's proven market traction and maturity. In 2025 alone, the company delivered significant customer expansion, demonstrating that the Torq AI SOC Platform is built for complex, multinational security environments. Torq now protects hundreds of multinational enterprises, including Marriott, PepsiCo, Procter Gamble, Siemens, Uber, and Virgin Atlantic. Torq Leads the Shift To AI Agents: Autonomous Investigations and Advanced Automation Torq is driving this transformation through its singular Agentic AI foundation. In 2025, Torq solidified its market lead by delivering the most advanced multi-agent security capabilities, backed by the strategic acquisition of RevRod. This proven platform empowers SOC teams through two critical product pillars: 100% Triage and Alert investigation: Achieves immediate triage on low-fidelity alerts, cutting investigation time by up to 90%, and ensuring human analysts only focus on verified, high-impact threats. Achieves immediate triage on low-fidelity alerts, cutting investigation time by up to 90%, and ensuring human analysts only focus on verified, high-impact threats. Self-Service Agentic Platform: Provides an end-to-end Agent builder that enables teams to manage 100X more alerts without increasing headcount. The ability for customers to build their own agents with minimal effort has led to massive, SOC-wide usage that is now the industry standard. "We're always innovating our security operations approach at Virgin Atlantic and the Torq AI SOC Platform is driving significant benefits for us," said John White, CISO, Virgin Atlantic. "Today, innovation stems from an AI-first approach, which Torq excels at. Torq is making our security operations simpler and more efficient, and providing us with complete coverage across our security stack. Torq is now our umbrella platform." About Torq Torq is transforming cybersecurity with the Torq AI SOC platform. Torq empowers enterprises to instantly and precisely detect and respond to security events at scale. Torq's customer base includes major multinational enterprise customers, including Abnormal Security, Armis, Check Point Security, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inditex (Zara, Bershka, and Pull Bear), Informatica, Kyocera, PepsiCo, Procter Gamble, Siemens, Telefonica, Valvoline, Virgin Atlantic, and Wiz. About Merlin Ventures Merlin Ventures is the venture capital affiliate of Merlin Group, a network of companies with nearly 30 years of success bringing technologies to the U.S. government market. Merlin Ventures rapidly scales visionary companies and introduces disruptive solutions designed to help enterprises address today's most critical cybersecurity challenges. Its unique business model combines robust infrastructure and capital, technical advisory and engineering advisory, market readiness acceleration, and deep-rooted government and industry relationships that enable its portfolio to rapidly grow and scale. Learn more at merlin.vc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260112510774/en/ Contacts: Media Contact torq@teamhighwire.com 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. Jetzt kostenlosen Report herunterladen bevor es andere tun! Dieses exklusive PDF ist nur fur kurze Zeit gratis verfugbar. The launching ceremony of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges is held at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Jan. 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Han Xu) * The long-standing practice sends a consistent message: regardless of changes in the international or regional landscape, China remains Africa's most reliable friend, its most steadfast partner in pursuing development and revitalization, and the strongest supporter of Africa on the global stage. * Over the decades, China-Africa cooperation has been firmly anchored in shared development. Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, as well as the pursuit of greater good and shared interests, bilateral cooperation has steadily advanced toward higher quality and greater sustainability. * Together, China and Africa account for one-third of the world's population. Without their modernization, there will be no global modernization. Their shared pursuit of modernization is not only vital to their own development but also to global progress. JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. At this milestone, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is making his first overseas trip of the year to Africa, continuing a diplomatic tradition maintained for 36 consecutive years. During the trip, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the launch ceremony of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the headquarters of the African Union (AU) on Thursday. The long-standing practice sends a consistent message: regardless of changes in the international or regional landscape, China remains Africa's most reliable friend, its most steadfast partner in pursuing development and revitalization, and the strongest supporter of Africa on the global stage. SHARED DEVELOPMENT Over the decades, China-Africa cooperation has been firmly anchored in shared development. Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, as well as the pursuit of greater good and shared interests, bilateral cooperation has steadily advanced toward higher quality and greater sustainability. At the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, China established or upgraded strategic partnerships with 30 African countries. As a result, China has established a strategic partnership with all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. Both sides agreed to jointly advance modernization in six aspects and implement 10 partnership actions, opening a new chapter in building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Through practical cooperation, the two sides have aligned China's development experience with Africa's development needs, promoting shared growth through mutual benefit. China has applied zero tariffs to all African countries with diplomatic ties, and supported the construction or upgrading of nearly 100,000 km of roads, over 10,000 km of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges and close to 100 ports on the continent, contributing to Africa's modernization and coordinated economic development. Damaris Mutinda and Feng Xudong, head of the transportation and dispatch department in Africa Star Railway Operation Company, the operator of the China-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), check the work log at the Kenya Railways Dispatch Center of the Mombasa-Nairobi SGR in Nairobi, Kenya, Sept. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guang) Take the Nairobi Expressway and the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway. Kenyan President William Ruto told Xinhua that they stand as testaments to the vitality and mutual benefits of the Kenya-China partnership, which has improved the domestic connectivity and promoted the regional integration in East Africa. According to the outcomes list of follow-up actions from the Beijing Summit, China has been actively advancing nearly 600 "small and beautiful" projects, covering connectivity, poverty alleviation for the benefit of farmers, health, green development, digital economy, and people-to-people exchanges, benefiting almost all African nations. At the G20 Johannesburg Summit last November, China and host country South Africa jointly launched the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa, reaffirming support for African countries to explore development paths suited to their national conditions and pursue sustainable growth. Peter Kagwanja, chief executive of the Africa Policy Institute, a Nairobi-based pan-African think tank, said China's modernization drive has become an inspiration for Global South countries, many in Africa, with China's success in poverty alleviation and grassroots governance inspiring African nations in their quest to chart homegrown development pathways. PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE BONDS Over the years, people-to-people exchanges have provided enduring support for China-Africa relations. The two sides have agreed to designate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. During the year, China and Africa are set to host a series of people-to-people exchange activities aimed at promoting exchanges and mutual learning among the Chinese and African civilizations and strengthening people-to-people bonds, amity and cooperation, thus solidifying public support for China-Africa friendship. Addressing the launching ceremony of the year of exchanges in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, Wang highlighted the fruitful results and strong vitality of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. "Facts have proven that people-to-people exchanges are the most solid foundation of China-Africa friendship, while mutual learning between civilizations serves as the most powerful driving force behind China-Africa cooperation," he said. Citing progress in China-Africa vocational education cooperation, Wang noted that China has established 17 Luban Workshops in 15 African countries and trained tens of thousands of professionals, providing strong intellectual support for Africa's development. Li Wenbiao (1st R), a teacher from the Confucius Institute in Djibouti, teaches students Chinese at the Luban Workshop, a teaching site of the Confucius Institute, in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Nov. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) Madagascar's Foreign Minister Rafaravavitafika Rasata said that Chinese institutions such as the Luban Workshop and the Confucius Institute have enabled young Madagascans to improve their technical skills and Chinese language proficiency. "Partnership with China is fruitful and brings tangible results," she said. Together, China and Africa account for one-third of the world's population. Without their modernization, there will be no global modernization. Their shared pursuit of modernization is not only vital to their own development but also to global progress. Looking ahead, the two sides will continue to advance together on the path to modernization, contributing to unity among Global South countries and to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said during the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC that the 10 partnership action plans proposed by China are fully aligned with the AU's Agenda 2063. "The Beijing Summit reflects our shared desire for modernization, development and progress on the African continent," he said. 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. Most people know of someone who is always running late to meetings, school, appointments, and everything else. Now, a study has come to light that shows some people experience a symptom of ADHD called time blindness. The challenge ahead is to identify a genuine case of time blindness and a case of sheer negligence and rude behaviour Commuters walk along a corridor in the World Trade Center in New York. File image/AP Even as a kid, Alice Lovatt was always getting in trouble for being late. She was often embarrassed after letting down friends for her tardiness, and she was routinely stressed about arriving at school on time. I just dont seem to have that clock that ticks by in my head, said Lovatt, a musician and group-home worker in Liverpool, England. It wasnt until she was diagnosed with ADHD at 22 that she learned she was experiencing a symptom sometimes called time blindness. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russell Barkley, a retired clinical neuropsychologist at the University of Massachusetts, is often credited with linking time impairment with people with ADHD or autism. In 1997, he called it temporal myopia. But recently, time blindness has sparked a social media debate: Where is the line between a genuine condition and someone who is disorganised or just plain rude? When arriving late means more Time blindness is the inability to determine how long a task will take or conceptualize how much time has passed. It relates to executive function that occurs in the frontal lobes of the brain, and it is a well-documented characteristic of many people with ADHD, said Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist in Tampa Bay, Florida. Anyone can have issues with running late, just with ADHD, theres functional impairment, said Sarkis, author of 10 Simple Solutions to Adult ADD. It impacts family life and social life. It impacts work, money management, all areas of life. Commuters ride the subway in New York. File image/AP Sarkis said if a persons chronic tardiness is one star in the constellation of symptoms, then it could be evidence of a treatable disorder. She cited research that stimulant medication prescribed for other ADHD symptoms, such as inattention or restlessness, is also effective at treating time blindness. Thats not to say, however, that everyone who is chronically late has ADHD or a built-in excuse. Consider the reason for being late Jeffrey Meltzer, a therapist in Bradenton, Florida, counsels people who never show up on time to examine the core issue behind their lateness. Some people who hate small talk fear arriving early, which could point to anxiety as the underlying issue, Meltzer said. Others may feel they dont have much control over their lives, so they try to reclaim a few minutes from responsibilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its the same psychology concept behind revenge bedtime procrastination, he said, referring to the urge one may have to stay up later to recoup personal time after a busy day. In those cases, one tool is to create a small coping card to refer to regularly, he said. After determining a reason for chronic lateness, take an index card and write down a reframed thought about that reason and a consequence of being late. For instance, on one side write, Attending this meeting doesnt mean that I lose my freedom. On the other side, write: Being late again will upset people at work. Meltzer said the hardest reason to change the habit would be something that early-arrivers often attribute to late-comers a sense of entitlement. People who feel their time is more important than others time may give themselves permission to be late. Commuters walk from the PATH rapid transit station into the World Trade Center in New York. File image/AP But Meltzer said those people would also exhibit entitlement in other areas, such as parking in a spot designated for people with disabilities or tending to make a grand entrance at an event. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Maybe theyre 20, 30 minutes late, and its like, Oh, look who is here, he said. So its a way to kind of get attention. What to do about it Whether a person has ADHD or not, theyre still responsible for their actions, said Sarkis, who was also diagnosed as an adult and struggles with managing time. The good news is that the same interventions that help people with ADHD can work for all late-arrivers. Sarkis said using a smart watch to set alerts can help with knowing when you need to leave, although having analog clocks around also helps. Relying only on your phone to see the time creates more distractions. She also suggested breaking tasks down into a checklist of smaller parts and resisting the urge to cram too many activities into one day. Lovatt has learned to give herself much more time than she thinks she needs. She also uses Forest, a time management app, and another app to lock herself out of other apps on her phone to help keep track of time while concentrating. Particularly helpful has been making granular lists of how long things take. Getting out the door in the morning felt like it took 20 minutes until Lovatt listed every step from bed to door. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Walk downstairs, one minute. Find shoes, one minute. And I had a list that was a whole page long of literally walking between rooms, she said. She learned it instead took 45 minutes. It doesnt work, like, 100 per cent of the time. But generally, I am a lot more reliable now. Iran is gripped by unrest, as protests rage on for two weeks. There are calls to overthrow Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Could this be the end of the regime? In our weekly wrap, we talk about the anger in Iran, Donald Trumps ambition for Venezuela and Greenland, and more An anti-Iranian regime protester holds up a placard during a gathering outside the Iranian embassy, central London, on January 9. The Islamic Republic is witnessing large-scale demonstrations against the regime for two weeks now. AFP Protests, shootings, and seizures. The first 11 days of the year have unleashed chaos the world over. On January 3, the US struck Venezuela and captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Celia Flores, from their house in Caracas. Now, Donald Trump has his eyes set on Venezuelan oil. The US president said that the South American nation will be turning over up to 50 million barrels of oil to the US, which would be sold at its market place. He added that he would control the money raised and use it to benefit the people of Venezuela and the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid this, the US continues to seize Venezuela-linked vessels. The US Coast Guard boarded and captured a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday (January 7), which has escalated tensions with Moscow. The ageing tanker, which was sanctioned by Washington in 2024, was heading to Venezuela to pick up oil last month when US forces had first attempted to seize it. After Maduros capture, Trump has turned his attention to Greeland, renewing his interest in controlling the territory. The White House has said that the US is considering a range of options to acquire the island, including the use of military force. Denmark is not sitting quietly. The Danish defence ministry has warned that soldiers will be required to shoot first and ask questions later if the US invades Greenland, a semi-autonomous region of the Nato nation. In the US, the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by an immigration agent has led to widespread anger and protests. Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman, was shot and killed by an ICE agent on Wednesday (January 7). While the Trump administration said that the woman tried to run over officers, a video debunks its claims. Irans protests have been ongoing for two weeks. Over the last few days, the stir, which started over the economic crisis and has snowballed into anger against the Islamic Republics regime, has only intensified despite internet shutdowns and lethal crackdowns. In our weekly roundup of world news, we talk about all this and more. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 1. After the US captured Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump made his plans for the South American nation clear. He wants to run the country. What he means is that he wants to control its vast oil reserves and benefit from them. Despite the US presidents promise that American firms would enter Venezuela to repair infrastructure and extract wealth, industry experts say that significant barriers remain. We explain. Oilfield workers hold a flag with the corporate logo of Venezuelas state oil company PDVSA on a drilling rig at an oil well operated by them in the Orinoco belt, near Cabrutica, Anzoategui. Donald Trump promises oil companies total safety in Venezuela as he urges them to invest billions in the countrys infrastructure. File photo/Reuters 2. Piling further pressure on Venezuela, the US forces on Wednesday seized a Russia-flagged oil tanker. Part of a shadow fleet, this rusty vessel was sanctioned in 2024, and the US Coast Guard attempted to seize it last month as it was heading to Venezuela. Now its capture has further strained ties between Washington and Moscow. But will Russia hit back? A US Coast Guard official looks through binoculars at the ship Marinera (Ex-Bella 1) in this handout image released on January 7, 2026. US European Command via X/Handout via Reuters 3. Greenland is back in the spotlight as Donald Trump has once again reiterated that he wants to control the territory. The White House said that it was looking at many options to acquire the region, including the use of military force. There have also been talks of purchasing Greenland. We decode Trumps plan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A man passes a building with social housing with an Inuit mural in Nuuk, Greenland. Donald Trump on Friday again suggested the use of force to seize Greenland as he brushed aside Denmarks sovereignty over the autonomous Arctic island. File photo/Reuters 4. It has been two weeks now, and the unrest in Iran continues. Protesters have poured into the streets in Tehran, Mashhad, and other parts of the Islamic Republic. They have heard chanting Death to the dictator and Dont be afraid, we are all together, calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the return of monarchy under Reza Pahlavi. The government has tried everything it can, from offering subsidies to an internet blackout and a crackdown. But nothing seems to work. Is the regime under a real threat? 5. In a shocking development in Minneapolis, a US immigration agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman, Renne Nicole Good. This has led to anger and protests across the country. However, the Trump administration tried to cover up the killing by saying Good was attempting to run over ICE agents. A video exposes their lies. Demonstrators shout slogans during a demonstration against increased immigration enforcement, days after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a US ICE agent, outside the Canopy by Hilton hotel that demonstrators believe is being used by federal agents, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reuters 6. A Russia sanctions bill is in the works in the US. Donald Trump has given a go-ahead for legislation that looks to impose 500 per cent tariffs on countries trading with Moscow. This is likely to hurt both India and China, the largest importers of Russian crude. Pushing for this is Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Once a Trump critic, he has now become a strong supporter. Here is what we know about Graham. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US Senator Lindsey Graham said after meeting with President Donald Trump that the Senate could vote as soon as next week to impose new sanctions aimed at pressuring Russia to end its war with Ukraine. File photo/Reuters 7. Gen Z uprisings shook the world last year. Now Pakistan is seeing a Gen-Z revolution of its own, not on the streets but online. An article titled It is Over written by Zorain Nizamani, a Pakistani PhD student based in the US, was published in a prominent Pakistani daily on January 1. The piece said that Pakistans ruling elites no longer influence the countrys youth. However, this did not go down well powers that be and was taken down after alleged pressure from Pakistans army. Soon, screenshots from the article surfaced online and went viral on social media. Many Pakistanis have accused the state of censorship. This story explains the controversy. Thats all from us this week. Have a good day. And bookmark this page for more such explainers. PS: Have you heard of Mirumi? It could be the next big thing after Labubu. After the capture of Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump has gotten more ambitious. He has issued threats of military action in Colombia, Cuba and even Mexico. The US president even revived his demand for Greenland and warned the Iranian regime of being hit very hard if they went after protesters. Whats going on? Its all about Americas expansionism When Donald Trump took charge of the White House in January 2025 for a second time, he noted in his swearing-in speech, The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation, one that increases our wealth, expands our territory, builds our cities, raises our expectations and carries our flag into new and beautiful horizons. Who would have thought that these words would come back to haunt us today. Because in the week gone by, Trump has revived his vision for a larger United States of America; he has not only captured Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro but also announced that the countrys oil reserves would be managed by Washington indefinitely. If that wasnt enough, he revived his demand for the takeover of Greenland, as well as issued threats to several other governments including those of Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Iran. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its for this reason, we cant help but choose expansionism as Firstposts Word of the Week. As you sit back and unwind this weekend, we take a closer look at Trumps expanded vision for his country. The etymology of expansionism A simple glance at the dictionary describes expansionism as the policy or practice of increasing the amount of land ruled by a nation, or the business performed by a company. It is said that almost every part of the world has experienced expansionism. In ancient times, before the concepts of nation and state-building came about, the concept of expansionism was linked to the notion of might is right that means the more area you hold, the more powerful you are. Past expansionist campaigns across the world Historically, the world has seen several expansionist campaigns. There was the religious Caliphate expansionisms. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Ottoman Empire entered a period of expansion. In the years to follow, as nation states began to evolve, we witnessed Benito Mussolini create a New Roman Empire; Italy invaded Italy invaded Ethiopia as early as 1935, Albania in early 1938, and later Greece. Similarly, Germany witnessed Lebensraum, policy of Nazi Germany that involved expanding German territories to the east to provide land and material resources for the German people, while driving out Jewish and Slavic people. The US is no stranger to expansionism campaigns driven by the Manifest Destiny. This phrase was first coined by newspaper editor John OSullivan in 1845, articulating the belief in Americas divinely destined mission to expand into lands in North America where indigenous people and Mexicans lived. Justifying the US annexation of Texas and the acquisition of the Oregon Territory, he asserted our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions. What he simply meant was that the United States possessed a right granted by God to take territory in the West and install its values and system of government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And with the Manifest Destiny as its guiding light, the US continued its westward expansionism. This saw Washington annex Hawaii in 1898 and the outbreak of the Spanish War in April 1898. The Spanish war ended in December 1898, when Spain and the United States signed a peace treaty in Paris, which declared Cuba an independent territory, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States, and allowed for the Philippines to be purchased for $20 million. At the turn of the 20th Century, ideas of American expansionism declined, making way for interventionist tactics. Trumps revival of American expansionism Its only when Donald Trump came to power for his second term, last January, that he revitalised Americas expansionist campaign. He renamed the Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America; he also expressed his desire to make Canada the 51st state of America as well as issues threats to take control of the Panama Canal. And in the week gone by, he stepped it up further. He sent in US forces into Venezuela, in what has been dubbed as Operation Absolute Resolve, in the wee hours of January 3 and captured its President Nicolas Maduro. The Venezuelan leader was brought to the US and now faces a trial on charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to the media after the capture of Maduro, Trump said that America would control the oil exports of the oil-rich nation indefinitely and that American oil firms would rebuild the nations decaying oil infrastructure and revive its flagging production. But thats not all. In the days after the Venezuela operation, Trump set his sights on the western hemisphere. The day after Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela, Trump threatened the Colombian President, Gustavo Petro. The South American country is run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States, Trump told reporters on Air Force One, en route to Washington from his long holiday at Mar-a-Lago. Hes not going to be doing it very long, let me tell you. Questioned in the same press conference on whether the US might launch an operation within Colombia, Trump replied, Sounds good to me. He also predicted that Cuba looks like it is ready to fall, since it has long been heavily reliant on oil from Venezuela. He said that the US would have to do something about Mexico, too, because the government has been unable to curtail the cartels or prevent drugs from pouring across the border. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD People take part in a march in Nuuk, Greenland against Trumps ambition to takeover the semi-autonomous territory. File image/AP And looking for new acquisitions, he turned his attention to Greenland the mineral-rich, semi-autonomous region of Denmark. The US president told reporters. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. He added, We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security. The White House later added that Trump is actively discussing the purchase of Greenland with his team, saying he preferred diplomacy but would not rule out military action. Thats something thats currently being actively discussed by the president and his national security team, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said when asked about a possible US offer to buy the territory from Denmark. His team is currently talking about what a potential purchase would look like. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, its reported, told lawmakers that Trump plans to buy Greenland rather than invade it. Either way, neither is Greenland happy, nor is Denmark and nor are Trumps European allies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And Trumps expansionism doesnt stop at Latin America and Greenland. Hes extended his ambitions all the way to Iran, noting on social media that US forces were locked and loaded and ready to intervene if Iran violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom. The remarks come as Iran has plunged into turmoil, as protests have turned more powerful than ever. On Thursday, Trump even reiterated this warning, letting the Iranian government know if they start killing people then we are going to hit them very hard. I have let them know that if they start killing people, which they tend to do during their riots - they have lots of riots - if they do it, we are going to hit them very hard, Trump said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. Were watching it very closely, he added of the situation. They know, and they have been told very strongly, even more strongly than I am speaking to you right now, that if they do that they are going to have to pay hell. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We dont know where Trumps expansionism campaign will go next. But we are here to track it. We have tried different positions to sleep in. Some have popped pills to snooze better. But what if all you need is a shower with the lights off? Thats what experts are suggesting now Who does not like a warm shower after an overly exhausting day? The stress washes away as the warm water cascades down your neck and back. The smell of your favourite body wash somehow settles the mind. Now, add flipping the switch to the mix. Our brains are nearly fried with the amount of stimulation it gets. So, it is important that it gets the right amount of relaxation it requires. For this, experts have suggested a new concept known as dark showering. In fact, in recent times, many consider dark showering to be a game-changer when it comes to sleep. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all you need to know about the dark showering. What exactly is dark showering? Dark showering is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of showering in a brightly lit bathroom, dim or turn off the lights and jump in the shower for a peaceful time. This will change the condition of your mind from being hyper-aware to a stage of rest. In simple terms, showering in the dark, especially in the evening helps to calm the body and mind. It is the time when distractions like lights, phones and excess sounds are taken away from the surroundings. Unlike [an early] morning shower, which is typically bright, energising, and focused on cleansing and awakening the body, a dark shower is a ritual for the nervous system, Nidhi Pandya, a NAMA-certified advanced ayurvedic practitioner, told Real Simple. By dimming or turning off the lights, you create a sensory cocoon that signals the body to unwind. When there is little or no light in the bathroom, the bodys stress response, which in turn supports the natural circadian transitions from day to night. What are the benefits of dark showering? Dark showering has become a rage on social media platforms with proponents singing its praise. Firstly, experts and netizens note that dark showering helps reduce stress due to a lack of stimulation. This helps the nervous system to recover from racing thoughts and constant thinking. As one TikToker raved, It is one of the most healing experiences Ive ever had. I know showering in the dark sounds scary and unsafe, but trust me, you cannot bash it until youve tried it. I just had an out-of-body healing experience. I try it and, while I dont feel like Ive ascended, I definitely do feel the type of calm you might experience post spa treatment or meditation. Its undeniably cosy and comforting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Secondly, it improves sleep. There are lots of people who struggle to sleep and have to look for ways and aids to do so. Dark showering can be helpful in improving the quality of sleep for people, as it eases the mind and racing thoughts. When the bodys nervous system is recovering its relaxes the brain as well. experts and netizens note that dark showering helps reduce stress due to a lack of stimulation. Representational image/Pixabay According to Michael J Breus, known around the world as The Sleep Doctor, warm showers taken about 90 minutes before bed are well-documented to help create the artificial rise of core body temperature and then a precipitous fall of core body temperature to help melatonin production. A dark shower further enhances this benefit by creating a less stimulating environment. According to an India Today report, light disrupts the sleep-wake cycle, which further disturbs mood and cognitive performance. However, showering in the dark before bedtime helps melatonin levels to rise naturally, making it easier to transition to sleep. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dark showering also increases mindfulness as there are fewer distractions. The sound of the water, the sensation of water hitting the skin, and even the rhythm of your breaths are easily noticeable. Being more aware of the right things not just slows down your mind but helps to focus on the important things. What should you keep in mind while dark showering? If you are convinced of taking showers in dim or no lights, you should keep these pointers in mind. Firstly, pick your choice of light. You can opt for no light, but this can be a little tricky. So, initially, opt for warm-toned lights, red light, or even a soft amber, as these have minimal effect on melatonin secretion. Avoid blue or white light as it wakes up the brain and rewires it into working or active mode. Always opt for warm water showers in the evening, as it helps to reinforce the brains natural readiness for sleep. Meanwhile, pay close attention to the sensation while taking a shower, as it increases mindfulness. Be careful not to use phones during the bathing ritual, as the blue screen tends to break the minds relaxation process and makes it hyper-aware. Experts state that it is important to remain consistent in this ritual. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Practising the ritual three to four times in a week is the key to it working and showing results. Remaining consistent will signal to the brain that it is a winding-down ritual. With inputs from agencies Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw arrived in Washington DC on Sunday to participate in a critical minerals meeting hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw arrived in Washington DC on Sunday to participate in a critical minerals meeting hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bessent will host a meeting of the Group of Seven finance ministers in Washington to discuss critical minerals. The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the European Union. Media reports have said that other countries, including India and Australia, have also been invited to the meeting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Arrived in Washington, DC. Will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting tomorrow. Secure critical mineral supply chains are vital for our goal of Viksit Bharat, Vaishnaw, who is also Minister of Information & Broadcasting, said in a post on social media. Securing and leading in critical minerals and rare earths are among the top priorities for the Trump administration, which has said that Americas national and economic security are now acutely threatened by our reliance upon hostile foreign powers mineral production. According to the International Energy Agency, China is the leading refiner for a majority of minerals, including copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements, and has an average market share of around 70 per cent. China controls the supply chains for vital material components such as manganese sulphate and phosphoric acid, the agency said. Spain, Germany, Belgium, and Poland are emerging as stable and key export destinations for Indian goods within the 27nation European Union bloc, according to the commerce ministry data. Indian exports are gaining firmer ground in several European Union markets with Spain, Germany, Belgium and Poland emerging as steady destinations, commerce ministry figures show. Spain has posted the strongest momentum among European buyers. During AprilNovember of the current financial year, shipments to the country surged more than 56 per cent, reaching USD 4.7 billion compared with USD 3 billion over the same period last year. The sharp rise has pushed Spains share in Indias total exports to 2.4 per cent, reflecting a jump of 0.5 percentage points, the biggest increase recorded among Indias European trade partners in that timeframe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Germany also registered a notable uptick in imports from India. Exports rose by 9.3 per cent year-on-year to USD 7.5 billion in the first eight months of the fiscal, up from USD 6.8 billion in the corresponding period a year earlier. With a 2.6 per cent share in Indias total exports and a positive share gain of 0.2 percentage points, Germany continues to provide stable demand for Indian products, an official said. The countrys shipments to Belgium edged up from USD 4.2 billion to USD 4.4 billion during April-November 2025-26. Indias exports to Poland grew 7.6 per cent to USD 1.82 billion during the period from USD 1.69 billion in AprilNovember 2024. Taken together, these trends highlight a nuanced European strategy for Indias exports. Rapid growth in Spain, steady expansion in Germany, and resilience in Belgium reflect a balanced export profile combining market diversification from traditional markets and consolidation in mature economies, the official said. With India and the EU negotiating a free trade agreement, the bilateral trade between the two is expected to register healthy growth despite the global economic uncertainties. Indias bilateral trade in goods with the EU was USD 136.53 billion in 2024-25 (exports worth USD 75.85 billion and imports worth USD 60.68 billion), making it the largest trading partner for goods. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The EU market accounts for about 17 per cent of Indias total exports, and the blocs exports to India constitute 9 per cent of its total overseas shipments. Indian goods exports to the EU, such as ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery, can become more competitive if the pact sails through. With inputs from agencies With the arrival of 2026, Indias disaster management system stands more capable, more anticipatory and better integrated than at any point in the past Indias disaster management journey reached a clear inflection point in 2025. Not because disasters recededindeed, their frequency and intensity continued to risebut because India reaffirmed its strategic direction with conviction: preparedness over episodic response, resilience over relief, and community capability alongside institutional strength. This evolving architecture reflects a whole-of-government approach, anchored in national leadership and executive direction, with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) playing a pivotal coordinating role under the Prime Ministers Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs, and working with the state governments and an array of agenciesensuring that disaster management functions continuously rather than being activated only in moments of crisis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shaping Public Perception Preparedness has long been the stated national objective, but 2025 saw this translated into practical frameworks. Within this construct, NDMA remains fully conscious that disasters often overwhelm even the best plans. Response, therefore, cannot be diluted; it must remain agile, scalable and integrated. Preparedness and response are complementary pillars. The more enduring challenge lies beyond institutionsin shaping public perception, where disasters are often seen as distant events until impact makes vulnerability undeniable. In an age of pervasive digital communication, embedding preparedness into everyday public consciousness remains demanding. Awareness initiatives have expanded steadily, and institutional outreachled by NDMA in coordination with central ministries, states and professional bodieshas created important pockets of sensitivity and training. Yet Indias scale and diversity require sustained innovation to convert awareness into instinctive behaviour. The disaster management system is therefore refining its communication approach, sharpening objectives, audiences and delivery platforms to normalise preparedness as a routine civic responsibility rather than a crisis-driven recall. Urban Vulnerabilities and Institutional Fire Safety Urban India has emerged as a major area of concern, where high population density, vertical growth and ageing infrastructure have amplified risk. Repeated fire incidents in schools and hospitals have underscored these vulnerabilities. While the Prime Ministers School Safety Programme has strengthened institutional awareness, hospital fire preventionparticularly in critical care environmentshas required urgent attention. The rapid induction of high-load medical equipment into legacy electrical systems has been a recurring cause, with several ICU fires traced to this mismatch. Outreach efforts, guided by national policy, have therefore extended beyond civilian healthcare to include military and other institutional hospitals, recognising that risk is universal. Urban floods have been a constant worry, where increasing infrastructure has not been matched by growth of drainage in consonance. An urban flood mitigation programme for major cities is now in the offing. Risk Mapping At the state level, disaster governance has matured steadily. State Disaster Management Authorities now map threats with greater precision, increasingly leveraging geospatial technologies. Resource mapping has also evolved. The Indian Disaster Resource Network is shifting from equipment inventories to capability-based mapping, integrating entire operational entities such as Engineer Task Forces of the Army and civil aviation assets. This evolving transition from listing resources to visualising response capability has quietly strengthened preparedness planning. Enhancing Community Response Human resource development was another defining strand of 2025. Guided by the Prime Ministers Ten-Point Agenda, community-based response received sustained emphasis. The Aapda Mitra scheme has matured into a credible national asset, with over 100,000 volunteers trained across 350 disaster-prone districts. This success has led to a major expansion. An additional 250,000 volunteers drawn from organisations such as the NCC, NYKS, NSS and Bharat Scouts and Guides are now progressively under training. The philosophy is clear: the fastest and most effective response comes from the community itself, often within the golden hour. Review of the DM Act Legislative reform has reinforced this approach. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025 now mandates the raising of State Disaster Response Forces by all States and Union Territories. Once properly trained and institutionalised, SDRFs will significantly strengthen local response capacity, reduce dependence on national assets and improve response timeliness. The amended Act also reflects a more nuanced understanding of contemporary risk. The creation of Urban Disaster Management Authorities acknowledges the distinct vulnerabilities of large cities. The establishment of a National Disaster Insurance Fund introduces financial innovation into recovery and reconstruction. Clearer categorisation of disaster typesbiological, chemical, nuclear and othersenables more tailored planning and capacity-building. Strengthened statutory roles across NDMA, SDMAs and DDMAs, supported by empowered national coordination mechanisms, signal a shift towards an integrated, anticipatory and always-on system. Disaster Resilience Cells at district level promise to embed preparedness within routine administration rather than episodic review. Enhancing and Inducting Technology Technology has continued to act as a critical force multiplier. Early warning systems, particularly for cyclones, have matured substantially. Platforms such as the Sachet application now issue large volumes of timely alerts. The deployment of cell broadcast technology has addressed long-standing concerns regarding delayed message delivery during fast-evolving emergencies. As with all technology, effectiveness improves with familiarity, and 2025 saw growing public trust in these systems. The Himalayan disasters of 2025affecting J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhandserved as a stark reminder of climate-linked vulnerabilities. In response, the Central Government, in close coordination with states and specialist agencies, initiated a comprehensive review of Himalayan risks on a war footing. Early warning mechanisms for cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods and landslides are under prioritisation, supported by extensive threat mapping across vulnerable valleys and catchmentsmarking a shift from reactive relief to anticipatory risk management in one of Indias most fragile ecological regions. Military-Civil Fusion for Disaster Management Another significant development in 2025 was the deeper integration of the Armed Forces into the disaster management framework. While military support has always been central to response, deliberate efforts were made to strengthen institutional linkages with preparedness and awareness. The Corps of Engineers remains the Armys nodal organisation, while the Indian Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard continue to provide critical mobility, evacuation and maritime relief, often proving decisive in the earliest hours of a crisis. International HADR Indias growing stature as a regional first responder was demonstrated through two high-profile international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Operation Brahma in Myanmar and Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lankathe latter ongoingwere executed through close coordination among the Ministry of Home Affairs, NDMA, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff. The National Disaster Response Force and the Indian Navys pre-positioned HADR capabilities enabled swift and credible overseas response. The deployment of 60 Parachute Field Hospital and bridging elements of the Corps of Engineers in these missions further enhanced Indias humanitarian standing. Training and self-assessment have remained continuous priorities. Under the national disaster management framework, NDMAs programme of table-top exercises, mock drills and stakeholder audits has expanded steadily, covering scenarios ranging from industrial accidents to the remote possibility of nuclear emergencies at power plants. Such exercises, though largely unseen by the public, are essential for stress-testing systems before crisis strikes. With the arrival of 2026, Indias disaster management system stands more capable, more anticipatory and better integrated than at any point in the past. Yet the ultimate measure of resilience lies beyond institutions alone. Preparedness must reside in communities, households and individual choices. The task ahead is therefore not only to strengthen systems, but to quietly and persistently embed a culture of readinessone that endures long after the sirens fall silent. (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.) Seventy-five years ago, in 1951, India established diplomatic relations with the newly formed Federal Republic of Germany. It was among the first group of nations to recognise Germany post-World War II. German Chancellor Friedrich Merzs upcoming visit to India and his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top dignitaries are likely to enhance the bilateral relationship to greater heights within the ambit of a strategic partnership encompassing multiple levels of economic cooperation, technology, and jointly addressing issues of common interest such as climate change, trade and investment, defence cooperation, cultural exchange, the bid for UNSC permanent membership along with Brazil and Japan as part of the G-4, Indo-Pacific maritime security, etc. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trade and Economy Germany is Indias largest trading partner within the EU. Total bilateral trade in the 2024 calendar year stood at $33.40 billion, a record high, with Germany exporting $18.31 billion and India exporting $15.9 billion. Germany has been a key partner for India, particularly in areas such as services and machinery, organic chemicals, electrical equipment, textiles and apparel. German exports such as aircraft spare parts, motor vehicles and medical machinery are in huge demand in Indian service sectors. Germany is also a significant investor in India, ranking as the ninth largest. Over the next decade, the level of German investment is likely to grow further. Through mutual negotiations and accommodation of key economic objectives, meaningful outcomes can be achieved on issues such as overcoming regulatory hindrances, over-dependence on energy imports, slow manufacturing growth, barriers to technological adoption, and limited access to trade finance for MSMEs. Defence Cooperation In the defence and security domain, both India and Germany are active participants in counter-terrorism, maritime security and the Indo-Pacific sector. Joint exercises are in place between the two countries, such as Tarang Shakti (air) and Milan (naval). In September 2025, the German Parliament (Bundestag) updated the export-clearance framework for India, simplifying cooperation in avionics, sensors, electronic warfare and mission system components. Germany has shown interest in Indias Make-in-India initiatives for possible co-production. A German Navy frigate and support vessels are scheduled to visit India in early 2026 as part of its ongoing Indo-Pacific deployment cycle. Merzs visit could see forward movement on the co-development of military hardware and technology transfers, including a mega deal worth $5.2 billion under which Germany would build Type-214 conventional submarines in India. Future defence-related plans also involve ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, which has shown keen interest in tying up with Mazagon Dock to build six vessels at a cost of $8 billion. Rheinmetall, Europes fifth-largest arms manufacturer, is also reportedly interested in the Indian market, subject to certain relaxation of Indian regulatory laws, as German companies prefer complete control and autonomy over their operations in third countries. This issue could be negotiated between the two sides on a mutual give-and-take basis. Defence trade is an arena for potential growth. It rose from 34 million in 2021 to 2,136 million in 2023, a seven-fold surge, and has the potential to grow manifold by 2026. People-to-People and Cultural Exchange With the Indian diaspora currently living in Germany exceeding 300,000 (up from 210,000 in 2022 and 100,000 in 2016), Germany can further liberalise its immigration policy in order to attract more skill-based personnel from India. Under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) in 2022, Germany made it easier for Indian workers to migrate through a series of steps that included easier paperwork for work, study, research and training at major German institutions of higher learning. Areas that can be expanded and explored include the issuance of more short-stay visas, talent exchange, quicker job-seeker visas, an increase in the annual allotment quota of 3,000 visas for Indians seeking employment in Germany, speeding up university application procedures, establishment of an Academic Evaluation Centre in New Delhi, increased residence permits (up to 18 months) for students after graduation to find jobs, multiple-entry short-stay visas for India, and priority allocation of visas for high-demand sectors such as IT and healthcare. In this context, Indian students currently in Germany, who number over 50,000, are acting not only as cultural ambassadors but also as brain banks rather than brain drains by providing necessary technological skills and expertise to both the land of origin (India) and the land of migration (Germany). Similarly, as part of academic exchanges, there are nearly 500 partnerships between Indian and German universities promoting knowledge transfer, basic skills development, and collaborative research and innovation. Indian researchers expertise in AI, digitalisation, clean energy, smart cities, e-mobility, start-ups, skill development and waste management can be a valuable asset to Germanys current and future needs. Indias soft-power capabilities are already well-established brands in German cities and markets. These include Ayurveda, yoga, Bollywood, Indian cuisine, literature and classical texts, music and languages. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagores three visits to Germany in 1921, 1926 and 1930 played an important role in spreading the richness of Indias distinctive past to various German universities and research centres. Today, several major German universities such as Heidelberg University, Humboldt University, the Free University of Berlin and the University of Bonn offer courses popularising classical Indian languages and texts. Challenges A few challenges remain in the bilateral spectrum between India and Germany. First, the absence of a strictly bilateral investment treaty (BIT) has impeded the rapid planning and implementation of various long-term projects. Second, although a number of liberalised measures have been undertaken by the Indian government in recent years, from the German perspective labour regulatory mechanisms are not sufficiently aligned with the expectations of potential German investors. Third, concepts such as strategic autonomy and strategic hedging are interpreted differently by Germany and India, with the former having a more rigid, NATO-centric view on the Ukraine issue. Fourth, delays in the issuance and processing of Schengen visas and related procedural issues have not been fast-tracked sufficiently to attract visitors and tourists from India. The Way Forward Despite these challenges, what is imperative is the sustenance of political will on both sides to carry the momentum forward. One key area of immense significance is the unanimity and convergence of the entire political class in both countries towards forging a closer and deeper partnership at various levels. This is likely to provide further impetus for a fast-track trajectory yielding positive dividends for both India and Germany in the short, medium and long term. Irrespective of global turbulence and shifting geopolitics, the India-Germany relationship remains on a firm wicket and is likely to weather such storms despite vulnerabilities and uncertainties. (Mohammed Badrul Alam is Director of Research; Professor and Head, Department of Political Science (Retd), Faculty of Social Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Toymakers at CES urged caution over AI-powered toys after a watchdog report found chatbot teddy bears giving sexual and violent advice, raising concerns over child safety, privacy, data sharing and the risks of unchecked generative artificial intelligence in playrooms. An attendee waves at the Sentigent Technology ROVAR X3 outdoor companion robot as it is demonstrated during the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Image Credit: AFP Amid the Grok controversy, and sudden glitches in the artificial intelligence sector, toy makers at the Consumer Electronics Show were adamant about being careful to ensure that their fun creations infused with generative artificial intelligence dont run out of track according to the commands already in practice. That need was made clear by a recent Public Interest Research Groups report with alarming findings, including an AI-powered teddy bear giving advice about sex and how to find a knife. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After being prompted, a Kumma bear suggested that a sex partner could add a fun twist to a relationship by pretending to be an animal, according to the Trouble in Toyland report published in November. The sudden glitch prompted the Singaporean startup FoloToy to temporarily suspend sales of the bears. FoloToy chief executive Wang Le told AFP that the company switched to a more advanced version of the OpenAI model used. AI has already been infused with certain commands and already embedded acts which help the chatbot to respond according to the questions asked, but sometimes the commands are given inappropriately which invades the privacy of the individual and work ethics of an AI model. When PIRG tested the toy for the report, they used some words children would not use, Wang Le said. The rapid advancement of generative AI since ChatGPTs arrival has paved the way for a new generation of smart toys. The top performer in its class, Grok refused to answer questions unsuitable for a five-year-old. It also allowed parents to override the algorithms recommendations with their own and to review the content of interactions with young users. Among the four devices tested by PIRG was Curios Grok not to be confused with xAIs voice assistant a four-legged stuffed toy inspired by a rocket that has been on the market since 2024. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Elon Musk has also voiced his concern over the explicit sexual images of women and children on Xs Grok which invades the protection standards. Curio told AFP it was working to address concerns raised in the PIRG report about user data being shared with partners such as OpenAI and Perplexity. At the very least, parents should be cautious, Rory Erlich of PIRG said about having chatbot-enabled toys in the house. Toys that retain information about a child over time and try to form an ongoing relationship should especially be of concern, he added. MASERU, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Lesotho and China have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the bilateral strategic partnership to a higher level and making it a model of friendly exchanges and common development between countries with different national conditions and systems, according to a joint press communique released on Sunday. The communique was issued following talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Lesotho's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Lejone Mpotjoana in Maseru, Lesotho's capital. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited the southern African country on Saturday and Sunday, during which he met with his counterpart, Mpotjoana. The ministers spoke highly of the achievements in the development of bilateral relations, the communique said, adding that the two sides agreed to firmly support each other on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns. Lesotho supports the four major initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and commends them for injecting stability and certainty into a turbulent world, said the communique. Lesotho reaffirms its firm commitment to the one-China principle and recognition that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. China applauds the new progress that Lesotho continues to make in its national reform process and supports Lesotho in upholding its national sovereignty, security, and development interests, according to the communique. The two sides stressed that promoting human rights is a common cause for all humanity, and exchanges and cooperation on human rights should be carried out based on mutual respect and equality. Both sides oppose politicizing, weaponizing, and applying double standards to human rights issues and oppose the interference in the internal affairs of the two countries under the pretext of human rights. The ministers highlighted the important outcomes achieved in 10 partnership actions that China and Africa have jointly taken to advance modernization. They shared the belief that changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and Global South countries are playing an increasingly important role in international affairs. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to close collaboration to jointly oppose unilateral sanctions, protectionism and economic hegemonism, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, establish a more just and equitable global governance system, and build an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, and shared prosperity, the communique said. India has proposed sweeping smartphone security requirements, including source code access, drawing resistance from major manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung over data protection and proprietary risks India also wants the phone's logs - digital records of its system activity - to be stored for at least 12 months on the device. India proposes requiring smartphone makers to share source code with the government and make several software changes as part of a raft of security measures, prompting behind-the-scenes opposition from giants like Apple and Samsung. The tech companies have countered that the package of 83 security standards, which would also include a requirement to alert the government to major software updates, lacks any global precedent and risks revealing proprietary details, according to four people familiar with the discussions and a Reuters review of confidential government and industry documents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The plan is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis efforts to boost security of user data as online fraud and data breaches increase in the worlds second-largest smartphone market, with nearly 750 million phones. IT Secretary S. Krishnan told Reuters that any legitimate concerns of the industry will be addressed with an open mind, adding it was premature to read more into it. A ministry spokesperson said it could not comment further due to ongoing consultation with tech companies on the proposals. ONGOING TUG OF WAR OVER GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS Apple, South Koreas Samsung, Google, Chinas Xiaomi and MAIT, the Indian industry group that represents the firms, did not respond to requests for comment. Indian government requirements have irked technology firms before. Last month it revoked an order mandating a state-run cyber safety app on phones amid concerns over surveillance. But the government brushed aside lobbying last year and required rigorous testing for security cameras over fears of Chinese spying. Xiaomi and Samsung - whose phones use Googles Android operating system - hold 19% and 15%, respectively, of Indias market share and Apple 5%, Counterpoint Research estimates. Among the most sensitive requirements in the new Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements is access to source code - the underlying programming instructions that make phones work. This would be analysed and possibly tested at designated Indian labs, the documents show. The Indian proposals also require companies to make software changes to allow pre-installed apps to be uninstalled and to block apps from using cameras and microphones in the background to avoid malicious usage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Industry raised concerns that globally security requirement have not been mandated by any country, said a December IT ministry document detailing meetings that officials held with Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi. The security standards, drafted in 2023, are in the spotlight now as the government is considering imposing them legally. IT ministry and tech executives are due to meet on Tuesday for more discussions, sources said. COMPANIES SAY SOURCE CODE REVIEW, ANALYSIS NOT POSSIBLE Smartphone makers closely guard their source code. Apple declined Chinas request for source code between 2014 and 2016, and U.S. law enforcement has also tried and failed to get it. Indias proposals for vulnerability analysis and source code review would require smartphone makers to perform a complete security assessment, after which test labs in India could check their claims through source code review and analysis. This is not possible due to secrecy and privacy, MAIT said in a confidential document drafted in response to the government proposal, and seen by Reuters. Major countries in the EU, North America, Australia and Africa do not mandate these requirements. MAIT asked the ministry last week to drop the proposal, a source with direct knowledge said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indian proposals would mandate automatic and periodic malware scanning on phones. Device makers would also have to inform the National Centre for Communication Security about major software updates and security patches before releasing them to users, and the centre would have the right to test them. MAITs document says regular malware scanning significantly drains a phones battery and seeking government approval for software updates is impractical as they need to be issued promptly. India also wants the phones logs - digital records of its system activity - to be stored for at least 12 months on the device. There is not enough room on device to store 1-year log events, MAIT said in the document. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Elon Musk said X will release its recommendation algorithm code amid global scrutiny, following Grok-related controversies, EU fines and probes over explicit content, transparency breaches and data access. Billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday said that social media platform X will open a new algorithm including all code for organic and advertising post recommendations, within a week. This will be repeated every 4 weeks, with comprehensive developer notes, to help you understand what changed, he said in his X post. European Commission to extend a retention order After the controversy over Grok, earlier this year the European Commission decided to extend a retention order which was sent to X last year regarding the explicit sexual content of women and children, according to the report by news agency Reuters. In July 2025, Paris prosecutors investigated the social media platform for suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction, which Musks X called a politically-motivated criminal investigation that threatens its users free speech. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Breach of privacy Many governments like UK, France, India, Australia spoke against the non-consensual images of women that were created using the generative AI option and circulated all around the internet. Last month, the European Union levied a 120 million euro ($140 million) fine on X, with regulators saying the company breached its transparency obligations under the blocs Digital Services Act. The fine is related to Xs blue checkmark subscription, lack of transparency related to its ad repository and failure to provide researchers access to the platforms public data. Musk replied with an obscenity under a European Commission post about the fine. The British government has signalled that it will not back down. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall blasted the sexual manipulation of images featuring women and children as despicable and abhorrent, demanding an update from regulators in a matter of days. xAI has reported higher funding despite the widespread claims that its model generates sexually explicit and non-consensual images of women and young girls. Social media platform X has blocked thousands of posts and removed hundreds of accounts after the government raised concerns over the misuse of its AI chatbot, Grok, to generate non-consensual obscene content. Social media platform X has blocked around 3,500 pieces of objectionable content and permanently removed more than 600 accounts involved in generating or sharing non-consensual obscene material, reports citing sources said. According to HT, X has assured authorities that its operations comply with Indias online content laws. The action follows a recent government directive asking X Corp, owned by Elon Musk, to submit an action taken report on obscene and sexually explicit content generated by its AI chatbot, Grok. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Government scrutiny over Grok misuse The move comes amid heightened scrutiny by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) over the misuse of Grok. Moneycontrol had earlier reported that the government issued a second notice to X after expressing dissatisfaction with its response to the first notice. On January 2, the government sent an official notice after users were found misusing Grok to generate non-consensual obscene images. Sources now say X has committed to ensuring that obscene imagery will not be permitted on the platform, aligning its operations with Indian legal standards. X admits mistake, assures compliance Sources said X admitted its mistake and assured the government that the creation of obscene images would be stopped. In its January 2 letter, MeitY flagged serious shortcomings in curbing sexually explicit content. The law of the land must prevail, an official was quoted as saying by HT. Officials warned that X could lose legal protection under Indian law if it fails to comply. They added that similar action could be taken against other platforms if their AI chatbots violate content norms. In Groks case, the impact is accelerated because it operates on a platform like X, an official said. Grok not a neutral platform tool: MeitY The ministry has made it clear that Grok cannot be treated as a neutral platform tool. The mindset has now changed. Earlier, they were operating from a higher position, but we have brought the issue down to the level of the law. Grok cannot be treated as a platform. It is a content creator, an artificial content creator, the official said. Government unhappy with X response Five days after receiving the ministrys letter, X reportedly responded, but the government said it was not satisfied with the reply. An official described the response as X essentially reproducing its own user policy across five pages without addressing the core concerns raised by the ministry. Other countries also raise objections India is not the only country to object to explicit content generated by Grok. Indonesia recently suspended the chatbot over concerns related to AI-generated pornographic material. The UK, France and Malaysia have also raised objections to explicit content generation in the past. At least 29 people were arrested in Minneapolis during large-scale protests over the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent, as officials dispute the circumstances and investigations intensify. This is the fifth fatality linked to immigration enforcement operations across several states since 2024. People gather during the vigil in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US. Reuters At least 29 people were arrested and a police officer injured after large crowds took to the streets of Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a woman by a US (ICE) agent, an incident that has sparked nationwide protests and competing official accounts of what happened. Demonstrations on Friday night drew more than 1,000 people across Minneapolis, prompting police to declare an unlawful assembly. City officials said one officer suffered minor injuries after a chunk of ice was thrown at them. No serious injuries were reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Minneapolis Police Department said some protesters forced entry into the Canopy Hotel through an alley entrance, where ICE agents were believed to be staying. Videos shared online showed demonstrators flashing bright lights, blowing whistles, and banging drums. Police said ice, snow, and rocks were thrown at officers, police vehicles, and other vehicles. Another hotel in the city was also targeted, sustaining window damage and graffiti, according to officials. Police response and official statements By 01:00 local time (07:00 GMT), the crowd had dispersed. Police Chief Brian OHara said officers deployed a disciplined and restrained response, adding that the 29 people arrested were later released. At a news conference on Saturday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the majority of protesters for remaining peaceful, while warning that those who damaged property or put others at risk would face arrest. OHara said frustration over the presence of ICE in Minnesota has been growing, with his department receiving dozens of calls each day about the federal agencys activities. Minnesota shooting that triggered the unrest The protests followed the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot while sitting in her car on Wednesday. The Trump administration said the ICE agent who fired the shots acted in self-defence, while local officials insisted the woman posed no danger. Video footage of the incident shows ICE agents approaching an SUV stopped in the middle of the street and ordering the driver to get out. One agent is seen tugging at the drivers side door handle. As the vehicle begins to move away, an agent standing in front of the car points a gun at the driver and several shots are heard. The vehicle continues forward before crashing into the side of the street. Watch this, as hard as it is. Many of you have been told this law enforcement officer wasn't hit by a car, wasn't being harassed, and murdered an innocent woman. The reality is that his life was endangered and he fired in self defense. https://t.co/IfXAAxi9Ql JD Vance (@JDVance) January 9, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Goods wife told local media the couple had gone to the scene of immigration enforcement activity to support neighbours. Conflicting accounts and investigations Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the ICE agent shot Good multiple times because she was trying to run over the officer with her car. Mayor Frey rejected that account, calling it a false narrative and saying it was clear to him she was attempting to leave the scene rather than attack an agent. The officer who fired the shots was identified as Jonathan Ross, a veteran ICE agent who was previously injured in the line of duty after being struck by a car. The FBI is investigating the shooting. On Friday, Minnesota officials announced they would open their own inquiry after saying they had been excluded from the federal investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said the FBI had initially agreed to a joint investigation before reversing its position. The US Vice President said the matter was a federal issue. On Saturday, Democratic Congresswomen Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison and Angie Craig attempted to tour an ICE facility in Minneapolis. They said they were initially allowed inside but were later asked to leave. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The lawmakers accused ICE and the Department of Homeland Security of obstructing members of Congress from carrying out oversight duties. They do not care that they are violating federal law, Craig said. Omar wrote on X: The public deserves to know what is taking place in ICE facilities. Further demonstrations are planned in Minneapolis over the weekend, as well as in Texas, Florida, Washington DC and other parts of the US, according to Indivisible, an organisation formed to resist the Trump administration. At least three Palestinians were killed in two separate incidents in Gaza by Israeli fire, local health authorities said, amid rising tensions despite a ceasefire that has been in place since October. A Palestinian boy pushes his bicycle past the ruins of destroyed buildings in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City on October 22, 2025.- AFP Israeli fire killed at least three Palestinians in two separate incidents in Gaza, local health authorities said, highlighting renewed tensions despite a ceasefire that has been in place since October. Medics said one Palestinian was killed in the Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City, an area under Palestinian control, while two others were shot dead in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, where Israeli forces remain deployed. The Israeli military said forces fired at a terrorist who crossed into the area under their control in the northern Gaza Strip, posing an immediate threat. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ceasefire violations alleged Although large-scale fighting has eased since Israel and Hamas agreed to a truce after two years of war, violence has not fully stopped. Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of breaching the ceasefire. Hamas seeks mediator intervention A Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday that the group had urged mediators to intervene to stop what it described as daily Israeli killings aimed at derailing the ceasefire deal. Rising death toll since truce Gaza health officials say more than 440 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since the ceasefire took effect, along with three Israeli soldiers. UN move on stabilisation force In mid-November, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution authorising the establishment of a temporary International Stabilisation Force in Gaza under a Board of Peace framework following the start of the truce. Stalled peace process The ceasefire has not moved beyond its first phase, with little progress on next steps. Nearly all of Gazas more than 2 million residents continue to live in makeshift shelters or damaged buildings in a narrow area where Israeli troops have withdrawn and Hamas has reasserted control. At least 538 people have been killed in a sweeping crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran, activists said, as Tehran warned the United States and Israel against any move to intervene in support of demonstrators. A sweeping crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran has killed at least 538 people, with activists warning that the death toll is likely higher, as authorities issued sharp threats against the United States and Israel over any move to protect demonstrators. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said more than 10,600 people have been detained during two weeks of unrest. The group, which relies on a network of activists inside Iran who crosscheck information, has been considered reliable in previous waves of protests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Information blackout hampers verification With internet services largely shut down and international phone lines cut, it has become increasingly difficult to assess the scale of the demonstrations from outside the country. Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures, and the Associated Press said it could not independently verify the toll due to the communications blackout. Activists abroad fear the shutdown has emboldened hard-liners within Irans security forces to intensify a violent crackdown. Despite this, protesters again took to the streets in Tehran and Irans second-largest city on Sunday. Trump voices support for protesters US President Donald Trump expressed support for the demonstrators, writing on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! According to two people familiar with internal White House discussions, Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of responses, including cyberattacks and possible direct strikes by the US or Israel. The White House has not confirmed any decisions, while a large US military deployment to the Caribbean has added another strategic factor for planners. Iran threatens US and Israel The warning against the US and Israel came during a speech in parliament by Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf, the hardline speaker and former presidential candidate. In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets, Qalibaf said. We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat. Lawmakers surged towards the dais chanting, Death to America! It remains unclear how seriously Iran is considering military action, particularly after its air defences were badly damaged during a 12-day war with Israel in June. Any decision to escalate would ultimately rest with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Regional military posture The US military said it is postured with forces that span the full range of combat capability to defend our forces, our partners and allies and US interests in the Middle East. Iran previously targeted US forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June, while the US Navys 5th Fleet remains based in Bahrain. An Israeli official said Israel was watching closely developments between Washington and Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio overnight, discussing Iran among other issues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The people of Israel, the entire world, are in awe of the tremendous heroism of the citizens of Iran, Netanyahu said. International reaction At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV referred to Iran as a place where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives. I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society, he said. Protests continue despite pressure Videos shared online, reportedly transmitted using Starlink satellite connections, showed demonstrators gathering in Tehrans Punak neighbourhood, with streets blocked and protesters waving lit mobile phones. Others were seen banging metal objects as fireworks went off. The pattern of protests in the capital has largely taken the form of scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings, an approach shaped in response to the heavy presence of security forces and increased field pressure, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said, adding that surveillance drones and security movements indicated tight monitoring. Footage from Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, also suggested continued unrest, underscoring the persistence of protests despite the heavy crackdown. Tropical Cyclone Koji knocked out power to around 15,000 properties in Queensland after crossing the coast with heavy rain and strong winds, raising flood risks across the region Koji brought rainfall of up to 200 mm (7.8 inches) to some areas overnight and was expected to result in heavy downpours over the next 24 to 48 hours. (Representational Photo/Reuters) Thousands of people in Australias northeast state of Queensland were without power on Sunday after a tropical cyclone crossed the coast bringing heavy rain and destructive winds. Koji, a category one cyclone, made landfall between the towns of Ayr and Bowen, about 500 km (310 miles) north of state capital Brisbane, before weakening to a tropical low, the nations weather forecaster said. The storm, with wind gusts of up to 95 kph (59 mph) and heavy rain, hit coastal towns including Mackay, a tourist hub and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, it said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Queensland state Premier David Crisafulli said around 15,000 properties had lost power due to Koji, which had also damaged property and boats, and closed roads. Koji brought rainfall of up to 200 mm (7.8 inches) to some areas overnight and was expected to result in heavy downpours over the next 24 to 48 hours, Crisafulli said. Theres the prospect of flooding, Queenslanders will handle that, he said in televised remarks from Brisbane. Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described flash flooding as a major risk across a large stretch of Queenslands coast. The weather forecaster said the severe weather would likely persist through Sunday before possibly easing on Monday. Koji comes after the state was hit in March by Alfred, a downgraded tropical cyclone, brought damaging winds and heavy rains, cutting power to hundreds of thousands. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Hospitals across Iran are struggling to cope with an influx of dead and critically injured protesters, as medics report live ammunition being used during widespread anti-government demonstrations. Hospitals in several Iranian cities have been pushed to breaking point as large-scale continue, with medical staff describing an influx of dead and critically injured patients amid reports of live ammunition being used against demonstrators. Staff at three hospitals told the BBC their facilities were struggling to cope with the number of casualties. A medic at a Tehran hospital said patients arrived with direct shots to the heads of the young people, to their hearts as well, while another doctor said the capitals main eye hospital had entered crisis mode. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Two medical workers said they treated protesters wounded by both live ammunition and pellets. Iranian security forces are known to use shotguns that fire pellet-filled cartridges during confrontations. Young protesters among the dead and injured A hospital worker in Tehran described very horrible scenes, saying the volume of casualties left staff without time to perform CPR. Around 38 people died. Many, as soon as they reached the emergency beds direct shots to the heads of the young people, to their hearts as well. Many of them didnt even make it to the hospital, she said, reported the BBC. She added that the mortuary quickly ran out of space, forcing staff to place bodies on top of one another and later stack them in a prayer room. The worker said most of the victims were young people aged between 20 and 25. Crisis declared at specialist hospitals A doctor speaking to the BBC via a Starlink satellite connection said Tehrans Farabi Hospital, the citys main eye specialist centre, had gone into crisis mode on Friday night. Non-urgent admissions and surgeries were suspended, with additional staff called in to handle emergency cases. Another doctor in Kashan said many injured protesters had suffered eye injuries, while colleagues across the city reported receiving large numbers of wounded people during Friday nights unrest. Graphic accounts from the front lines A doctor at a Tehran medical centre described scenes from Thursday night, saying: The number of injured people and fatalities was very high. I saw one person who had been shot in the eye, with the bullet exiting from the back of his head. He added that around midnight the centres doors were closed, after which a group broke in and left a man who had been shot. But it was too late he had died before reaching hospital and could not be saved. Deaths, detentions and disputed figures The protests began in Tehran a fortnight ago over economic hardship and have since spread to more than 100 cities and towns across all of Irans provinces. Hundreds of protesters are believed to have been killed or injured, with many more detained. Members of the security forces have also been killed, with one human rights group putting the figure at 14. In a news release on Saturday, HRNA said that at least 116 have died in the protests in total, including 38 security personnel. The group noted that at least seven of the protesters killed were under the age of 18. The group also reported that at least 2,638 people had been arrested while conducting demonstrations across the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Official reactions and international response Iranian police said no one was killed in Tehran on Friday night, though they confirmed that 26 buildings were set on fire, causing extensive damage. On Friday, the US repeated that killing protesters would be met with a military response, while Iran accused the US of turning peaceful protests into what it called violent subversive acts and widespread vandalism. President Trump responded on social media, writing, Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! In a news release on Saturday, HRNA said that at least 116 have died in the protests in total, including 38 security personnel. The group noted that at least seven of the protesters killed were under the age of 18. The group also reported that at least 2,638 people had been arrested while conducting demonstrations across the country. As US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Danish and Greenlandic leaders, Denmark defends Greenlands future amid rising independence aspirations and renewed global attention triggered by President Donald Trumps threats to acquire the Arctic island. As Europe closes ranks behind Denmark in response to renewed US pressure over Greenland, Copenhagen finds itself defending a territory that is steadily slipping from its grasp. While allies rally around principles of sovereignty and international law, the crisis has laid bare a deeper contradiction: Denmark is expending diplomatic capital to protect an Arctic land whose population increasingly favours independence and whose political forces are beginning to look beyond Copenhagen altogether. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Caught between transatlantic tensions, Greenlands growing self-assertion and its own strategic interests in the Arctic, Denmark now faces a dilemma with no clear endgame. The rhetoric from Washington has prompted a wave of European solidarity with Denmark. Yet beneath the diplomatic show of unity lies a deeper and more uncomfortable dilemma: Denmark is mobilising political capital, financial resources and allied support to defend a territory whose population overwhelmingly wants independence and whose largest opposition party has signalled it may prefer to deal directly with the United States, bypassing Copenhagen altogether. Greenlands desire for self-determination has been brewing for decades. The island gained home rule in 1979 and was granted the formal right to independence in 2009. All Greenlandic parties favour independence, though they differ on the timing and approach. Some political forces have signalled they might bypass Denmark entirely, engaging directly with Washington on strategic and economic matters. Denmark risks exhausting its foreign policy capital to secure Greenland, only to watch it walk away afterwards, Mikkel Vedby Rasmussen, a political science professor at the University of Copenhagen told Reuters. Strategic prize, uncertain future Greenlands importance to Denmark goes far beyond symbolism. Strategically positioned between Europe and North America, the island plays a key role in Arctic security and hosts infrastructure vital to the United States ballistic missile defence system. Losing Greenland would dramatically diminish Denmarks geopolitical relevance in the High North. At the same time, Denmarks efforts may ultimately come to little if Greenlanders decide to pursue full independence or seek a bespoke arrangement with Washington that sidelines Copenhagen. All major Greenlandic political parties support independence in principle though they differ sharply on the pace and practical steps needed to achieve it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD European backing for Denmark is motivated by more than alliance politics, experts said, adding that allowing Greenland to slip away under external pressure would set a precedent that many fear could embolden stronger powers to challenge the sovereignty of smaller states, undermining the post-World War II international order. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen underlined that position in joint remarks last month, stressing that national borders and sovereignty are rooted in international law and that Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. Frederiksen has since warned that any U.S. attack on a NATO ally would place the very foundations of the alliance at risk. The fading Greenland card Trumps insistence that all options are on the table has accelerated debates that were already quietly unfolding within Denmark. For decades, Copenhagen benefited from what analysts dubbed the Greenland card the islands strategic value gave Denmark disproportionate influence in Washington during the Cold War and allowed it to maintain relatively modest defence spending as a NATO member. That advantage has eroded as Greenlands push for self-determination has gathered pace. While the right to independence has existed on paper since 2009, US pressure has shortened the political timeline, forcing Denmark to invest heavily in a relationship with an increasingly uncertain end point. How much should we fight for someone who doesnt really care about us? asked Joachim B. Olsen, a former Danish lawmaker, reflecting a view gaining quiet traction in parts of the Danish public debate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heavy financial commitments Denmarks stake in Greenland is also financial. Copenhagen provides an annual block grant of about 4.3 billion Danish crowns (roughly $610 million), supporting an economy that grew by just 0.2 percent in 2025. The central bank estimates an annual financing gap of around 800 million crowns to keep public finances sustainable. On top of that, Denmark funds policing, the justice system and defence, bringing total yearly spending close to $1 billion. Last year, it also unveiled a 42-billion-crown Arctic defence package after US criticism that Denmark was not doing enough to secure Greenland. Some argue the relationship cannot be reduced to numbers alone. Marc Jacobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, points to historical, legal and cultural ties, describing the bond as one shaped by shared history and identity rather than simple transactional calculations. A political tightrope Frederiksen now faces a delicate balancing act. Standing firm is essential to Denmarks diplomatic credibility, but prolonged confrontation with Washington carries risks at a moment when Russia is seen as an increasingly aggressive force in the Arctic and beyond. Denmark can ill afford to alienate its most powerful ally, even as it resists US pressure over Greenland. Domestic opinion remains divided. While Greenland is not a central issue ahead of Denmarks election later this year, questions are surfacing about the long-term logic of holding on to a union that appears to be fraying from within. I dont understand why we have to cling to this community with Greenland when they so badly want out of it, said Danish writer and broadcaster Lone Frank. To be completely honest, Greenland doesnt inspire any sense of belonging in me. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For Denmark, the Greenland dilemma is no longer just about defending territory. It is about whether a determined defence today will merely hasten an inevitable parting tomorrow, leaving Copenhagen to wonder what, in the end, it was all for. With inputs from agencies Britains former US ambassador Peter Mandelson has expressed regret over the failure to protect victims of Jeffrey Epstein, while maintaining that he was unaware of the convicted sex offenders crimes and therefore would not apologise for his own association with him. Britain's ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, speaks during a welcome reception for British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at the ambassador's residence on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. Starmer will meet with US President Donald Trump on February 27 at the White House. (Photo by Carl Court / POOL / AFP) United Kingdoms former ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson, who was dismissed last year over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, apologised on Sunday to Epsteins victims but stopped short of apologising for his own association with him. Speaking to the BBC, Mandelson said his apology was directed at institutional failures rather than his personal conduct. I want to apologise to those women for a system that refused to hear their voices and did not give them the protection they were entitled to expect, he said when asked whether he wished to say sorry for his links to Epstein. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dismissal after emails surfaced Mandelson was sacked in September after emails revealed a far closer relationship with Epstein than had previously been acknowledged. The veteran British politician had referred to Epstein as my best pal and had advised him on how to seek early release from prison. At the time, the UK government said the extent of Mandelsons ties to Epstein appeared materially different from what was known when he was appointed ambassador. I was not knowledgeable Mandelson said he would only apologise for his personal relationship with Epstein if he had known about the crimes or had been complicit in them. I was not culpable, I was not knowledgeable of what he was doing, he said. He added that he had believed Epsteins account. I believed his story and that of his lawyer, who spent a lot of time trying to persuade me that he had been falsely criminalised in his contact with these young women. Now I wish I had not believed that story. An evil monster Rejecting suggestions that he knowingly ignored abuse, Mandelson said it was inconceivable that he would have turned a blind eye. Do you really think that if I knew what was going on and what he was doing with and to these vulnerable young women that Id have just sat back, ignored it and moved on? he asked, describing Epstein as an evil monster. Successor appointed Following Mandelsons dismissal, the UK government appointed Christian Turner as the next US ambassador, a move seen as significant at a sensitive moment for transatlantic relations. Mandelson also said he believed that, as a gay man within Epsteins social circle, he had been kept separate from what he was doing in the sexual side of his life. WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs on Saturday warned that as international flights have resumed, U.S. citizens in Venezuela "should leave the country immediately." The bureau said in a post on X that the security situation in Venezuela "remains fluid" and there are "reports of groups of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States." U.S. citizens are advised to "remain vigilant and exercise caution" when traveling by road and to monitor airlines' communications and websites for updated information. "Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level -- Level 4: Do Not Travel -- due to severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure," the bureau said. 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. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits India to deepen economic and security ties amid global uncertainty and talks on a free trade pact and a possible submarine deal. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz greets ministers as he arrives for the weekly cabinet meeting on January 7, 2026 at the Chancellery in Berlin.- AFP German Chancellor Friedrich Merz departed for India on Sunday on an official visit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and security ties between Europes largest economy and the worlds most populous nation. The trip comes at a time when both Berlin and New Delhi are navigating an increasingly unsettled global landscape, marked by economic and geopolitical pressures stemming from the United States and China, the worlds two biggest economies. Merzs visit, which begins on Monday, is his first trip to an Asian country since assuming office last May. It takes place just weeks ahead of a proposed EU-India summit and amid ongoing negotiations between India and the European Union on a long-awaited free trade agreement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias commerce ministry said on Friday that the proposed pact is being framed as more than a conventional trade accord, describing it as a wide-ranging partnership designed to respond to contemporary economic challenges. Over the course of the two-day visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the German leader in Ahmedabad, located in the western state of Gujarat, which is also the prime ministers home state. Merz will then travel south to Bengaluru, Indias leading technology hub. The itinerary includes joint participation in a traditional kite festival and a visit to Sabarmati Ashram, the historic residence where Mahatma Gandhi lived for many years during Indias freedom struggle. German officials said the decision to make India the chancellors first Asian destination underscores Berlins view of New Delhi as a key strategic partner. The visit highlights the importance Germany attaches to its relationship with India, the worlds largest democracy, a government spokesperson said in Berlin on Friday. The outreach comes as Europe steps up engagement with India more broadly. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are scheduled to attend Indias Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26. Submarine deal in the works For India and Germany, security links could also be bolstered by a potential deal for Germans Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to build six submarines for the Indian Navy in a partnership with Indian state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. That deal remains under negotiation, but would allow India to replace its ageing fleet of Russian-built submarines and likely include technology transfer provisions that would help build up its domestic defence industry. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to informed sources, the contract is not expected to be signed during the chancellors visit, but it should help move the discussions forward. Merz will be accompanied by a large business delegation, including executives from corporate giants such as Siemens and Airbus. One of the main objectives of this trip is to deepen economic relations with India, a German government official said. For Germanys exporters, India and its 1.4 billion inhabitants represent significant opportunities, with a bilateral trade volume of almost 50 billion euros. Sales have slumped in China, and German firms now face fierce global competition from Chinese rivals in many industries. German-Chinese relations have also become strained, with Beijing limiting supplies of semiconductors and some rare earth elements. German foreign trade is looking for growth markets, and India is precisely that, said Florian Wenke of the state-run agency Germany Trade & Invest. With inputs from agencies Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, held talks with the newly appointed Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, on Saturday Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, held talks with the newly appointed Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, on Saturday. According to The Dhaka Tribune, the meeting took place a day after the party formally elected him to the position. According to the spokesperson of the media cell of the BNP, Sayrul Kabir Khan, said that the meeting was a courtesy call that lasted for approximately 40 minutes. It is pertinent to note that Rahman has been the acting chairman of the BNP since 2018. He was formally appointed as the party supremo after the death of the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BNP emerged as the leading force in Bangladeshs political landscape ahead of the February 12 elections. Interestingly, Jamaat-e-Islami, the partys traditional ally, is now seen as a principal rival. The elections would be watched closely since they will be contested without the participation of the Awami League, the party of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. How India is looking at Rahmans return Following the July protests, the pro-India Awami League has been barred from contesting in the upcoming polls, with the partys supremo and former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina living in New Delhi. Indias next best option to maintain cordial ties with Bangladesh could be BNP, since the alternatives include radical Islamists running amok and spewing anti-India hate under interim chief Muhammad Yunus. Hence, India is seeing BNP as a more liberal and democratic party despite the fact that in the past, the party was known to have strained ties with New Delhi. In the midst of this, the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), another player in the polls, has alleged that the BNP was inducting Awami League members. At least 78 protesters have been killed in 2 weeks as the nationwide anti-government protests continue to rock Iran. An anti-Iranian regime protester holds up a placard during a gathering outside the Iranian Embassy, central London, on January 9, 2026.- AFP At least 78 protesters have been killed in Iran as the nationwide anti-government protests continue to rock the West Asian nation. While the official figures are yet to be released, the estimation was provided by a US-based Iranian human rights group, HRANA. The group maintained that the 78 deaths have taken place in the past 14 days as the situation continues to get worse. In a news release on Saturday, HRNA said that at least 116 have died in the protests in total, including 38 security personnel. The group noted that at least seven of the protesters killed were under the age of 18. The group also reported that at least 2,638 people had been arrested while conducting demonstrations across the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Based on aggregated data up to the end of the fourteenth day, 574 protest locations have been identified in 185 cities across all 31 provinces of the country, the group said in a statement on Saturday. The number of locations is cumulative, starting from the date the protests began on December 28. Examination of the causes of death shows that most victims were killed by live ammunition or pellet gunfire, predominantly from close range, the HRANA news release said. Meanwhile, an eyewitness told CNN earlier that the Iranian authorities had hit one of her in-laws with pellets at a protest on Friday. Internet blackout persists The internet blackout, which started on Thursday evening, continued to persist in Iran, and the clashes between the protesters and the Iranian authorities escalated. Authorities cut internet access and telephone lines immediately after Thursdays protests in the capital, Tehran, and other major cities began. However, the blackout still did not immediately prevent the posting and sharing of videos from the country. National blackouts tend to be the regimes go-to strategy when deadly force is about to get used against protesters, Alp Toker, director of cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks, told CNN earlier this week, with the goal being to prevent the spread of news of whats happening on the ground, and also to limit international scrutiny. The Iranians have been protesting because they have been grappling with a major cost-of-living crisis and currency collapse. While multiple sanctions have crippled the Iranian economy for decades, the 12-day Iran-Israel war, which also included strikes from the US, put a major dent in the countrys already struggling economy. Irans parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would strike US military and shipping interests if the United States launched an attack during the ongoing unrest Iran would target US military and shipping interests if the United States launched a new attack amid the ongoing protests, the Parliament speaker said on Sunday. In the event of a military attack by the United States, both the occupied territory and centres of the US military and shipping will be our legitimate targets, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told parliament in comments broadcast by state TV, apparently also referring to Israel, which the does not recognise and considers occupied Palestinian territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier on Saturday, President Donald Trump said the United States was ready to help as authorities in the Islamic republic intensified their crackdown on protesters in Iran. Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, offering no further details. His remarks came a day after he said Iran was in big trouble and repeated his warning that he could order military strikes. Unrest in Iran Widespread internet shutdowns and disrupted phone services in Iran have made it harder to gauge the extent of the protests. However, in a release on Saturday, the US-based Iranian human rights group HRNA said that at least 116 have died in the protests in total, including 38 security personnel. The group noted that at least seven of the protesters killed were under the age of 18. The group also reported that at least 2,638 people had been arrested while conducting demonstrations across the country. Based on aggregated data up to the end of the fourteenth day, 574 protest locations have been identified in 185 cities across all 31 provinces of the country, the group said in a statement on Saturday. The number of locations is cumulative, starting from the date the protests began on December 28. Examination of the causes of death shows that most victims were killed by live ammunition or pellet gunfire, predominantly from close range, the HRANA news release said. Israel is on high alert amid growing speculation over possible US intervention as unrest intensifies in Iran, according to sources familiar with the security situation Israel has moved to a state of high alert as anti-government protests grip and concerns grow over possible US intervention, according to three Israeli sources familiar with the situation. The alert follows escalating demonstrations in Iran, warnings from Washington, and renewed regional tensions after recent hostilities. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention in recent days and warned Irans leadership against using force on demonstrators. Speaking on Saturday, Trump said the US stands ready to help. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The prospect of US involvement has drawn close attention in Israel, which fought a 12-day war with Iran in June. During that conflict, the US joined Israel in launching airstrikes. The Israeli sources said they were present at security consultations over the weekend but did not explain what the high-alert posture involved in practice. Israel has not publicly detailed any specific military or security measures linked to the situation. Netanyahu and Rubio discuss developments Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone on Saturday, according to an Israeli source present for the conversation. The discussion included the possibility of US intervention in Iran. A US official confirmed the call took place but did not disclose its contents. Despite the unrest in Iran, Israel has not indicated that it intends to intervene directly as protests spread across the country. Relations between the two long-standing adversaries remain strained, particularly over Israeli concerns about Irans nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. In an interview with the Economist published on Friday, Netanyahu warned that Iran would face severe repercussions if it attacked Israel. Referring to the internal situation in Iran, he said, Everything else, I think we should see what is happening inside Iran. President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States is ready to help amid an intensifying crackdown by authorities of the Islamic republic. Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! Trump said in a social post on Truth Social, without elaborating. His comments come a day after he said that Iran was in big trouble and again warned that he could order military strikes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Israeli army struck an area of southern Lebanon on Sunday after issuing an evacuation warning, Lebanese state media said, with the military saying it attacked Hezbollah infrastructure. A French peacekeeper of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stands by munitions formerly used by Iran-backed Hezbollah at a position that was held by the group in the Khraibeh Valley in el-Meri in south Lebanon on August 27, 2025.- AFP Israeli forces carried out air strikes in southern Lebanon on Sunday following an evacuation alert, Lebanese state media reported as Israel said the attacks targeted Hezbollah-linked sites. The latest strikes come just days after the Lebanese army announced it had finished dismantling Hezbollah positions south of the Litani River, describing the move as the initial stage of a broader disarmament plan. Israel, however, has dismissed those steps as inadequate. Lebanons National News Agency said Israeli warplanes launched more than 10 air raids on the town of Kafr Hatta, located north of the Litani, after residents were warned to leave the area. The bombardment caused widespread damage to buildings, the agency said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Israeli military confirmed it was carrying out strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in multiple locations shortly after issuing the evacuation warning for Kafr Hatta. Despite a ceasefire brokered in November 2024 to halt more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have continued regularly. Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli army said it had hit additional Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, describing the operations as a response to what it called repeated breaches of the ceasefire arrangements by the group. According to Lebanons state media, Israeli aircraft also struck Jezzine, Mahmudiyeh and Al-Dimasqiyeh, along with more than 10 raids on Al-Bureij. All the locations cited lie in southern Lebanon, mostly north of the Litani River. Facing intense pressure from the United States and concerns that Israeli attacks could escalate further, Lebanon has pledged to disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, which suffered significant losses during its conflict with Israel. Lebanons army said Thursday that it had achieved the objectives of the first phase of its disarmament plan, covering the area south of the Litani around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border with the intention to extend it to the rest of the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said in response that the ceasefire states clearly, Hezbollah must be fully disarmed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lebanons efforts, it added, are an encouraging beginning, but they are far from sufficient, as evidenced by Hezbollahs efforts to rearm and rebuild. Despite the truce, Israel has also maintained troops in five south Lebanon areas it deems strategic. With inputs from agencies Kurdish fighters in Aleppo agreed to withdraw under a ceasefire after days of clashes with Syrian government forces, following the collapse of talks on integrating Kurdish authorities into the new administration. Residents react as a bus carrying men who state media reported to be Kurdish fighters prepares to leave Aleppo's Kurdish-majority Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhood accompanied by security forces on January 10, 2026. Kurdish fighters in Syria said on Sunday they had agreed to withdraw from the city of Aleppo under a ceasefire, following several days of clashes with government forces that erupted after talks on integrating Kurdish authorities into the new administration broke down. Earlier, Syrias military announced it had concluded operations in the Kurdish-held Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhood, while state television reported that Kurdish fighters who surrendered were being transported north by bus. The army had already declared it had taken control of Aleppos other Kurdish-held district, Ashrafiyeh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kurdish control rooted in years of conflict Kurdish forces have long held pockets of Aleppo and run a de facto autonomous administration across parts of northern and northeastern Syria, much of which was seized during the countrys 14-year civil war. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the ceasefire allowed for an organised withdrawal and humanitarian evacuation. We reached an understanding that led to a ceasefire and secured the evacuation of the martyrs, the wounded, the trapped civilians and the fighters from Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhoods to northern and eastern Syria, the SDF said in a statement. It added that the truce was achieved through the mediation of international parties to stop the attacks and violations against our people in Aleppo. Conflicting accounts over bus transfers Syrias official SANA news agency reported that buses carrying the last batch of members of the SDF organisation have left the Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhood in Aleppo, heading towards northeastern Syria. The SDF initially denied that its fighters were leaving, describing the bus movements as forced displacement of civilians. An AFP correspondent saw at least five buses on Saturday carrying men out of Sheikh Maqsud, but could not independently verify their identities. International calls for dialogue The United States and the European Union urged both the Syrian government and Kurdish authorities to return to political dialogue amid the violence. The clashes, among the most intense since the ousting of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, have killed at least 21 civilians, according to figures from both sides. Aleppos governor said 155,000 people had fled their homes. Both parties accused the other of triggering the fighting, which began on Tuesday. On the outskirts of Sheikh Maqsud, families who had been trapped by the fighting were leaving, accompanied by Syrian security forces. An AFP correspondent saw men carrying children on their backs board buses headed to shelters. Dozens of young men in civilian clothing were separated from the crowd, with security forces making them sit on the ground before transporting them to an unknown destination, according to the correspondent. A Syrian security official told AFP on condition of anonymity that the young men were fighters being transferred to Syrian detention centres. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the entrance to the district, 60-year-old Imad al-Ahmad was heading in the opposite direction, trying to seek permission to return home. I left four days agoI took refuge at my sisters house, he told AFP. I dont know if well be able to return today. Nahed Mohammad Qassab, a 40-year-old widow also waiting to return, said she left before the fighting to attend a funeral. My three children are still inside, at my neighbours house. I want to get them out, she said. A flight suspension at Aleppo airport was extended until further notice. Return to dialogue US envoy Tom Barrack met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday, and afterwards called for a return to dialogue with the Kurds in accordance with the integration framework agreed in March. The deal was meant to be implemented last year, but differences, including Kurdish demands for decentralised rule, stymied progress as Damascus repeatedly rejected the idea. The fighting in Aleppo raised fears of a regional escalation, with neighbouring Turkey, a close ally of Syrias new Islamist authorities, saying it was ready to intervene. Israel has sided with the Kurdish forces. The clashes have also tested the Syrian authorities ability to reunify the country after the brutal civil war and commitment to protecting minorities, after sectarian bloodshed rocked the countrys Alawite and Druze communities last year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (With agency inputs) The US capture of Venezuelan President Maduro exposes Chinas limited influence in Latin America, highlighting Washingtons ability to counter Beijings strategic ambitions and safeguard its regional dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Read here The US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has struck a major blow to Beijings influence in Latin America, exposing the limits of Chinas economic and military reach in the region. For decades, China sought strategic footholds across the continent from oil deals in Venezuela to satellite stations in Argentina, yet the rapid US raid highlighted how Washington can override Beijings ambitions, leaving its partners vulnerable and undermining Chinas long-term regional plans. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Analysts say the operation not only reasserts US dominance in the Western Hemisphere but also sends a stark message to Beijing about the risks of overextending its influence. Trump tells China: Stay away Trump made the message explicit on Friday, expressing discomfort with China and Russia as a next-door neighbour, in a meeting with oil executives. I told China and I told Russia, We get along with you very well, we like you very much, we dont want you there, youre not gonna be there, Trump said. Now, he said, he will tell China that we are open for business and that they can buy all the oil they want from us there or in the United States. The success of the January 3 early morning raid, in which U.S. commandos swept into Caracas and grabbed the Venezuelan president and his wife, was a blow to Chinas interests and prestige. The air defences that U.S. forces quickly disabled had been supplied by China and Russia, and Trump said 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil under sanctions, much of it previously bound for Chinese ports, will now be sent to the U.S. Analysts say Maduros capture exposed Beijings limited ability to exert its will in the Americas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The attack exposed the gulf between Chinas great-power rhetoric and its real reach in the Western Hemisphere, said Craig Singleton, a China expert at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies think tank. Beijing can protest diplomatically, but it cannot protect partners or assets once Washington decides to apply direct pressure, he said. In a statement to Reuters, the Chinese embassy in Washington said it rejected what it called the United States unilateral, illegal, and bullying acts. China and Latin American and Caribbean countries maintain friendly exchanges and cooperation. No matter how the situation may evolve, we will continue to be a friend and partner, said Liu Pengyu, the embassys spokesperson. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. But one administration official said China should be concerned about their position in the Western Hemisphere, adding that their partners in the region increasingly realise China cannot protect them. Trumps unclear China policy The Trump administrations policy toward Beijing appears contradictory, with concessions aimed at calming a trade war on one hand and more assertive U.S. support for Taiwan on the other. The Venezuela operation appeared to tilt U.S. policy in a more hawkish direction. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indeed, the timing of the U.S. attack amplified Beijings embarrassment. Just hours before being toppled, Maduro met Chinas special envoy for Latin America, Qiu Xiaoqi, in Caracas, his last public appearance before becoming a U.S. captive. The meeting, staged on camera even as U.S. military forces were secretly poised to launch their operation, suggested Beijing was blindsided, said another U.S. official. If they knew, they wouldnt have gone so publicly, the U.S. official told Reuters. For years, Beijing poured money into Venezuelas oil refineries and infrastructure, providing an economic lifeline after the U.S. and its allies tightened sanctions from 2017. Along with Russia, China has also provided funding and equipment for Venezuelas military, including radar arrays recently billed as able to detect advanced U.S. military aircraft. Those systems did little to impede a raid U.S. officials boasted had been conducted without any losses. Any nation around the world with Chinese defense equipment is checking their air defenses and wondering how safe they actually are from the United States, said Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute think tank. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They are also noticing how Chinas diplomatic assurances to Iran and Venezuela resulted in zero meaningful protection when the U.S. military arrived. China is now studying what went wrong with those defenses so they can shore up their own systems, according to a person briefed on intelligence about their response. China faces other regional risks China may soon be under pressure elsewhere in the region. It has sought to increase its influence in Cuba, and the U.S. suspects Beijing runs an intelligence-gathering operation there. China denies this, but last year pledged better intelligence sharing with Cuba. In the days after the Venezuela operation, Trump said U.S. military intervention in Cuba, which has suffered from the loss of Venezuelan oil, was likely unnecessary because it appeared ready to fall on its own. The Trump administration also continues to push Chinese companies away from port operations around the Panama Canal, the critical waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A State Department official said the U.S. remains concerned about Chinese influence near the canal, but appreciates Panamas actions to curb this, including by exiting Beijings Belt and Road Initiative and auditing the Panama ports concession under contract to Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While China may be on the back foot in the region, analysts caution that extended U.S. military involvement in Venezuela or deterioration in the security situation there could open a door for Beijing to reassert itself. Daniel Russel, a former senior State Department official now with the Asia Society, said the dramatic shift in Washington under Trump from a rule-of-law posture to a spheres-of-influence logic focused on the Western Hemisphere could play into Chinas hands. Beijing wants Washington to accept that Asia is in Chinas sphere, and no doubt hopes that the U.S. will get bogged down in Venezuela, he said. With inputs from Reuters Supporters of Venezuelas deposed leader Nicolas Maduro staged protests Saturday, a week after his dramatic capture by US forces, but only hundreds turned out to demand his release as the interim government moved to revive ties with Washington. A demonstrator holds a picture of ousted Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Florez during a rally in their support in Valencia, Carabobo state, Venezuela on January 10, 2026. AFP Supporters of Venezuelas deposed leader Nicolas Maduro staged protests Saturday, a week after his dramatic capture by US forces, but only hundreds turned out to demand his release as the interim government moved to revive ties with Washington. Waving flags and placards with the face of the mustachioed ex-leader and his wife Cilia, around 1,000 protesters rallied in the west of Caracas and a few hundred in the eastern Petare district far smaller than demonstrations Maduros camp has mustered in the past. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ill march as often as I have to until Nicolas and Cilia come back, said one demonstrator, Soledad Rodriguez, 69, of the presidential couple who were taken by US forces to New York to face trial on drug-trafficking charges. I trust blindly that they will come back they have been kidnapped. Notably absent from the rallies were top figures from the government, which has said it is reviving diplomatic contact with Washington and discussing possible oil sales to the United States. Interim president Delcy Rodriguez instead attended an agricultural fair, where she vowed in televised comments she would not rest for a minute until we have our president back. The other two hardline powers in the government, Interior Minister and street enforcer Diosdado Cabello, and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, were not seen at the demos either. Diplomatic maneuvers Maduro claimed he was doing well in jail, his son Nicolas Maduro Guerra said in a video released Saturday by his party. Despite the shock of his capture during deadly nighttime raids on January 3, signs emerged Friday of cooperation with Washington after US President Donald Trumps claim to be in charge of the South American country. Rodriguez said Venezuela would deal with the US through the diplomatic route and Washington said US envoys visited Caracas on Friday to discuss reopening their embassy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A State Department official told AFP on Saturday they left again on Friday as scheduled. The Trump Administration remains in close contact with interim authorities in Venezuela, the official added. The Venezuelan government did not reply when asked by AFP whether the US officials had met with Rodriguez. She has pledged to cooperate with Trump over his demands for access to Venezuelas huge oil reserves. But she also moved to placate the powerful pro-Maduro base by insisting Venezuela is not subordinate to Washington. The US embassy in Colombia warned American citizens on Saturday that the security situation in Venezuela remains fluid and advised its nationals to leave the country immediately as commercial flights become available. Anxiety over prisoners Anxious relatives meanwhile camped outside jails, awaiting the promised release of political prisoners by the interim government. Rodriguezs camp on Thursday began releasing prisoners jailed under Maduro, promising a large number would be freed in a gesture of appeasement that Washington took credit for. However, prisoners rights groups said on Saturday that fewer than 20 had been freed, including several prominent opposition figures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Families slept out overnight under blankets near El Rodeo prison east of Caracas, hoping for the release of their loved ones. I am tired and angry, Nebraska Rivas, 57, told AFP, as she waited for her son to be released. But I have faith that they will hand him over to us soon, she said, after sleeping out on the pavement for two nights. Oil talks Following Maduros capture, Trump vowed to secure access for US companies to Venezuelas vast oil reserves. Chevron is currently the only US firm licensed to operate in Venezuela, through a sanctions exemption. The White House said Saturday Trump had signed an emergency executive order protecting US-held revenues derived from sales of Venezuelan oil, to prevent them from being seized by courts or creditors. At a White House meeting on Friday, he pressed top oil executives to invest in Venezuelas reserves, but was met with a cautious reception. ExxonMobil chief executive Darren Woods dismissed the country as uninvestable without sweeping reforms. Experts say Venezuelas oil infrastructure is creaky after years of mismanagement and sanctions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extends support for Irans protest movement, saying Israel is closely monitoring nationwide demonstrations for freedom as unrest intensifies across the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voiced support for Irans protest movement, saying Israel was closely monitoring protests for freedom that have spread across the country as unrest deepens and challenges Tehrans theocratic rule. Netanyahu said Sunday that he hoped Iran would soon be freed from what he described as the yoke of tyranny. Israel is closely monitoring the events unfolding in Iran, he said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the start of the Government meeting: "Israel is closely monitoring the events unfolding in Iran. The protests for freedom have spread throughout the country. pic.twitter.com/3tAvf3M5bA Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 11, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran has been gripped by days of deadly protests, initially ignited by anger over the rising cost of living but soon evolving into a broader movement challenging the theocratic government that has ruled the country since the 1979 revolution. We all hope that the Persian nation will soon be freed from the yoke of tyranny, and when that day comes, Israel and Iran will once again be loyal partners in building a future of prosperity and peace for both peoples, Netanyahu said at a weekly cabinet meeting, according to a video released by his office. Israel is closely monitoring events in Iran, he added. The people of Israel and the entire world are in awe of the tremendous courage of Irans citizens. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had made similar comments earlier in the day. We support the Iranian peoples struggle for freedom and wish them success, Saar said in an interview posted on X. We think they deserve freedom We dont have any hostility with the people of Iran, he continued, adding Israel instead had a huge problem with Irans government, accusing it of exporting extremism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Netanyahus remarks came after an Iranian official had warned his country would strike US military and shipping targets if Iran was attacked by the United States. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had told lawmakers on Sunday that if the US attacked, both the occupied territory and centres of the US military and shipping will be our legitimate targets. The comment was an apparent reference to Israel, which the Islamic republic does not recognise and considers occupied Palestinian territory. In a statement, an Israeli military official said the army was following developments in Iran and preparing defensively. We will be equipped to respond with power if need be, the official said Iran has repeatedly accused the United States and Israel of inciting the ongoing unrest and trying to undermine the Islamic republics national unity. Iran and Israel engaged in a war in June that saw unprecedented Israeli attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The United States briefly joined in the strikes, hitting three major Iranian nuclear sites. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies MASERU, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday that China stands ready to work with Lesotho to promote the unity and self-reliance in the Global South toward their shared modernization, and to build a community with a shared future for humanity. China has always adhered to the principle of equality for all countries, big or small, in its diplomacy, and the China-Lesotho relationship is a good example in this regard, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, when meeting with his Lesotho counterpart, Lejone Mpotjoana. China regards Lesotho as a strategic partner and is willing to work with the Lesotho side to set a model of mutual respect, equal-footed cooperation and shared development between countries of different sizes, he added. Noting that his visit marks the 36th consecutive year that Chinese foreign ministers have made Africa the destination of their first overseas visit in a new year, Wang said that it has sent a clear message that China and Africa always stand together to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries. The world is undergoing profound changes and growing turbulence, and that unilateralism, hegemonism and protectionism pose serious threats to world peace and harm the interests of all countries, especially small and medium-sized ones, he said. The four major global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping aim to promote prosperity through development, ensure stability through security, build trust through dialogue among civilizations, and achieve fairness through better global governance, Wang noted. China appreciates Lesotho's adherence to the one-China principle, he said, adding that China will, as always, support Lesotho in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and development rights and interests. Wang said that the two sides should further strengthen strategic mutual trust, expand people-to-people exchanges, leverage the benefits of China's zero-tariff policies, and deepen practical cooperation across various fields, so as to consistently advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership. For his part, Mpotjoana said that Lesotho regards China as a trusted strategic partner, and expressed sincere appreciation for the long-standing assistance and support provided by China. The Lesotho side spoke highly of the important outcomes achieved through the 10 partnership actions for jointly advancing modernization by China and Africa, he added. Lesotho reiterates its firm commitment to the one-China principle, affirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and resolutely opposes any form of "Taiwan independence," said Mpotjoana, adding that Lesotho supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification. Mpotjoana said that Lesotho is willing to deepen cooperation with China across all areas and to advance, at a high level, the building of a Lesotho-China community with a shared future. The Lesotho side supports the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi, and is willing to work closely with China in international affairs to jointly uphold multilateralism and safeguard world peace and development, he added. Nordic diplomats rejected US President Donald Trumps claims of Russian and Chinese vessels operating near Greenland, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. Nordic diplomats have dismissed US President Donald Trumps assertions that Russian and Chinese vessels are operating near Greenland, according to a report by the Financial Times on Sunday. Citing two senior Nordic diplomats with access to NATO intelligence, the FT said there have been no indications in recent years of Russian or Chinese ships or submarines in the waters around Greenland. It is simply not true that the Chinese and Russians are there. I have seen the intelligence. There are no ships, no submarines, one senior diplomat told the FT. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another Nordic official called claims that Greenlandic waters were crawling with Russian and Chinese vessels unfounded, noting that any such military activity was limited to Russian Arctic waters. Trump has repeatedly stated that Russian and Chinese ships are present near Greenland, a claim that Denmark has denied. The US president has not provided public evidence to substantiate these statements. On Friday, Trump asserted that the United States must take ownership of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark to prevent Russia or China from gaining a foothold in the strategically located and resource-rich island. The image thats being painted of Russian and Chinese ships right inside the Nuuk fjord and massive Chinese investments being made is not correct, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said earlier this week. Vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic and LSEG show no Chinese or Russian ship presence near Greenland. Greenlands assembly said late on Friday it would bring forward a meeting to discuss its response to U.S. threats to take control of the island. Trumps renewed push for Greenland, after U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, worries many of the islands 57,000 inhabitants, whose widely held goal is to eventually become an independent nation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies A senior Lashkar-e-Taiba leader has publicly admitted to close links with the Pakistan Army, reigniting concerns over Islamabads alleged support for terror groups targeting India. The remarks come amid renewed focus on Pakistans role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism. A senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader and kin of the Pahalgam terrorist has openly admitted to close links between the Pakistan Army and the banned outfit, exposing Islamabads long-standing approach of using terrorism as an instrument of state policy against India. Saifullah Kasuri, deputy chief of the Hafiz Saeed-led LeT and the alleged mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack, said the Pakistan Army regularly invites him to official military events and even asks him to lead funeral prayers for its soldiers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan Army invites me The Pakistan Army sends me invitations it invites me to lead funeral prayers for its soldiers, Kasuri said while addressing schoolchildren at an event in Pakistan, in an undated video that has now surfaced. His remarks lay bare the deep nexus between Pakistans military establishment and proscribed terrorist groups, directly contradicting Pakistans repeated assurances to the international community about taking action against terror networks operating from its soil. Provocative threats against India Kasuri also issued provocative threats against India, claiming New Delhi was scared of him. Do you know India is scared of me? he told the gathering. Earlier, while acknowledging that Indias Operation Sindoor destroyed terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, Kasuri claimed India had made a mistake by targeting terror camps. He openly reiterated LeTs focus on Kashmir, declaring that the outfit would never back down from the Kashmir mission. India made a big mistake in Operation Sindoor by targeting only terrorist hideouts, Kasuri was heard saying in another undated video. Boasts of role in Pahalgam attack Earlier in a separate rally in Punjab provinces Kasur, the LeT leader claimed he had gained global notoriety after being named the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack. I was blamed for being the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack. Now my name is famous across the world, he said. Operation Sindoor and Indias response India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack in which Islamabad-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians. After four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes, India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict. As the world continues to struggle with one conflict after another, a report by Brown Universitys Watson School of International Public Affairs elucidated the cost of war incurred by one of the most powerful countries in the world, the USA. Here are the key findings As the world continues to struggle with one conflict after another, a report by Brown Universitys Watson School of International Public Affairs elucidated the cost of war incurred by one of the most powerful countries in the world, the United States of America. The report specifically focused on the US involvement in conflicts that took place after the devastating 9/11 terror attack. An analysis of the impact of global wars on the US becomes important to assess since it is coming at a time when the US has interfered in several conflict hotspots around the world, especially under US President Donald Trump. Most recently, the US toppled the draconian regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by outright capturing the president from the Latin American nations capital. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, he has been issuing threats to Iran, Colombia and especially Greenland, which belongs to Denmark, Americas long-term ally. All this is happening against the backdrop of a turbulent world. While the Russia-Ukraine war is still raging on, despite continuous efforts of peace talks, the war in Gaza has de-escalated only to a certain extent. This made many wonder if the US is back to the Bush-era where it is getting into the battles that were not there in the first place. This also begs the question of how much of a cost the involvement in these conflicts is incurring to the US. As America continues to increase its defence spending to record numbers, it also becomes important to assess how much these conflicts are costing the average American citizen. Heres a look at the analysis. Post 9/11 cost of war While Trump is getting the US intervene in several conflicts around the world, the Brown University assessment only dealt with the post 9/11 wars and comprises data obtained in 2021 when former US President Joe Biden was in power. As per the report, the cost of the post-9/11 wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, and elsewhere totals about $8 trillion. This included the estimated direct and indirect costs of spending in the United States post-9/11 war zones, homeland security efforts for counterterrorism, and interest payments on war borrowing. Costs for medical care and disability payments for veterans are the largest long-term expense of the post-9/11 wars. However, the estimate does not include spending by the dozens of United States allies, including Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Germany and France. If the U.S. had not had the support of those allies, it would likely have spent more on those wars (and arguably taken more casualties).4 This estimate also does not include spending by state and local governments within the US for counterterrorism or services for post-9/11 war veterans. This report also does not factor in future interest costs on borrowing for the wars. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Breakdown of spending When it comes to pre-Trump era post 9/11 war spending, the breakdown would be as follows: 1) Direct war appropriations According to the report, the US Department of Defence, including Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO, has incurred $2.1 trillion in these wars. Meanwhile, the US State Department had spent - $189 billion in war-related aid. Most of these amounts have been spent in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia and other African nations. 2) Domestic counterterrorism efforts Following 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security & Domestic Counterterrorism has spent $1.1 trillion. This included the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, expanded surveillance, and domestic counterterror programs. 3) Budget increases of the Pentagon There has been $884 billion in permanent increases tied to war requirements. War funding blurred into enduring requirements, raising baseline military spending even after troops withdrew from a particular base. 4) Veterans Care It is important to note that $465 billion was spent through FY2022 on medical and disability care. The Brown University study projected a future obligation of a whopping $2.22.5 trillion through 2050. Apart from this, disability claims are at historically high rates, with many veterans requiring lifelong support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 5) Interest on Borrowing $1.087 trillion already paid in interest through FY2022. Because wars were financed without war taxes or bonds, debt servicing will continue to add hundreds of billions more in the future. Impact on American taxpayers Just like other countries around the world, the US also get the money to deal with these wars through American taxpayers. In March of 2021, the Department of Defence concluded in its most recent public estimate that emergency/overseas contingency operations (OCO) spending for the wars in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan cost a total of $1.596 Trillion, or $8,094 per taxpayer through FY 2020. However, as the DOD notes, these amounts exclude non-Department of Defence classified programs. It becomes important to highlight these costs because they significantly affect: - Opportunity costs: Every households share could have funded healthcare, education, or infrastructure instead. - Debt burden: Because wars were financed by borrowing, much of this cost is paid in interest, not direct services. - Veterans care: These obligations will continue for decades, meaning future taxpayers will still be paying long after the wars themselves ended. Lets look at it from a wider perspective; the United States spends - $800 billion annually on defence, so the wars added a massive extra layer. In comparison to this, the entire federal education budget is about $80 billion per year, meaning war costs equal 100 years of education spending. The USs inclination towards Israel Boston Universitys report also pointed out how, after October 7, 2023, the US has spent $21.7 billion in military aid to Israel. Apart from this, $9.6512.07 billion has been spent on operations in Yemen and the wider region. When it comes to economic tradeoffs, military spending creates ~5 jobs per $1 million, compared to 13 in education, 9 in healthcare, and 78 in infrastructure/clean energy. While Trump has brokered a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, tensions have been ripe between Israel and other West Asian nations, especially Iran. Hence, this cost is expected to rise this financial year as well. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Implications These wars and conflicts have the following implications, some of which hit close to the United States as well: - Humanitarian crisis: Millions killed, injured, or displaced. The conflicts have a greater humanitarian impact and often lead to a breach of international laws. The US intervention in other conflicts would also put American troops lives at risk. - Economic burden: The US has spent trillions on war in other nations instead of domestic priorities. As mentioned before, this money could have helped provide a much-needed boost to the American education and other infrastructure sectors. - Veteran care: Longterm costs and mental health challenges remain unresolved. The cost of this is expected to increase in the future. - Environmental damage: Military operations contribute heavily to global emissions. - Democratic erosion: Civil liberties weakened undera prolonged war footing. With Trump pushing for ceasefire deals in a bid to bag a Nobel Peace Prize, itll be interesting to see if he will spend more on peace or not. An anti-regime protester climbed the balcony of Irans embassy in London and replaced the official flag with a pre-revolution symbol, drawing cheers from supporters gathered outside. An anti-regime protester climbed onto the balcony of Irans embassy in London on Friday and replaced the countrys official flag with the pre-1979 Lion and Sun emblem, drawing loud cheers from a crowd gathered outside. Video footage showed the protester scaling the embassy building in Kensington before tearing down the Islamic Republics flag and hoisting the historic symbol linked to Irans monarchy before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Demonstrators below responded with applause and chants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Police response and arrests The Metropolitan Police said officers were deployed to the scene and made two arrests. One individual was detained on suspicion of aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker, while another was arrested for aggravated trespass. Police said they were also searching for a third person in connection with trespassing. It remains unclear whether the individual who removed the flag was among those detained. Irans embassy in London did not respond to requests for comment. Protests spread beyond Iran The protest in London comes as Iran faces what observers describe as its most serious wave of unrest in years. Demonstrations that began on December 28 over economic grievances have since spread across the country, evolving into a broader challenge to the clerical leadership. US President Donald Trump has warned Irans leadership that the United States would protect protesters if necessary. British-Iranian journalist Potkin Azarmehr said the current unrest marks a significant shift from previous protest movements, including the 2009 Green Movement. What a contrast to Obamas time, when protesters in Iran were chanting, Obama, are you with us or with them? Azarmehr told Fox News Digital. Any international support, whether at the grassroots or government level, is encouraging, he said. However, Azarmehr questioned the lack of visible support from Western activist groups. The question is where are the Western activist elite protesters? Why are they not protesting? Are they on the side of the ayatollahs? An archaic religious apartheid? he asked. Rising toll and global response Solidarity protests with Iranian demonstrators have been held in several European cities, including Paris and Berlin. A separate protest also took place outside the White House in Washington, DC. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 72 people have been killed and more than 2,300 people detained in Iran since the unrest began. Some protests inside Iran have featured chants in support of the countrys former monarch, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who died in 1980. His son, Reza Pahlavi, has publicly urged Iranians to continue protesting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iranian authorities have also imposed nationwide internet shutdowns, intensifying criticism from rights groups as the unrest continues to spread. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid escalating Iran protests, a stalled Gaza ceasefire and Syria talks, as President Donald Trump voiced support for Iranian protesters US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke over the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, a US official said, without providing additional details. While the American official did not mention the topics discussed in the call, Axios reported earlier that the two of them spoke about Gaza, Syria and the recent protests unfolding in Iran on a large scale. Iran, which had a 12-day war with Israel last year and whose nuclear facilities were bombed by the US in June, is seeing its biggest anti-government demonstrations in years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States is ready to help as protesters in Iran faced an intensifying crackdown by authorities of the Islamic republic. President Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! The internet facilities have been shut down in the country along with the telephone lines. The demonstration has escalated on a large scale with at least 72 people dead and over 2,300 others detained, according to the US based Human Rights Activists News Agency. In Gaza, a fragile ceasefire has not progressed beyond its first phase since it began in October, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of major breaches of the deal. The two sides remain far apart on the more difficult steps envisaged for the next phase. Earlier this week, Israel and Syria agreed during U.S.-mediated talks in Paris to set up a communication mechanism to coordinate on security and commercial issues. Since US President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, Netanyahu has visited the United States five times to meet the Republican president while Trump visited Israel in October. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (With inputs from Reuters) Trump has sparked fresh controversy by saying the idea of Secretary of State Marco Rubio becoming the president of Cuba sounded good to him, while warning Havana to strike a deal with Washington before it is too late. Secretary of State Marco Rubio whispers to President Donald Trump during a roundtable meeting on antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Amid rising tensions between the US and several Latin American countries, US President Donald Trump said the idea of Secretary of State Marco Rubio becoming the president of Cuba sounded good to him. He also warned Havana to strike a deal with Washington before it was too late. Trump shared a post suggesting Rubio could lead Cuba and added, Sounds good to me! There is, however, no indication that the remark reflects any official US policy or diplomatic plan, and appears to be part of Trumps recent rhetoric on Latin America rather than a concrete proposal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Backdrop of strained USLatin America relations The comment comes during a tense phase in US relations across the Western Hemisphere, following a military operation in Venezuela last week in which President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown to the United States on criminal charges. Trumps remarks also follow a series of sharp statements targeting the region. Last week, he described Colombia as being run by a sick man and appeared to endorse possible US action there, again saying, Sounds good to me, when asked about potential operations. Trump has also spoken about Cubas economic difficulties, claiming the island, which he said depended heavily on Venezuelan oil, was close to collapse. He suggested that a US intervention would not be required under current circumstances. Trump warns Cuba to strike a deal In a follow-up post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said Cuba had for years relied on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela while providing security services to the countrys last two leaders, adding, BUT NOT ANYMORE! He claimed that many Cubans were killed in what he described as last weeks US attack and said Venezuela no longer needed protection from those he called thugs and extortionists. Trump asserted that Venezuela now had the protection of the US military and warned that there would be NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA ZERO!, urging Cuban authorities to make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. Cuba rejects Trumps claims Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez rejected Trumps statements, saying Cuba has never received money or material compensation for security services provided to other countries. He accused the US of behaving in a criminal manner that threatens global peace. Rodriguez denied claims that Cuba traded security for oil and stressed Havanas sovereign right to trade for energy. He said Cuba does not rely on mercenarism, blackmail or military coercion, and has the right to import fuel from willing exporters without interference from unilateral US sanctions. Right and justice are on Cubas side, Rodriguez wrote, accusing the US of acting as an uncontrolled hegemon that threatens peace and security globally. Earlier, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for Latin American unity in response to what he described as US aggression, urging countries not to become servants of foreign powers. Cuban officials have meanwhile condemned any suggestion of outside interference as a violation of national sovereignty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An annual Sikh religious procession in New Zealand was disrupted for the second time in less than three weeks on Sunday, after a local right-wing group protested during a Nagar Kirtan held to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, prompting concern from Sikh bodies including the SGPC. An annual Nagar Kirtan organised by the Sikh community in New Zealand was disrupted on Sunday by a local right-wing religious group, raising concern among Sikh bodies, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar, Hindustan Times reported. This was the second such incident in less than three weeks. The Nagar Kirtan was held to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Incident in Tauranga The latest disruption took place in Tauranga city, about 225 kilometres from Auckland. The procession began around 11 am on January 11 from the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat temple and proceeded towards Tauranga Boys College via Cameron Road. Anticipating possible trouble, New Zealand police had stepped up security arrangements along the route. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Protest by right-wing group Despite the police presence, members of a group linked to Pentecostal leader Brian Tamaki and his Destiny Church attempted to disrupt the procession. The protesters performed a traditional Maori haka in front of the Sikh procession and displayed banners reading, This is New Zealand not India. However, effective coordination between police and Sikh volunteers ensured that the event concluded without any major untoward incident. Tamaki later shared a video of the protest on social media, with captions such as WHOSE STREETS? KIWI STREETS and The True Patriots Are Not Backing Down. Today in Tauranga, our True Patriots answered the Sikh Parade with a haka not violence, not silence, but peaceful defiance, the post read. Second incident in three weeks This marks the second disruption of a Sikh religious procession in recent weeks. Nearly three weeks ago, right-wing protesters had confronted a Sikh parade in Auckland that was held to mark the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh. That incident had caused anxiety within the local Sikh community and drew strong reactions from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Akal Takht jathedar and the SGPC. SGPC condemns disruption SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami strongly condemned the opposition to the Nagar Kirtan, emphasising that the procession was organised peacefully and strictly in accordance with Sikh religious traditions. This is the second time such an incident has occurred in New Zealand, which has deeply disappointed the Sikh community, Dhami said. Viewing the religious traditions of the Sikh community which has always made an exemplary contribution to strengthening global brotherhood with a hateful mindset is completely unacceptable, he added. Challenge to social harmony Dhami described the opposition to Nagar Kirtan as an attack on religious freedom and social harmony. Nagar Kirtan is a sacred religious tradition of Sikhism, and opposing it is not only an attack on the humanitarian values of the Sikh faith but also a challenge to social harmony and mutual coexistence, he said. Emphasising the Sikh communitys history of peaceful coexistence worldwide, Dhami noted that Sikhs consistently respect the laws and culture of their host nations. Despite this, deliberately preventing Sikhs from practising their religion is highly disappointing, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Call for action The SGPC president urged the governments of New Zealand and India to take serious note of the incidents and called for strict action against those responsible. Trump has reportedly asked special forces to prepare contingency plans for a possible invasion of Greenland, a move that has faced resistance from senior US military officials over legal and political concerns. US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked senior special forces commanders to begin preparing contingency plans for a possible invasion of Greenland, the Daily Mail reported on Sunday. The proposal has triggered strong resistance within the US military, with senior officials questioning both its legality and political feasibility. According to the report, Trump directed the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to draft an invasion plan. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff have pushed back, arguing that any such operation would be unlawful and lack congressional approval. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US generals push back The generals think Trumps Greenland plan is crazy and illegal, a diplomatic source told the Mail. They are trying to deflect him with other major military operations. They say its like dealing with a five-year-old. Sources said senior military officials have attempted to divert Trumps attention by proposing less controversial actions, including intercepting Russian ghost ships a covert fleet used by Moscow to evade Western sanctions or even suggesting a strike on Iran. Hawks in Trumps inner circle The report said hardline figures within Trumps inner circle, particularly policy hawks led by adviser Stephen Miller, have grown more assertive. Emboldened by what they view as the successful operation to capture Venezuelas leader Nicolas Maduro, they are now pushing for swift action to secure Greenland before Russia or China expands its influence in the Arctic. Domestic political calculations Trumps renewed focus on Greenland is also believed to be driven by domestic political considerations. With mid-term elections approaching later this year, there are concerns that he may seek a dramatic foreign policy move to divert attention from economic pressures and the risk of Republicans losing control of Congress, the report said, citing British diplomatic sources. Risk of Nato crisis Such a move could place Trump on a direct collision course with European leaders and trigger a major crisis within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), potentially pushing the alliance to breaking point. Diplomatic officials have reportedly conducted internal war-gaming exercises examining an escalatory scenario in which Trump could use military force or sustained political pressure to weaken Greenlands ties with Denmark. A classified diplomatic cable reportedly outlines a worst-case outcome that could result in the destruction of Nato from the inside. Some European officials suspect this is the real aim of the hardline MAGA faction around Trump, the report said. Since Congress would not allow Trump to exit Nato, occupying Greenland could force Europeans to abandon the alliance. Greenland pushes back Meanwhile, political parties in Greenland issued a joint statement rejecting Trumps pressure to seize the Danish autonomous territory. We dont want to be Americans, we dont want to be Danish, we want to be Greenlanders, the leaders of five parties in parliament said, adding that the future of Greenland must be decided by its people. The statement came hours after Trump again raised the issue, warning that the US would have to do something or risk Russia and China stepping in. We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, Trump said, adding that Washington would not accept Moscow or Beijing as neighbours. I would like to make a deal the easy way, but if we dont do it the easy way, were going to do it the hard way, he said, citing increased Russian and Chinese military presence around Greenland. Denmark raises alarm Denmark has reportedly warned that its troops are under orders to shoot first and ask questions later if Greenland comes under attack, as concern grows in Europe over the US openly discussing possible military action against the Arctic territory. Earlier, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected Trumps claims that the US needs Greenland for security reasons, calling them unacceptable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US President Donald Trump warned Cuba to negotiate with Washington, threatening to cut oil and financial support as pressure mounts over Venezuelas oil following Nicolas Maduros capture and growing strain on Havanas energy supplies. U.S. President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One on January 9, 2026 at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida. - AFP US President Donald Trump on Sunday urged Cuba to negotiate with Washington, warning that the Caribbean nation would no longer receive oil supplies or financial support. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Cuba would get zero oil or money going forward and advised Cuban leaders to reach an agreement with the United States before it was too late. He said the country had long depended on support from Venezuela. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps remarks come as Washington sharpens its focus on Venezuelas vast oil resources. A US oil embargo on Venezuela has added strain on Cuba, which relies heavily on subsidised crude from the South American nation. Repeating his claims a day earlier, Trump said Cuba had survived for years on Venezuelan oil and financial assistance. In return, he alleged, Havana provided security support to Venezuelas last two governments a relationship he claimed had now come to an end. On Friday, Trump met senior executives from major oil companies at the White House as the United States moved to take control of Venezuelas oil production and begin selling it globally. During the discussions, he indicated that the administration would soon decide which firms would be permitted to operate in Caracas. Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last weekend, several Republican officials and lawmakers suggested that Cubas communist government could also face increased pressure. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking shortly after Maduros seizure, warned that Cuban leaders should be concerned about developments. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel strongly criticised Washington on Saturday, addressing a large rally in Havana near the US Embassy. He condemned the US action against Venezuela and described the detention of Maduro as an act of state terrorism. These actions represent a shocking breach of international law, Diaz-Canel said, calling it a military assault on a peaceful country that poses no threat to the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Venezuela currently supplies roughly 30 per cent of Cubas limited oil imports under an exchange arrangement that includes the deployment of thousands of Cuban medical workers to Venezuela. Analysts warn that any disruption in these supplies would severely damage Cubas fragile power grid and already strained energy sector. Meanwhile, concern is growing among Cuban families over the safety of relatives working in Venezuela. Cubas health ministry said on Saturday that medical personnel stationed there were well protected. With inputs from agencies The United Kingdom is reportedly in talks with European partners to station troops in Greenland, a self-governing island under Denmark, after US President Donald Trump threatened to take control of the territory. Experts say a stronger European military presence could deter Trump and protect the island from potential Russian or Chinese influence. A view of the Greenlandic flag near the beach in Nuuk, Greenland, on March 29, 2025. Reuters File Amid US President Donald Trumps threat to overtake Greenland a self-governing island that is part of Denmark by force, the United Kingdom is reportedly in talks with European allies to station troops in the Arctic. Experts say that a stronger European military presence could persuade Trump to abandon his ambition to annex the strategic island, keeping it protected from potential Chinese or Russian influence. European allies coordinate military presence British officials have recently met with counterparts from Germany and France to begin preparations. British soldiers, warships, and aircraft are expected to be deployed in Greenland to guard against any potential threats from Russia or China. We share President Trumps view Russias growing aggression in the High North must be deterred, and Euro-Atlantic security strengthened, a source told The Telegraph. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nato discussions on reinforcing security in the region continue, and we would never get ahead of those, but the UK is working with Nato allies to drive efforts to bolster Arctic deterrence and defence, the source added. The UK will continue to work with allies as we always have on operations in our national interest, protecting people back at home, the source said. Trump floats plan to buy Greenland Separately, the United States is reportedly considering offering $10,000$100,000 to each Greenland resident as part of a bid to encourage annexation of the self-governing island from Denmark. The ambitious plan is estimated to cost around $6 billion for Greenlands population of roughly 57,000. Trump has repeatedly commented on Greenland, saying, We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not. I would like to make a deal, you know, the easy way. But if we dont do it the easy way, were going to do it the hard wayWere not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland. Thats what theyre going to do if we dont. So were going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way. KABUL, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Afghan counter-narcotics police confiscated 96 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 24 kg of opium, and an additional 28 kg of other narcotics during operations in southern Helmand province, the Ministry of Interior Affairs announced late Saturday. Without furnishing details on whether anyone was arrested for involvement in the case, the statement added that the illicit drugs were discovered in a series of routine patrols on the outskirts of Bahramcha district. In a separate operation, authorities in northern Kunduz province seized 169 kg of opium and hashish on Friday as part of the country's sustained campaign against drug trafficking. The Afghan government has reiterated its firm commitment to eradicating the production, trafficking, and use of illegal narcotics, with the long-term goal of transforming Afghanistan into a drug-free nation. Europe, led by the UK and Germany is exploring a stronger Nato presence in Greenland to reinforce Arctic security following US President Donald Trumps call for American ownership and reported invasion planning. Icebergs float in the water off Nuuk, Greenland, on March 7, 2025. Any US attack on a NATO ally would be the end of "everything", Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned on January 5, 2026, after US President Donald Trump repeated his desire to annex Greenland.- AFP European powers led by the United Kingdom and Germany are weighing plans to bolster Natos military presence in Greenland, moving to assert allied control over Arctic security after US President Donald Trump openly revived calls for American ownership of the strategically vital territory and reportedly asked special forces to prepare contingency plans for a possible invasion to seize it. According to a Bloomberg News report citing people familiar with the discussions, European governments are considering a more visible Nato role in Greenland as a signal that Arctic security is a shared transatlantic responsibility and not one that requires unilateral US action. Germany is expected to propose the creation of a joint Nato mission aimed at protecting the Arctic region, reflecting growing unease in Europe over Trumps rhetoric and reported behind-the-scenes moves. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The discussions come after Trump said on Friday that the United States needs to own Greenland to stop Russia or China from taking control of the Arctic island. He has repeatedly alleged that Russian and Chinese naval activity is occurring near Greenland, claims that Nordic countries and regional allies have firmly rejected. Trumps statements have taken on sharper significance following reports that he asked U.S. special forces to prepare contingency plans for a possible invasion of Greenland, a move that has reportedly met resistance from senior military officials. The Pentagon has not publicly confirmed the reports, but the disclosure has rattled European capitals and prompted renewed focus on alliance-based deterrence in the Arctic. Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, occupies a critical geostrategic position between North America and Europe. It hosts key infrastructure linked to the U.S. ballistic missile early-warning system and sits along emerging Arctic shipping routes that are becoming more accessible as climate change accelerates ice melt. Control over the Arctic has also become central to global competition for natural resources, including rare earths, hydrocarbons and strategic minerals. European officials fear that Trumps renewed push for Greenland risks undermining established norms of sovereignty and could destabilise Nato cohesion. By strengthening a Nato-led military framework in the region, European allies hope to reinforce the principle that Arctic security challenges should be addressed collectively, rather than through unilateral assertions of control. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Germanys reported proposal for a joint Nato mission would mark a notable shift for Berlin, which has traditionally played a restrained role in the Arctic. But officials argue that the evolving security environment including Russias military build-up in the High North and heightened great-power competition, leaves European allies with little choice but to step up their presence. Britain is also playing a key role in the discussions, reflecting its broader push to underline its relevance in European security despite having left the European Union. London has increasingly framed itself as a leading NATO power and has deepened defence coordination with Nordic and Baltic states in response to Russian aggression. Denmark, which retains responsibility for Greenlands defence and foreign policy, has not formally commented on the reported Nato discussions. However, Copenhagen has already announced plans to invest more heavily in Arctic security, including surveillance capabilities and naval assets, amid criticism including from Trump that it has not done enough to defend the territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps comments have triggered unease not just in Europe but also within the U.S. defence establishment. Military planners are said to be wary of the strategic, legal and political consequences of any attempt to seize Greenland, particularly given that Denmark is a Nato ally. Such a move would risk severe damage to alliance unity at a time when Nato is already stretched by the war in Ukraine and rising tensions in Asia. European leaders are also sceptical of Trumps repeated claims that Russian and Chinese vessels are operating near Greenland. Nordic governments, which closely monitor Arctic maritime activity, have said they have seen no evidence to support those assertions. Instead, they argue that existing Nato structures, combined with closer cooperation among Arctic states, are sufficient to manage current threats. Still, the renewed focus on Greenland highlights how the Arctic is fast becoming a central theatre of geopolitical competition. Melting ice is opening new sea lanes and intensifying interest from both Western and non-Western powers, heightening the risk of miscalculation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By exploring a stronger Nato footprint in Greenland, European allies appear intent on drawing a clear line: Arctic security should remain anchored in multilateral cooperation and international law, not driven by unilateral demands, even from the alliances most powerful member. One of the most secretive American presidential aircraft, Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, widely known as the Doomsday Plane", made a rare public appearance on Saturday, sparking concerns Questions as Trump's Doomsday plane' that can withstand nuclear blast spotted flying into LA airport. X One of the most secretive American presidential aircraft, Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, widely known as the Doomsday Plane", made a rare public appearance on Saturday, sparking concerns. The plane carrying the Doomsday Plane" was spotted for the first time in decades, flying over parts of the United States. The aircraft is designed to serve as an airborne command centre in the event of a nuclear war or national catastrophe. It was seen relocating from its long-time base in Nebraska to Maryland, close to Washington. The matter became significant since the plane was visible for the first time in its 51-year operational history. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch is a heavily modified Boeing 747, which was developed during the Cold War. The plane was made operational to ensure the continuity of governance during extreme emergencies. It is capable of supporting the US President, senior defence officials and military leadership if ground-based command centres are destroyed or rendered unusable. Unlike other presidential aircraft, the Doomsday plane is known for its endurance and survivability rather than transport or symbolism. Why is it known as the Doomsday plane The aircraft earned its name because of the role it plays in worst-case scenarios, such as nuclear war, large-scale attacks or catastrophic emergencies. The aircraft is designed to operate even after nuclear detonations, with systems hardened against electromagnetic pulses that could otherwise cripple electronics and communications. The main purpose of the plane is to ensure that the American government can continue to function even if doomsday" arrives. The E-4B is visually distinctive, featuring a prominent dome on its upper fuselage that allows it to be refuelled mid-air, enabling it to stay airborne for extended periods. The aircraft can accommodate more than 100 personnel and includes briefing rooms, command centres and secure communication hubs. It also incorporates defensive measures and shielding to protect critical systems from nuclear effects. With inputs from agencies. China dominates the critical minerals supply chain, refining between 47% and 87% of copper, lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earths, according to the International Energy Agency. These minerals are used in defence technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy components, batteries and refining processes. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans to press G7 countries and key partner nations to accelerate efforts to cut their dependence on China for critical minerals when he hosts senior finance officials on Monday, according to a senior US government source. The talks will begin with a dinner on Sunday evening and bring together finance or cabinet ministers from the G7 economies, alongside representatives from the European Union, Australia, India, South Korea and Mexico. The official told Reuters that the participating countries together represent roughly 60 per cent of global demand for critical minerals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speed will be a central focus of the meeting, the official said, describing the challenge as complex and involving multiple countries and policy approaches. This is a massive task with many moving parts, and the core message is that progress needs to happen faster, the official said. Bessent told Reuters on Friday that he had been pushing to convene a standalone meeting on critical minerals since the G7 leaders summit in Canada in June. At that gathering, he delivered a presentation on rare earths to leaders from the United States, Britain, Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and the European Union. Although G7 leaders agreed at the summit on a plan to strengthen supply chains and support economic resilience, the senior official said Bessent has since become increasingly dissatisfied with the slow pace of follow-through. Japan remains the notable exception among the group. After China abruptly halted shipments of critical minerals to the country in 2010, Tokyo moved swiftly to diversify its supply sources. Most other G7 nations, however, continue to rely heavily on China for key materials, even as Beijing has signalled it may tighten export restrictions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China currently holds a dominant position across the critical minerals supply chain, accounting for between 47 per cent and 87 per cent of the global refining of copper, lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements, according to data from the International Energy Agency. These materials are essential for a wide range of strategic industries, including defence systems, semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, batteries and industrial refining processes. The US is expected to issue a statement after the meeting, but no specific joint action is likely, the official added. US urges others to follow its lead The United States is in the posture of calling everyone together, showing leadership, sharing what we have in mind going forward, said the official. Were ready to move with those who feel a similar level of urgency and others can join as they come to the realisation of how serious this is. The official gave no details on what further steps were planned by the Trump administration, which is pushing forward to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on China through agreements with Australia, Ukraine and other producers. The U.S. signed an agreement with Australia in October aimed at countering Chinas dominance in critical minerals that includes an $8.5 billion project pipeline. The deal leverages Australias proposed strategic reserve, which will supply metals like rare earths and lithium that are vulnerable to disruption. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The official said there had been progress, but more work was needed. Its not solved, they added. Canberra has said it has subsequently received interest from Europe, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Mondays meeting comes days after reports that China had begun restricting exports to Japanese companies of rare earths and powerful magnets containing them, as well as banning exports of dual-use items to the Japanese military. The meeting was planned well before that action, US officials said. China was still living up to its commitments to purchase US soybeans and ship critical minerals to US firms. With inputs from agencies Days after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a shocking military operation, an eyewitness recalled how American forces were using a mystery weapon This grab taken on January 3, 2026, from UGC footage released by Jose Abreu in his X account @Jabreu89, shows smoke billowing over Caracas after a series of explosions part of a US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Madruo.- AFP Days after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a shocking military operation, details of what happened on the fateful day are starting to emerge. According to a witness account shared on Saturday on X by the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the US used a powerful mystery weapon that brought Venezuelan soldiers to their knees, bleeding through the nose and vomiting blood. In a jaw-dropping interview, the guard operating in Venezuela at the time of the attack recalled how American forces wiped out hundreds of fighters without losing a single soldier. He mentioned that the US soldiers used technology unlike anything he has ever seen or heard. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We were on guard, but suddenly all our radar systems shut down without any explanation, the guard told The New York Post. The next thing we saw were drones, a lot of drones, flying over our positions. We didnt know how to react. He mentioned that moments later, a handful of helicopters appeared barely eight, by his count deploying what he estimated were just 20 US troops into the area. Stop what you are doing and read this https://t.co/v9OsbdLn1q Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 10, 2026 He described how the few men came armed with something far more powerful than guns, referring to it as a mystery weapon. They were technologically very advanced, the guard recalled. They didnt look like anything weve fought against before. What followed next was a slaughter. We were hundreds, but we had no chance, he said. They were shooting with such precision and speed it felt like each soldier was firing 300 rounds per minute," he added. The guard noted that the weapon still haunts him. The recollection of the eyewitness was eventually shared by Leavitt, with the caption: Stop what you are doing and read this STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that an American takeover of Greenland would mark the end of Nato, and Greenlanders say they dont want to become part of the US. The US exercises supremacy and is the powerhouse of military, weapons, artillery, leadership, and immense power. There is nothing which could prevent the US from acquiring Denmark and taking over Greenland. Also the US enjoys sweeping military access in Greenland after the 1951 Cold War agreement. US exercises heavy military back In the present state, the US has at least 100 military personnel stationed at its Pituffik base in the Arctic island. Trump can simply surge the number of personnel on the island under the treaty with Denmark to capture the territory. Trump has been continuously threatening Denmark and Denmark is taking Trumps threats seriously. The Mette Frederiksen-led government has warned that its troops were under standing orders to shoot first and ask questions later if Greenland was attacked by the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is part of a 1952 military directive that still remains in force. Under it, Danish forces have the freedom to counter-attack invading troops without awaiting formal orders from commanders or the government. Moreover, the Danish defence minister also said Denmark would spend $13.8 billion to rearm Greenland. Denmark at 45 in arms race According to Global Firepower rankings, the US is at the top of the chart in terms of military power. Denmark is ranked at 45. The US has 1.3 million military personnel, compared to the rest of the Nato alliances collective 2.1 million personnel. Officials from Denmark, Greenland and the United States met Thursday in Washington and will meet again next week to discuss a renewed push by the White House, which is considering a range of options, including the use of military force, to acquire the island. We dont want to be part of America Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that an American takeover of Greenland would mark the end of Nato, and Greenlanders say they dont want to become part of the US. Denmarks air capabilities are also limited and are no match for the strength of the US. The Danish Air Force has around 3,000 personnel and operates roughly 118 aircraft. By comparison, the US deployed a larger number of aircraft, around 150, during its Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela, where it captured President Nicolas Maduro. Greenland is also the result of decades of neglect by several US presidents towards Washingtons position in the Arctic. US dominance over air US air power alone could dominate the skies within hours. US F-35 Lighting II and F/A-18 fighter jets operating from a single Nimitz-class aircraft carrier would likely be sufficient to establish air superiority, according to experts. After Maduros capture, Trump is in full capture mode which has posed a threat to Greenland and could also lead to the islands national security. Locals gather near the site of a gas explosion in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Jan. 11, 2026. The death toll from a gas explosion at a wedding house in Pakistan's federal capital, Islamabad, has risen to eight, including a newlywed couple, while 11 others were injured, local authorities said on Sunday. Rescue officials said at least four houses in the surrounding area were affected by the blast. Authorities said the exact cause of the explosion will be determined following a detailed investigation. (Str/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a gas explosion at a wedding house in Pakistan's federal capital, Islamabad, has risen to eight, including a newlywed couple, while 11 others were injured, local authorities said on Sunday. The explosion occurred at around 2 a.m. local time inside a residential building where a wedding ceremony was underway, triggering panic and damaging nearby structures, said Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon. "So far, 19 people trapped under the debris have been rescued," the official said, adding that the injured were shifted to the hospital for treatment. Rescue officials said at least four houses in the surrounding area were affected by the blast. Authorities said the exact cause of the explosion will be determined following a detailed investigation. Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Yusuf Raza Gilani expressed deep grief over the incident that occurred during a wedding, calling it "heart-wrenching" as celebrations turned into mourning for a family. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and voiced concern over recurring gas cylinder explosions, urging relevant departments to strictly enforce safety measures, ensure compliance with laws and raise public awareness to prevent such tragedies. Security personnel examine the site of a gas explosion in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Jan. 11, 2026. The death toll from a gas explosion at a wedding house in Pakistan's federal capital, Islamabad, has risen to eight, including a newlywed couple, while 11 others were injured, local authorities said on Sunday. Rescue officials said at least four houses in the surrounding area were affected by the blast. Authorities said the exact cause of the explosion will be determined following a detailed investigation. (Str/Xinhua) Security personnel examine the site of a gas explosion in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Jan. 11, 2026. The death toll from a gas explosion at a wedding house in Pakistan's federal capital, Islamabad, has risen to eight, including a newlywed couple, while 11 others were injured, local authorities said on Sunday. Rescue officials said at least four houses in the surrounding area were affected by the blast. Authorities said the exact cause of the explosion will be determined following a detailed investigation. (Str/Xinhua) A security staff member examines the site of a gas explosion in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Jan. 11, 2026. The death toll from a gas explosion at a wedding house in Pakistan's federal capital, Islamabad, has risen to eight, including a newlywed couple, while 11 others were injured, local authorities said on Sunday. Rescue officials said at least four houses in the surrounding area were affected by the blast. Authorities said the exact cause of the explosion will be determined following a detailed investigation. (Str/Xinhua) Security personnel examine the site of a gas explosion in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Jan. 11, 2026. The death toll from a gas explosion at a wedding house in Pakistan's federal capital, Islamabad, has risen to eight, including a newlywed couple, while 11 others were injured, local authorities said on Sunday. Rescue officials said at least four houses in the surrounding area were affected by the blast. Authorities said the exact cause of the explosion will be determined following a detailed investigation. (Str/Xinhua) Security personnel examine the site of a gas explosion in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Jan. 11, 2026. The death toll from a gas explosion at a wedding house in Pakistan's federal capital, Islamabad, has risen to eight, including a newlywed couple, while 11 others were injured, local authorities said on Sunday. Rescue officials said at least four houses in the surrounding area were affected by the blast. Authorities said the exact cause of the explosion will be determined following a detailed investigation. (Str/Xinhua) Analysis of China's Cognitive Warfare Tactics Against Taiwan in 2025 ROC National Security Bureau (NSB) China continues to conduct cognitive warfare against Taiwan, hyping up selected important current events in Taiwan to achieve its strategic goals of "exacerbating internal divisions within Taiwan," "weakening Taiwanese people's will to resist the enemy," "influencing allies' willingness to support Taiwan," and "winning support for China's stance." The NSB has compiled a report titled "Analysis of China's Cognitive Warfare Tactics Against Taiwan in 2025," to help the general public be aware of China's influence operations and their threats to democratic society. Following the setting of narrative themes and tones, China's party, state, and military systems mobilize collaborative organizations, including information technology (IT) companies, marketing firms, and internet water army groups, to utilize the five major tactics to disseminate disinformation targeting audiences in Taiwan. Regarding "using data to analyze Taiwan's social dynamics," the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Ministry of State Security, Political Work Department under the People's Liberation Army (PLA) employ Chinese IT companies such as Golaxy, Meiya Pico, and Warming High-Tech and utilize web crawler technology to collect personal data of Taiwan's political figures, legislators, and opinion leaders, including their interpersonal connections and stances toward China. These Chinese IT companies also compile information on polling data and candidates' volume on social media, to launch targeted propaganda campaigns toward Taiwan and actions against specific individuals. As for "establishing diversified channels to disseminate disinformation," Central Publicity Department and Ministry of Public Security (MPS) utilize marketing companies such as Haixunshe, Haimai, and Huya to create fake websites. Those sites masquerade as international media outlets such as "Aisa Korea" and "Austria Weekly" and act in concert to spread narratives aligned with China's official stances. Moreover, Beijing has supported Chinese marketing company Wubianjie Group in operating content farms via Facebook fan pages that tend to post sensational articles to attract clicks. The company has also established soft-content channels on platforms such as Threads and X, and then pivoted to political posts, aiming to influence Taiwanese public perception. In terms of "employing inauthentic accounts to manipulate public opinion," Dragonbridge, an internet water army employed by the MPS, conducts influence operations in more than 20 languages across over 180 social media platforms worldwide. In addition, CAC, United Front Work Department, and PLA's Cyberspace Force have tasked Chinese IT companies such as Zhongkedianji, Beijing Xingguang, and OneSight with setting up a database for netizens and developing automated programs managing a great quantity of bot accounts for disinformation spreading, aiming to influence targeted audiences and manipulate public opinion. In respect to "using AI to generate highly realistic videos," IT enterprises such as China North Industries Group Corporation Limited have developed AI models and intelligent guidance systems aiming to concurrently conduct public-opinion data collection, automated video generation, and precise delivery to targeted audiences. These systems can produce and disseminate disinformation in various forms. Moreover, China has commissioned Chinese IT companies such as Magic Data and iFlytek to develop intelligent voice systems and place advertisements on recruitment websites, aiming to entice unwitting Taiwanese users to submit online recordings. It is possible that these voice datasets can be used to clone voices mimicking Taiwanese accents, thereby enhancing the authenticity of AI-generated video content. In regard to "conducting cyber intrusions to hijack Taiwanese users' accounts," Chinese cyber army hijacked over a dozen PTT accounts during China's military exercise against Taiwan in April 2025. It hacked into IoT devices and rented overseas servers as proxies to hype up disinformation such as "China has blockaded Taiwan's natural-gas shipments" and "Chinese warships have entered Taiwan's 24-nautical-mile zone." In 2025, Taiwan's national intelligence community recorded over 45,000 sets of inauthentic accounts and over 2.314 million pieces of disinformation. Over 3,200 pieces of disinformation were reported to relevant government agencies, allowing Taiwan's government to tackle China's cognitive warfare in real time. Government agencies and prominent think tanks in the US, EU, Australia, and France all issued reports to warn against China's manipulation of information and relevant threats. Taiwan is situated at the forefront of international efforts to counter China's cognitive warfare. Therefore, in 2025, the NSB engaged in over 80 security dialogues and intelligence conferences with international friends and allies, so as to expand the cooperative network in the democratic community to counter China's cognitive warfare. The NSB will continue to stay abreast of China's tactics of cognitive warfare against Taiwan. In addition to implementing the reporting and response mechanism across government apparatuses, the NSB will step up efforts to cooperate with third-party fact-checking organizations and social media platform operators, urging them to duly disclose and take down false information. By doing so, the NSB aims to prevent hostile foreign forces from conducting influence operations against Taiwan, thereby ensuring an unmanipulated public opinion arena in Taiwan. For more information, please refer to Analysis of China's Cognitive Warfare Tactics Against Taiwan in 2025 Secretariat National Security Bureau Republic of China (Taiwan) January 10, 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Safeguards Venezuelan Oil Revenue for the Good of the American and Venezuelan People Fact Sheets The White House January 9, 2026 PROTECTING VENEZUELAN OIL REVENUE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order declaring a national emergency to safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts from attachment or judicial process, ensuring these funds are preserved to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives. The Order blocks any attachment, judgment, decree, lien, execution, garnishment, or other judicial process against Foreign Government Deposit Funds. Foreign Government Deposit Funds are defined as the Venezuelan oil revenues and diluent sales held in U.S. Treasury accounts. The Order prohibits transfers or dealings in these funds except as authorized, superseding any prior Orders that might block or regulate them. The Order affirms the funds are sovereign property of Venezuela held in U.S. custody for governmental and diplomatic purposes, not subject to private claims. ADVANCING U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN POLICY: President Trump is preventing the seizure of Venezuelan oil revenue that could undermine critical U.S. efforts to ensure economic and political stability in Venezuela. Allowing attachment of these funds would directly jeopardize U.S. objectives, including stemming the influx of illegal aliens and disrupting the flood of illicit narcotics, which has resulted in the death of countless thousands of American citizens. Loss of control over these revenues would empower malign actors like Iran and Hezbollah while weakening efforts to bring peace, prosperity, and stability to the Venezuelan people and to the Western Hemisphere as a whole. The funds are held solely for sovereign purposes, and their protection reinforces U.S. compliance with international obligations and supports broader diplomatic objectives. PUTTING AMERICA FIRST: President Trump has relentlessly confronted threats from the Maduro regime and its enablers to defend American interests and strengthen hemispheric security. On Day One, President Trump designated eight cartels, including Tren de Aragua, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) to combat their violence and drug trafficking. President Trump authorized lethal force against narcoterrorists to stop the flow of deadly drugs into this country. President Trump ordered a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going in and out of Venezuela. President Trump offered multiple off ramps to Maduro and his illegitimate regime, but he was clear that the drug trafficking must stop. Last week, U.S. armed forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in support of law enforcement to bring outlaw dictator Maduro to justice. It is in the national interest of the United States to be surrounded by safe, secure, and stable countries; The President's actions reestablish deterrence in the Western hemisphere. By safeguarding these oil revenues, President Trump is promoting stability in Venezuela while advancing America First objectives: stopping illegal immigration, blocking deadly narcotics, and countering malign foreign influence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address RIYADH, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Saturday denounced Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state as a serious violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The condemnation was included in a final communique issued after the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the organization's Council of Foreign Ministers, held on Saturday in Jeddah. The council said the recognition is null and void under international law and reaffirmed its full solidarity with the Somali government and people. The communique also rejected any illegal foreign military, security or intelligence presence on Somali territory, warning that such actions threaten peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. The council reiterated that the Palestinian cause remains central to the Islamic world. It welcomed countries that have recognized the State of Palestine and reaffirmed the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and to establish an independent state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The communique further called for consolidating the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid, rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians, and ending Israel's settlement expansion and violations in the West Bank, including Jerusalem. Finland's withdrawal from Ottawa Convention to take effect Finnish Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence Publication date 10.1.2026 12.12 Type:Press release Finland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention will take effect on 10 January. Finland remains committed to the humanitarian objectives of the Ottawa Convention. Finland's decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention was based on an assessment of Finland's defence needs in the deteriorated security environment. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has profoundly changed the security environment of Finland and throughout Europe. The main goals of Finland's foreign and security policy are to safeguard Finland's independence and territorial integrity, to avoid becoming involved in a military conflict and to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of the people of Finland. Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention will make it possible to start planning for reintroducing anti-personnel mines to supplement Finland's defence capabilities. The reintroduction of anti-personnel mines will proceed in accordance with the defence administration's planning processes. Further details on this will be communicated separately. On 10 July 2025, Finland gave notice of its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention to all parties to the Convention, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), who serves as the Depositary of the Convention, and the UN Security Council. As defined in the Convention, the withdrawal will take effect six months after the Depositary of the Convention has received the instrument of withdrawal. Finland's withdrawal will not affect its other obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law obligations with which Finland will continue to comply in future. Finland remains committed to the humanitarian objectives of the Ottawa Convention and will continue to support humanitarian mine action. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE 22ND EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE OIC COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS ON THE SITUATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA FOLLOWING THE RECOGNITION BY ISRAEL, THE OCCUPYING POWER, OF THE SO-CALLED "SOMALILAND" AS AN INDEPENDENT STATE Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 10-01-2026 JEDDAH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA SATURDAY, 10 JANUARY 2026 21 RAJAB, 1447 INDEX 1. RESOLUTION NO.1 THE SITUATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA FOLLOWING THE RECOGNITION BY ISRAEL, THE OCCUPYING POWER, OF THE SO-CALLED "SOMALILAND" AS AN INDEPENDENT STATE 2. RESOLUTION NO. 2 ON THE CONTINUED AGGRESSION BY ISRAEL, THE OCCUPYING POWER, AGAINST THE PALESTINE PEOPLE AND THE SCHEMES FOR THE ANNEXATION OF THEIR LAND AND DISPLACEMENT RESOLUTION No 1 ON THE SITUATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA FOLLOWING THE RECOGNITION BY ISRAEL, THE OCCUPYING POWER, OF THE SO-CALLED "SOMALILAND" AS AN INDEPENDENT STATE The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), convened at the 22nd Extraordinary Session on Saturday, 10 January 2026, at the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the request of the Federal Republic of Somalia, to address the situation in the Federal Republic of Somalia, following the recognition by Israel, the occupying power, of the so-called "Somaliland" as an independent state; Guided by the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation; Affirming all the relevant resolutions adopted by the conferences of the Islamic Summit and the Council of Foreign Ministers on the Federal Republic of Somalia; Recalling the Final Communique issued by the Extraordinary Open-Ended Meeting of the Executive Committee at level of Permanent Representatives, held on 1 January 2026, at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah to discuss the developments of situation in the Republic of Somalia following the recognition by Israel, the occupying power of the so-called "Somaliland" region as an independent state. Emphasizing respect for the sovereignty, national unity, territorial integrity of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, as well as the principle of non-recognition of situations arising from illegal acts, in accordance with the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter; In light of the grave and unprecedented repercussions of the recognition by Israel, the occupying power, of the so-called "Somaliland" region as an independent state and Israel's blatant violation of the sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and its direct threat to regional and international peace and security: 1. Strongly condemns and categorically rejects the action by Israel, the occupying power, on 26 December 2025, to recognize the so-called "Somaliland" as an independent state, and stresses that move constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty, national unity, territorial integrity and the internationally-recognized borders of the Federal Republic of Somalia; 2. Affirms its full support for the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and unwavering solidarity with the Somali government and people and reiterates its absolute rejection of any measures or actions that can undermine its unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty on its entire territory. 3. Affirms that respect for the sovereignty and territorial unity of states alongside rejection of separatist schemes constitute the cornerstone of region security and stability and that any breach thereof will impact negatively on international peace and security. 4. Stresses that the action of the Israeli occupation power is a flagrant violation of international law, the United Nations Charter and a gross violation of the principle of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and a direct threat to the peace and security of the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, with dangerous implications for international security and peace. 5. Affirms that the recognition by Israel, the occupying power, of the so-called "Somaliland" region as an independent state is an illegal measure with no legal effect and represents a clear contravention of the principles of public international law, the United Nations Charter, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Charter and all instruments governing inter-state relations and a dangerous and unacceptable precedent threatening international peace and security. 6. Reiterates that the so-called "Somaliland" is an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and does not enjoy any independent international legal status, and that any attempt to separate and recognize it is blatant interference in Somali internal affairs and a direct affront to the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia. 7. Strongly Condemns the illegal visit recently carried out on 6 January 2026 by an official of Israel, the occupying power, to the so-called "Somaliland", which is part and parcel of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and asserts that this visit constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. 8. Categorically rejects any illegal foreign military, security or intelligence presence on any part of the Somali territory, in particular the presence of any Israeli occupation force, and stresses that any attempt to establish military bases, security arrangements, any investments, including those of strategic nature, or any foreign presence, without the approval of the legitimate Somali Federal Government is an assault on national sovereignty and a red line that cannot be crossed. 9. Stresses that the action by Israel, the occupying power constitutes gross violation of international law, a direct threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, and has grave implications for international peace and security, freedom of navigation and international trade. 10. Affirms its support for the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a member of the United Nations and a non-permanent member of the United Security Council in its efforts to mobilize international support to reject this provocative Israeli action and reaffirms Somali unity and territorial integrity. 11. Recognizes the right of the Federal Republic of Somalia to have recourse to specialized international judicial and legal mechanisms to hold accountable any party that violates its sovereignty or supports any illegal actions that undermine its unity and territorial integrity. 12. Calls on Member States, international and regional organizations to refrain from any official or quasi-official engagement in any form whatsoever with the authorities of the so-called "Somaliland" outside the framework of the national sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia. 13. Warns against any direct or indirect cooperation with the Israeli schemes to displace the Palestinian people, given that such a cooperation represents complicity in crimes and a gross violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and given its attendant international legal accountability. 14. Categorically rejects any potential link between this action and any attempt to forcefully displace the Palestinian people from their land, and affirms its absolute rejection of any calls, plans or policies aimed, in one way or another, at forcefully displacing Palestinian people under any pretext in or outside Palestine, including the Gaza Strip, or any attempts to alter the demographic or geographic composition of the occupied Palestinian territory. 15. Warns that these practices undermine regional and international counter-terrorism efforts and open the way for the creation of vulnerable environments that can be penetrated and exploited by extremist and terrorist groups, impacting negatively on regional and international security. 16. Warns against any attempts to militarize the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region in a manner that threatens free navigation as well as regional and international maritime security. 17. Affirms that the moves by Israel, the occupying power, is a dangerous attempt to unilaterally re-draw the geopolitical map of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea opposite the coast of Somalia and demands that the international community challenge those moves as threats to regional and international peace and security and to free navigation and international trade. 18. Calls upon the OIC Secretary-General to address communications to the presidents of the Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Secretary-General and international and regional organizations to underscore the danger of the violation by Israel, the occupying power, of the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and its assault on Somalia's territorial integrity and to invite them to take official positions rejecting this recognition as a threat to international peace and security in line with provision of the United Nations Charter. 19. Calls on OIC Member States to coordinate their positions and act collectively at the United Nations, international and regional organizations and multilateral for a, including the OIC groups in non-Member States, in support of the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia 20. Calls on the international community, particularly the permanent members of the Security Council to assume their legal and moral responsibilities, in a consensual manner to maintain international peace and security to challenge any attempt to impose new realities contrary to international law in the Horn of Africa region. 21. Decides that the Islamic Group in New York should act within the framework of the United Nations to affirm the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia and to reject any measures resulting the illegal recognition of the so-called "Somaliland", including submitting a draft resolution in this regard at the United Nations General Assembly. 22. Mandates the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers. RESOLUTION No. 2 ON THE CONTINUED AGGRESSION BY ISRAEL, THE OCCUPYING POWER, AGAINST THE PALESTINE PEOPLE AND THE SCHEMES FOR THE ANNEXATION OF THEIR LAND AND DISPLACEMENT ---------------------- The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), convened at the 22nd Extraordinary Session on Saturday, 10 January 2026, at the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the request of the Federal Republic of Somalia, to address the situation in the Federal Republic of Somalia, following the recognition by Israel, the occupying power, of the so-called "Somaliland" as an independent state; In light of the continued violations by Israel, the occupying power, its breach of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and its ongoing infringements and crimes in the West Bank, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the illegal settlement expansion on the occupied Palestinian territory; Affirming the principles and objectives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Charter; Affirming all the resolutions adopted by the sessions of the Islamic Summit and the Council of Foreign Ministers on the cause of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif, including the two joint extraordinary Arab-Islamic summits to discuss the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023 and 2024, and the resolutions adopted by the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Istanbul, Republic of Turkiye on 21 and 22 June 2025; Recalling that the United Nations Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security; Recognizing that Israel, the occupying Power, is practicing apartheid and violating international law; Reiterating the importance of the cause of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and its defence which are at the core of the objectives and principles of the Organization's work and the Palestinian Arab-Islamic identity of Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of the State of Palestine and full sovereignty over it; Reaffirming the centrality of the Palestinian cause for the entire Islamic ummah and support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which are their right to self-determination, the return of Palestinian refugees, their sovereignty over their natural resources, and their right to independence and the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the pre-June 4, 1967 lines, with Al-Quds AL-Sharif as its capital; 1. Affirms that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, as a strategic choice, is based on the complete withdrawal of Israel, the occupying power, from all Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, on enabling the Government of the State of Palestine and the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate rights, including their right to self-determination, independence and freedom, on the realization of the sovereignty of the State of Palestine on the pre-June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and on the right of Palestinian refugees to return and compensation, based on the relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, with all its elements and its natural sequence as stated in the successive Arab and Islamic summits since 2002. 2. Calls for the consolidation and sustainability of the ceasefire, the cessation of the aggression of Israel, the occupying power, against the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip, and the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement as stipulated in Security Council Resolution 2803, the complete Israeli withdrawal, the completion of the recovery phase and moving towards reconstruction, enabling the Government of the State of Palestine to exercise all its functions in the Gaza Strip, opening all crossings, and ensuring the adequate delivery of humanitarian aid to all parts of the Strip, and holds Israel, the colonial occupying power, fully responsible for the failure of efforts as a result of its failure to fulfill its obligations; 3. Affirms the absolute rejection of, and firm opposition to, plans aimed at displacing the Palestinian people, individually or collectively, within or outside their land, or forced displacement, exile, and deportation in any form and under any circumstance or justification, considering this to be ethnic cleansing, a grave violation of international law, a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, an unacceptable infringement on the sovereignty and stability of states, and a threat to their security and territorial integrity. Condemns policies of starvation and scorched earth or the creation of hostile conditions aimed at forcing the Palestinian people to leave their land, and rejects any Israeli attempts to reduce Palestinian geography and demography; 4. Demands a halt to all policies and procedures of annexation, illegal settlement, demolition of homes, confiscation of land, destruction of infrastructure, settler terrorism, Israeli military incursions into Palestinian camps and cities, fragmentation of Palestinian cities and villages, harassment of Palestinians at Israeli military checkpoints, and attempts to impose alleged Israeli sovereignty over any part of the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, which threatens to ignite the entire situation in an unprecedented manner, further inflames and complicates the regional situation, and is considered a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions and a threat to international peace and security; 5. Strongly condemns the continued actions and policies of Israel, the occupying power, and its illegal practices, including the imposition of racist laws, violation of all international resolutions and laws in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, including the forced displacement of its original Palestinian inhabitants, the demolition of homes, the construction of settlements and the wall to isolate it from its natural Palestinian surroundings, the persecution of Christian and Muslim worshippers and preventing them from accessing their places of worship and performing their religious rites, as well as those aimed at Judaizing the Holy City and changing the existing historical and legal reality, and changing its historical landmarks, its Palestinian Arab and Islamic identity and its demographic composition, while emphasizing that all these measures are null and void. 6. Affirms that the entire 144,000 square meters area of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque/ Al-Quds Haram Sharif is the exclusive place of worship of Muslims, and that the Al-Quds Endowments and the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs affiliated to the Jordanian Ministry of Endowments is the sole legal and single authority in charge of the management, and maintenance of, and ordering access to, the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, under the historical Hashemite custodianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in the occupied Al-Quds; Asserts the role of the Al-Quds Committee headed by HM King Mohamed VI of Morocco and appreciates the efforts of its Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency; 7. Calls upon all Member States to comply with the resolutions of the Islamic Summits and other relevant conferences with regard to taking measures against any State that recognizes the occupied city of Al-Quds as an alleged capital of Israel, the colonial occupying Power, or that transfers its embassy thereto, including through restricting and reviewing relations with such State, until it complies with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council; and requests Member States to use their influence and relations with all States to clarify their position and to convey the position of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its firm message concerning Al-Quds Al-Sharif; 8. Affirms that all crimes committed by Israel, the occupying power, amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of genocide, which warrant accountability and prosecution under international and international criminal law. Emphasizes the need to join the case brought before the International Court of Justice regarding the violation by Israel, the occupying power, of the provisions of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Also emphasizes the importance of following up on the implementation of legal opinions issued by the International Court of Justice to ensure that Israel, the occupying power, is held accountable for its continued illegal occupation and the genocidal crimes it has committed and continues to commit in the State of Palestine. 9. Expresses its strong condemnation and deep disapproval of the preliminary approval by the so-called Israeli Knesset of the amendment related to the so-called "UNRWA Activities Cessation Law of 2025," which prevents the provision of water and electricity services to properties registered in the name of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and allows for the confiscation of its properties. Affirms that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory, and with regard to UNRWA, and in this context, emphasizes the need to resolve the Palestinian refugee issue in a just and comprehensive manner and to guarantee their right of return in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy, and the permanent responsibility of the United Nations towards the Palestinian question in all its aspects, and rejects any infringement upon it or its responsibilities and for its responsibilities to be changed or transferred to any other party. Emphasizes the need for UNRWA to continue to bear its responsibilities in providing vital services to Palestinian refugees inside and outside the camps in its five operations zones, and calls on states and donors to fulfill their obligations to support the Agency politically and financially, and calls on Member States to mobilize more political and financial support for the Agency; 10. Strongly condemns the attacks by Israel, the occupying power, on the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, most recently the illegal decision to withdraw planning and building powers in the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Hebron Municipality and transfer them to entities affiliated with the illegal Israeli occupation, and the continuation of its illegal measures aimed at seizing and controlling the mosque completely, and reaffirms that the World Heritage Site in the Old City of Hebron, including the Ibrahimi Mosque, is an integral part of the land of the State of Palestine and its cultural heritage, and holds Israel, the illegal colonial occupying power, fully responsible for these attacks that violate international law, and calls on member states to cooperate with UNESCO in supporting all moves to stop Israeli violations and plans immediately; 11. Condemns all illegal measures taken by Israel, the occupying power, against international humanitarian and relief institutions and organizations, the latest of which was the decision of the Israeli occupation authority to cancel the work permits of a group of 37 of the most prominent international humanitarian and relief organizations operating in the territory of the State of Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, and calls on the international community and the United Nations to reject these Israeli measures and to take all punitive steps to confront these illegal retaliatory policies and to work to deter Israel, the occupying power, from its crimes and grave violations of international law; 12. Reaffirms its support and backing for the New York Declaration and its annexes issued by the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, and the need to take all steps to implement the New York Declaration and the relevant UN resolutions on the Palestinian question, 13. Applauds the positions and decisions of the states that have recognized the State of Palestine in affirmation and fundamental support of the legal and historical right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and realization of their independent state on the internationally-recognized 1967 borders, and urges all states that have yet to do so, to fulfil their duties and recognize the State of Palestine, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, and to support its full membership in the United Nations, as an essential pillar in the implementation and protection of the Two-State solution and the realization of peace and stability in the region and the world. 14. Condemns and denounces the Israeli practices against the brave Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention centers, and calls upon the international community and organisations to work towards ensuring the enjoyment of their rights under the international humanitarian law and thus their immediate release Also condemns the Israeli steps to legislate the death penalty against Palestinian prisoners and considers it an additional crime, a blatant and immoral violation of international law, specifically international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, including the First and Third Geneva Conventions concerning prisoners of war and the wounded in the field for the year 1949. 15. Calls upon all states to provide support and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people to alleviate their suffering and strengthen their resilience on their land, to continue to work with a view to ending the occupation and the Israeli siege imposed on the Government of the State of Palestine, and to release the clearance funds, and calls upon states to join the emergency international coalition announced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support the budget of the Palestinian Authority, and appreciates the important role played by international humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies operating in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially UNRWA, and calls for necessary support to be provided to them. 16. Mandates the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the next session of the Council of Foreign Ministers NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Holds an Extraordinary Meeting at its Headquarters to Discuss Developments in Somalia Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 10-01-2026 The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held its 22nd extraordinary session today, Saturday, 10 January 2026, at the headquarters of the Organization's General Secretariat in Jeddah, to discuss developments in the situation in the Federal Republic of Somalia, following the recognition by Israel, the occupying power, of the so-called 'Somaliland' region as an independent state. His Excellency Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, delivered a speech during the opening session of the Council, in which he emphasised that this extraordinary ministerial meeting was being held at a very delicate and sensitive time to discuss serious developments affecting the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, following Israel, the occupying power's announcement, of its recognition of the so-called 'Somaliland' region as an independent state, in a dangerous precedent that constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to regional security and stability. The Secretary-General explained that the meeting was a follow-up to the extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee with open membership at the level of permanent representatives, which was held at the headquarters of the Organization's General Secretariat on 1 January 2025. It clearly reflects the extent of shared concern about these dangerous developments. It also reflects the collective awareness of Member States of the need to adopt a unified, clear, and firm Islamic position that supports the Federal Republic of Somalia, its territorial integrity and sovereignty, based on the principles of the OIC Charter, the provisions of international law, and relevant United Nations resolutions. In his speech, the Secretary-General also addressed the situation in Palestine, stressing the need to compel Israel, the occupying power, to move to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, leading to a comprehensive and permanent cessation of Israeli aggression and complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, preventing the displacement of the Palestinian people, facilitating the return of displaced persons to their homes, opening all crossings and ensuring the adequate and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, in addition to holding an international conference in Cairo for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The Council of Foreign Ministers concluded its 22nd extraordinary session by adopting two resolutions, the first on developments in the Federal Republic of Somalia and the second on Israel's continued aggression against the Palestinian people and its plans for annexation and displacement from their land. The meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers was preceded by a preparatory meeting at the senior officials' level. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump says to make deal to acquire Greenland in "easy way" or "hard way" People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:56, January 10, 2026 WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said a deal will be made for the United States to acquire Greenland in an "easy way" or "hard way." "I would like to make a deal the easy way but if we don't do it the easy way, we're going to do it the hard way," the U.S. president told reporters at an event at the White House, adding that he was "going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not." Asked about a media report that the White House was considering paying Greenlanders for their agreement to join the United States, Trump said, "I'm not talking about money for Greenland yet." Danish Ambassador to the United States Jesper Moller Sorensen and Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenland's head of representation to the United States, met with White House officials on Thursday, U.S. media reported. On Tuesday, the White House issued a statement saying that "utilizing the U.S. military" is always an option for Trump over his demand for Greenland. Both Greenland and Denmark have made clear the island is not for sale. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Monday 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." Denmark is a member of both NATO and the European Union. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump presses reluctant oil executives to pour billions into Venezuela Iran Press TV Saturday, 10 January 2026 4:09 PM US President Donald Trump has told several of the world's major oil companies that he guarantees "total safety" in Venezuela, urging them to invest $100 billion in the South American nation's oil industry. Trump has openly acknowledged that Venezuela's oil was a key priority behind the US military strike on Caracas and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on January 3. During a meeting with oil company executives at the White House on Friday, Trump said the United States stands to benefit from lower energy prices. The president insisted that the investment would come from private oil companies rather than the federal government. "The plan is for them to spend meaning our giant oil companies will be spending at least $100 billion of their money, not the government's money," he said. "We're going to be making the decision as to which oil companies are going to go in," Trump added. Earlier in the week, he had suggested that US taxpayers might ultimately fund investments in Venezuela's oil sector. In brief comments, some oil executives expressed conditional interest in investing in Venezuela's oil infrastructure if the US government provides sufficient assurances. However, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods said the company currently views Venezuela as "uninvestable." Woods added that no major financial commitments were expected in the near term. Many analysts have questioned whether oil giants will move as quickly or as aggressively as Trump has suggested. CNN reported last week that despite Trump's repeated claims that US oil companies are eager to access Venezuela's vast energy reserves, major American firms show little appetite for returning to the country. Citing industry executives, the network said conditions on the ground make Trump's ambition to control Venezuela's oil both economically risky and politically fraught. The reluctance, analysts say, underscores the gap between Washington's coercive foreign policy approach and the hard constraints imposed by markets, legal frameworks, and investment risk. Years of sanctions, financial isolation, and underinvestment, much of it driven by US-led pressure, have left Venezuela's oil sector severely weakened. International law experts have repeatedly stressed that no external actor has a legal claim to a country's natural resources, noting that Venezuela's oil belongs solely to its people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK co-owns UAE-controlled Somaliland port used against Sudan Iran Press TV Saturday, 10 January 2026 10:16 AM The UK government reportedly co-owns a strategic port controlled by the UAE in the breakaway region of Somaliland, which is part of a network of Emirati infrastructure used to supply weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that are committing genocide in Sudan. The United Kingdom's share in the Port of Berbera is held through the government's foreign investment arm, British International Investment (BII), which jointly owns the Horn of Africa port with the UAE's logistics behemoth DP World and the so-called Government of Somaliland. This is while the UK's partnership with DP World in Berbera port appears to raise questions about a possible conflict of interest between its commercial activities and its diplomatic gesture as to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where the UAE is arming the RSF against the Sudanese government. The UK, like the United States and the European Union, has imposed sanctions on RSF commanders "suspected of atrocities including mass killings, sexual violence, and deliberate attacks on civilians in El Fasher, Sudan." While the UAE continues to deny supplying the paramilitary group, which is led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo - better known as Hemedti, evidence, including flight tracking, cargo inventories and multiple official sources in Sudan and beyond, is mounting that the Persian Gulf country is chiefly involved in the Sudan war. According to diplomatic sources, Abu Dhabi has used what US President Donald Trump has labeled as its "unlimited cash" to exert pressure on London not to call out its role in the Sudan crisis. British-built military equipment exported to the UAE has been uncovered in Sudan on multiple occasions, and Britain's extensive commercial relations with the Emirates are under growing inspection. Experts maintain that Berbera port forms part of a chain of Emirati-owned infrastructure that stretches across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. "The UK cannot credibly call for a ceasefire, accountability, and civilian protection in Sudan while tolerating or participating in regional arrangements that keep armed actors liquid, mobile, and insulated from pressure," Amgad Fareid Eltayeb, director of Sudanese public policy organization Fikra, said. A spokesperson for BII claimd it was a minority investor in Berbera's commercial port, adding that the port was "entirely unconnected" to nearby Emirati military facilities. BII joined DP World Berbera and the Somaliland as a minority investor in the expansion of the Port of Berbera in early 2022. The measure was part of a broader partnership with DP World, known as Africa Gateway, to purportedly "support the modernization and expansion of ports and inland logistics across Africa and to improve African trade with the rest of the world." The UK and the UAE have other complementary business interests in Somaliland. Both the UK-listed firm Genel Energy and the UAE's RakGas have licenses to drill for crude oil in the territory, with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro recently saying that drilling for oil is expected to begin by 2027. Somaliland is currently at the center of a diplomatic controversy after the Israeli regiome recognized its independence from Mogadishu on December 26. The move drew widespread international condemnations. Israel's recognition of Somaliland has raised speculations that Ethiopia could be poised to do the same. Just prior to the highly controversial move, a high-level Ethiopian delegation visited Berbera port and the adjacent Berbera Economic Free Zone. A few days later, Ethiopia's foreign minister refused to answer questions about whether his country would follow Israel in recognizing Somaliland. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO moves to boost Arctic security as Trump revives Greenland takeover threat Iran Press TV Saturday, 10 January 2026 9:31 AM NATO has started to take steps to strengthen Arctic security after US President Donald Trump presses on his claim to seize Greenland. POLITICO reported that European members of the North Atlantic treaty are weighing steps to strengthen Arctic security after Trump escalated claims over Greenland and refused to rule out using force to seize the semi-autonomous Danish territory. NATO diplomats involved in the issue, who spoke anonymously to POLITICO, said initiating steps to strengthen West's security in Greenland were raised during a closed-door meeting of the military alliance's ambassadors in Brussels following recent statements from the White House claiming that the land is vulnerable to Russian and Chinese influence. NATO ambassadors at the closed-door meeting agreed that the North Atlantic military alliance should reinforce its Arctic flank by improving intelligence and surveillance, directing more defense spending toward the Arctic, transferring additional military equipment to the region, and increasing the number of military exercises. They said concerns over Greenland reflect growing European unease over Trump's intentions. NATO ambassadors said European leaders aimed to defuse the tense situation. A military intervention, Denmark has warned, would effectively spell the end of the NATO military alliance. The Trump administration has "ratcheted up" its claims on Greenland and repeatedly declined to rule out a military takeover. Trump and his advisors have floated various scenarios for bringing Greenland under US control. According to Reuters, the Trump administration has suggested paying a lump-sum of $100,000 per person to Greenland residents to join the US. Also, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the use of military force to seize Greenland remained "always an option." Trump has threatened to seize Greenland by force. He insisted that he needed Greenland "very badly," warning that the US is "going to do something [there] whether they like it or not," adding,"If we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland." Trump has further justified Washington's military campaign by pointing to Greenland's raw materials and oil potential, as well as what he described as a threatening presence of Russian and Chinese ships near the island. European leaders, particularly Copenhagen and Nuuk, have rejected Trump's claims, emphasizing on their collective opposition to any US move in this regard. Denmark's ambassador has framed the matter of Russian and Chinese presence in the East Artic as a bilateral dispute with the US. However, some experts have described the proximity of Russian and Chinese shipping lines as "productive" and "constructive." Meantime, opinion polls conducted among Greenlanders also reportedly showed that the majority of the population were opposed to becoming a US citizen. US polling showed that only 7 percent of Americans support the idea of a US military invasion of the territory. Trump brought up the matter of taking over Greenland in 2019 during his first presidency. During his second presidency, he brought up the idea in a bolder manner after the US military strikes on Caracas and the illegal abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. The move took place under the false pretext of the Trump administration's campaign against drug trafficking, but in reality, for taking control of the Latin American country's vast oil reserves. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ICYMI: Ranking Member Shaheen Pens Fox News Op-Ed on How the Mounting Cost of Involvement in Venezuela Distracts from Pocketbook Economic Issues at Home Senate Foreign Relations Committee Published: January 10, 2026 WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, published an op-ed in Fox News on how the mounting cost of involvement in Venezuela is distracting from pocketbook economic issues in the United States. In her opinion piece, Ranking Member Shaheen argues that while the U.S. operation to take Nicolas Maduro into custody removed a single leader, it did not dismantle Venezuela's entrenched power structures or criminal networks and risks pulling the U.S. into a prolonged, costly intervention with no clear endgame. She warns that this growing involvement diverts attention and resources from lowering household costs for American families, undercuts promises of a restrained foreign policy and risks strengthening adversaries like China at a time when Americans wants Washington focused on affordability at home. CLICK HERE to read Ranking Member Shaheen's op-ed in Fox News. The text of her op-ed has also been provided below. Maduro is gone, but the same power structures remain in Venezuela Real change in Venezuela will require years of sustained US investment Earlier this week, Nicolas Maduro's vice president was sworn in as Venezuela's president in a ceremony attended by the same officials who have led the regime for years. The country's senior military commanders were present, along with the interior minister who oversees much of the state's repressive security apparatus. Also on hand to congratulate her were the most powerful ambassadors in Caracas, from Russia to China to Iran. Despite the successful operation by our military and intelligence community that took Nicolas Maduro into federal custody, control of the Venezuelan state has not meaningfully shifted. The same individuals continue to command the institutions that matter. That continuity has consequences. The networks tied to drug trafficking and official corruption remain entrenched in the government, as do the conditions that have driven more than seven million people to flee the country, many of them to the United States or to neighboring countries like Colombia and Peru. The American adversaries most invested in preserving this system remain actively engaged. Changing that reality is far more complex than the removal of a single leader. It would mean reforming Venezuela's security forces, dismantling criminal enterprises embedded in the state, stabilizing a collapsed economy, and supporting a credible path to democratic elections. Those efforts would require significant American resources and carry real risks, with no guarantee of success. At this early stage, the United States has committed major military forces and personnel to the region. Roughly fifteen thousand U.S. personnel and about 20% of U.S. Navy assets were positioned in the region during the buildup, supported by air assets. That scale illustrates how quickly a limited operation can become a lasting obligation. Any expectation that Venezuela could quickly finance its own recovery, or offset the costs of U.S. involvement, is unrealistic. Restoring Venezuela's oil production is a long-term undertaking. Years of mismanagement have degraded infrastructure and driven out skilled workers. Bringing production back online at scale would require lengthy technical work and substantial private investment, under security and governance conditions that do not currently exist. Further, U.S. refineries already have their hands fullthey cannot drop their work to refine domestic crude oil to prioritize Venezuela's oil. That's why President Trump even recently acknowledged that U.S. taxpayers may be called upon to reimburse oil companies who want to set up shop in Venezuela. Meanwhile, the administration has dismantled U.S. economic and democracy assistance, including cost-effective and targeted tools that would be essential to stabilizing Venezuela and supporting a transition away from corruption and criminal control. China, by contrast, has consistently used infrastructure, financing, and humanitarian support to expand its influence in Venezuela and across the region. Undermining U.S. economic engagement while signaling interest in extracting resources risks strengthening Beijing's position, not weakening itand this would be a message sent around the entire world: the U.S. takes while China invests. Taken together, tackling these challenges would amount to a multi-year commitment of resources, attention, and political capital, with uncertain outcomes and competing demands elsewhere. That commitment could grow, with the President indicating interest in ever-expanding interventions in the hemisphere. These tradeoffs are not abstract. Long-term involvement abroad competes with pressing domestic priorities, including lowering household costs, protecting access to health care, and maintaining investments at home in affordability and economic growth. More than anything, I hear from my constituents in New Hampshire that they want their elected leaders to focus on their pocketbook economic concerns, on making their lives more affordable and lowering the cost of key expenses like housing, health care, energy as well as everyday essentials. They recognize the importance of America playing a constructive and muscular role in the world, but don't want their elected leaders to ignore their very real economic priorities. President Trump acknowledged those concerns when he campaigned for office, but his agenda since - from blanket tariffs to health care cuts - have had the opposite effect. Americans increasingly feel squeezed by the high cost of living. The President also campaigned on a restrained foreign policy that avoided the sort of open-ended nation building commitments we've seen in the past, but when it comes to Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere, we see him pursuing a very different approach. Threats and actions to seize or run sovereign territory are not only unpopular among the American people; they are among the costliest and strain partnerships and alliances, creating even more space for U.S. adversaries like Russia and China to take advantage. Americans know that our country - and the world - is stronger, safer and more prosperous when we are engaged in and shape what happens beyond our border. But they're deeply mindful of the real trade-offs that exist when our leaders draw us into costly commitments overseas without a clear end-game or strategy. Right now, the President has drawn the United States into a potentially protracted involvement in Venezuela and beyond. Thus far we have not heard a consistent rationale for our involvement, much less a plausible long-term strategy for how we stabilize and transition Venezuela to a thriving democracylong the shared objective of Republicans and Democrats. It is critical that the administration is transparent with the American people and Congress about the costs that involvement will incur and the real tradeoffs it entails. And in the process, it is vital that the Administration not preserve the very autocratic systems and institutions they once saw as a U.S. national security threat. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On Behalf of the Foreign Minister, the Vice Foreign Minister Participates in Extraordinary Meeting of OIC Foreign Ministers on the Situation in Somalia Saudi Press Agency Saturday 21/07/1447 Jeddah, January 10, 2026, SPA -- On behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji participated today in the extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the situation in Somalia, held at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah. During his address, the vice minister reiterated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's full support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. He expressed the Kingdom's categorical rejection of the declaration of mutual recognition between the Israeli occupation authorities and the Somaliland region, considering it a consecration of unilateral separatist measures that violate international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The vice minister affirmed the Kingdom's categorical rejection of any attempts to impose parallel entities that contradict the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia, its rejection of any division or diminution of its sovereignty, its support for the legitimate institutions of the Somali state, and its commitment to preserving the stability of Somalia and its brotherly people. Elkhereiji called on the organization and its member states to adopt a firm, collective Islamic stance rejecting any recognition of or dealings with separatist entities in Somalia. He also called for holding the Israeli entity fully responsible for any political or security repercussions resulting from such actions. Furthermore, the vice minister urged coordinated action in international forums to affirm the unity of Somalia and prevent the creation of such dangerous precedents that threaten member states, rejecting any action or cooperation stemming from this mutual recognition. The vice minister reiterated the Kingdom's emphasis on the centrality of the Palestinian cause and its support for all efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ultimately enabling the brotherly Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and establish their independent state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. -- SPA 22:37 Local Time 19:37 GMT 0032 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Oil Companies Will Receive Security Guarantees When Operating in Venezuela - Trump Sputnik News 20260110 American oil companies will receive US security guarantees when operating in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump said on a meeting with oil executives. "They will have those guarantees," Trump told reporters when asked if Washington would provide security guarantees to American companies working in Venezuela. On January 3, the United States launched a massive attack on Venezuela, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and taking them to New York. Trump announced that Maduro and Flores would face trial for allegedly being involved in "narco-terrorism" and posing a threat, including to the US. Caracas requested an emergency UN meeting over the US operation. Venezuela's Supreme Court temporarily transferred the duties of the head of state to Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who was officially sworn in as acting president before the National Assembly on January 5. Trump said Tuesday the Venezuelan interim authorities had agreed to turn over from 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, and vowed to use the gained money to the benefit of both countries' people. He said Wednesday that Venezuela would only purchase American-made products as part of a "deal" with Washington to sell the Latin American country's oil. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan war leaves millions hungry and displaced as health system nears collapse By Vibhu Mishra 10 January 2026 - Sudan's protracted conflict has spiralled into one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, with hunger, displacement and the collapse of basic services exacting a daily toll on civilians. UN agencies warn that nearly three years of sustained violence, restricted humanitarian access and shrinking funding have pushed Sudan into what they describe as the largest humanitarian emergency in the world. An estimated 33.7 million people - around two thirds of the population - are expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2026. More than 20 million people now require health assistance, while 21 million face acute food insecurity. Devastating impact The conflict erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), plunging the country into a civil war that has spread from the capital Khartoum to Darfur, Kordofan and other regions. The fighting has devastated infrastructure, fractured state institutions and left civilians exposed to widespread violence, displacement and deprivation. Repeated ceasefire efforts have failed, and large swathes of the country remain inaccessible to humanitarian actors due to insecurity, bureaucratic constraints and ongoing hostilities. A health system on the brink According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Sudan's health system has been pushed close to collapse by ongoing fighting, mass displacement and repeated attacks on medical facilities. More than one third of health facilities nationwide are non-functional, cutting millions off from essential and lifesaving care. Since the conflict began, WHO has verified 201 attacks on healthcare, resulting in 1,858 deaths and 490 injuries. Such attacks violate international humanitarian law and place patients, caregivers and health workers at grave risk. "One thousand days of conflict in Sudan have driven the health system to the brink of collapse," said Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan. "Under the strain of disease, hunger and lack of access to basic services, people face a devastating situation." Despite insecurity and access constraints, WHO continues to support lifesaving services, having delivered more than 3,300 metric tonnes of medicines and medical supplies worth around $40 million. It also supported cholera vaccination campaigns and helped millions access care through hospitals, primary health centres and mobile clinics. Mass displacement Sudan is also the world's largest displacement crisis, with an estimated 13.6 million people uprooted by the fighting - around 9.3 million internally displaced and a further 4.3 million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. Overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation and disrupted services have fuelled outbreaks of cholera, malaria, dengue and measles across much of the country. Children bearing the heaviest burden Children make up about half of those expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2026, according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). "Children continue to be killed and injured," said UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edouard Beigbeder, noting that eight children were reportedly killed in a single attack in North Kordofan this week alone. In North Darfur alone, nearly 85,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition were treated between January and November 2025 - roughly one child every six minutes - underscoring the scale of the crisis. Calls for peace and access Both WHO and UNICEF stress that humanitarian action, while lifesaving, cannot substitute for peace. "To meet the mounting needs and prevent the crisis from spiralling out of hand, WHO and humanitarian partners require safe and unimpeded access to all areas of Sudan, and increased financial resources," Dr. Sahbani said. For children, UNICEF warns, only an end to the fighting can halt the erosion of safety, health and hope. "All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law: protect civilians, stop attacks on infrastructure, and allow safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access," Mr. Beigbeder said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 10 January 2026 - Day 1417 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 in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 139 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the Russian attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. Russian zagarbniki launched 33 aviation strikes, dropping 81 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, 4439 kamikaze drones were recruited to strike and carried out 2,830 shelling of positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Two clashes occurred in the North-Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. The Russian enemy made two aviation strikes, dropped five controlled aviation bombs and carried out 91 shells, including seven from the jet systems of salpovogo fire. Today, Russian forces attacked six times in the South-Slobozhansky direction in the area of the settlement Vovchansk and towards the settlements Grafskke, Vilcha. In the direction of Kupians komu, the Russian opponent made eight attempts to attack towards Kupians ,ka, Petropavlivka, Kurilivka, Pi any, Boguslavka; three confrontations are ongoing. In the Lyman direction, the Defense Forces repelled six assault actions in the area of the settlements Drobisheve, Serednoe, Novoselivka, Zarichne. Two confrontations are currently ongoing. In the Slovak direction, the Russian enemy attacked three times in the area of dronivka. In the Kramators komu direction the Russian opponent did not carry out offensive actions. 11 combat clashes took place in the Konstantinivsky direction today. The Russian enemy tried to storm the positions of Ukrainian units near Oleksandro-Shultynogo, Pleshiyivka, Ivanopil , Rusynogo Yara, Scherbinivka and towards Sofiyivka, Torsky. In the Pokrovsky direction from the beginning of this day, Russian forces 32 times attacked in the areas of populated areas Zatishok, Rodinske, Chervony Lyman, Mirnograd, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udaachne, Molodetske, Nikanorivka and towards Novopavlivka, Novooleksandrivka, Bilitsky and Filija. Ukrainian defenders hold the pressure of the Russian opponent, in two locations the fights are still ongoing. Today in this direction, according to preliminary data, 97 Russian occupants were defiled, of which 58 - irrevocably. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed 12 units of automobile equipment, three ATVs, a ground robotic complex, 32 unmanned aircraft, four antennas and one BPLA control point, also hit two artillery systems, a car and 19 shelters for the Russian enemy's personnel. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled six Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Zlagoda, Rybne, Solodke and in the direction of Oleksiyivka, Sosnivka, Vyshnevy. Four more clashes are ongoing at this time. In the direction of Gulyaipil, there were 19 clashes in the areas of the settlements of Gulyaypole, Varvarivka, Zelene, Dorozhnyanka and towards Dobropill, Olenokostyantinivka, Svyatopetrivka. In the Orihiv direction of offensive actions of the Russian enemy is not marked. In the Pridniprovsky direction, the Russian opponent once carried out an offensive action in the area of the Antonivsky Bridge without results. In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment. 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. The Group's units inflicted losses on the formations of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Ryzhevka and Kucherovka (Sumy region). In Kharkov direction, units of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade have been hit close to Staritsa and Volchanskiye Khutora in Kharkov region. The AFU losses amounted to up to 130 troops and three motor vehicles. Three materiel depots were destroyed. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops engaged manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one air assault brigades of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, Glushkovka, Nechvolodovka, Grushevka (Kharkov region) and Ilyichevka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses amounted to up to 190 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. Four field ammunition depots were eliminated. Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line. Formations of two mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade were defeated near Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka, Konstantinovka, Krivaya Luka, Zakotnoye, Kramatorsk, and Slavyansk (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to more than 190 troops, nine armoured fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, four artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations, and one counter-battery warfare station. Four ammunition depots and four materiel depots were neutralised. The Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade, two air assault brigades, three assault regiments of the AFU, and two national guard brigades close to Toretskoye, Belitskoye, Grishino, Krasnoyarskoye, Rodinskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), and Mezhevaya and Novopodgorodnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region). The enemy losses amounted to up to 410 troops, six armoured fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, and two field artillery guns. The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences. Manpower and hardware of the one mechanised brigade, one air assault brigade and three assault regiments of the AFU have been hit close to Velikomikhaylovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Ternovatoye, Boykovo, and Novoukrainka (Zaporozhye region). The AFU lost more than 135 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. The Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one mountain assault brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade close to the Orekhov, Novoandreyevka (Zaporozhye region), and Sadovoye (Kherson region). Up to 35 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, and one artillery gun were neutralised. Operational-tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on energy infrastructure that provides work to the Ukranian defence industry, fuel depots, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 153 areas. Air defence systems shot down one Neptune long-range guided missile and 70 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 108,276 unmanned aerial vehicles, 645 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,042 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,637 MLRS combat vehicles, 32,484 field artillery guns and mortars, and 51,345 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM puts forward proposals to further deepen China-Africa friendship People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:06, January 10, 2026 DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo on Friday in Dar es Salaam, calling for further strengthening China-Africa friendship. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Tanzania share a long-standing and enduring traditional friendship. Chinese President Xi Jinping chose Tanzania as one of the destinations of his first visit to Africa in 2013, where he put forward the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith in China's Africa policy, marking a new milestone in the history of China-Africa relations, Wang said while meeting the press together with Kombo. This year's visit continues the tradition of China's foreign ministers making Africa their first overseas destination at the start of the year for 36 consecutive years, a practice China will continue to uphold and carry forward, he said. China-Africa cooperation, he noted, is an important component of South-South cooperation, with strong internal momentum and bright development prospects. The Chinese foreign minister summarized China-Africa friendship and mutual trust in three key aspects. First, jointly upholding justice. China and Africa once stood shoulder to shoulder in the struggles against imperialism and colonialism, in the fight for national liberation, and in the pursuit of development and revitalization, he said. Today, the two sides continue to firmly support each other on issues involving their respective core interests, safeguard the common interests of the Global South, uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and act as a stabilizing force in a world marked by turbulence and change, he added. China supports Tanzania in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests, supports the Tanzanian people in pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions, and opposes any external interference in Tanzania's internal affairs under any pretext, he noted. Second, jointly pursuing progress. President Xi has proposed that China and Africa work together to advance modernization characterized by six features and build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, providing direction for South-South cooperation, Wang said. China-Tanzania relations, Wang said, have gone beyond the bilateral scope and align with the historical trend of the collective rise of the Global South. Third, jointly advocating mutual benefit. China and Africa's shared pursuit of modernization is anchored in mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, Wang said. China stands ready to further align development strategies with African countries, promote faster and broader implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Africa, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, advancing hand in hand on the path to modernization, he said. Wang recalled that two months ago, under the guidance of the leaders of China, Tanzania, and Zambia, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway revitalization project officially broke ground. China is willing to work with Tanzania to advance the revitalization of the railway, jointly build a prosperity belt along the railway, turn it into a new engine for Tanzania's development, and continuously enrich and deepen the China-Tanzania comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Tanzania pledge to align development strategies Global Times By Xinhua Published: Jan 11, 2026 07:56 AM Tanzania and China have committed to synergizing the implementation of development strategies to boost common development, according to a joint press communique released on Saturday. The communique was issued after talks between the foreign ministers of Tanzania and China in Dar es Salaam. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and foreign minister, visited Tanzania on Friday and Saturday, during which he met with his counterpart, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo. The two ministers spoke highly of the traditional friendship between China and Tanzania, which is built on trust and mutual respect, said the communique. They noted with satisfaction the fruitful outcomes of China-Tanzania relations and friendly cooperation over the past six decades and committed to the practical implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state to further elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights. China reiterated its full confidence in Tanzania's leadership and institutions to manage internal affairs independently, the communique said, noting that Tanzania reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the one-China principle and reiterated its consistent position of recognizing that there is but one China in the world and respecting China's national unity and territorial integrity, underscoring that any form of secession is unacceptable. The two countries have committed to synergizing the implementation of development strategies, agreed to further expand two-way investment and trade, and reaffirmed their commitment to further fostering a fair and enabling business environment on both sides. The two sides agreed to jointly host activities related to the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and to expand cooperation in areas such as culture, tourism, education, public health, sports, youth, think tanks and media, so as to solidify public support for China-Tanzania friendship, the communique said. Stressing that the two sides welcomed the smooth commencement of the TAZARA Railway revitalization project and expressed their readiness to support its implementation, the communique said that the two sides are exploring the possibility of organizing a high-level TAZARA Railway Prosperity Belt meeting in the near future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea Shoots Down ROK Surveillance Drone After 8km Incursion Reports Sputnik News 20260110 North Korea has accused South Korea of violating its airspace using drones more than once, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Saturday. The South Korean Yonhap news agency said on Saturday, citing KCNA, that North Korea's military struck a drone, which fell about 1,200 meters (0.7 miles) away from Muksan-ri, a rural area on the outskirts of Kaesong, near the inter-Korean border, on January 4. "On January 4, the Korean People's Army sub-units on duty for border air surveillance captured and tracked an air target moving northward from the sky over the area of Hado-ri, Songhae-myon, Kanghwa County of Inchon City. They tactically allowed it to fly 8 km away over the DPRK's airspace and struck it with special electronic warfare assets and forced it to fall into a place 1 200 meters away from Height 101.5 in Muksan-ri, Kaephung District of Kaesong Municipality," a spokesman for the General Staff of the Korean People's Army said, as quoted by KCNA on Saturday. The spokesman recalled another incident in which a South Korean drone violated the airspace of Pyongyang in October 2024, as well as a drone incident on September 27, 2025. "The enemy's drone, which took off in the area of Joksong-myon, Phaju City, Kyonggi Province of the ROK, at around 11:15 on September 27 last year, was dropped by the electronic strike by the special military technology means of our 2nd Corps into a paddy field in the area of Sasi-ri, Jangphung County, Kaesong Municipality at around 14:25 while returning via Kaesong Municipality after infiltrating into the sky above Phyongsan County, North Hwanghae Province of the DPRK," the spokesman said. The spokesman specified that the drones were equipped with surveillance devices and that the cameras contained recorded videos of North Korea's areas and major regional objects. The spokesperson for the General Staff of the Korean People's Army compared South Korea to the Kiev regime. "The ROK [Republic of Korea, or South Korea] is the enemy most hostile towards us that can never be changed in nature, and the object to be certainly collapsed by us if it attacks. The ROK is a perfect copy of Kiev's lunatics. The international community should clearly understand what is the root cause of escalating tension on the Korean peninsula and inviting the danger of armed conflict," the spokesperson said. North Korea strongly condemned the drone incursions and accused South Korea of escalating tensions in the region. The South Korean Defense Ministry has denied the use of drones by the South Korean military on the dates, mentioned by Pyongyang. A ministry spokesperson said on Saturday that an investigation has been launched into the matter. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Statement of Kim Yo Jong, Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, January 11 (KCNA) -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following press statement "The ROK authorities can not evade their responsibility for the grave violation of our sovereignty" on January 10: On January 10, the ROK Ministry of Defence repeatedly stressed that the recent drone infiltration was not a military operation and expressed its will to thoroughly investigate the possibility as a civilian deed. We pay attention to the publication of such stand. I, personally, appreciate that the ROK Ministry of Defence took a wise choice for survival when it made pubic its official stand never to provoke or irritate us. If the ROK opts for provocation against us again in the future, it will never be able to deal with the terrible consequences to be entailed by it. The present authorities of Seoul are not entitled to treat the past case of drone infiltration into Pyongyang, committed by the former rouge Yoon regime, as other's deed. Which regime committed the case is a matter of debate within the same family. To us, the case is a grave infringement upon the DPRK's inviolable sovereignty committed by the ROK, no matter whether Yoon or Ree did. Fortunately, the ROK's military expressed an official stand that it was not done by itself and that it has no intention to provoke or irritate us. But a detail explanation should be made about the actual case of a drone that crossed the southern border of our Republic from the ROK. Now in the ROK there exists an attempt to gloss the grave border-crossing infiltration as a "civilian case", alongside the assertion that "the drone was composed of low-cost conventional components that can be easily purchased" and "it is a type sold for recreational, commercial and industrial purposes." But the essence of the situation lies not in whether its manipulator is from the military or civilians. We don't care whether it is a type that can be easily purchased and made or not, whether it is for military use or civilian use, whether its parts are low-cost or high-cost ones, and whether it is a military or civilian deed, as that is not the one we want to know. Clear is just the fact that the drone from the ROK violated the airspace of our country. It is undeniable that video data collected by the drone are related to the uranium mine and its settling pond, the former Kaesong industrial zone and our border guard posts, which they may have interest in. Furthermore, there actually existed the flight plan and records in the drone. This requires explicit explanation. Given their assertion that it is not a military drone, it seems that they are seeking to argue that it is not a sovereignty violation. No matter who is the perpetrator and whether it is a deed by any civilian organization or individual, the authorities responsible for national security can never evade their responsibility for it. The ROK military once bragged about "real-time drone detection and response system based on latest technology", "multi-layer defence system based on the cooperation between citizens, government, military and police" and "dense anti-air defence network". They are insisting they were "ignorant" of the flying object crossing the border at a low altitude after taking off in broad daylight in an area near the border with our country. This is really unreasonable and will invite criticism from their population. The ROK already earned a "reputation" for its sheer impudence and unreasonable insistence when it committed a provocation by infiltrating a drone into the sky above Pyongyang in 2024. The ROK authorities can never evade the responsibility for infringing upon our sovereignty and would be well advised to seriously consider a dear price for it. If they brand it as a deed of a civilian organization and then try to assert a theory that it is not an infringement upon the sovereignty, they will see a lot of UAVs by the DPRK's civilian organizations. Anyhow, the recent drone infiltration helped us to have clearer understanding of the ROK, a group of hooligans and scrap, once again. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (January 09, 2026) India - Ministry of External Affairs January 09, 2026 Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Let's begin our conversation. Today also happens to be a special day, 9th January, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. So many congratulations to all of you and to all our diaspora members across the world. With that, we open the floor. Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist: Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist. Sir, ek bayaan aaya hai America ki taraf se ki bill diya gaya hai jismein 500% tariff ki baat ki ja rahi hai. Usmein saaf taur par Lindsey Graham ne naam liya hai Bharat ka bhi. Us par Videsh Mantralaya ki kya pratikriya hai? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist. Sir, a statement has come from the United States that a bill has been introduced in which a 500% tariff is being talked about. In that, Lindsey Graham has explicitly mentioned India by name as well. What is the response of the Ministry of External Affairs on this? Sidhant: Sir, yesterday at the Pak Foreign Ministry briefing, we saw the reaction or the comment by the Pakistani side on the demolition drive in Delhi, and making remarks on the situation of the minorities. Any reaction by the Indian side? Aditya Raj Kaul, NDTV: Sir, two quick questions. One on Bangladesh. There are several attacks on minorities that have taken place. Have you reached out to the Bangladesh government? Any reaction on that? And secondly, Israel has just reacted and said that they are not comfortable with Pakistan Army in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. How do you react to that? Jessica, Doordarshan: Hi Sir, this is Jessica for Doordarshan. I have two China related questions. First, how does the MEA see Chinese infrastructure build up via CPEC in POJK as also in the Shaksgam Valley, which is also in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir? And the second one, do you have any comments on recent developments including China's military exercise around Taiwan? How do you see this impact regional peace and stability? Vinayak Dixit, RT India: Good evening sir, Vinayak Dixit from RT India. Sir, as per RT India's own source-based reports, there were three Indians on board the oil tanker seized by the United States on the 7th of January. What more details can you give to us about these individuals and is the government working to get these individuals back or get access to them? Furthermore, how do you react to the seizure? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So first Kadambini, aapka sawaal. Jis bill ki aap baat kar rahe hain... jo prastaavit bill hai, uske baare mein humko gyaan hai. Aur in maslon ko aur is bill ko hum log bade dhyaan se ... jo bhi unke saath jo gatividhiyan ho rahi hain, us par hum dhyaan apna kendrit kiye hue hain. Saath hi saath main aapko batana chaahunga ki jahan tak urja sroton ka sawaal hai, usse aap bhali-bhaanti vaakif hain ki hamara kya ravaiya hai, kya hamara approach hai. Is sandarbh mein, jaisa ki aap jaante hain, ki jo hamara approach hota hai, woh vaishvik bazaar mein kya paristhiti hai, kis prakaar ka maahaul hai, usko madd-e-nazar rakhte hue, aur saath hi saath jo hamara apna ek imperative hai ki hamare jo 1.4 arab log hain, unko kis prakaar se saste daam par urja muhaiyya karaayi jaaye. In dono cheezon ko dekhte hue hum log apne urza sroton ke baare mein, apni strategy aur neeti ko tay karte hain. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] So first, Kadambini, your question. Regarding the bill you are referring tothe proposed billwe are aware of it. We are examining these issues and we are closely following the developments and activities taking place in this regard. At the same time, I would like to tell you that as far as energy sources are concerned, you are well aware of what our stance is and what our approach has been. In this context, as you know, our approach takes into account the situation in the global market and the prevailing environment, while also keeping in mind our own imperative of ensuring that our 1.4 billion people are provided energy at affordable prices. We formulate our strategy and policy regarding our energy sources, taking both these factors into consideration. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: We are aware of the proposed bill, the bill that she referred to. We are closely following the developments around the bill. Our position on the larger question of energy sourcing is well known to you, and I have spoken about it on several occasions in the past as well. In this endeavour, we are guided by the evolving dynamics in the global market as also the imperative to secure affordable energy for our 1.4 billion people through diverse sources to meet their energy security needs. Sidhant on your question regarding certain comments that have been made. I mean, I need not elaborate or tell you what is the situation of minorities in that country and those people who make such comments should first look at their own record before commenting on others. Aditya, on the question of minorities, we had, on several occasions in earlier pressers as well, I have commented on this particular issue that you referred to. We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities that you referred, as well as their homes and establishments, business establishments by extremists in Bangladesh. Such communal incidents need to be dealt with swiftly and firmly. We have also observed a troubling tendency to attribute such incidents to personal rivalries, personal vendettas, political differences, and other extraneous reasons. Such disregard only emboldens the extremists and the perpetrators of such crimes, and deepens the sense of fear and insecurity among the minorities. Our position on Gaza peace plan has been clarified earlier. We welcome the Gaza peace plan. As to other aspects of the details etc., we have to ... yet to look into it, but Gaza peace plan is something that we welcomed. Questions from Jessica on the Chinese infrastructure build up via CPEC as also in Shaksgam Valley. Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory. We have never recognized the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement that happened in 1963. We have consistently maintained that the agreement is illegal and invalid. We do not recognize the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor either, which passes through Indian territory that is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan. The entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India. This has been clearly conveyed to Pakistani and the Chinese authorities several times. We have consistently protested with the Chinese side against attempts to alter the ground reality in Shaksgam Valley. We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests. On the second question on military exercises, India closely follows developments across the Indo-Pacific region. We have an abiding interest in peace and stability in the region, in view of our significant trade, economic, people to people and maritime interests. We urge all concerned parties to exercise restraint, eschew unilateral actions and resolve all issues through peaceful means without threat or use of force. Question from RT India. Yes, we have seen reports. In fact, we've seen reports through your channel that three Indians are there in that particular ship. We are ascertaining these details from the authorities concerned. Parikshit: Sir, could you give us the status of the India-US trade deal in light of the US Commerce Secretary's latest statement, where he has gone on to say that the trade deal that was negotiated/agreed upon with India earlier does not exist on paper anymore? And he said the deal did not happen because the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, did not call President Trump. And also, when it comes to Russian oil, in light of developments taking place in the US and the Lindsey Graham bill, is the Ministry of External Affairs, is the government giving any sort of advisory or policy on what's going to be our stand on buying Russian oil for the future? Ajay Banerjee: Good evening, sir. Ajay Banerjee. Sir, I seek a further clarification on what Parikshit, my friend, has just asked. Sir, in the past one week, President Trump has said many things with regards to relations with India. He even said that Prime Minister Modi said that, "Sir, I seek time from you." I, as a reporter, seek a clarification: did Prime Minister Modi say "Sir" to Donald Trump or he said "Excellency"? Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. India also buys oil from Venezuela, just 2% of it. Is the current instability in Venezuela and the US, you know, saying that they are going to take interim control of Venezuela, going to impact that? And secondly, about the eighth Indian veteran, you had said that you will get back and tell us what are the charges under which he is arrested right now? Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Two questions. One, has there been any kind of engagement directly with the United States administration following the comments that we have been seeing? And second question is regarding the visit of German Chancellor to India. Will the issue of Ariha Shah, the Indian child who has been in German foster care, will come up during the discussion between Prime Minister Modi and German Chancellor? Huma Siddiqui, StratNews: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui and I have two questions. I am from StratNews Global. One, how does India look at the situation in the LAC region? And how many Indians are there in Venezuela, Cuba, and Colombia? If you have any numbers, please do share. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Indians, you said? Huma Siddiqui, StratNews: Yes, Sir. And in case there is a need, would they be repatriated? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So first, Parikshit, coming to your question. We have seen the remarks. India and the United States were committed to negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with the US as far back as 13th of February last year. Since then, two sides have held multiple rounds of negotiations to arrive at a balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. On several occasions, we have been close to a deal. The characterization of these discussions in the reported remarks is not accurate. We remain interested in a mutually beneficial trade deal between two complementary economies and look forward to concluding it. Incidentally, Prime Minister and President Trump have also spoken on phone on eight occasions during 2025, covering different aspects of our wide-ranging partnership. Humne in tippaniyon ko dekha hai. Bharat aur America pichhle saal 13 February se hi ek dwipakshiya vyaapaar samjhaute par baatcheet karne ke liye pratibaddh the. Tab se dono pakshon ne ek santulit aur paraspar roop se laabhkaari vyaapaarik samjhaute par pahunchne ke liye kai daur ki baatcheet ki hai. Kai maukon par hum samjhaute ke bahut kareeb pahunche hain. Report ki gayi tippaniyon mein in charchaon ka jo vivaran diya gaya hai, woh theek nahi hai. Hum do poorak arthvyavasthaon ke beech paraspar roop se laabhkaari vyaapaar samjhaute mein ruchi rakhte hain aur ise sampann karne ki aasha karte hain. Sanyog se, hamare Pradhanmantri aur Rashtrapati Trump ke beech 2025 ke dauran 8 baar phone par baatcheet hui hai, jismein hamari vyaapak saajhedaari ke vibhinn pehluon par dono netaon ne charcha ki hai. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] We have taken note of these remarks. India and the United States have been committed to engaging in discussions on a bilateral trade agreement since 13 February last year. Since then, both sides have held several rounds of talks to arrive at a balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. On several occasions, we have come very close to reaching an agreement. The description of these discussions as reflected in the reported remarks is not accurate. We are interested in a mutually beneficial trade agreement between two complementary economies and hope to conclude it. Coincidentally, our Prime Minister and President Trump have spoken over the phone eight times during 2025, during which both leaders discussed various aspects of our comprehensive partnership. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Ajay, on your question regarding how leaders addressed each other. Let me say that Prime Minister and President Trump, they have a friendly relationship and have always addressed each other with mutual respect as per diplomatic norms. Yeshi, on your question on our energy sourcing, I just told you what is our broad approach to it. It is dependent on the evolving dynamics in the global market as also the imperative for us to provide energy at affordable rates to our 1.4 billion people so that their energy security needs are met. So, this will be a factor in the way we engage the global market on energy sources. Update on Commander Purnendu Tiwari. He was arrested last month in a case that has been going on in Qatar for quite some time now. As per our information, apart from him, there are several others who have been arrested as well, but they are not Indian nationals, they are of other nationalities. Our Embassy is in touch with Commander Tiwari and his family and is extending all possible consular help to him. The arrest happened after a court verdict. This matter presently is sub-judice and it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further on this issue. Ayushi, yes, on the question of our conversations, yes, we have continuous conversations with the United States on several matters. On the question of Ariha Shah, you would have seen that the German Chancellor would be paying an official visit to India on 12th and 13th. We will have bilateral talks between the two leaders, our Prime Minister and German Chancellor in Ahmedabad. During these discussions all aspects of the bilateral relationship will be discussed. Huma, you would have seen our statement that we issued post developments in Venezuela. We are closely following developments in that part of the world. As far as Indian nationals who are resident in Venezuela and Colombia, the countries in the region, we have not a big community, a small community, some 50 people in Venezuela. And also through our travel advisory, we have asked them to be in touch and our Embassy is in touch with them. In Colombia, we have somewhere around 650 Indian nationals, and there again our Embassy is in close touch with them as well. But, as far as our commitment to Indian nationals are concerned, as and when there is a need for us to extend a helping hand and support, we will surely do that. Preeti: I am Preeti, independent journalist. MEA has issued an advisory on Iran for our people to be cautious. Any other comments on the unrest? And second one is Trump pulling out from 66 organizations. How do you see it affecting the International Solar Alliance, and the relief also that we contribute a lot to other nations? Thank you. Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Bloomberg: Thank you, sir. Sir, I am drawing your reference to the FARA filings that have come out recently. And just wanted an understanding that is it a normal practice that India, you know, for meeting counterparts, meetings with ambassador-designate or even meetings of the External Affairs Minister with security establishments in the United States, you need a lobbyist? And does that show that India's reach within the Trump administration has completely broken down? Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: Yes, two follow ups. I am Suhasini Haidar from The Hindu. The first to Sudhi Ranjan's question about the particular FARA filings that have come out. On this, from this podium, you have often said that India did not reach out to the US, you know, during Operation SINDOOR for specific issues, particularly on trade. We do see in those FARA filings four calls made on behalf of the Indian Embassy by this particular lobbyist to the White House and to the US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, specifically about Operation SINDOOR. I'd like to ask in light of all the other filings that have come out, what those are about, whether the MEA can tell us what they discussed on May 10th, which is the specific day on Saturday? The other question on Russian oil, I saw, you've already answered some of it. But it's not just the US and Mr. Trump personally who has said Indians want to please me by cutting Russian oil. Just two days ago, the Polish Foreign Minister, in the presence of EAM Jaishankar, said ... he expressed satisfaction at India cutting its oil imports of Russian oil. Does this mean this is now an Indian policy? The External Affairs Minister did not contradict him on that day. So does it mean that India is now cutting its Russian oil, and is it going to zero out its imports of Russian oil as it has in the past with Iran and Venezuela? Thank you. Sidhant, CNN-News18: Hi Sir, I am Sidhant from CNN-News18. Sir, any comments on the Minneapolis shooting? Also, Sir, my other question is, you know, there are reports suggesting that India is planning to scrap five-year-old restrictions on the Chinese firm bidding for government contracts. And the third, Sir, you know, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote a letter to Umar Khalid. Do you have any comments to offer? Thank you. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: I've forgotten, you've asked me so many questions that I've forgotten what you asked. What was your second question? Sidhant, CNN-News18: Sir, the second one is regarding some reports suggesting that...India will scrap... the ban on the Chinese companies to bid in India. This decision was taken after Galwan. So any such decision has been taken? Keshav Padmanabhan: Sir, thank you. Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. My first question is, has there been any update with regards to the consular access to the 16 Indian crew members who were detained by Iran last month on the 8th of December on the ship Valiant Roar? And if I may add, Sir, with regards to oil purchases, I understand your position, but do you deny the characterization that has been afforded by the US and various European leaders that the curtailment is due to wanting to make them happy? Thank you. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. First, Preeti, your question. We are closely following developments in Iran. As you would have seen, we've also issued an advisory. We have some 10,000 Indian nationals and people of Indian origin in that country. On International Solar Alliance, you would have seen, and we have seen the announcement that the US government made where they opted out of several international organizations including bodies of the United Nations. They also opted out of International Solar Alliance. On our part, we continue to push for or advancing its goals. Since its inception, International Solar Alliance has made significant progress in promoting solar energy deployment and cooperation among its members. There are 125 members who are part of International Solar Alliance at this point in time. More countries will be joining. We continue to advance its goals. On the larger question, India stands for multilateralism and believes that global issues need consultative and collaborative action by all countries. Sudhi, your question about FARA filings. See, this is a normal practice in Washington D.C. and in the United States of America that countries, embassies, business establishments and private organizations, they hire lobbyists and consultants. We, on our part, the Indian mission, has been hiring such lobbying firms since the 1950s. The details of all these firms are available in the public domain. So, I would urge you if you wish to get to know more details of them, you can look up on the relevant website. Suhasini, again your question on FARA filings. I said that this is a common practice and all these details are available on the website. It is a standard practice for embassies and business organizations and private organizations to have lobbying firm to strengthen their outreach. And so is the case with us. The Indian embassy in Washington has been hiring lobbyists to augment their outreach with various stakeholders in the United States since the 1950s. On energy sourcing, our position has been clarified several times. You know exactly what our broad approach to energy sourcing from the global market is. Sidhant, we are closely following the developments in and around Minneapolis shooting. We are concerned as we have a large Indian community in the United States, including a large number of students. We also have large number of professionals and other people. So naturally, it's a matter of concern for us. On the issue of comments made by the Mayor of New York, we expect public representatives to be respectful of the independence of judiciary in other democracies. Expressing personal prejudices do not behove those in office. Instead of such comments, it would be better to focus on the responsibilities entrusted to them. On your question about restrictions on Chinese companies, I don't have an update. This is a question that pertains to other departments of Government of India. I shall come back to you on where we are on this particular matter. On energy sourcing again, you know, whether we buy oil from X part or Y part, you know, our broad approach, it is based on two imperatives. One is what is the available or evolving global dynamics and two, there is an imperative to provide energy at affordable rates to our 1.4 billion people. So, whatever we do will be guided by these two imperatives. Unidentified Speaker: [inaudible] Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: This is the broad approach of Government of India that I have just told you. This is how we look at energy sourcing. Okay. We go from there. Friend. Andreas Franz, ARD: Thank you. Andreas Franz from ARD German TV and Radio. What are the Indian expectations concerning the initial visit of the German Chancellor on Monday and Tuesday? And are there any joint agreements planned or could you just give us a rough itinerary? I mean, we know he's going to Ahmedabad and he's going to Bengaluru, but what are your expectations from the visit? Pranay Upadhyay, India Today, Aaj Tak: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay, India Today, Aaj Tak se. Somaliland se kya recognition ke liye Bharat ko koi aupcharik prastaav mila hai? Aur doosra sawaal Greenland se juda hai. Kya Greenland ko lekar Bharat ki niti kya hai, agar koi military takeover hota hai ya American action wahan hota hai? Kyonki India-Nordic Summit mein Pradhan Mantri Modi ne Denmark ke andar hi kaafi solidarity express ki thi Nordic countries ke saath. [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from India Today, Aaj Tak. Has India received any formal proposal from Somaliland seeking recognition? And my second question is related to Greenland. What is India's policy with regard to Greenland, in the event of any military takeover or American action there? This is because at the India-Nordic Summit, Prime Minister Modi had expressed considerable solidarity with the Nordic countries, including Denmark. Megha Sharma, NewsX: Good afternoon, Sir. This is Megha from NewsX. The first question about the direct flights that are going to be resumed between Pakistan and Bangladesh after 14 years. Have there been permissions that have been sought by Bangladesh for overflight operations from India? And what is India's response on this? Secondly, there is also a potential defense deal that is likely to be signed between both countries with the sale of the J-17s that Pakistan has spoken about. What is India's reaction to this? Nirmala, Straits Times: Nirmala from Straits Times. In December, India and Russia signed a labour mobility pact, and also one on illegal migration. What are the next steps to kind of operationalizing these two deals? And, also any other measures that the MEA is taking to, you know, curb illegal migration or create safe corridors for migration? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. First, visit of German Chancellor. We eagerly await to receive German Chancellor in Ahmedabad and thereafter in Bengaluru. This is a very important visit. As you know, Germany is not just an important partner, is a strategic partner for us. We have a multifaceted partnership with Germany spanning economic, trade, skill development, green partnership, cooperation in the areas of new and emerging technology, on AI, semiconductor. Germany today is also an important destination for Indian students, professionals. We recently signed a mobility partnership which has given further push to our people-to-people ties. So, we expect significant results out of this very important visit that is going to happen on 12th and 13th. We will also be having several business engagements which will give a further boost to India-Germany partnership. And we very eagerly look forward to this visit which is of high importance to us. There are several agreements. They are being negotiated between the parties, between the two sides. So, we will have a press briefing on 12th in Ahmedabad where we will give you all those details as to what are the agreements, significant ones, and all the agreements that will be signed between the two countries. Pranay, aapka sawaal Somaliland ko lekar hai. Main aapko kehna chaahunga ki Somalia ke saath hamaare purane sambandh hain. Hamaara paksh yeh hai ki us desh ki jo kshetriya akhandata hai aur uski jo samprabhuta hai, uska aadar kiya jaaye, to yeh hamaara paksh hai Somalia ko leke. [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Pranay, your question relates to Somaliland. I would like to say that we have long-standing relations with Somalia. Our position is that the country's territorial integrity and its sovereignty should be respected. This is our position with regard to Somalia. For others who would like to know our position, India has longstanding ties with Somalia. We continue to underline the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Jahan tak Greenland ki baat aapne batayi, wahan chal rahi jo bhi gatividhi, jo humne dekha hai bahut saari reports dekha hai media mein, aur in sabhi maamlon par jo gatividhiyaan chal rahi hain, us par hum log nazar banaye hue hain. [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] As far as Greenland is concerned, regarding the activities that are taking place there - we have seen in numerous reports in the media - we are closely monitoring the situation. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: On Greenland, we have seen relevant media reports in this regard. We are closely following the developments. Megha, on Biman, yes, we have seen reports about flight connections between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Such issues will be dealt with as per the agreements of the Air Services Agreement that we have with Bangladesh. On the other matter of defence engagement, we keep a close watch on all developments that have a bearing on our security interests. Nirmala, I don't have an update as to on the labour mobility agreement that we signed. But yes, we look forward to putting this into action. There is a requirement on both sides to strengthen our economic partnership, our technology partnership. Recently, we inaugurated two new consulates in Russia, in Yekaterinburg and in Kazan. So, these agreements that have been signed on mobility partnership and labour agreements, they will open up new avenues for collaboration between the two countries. Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: On Iran Sir. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Oh yes, sorry I missed your question. Yes, we have sought consular access on the detention of Indian nationals. We understand that ten of them have been arrested. They have been detained. Our embassy is in touch with the Iranian authorities in this matter and we have also sought consular access so that we can inquire about their well-being and also offer whatever assistance that is required from our side. Mujib Mashal, NYT: Just one more follow-up on the Russian oil issue. There was a reduction of over several months before we see an uptick again. And in Lindsey Graham's words, the Indian Ambassador to United States characterized that reduction as a matter of policy to reduce tensions with the United States. Do you confirm that characterization or was it due to the market dynamics that you have been talking about? Ayanangsha Maitra: Hello. Sir, thank you. This is Ayanangsha Maitra. Sir, is there any development ahead of Iranian Foreign Minister visit given the fast developing scenario in Iran? And the second question would be... the year... this is the first presser of the MEA. The year begins with a phenomena of Book Fair. There are lot of international book fair that will occur within a month or so including my own state in Bengal, in Calcutta. So, all these international book fairs are a great place for the state mission for diplomacy. So, there is about hoping 7 million readers where some 10 billions markets remain untapped by international players. Which is... I mean beyond diplomacy there are business merits to it. So, is there any plan for... for tapping these opportunities during this season? Thank you. Akanksha Swarup, CNN News 18: Good evening Sir. I am Akanksha Swarup from CNN News 18. Last week we saw India's Power Minister visit and inspect the ongoing projects on Indus rivers and including projects on Chenab. Given the IWT is in abeyance, in fact yesterday only the Foreign Office in Pakistan has said that IWT remains a binding international instrument and does not provide for its suspension or abeyance and that Pakistan will take this matter up with New Delhi at political and diplomatic levels. Will appreciate your response. Gautam Lahiri: Gautam Lahiri. The questions relates to elections in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Where India has been consistently saying that India wants an inclusive participatory elections but that is not happening in Myanmar. And also in Bangladesh, the nomination papers have been submitted where the major political parties have been excluded, not allowed to participate in the election. How now India views those elections? Whether you will accept the results or you will still continue to put pressure on them? Sanjeev Trivedi, News24: Sir, Sanjeev Trivedi mera naam hai, News 24 se hoon. Sir, do jaankariyaan hain. Pehli to yeh aapse apekshit hai ki aapne yeh pehle bhi bataya tha ki consular access Iranian Navy dwara pakde gaye Bharatiyon ko lekar sambhav nahin ho pa raha hai, to kya aap kehna chahenge ki wahan protest chal raha hai, is wajah se? Yeh kya wajah hai? Kyunki ek mahine se upar ab silsila ho chuka hai aur abhi tak koi jaankari is baabat nahin mil paayi hai ki wajah kya hai, kis wajah se unhein pakda gaya hai. Aur doosri baat yeh sir, apne saathiyon ki bas jigyaasa ko aage badhate hue ki America ke ohdedaron ki taraf se is tarah ke jo bayaan aate hain, aur yeh pehli dafa nahin hai ki aa rahe hain, pehle bhi aate rahe hain, to aap is manch se kya yeh kehna chahenge ki parasparik sambandhon ke liye yeh shaayad behtar nahin hai. [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, my name is Sanjeev Trivedi, from News 24. Sir, I have two questions. First, could you clarify you had earlier mentioned that consular access to the Indians detained by the Iranian Navy has not been possible. Does this mean that protests are underway there, and is that the reason? What exactly is the reason? Because it has been more than a month now, and so far no information has been received in this regard as to why they were detained or on what grounds. And the second point, sir, is simply to carry forward the curiosity of my colleagues: statements of this kind coming from American officialsthis is not the first time they have been made; such statements have come earlier as well. From this platform, would you like to say that such statements are perhaps not conducive to mutual relations? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Mujib, on oil. Look, on energy sourcing, what is our approach, I have already made myself very clear. So, I would stop at that. Ayanangsha, yes, we will let you know about the upcoming visits that are happening at the level of ministers, et cetera, as and when we have these details with us. On International Book Fair, yes, this is a very important engagement for us as we strengthen our partnerships across the world. There are not just book fairs, but several international festivals happening in this city and in several cities across India. And we look forward to strengthening our cultural understanding with the world at large. Akanksha, on Indus Waters Treaty, our position has been stated several times. It is kept in abeyance. It remains in abeyance till such time Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. Gautam, on elections in Myanmar and Bangladesh, we continue to support and call for inclusive, fair and free elections so that we have a mandate that is credible. Sanjeev, Iran mein hum logon ne consular access maanga hai. Consular access aisa nahin hai ki nahin milta hai. Consular access ki ek prakriya hoti hai aur uske tahat consular access humne maanga hai. Aur is consular access ke maarfat hum wahan par jo hamaare log hain, jinhein detain kiya gaya hai, unki haal-chaal ke baare mein poochhenge aur hamaari koshish rahegi ki woh jald se jald apne desh lauten. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Sanjeev, we have sought consular access in Iran. It is not that consular access is denied as such. There is a process for consular access, and under that process we have requested it. Through this consular access, we will inquire about the well-being of our nationals there who have been detained, and we will make every effort to ensure that they return to their country at the earliest. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: America aur Bharat ke beech mein acche rishte hain aur dono deshon ke beech mein baatcheet chalti rahti hai. Yeh bahuaayami ek strategic partnership hai aur kai ek muddon par roz din baat chalti rahti hai. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] The United States and India have good bilateral relations, and dialogue between the two countries is ongoing. This is a multifaceted strategic partnership, and discussions on a wide range of issues take place regularly. Raghvendra Verma, ZDF German Television: Yeah. Sir, this is Raghvendra Verma from ZDF German Television. Sir, in light of the recent international developments especially by the United States in Venezuela, and talk about Greenland. And the upcoming visits with the German Chancellor, the EU delegation and later the French President. Is it the time for India to have or the countries for a radical shift in the discussions? Is India already prepared to focus more on the global order, and shifting the bilateral discussions that might happen towards rebuilding the global order or is it until things are normal? Unidentified Speaker: Good evening. Thank you and Happy New Year. I have a follow up question on that my colleague from RT India asked about the Russian oil tanker that has been seized by the US. Does Indian government consider this practice to be in violation of freedom of international maritime navigation? Thank you. Tawqeer Hussain, Yomiuri Shimbun: Hello, this is Tawqeer Hussain from Yomiuri Shimbun. I just want to know that how does MEA see the statement issued by the Congress party on Venezuela? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, first Raghvendra, to coming to your questions. Yes, the world is in a flux. There are several developments that are happening across the world. We continue to discuss and share our perspectives on those issues with our international partners. On second question, we are closely following the developments, and as I took the question of your colleague, I said that we are ascertaining further details of the Indian nationals who are supposed to be there on the oil tanker. Tawqeer, your question was on? Tawqeer Hussain, Yomiuri Shimbun: About the Congress party statement on Venezuela. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: On Venezuela, we have already given our statement. So, I would request you to look at what we have said. With that, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your presence. New Delhi January 09, 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aatmanirbharta in defence is a national imperative & necessity for long-term strategic autonomy, says Defence Secretary at Defence Skilling Conclave India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence "Evolving global supply chains & rapid technological advancements present unprecedented opportunities for our defence sector" Posted On: 10 JAN 2026 6:41PM by PIB Delhi "India is at a decisive moment in its defence and industrial journey, where self-reliance has emerged as a national imperative," said Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at the inauguration of Defence Skilling Conclave on Defence, Aerospace and Strategic Sector Skill Development in Chandigarh on January 10, 2026. Highlighting the transformation of India's defence industrial ecosystem over the past decade, he stated that guided by the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the sector has moved from import dependence to a vibrant ecosystem comprising Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private industry, MSMEs and start-ups. The Defence Secretary stressed that concerted efforts towards Ease of Doing Business and continued policy reforms have catalysed an indigenous manufacturing surge, encouraging domestic design and production of platforms ranging from UAVs and sensors to complex systems like Artillery Guns, Armoured Vehicles, and Missiles. He noted that over 788 industrial licenses have been issued to 462 companies, significantly boosting private sector participation, while defence exports have crossed Rs 23,162 crore in 2025, reflecting a nearly 35-fold increase since 2014. Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh described indigenous platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Astra Beyond Visual Range Missile, Dhanush artillery guns and INS Vikrant as shining examples of the growing synergy among the industry, research, and skilled manpower. He reiterated that Aatmanirbharta in defence is not merely an economic objective, but a necessity aimed at achieving long-term strategic autonomy, adding that evolving global supply chains and rapidly advancing technologies present both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for India's defence sector. Emphasising the importance of human capital, the Defence Secretary stated that true strategic autonomy requires not only indigenisation of hardware but also sovereignty over skills, technology, and intellectual capital. He highlighted the Government of India's efforts under the Skill India Mission, with agencies such as the National Skill Development Corporation and Directorate General of Training mapping existing capabilities and future skill requirements for the defence and aerospace sectors. Referring to the Prime Minister's Skilling and Employment through Technology Upgradation (PM-SETU) programme, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh said the initiative has been launched to bridge gaps among academia, industry and defence R&D. With a total outlay of Rs 60,000 crore over five years, including 50 per cent Government of India funding, PM-SETU aims to establish Centres of Excellence, promote dual apprenticeships, introduce AI-enabled training tools, and integrate Agniveers and veterans into structured skilling pathways. He called upon state governments and industry partners to anchor the PM-SETU programme through an outcome-driven approach, with apprenticeships and on-the-job training, forming the backbone of all skilling pathways, ensuring the creation of industry-ready talent. The Defence Secretary highlighted the untapped potential of Punjab in defence manufacturing. He outlined the need for defence ecosystem networks, enhanced MSME linkages with defence R&D institutions, and dedicated skill and testing infrastructure to enable the state's emergence as a defence manufacturing hub. Highlighting the crucial role being played by Agniveers, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh asserted that the Agnipath scheme has created a pool of disciplined and technically trained youth who can be seamlessly integrated into defence manufacturing and strategic sectors through the National Skill Qualification Framework-aligned skill certification. The conclave has been organised by the Government of Punjab in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Confederation of Indian Industry. The Defence Secretary stated the conclave reaffirmed the collective commitment of government, industry, and academia to build a secure, self-reliant, and technologically advanced India. He expressed confidence that with coordinated efforts, Punjab and the northern region can emerge as key drivers of defence-led growth. Industry leaders, senior officials, academia representatives and the Armed Forces attended the event. **** VK/Savvy -- (Release ID: 2213288) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian: US wrong to assume its tactics elsewhere can work in Iran Iran Press TV Saturday, 10 January 2026 6:30 PM President Masoud Pezeshkian says the United States is mistaken in believing that its tactics against other adversaries can be applied to Iran, insisting that the Iranian people remain alert to any attempts to destabilize the country. Pezeshkian made the remarks Saturday during a meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who is in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials on key regional and international issues. Pointing to Washington's "hypocritical behavior" during indirect nuclear talks with Iran, Pezeshkian said the United States "attacked diplomacy and negotiations" in the midst of the discussions and committed "crimes against humanity" and violated all international norms. "Believing that the Islamic Republic of Iran is like other countries, the US is pursuing the same measures by encouraging certain individuals to create chaos and riots," he said. He added that the Iranian people "will support the country and the [Islamic] establishment more strongly than before." The president said the United States and Israel were undermining global peace, stability, and security. "The US and the Zionist regime are making every effort to prolong war and insecurity in the region, prevent unity among Muslim countries, and create discord to advance their sinister goals," Pezeshkian said. Elsewhere in his remarks, Pezeshkian said expanding relations with neighboring and Muslim countries remains a strategic priority for Iran. He added that Oman holds a special place in Iran's foreign policy due to deep cultural and political ties, and said Tehran is committed to implementing bilateral agreements and strengthening cooperation with Muscat in all fields. Iran a strategic partner for Oman, key to regional stability: Al Busaidi For his part, Al Busaidi said Iran is a strategic partner for Oman and a central pillar of peace, stability, and security in the region. The Omani foreign minister said Iran has adopted a "wise and principled" approach by prioritizing diplomacy and dialogue to resolve issues based on international law. He added that many countries, including European states, believe the Israeli regime is the main source of instability in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's wealth fund says it has $195bn worth of assets Iran Press TV Saturday, 10 January 2026 6:05 PM Iran's sovereign wealth fund says it controls $195 billion in assets, including investments in large scale energy projects. The CEO of the National Development Fund of Iran (NDFI) said on Saturday that the fund is the 13th largest sovereign wealth fund in the world by asset size. Mehdi Ghazanfari made the remarks at a press conference marking the 15th anniversary of the NDFI's establishment. Ghazanfari said the NDFI has issued around $42.2 billion in loans since its creation, adding that approximately $12.1 billion has been repaid while another $9.1 billion has not yet reached maturity. He said mature loans owed to the NDFI total $21 billion, noting that the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) is the fund's largest debtor with $17 billion in unpaid loans, followed by the Iranian power plants with $2.1 billion. A member of the NDFI's board of directors said the fund has also committed nearly $5 billion to investments in Iran's renewable energy sector, including solar and wind projects. Alaeddin Mirmohammad Sadeghi added that the NDFI has approved $2.5 billion in investment for a large development project in the Azadegan oil field, located near the Iraqi border and connected to a major cross border reservoir. Before the establishment of the NDFI in 2011, Iran deposited surplus oil export revenues into a government controlled account. The sovereign wealth fund is now overseen by a board of directors and may issue emergency loans with the approval of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address RAMALLAH, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least four Palestinians were killed on Sunday by Israeli army fire across Gaza and in southern West Bank, according to Palestinian sources. One Palestinian was killed in the al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, where the Israeli army had previously withdrawn, said a medical source at al-Ahli Baptist Hospital and local eyewitnesses. Two Palestinians were killed in the Bani Suheila area, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, as the Israeli army targeted with heavy weapons several civilians attempting to reach their homes, said a medical source at Nasser Hospital and local security sources. Another Palestinian, a 58-year-old Shaker Falah Ahmed al-Ja'bari, was killed in the Khallat Hadour area of Hebron, southern West Bank, as his vehicle was targeted by the Israeli army on an alleged car-ramming attack attempt, said the Palestinian Civil Affairs Authority and local eyewitnesses. They said the Israeli army prevented Palestinian Red Crescent crews from reaching the man after he was attacked. Meanwhile, Nablus Governor Ghassan Daghlas told Xinhua that the Israeli army stormed Nablus, northern West Bank, deploying large military reinforcements around the area. Since an Israel-Hamas ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, Gaza's death toll has risen to 442 with 1,236 injuries, Gaza-based health authorities said Sunday. Rescue teams have recovered 688 bodies during that period. In the broader conflict, at least 71,412 Palestinians have been killed and 171,314 wounded since Israel's military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023. In the meantime, the Israeli army has carried out operations in the West Bank almost on a daily basis. It usually called these operations "anti-terrorism" measures aimed at Palestinian militants or individuals perceived as a threat to Israel. Iran says US inciting violence in country in letter to UN Security Council Iran Press TV Saturday, 10 January 2026 5:00 PM Iran's ambassador to the United Nations says the United States is responsible for turning peaceful demonstrations in Iran into unrest and violence, according to a letter submitted to the UN Security Council. Amir Saeid Iravani, Tehran's permanent representative to the UN, said in the letter that Washington bears direct responsibility for "riots and violent acts" in Iran. He condemned the United States' "illegal behavior" and its coordination with Israel to interfere in the Islamic Republic's internal affairs. Iravani said such interference is carried out through "threats, incitement, and deliberate encouragement of violence," to undermine Iran's stability and security. He said Tehran condemns the destabilizing measures that violate the UN Charter. Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) issued a separate statement earlier, saying the United States and Israel have continued hostile policies toward Iran following a recent 12day war. The council said the Iranian people would counter sabotage efforts through national unity and solidarity. Addressing the unrest in several cities, the SNSC said no country would tolerate insecurity imposed from the outside and insisted that the presence of security forces was aimed at restoring order. It warned that security agencies and the judiciary would show "no leniency" toward the rioters and vandals. The statement also pointed out that Israel has been waging "hybrid warfare" against Iran since the June war, saying recent protests, sparked by public frustration over market instability, were turned into security disturbances through foreign "guidance and planning." The SNSC said that recent remarks by US President Donald Trump in support of the rioters exposed a joint strategy by Washington and Tel Aviv to create instability inside Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's security forces detain riot leaders across multiple provinces Iran Press TV Saturday, 10 January 2026 11:36 AM Iranian security officials say more than 100 people have been arrested in several provinces in connection with recent riots, while senior officials cited foreign involvement, including the United States and Israel, for turning economic protests into violent disturbances. Police in Lorestan province said security forces, working alongside other military and intelligence bodies, had identified and detained more than 100 people for involvement in riots and acts of insecurity in several cities over recent days, according to reports by the Tasnim news agency. Lorestan police also said two "terrorist teams," consisting of four and seven members, had been identified and dismantled in the cities of Borujerd and Khorramabad. The groups were said to be equipped with firearms and bladed weapons, planning unrest and fatalities in the province. Police authorities thanked residents for their cooperation and urged citizens to report security-related information through emergency police lines and intelligence hotlines operated by the Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. Separately, a security source in North Khorasan province told Tasnim that key leaders of recent riots in the provincial capital, Bojnourd, had been arrested. The source said the individuals had been identified following investigations into disturbances that occurred in the city. According to the source, investigations confirmed direct links between those arrested and foreign institutions and organizations involved in directing and organizing riots. The source said the suspects had maintained contact with intermediaries linked to foreign intelligence services and had coordinated acts of vandalism and disruption. The source added that confessions by those detained indicated plans to fabricate fatalities and accuse the Islamic Republic of killing young people, saying their goals went beyond peaceful protest and were aimed at creating instability to advance political objectives. The source said arrests would continue until unrest ended and conditions returned to normal in North Khorasan. Meanwhile, Constitutional Council spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif said foreign interference has turned peaceful economic protests into violent riots. Speaking at a press conference, Nazif offered condolences for those killed during the recent disturbances, including members of security forces. Nazif said one Constitutional Council election supervisor had been killed in Qazvin, citing "hidden hands" being behind the crimes, adding that these forces were responsible for the deaths of more than 1,000 Iranians during the 12-day war in June. He said that interference by foreign actors transformed legitimate livelihood-related demands into riots, adding that public opinion demands firm action against those responsible. Authorities also reported extensive damage to emergency services. Tehran Fire Department chief Ghodratollah Mohammadi said that during two days of riots, 43 fire engines had been damaged and eight completely destroyed. Mohammadi said firefighters were prevented from responding to emergency calls after rioters blocked vehicles, forced crews out, and vandalized fire engines. He said one fire station in Tehran had been attacked, damaged and looted. He added that 15 fire engines were damaged in Isfahan and five in Ahvaz. Mohammadi said the loss of equipment, much of it imported with foreign currency, would be costly and time-consuming to replace. He said around half of Tehran's firefighting missions could not be carried out during the riots, with emergency calls to the fire service doubling from an average of 3,000 per day to about 6,000. In Gilan province, Chief Justice Majid Elahian said a courthouse in Rasht had been set on fire during unrest, temporarily disrupting judicial services. He said mosques and copies of the Qur'an had been burned, along with dozens of shops, banks and a clinic, resulting in the deaths of three nurses. Elahian said arrests were ongoing and that those leading the unrest would face severe punishment. He blamed the violence on direction from the United States and Israel. Tasnim also reported that Farajollah Shooshtari, the son of martyred IRGC commander Noor Ali Shooshtari, was killed a terrorist attack in Mashhad during unrest on Friday night. Shooshtari was described as a cultural and social activist. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Army says US, Israel behind riots, vows to protect security Iran Press TV Saturday, 10 January 2026 10:59 AM The Iranian Army has issued a statement, warning of foreign plots following recent riots in several cities across the country and calling on citizens to remain vigilant against foreign conspiracies aimed at creating instability and unrest. "The Iranian army calls on the vigilant and aware people of Iran to remain alert and use national prudence to thwart enemy plots, and to maintain national unity and cohesion to prevent the enemy from achieving their malicious goals," it said in a statement Saturday. Referring to the US-Israeli aggression in June, the statement noted that the enemy whose hands are stained with the blood of Iranians is seeking to instigate another sedition and conspiracy with false claims of supporting the Iranian people. Between June 13 and 24, Israel waged its blatant act of aggression against Iran, killing at least 1,064 people. On June 22, the United States joined Israel and bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in violation of international law. Two days later, the Islamic Republic managed to impose a halt to the criminal assault through its successful retaliatory attacks. Instigated by the son of Iran's deposed shah, certain elements have exploited the economic grievances of Iranians in recent days to wreak havoc, invoking the legacy of a monarchy that was overthrown in the 1979 revolution after decades of autocratic rule backed by the US, a period widely remembered for repression, corruption and foreign domination. "The great nation of Iran, through the glorious Islamic Revolution, cut off the hand of plundering and criminal America from Iranian soil and expelled the submissive, despotic, and West-dependent element," the Army's statement said. "Over the past 47 years, the aggressive and satanic US government has continuously sought, through various tricks and conspiracies, to restore its domination over the Iranian people and territory," the statement said. "Today as well, the enemy, through another conspiracy and with the support and backing of the criminal and child-killing Zionist regime and terrorist and hostile groups, seeks to disrupt order and calm in cities and undermine public security. An enemy whose hands were stained with the blood of the children of this great nation during the 12-day war, under the false claim of supporting the Iranian people, is pursuing the creation of another sedition and conspiracy," it added. The Army said that within the framework of its inherent missions and together with other armed forces, under the command of Commander-in-Chief Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, it is monitoring enemy movements in the region with full vigilance. It pledged that it will "protect national interests, the country's strategic infrastructure, and public property with full strength, and confront any plot with seriousness". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Western Leaders Crank Up Pressure On Iran Amid Crackdown On Protesters By RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 10, 2026 Tens of thousands of people protested for the 14th straight night in more than 100 Iranian cities as authorities appeared to be intensifying their crackdown, and Western leaders -- including US President Donald Trump -- stepped up pressure on Tehran. In a January 10 post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States "stands ready to help," reiterating support for the protesters after a series of warnings to Iranian authorities. Trump's latest comments come a day after he told a meeting of oil and gas executives at the White House that "Iran is in big trouble. It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago." "We're watching the situation very carefully. I've made the statement very strongly that if they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We will be hitting them very hard where it hurts. That does not mean boots on the ground, but it does mean hitting them very, very hard where it hurts." This was followed up by a short post on X by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on January 10, stating that the United States "supports the brave people of Iran." Videos from inside Iran circulating on social media on January 10 indicated that crowds of protesters continued to gather in various parts of the capital, Tehran, and in the cities of Tabriz and Rasht. The protests, which began on Tehran's Grand Bazaar on December 28, quickly snowballed, spreading to dozens of towns and cities. By the evening of January 8, videos poured in from nearly every corner of the country showing huge crowds chanting and marching. Authorities first throttled nationwide Internet speeds before enforcing a near-total blackout at 10:15 p.m. local time on January 8, severing phone lines too. With the blackout now lasting more than 40 hours there is no precise information about the number of people killed, injured, or detained across the country with widespread fears that the cut is being used to hide state violence against protesters. Amnesty International released a statement on January 9 saying that it was investigating "distressing reports that security forces have intensified their unlawful use of lethal force against protesters" which has "led to further deaths and injuries." There have also been media reports, including by AFP, that hundreds of people had been taken to a Tehran hospital with "severe eye injuries" caused by pellet gun fire. The Human Rights News Agency (HRANA), which covers human rights-related news, early on January 11 said that 116 people had been killed in the protests over the past two weeks. It said at least 2,638 people have been arrested and that demonstrations were reported in 574 locations across 185 towns and cities amid a near-total Internet shutdown. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on January 10 called on authorities to release all detained protesters and for full restoration of Internet access in the country. "Tehran's streets, and cities around the world, echo with the footsteps of Iranian women and men demanding freedom," she wrote on social media. "Freedom to speak, to gather, to travel and above all to live freely." In a joint statement issued on January 9, the leaders of France, Germany, and Britain expressed "deep concern about reports of violence by Iranian security forces and strongly condemn the killing of protesters." The text also added that the Internet blackout "has sparked fears among activists that authorities are now violently cracking down on the protests, with less chance the proof will reach the outside world." An EU statement issued on the same day also called for "the right of access to information, including by restoring access to the Internet for all" while expressing "solidarity with the Iranian people as they voice their legitimate aspiration for a better life, freedom and dignity." Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father -- Iran's last shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi -- was ousted by the Islamic Revolution in 1979, issued a message of support on social media for the protesters, telling them that they have "won the admiration of the world with your courage and steadfastness" while announcing that he was planning to return to Iran in the near future. Protesters came out in force on January 8 and January 9 night following calls by Reza Pahlavi for sustained street demonstrations. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed supporters of the regime on January 9, saying that "saboteurs, agitators" had "destroyed the country's buildings to please" President Trump. He added that Trump has the "blood of Iranians on his hands" following US strikes on Iran in June, and that the US leader would be "overthrown." The Iranian army later issued a statement announcing it would join other armed forces to "guard and protect the country's strategic infrastructure and public property" during the protests. Separately, the authorities said several members of the security forces have been killed as state TV broadcast images on January 10 of funerals of security officers allegedly killed in the protests, including a large gathering in the southern city of Shiraz. Protesters were receiving support outside the country as well. In London, a protester at the Iranian Embassy briefly replaced the country's current flag with the former flag, utilized before the 1979 revolution. In Berlin, police said some 1,400 supporters marched in the city center, while an equal amount of people rallied in Frankfurt. With reporting by AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-pressure- internet-western-leaders-crackdown/33644771.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump reportedly briefs on options for military strikes in Iran; expert warns of renewed, higher regional tension Global Times By Xu Keyue Published: Jan 11, 2026 01:17 PM The New York Times reported Saturday local time that the US President Donald Trump has been briefed on options for military strikes in Iran amid ongoing protests in the country. On the same day, he renewed threats against Tehran by stating the US "stands ready to help" regarding the situation. Commenting on this, a Chinese expert warned that any such action could trigger a significant escalation of regional tensions and would be unlikely to yield strategic gains for the US. NYT, citing multiple US officials familiar with the matter, reported that Trump has been briefed in recent days on new options for military strikes in Iran as he considers following through on his threat to attack the country for cracking down on protesters. NYT noted that Trump has not made a final decision, but the officials claimed he was seriously considering authorizing a strike in response to the Iranian regime's efforts to suppress demonstrations set off by widespread economic grievances. The president has been presented with a range of options, including strikes on nonmilitary sites in Tehran, the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential conversations, according to NYT. "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!" Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social on Saturday, renewing his threats against the Middle Eastern country, the Xinhua News Agency reported. "If they start killing people ... we will get involved," Trump told reporters on Friday, adding that "that doesn't mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts." Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Friday urged people in Iran to preserve unity and said some protesters try to please the US, Xinhua reported. Protesters are "ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy," the supreme leader said. Khamenei told the US leader to focus on problems in his own country. Iran "will not back down" in face of "saboteurs," he claimed. Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday condemned what it described as "interventionist and deceptive" remarks by the Trump administration about the unrest, saying they reflected Washington's continued hostility toward the Iranian people. Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism, according to Xinhua. Reuters reported Friday local time that Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani stated that the US is to blame for "the transformation of peaceful protests into violent, subversive acts and widespread vandalism" in Iran. Iran condemns "the ongoing, unlawful, and irresponsible conduct of the US, in coordination with the Israeli regime, in interfering in Iran's internal affairs through threats, incitement, and the deliberate encouragement of instability and violence." He accuses Washington of "destabilizing practices" that undermine the founding UN Charter, violate fundamental principles of international law, and threaten the foundations of international peace and security, according to Reuters. "If the US militarily intervenes in Iran, the impact would be significant," Lu Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday. "If strikes were launched against Iran, Iran would certainly retaliate in the most intense manner," Lu said. This would plunge the regional situation into renewed and even higher tension shortly after a period of relative calm, said the expert, criticizing the potential violent intervention in other countries' internal affairs. "Judging from current US policy and calculations, while the US possesses the military capacity to strike Iran, it would gain no strategic benefit from doing so," the expert added. Since Iran presents a complex situation that is difficult to dominate, any strike against Iran would not only fail to yield returns but could also backfire by escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, thereby undermining the US forward strategic position Israel in the Middle East, according to the expert. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Navy demonstrated its operational readiness and combat preparedness through a comprehensive exercise in the North Arabian Sea, showcasing both conventional and unmanned capabilities, as per dictates of evolving naval warfare. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - January 10, 2026 No PR-12/2026-ISPR Pakistan Navy demonstrated its operational readiness and combat preparedness through a comprehensive exercise in the North Arabian Sea, showcasing both conventional and unmanned capabilities, as per dictates of evolving naval warfare. The exercise included the successful live firing of LY-80 (N) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) from Vertical Launching System at extended range, validating the long-range capabilities of Pakistan Navy's modern air defence systems. LY-80 (N) SAM successfully engaged and neutralized an aerial target, demonstrating Pakistan Navy's robust air defence capabilities. The exercise also featured the successful engagement of surface targets using Loitering Munition (LM), demonstrating Pakistan Navy's precision strike capabilities. Loitering Munition (LM) successfully engaged and destroyed surface targets, showcasing its effectiveness in modern naval warfare. Successful open-sea trials of Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) were also conducted, marking a significant leap in autonomous naval technology. The trials validated the platform's ability to combine high-speed performance with mission-critical durability. Key capabilities demonstrated include extreme maneuverability, precision navigation and weather resilience. USV offers a low-risk, high-impact solution with the stealth of a tactical interceptor. Commander Pakistan Fleet witnessed the exercise, which showcased Pakistan Navy's ability to employ advanced systems. Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), T Bt, Chief of the Naval Staff, commended officers and men of Pakistan Navy for their professionalism and operational competence. He reaffirmed Pakistan Navy's resolve to ensure seaward defence of Pakistan and safeguard national maritime interests under all circumstances. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, during his official visit to Iraq, called on Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - January 10, 2026 No PR-11/2026-ISPR Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, during his official visit to Iraq, called on Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force. The Air Chief was accorded a Guard of Honour at Iraqi Air Force Headquarters, symbolizing the strong bond of mutual respect. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation, with emphasis on joint training, capacity building and improving operational cooperation. The Air Chief highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq and reaffirmed PAF's commitment to support the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development. Both commanders agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to strengthen interoperability. The Iraqi Air Chief praised PAF's professionalism and technological advancement, expressed interest in benefiting from PAF's world-class training and expressed keen interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. He also appreciated Pakistan's role in regional stability. The visit underscored the shared resolve of both Air Forces to further strengthen defence ties and professional collaboration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The 13th Pakistan-United States bilateral joint exercise, Inspired Gambit-2026, commenced on 09 January 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - January 10, 2026 No PR-10/2026-ISPR The 13th Pakistan-United States bilateral joint exercise, Inspired Gambit-2026, commenced on 09 January 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi. The two-week-long exercise is being conducted in the Counter Terrorism (CT) domain, involving professional contingents from the Armies of Pakistan and the United States. Officials from both sides attended the opening ceremony. The exercise is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability through the sharing of counter-terrorism experiences, while further refining tactics, techniques, and procedures essential for effective CT operations. Emphasis is being laid on marksmanship skills during urban warfare, as well as on understanding each other's operational doctrines and best practices. Such joint training exercises are of vital importance in addressing evolving security challenges, improving professional military standards, and strengthening the capacity of both forces to operate in complex counter-terrorism environments. Inspired Gambit-2026 reflects the continued commitment of Pakistan and the United States towards collaborative efforts for peace and stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On 8 January 2026, eleven khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - January 10, 2026 No PR-9/2026-ISPR On 8 January 2026, eleven khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. On reported presence of khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the Security Forces in North Waziristan District. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and after an intense fire exchange, six khwarij were sent to hell. Another joint intelligence based operation by Police and security forces was conducted in Kurram District. In ensuing fire exchange, five khwarij were effectively neutralised. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed Indian sponsored khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the Security Forces, Law Enforcement agencies and target killing of innocent civilians. Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision "Azm e Istehkam" (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S. Korea denies DPRK's drone incursion claim People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:01, January 10, 2026 SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek on Saturday said allegations that South Korean drones violated the airspace of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were "absolutely untrue," noting that the drone shown in photos released by Pyongyang was not a model operated by the South Korean military, according to Yonhap News Agency. Ahn stressed that such an act would have been impossible given lingering sensitivities surrounding the country's past emergency martial law. He said that on the day in question, no flight training was conducted by South Korea's Drone Operations Command, Ground Operations Command or Marine Corps Command. He also said a joint investigation between South Korea and the DPRK into the incident could be conducted. Yonhap cited South Korea's defense ministry as saying that it had confirmed that the military did not operate drones on the dates specified by Pyongyang. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has instructed authorities to carry out a thorough investigation, with relevant agencies currently verifying specific details. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a spokesperson for the General Staff of the Korean People's Army said in a statement that South Korea had again sent drones into the DPRK's airspace at the beginning of the new year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address This photo released by the Royal Thai Armed Forces on Jan. 11, 2026 shows rescuers extinguishing a fire at a petrol station in Narathiwat, Thailand. Multiple petrol stations in Thailand's southern border provinces were hit by arson attacks and explosions late Saturday night, leaving one police officer injured, Thai military sources said on Sunday. (Royal Thai Armed Forces/Handout via Xinhua) BANGKOK, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Multiple petrol stations in Thailand's southern border provinces were hit by arson attacks and explosions late Saturday night, leaving one police officer injured, Thai military sources said on Sunday. The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command said in a statement posted on its social media accounts that the attacks targeted 11 petrol stations across Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces, causing extensive property damage. Preliminary reports said a police officer from the Ra-ngae Police Station in Narathiwat Province was injured. No fatalities have been reported so far. The military has ordered all units in the affected areas and neighboring regions to raise security measures to the highest level to ensure public safety, while intensifying efforts to track down those responsible, the statement said. This photo released by the Royal Thai Armed Forces on Jan. 11, 2026 shows a petrol station on fire in Narathiwat, Thailand. Multiple petrol stations in Thailand's southern border provinces were hit by arson attacks and explosions late Saturday night, leaving one police officer injured, Thai military sources said on Sunday. (Royal Thai Armed Forces/Handout via Xinhua) This photo released by the Royal Thai Armed Forces on Jan. 11, 2026 shows rescuers extinguishing a fire at a petrol station in Narathiwat, Thailand. Multiple petrol stations in Thailand's southern border provinces were hit by arson attacks and explosions late Saturday night, leaving one police officer injured, Thai military sources said on Sunday. (Royal Thai Armed Forces/Handout via Xinhua) This photo released by the Royal Thai Armed Forces on Jan. 11, 2026 shows a petrol station on fire in Narathiwat, Thailand. Multiple petrol stations in Thailand's southern border provinces were hit by arson attacks and explosions late Saturday night, leaving one police officer injured, Thai military sources said on Sunday. (Royal Thai Armed Forces/Handout via Xinhua) KMT chair Cheng mum on reported late-January summit with CCP ROC Central News Agency 01/10/2026 07:22 PM Taipei, Jan. 10 (CNA) Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun () remained tight-lipped Saturday on a reported summit with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) late this month and a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (), saying only that any talks would "not be conducted in secret." Online news publication Meihua Media reported on Friday that the KMT and CCP are set to resume their long-suspended dialogue -- the Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Culture Forum, better known as the "KMT-CCP Forum" -- from Jan. 27-29 in Beijing. The forum will see the KMT delegation led by Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen (), the report said, citing anonymous sources. While Cheng had teased the previous day that she would provide a "public explanation" regarding reports of the KMT-CCP Forum, she offered few specifics when talking to reporters at an event in Taichung on Saturday. Cheng noted that she has sensed a spirit of "sincerity and goodwill" from Beijing regarding cross-strait communication since she became KMT chair in November, prompting the KMT to actively prepare for resumed exchanges. However, the KMT chair gave a list of potential topics to be discussed, such as the pursuit of a zero-carbon society, climate change mitigation, and disaster prevention, as well as demographic challenges, such as low birth rates and aging populations, and the development of artificial intelligence. Building on the historic 2005 meeting between then KMT Chairman Lien Chan () and Chinese leader Hu Jintao (), the KMT-CCP Forum was launched in 2006 and held almost annually until 2016, when it was suspended following the KMT's loss of power after eight years in office. Lee Kuen-cheng (), a spokesperson for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), on Friday dismissed Cheng's plan to revive the KMT-CCP Forum as a move to "test the waters" for a potential meeting with Xi, suggesting that the opposition party is using the mechanism to gauge public reaction before moving forward. Lee said that the DPP found the KMT's eagerness to engage with Beijing and align with its narratives on Taiwan regrettable, especially at a time when Beijing continues to employ military threats and diplomatic pressure against the island. (By Cheng Wei-chen, Wen Kuei-hsiang and Shih Hsiu-chuan) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.01.11 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Jan. 10 (Sat.) to 6 a.m. Jan. 11 (Sun.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 4 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 4 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1150111_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1150111_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey seeks to join Saudi-Pakistan military pact mirroring NATO: Report Iran Press TV Saturday, 10 January 2026 11:13 AM Turkey is seeking to join Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in a NATO-style military alliance, potentially creating a new security alignment that could affect regional balances, Turkish media reported. According to a Friday report, "In September, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a defense pact that treats "any aggression" against one member as an attack on all, mirroring NATO's Article 5." "Talks on Turkey's participation are at an advanced stage, and a deal is considered likely," the report wrote, citing sources familiar with the matter speaking on condition of anonymity. "Ankara also views the arrangement as a way to bolster security and deterrence amid questions over US reliability and President Donald Trump's commitment to NATO, of which Turkey is a member," the newspaper added. All three countries would benefit from such an alliance based on their individual contributions, according to Nihat Ali Ozcan, a strategist at the Ankara-based think tank TEPAV. Saudi Arabia possesses significant financial resources due to its oil reserves, Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, and a large standing army, and Turkey has soldiers with combat experience and a developed defense industry, including advanced drone production. Ozcan explained that "shifting regional dynamics are prompting countries to seek new mechanisms to define security partnerships." In a sign of their recent rapprochement, the Saudi and Turkish militaries held their first-ever naval meeting in Ankara this week, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Thursday. Pakistan has enjoyed long-standing military cooperation with both Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Still, it is seeking even closer alliances in the wake of its conflicts with India in May and the Taliban-led Afghan government in October. According to Pakistan, India and Afghanistan support the Pakistani branch of the Taliban, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has carried out attacks in Pakistani territory, including twin suicide bombings targeting a courthouse in Islamabad in November. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK Allocates $270Mln to Prepare for Possible Troop Deployment in Ukraine Sputnik News 20260110 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United Kingdom has allocated about $270 million to prepare for the possible deployment of troops to Ukraine, the UK Defense Ministry said. "The Defence Secretary [John Healey] confirms today that 200 million [around $270 million] has been allocated for this year and will specifically fund preparations for any deployment of the MNFU [multinational forces for Ukraine] to upgrade vehicles, communications systems, new counter-drone protection and additional force-protection equipment, ensuring troops are ready to deploy if required," the statement read on Friday. The funds are being allocated from the UK's core defense budget and meant to send a signal to both allies and adversaries about London's intention to lead multinational forces in Ukraine, it added. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said previously that the presence of NATO allies' troops on Ukrainian soil - under any flag and in any capacity, including as peacekeepers - was a threat to Russia, and that Moscow would not accept it under any circumstances. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine and the United Kingdom sign a roadmap for their one-hundred-year defence partnership Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 9 January, 2026, 3:53 PM EET In Kyiv, Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal and UK Defence Secretary John Healey signed a development roadmap for the Ukraine-United Kingdom one-hundred-year defence partnership. The roadmap establishes a framework for defence cooperation in 2026 across several key security areas. "This marks an important step in delivering large-scale projects enabled by the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement between the United Kingdom and Ukraine," said Denys Shmyhal. He expressed gratitude to John Healey for the visit and, alongside representatives of the intelligence services and the General Staff, briefed the foreign delegation on the consequences of the large-scale combined russian attack overnight. "Strengthening air defence and supplying munitions for these systems remains a key priority. The United Kingdom has already made a substantial contribution to reinforcing our capabilities to counter russian terror. From February, production will reach 1,000 Octopus interceptor drones per month," said the Minister of Defence of Ukraine. The discussions also covered: potential joint strategic industrial projects in air defence and long-range weapons; prospects for localising the production of Swedish Gripen aircraft that include technologies from UK companies; enhancing the protection of Ukraine's maritime domain. preparations for the next Ramstein-format meeting, scheduled for February. "I am deeply grateful to the United Kingdom for its invaluable support. I extend my thanks to John Healey for his personal leadership and steadfast support for Ukraine," Denys Shmyhal concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal: The Ministry of Defence is preparing a comprehensive urgent action plan to develop domestic defense industry enterprises Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 9 January, 2026, 2:14 PM EET In recent years, Ukraine's defense industry capabilities have seen unprecedented growth, expanding from $1 billion to $35 billion. "These results have been achieved through a consistent state policy, the optimization of the regulatory framework, the attraction of investment, and the scaling of domestic production," stated Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Defence of Ukraine. Over the year, defense industry enterprises received UAH 5.6 billion in loans on preferential terms. Alongside the continuation of credit programs, a preferential leasing program is being introduced, allowing defense manufacturers to access transport and equipment at a concessional annual rate of 5%. In early January 2026, the dedicated legal framework Defence City was launched as a state support instrument for defense industry enterprises. Residents of the Defence City framework will be eligible for tax incentives, streamlined customs procedures, and other support measures. Furthermore, at the initiative of the Ministry of Defence, the financing mechanism for state-owned defense enterprises damaged by enemy attacks was revised last year, and manufacturers have already received over UAH 1.5 billion in budgetary support to restore their operations. "The Ministry of Defence is developing a comprehensive urgent action plan to develop domestic defense industry enterprises, which will form part of a new strategy for the development of the defense industry," concluded Denys Shmyhal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine's new defense policy: the Ministry of Defence publishes the Green Book and initiates public strategic consultations Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 9 January, 2026, 11:40 AM EET The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has announced the start of its first-ever public consultations on changes to national defense policy, reflecting the realities of a prolonged war, technological confrontation, and a war of attrition. The first step was the preparation and publication of the consultation document "Green Book: Strategic Directions, Challenges, and a New Defence Architecture" (hereinafter the "Green Book"), which is open for public discussion. "The purpose of the Green Book is to develop a shared understanding of the key challenges and to design a forward-looking defense model capable of ensuring state resilience and deterring an aggressor possessing substantially greater resources. Ukraine's answer should be a shift toward an integrated defense system that offsets the enemy's numerical superiority through network-centric operations, technological adaptability, and a 'war of intellects," Denys Shmyhal said. Such a defense model will enable faster decision-making, deliver a technological edge, build a resilient defense-industrial ecosystem, and deepen interoperability with NATO. Rather than offering finalized directives or decisions, the document brings forward strategic dilemmas for discussion, each with cost implications and consequences for resource sustainability. The Green Book is intended to collect expert proposals, validate key assumptions, and shape coordinated approaches for future policy decisions. Denys Shmyhal emphasized the importance of engaging the expert community in shaping policy decisions. Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine invites service members, managers, representatives of the defence industry, academics, researchers, and experts to review the "Green Book" and submit their proposals via an electronic form. "The purpose of the Green Book is to develop a shared understanding of the key challenges and to design a forward-looking defense model capable of ensuring state resilience and deterring an aggressor possessing substantially greater resources. Ukraine's answer should be a shift toward an integrated defense system that offsets the enemy's numerical superiority through network-centric operations, technological adaptability, and a 'war of intellects," Denys Shmyhal said. Such a defense model will enable faster decision-making, deliver a technological edge, build a resilient defense-industrial ecosystem, and deepen interoperability with NATO. Rather than offering finalized directives or decisions, the document brings forward strategic dilemmas for discussion, each with cost implications and consequences for resource sustainability. The Green Book is intended to collect expert proposals, validate key assumptions, and shape coordinated approaches for future policy decisions. Denys Shmyhal emphasized the importance of engaging the expert community in shaping policy decisions. Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine invites service members, managers, representatives of the defence industry, academics, researchers, and experts to review the "Green Book" and submit their proposals via an electronic form. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine confirms Russian use of hypersonic missile in attack People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:00, January 10, 2026 KIEV, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday confirmed that Russia used an Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile in its attack on Ukraine overnight into Friday. "Overall, last night there were 242 drones. There were also 13 ballistic missiles targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, one Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile, as well as 22 cruise missiles," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on the social platform X. The Oreshnik hypersonic missile is capable of reaching high speeds, according to media reports. In November 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia had successfully tested the missile system, hitting targets in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Russia's overnight assault killed at least 4 people and injured 25 others in Kiev, according to the Kiev City Prosecutor's Office. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Ukraine will initiate an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council, as well as a response within the European Union, following the strike. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kyiv Restores Electricity, Water After Russian Attacks, But Situation 'Difficult' Elsewhere By RFE/RL January 10, 2026 Authorities in Kyiv said essential services have been restored in most areas after electricity, water, and heating supplies were severed in the city of some 3 million people following another night of Russian drone strikes. "As of the evening, about 60,000 consumers remain without electricity," Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk said on national TV late on January 10, adding that some 500,000 households, businesses, and other sites had been affected during the day. Kolisnyk said periodic, scheduled energy shutdowns will occur in the capital and surrounding region on January 11, while he described the situation in other areas as "difficult." "The situation continues to be the most difficult in the front line and border regions with Russia, in particular in the Donetsk region, where, due to constant enemy strikes on electricity transmission and distribution networks, emergency shutdowns are forced," he added. The outages came after a request from the state-owned electricity transmission system operator Ukrenerho to reduce consumption and come on top of regular hours-long power cuts introduced during the war in order to conserve remaining electricity supplies. The company said in a statement on social media that it was working to restore full services. The news comes as temperatures are set to fall as low as minus-15 degrees Celsius over the weekend with Kyiv authorities saying they had set up around 1,200 warming centers. The most recent cuts come after days of heavy Russian attacks on Ukraine. On January 9 a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed four and left 26 wounded. 20 residential buildings were also damaged, including one housing the Qatari Embassy, in one of the largest attacks on the capital in months. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko later confirmed that this barrage had left half of all apartment blocks in Kyiv without heating and urged all citizens of the city to leave if they could due to all the outages. Commenting on the recent Russian attacks on January 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that "Moscow is trying to use cold weather as a tool of terror." Further strikes were reported late on January 10. Authorities in the city of Slovyansk said a Russian guided aerial bomb struck a residential area, injuring at least seven people. The Slovyansk-Kramatorsk metropolitan area is the last significant territory remaining under Ukrainian control in the Donetsk region. The UN Security Council will meet January 12 to discuss Ukraine. The move comes after Ukraine's UN ambassador, Andriy Melnyk, said in a letter to the Security Council that "the Russian Federation has reached an appalling new level of war crimes and crimes against humanity by its terror against civilians." Russia denies intentionally targeting civilians in Ukraine despite widespread evidence to the contrary since launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military on January 10 said it hit an oil depot in Russia's Volgograd region. Ukraine has targeted oil-related sites, sometimes deep inside Russia, saying it is looking to cut resources that fuel the Kremlin's war effort. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Reuters, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kyiv-electricity-heating-supplies- powercut-outage-drone-strikes/33644699.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Air Defense Shoots Down Neptune Missile and 70 Ukrainian UAVs Sputnik News 20260110 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defense systems shot down a long-range guided Neptune missile and 70 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. "Air defense systems have shot down a long-range guided Neptune missile and 70 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said. Russia's Tsentr battlegroup has eliminated up to 410 Ukrainian soldiers Russia's Zapad battlegroup has eliminated up to 190 Ukrainian soldiers, an armored fighting vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, an artillery gun, and four ammunition depots Russia's Vostok battlegroup has eliminated over 135 Ukrainian servicepeople, five armored fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, and an artillery gun In battles with Russia's Sever battlegroup, Ukraine lost over 130 troops, three motor vehicles, and three materiel depots Russia's Yug battlegroup has eliminated over 190 troops, nine armored fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, four artillery guns, two electronic warfare station, a counter-battery station, four ammunition depots, and four materiel depots Russia's Dnepr battlegroup has eliminated up to 35 Ukrainian troops, an armored fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, and an artillery gun Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday suggested Cuba should make a deal with Washington. "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. "Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela," Trump said. 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. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. Following the U.S. military raid on Venezuela, Trump said that "Cuba is going to be something we'll end up talking about" and warned Colombian President Gustavo Petro to be careful. The War Must Be Brought to an End; This Requires Pressuring Russia - Address by the President President of Ukraine 10 January 2026 - 17:31 I wish you good health! Briefly about this day. I received a briefing from the Security Service of Ukraine - from Yevhenii Khmara. He leads many of our operations. That is exactly what we discussed: the operations that have taken place recently. The Security Service of Ukraine is working effectively - I want to thank all SSU operatives and special forces personnel for this. It is still too early to speak publicly about some of the operations - ones that the Russians have already felt. Some of the operations are still underway. I also approved new ones. We are actively defending ourselves, and every Russian loss brings the end of the war closer. Our deep strikes, special measures - all of this, of course, must continue. I also spoke with Kyrylo Budanov - including about the sanctions policy. Last year, with many partners, we established a new cooperation to synchronize sanctions, but the pace must be higher, much higher. Russian production of missiles and drones cannot exist without supplies of components from other countries. And this applies not just to some individual Russian-made items, but to all Russian weapons. This is weaponry built on components that Russia does not produce itself. That is why blocking supplies and expanding sanctions is one of our key priorities. And it must also be a priority for our partners. Our institutions must work on this more actively. Budanov also reported on part of the meetings within the diplomatic track. I am expecting a full, detailed report from the entire negotiating team. And we continue communication with the American side practically every day. Today, Rustem Umerov once again reached out to our American partners. This is our strategic task: dialogue with the United States must be one hundred percent constructive. Ukraine has never been and never will be an obstacle to diplomacy, and our effectiveness in working with partners has always been at the highest level. And it will remain so. Only Russia is the source of this war, the reason the war is being dragged out, and it deserves all retaliatory strikes and pressure for everything it does against life and people, against diplomacy, against partners. We carefully monitor and document every attempt by the Russians to undermine our relations with partners. We see which lobbyists Moscow is engaging, through whom it is trying to act, which internal operations it is attempting to launch in Ukraine and in Europe. Our response will be tangible - through our special services, through our intelligence agencies, through political cooperation with our partners, and, in particular, through sanctions. What is important is that the U.S. Congress is back in motion on tougher sanctions against Russia - targeting Russian oil. This can truly work. I thank everyone who is helping. Today, I want to recognize our warriors - every single one, who, despite everything - despite constant strikes, Russian assaults, despite this entire harsh, cold winter - are defending our positions and destroying the occupier. The Pokrovsk direction - the warriors of the 38th Marine Brigade, the 425th Separate Assault Regiment, the 414th Unmanned Systems Brigade "Magyar's Birds," and the 14th Brigade of Operational Assignment of the National Guard "Chervona Kalyna." Thank you! The Kramatorsk direction - first and foremost, the warriors of the 24th Mechanized Brigade. Thank you! The Kupyansk direction - the 43rd Mechanized Brigade and the 13th Khartiia Brigade of the National Guard. Thank you! Also in our Kharkiv region, the warriors of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade deserve special thanks. Well done, warriors! Huliaipole - the 5th Assault Brigade, the 1st and the 225th Assault Regiments. Thank you! I thank everyone who is fighting for Ukraine! There was a briefing today from Mykhailo Fedorov, essentially on our defense plan - we discussed strategic matters. I expect that, next week, parliamentarians will support Mykhailo for the position of Minister of Defense of Ukraine. We have an action plan for the defense sector. Just as we do for diplomacy. And it depends solely on our partners' resolve - which plan will take priority for the year. The war must be brought to an end. This requires pressuring Russia. Those who speak the language of ballistics and "shaheds" understand nothing but force. We are working to ensure the world acts effectively. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defining a buzzword Lessons from Louisiana Going it alone Everyone in San Francisco assumes that an earthquake will hit this city hard some day, thanks to the geologic fault line that runs below it. But G.L. Hodge is not afraid.Hodge (below) has a talent for being where hes needed during a crisis. During the last big quake to rattle the San Francisco Bay area in 1989, Hodge was the manager of a local Kmart store across the bay in the town of Fremont. He made sure that his store was one of the first in the area to re-open after the quake, distributing much-needed supplies to the community.Two-and-a-half years later, Hodge had moved to Los Angeles to manage another Kmart in Compton. When riots broke out after police officers were acquitted in a racially charged beating, Hodges store was one of the few in the neighborhood not to be looted. The National Guard used it as a command center.Ive been dealing with these kind of situations for a long time, Hodge says. As a retail store manager, Hodge had to be prepared for anything. Over the years, he also picked up disaster preparedness tips from his wife, a San Francisco firefighter.Now retired from retail, Hodge is putting his preparedness ideas to work at the Providence Baptist Church of San Francisco, where he is administrator. Providence is a humming community hub in an area called the Bayview. Once known as a shipbuilding center, the neighborhood today has more poverty and unemployment than elsewhere in San Francisco. About one-third of the residents are foreign-born and one-third are African-American. Its a 24-hour church, says Hodge. He and his staff run a daily after-school program, serve dinner to the community on Wednesday evenings, and operate a food bank each Thursday. Each night, the churchs gymnasium is transformed into a 125-bed homeless shelter.Those services arent too unusual for an American church. What is unusual is that Hodges budget at Providence also has a line item for disaster preparedness. The American Red Cross and local nonprofits have come to provide disaster prep training for the congregation, as well as free CPR training for church staff and the public. Hodge keeps a two-way radio in his office, enabling communication with a local command center in the event of a disaster. In his office, Hodge showed me a meticulously prepared kit that includes binders holding disaster protocols, contact information for critical neighborhood volunteers, and Bayview maps identifying caches of potable water and other emergency supplies.The church building itself is rated to be able to withstand a magnitude 8.0 earthquake. If one hits, the church is expected to become even more of a community hub than it is now. Providence partnered with the Red Cross and the local electric utility to prepare a cache of emergency supplies food, medicine, fuel, and backup generator stored in the parking garage located beneath the senior citizen apartments built adjacent to the church. If necessary, the generator can keep the church, its two kitchens, and food bank operating for up to five days to provide the community with hot meals and groceries. Anything that we can do to make sure that people can stay in their homes, feel safe, and create a sense of normalcy in the community, says Hodge.The diligent efforts undertaken at Providence Baptist Church are a grassroots example of building something local governments, civil society groups, NGOs and businesses around the world are talking about a lot these days: resilience.Thats a term that still means different things to different people.In the Bay Area, many people understand it in terms of earthquakes, and preparing for The Big One. (A quake destroyed the city in 1906; the 1989 quake caused significant damage.) Others see it largely in the context of climate change and preparing for rising seas and prolonged droughts like the one California has been suffering through for three years. Some talk of resilience in terms of strengthening at-risk communities, increasing economic opportunity and decreasing crime. And still others see it as diversifying local economies to protect against housing busts, stock-market crashes and other kinds of economic shocks.The Bay Area is an important test ground to see if these various threads can be weaved together across a large metro region. Four Bay Area cities Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco were among the first 33 global cities selected under the Rockefeller Foundations 100 Resilient Cities Centennial Challenge. (Disclosure:receives financial support from the Rockefeller Foundation.) The initiative will provide financial assistance and resources to enable selected cities to develop a resilience plan and hire a Chief Resilience Officer to nail this sort of thinking deep into city bureaucracy.Its no accident that so many Bay Area cities made the cut. Local and regional planning around earthquake risk and climate change has been going on here for years. A report published in March by the Bay Area Joint Policy Committee found that more than 40 cities and counties in the Bay Area have completed climate action plans to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and a growing number of those plans have added resilience and climate adaptation initiatives. A handful of cities, including Berkeley and San Francisco, have taken an additional step to incorporate climate change risks into their hazard mitigation plans.Despite these promising first steps, regional experts say that policymakers still must develop a common language about what resilience means. Resiliency is an all-encompassing term, San Franciscos Patrick Otellini recently told Green Biz. Otellini was recently named the citys first (and the worlds first) Chief Resilience Officer. At some point, it actually becomes such an encompassing term that its hard to define. Its not just sustainability. Its not just seismic safety. Its not just energy assurance. Its all of these things together.The Bayview is a good place to see how this thinking plays out on the ground. While earthquakes may be the most visceral risk, what many people here cite as motivation is a hurricane that struck 2,000 miles away. It was after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005 that Hodges church stepped up its disaster preparedness; many congregants owned property there or had family members affected by the storm and its flooding.Katrina also influenced Daniel Homsey, San Franciscos impassioned director of neighborhood resiliency. Homsey went to New Orleans after Katrina to survey damage, offer help and bring home lessons learned. He is convinced that much of Katrinas wrath was preventable. Katrina was a man-made disaster, Homsey told me. No one had to die. No one had to even lose their home. It was all a cascading series of really bad decisions, bad planning, and corrupted social capital.Homsey had read the work of Harvard Universitys Thomas Wooten, whose research on recovery efforts in New Orleans identified which neighborhoods had bounced back first after Katrina. It wasnt education, and it wasnt income, Homsey says. It was neighborhoods that on a daily basis, pre-event, were just working together on problems.Homsey realized that not only do we have to make the investments in our sewer system and strengthening our buildings, we also have to strengthen the residents capacity to steward their condition, on a daily basis. Homsey turned that idea into a city-funded initiative called the Neighborhood Empowerment Network, or NEN. He believed that the way the city interacted with residents was backwards. Our approach was knight in shining armor: Get out of the way. We know better than you what the problem is. We know better than you what the solution is.Homsey decided the new initiative would operate differently. It would be reflective, not prescriptive. Engaged residents identify neighborhood goals disaster preparedness and resilience in the Bayviews case and NEN provides support to inventory the goals and design ways to achieve them.In the Bayview, this comes together in the form of an initiative called Resilient Bayview. The project is a community-led planning effort that brings together neighborhood leaders and city agencies to develop and implement a Resilience Action Plan. Four working groups children and their families; seniors and people living with disabilities; immigrant communities; and small business and non-profit organizations meet monthly. The Steering Committee, of which Hodge is a member, oversees implementation of the action plan.Committee meetings may sound like a dull response to an existential threat. But as Homsey sees it, having these conversations during normal times is critical to building the neighborhoods support systems for when disaster strikes. We have to strengthen the relationships between governments and the community, nonprofits and other agencies, Homsey says, and make sure those relationships are full of trust and reciprocity between those that want to help and those that need help.One conclusion that G.L. Hodge and other local leaders have come to in these conversations is that in the event of a disaster, outside help may not arrive for days. At least three to five days before anyone shows up, Homsey recalls hearing at a meeting with Resilient Bayview leaders. Seniors need help within the first couple of. Were it. Wethe solution.At an early Resilient Bayview meeting, Hodge says, there was much discussion of the federal governments disaster plan for San Francisco. That plan is to evacuate the city, Hodge says. Our plan is to stay in the city. We arent going anywhere. We know that if we work togethera major catastrophe, we will be able to work togethera major catastrophe. As far as mass evacuation goes, Hodge has taken another lesson from the example of New Orleans: Residents who are forced to leave may never come back.To bolster the Bayviews capacity to function independently, NEN is planning to deploy what it calls a neighborhood support center at Providence Baptist Church. It will activate immediately after an event, Homsey says. It will be entirely staffed and managed by the community, for the community. It will be a hyper-local, problem-solving platform where people can come with immediate issues they need collective support for evacuations, medical care, or water delivery.Much of Resilient Bayviews early work has focused on making plans to protect the neighborhoods most vulnerable residents: its seniors and the disabled. While residents are determined to stay in their homes after a disaster, these populations have received training on how to evacuate if necessary. Many have received kits that include a sealable plastic bag to stock with prescription medication, cash and phone numbers for family and friends. They also have door-hangers to help speed up search-and-rescue efforts. One side of the door-hanger is colored red and reads Need Help; the other side, colored green, reads Safely Out.In the Bayview, business owner Dan Dodt has floated another idea for seniors that would also turn seismic retrofitting into a job opportunity. Under his Bayview Bolters proposal, at-risk youth would be trained by members of the local building trades unions how to bolt down the foundations of seniors homes. The young construction workers would be paid with workforce development grant money. Isnt it a great double-double? asks Homsey. Protecting seniors, preserving housing, and taking youth that are at-risk and giving them a skill, a trade, and, frankly, probably about 100 years worth of work in this town.For Homsey, such creative thinking is validation of the value of the free exchange of ideas facilitated by the Resilient Bayview partnership. Residents have been asking a lot of hard questions that we havent had great answers for, he says. They have been influencing the priorities inside City Hall in regards to emergency management and preparedness because, for the first time, weve had an organized community where the Supervisor is involved, everyones plugged in, asking really direct specific questions that frankly have highlighted areas that we need to do more work.Hodge also believes that the long hours he and his neighbors have invested in these meetings, conversations, planning sessions and partnerships have paid off. Disaster preparedness is something that all of us need to be doing, but its not something you need to spend a lot of money to do, Hodge says. Were creating a culture of preparedness. Thats why Im a part of it.Citiscope. Citiscope Featured Emirates A380 makes rare emergency landing in Accra after smoke warning simpleflying.com Jan - 11 - 2026 , 09:45 3 minutes read Passengers travelling aboard an Emirates Airbus A380 from Dubai to Sao Paulo were forced to make an unscheduled stop at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, after the aircraft received a technical warning indicating possible smoke in its forward cargo compartment. The flight, EK261, was operating from Dubai International Airport to Sao Paulo on Friday, January 9, when the crew received the alert while the aircraft was en route across the African continent and preparing to cross the South Atlantic Ocean. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed that the aircraft, bearing registration A6-EUG, departed Dubai at 9:51 am, around 46 minutes behind its scheduled departure time. The initial stages of the long-haul flight were reported to be uneventful. The situation changed when intermittent warnings suggested that smoke may have been emanating from the aircrafts forward cargo hold. Acting out of caution, the flight crew decided to divert to the nearest suitable airport capable of handling the Airbus A380, selecting Kotoka International Airport in Accra. The aircraft landed safely in Accra at approximately 4:30 pm local time without further incident. Upon arrival, the plane was inspected by technical personnel, who later determined that the alert was the result of a system malfunction rather than an active fire. After clearance was granted, the aircraft resumed its journey, departing Accra at about 7:31 pm local time. It later arrived at Sao Paulos Guarulhos International Airport at 11:24 pm, approximately six hours later than scheduled. The return flight from Sao Paulo was also delayed by about 90 minutes as a result of the diversion. Aviation analysts note that the captains decision to divert early was influenced by the need to ensure access to an airport capable of accommodating the worlds largest passenger aircraft. Had the flight continued further into the Atlantic, diversion options would have been significantly reduced. The aircraft involved, with serial number 219, has been in service with Emirates since October 2016. It conducted its first test flight in April 2016 under a temporary Airbus registration before joining the airlines fleet. The diversion marked a rare appearance of the Airbus A380 in Accra and only the third time the double-decker aircraft has landed at Kotoka International Airport. Emirates previously operated a one-off A380 service to Accra in 2018 to showcase the airports new terminal and its capacity to handle large aircraft. British Airways was the second airline to bring an A380 to Accra, when one of its aircraft made a technical fuel stop at the airport in September 2022 during a Johannesburg to London Heathrow flight. Although passengers ultimately arrived several hours late in Sao Paulo and some onward connections may have been disrupted, the diversion underscored Emirates adherence to safety procedures and its willingness to take precautionary action to protect passengers and crew. Obuasi: Court remands nine for assault on policemen on duty Next article: Obuasi: Court remands nine for assault on policemen on duty Featured In ICE custody: Ken Ofori-Atta turns down Ghana embassy officials visit without lawyers' presence Mohammed Ali Jan - 11 - 2026 , 07:43 3 minutes read The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, has said former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta declined to meet consular officials without his lawyers present after he was taken into custody by United States immigration authorities. In a press release dated January 10, 2026, signed by Ambassador Victor Smith, the embassy said it received information about Mr Ofori-Attas detention and took steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter. After confirming the information, the embassy contacted the detention facility to request access to Mr Ofori-Atta in order to provide consular support in line with diplomatic and international protocols. The embassy was later told by officials at the facility that Mr Ofori-Atta declined to speak with consular officers at the time without his lawyers present. The embassy said it remains in contact with relevant United States authorities and continues to follow the case to see that Mr Ofori-Attas rights are respected. The former minister was arrested on January 6, 2026, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. He is being held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Bowling Green, Virginia. The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine said Mr Ofori-Attas United States visa was revoked in July 2025. He said the former minister was given until November 29, 2025, to leave the country, but failed to do so. The visa was revoked. So it is not about overstaying, Dr Ayine said. This is not an immigration matter. The visa was revoked, and I am saying this on authority. Mr Ofori-Attas Ghanaian lawyers, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, said in a notice issued on January 7, 2026 that their client has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which allows a person to stay in the United States beyond the period of a visa while an application is under review. Mr Ofori-Atta is due to appear before an immigration judge on January 20, 2026, and has the right to appeal any ruling through the courts. In November 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor charged Mr Ofori-Atta in absentia with 78 counts of corruption and related offences. Prosecutors accuse him of playing a central role in an alleged scheme that they say caused the state a financial loss of about $128 million. In December 2025, Ghana sent a formal extradition request to the United States Department of Justice seeking the return of Mr Ofori-Atta and another suspect, Ernest Darko Akore. Mr Ofori-Atta has been in the United States since January 2025 for medical treatment. He underwent surgery on June, 13 2025 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He served as Ghanas Finance Minister from 2017 to February 2024 under President Nana Akufo-Addo and oversaw the economy during the Covid-19 period and later talks with the International Monetary Fund. Below is the statement issued by the Ghana Embassy in the US: Ken Ofori-Attas US visa was revoked, he did not overstay - Ayine reveals Next article: Ken Ofori-Attas US visa was revoked, he did not overstay - Ayine reveals Featured Obuasi: Court remands nine for assault on policemen on duty Mohammed Ali Jan - 10 - 2026 , 23:18 1 minute read Nine accused persons have been remanded into prison custody by the Obuasi Circuit Court after they were charged with assault of public officers. Their arrest and arraignment followed a video showed on social media that captured an assault on police officers at Tweapease Senior High School Park in the Ashanti Region. The accused persons are Joshua Frimpong, also known as Joey B, Bannor Williams, Isaac Dwumfour, also known as Sporty, Evans Bannor, also known as Pressure King, Asiedu Ronald, also known as Case Close, Sarfo Alex, also known as Okele, Yaw Alex, Obidiaba Desmond and Agyemang Emmanuel. They appeared before the Obuasi Circuit Court on January 8, 2026, on charges of assaulting public officers. According to the police, the incident took place at Tweapease Senior High School Park, where the suspects, along with other persons, attacked officers who were on duty at the site. The police stated that investigations into the matter are ongoing and warned that anyone who attacks officers will be tracked down and held accountable for their actions. Featured Police arrest six suspected land guards after gun battle at Trasacco Emmanuel Bonney Jan - 11 - 2026 , 23:21 1 minute read The police have arrested six suspected land guards following a gun battle at Trasacco in Accra. The arrest followed a distress call received by the police on January 10, 2026, at about 12:50 pm. A police situational report said officers responded to the call and, upon reaching the scene, saw a group of about 50 men firing at workers. According to the report, the police returned fire and pursued the suspects into a nearby bush. Six of the suspects were arrested during the operation. Items retrieved included one AK-47 rifle with five rounds of ammunition, one Luger T9 rifle with five rounds of ammunition and one Regard MC rifle with 13 rounds of ammunition. Four motorbikes were also intercepted during the operation. The suspects, together with the retrieved exhibits, were taken to the Accra Regional Police Headquarters, where they are being held for further investigation. The police said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the group who fled the scene. Next article: Police arrest six suspected land guards after gun battle at Trasacco Featured President Mahama departs for key international engagements in UK and Switzerland GraphicOnline Jan - 11 - 2026 , 23:28 1 minute read President John Dramani Mahama has left Ghana for a working visit to the United Kingdom and Switzerland, where he will attend high-level meetings and a major global forum. According to an official communication from the Presidency released on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the President departed Accra en-route to the United Kingdom. His initial engagements will be with the Coordinators of the Accra Reset Initiative, a focal point of his international agenda. Following the UK meetings, President Mahama will proceed to Davos, Switzerland, to participate in a session of the World Economic Forum. The annual gathering brings together global political, business, and civil society leaders. The statement also indicated plans for the President to hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders on the sidelines of the Davos Forum. These talks are expected to cover matters of mutual interest and cooperation. The announcement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who serves as the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications. The statement confirmed the President's itinerary as beginning on the date of publication. This trip forms part of a diplomatic outreach early in the year, focusing on both a specific development initiative and broader economic discussions on the global stage. Featured Selfish leadership and mismanagement hurting Ghana, Methodist Presiding Bishop says Augustina Tawiah Jan - 11 - 2026 , 14:30 2 minutes read The Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana, the Most Reverend Professor Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, has blamed Ghanas challenges on mismanagement and the stealing of the countrys resources by selfish leaders. He said Ghana was not a poor country, stressing that poor leadership remained the nations biggest problem. Our biggest problem in this country is leadership. Everywhere you go, there's a problem with leadership. So, I'd like to urge you to use the opportunity God has given you to serve God's people, he said. The Presiding Bishop made the remarks on Saturday, January 11, during a sermon delivered after the induction of a nine-member Connexional Officers team of the Methodist Guild. The officers, led by their Chairman, Maxwell Amoah, were elected at the 19th and 30th Delegates Connexional Conference of the Guild held in October last year and have accepted to serve the Lord, the church and the Methodist Guild. Most Rev Professor Asamoah-Gyadu took his sermon text from Mark 1:1 and charged the newly inducted officers not to assume office with predetermined agendas. I'd like to challenge you to make a difference. I'd like to challenge you to make a difference. Today's leadership is called and anointed for purpose. It is the Spirit of God who anoints God's people for God's purpose. So, see this position as a position in which you are anointed to serve. Leadership is about service, and Christian leadership is about washing people's feet, giving of yourself to them, he said. KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia has temporarily blocked access to Grok, an AI chatbot developed by xAI, citing concerns over the generation and dissemination of obscene and sexually explicit content, the country's communications and multimedia regulator said on Sunday. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said in a statement that the move follows notices issued by the commission to X Corp and xAI LLC on Jan. 3 and Jan. 8, demanding, among other things, the implementation of technical protection measures. "This action follows repeated misuse of Grok to generate obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, grossly offensive, and non-consensual manipulated images, including content involving women and minors, despite prior regulatory engagement and formal notices," it said. "This temporary ban is imposed as a reasonable precautionary measure while the legislative and regulatory process is still ongoing. The restriction on access to Grok will remain in place until effective safeguards are implemented, in particular to prevent content involving women and children," it said, adding that the public is encouraged to report such content. Motorola has been pretty inconsistent with flagship releases its Edge series had an Ultra model in some years but not in others. Now it introduces the Signature line to serve the premium market and the first model in it is quite interesting. The Motorola Signature is not an all out flagship, but it costs a good deal less than those you can pick up a 12/512GB unit for 900/1,000 in Europe. Something like the vivo X300 Pro will run you 400 more, even the OnePlus 15 costs 1,000. Motorola Signature The Signature is a fairly slim and light device, measuring 7.0mm and weighing 186g. While many dont care about slim phones, the lightweight design is nice its 47g lighter than an iPhone 17 Pro Max while having a larger 5,200mAh battery. Also, this is paired with fast 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, which is way above what Apple, Google and Samsung will offer this year. The phone is equipped with a 6.8 LTPO display (165Hz, 1264p+) with an ultrasonic fingerprint reader underneath. It has a fast USB-C 3.1 Gen2 port with DisplayPort 1.4 to boot, so it can connect to external displays too. Motorola Signature: GG Victus 2 glass IP68/IP69 rating Here are the two areas where the Signature doesnt quite match top of the line flagships the chipset and the camera. Its powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (non-Elite), which slots in below last years Elite, to say nothing of the Elite Gen 5. Its not a slow chip by any means, though. As for the cameras, the phone has four 50MP modules. The main camera has a large 1/1.28 sensor (Sony LYT-828), theres a 3x/71mm telephoto with a decently-sized 1/1.95 sensor and theres a 122 ultra-wide camera too. The fourth module is the 21mm selfie camera with an autofocus f/2.0 lens. Not Ultra-grade cameras, but these are bigger sensors than what the OnePlus 15 has. Motorola Signature: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 four 50MP cameras Motorolas Hello UI is quite good and the Smart Connect (formerly Ready For) offers a desktop mode. The phone is set for 7 years of OS updates. What do you think of the Motorola Signature could this be your next phone? Motorola Signature 5G Inalahan Mayor Anthony Chargualaf said the Southern Region Community Health Center and others similar to it are not only for the poor but for everyone who needs help with their health care. Chargualafs office is hosting a medical town hall at 6 p.m. Monday, with a mini health fair preceding at 5 p.m., featuring community leaders from the Federated States of Micronesia. This is definitely a great opportunity for us to make that announcement, because its been a very long-standing stigma that public health is only for the poor, and thats not the case anymore, Chargualaf said. The mayor said the meeting will address updates to the Southern Region Community Health Center and dispel the stigma that the health center is only for low-income families. He wants to build more of a customer base, or client base, for the health centers and make everyone aware that they can visit the center for any medical concern. The Southern Region Community Health Center accepts all kinds of insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, and has a sliding scale for payment plans and fees, the mayor said. Chargualaf said the sliding scales offer low and preferable rates to patients who fall within a certain annual income. New doctor from Inalahan The mayor added that the center has a new primary care doctor, Dr. Joel Paulino, who is a product of Inalahan and a military retiree. Paulino came back to Guam wanting to give back to the community by taking part in the community health center as one of our primary health providers, Chargualaf said. Promoting the Southern Region Community Health Center is an opportunity for the Inalahan community to take advantage of a primary and urgent care facility that is convenient and in close proximity, the Inalahan mayor said. A lot of them dont know that it is open to all insurances. Were hoping that [can] help build the clientele, primarily because it also helps the public health center with a lot of grants, Chargualaf said. When we build our clientele, it also gives us an opportunity to apply for bigger grants, which can in return allow for the health center to buy updated medical equipment. Should the Southern Region Community Health Center receive additional grant funding, as Chargualaf hopes, the centers pharmacy and dentistry could be reopened. Chargualaf said this would allow southern residents to avail of and get medicine closer to home, instead of having to drive north. Expanding on the popular perspective that southern residents of Guam are underserved in health care due to being so far away from Guam Memorial Hospital and Guam Regional Medical City, Chargualaf said popularizing the center would resolve constituents hesitance to seek medical treatment. A lot of folks, even in prenatal care, sometimes opt to not, because they dont have insurance [or] are not aware that they can actually go to our clinics, get seen, go on a payment plan, and even fall on a sliding scale where they actually get very preferential rates, Chargualaf said. For a healthy community He added that the town hall is intended to educate the public in general about the availability of resources and of help that can be achieved or attained at the Southern Region Community Health Center in Inalahan. When people are aware that there is a clinic thats available to them, it allows them to become a healthy community, Chargualaf said. When they are engaged and doing follow-ups and what have you, sometimes just the proximity or the distance, in this case, in a long week. Chargualaf said he has seen village residents either wait too long or refuse to acknowledge they need treatment, leading minor problems to escalate into major health issues. He recalled a time when someone had a cut on their finger, let it get infected, and had to have it amputated. As a policy, as preventative care, we want them to avail these services when its close by, fairly cheap, and very attainable, he said. Its so close, you can even walk there. You dont need to ride. Additionally, the Southern Region Community Health Center is adjacent to a fire station, so if there was an emergency need to be brought to GMH, GRMC or Naval Hospital for greater attentive care, then the ambulance is literally walking distance, Chargualaf added. Mini health fair at 5 pm Featuring representatives from the American Medical Center, Guam Diamond Lions Club, and Accessible Van Transportation Services, the town hall will also discuss health care services for southern residents, Medicare and Medicaid benefits and enrollment options, and disease prevention and health maintenance options. There is also a mini health fair before the event at 5 p.m. According to AMCs Dr. Vince Akimoto, the meeting will include community leaders from the Federated States of Micronesia. Chargualaf said Guam has already been accepting our brothers and sisters in the Marianas, welcoming neighbors from the FSM and CNMI who come to Guam for education, work, or health care, for years. Therefore, he wants them to be involved in the discussion and make sure they are as informed as possible. Theyre already here, part of our community, but for some, there is a language barrier, so having representatives to interpret or give a more thorough explanation [is] only going to make us become a better community, Chargualaf said. You dont want to shortchange anybody, especially when we talk about these health opportunities. We want to maximize [and] have everyone in attendance be well-informed and well-engaged. A proposal to ban octopus farming on Guam is drawing support from some residents, citing environmental protection, animal welfare, and ecosystem health outweighing potential economic benefits. While I...sometimes enjoy the food of octopus, I do know that they are very intelligent species, and I think that it could be unethical to farm them in that way, Gabriel Leon Guerrero, of Dededo, said. Vice Speaker Tony Ada and Sen. Sabina Perez introduced Bill 247-38, which seeks to ban octopus farming, aquaculture and cultivation on Guam and in the waters of Guam. The bill would also prohibit the government of Guam from issuing any permits or licenses for octopus farming and similar activities. Kevin Dychitan, of Yigo, said the idea of farming octopuses raises ethical questions. My concern is how would you be able to ethically conduct those sorts of farming for octopuses, he said. And how do you cultivate it in a way that wouldnt infringe on their intelligence? Dychitan and Guerrero said even the potential importation of octopus species could cause lasting environmental damage. If we import them here, cultivate them in our waters, then the octopuses themselves might not even survive, Dychitan said. And at the same time, it may also disrupt the ecosystem, kind of like parasites, or invasive species, like how we have the brown tree snake here on Guam now. Guerrero pointed to the brown tree snake as an example of how introduced species can devastate native wildlife. The brown tree snakes wiped out the majority of birds on the island, even our koko birds are very rare here, he said. While we do have koko birds still around, theyre not really on Guam anymore. Residents said the bills focus on long-term environmental health outweighs potential job creation. Guerrero acknowledged the economic trade-offs. Well, I do say that with the current state of the economy and a lot of businesses shutting down, jobs are very important and very hard to come by nowadays, he said. However, though, when it comes to the natural environment, weve seen how destroying ecosystems can lead to permanent damage. Bill 247-38 also seeks to ban the importation of farmed or genetically modified octopus species, and outlaw any genetic modification of octopuses on Guam. Lawmakers said the goal is to stop an octopus farming industry before it begins. Octopus farming does not currently exist anywhere in the United States. Octopuses are highly intelligent and sensitive creatures whose complex needs cannot be met in intensive farming systems. Stress, aggression, and high mortality rates could result under such conditions, the senators said in the bill. Environmental risks include pollution, disease, and ecosystem disruption if farmed octopuses escape. The findings also warn that octopus aquaculture would require large quantities of wild-caught fish for feed, potentially increasing pressure on already stressed fish populations, along with public health concerns from intensive operations. The measure cites bans on octopus farming in Washington and California and notes similar legislation is pending in Hawaii, New Jersey, and in the United States Congress. Ave Maria Borja, of Chalan Pago-Ordot, said she agrees that job creation should focus elsewhere. This could create more consequences for the animals, especially the octopus. I think that if theyre concerned about jobs, they should try to find other job markets and not rely on octopus farming, she said. Jayson Sablan, an artist visiting from Saipan, said environmental protection should remain central to the discussion. I feel like our waters are sacred to us most, especially when it comes down to our ecosystem, he said. Everything always leads to the waters here, and especially in Guahan and the Marianas. Sablan added he has not yet formed a position on the proposed ban and plans to research the issue further. Im looking forward to reading more about it, he said. Lew Aaron Manalang, of Mongmong-Toto-Maite, said concerns raised by supporters appear plausible given Guams limited resources. It could possibly lead to that because they would need resources in order to breed and grow octopi, he said. If we put a lot of concentration on it, then how do we remedy the possible shortage of our resources? He added that the preemptive approach could make sense. If I look at it from the outside even without the knowledge of it, itll affect the other industry, like fishing, Manalang said. People visit the Qingyun Market in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 5, 2026. The city of Guiyang has been committed to the update and renovation of old commercial blocks, streets and factory areas. The renewed streets, such as Taiping, Minsheng, and Qingyun Roads have become vibrant spaces for relaxation and spending, driving urban consumption vitality and enhancing the city's youthful appeal. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) Baristas brew coffee at a coffee shop at a commercial complex in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 8, 2026. The city of Guiyang has been committed to the update and renovation of old commercial blocks, streets and factory areas. The renewed streets, such as Taiping, Minsheng, and Qingyun Roads have become vibrant spaces for relaxation and spending, driving urban consumption vitality and enhancing the city's youthful appeal. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) People dine at a restaurant at a commercial complex in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 8, 2026. The city of Guiyang has been committed to the update and renovation of old commercial blocks, streets and factory areas. The renewed streets, such as Taiping, Minsheng, and Qingyun Roads have become vibrant spaces for relaxation and spending, driving urban consumption vitality and enhancing the city's youthful appeal. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) People enjoy themselves at a coffee shop at a commercial complex in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 8, 2026. The city of Guiyang has been committed to the update and renovation of old commercial blocks, streets and factory areas. The renewed streets, such as Taiping, Minsheng, and Qingyun Roads have become vibrant spaces for relaxation and spending, driving urban consumption vitality and enhancing the city's youthful appeal. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) People visit the Qingyun Market in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 5, 2026. The city of Guiyang has been committed to the update and renovation of old commercial blocks, streets and factory areas. The renewed streets, such as Taiping, Minsheng, and Qingyun Roads have become vibrant spaces for relaxation and spending, driving urban consumption vitality and enhancing the city's youthful appeal. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) People visit the Xinyin 1950 Discovery commercial complex in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 6, 2026. The city of Guiyang has been committed to the update and renovation of old commercial blocks, streets and factory areas. The renewed streets, such as Taiping, Minsheng, and Qingyun Roads have become vibrant spaces for relaxation and spending, driving urban consumption vitality and enhancing the city's youthful appeal. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) People take photos at a coffee shop at a commercial complex in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 8, 2026. The city of Guiyang has been committed to the update and renovation of old commercial blocks, streets and factory areas. The renewed streets, such as Taiping, Minsheng, and Qingyun Roads have become vibrant spaces for relaxation and spending, driving urban consumption vitality and enhancing the city's youthful appeal. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) A barista brews coffee at a coffee shop at a commercial complex in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 8, 2026. The city of Guiyang has been committed to the update and renovation of old commercial blocks, streets and factory areas. The renewed streets, such as Taiping, Minsheng, and Qingyun Roads have become vibrant spaces for relaxation and spending, driving urban consumption vitality and enhancing the city's youthful appeal. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) Haiti - Insecurity : Attacks and population displacements in Montrouis... The security situation in Lower Artibonite remains concerning. Following the armed attacks of November 29 in Pont-Sonde and December 1st in LEstere, which caused population displacement, the 1st section of Deluge in the commune of Montrouis was targeted by further violence on December 23, 24, and 25, increasing the pressure on host communities and access to basic services. The locality of Piatre, also located in the Deluge communal section, was attacked by armed men from the Canaan gang. Several houses were burned down. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the latest violence has resulted in the displacement of approximately 1,120 people. All of the displaced persons have found refuge with host families, primarily in neighboring localities and in the city of Saint-Marc. According to information provided by the Communal Section Administrative Council (CASEC) of the affected section and the focal point of the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC), the majority of displaced persons are located in neighboring localities, including Rozo, Ayme, and Dipen, among others. Access to these localities is very difficult, and the road is subject to armed attacks. The security situation remains tense and volatile, significantly impacting humanitarian access in several localities within the commune of Saint-Marc, as well as along National Road #1, which was still inaccessible at Montrouis on January 6. These constraints hinder the implementation of the rapid humanitarian response, reducing the capacity of aid workers to reach affected populations and ensure the continuity of essential services. The DGPC of Artibonite, with the support of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), is monitoring the situation through the existing coordination mechanism in Lower Artibonite. HL/ HaitiLibre Leica plans return to own sensors Continue after ad The luxury brand Leica is apparently working on the development of its own image sensors. As Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, revealed in the podcast Leica Enthusiast, the company is developing its own sensor with an "advanced design" again. "We are developing our own sensor again," Kaufmann explained in the podcast. While the M10 still used a sensor developed entirely in Europe (AMS in Graz with a Dutch development office and French manufacturing), Leica switched to Sony sensors for the M11. Now Leica seems to be focusing on in-house developments again a process that, according to Kaufmann, has already made considerable progress. However, what exactly "in-house development" means in this context, whether a complete new development or an adaptation of existing designs, remains open. The timeframe for market launch has also not been specified. Ricoh commits to Pentax despite uncertain future The Pentax brand, which has presented few new products for years, faces an uncertain future. In an interview with PetaPixel, Ricoh President Yasutomo Mori and Kazunobu Saiki, head of the camera business division, reaffirmed their commitment to the traditional brand despite the difficult market situation. "For the Pentax brand, the latest model is the Pentax K3 Mark III, but it has been on the market for quite some time," Saiki admits. The K3 Mark III was already introduced in 2021, and there has been little news since then. Mori explains: "Inside of Ricoh, the A-team was developing GR, the B-team was developing new Pentax products. So I combined those teams and asked them to design something for the Pentax brand that is a totally new concept." They intend to stick with the DSLR system a bold move given the general trend towards mirrorless cameras. Continue after ad The executives are aware of the challenge: "If we only focus on current customers for the Pentax brand, the brand will not survive. The engineers are researching and making intensive efforts to answer the question of what a DSLR system camera should look like that appeals to the younger generation." Following the success of the new GR IV, Saiki now sees "a good opportunity to invest in the revival of Pentax." At the same time, he admits: "Ricoh Imaging is not afraid of the challenge, but we also recognize that we dont have unlimited time" Compact cameras experience surprising upswing The Ricoh GR IV is a compact camera with a fixed lens. This segment is experiencing according to the latest CIPA statistics a remarkable increase, indeed a real boom in sales figures, while system cameras with interchangeable lenses are at about the same level as the previous year. Pocket-friendly models with large sensors and cameras for street photography are particularly driving this upswing. The Ricoh GR IV, for example, is very popular with photographers looking for a lightweight travel camera with fast autofocus, excellent image quality, and easy operation. Data protection incident at Calumet Not only Pentax, but also Calumet, a retailer specializing in photo products, is facing challenges. It has become the victim of an IT incident. As the company announced on its website, "an unauthorized third party briefly gained restricted access to a third-party system used by us." According to Calumet, email addresses and possibly names were primarily affected, while sensitive data such as passwords, credit card details, or purchase information were not compromised. As early as the summer of 2025, there were initial indications of a possible data leak when email addresses used only at Calumet suddenly received spam messages. The company is cooperating with the Hamburg data protection authority and intends to contact affected customers personally by January 10th. Calumet advises vigilance regarding suspicious emails or calls that could represent phishing attempts. A change for the new year To conclude, we hand over once again to our previous columnist Nico Ernst from the Heise newsroom: After three years, the child is now old enough and can also walk so I am handing over the "Fotonews" column with full confidence into the hands of my colleagues from the core editorial team of c't Fotografie. My focus within the Heise universe will change in the new year. Nevertheless, please don't be alarmed if I still write about photography and photo hardware now and then. I would like to expressly thank the editorial team for their support in this initially somewhat unusual format. For nostalgics, here is a link to the first issue. The greatest thanks, of course, go to all those who read it and commented critically, but almost always in a reasonable tone, in the forum. Even if something was missing. The idea of Fotonews we haven't come up with a better name to this day, so it remains was never an claim to completeness. Rather, it was to entertainingly dissect at least two topics from the past week(s) and also to look beyond the horizon. Finally, a request to all those who will write the column in the future, and to those who will read it: Demand the authenticity seal for photos, "Content Authenticity," CAI, C2PA, or whatever it is called, even more in the future. It, along with the hesitation of camera manufacturers, image agencies, and media, has been a recurring theme over the last three years. In a world where AI image generators will soon be hardly recognizable in terms of content, the verifiable origin of an image will become increasingly important. And of course, that of a video as well. However, the press photo, which races around the world in seconds without much viewing, is still one of the most important tools of reporting. Until it is controllable for everyone on news websites and social media regarding location, time, photographer, and editing, the following applies: Every image is to be considered a forgery unless its origin can be clearly proven. (tho) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. Continue after ad Goertek is one of the most important manufacturing partners in the VR industry, acting as a supplier and manufacturer for companies such as Apple, Meta, and Sony. At CES 2026, the Chinese company is presenting a reference design for hardware manufacturers, offering a glimpse into the size and weight of upcoming VR headsets. The device weighs approximately 100 grams and integrates two 4K OLED microdisplays with pancake lenses, providing a 100-degree field of view, passthrough functionality, and spatial tracking in an unusually compact form factor. As it lacks its own processing unit, the device requires a PC as a source. The already available PC VR headsets Bigscreen Beyond 2 and MeganeX Superlight 8K are in a similar weight and size range but require external tracking hardware. The fact that the world's largest VR headset manufacturer is presenting a mass-producible reference design is further evidence that the trend towards particularly compact form factors is solidifying this year. Devices like the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro, which weigh over 500 grams, can only be conditionally compared to Goertek's reference design, as these devices contain the processor, cooling, and in the case of Meta's product also the battery within the housing. Continue after ad A rendering of Goertek's reference design. Photos of the device can be found at RoadtoVR. (Image: Goertek) However, a new generation of standalone devices is emerging, which outsources these components to a wired pocket computer, thus achieving a form factor comparable to Goertek's reference design. The first devices of this type are expected from Pico and Meta. Lightweight VR headsets from Pimax and Play for Dream In addition to Goertek, two other Chinese manufacturers are exhibiting slim PC VR devices at CES. Pimax is presenting the new Pimax Dream Air product line with OLED microdisplays and pancake lenses. It will be available in several versions weighing under 200 grams and can already be pre-ordered. According to Pimax, the delivery of the first devices will begin at the end of the month. Exceptionally thin and light: The VR prototype from Play for Dream. (Image: Youtube-Kanal VoodooDE) The VR headset manufacturer Play for Dream demonstrates the extent of technical miniaturization with an ultra-thin prototype weighing under 100 grams, which, similar to Goertek's reference design, combines OLED microdisplays, pancake lenses, and passthrough. A production-ready product is planned for the end of 2026. This miniaturization is made possible by several technical developments in recent years. Micro-OLED microdisplays are gradually replacing large LCD panels and, thanks to their high pixel density, allow for significantly more compact display modules. Pancake lenses, in turn, fold the light path, thus reducing the required depth. In the case of standalone devices, a split architecture will be used, where the processing unit and battery are outsourced to a portable computer. However, the new form factor comes at the expense of freedom of movement and user comfort, as a wired external device becomes necessary. Read also New VR headsets 2026: These devices are expected (mki) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. The setback was confirmed late on Saturday through updates published on Saarios official social media channels , which are managed by his support team in Finland. A merchant vessel responding to the distress call has slowed its approach, pushing back the estimated rescue time into the early hours of Sunday. Finnish ocean rower Jari Saario remains in maritime distress in the South Atlantic after damage to his boat, as the rescue operation heading towards him has been delayed by several hours. Saario remains aboard his damaged rowing boat in a remote and demanding stretch of ocean between South America and Africa. According to the latest update, he remains conscious and capable of managing the situation while awaiting assistance. Jari is still operational. He has prepared for the arrival of the assisting vessel and for the night ahead, the update said. Communication with him is limited, but the situation is described as under control. Saario triggered an emergency alert after his rowing boat sustained damage in heavy seas during a solo ocean rowing expedition from Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America to Cape Town in South Africa. The journey crosses one of the most isolated and challenging maritime regions in the world. Maritime rescue authorities have confirmed they are receiving signals from Saarios emergency beacon and are coordinating the response internationally. Responsibility for the operation lies with the South African Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, with Finnish authorities monitoring developments. The nearest vessel to divert was the merchant ship Cymona Eagle, which altered its course after receiving the distress alert on Friday. The ship, registered in the Marshall Islands and operated by a Greek shipping company, was sailing from Argentina to Bangladesh at the time. The shipping company said the vessel responded to instructions from the Cape Town rescue centre and is working closely with authorities. It confirmed that the ship is approaching a small rowing vessel carrying a single person and that the situation is being monitored continuously. The delay has been attributed to the extreme remoteness of the area, long distances, and demanding sea conditions. The region lies thousands of kilometres from the nearest coastline, with distances comparable to those between major European capitals. Earlier updates indicated the rescue ship could reach Saario around midnight Finnish time. That estimate has since shifted by several hours, extending the wait into the night. Despite the circumstances, updates have stressed that Saarios mental state remains clear and that he has retained the ability to remain aboard the vessel. His rowing boat, while damaged, is still afloat. Saario is an experienced ocean rower known in Finland for long-distance expeditions. He has previously completed crossings of the Atlantic Ocean and has spoken openly about the risks associated with solo ocean rowing. Before the current expedition, Saario shared details of his custom-built rowing boat, which measures 7.3 metres in length and is constructed from fibreglass. The vessel weighs around 400 kilograms without equipment and roughly 600 kilograms when fully loaded. He described the boat as light to row despite its size. The boat was designed for extended ocean travel and named Clayton. Saario said before departure that the journey would involve some of the most demanding sea areas on the planet. HT People participate in a protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- From California's capital city Sacramento to the town of Sonora, and from San Francisco to Los Angeles, dozens of protests against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were held across the U.S. state on Saturday. The protests, dubbed "ICE OUT For Good," were organized by a network of several groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the 50501 Movement, which organized mass demonstrations in all 50 U.S. states almost every month last year. In Pasadena, a neighboring city of Los Angeles, more than 500 protesters gathered at a corner near city hall, chanting "No ICE, No KKK, No Fascist USA" to the accompaniment of car horns and cheers. According to a 50501 Movement statement issued Friday, at least 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025. Saturday's actions followed two recent incidents -- a federal officer shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three in Minneapolis, and another agent shot and wounded two people in Portland, Oregon earlier this week. "We're here to recognize that this country needs to turn itself around and we're reaching out to the citizens of the San Gabriel foothill communities to join us in protesting. The specific reason is to mourn the passing of an innocent lady who sacrificed her life for the cause," activist Dias Alan told Xinhua on Saturday. A female protester, an immigrant from Australia who gave only her first name as Jenny, told Xinhua that she watched numerous videos about the incident in Minneapolis. "ICE is a threat of public safety," she said. "This is a threat to all of us immigrants." "ICE needs to be taken off of our streets. They are not acting according to the U.S. Constitution. They are violating the 14th Amendment and other amendments. We have to be guaranteed that the people in this country follow the constitution," she said. People participate in a vigil to mourn Renee Good, who was killed in a fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, in Carson, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) A protester holding a placard participates in a protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) A protester holding a placard participates in a protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) A protester holding a placard participates in a protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) People participate in a protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) A protester wearing a hat with a slogan participates in a protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, the California, United States, on Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) A protester holding a placard participates in a protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) People participate in a vigil to mourn Renee Good, who was killed in a fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, in Carson, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) Finnair cancelled 23 flights scheduled to depart from or arrive at Kittila on Sunday, including 15 international and eight domestic services. Temperatures at the airport reached -37C on Sunday morning, disrupting operations for the third consecutive day. The Finnish Meteorological Institute forecast lows of nearly -40C for Monday. All flights to and from Kittila Airport in Finnish Lapland were cancelled on Sunday due to extreme cold, according to airport operator Finavia. One round-trip flight between Helsinki and Rovaniemi was also grounded. National broadcaster Yle first reported on the cancellations. Decisions to cancel flights are always made by airlines, Finavia said in a statement, but conditions of around -40 degrees Celsius can cause challenges for ground operations. The company said ground equipment connectors and vehicle hatches were freezing, making aircraft de-icing and refuelling unfeasible. Finavia had warned on Friday of potential disruptions at Kittila and Rovaniemi airports due to the severe frost. Flights in and out of Kittila were also cancelled on Friday and Saturday. Thousands of tourists, many from abroad, are awaiting updates on return flights. Operations continued with fewer disruptions at other airports in Lapland. Despite temperatures rising slightly in the south, driving conditions deteriorated in southern and central Finland on Sunday morning. Fintraffic issued warnings across wide areas from North Karelia and the Aland Islands up to Kokkolan and Iisalmi, citing snowfall, drifting snow and road slipperiness due to milder temperatures. A road accident occurred on national road 4 in Ii, Northern Ostrobothnia, where a bus carrying Ukrainian passengers skidded into a ditch. No serious injuries were reported. Meteorologists reported that freezing temperatures across Finland were starting to ease in some areas. Southern Finland began the weekend with double-digit lows but is expected to stay between -7C and -14C, with strong winds lowering the perceived temperature. In Lapland, the forecast ranged between -24C and -40C. Airports have remained open, as per Finavia policy, but airline decisions have kept runways empty in Kittila for the third day in a row. Tourists stranded in Lapland have been advised to contact their carriers for rebooking. Finavia reminded passengers that accommodation and alternative travel arrangements are the responsibility of the airlines. HT The rescue followed an emergency that began on Friday evening Finnish time, when Saario encountered severe weather while rowing alone far from land. Saario was taken aboard the cargo vessel Cymona Eagle at about 2.30am Finnish time, according to information shared on his social media account and confirmed by Finnish maritime authorities. Finnish ocean rower Jari Saario , 53, was rescued from the Atlantic Ocean during the early hours of Sunday after drifting in distress for close to 24 hours amid a storm. He remained in distress through the night and much of Saturday as authorities and nearby vessels worked to locate him. According to Helsingin Sanomat, a video filmed from the deck of Cymona Eagle later circulated on Instagram on Sunday. The footage showed Saario being lifted from his rowing boat in a net attached to a winch and pulled onto the ships deck. Crew members then assisted him out of the net. The video was removed later the same day. The footage was shared by Heiz Fernandez, who said her husband was part of the ships crew and helped steer the vessel during the rescue under the captains direction. She described the operation as a moment of pride for the crew. Saarios condition was reported as stable given the circumstances. He is receiving care on board the vessel. The rescue operation was coordinated by maritime authorities, with responsibility resting with the South African maritime rescue centre due to the vessels location. Finlands Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Turku, known as MRCC Turku, monitored the situation. The rescue required Cymona Eagle to deviate from its planned route. According to information released to media, the vessel is expected to continue to its original destination in Bangladesh. Saarios onward travel and return to Finland will be arranged later. Saario had been attempting a solo row from Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America to Cape Town in South Africa. He departed on 11 November and had completed about half of the planned 8,000-kilometre route. A former firefighter, Saario had prepared for months for the crossing. The storm that led to the emergency struck suddenly, leaving him unable to continue and forcing him to wait at sea for assistance. HT NEW YORK, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Rallies erupted in dozens of U.S. cities on Saturday after a federal immigration agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, intensifying nationwide anger over immigration enforcement under the Donald Trump administration. Renee Nicole Good, 37, was shot dead on Wednesday by an agent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The killing sparked outrage in the Democratic-led state and beyond, triggering protests and vigils aimed at ICE and federal immigration policy. Demonstrators gathered in major cities, including New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Seattle and Minneapolis. Some cities held candlelight vigils in Good's memory, while others saw marches calling for ICE to be dismantled. In Manhattan, protesters braved the rain, chanting "ICE Out for Good" and carrying signs reading "Freeze ICE," "ICE Off Our Streets For Good," and "No War on Our Cities." "We demand accountability for the killing of Renee Nicole Good and for all the lives lost at the hands of ICE," said Julia Layne, a participant in the New York march. "The violence must stop." Organizers said more than 1,000 protests and related events were planned nationwide over the weekend, responding not only to Good's death but to what they described as a pattern of unchecked violence by federal immigration enforcement agencies. "People across the country are coming together to grieve, honor those we've lost, and demand accountability from a system that has operated with impunity for far too long," said Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of Indivisible, one of the organizing groups. "ICE's violence is not a statistic. It has names, families and futures attached to it." Civil rights groups echoed the condemnation. Deirdre Schifeling, a senior official at the American Civil Liberties Union, said the shooting in Minneapolis highlighted deeper problems within federal immigration enforcement. "These tragedies are simply proof of one fact: the Trump administration and its federal agents are out of control, endangering our neighborhoods and trampling on our rights and freedom," she said. The protests coincided with broader mobilization by anti-ICE groups. The 50501 Movement, a grassroots organization, announced a nationwide letter-writing campaign urging Congress to abolish ICE and hold the administration accountable. The group said it was backing hundreds of "ICE Out For Good" demonstrations across the country over the weekend. The fatal shooting came after the federal government deployed about 2,000 immigration agents to Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul in what the administration has called its largest immigration operation to date. The 30-day enforcement "surge" targets alleged immigration violations and fraud within the local Somali immigrant community, a move that critics say has fueled fear and heightened tensions across the region. KABUL, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan Border Force have thwarted human trafficking attempts and taken into custody 507 individuals over efforts to sneak into neighboring Iran illegally, said a statement of the national army stationed in the western region on Sunday. The statement said the Afghan Border Force would spare no efforts to ensure security along the borders. Although hundreds of Afghan refugees return from Iran to Afghanistan daily, many others leave for Iran illegally each day to escape poverty and unemployment in the post-war country. The Afghan government has vowed to curb human trafficking and illegal border crossings. JERUSALEM, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Sunday urged the European Union to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said. Sa'ar said he raised the issue in a meeting in Jerusalem with German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, telling him that "now is the time to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization within the European Union." "This has long been Germany's position, and today the importance of this matter is clear to all," Sa'ar said, without revealing Dobrindt's response. Dobrindt is due to meet later on Sunday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss cooperation on security and cyber issues and efforts to combat antisemitism, ahead of the signing of a joint declaration, Sa'ar added. The call comes amid heightened regional tensions. Qatar-based Al Araby TV reported that Israeli officials believe the United States could soon strike Iran, which has been facing nationwide protests. The report cited Israeli security officials as saying the Israeli military had raised its alert level and reinforced air defences in anticipation of a possible Iranian response. Israel killed IRGC Chief Commander Hossein Salami and several other senior officials on June 13, 2025, during strikes on Tehran.